Lin Qian and Ye Xin's breakthrough to the next realm was of utmost importance, and nothing could be allowed to disturb them. Apart from the ever-loyal Zhao Long, Zhang Zide, Li Yunfeng, Zhang Qi, and Zhang Wenshuan also kept a vigilant watch, ensuring that no one would attempt to interfere or take advantage of the situation. The potential impact on Ye Xin was particularly concerning, while Lin Qian seemed unfazed by any possible interruptions—even engaging in combat wouldn't likely hinder his progress.
For most, breaking through to the Life and Death Realm was a challenging process, enduring the thunderous body tribulation with gritted teeth and sheer determination. But Lin Qian? He was casually biting into a crispy, golden-brown roasted meat leg, smiling and even waving at them in greeting.
After some time, Ye Xin withdrew her hand and fully immersed herself in the cultivation process, focusing on overcoming the body tribulation lightning. With Lin Qian's encouragement, her mind was set.
Seeing that Ye Xin could now rely on herself, Lin Qian grinned and leaped off the carriage, still surrounded by the purple-blue tribulation lightning, and approached Zhang Zide and the others.
"Brother Lin, you..." Zhang Zide stammered, pointing at Lin Qian, utterly speechless.
Li Yunfeng, standing nearby, couldn't help but chuckle as he respectfully clasped his hands. "Brother Lin, I truly admire you. To be able to face the body tribulation lightning with a smile and casually wander around—only you could pull that off."
Zhang Wenshuan was too stunned to speak, while Zhang Qi seemed unsurprised. After all, Lin Qian had performed countless miracles before.
"My physique is already strong, so this tribulation lightning only serves to further enhance it. It's hardly a challenge," Lin Qian shrugged nonchalantly, explaining to the four of them.
Apart from being impressed, what more could they say?
"By the way, Brother Lin," Li Yunfeng couldn't suppress his curiosity any longer and asked, "how exactly did you manage to bring this subordinate of yours into the small world?"
As soon as Li Yunfeng posed the question, everyone turned their attention to Lin Qian, eager to hear the answer and satisfy their curiosity.
Lin Qian couldn't reveal the truth, so he explained that he had a special storage soul artifact capable of holding living beings. He had hidden Zhao Long within it and secretly brought him into the small world.
The others readily believed him, agreeing that having such a capable ally would be a great asset in this small world.
Lin Qian then shared his knowledge about the small world and the rules he had discovered during their exploration.
The group was surprised by what they heard, especially about the rule allowing one to seize performance points by killing others. This revelation immediately made everyone more cautious.
This rule would undoubtedly spread, leading to inevitable bloodshed as people sought to seize each other's points. The seemingly harmonious relations between the sea clans and human factions, which had come together for the treasures of the ancient human ruins, would soon give way to chaos.
Within both the sea clans and human factions, there were grudges and rivalries, and tensions between the two groups were not uncommon.
"Just this one rule will surely lead to widespread slaughter. I expect this small world to descend into utter chaos soon, as people hunt each other for performance points," Zhang Zide remarked grimly.
Li Yunfeng nodded in agreement. "Not only that, but this rule will also give people an excuse to settle old scores with enemies or rival factions."
As the group discussed the likely chaos ahead, they also speculated on other methods of earning points.
If there were multiple ways to earn points, would the method used affect later trials? This thought had crossed Ye Xin's mind earlier, and Lin Qian now shared it with the group.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
As they engaged in their heated discussion, thunderous sounds echoed from within Lin Qian and Ye Xin. The body tribulation lightning suddenly expanded, creating a vast sea of purple-blue lightning.
Not only Lin Qian but also Ye Xin on the carriage experienced this phenomenon, the expanding lightning sea merging into a massive storm of energy.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the vast sea of lightning began to contract, gradually returning to Lin Qian and Ye Xin's bodies.
The moment the lightning fully absorbed into them, both of their bodies trembled as blood and qi surged, their auras undergoing a profound transformation.
In the blink of an eye, their metamorphosis was complete. The pressure emanating from them had reached an entirely new level, a stark contrast to before.
Ye Xin suddenly opened her eyes, her pupils reflecting swirling galaxies. With a swift movement, she leaped from the carriage and landed beside Lin Qian.
Lin Qian's pupils had turned a brilliant yellow, with his left eye radiating a golden lightning glow and his right eye shimmering with a chilling white aura.
The transformations in their bodies finally subsided, and as they moved, they marveled at the immense power they now wielded with every gesture.
"Congratulations, Brother Lin and Sister-in-law, on successfully breaking through to the Life and Death Realm!"
"Brother Lin, I can't even begin to imagine how powerful you are now."
"I didn't expect Sister Ye to break through so soon. Congratulations!"
The four congratulated Lin Qian and Ye Xin, genuinely happy for their success.
Lin Qian and Ye Xin smiled and accepted their congratulations, thanking them in return.
Returning to their earlier discussion about the impending chaos, Zhang Qi suddenly asked, "Do you think the Black Blade Fish Clan, who backed down outside, might come after us in this small world?"
Before anyone could respond, Lin Qian interjected, "Speaking of the Black Blade Fish Clan, I have something important to share."
The others turned their attention to Lin Qian, eager to hear what he had to say.
Taking a deep breath, Lin Qian furrowed his brow and said, "The one-armed member of the Black Blade Fish Clan, the one we confirmed as dead, has come back to life. He's also here in this small world."