Chapter 168: Chapter 168: Crush Them
The commotion surrounding Lin Qian also caught the attention of the humans aboard the warship, who instinctively wanted to look his way.
However, the moment they met Lin Qian's gaze, a heavy pressure fell upon them, forcing them to their knees as if their very souls were being suppressed.
In the next instant, the weight lifted, as if nothing had happened.
At the same time, Lin Qian's voice rang out, "Don't look into my eyes—you'll be affected."
His words prompted everyone to quickly collect themselves. After standing up, they shifted their focus to the massive undead army before the warship.
It was clear that Lin Qian's current state was putting immense pressure on the Blood Nurtured Corpse controlled by Lu Shangda.
Could he really defeat that army of thirty million undead with just this?
The Blood Nurtured Corpse, under Lu Shangda's control, slowly straightened up, but it dared not meet Lin Qian's gaze again.
Too eerie!
This was the thought lingering in Lu Shangda's mind. Back at the Wanxiang Sect's gates, Lin Qian had already demonstrated the ability to suppress his corpse, which was shrouded in deathly energy.
That was why Lu Shangda had refined the entire Dwarf and Giant Goblin races, using their flesh and blood essence to empower the undead, not only increasing their strength but also infusing them with vitality.
If Lin Qian used the same method to suppress his undead army, then what was the point of even fighting?
But even if Lin Qian's soul energy was potent enough to counter his undead army, so what?
With thirty million undead at his command, how long could Lin Qian's soul energy last? How could he possibly fend them off with just these sixty thousand humans?
The warship's attacks surely couldn't be limitless either.
Lu Shangda had accounted for every possibility, confident that he could eliminate Lin Qian, seize the warships, and capture the humans to complete his plan.
All while washing away the humiliation he felt—he had never been looked down upon by a mere junior in the Nirvana realm.
"Lin Qian, who do you think you are? Do you really believe you're some kind of emperor, like those of the grand dynasties?"
"Let's not even talk about the human emperors and grand sovereigns, who command vast territories and legions of elite Soul Martial soldiers. You, with your paltry few dozen followers, dare to put on airs? You're nothing but empty bluster."
It seemed Lu Shangda was venting his frustration from being humiliated by Lin Qian's gaze, belittling him with every word.
He despised Lin Qian's demeanor—the so-called "Emperor" who used soul energy to conjure an imperial robe and throne.
Lu Shangda even suspected that Lin Qian was likely a disgraced prince from some far-flung dynasty, exiled to this remote land to play emperor and indulge in his delusions of grandeur.
"They're moving—the undead are moving!"
Someone aboard the warship suddenly noticed the change in the enemy formation and shouted out.
The undead army ahead began to spread out, moving in a circular formation to gradually encircle the six warships.
Even though the undead were spreading out, the black cloud in front of them hardly diminished, a chilling reminder of just how vast this army of over thirty million was.
"What do we do now?" The humans on the warship were at a loss, anxiously looking around, peering through the barrier at the encroaching undead army.
These undead, once outer disciples of the Dangyuan Sect, were now grotesque creatures with crimson eyes that glowed with a hint of life.
A guttural growl rumbled from their throats, like a pack of ravenous wolves eyeing defenseless lambs.
"So, after all that talk, you're just going to surround us and not attack?" High on his Nine-Dragon Throne, Lin Qian's golden eyes swept over the scene, landing on the Blood Nurtured Corpse.
The Blood Nurtured Corpse let out a cold laugh, and Lu Shangda's voice echoed, "Foolish human brat! You've expanded this defensive barrier to cover such a large area, which must be draining your soul energy. In that case, why should I rush? I'll just wait until your energy is depleted, and then…"
"You're going to be disappointed," Lin Qian interrupted, "This barrier can hold for a year, maybe more. I expanded it so that my people would have enough space."
Lu Shangda's words were cut short, and his expression darkened.
"A prince of some dynasty? Exiled? That's just your delusion. As for those so-called human emperors and sovereigns, I'm not interested."
"I am the Emperor of the Huaxia Empire—the one and only supreme ruler!"
As Lin Qian's words echoed, the Nine-Dragon Throne beneath him erupted in brilliant golden light, spreading out in all directions and forcing everyone to shut their eyes against the glare.
The golden light not only blinded those aboard the warship but also affected the soul awareness of the Blood Nurtured Corpse. Even the undead had their vision disrupted.
"Lin Qian, you cowardly human mutt, are you trying to escape with such a cheap trick?" Unable to see or sense anything, Lu Shangda grew anxious.
In this situation, if the warship suddenly ascended and fled, there would be nothing he could do to stop it.
Fearing this possibility, he tried to provoke Lin Qian with insults, hoping to keep him from fleeing.
As the golden light faded and everyone's vision gradually returned, the first thing the Blood Nurtured Corpse saw was a man—a man standing near the edge of the barrier, close to him.
This man had a clean, fair face, with eyes burning with fury as he stared down his opponent. He held a pure white spear, its tip crackling faintly with golden lightning, and wore silver armor adorned with a black dragon.
"How dare you! You insolent fool! You deserve to die a thousand deaths!" Zhao Long's entire body trembled with rage as he pointed his spear at the Blood Nurtured Corpse and roared, "You lowly trash, you wretched scum! How dare you insult the Emperor! The Black Blood Clan must be exterminated, wiped from existence, not a single one left alive!"
"To think that such a vile race could exist in this world—despicable, treacherous scum! You're nothing but a filthy traitor!"
"Shameless and disgusting!!!"
"Zhao Long, calm down…" Seeing Zhao Long's increasingly incoherent ranting, Lin Qian, seated on the Nine-Dragon Throne, helplessly intervened. "He's not even one of our people. Why are you calling him a traitor?"
Zhao Long took a deep breath, saluted Lin Qian, and then turned back to face the wide-eyed Blood Nurtured Corpse. "Since the Emperor is merciful and wants to leave you some dignity, I won't list your crimes any further."
"I… you… you…!" Controlled by Lu Shangda, the Blood Nurtured Corpse felt like he was choking on his own rage, utterly speechless.
So, just because I insulted Lin Qian, I'm suddenly despicable? What kind of nonsense is this?! As Lu Shangda prepared to retort, he froze.
His attention had been entirely focused on Zhao Long, standing before him, and he hadn't noticed what lay behind the man. But now, he saw it.
The expression on the Blood Nurtured Corpse's face turned to one of disbelief, mirroring the shock felt by everyone on the warship who witnessed the scene.
It was a fully armed army, their presence exuding such overwhelming pressure that it was difficult to even breathe.
Seated on the Nine-Dragon Throne, Lin Qian, seeing the stunned look on the Blood Nurtured Corpse's face, smiled and gave the order:
"Crush them!"