The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

The clan leader wanted to see him?

Given that Zhang Nianxin referred to him as the clan leader, there was no doubt it was Zhang Tianxin, the leader of the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe.

But why did Zhang Tianxin want to meet him?

Although Lin Qian's combat prowess was impressive, he hadn't used his full strength in his match against Zhang Li. As the grand leader of the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe, Zhang Tianxin must have encountered countless talents. Why would he take an interest in Lin Qian?

"Why does your clan leader want to see me?" Lin Qian asked Zhang Nianxin, his curiosity piqued.

Zhang Nianxin shook his head and replied, "The clan leader's message didn't mention the reason. You might have to meet him to find out."

Lin Qian nodded thoughtfully. The Eight-Armed Sea Tribe seemed to be a generally good-natured group, so there was no harm in meeting Zhang Tianxin. If things took a turn for the worse, he could always retreat to the Hua Xia Empire.

"In that case, please lead the way to meet this Clan Leader Zhang Tianxin," Lin Qian said.

"There's no need for me to lead the way," Zhang Nianxin chuckled, shaking his head.

Lin Qian raised an eyebrow. "But I don't know where your clan leader lives on this coral island. How am I supposed to find him without your guidance?"

"You misunderstood, Your Majesty," Zhang Nianxin explained. "Since the clan leader wishes to meet you, he will come here personally."

"Your clan leader is coming here to meet me?" Lin Qian was surprised.

Zhang Nianxin nodded. "If the clan leader is coming personally, he likely has a favor to ask of you. If it were just to meet you or give you something, he would have invited you to see him."

As soon as Zhang Nianxin finished speaking, he seemed to sense something and turned toward the courtyard gate.

A short time later, Zhang Nianxin returned with four people. Lin Qian observed them closely. Two were from the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe, and two were humans.

Among the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe members was Zhang Tianxin, the clan leader. Beside him stood a young Eight-Armed Sea Tribe man. The human contingent was led by a middle-aged man wearing a black robe with golden trim. His sharp eyes and dignified presence hinted at his profound strength, despite the absence of visible soul power. He moved effortlessly through the water, a sign of his formidable capabilities.

Accompanying the middle-aged man was a younger man, similarly dressed in black and gold. As soon as they entered the courtyard, the younger man's gaze locked onto Lin Qian, brimming with fighting spirit.

"Lin Qian, my young friend, I hope you don't mind me dropping by uninvited," the middle-aged human said as they approached.

"We apologize for the sudden visit," Zhang Tianxin added with a smile. He then produced a shell and handed it to Lin Qian. "Just a small gift, I hope you won't find it lacking."

When Lin Qian opened the shell, he found several books inside. Although the shell seemed small, it contained twenty books in four categories. Clearly, the shell had been refined with storage capabilities.

"Books?" Lin Qian remarked in surprise as he examined the contents, then looked up at Zhang Tianxin.

"I asked Little Zhang about your preferences before coming, and he mentioned that you enjoy reading various texts. I thought this might suit your tastes," Zhang Tianxin explained with a chuckle.

Lin Qian nodded in understanding.

At that moment, the middle-aged human stepped forward and presented Lin Qian with a finely carved red wooden box. "I followed Zhang Tianxin's example and brought some books as well."

Lin Qian accepted the box with a polite smile. "Thank you for the gifts. Why don't we continue this conversation inside?"

Zhang Tianxin and the middle-aged man exchanged a glance and nodded in agreement. "Yes, let's talk inside," they said with a smile.

Once inside the main hall, Zhang Tianxin and the middle-aged man sat across from Lin Qian, with their younger companions seated nearby. Lin Qian and Zhang Nianxin took their seats on the opposite side.

After some small talk, Lin Qian learned that the young Eight-Armed Sea Tribe member was Zhang Zide, the renowned genius he had heard about. Despite being only twenty-seven years old, Zhang Zide had already reached the Life and Death Realm.

Lin Qian had suspected as much when they entered, and now it was confirmed.

As for the middle-aged man, he was Zhou Yian, the former leader of the Xiaoyao Sect and now an ally of the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe. His first disciple had taken over as the current leader of the Xiaoyao Sect.

The young man with Zhou Yian was Li Yunfeng, the son of Zhou Yian's first disciple. Li Yunfeng had been training under his master's guidance and had gained some renown across the southern region of the human territories. At just twenty-six years old, he had already reached the Life and Death Realm, just like Zhang Zide.

These two were undoubtedly the top contenders for victory in the competition.

It was clear that such esteemed guests wouldn't visit without a purpose. Not only had they come in person, but they had also brought gifts, indicating they had a request.

"Let's not beat around the bush. You are both esteemed seniors, and since you've come here in person, I assume there's something you need. Please feel free to ask, and if I can help, I will," Lin Qian said directly.

"This was Zhang Tianxin's idea, so I'll let him explain," Zhou Yian said, gesturing for Zhang Tianxin to continue.

Zhang Tianxin smiled and nodded. "Lin Qian, you're very straightforward, so I'll get to the point."

"Your physical strength is extraordinary for someone at the Void-Fragmentation Realm, which could be attributed to a combination of pills, cultivation techniques, and innate talent."

"But to reach your level, all three factors must be exceptional."

"We've come here hoping you might be willing to sell us your cultivation techniques, pills, or any training insights you may have."

"Rest assured, if you agree to trade with us, we can discuss the details after the competition, so it won't affect your standing."

After finishing, Zhang Tianxin waited quietly for Lin Qian's response.

Lin Qian chuckled and shook his head slightly. "I'm sorry, but my cultivation techniques, the pills I use, and my training methods..."

"I'm not selling them."