The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

Lin Qian's straightforward refusal left Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian visibly disappointed.

"In truth, our request was rather abrupt and unreasonable. We understand why Lin Qian would decline," Zhang Tianxin said, still smiling despite his disappointment.

Zhou Yian also offered a bitter smile and added, "Indeed. Consider our earlier gifts as a token of goodwill."

Lin Qian quietly observed Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian, paying close attention to their expressions. He noted their genuine disappointment at his refusal, without a hint of anger or resentment, even in the slightest. Neither Zhang Tianxin nor Zhou Yian attempted to use their powerful status to pressure him into handing over his cultivation techniques or other secrets. Instead, they treated him with respect and courtesy.

"Two elders, I believe you may have misunderstood my reason for refusing," Lin Qian suddenly said.

Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian's eyes lit up as they exchanged glances. Could there still be hope?

"Oh? Is there another reason why you declined our request?" Zhang Tianxin quickly asked, eager to hear more.

Lin Qian chuckled and then casually tossed two thin manuals in the direction of Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian. The manuals floated gently through the water and landed in their hands. They looked at Lin Qian in confusion.

"These manuals contain a portion of the cultivation technique I practice. After reading them, you should understand," Lin Qian said, gesturing for them to take a look.

Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian were taken aback. Just moments ago, Lin Qian had refused to sell them his techniques, yet now he was freely offering them a portion to read. Even if it was only a part of the technique, it still held considerable value.

However, as they flipped through the manuals and read the contents, their eyes widened in shock.

"I see now," Zhou Yian finally said, his tone filled with realization. "Lin Qian refused to sell us his technique because he was looking out for us."

Given their high cultivation levels, Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian could easily discern the profound nature of Lin Qian's technique, even from a small portion of it. However, they also understood that this technique was not suitable for the average person. Attempting to cultivate it could lead to slow progress at best, or even life-threatening dangers at worst.

Clearly, this technique was tailored specifically for Lin Qian, and others wouldn't be able to cultivate it effectively.

In truth, this was indeed the case. Lin Qian's "Imperial Art" was developed by Zhuge Ming and the craftsmen of the Tiangong Division, designed to perfectly suit Lin Qian's unique physique. The Tiangong Division constantly monitored Lin Qian's physical condition and adjusted the flow of spiritual energy from the Hua Xia Empire accordingly.

It was a technique that only Lin Qian could cultivate.

Similarly, the three types of potions Lin Qian used were custom-made for him, and others wouldn't be able to use them.

This was why Lin Qian refused to sell them—selling something that couldn't be used would be deceitful.

Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian could only sigh in disappointment, realizing there was nothing more to be done.

"However, the situation may not be as bleak as the two elders think," Lin Qian said just as Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian were about to give up hope.

Hearing this, they both turned to Lin Qian, a glimmer of expectation in their eyes.

Lin Qian then produced two crystal vials containing a vibrant red liquid and tossed them to Zhang Zide and Li Yunfeng.

The two young men caught the vials and looked at them curiously. They had never seen anything like this before.

"Allow me to properly introduce myself: I am Lin Qian, Emperor of the Hua Xia Empire," Lin Qian said, standing up and addressing the four of them. "These are a specialty of my empire, called potions. They are similar in effect to your pills, and these particular ones are called Strengthening Potions."

"Consider them a return gift for the two elders," Lin Qian continued, gesturing toward Zhang Zide and Li Yunfeng. "Go ahead, give them a try."

Zhang Zide and Li Yunfeng glanced at Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian, who nodded their approval. The two young men then uncorked the vials and drank the fiery red liquid in one gulp.

As soon as the potion entered their bodies, they felt a searing heat spread throughout their veins. The potent energy surged through their muscles and bones as if setting their entire bodies ablaze.

"Ha!"

The intense sensation caused both Zhang Zide and Li Yunfeng to exhale sharply as their soul power involuntarily erupted, filling the room with the fierce aura of the Life and Death Realm.

The sudden outburst of energy startled Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian, who quickly extended their consciousness to protect Lin Qian from the overwhelming pressure.

But just as they were about to act, they sensed a powerful and regal presence emanating from Lin Qian. It was the aura of an emperor, shielding him from the effects of Zhang Zide and Li Yunfeng's power.

Witnessing this unusual display of Lin Qian's aura left Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian even more astonished.

They couldn't help but wonder about the true nature of the Hua Xia Empire and the extraordinary young emperor who ruled it.

However, their attention quickly shifted back to Zhang Zide and Li Yunfeng, as they could clearly feel the two young men's bodies rapidly strengthening.

The refinement of the physical body was typically a slow and gradual process, difficult to notice in real-time. Such a significant improvement in such a short period was rare, even with the best pills, which usually required time to fully absorb.

The remarkable transformation they were witnessing was undoubtedly the result of the Strengthening Potion that Lin Qian had provided. Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian were pleasantly surprised by the potion's effectiveness.

The two elders exchanged a look of shared excitement. If Lin Qian was willing to offer this potion as a gift, it meant he might be open to selling more.

As they processed this revelation, Lin Qian spoke again. "Elders, there is something I would like to ask."

"Feel free to ask," Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian replied in unison, signaling for Lin Qian to continue.

Lin Qian took a deep breath to steady his emotions before solemnly asking, "Given your extensive experience and knowledge, have either of you ever heard of two people named Lin Di and Yun Yunyan?"