After a brief exchange, Lin Dong looked solemnly at Liu Xi and Qing Yanjing, his expression grave as he cupped his hands. "Senior, I will remember this debt of kindness. Lin Dong will repay it one day."
"It was just a small effort," Liu Xi replied with a light smile, studying the man before him. Lin Dong's appearance was unremarkable, but the traces of hardship, determination, and defiance etched into his face spoke volumes.
His aura was unusual — beyond the level of a Perfect Earth Sovereign, yet not quite at the Spiritual Grade Heavenly Sovereign stage. It lingered somewhere between the two. The Spiritual Energy and his physical body had not yet fully merged, which made sense; as one who had ascended from a Lower Plane, his Yuan Power foundation was deeply rooted. Replacing it entirely with Spiritual Energy would take time, polishing, and experience.
Lin Dong, meanwhile, was quietly observing Liu Xi. Though his face remained calm, a storm was raging in his heart.
At first glance, Liu Xi seemed one with heaven and earth — serene and natural. But upon closer inspection, beneath that peace flowed a fierce, domineering heat. His presence was vast as the heavens, deep as the earth, and as his might poured forth like an ocean tide, Lin Dong felt a familiar sense of helplessness.
It was the same pressure he once felt before the Demon Emperor, back when he had not yet stepped into the Ancestor Realm — the feeling of standing before something insurmountable.
Since coming to the Great Thousand World, this was the first time Lin Dong had met someone whose power made him feel small. Yet rather than despair, it stirred a flame within him — the desire to chase higher peaks.
Liu Xi was mildly surprised. Lin Dong had not yet reached the Spiritual Grade Heavenly Sovereign level, yet still stood calmly before him without losing composure. That in itself was rare. But for now, it was nothing more than that — with a single hand, Liu Xi could easily suppress him. Still, it would be interesting to see how far Lin Dong could grow in the future.
Meanwhile, Qing Yanjing was also observing Lin Dong, curious to see what kind of man had captured Ling Qingzhu's heart.
After a quiet evaluation, she made her judgment: 'His looks are above average, his aura stable though not yet at the Heavenly Sovereign level. That calm, steadfast air adds a certain charm…'
Then she glanced at Liu Xi beside her, pride glimmering in her bright eyes. 'But compared to my man… he's still far inferior.'
Ling Qingzhu's lips curved faintly, amusement flickering within them. She knew Lin Dong had been searching tirelessly for her all this time, wandering the Great Thousand World.
Qing Tan, however, eyed Liu Xi cautiously. His sudden appearance here felt too coincidental. Women's instincts were rarely wrong — and indeed, Liu Xi did have his own motives. Though truthfully, his main goal lay with the West Heaven Battle Emperor.
All of these thoughts and realizations passed in the span of moments.
After reuniting with Ling Qingzhu, Lin Dong was certainly happy — but another burden pressed upon his heart. There was still someone else he needed to find.
After a brief hesitation, he spoke. "Although it may seem abrupt, we must take our leave. There's someone I have to find."
"Oh?" Liu Xi's eyes gleamed, though his expression remained mildly curious. He smiled. "Coincidentally, we're also looking for someone. Perhaps we can exchange information — it might benefit both sides."
Lin Dong paused, considering the offer. There was sense in that. "And who might you be searching for, Senior?"
Liu Xi's smile deepened slightly. "The Battle Emperor."
The words made Qing Yanjing's heart skip a beat. Fortunately, Lin Dong, Ling Qingzhu, and Qing Tan showed no reaction, or else she'd have turned red on the spot.
She knew exactly what Liu Xi meant by this — he was coveting her body, after all. Yet Qing Yanjing didn't resist. Between them, such things no longer needed words.
If not for Liu Xi's insistence on "a sense of ceremony" — obtaining the Great Emperor Internal Canon first — Qing Yanjing would have already been thoroughly devoured by him.
Lin Dong frowned, deep in thought, then looked toward Ling Qingzhu and Qing Tan. Both shook their heads.
Lin Dong knew of the Battle Emperor's name — famed for his countless victories and scandalous romantic tales — but little beyond that. His whereabouts were shrouded in mystery; even in the vast Great Thousand World, few could locate him.
"I'm sorry," Lin Dong said finally, shaking his head.
"No problem," Liu Xi replied easily, unsurprised. "Then may I ask — who are you looking for?"
At that, Lin Dong fell silent. Ling Qingzhu and Qing Tan's eyes dimmed with sorrow.
After a long pause, perhaps driven by the faint hope that this stranger might know something, Lin Dong finally answered.
"My wife — Ying Huanhuan. Back then, she sacrificed herself to help me break through. Only her soul remained, which returned to the Great Thousand World."
"She has eyes as blue as sapphire and long, icy-blue hair that flows like a waterfall. Between her brows is an azure rune that glows with cold light…"
As he described her, a gentle smile touched his lips, yet deep sadness shimmered in his eyes.
"What a tragic tale," Liu Xi murmured softly. Even he had to admit — such a story could move anyone. Life and death partings always struck deepest.
"Go to the Ice Spirit Clan."
Lin Dong's head snapped up, joy flooding his features. Ling Qingzhu and Qing Tan's eyes also lit with surprise.
Qing Yanjing's heart softened. She hadn't expected Lin Dong to hail from a Lower Plane — one that had even been invaded by the Extraterrestrial Evil Race. Ying Huanhuan's sacrifice moved her deeply. She stepped forward and began explaining.
"The Ice Spirit Clan is one of the ancient races of the Great Thousand World. Their heritage is vast, tracing back to ancient times when they produced countless mighty experts. Even at their peak, few dared look down upon them.
Though their power has waned, a dying camel is still larger than a horse — the Ice Spirit Clan remains a great power, its influence immeasurable.
Within the clan sits a Spiritual Grade Heavenly Sovereign, the Ice Spirit Ancestor. Even among his grade, he is exceptionally strong. In the Ice Spirit Clan's territory, where heaven and earth align with him, even an Immortal Grade Heavenly Sovereign would struggle to suppress him.
Moreover, their connections run deep — summoning three to five Heavenly Sovereigns for aid would not be difficult. As for your wife…"
"If she were an ordinary clanswoman, her death would mean the end. But if she was of royal blood, her remnant soul would have been drawn into their sacred relic — the Ice Spirit Tablet."
"The Ice Spirit Tablet preserves the souls of the royal line and can even rebuild their bodies. But each use drains its power, so it is only used for those deemed truly worthy."
"If your wife still exists, she is likely within that Tablet."
When Qing Yanjing finished, Liu Xi smiled faintly. "Jing'er is the Saintess of the Ancient Buddha Clan. Her information won't be wrong. But the Ice Spirit Clan isn't easy to deal with. With your current strength… you can't make them bow."
Beneath his sleeves, Lin Dong's fists clenched tightly. His eyes burned with magma-like determination, and a trace of madness replaced his usual calm.
"Thank you both for your guidance. But my mind is already set. Even if I must ascend to the heavens or descend to the deepest abyss—I will bring her back."
(End of Chapter)
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