At the Mitel Family estate, within Hai Bodong's courtyard.
"Patriarch Tengshan, that's the situation."
"Next, immediately draft a more detailed plan and submit it to me tomorrow. After I review and revise it, you will personally oversee its execution."
"Remember, the key to this matter is secrecy."
"Yes, Lord Tianshu. I'll handle it immediately."
Having spoken, Mitel Tengshan turned and departed without hesitation, heading straight toward the Mitel Family archives.
Watching his departing figure, a trace of appreciation flashed through Lin Yuan's eyes.
His strength is fairly average and can't really be counted as useful combat power, but when it comes to handling these miscellaneous affairs, he's genuinely talented. Using him saves a great deal of effort.
After returning, Lin Yuan had immediately entrusted the tasks outlined in the plan he had formulated together with Yao Lao and the others namely, the "destruction" of portions of the Xiao Clan's migration force and the relocation of certain Xiao Clan members to the Black-Corner Region to Mitel Tengshan.
For such matters, overwhelming strength was unnecessary.
What mattered more were plausibility and secrecy.
And there was no one more suitable than a local veteran like Mitel Tengshan, someone intimately familiar with the Jia Ma Empire and meticulous in his thinking.
Still, in the original timeline, both the Soul Clan and the Hall of Souls encountered all sorts of problems due to excessive outsourcing at multiple levels. I need to be careful myself.
Thinking of certain matters, Lin Yuan quietly reminded himself.
At that moment, Hai Bodong's clicking tongue sounded beside him.
"Tsk, tsk. Another matter involving the Xiao Clan."
"A mere Dou Grandmaster family has managed to stir up so much trouble. It seems the Xiao Clan's origins are far from ordinary. Most likely another family that was once glorious in the distant past."
"Perhaps."
Lin Yuan smiled, a trace of amusement flickering in his eyes.
"There is some truth to Xiao Yan's saying: Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river."
After speaking, he turned toward Hai Bodong and changed the subject.
"By the way, Elder Hai, inform Jia Xing Tian that I've accepted his request for a meeting."
"It's about time I dealt with the Jia Ma Imperial Family and removed the obstacles hindering the expansion of Tianshu's affiliated forces."
Hearing this, Hai Bodong's eyes narrowed slightly.
"How do you intend to deal with the Jia Ma Imperial Family?"
Lin Yuan gazed at him and replied with a question of his own.
"Speaking of that, Elder Hai, how do you think I should deal with them?"
"Do you need me to make a move and eliminate Jia Xing Tian?"
Hai Bodong fell silent for a moment before shaking his head.
"Let's not do that."
After a pause, he explained.
"Although that old ghost Jia is wary of the Mitel Family's expansion, he is also the true pillar of the Jia Ma Empire."
"He bears the pressure from outside the empire while maintaining stability within it."
"Only under such a stable environment can the Mitel Family devote all its energy to gathering resources for you."
Lin Yuan nodded.
"In that case, I won't kill him."
"However, meeting him is still necessary."
"The meeting will be the day after tomorrow. Have him come to the back mountain of the Mitel Family to see me."
With that, Lin Yuan left Hai Bodong's courtyard and headed toward his residence.
Watching his departing figure and recalling his cold words just now, Hai Bodong could not help but sigh inwardly.
Old Ghost Jia, old Ghost Jia you'd better be grateful for the life I've just saved.
After returning to his residence, Lin Yuan greeted everyone briefly before heading directly to his room.
He reclaimed the results gathered by his clones before creating them once more and assigning each to its respective task.
One of them was specifically tasked with organizing and studying the formation knowledge Yao Lao had provided.
Meanwhile, Lin Yuan's true body sat cross-legged on the bed and began regulating his breathing.
Not long afterward, he completed his adjustments, sank his consciousness into his mind, and began sorting through the stream of information Yao Lao had transmitted through soul communication.
This stream of information contained the cultivation method for the Soul Mysterious Seal.
After some time, he finished organizing the information and slowly opened his eyes.
A hint of satisfaction flashed within them.
"A true orthodox Soul Skill indeed differs greatly from the techniques I've pieced together myself and the methods used by the Hall of Souls."
"Interesting."
"The Soul Mysterious Seal, what an excellent Soul Skill."
"This trade was truly worthwhile."
The Soul Mysterious Seal possessed immense research value for Lin Yuan.
Its power alone was fully comparable to Earth-Class Dou Techniques of the same rank.
Furthermore, unlike Dou Techniques, Soul Skills were exceedingly rare in the present era, meaning very few people understood them.
As a result, using one in battle often produced unexpected effects.
More importantly, as an Earth-Class Soul Skill, the Soul Mysterious Seal contained a vast amount of ancient foundational knowledge regarding the study of souls.
Using this information, Lin Yuan could work backward and deduce the concepts, methodologies, and fundamental techniques ancient alchemists had developed for maximizing the application of soul power.
As long as he could unravel these underlying principles and techniques, he was confident he could innovate further and create something new.
After thoroughly digesting the information stream, Lin Yuan took a deep breath.
"Compared to pure contemplation, personally experiencing it through both body and soul is far more efficient."
"No matter what, I should first master the Soul Mysterious Seal."
"I'll start with the First Seal, the Soul Origin Palm."
With that thought, he no longer hesitated.
His concentration gradually sharpened.
"Pure Mind Art—Clear Void."
As the Pure Mind Art circulated, Lin Yuan's gaze instantly became distant and ethereal.
He had entered the Clear Void State, causing his mental processing ability to surge dramatically.
Then he extended a hand and began forming the seals recorded in his memories.
At the same time, vast soul power poured from between his brows, condensing and transforming in accordance with the changing hand seals.
Seated upon the bed, Lin Yuan tirelessly practiced the Soul Mysterious Seal over and over again.
He repeatedly refined both the hand-seal transformations and the corresponding manipulation of soul power.
Time quietly slipped away as he immersed himself in cultivation.
And with each repetition, his mastery improved.
The transitions between seals became increasingly fluid.
The control of soul power grew increasingly precise.
The next morning.
Within the quiet room, Lin Yuan slowly opened his tightly shut eyes.
A mysterious, invisible fluctuation spread gently through the chamber.
His gaze sharpened.
His hands moved rapidly, producing one profound and intricate seal after another.
As the seals changed, invisible soul power gathered before him like lightning.
A short while later, after forming the final seal, a vast surge of soul power erupted from his brow.
"Condense!"
With a low shout, the massive soul force instantly solidified.
A soul palm print roughly the size of Lin Yuan's own hand materialized before him, radiating an unusual pressure.
"It worked?"
Joy appeared in Lin Yuan's eyes.
"Was it really this smooth?"
Unfortunately, his happiness lasted only a few seconds.
Moments later, the solid soul palm began to tremble violently.
Then, with a loud bang, it dispersed into the surrounding air.
Seeing this, Lin Yuan showed little disappointment.
Instead, he gently rubbed his forehead and began analyzing the problem.
"The degree of condensation isn't sufficient."
"The power isn't sufficient either."
"As expected of an Earth-Class Soul Skill. It wasn't going to be that easy to master."
"Even with the Clear Void State enhancing my comprehension, mastering even the First Seal of the Soul Mysterious Seal isn't something that can be accomplished overnight."
"Let me think the flaw just now should have been..."
And so, Lin Yuan entered a continuous cycle of attempting, failing, analyzing, and attempting again.
As this process repeated itself, his understanding and mastery of the Soul Mysterious Seal improved at an astonishing rate.
Time passed swiftly during cultivation.
Before long, evening arrived.
"Soul Mysterious Seal, Soul Origin Palm!"
With a low shout, the soul palm imprint before Lin Yuan suddenly solidified.
Even the surrounding space distorted slightly under its influence.
Gazing at the faintly warped space, a trace of satisfaction appeared in Lin Yuan's eyes.
"The First Seal of the Soul Mysterious Seal is finally complete."
"In terms of destructive power, it's already sufficient for actual combat."
"However, the casting speed is truly difficult to praise. It still requires significant improvement."
At that moment, a familiar aura entered his perception.
"This aura Mitel Tengshan."
"It seems he's finished preparing everything on his end. His efficiency is quite impressive."
Taking a deep breath, Lin Yuan flicked a finger, dispersing the soul palm imprint before him.
He then stood up, stretched his body, and walked out of the room.
Outside, Mitel Tengshan's voice sounded.
"Lord Tianshu, I have completed the plan you instructed me to refine. Please review it.If there are no issues, I will begin executing it immediately."
"Patriarch Tengshan, you've worked hard."
Several hours later, a figure flew out of the Mitel Family estate and sped toward Wu Tan City.
Under the moonlight, a faint smile curved Lin Yuan's lips.
"With Mitel Tengshan personally overseeing things, the matter of the Xiao Clan can be considered largely settled."
"Next it's time to wait for the next guest."
With that, Lin Yuan leisurely made his way toward the back mountain.
Jia Ma Imperial City
A secluded garden.
High above the garden, two spheres of light, one yellow and one white moved and intertwined with astonishing agility.
Terrifying auras radiated from both light spheres. Within them, two figures could be vaguely seen.
Every collision between the two spheres unleashed violent energy ripples.
After another probing exchange, the white sphere condensed an immense icy aura while the yellow sphere gathered the power of solid earth.
The two forces crashed together violently.
Boom!
A thunderous explosion erupted from the point of impact.
The collision of the vast Dou Qi illuminated the night sky above the garden, driving away nearly all darkness.
After the explosion faded, Hai Bodong and Jia Xing Tian simultaneously withdrew their Dou Qi.
Both descended back into the garden below.
"Refreshing!"
Hai Bodong stretched lazily, satisfaction written all over his face.
"Old Ghost Jia, sparring with an old monster like you is always the most enjoyable."
"Heh."
Jia Xing Tian looked at Hai Bodong with surprise.
"Ice Old Ghost, what exactly have you been taking lately?"
"Your strength has improved so quickly. You're already a Seven-Star Dou Emperor."
"And this cultivation method of yours isn't the same one you used before, is it?"
Though his tone remained casual, his heart had grown considerably heavier.
Previously, he had always been able to suppress Hai Bodong with ease.
Now...
Hearing this, Hai Bodong glanced at him and directly revealed the reason for today's meeting.
"How boring, Old Ghost Jia. You really need to change that habit of probing and prying into everything. I came today for two reasons."
"First, to spar."
"Second, to deliver a message."
"That person has agreed to meet you.Go to the Mitel Family's back mountain tomorrow. He'll be waiting there."
Jia Xing Tian's eyes immediately lit up.
"Really?"
"That's wonderful!"
"I've wanted to meet him for a long time!"
Hai Bodong's dramatic transformation had all occurred within the past month.
First, he had recovered the strength he possessed before being sealed.
Then he had advanced two stars in succession and even changed cultivation methods.
Jia Xing Tian's instincts told him that all of these changes were closely related to the person he would meet tomorrow.
If the Mitel Family can establish a good relationship with him, then perhaps the Imperial Family can as well.
Hai Bodong hesitated briefly before offering a warning.
"Old Ghost Jia, that person dislikes trouble."
"So be careful during your meeting. Don't try any of your usual probing or recruitment tactics. No matter what happens, remember three words."
"Know your place."
Seeing the seriousness in Hai Bodong's expression, Jia Xing Tian's smile faded.
"I understand."
"Good. The message has been delivered."
"I'll be leaving first."
With a wave of his hand, Hai Bodong spread his icy wings and flew back toward the Mitel Family.
The Next Morning
When Jia Xing Tian arrived at the Mitel Family's back mountain, he immediately spotted Lin Yuan seated cross-legged atop a large rock, his hands forming cultivation seals.
As always, Lin Yuan was engaged in his daily Dou Qi cultivation.
After a night's worth of consolidation, his cultivation had fully stabilized at the Six-Star Dou Emperor level.
As for the training of Soul Skills, he had delegated that task to one of his clones.
Sensing Jia Xing Tian's arrival, Lin Yuan dispersed the seal in his hands and opened his eyes.
He looked at the smiling old man dressed in coarse robes with a hint of amusement.
"Jia Xing Tian."
"Perfect timing."
"I was planning to seek you out myself."
"Oh?"
"That would truly be an honor for the Jia Ma Empire. Might I ask, little friend—"
Before Jia Xing Tian could finish speaking, Lin Yuan interrupted him.
"Let's skip the pleasantries and flattery."
"Those meaningless formalities are unnecessary."
"Let's get straight to the point."
"Jia Xing Tian."
"Come with me and fight in the heavens above. This battle will determine everything belonging to you and the Jia Ma Imperial Family. And you have no right to refuse."
The indifferent words entered Jia Xing Tian's ears just as he was preparing to present the carefully selected gifts he had brought.
The sudden turn of events completely caught him off guard.
For a moment, he was utterly bewildered.
Did I say something wrong?
Why has this suddenly turned into a battle?
Why is the fate of the entire Jia Ma Imperial Family suddenly at stake?
"Your Excellency, the Imperial Family has no grievances with you—"
"Don't understand?"
Lin Yuan smiled coldly.
"The matter is quite simple."
"I've taken a liking to the Jia Ma Imperial Family's centuries of accumulated wealth."
"But I have no interest in haggling with you."
"So I've chosen the most direct method."
"Let strength decide.In this world where the strong reign supreme, the victor takes everything."
Jia Xing Tian stared solemnly at the young man before him.
The latter's gaze was calm, indifferent, and utterly serious.
He's not joking.
Jia Xing Tian's heart sank.
Ice Old Ghost, just how did the Mitel Family become friendly with a person like this?
Had anyone else spoken these words, Jia Xing Tian would likely have exploded in rage and attacked immediately.
Yet after witnessing Lin Yuan's battle against Protector Sun, all he felt now was helplessness.
Though Lin Yuan's cultivation realm was lower than his own, Jia Xing Tian knew full well that the young man before him was not someone he could defeat.
Realizing that force would not work, he took a deep breath and attempted to reason with him.
"Your Excellency's strength is extraordinary. I know I am no match for you."
"But if you conduct yourself in this manner, are you not afraid of provoking public outrage?"
"Are you not afraid of being condemned and targeted by everyone?"
"Heh."
Lin Yuan laughed dismissively.
"What meaningless nonsense."
"In a world where personal strength reigns supreme, what value do such things possess?"
"Since you don't dare initiate the battle, then I'll begin it myself. Allow me to measure the strength of the pillar supporting the Jia Ma Empire."
"And see whether you and your Jia Ma Imperial Family possess any value worth putting to use."
The moment those words fell, Lin Yuan's figure abruptly vanished from before Jia Xing Tian's eyes.
----
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