In the 190 states, many elders from the Yun Clan who had followed Yun Fan chose to stay behind, while some decided to accompany Lin Qian to the Southern Domain to see it for themselves.
As the ruler of the Four Directions World, Lin Qian could effortlessly transport everyone into this alternate dimension under his control. With just a wave of his soul power, he enveloped them all, pulling them into the Four Directions World and placing them in a city.
Among them, Yun Yunyan, Lin Qian's mother, personally carried Emperor Lin on her back. As their vision cleared, the group was left in shock by what they saw.
At the center of the city stood an enormous gateway, clearly a teleportation portal.
Surrounding the portal was a massive army, clad in heavy armor, with various types of soldiers arranged in precise formations, standing utterly still.
These were semi-living soldiers, devoid of emotion, untiring, and completely loyal to Lin Qian's commands.
As Lin Qian and his group appeared, all the soldiers dropped to one knee in a spectacular display of loyalty.
In addition to the military presence, the city was filled with Soul Cannons and Destruction Impact Cannons, keeping the city under strict vigilance. The elderly members of the Yuan Clan felt a tremendous pressure in the air, and some even gulped nervously.
Lin Qian led the group at the front, with the others following behind as they approached the portal.
"Once we cross this portal, we'll arrive at the New Qin City transportation hub. Stay close and don't act recklessly," Lin Qian said sternly as he stood before the portal, facing his grandfather and the others. "The Huaxia Empire has strict laws. Unauthorized killing, theft, or the use of evil soul techniques is prohibited and will result in being pursued by the Imperial Soul Guards. They'll arrest you and take you to the police station."
"To ensure that criminals can't escape, there's a no-fly rule in the Huaxia Empire. Soul martial artists need flight permits to fly. You'll also need identity documents to use public transportation. So, follow my lead," Lin Qian added, casting a serious look at the Yun Clan elders.
His words left everyone exchanging puzzled glances. Soul martial artists weren't allowed to fly freely? That was quite the unusual rule. And what exactly were these "transportation tools" he mentioned?
"Everyone, listen closely," Yun Fan turned around and sternly addressed the Yun Clan elders behind him. "Do as Qian'er says, and don't try to act as if your seniority gives you any special privileges."
Hearing Yun Fan's warning, the elders of the Yun Clan nodded seriously.
They then followed Lin Qian through the teleportation portal.
A flash of white light surrounded them, just like any other teleportation portal they'd passed through before—no noticeable difference.
When their vision cleared, they were astonished to find themselves inside a grand building, their eyes wide with curiosity as they took in their surroundings.
The massive portal stood at the center of an enormous structure, its architectural style unique and impressive. While the framework resembled a typical palace made of ironwood, it was covered in semi-transparent crystal, allowing them to see the distant scenery through it—a truly magical sight.
At that moment, a pleasant female voice echoed throughout the building.
"Attention passengers: The Six-Jia-Three-Ding Soul Train departing from New Qin City to Liubei City is now boarding. Please proceed to Gate Thirty-Six B for ticket inspection."
"This way." Noticing their confusion, Lin Qian beckoned them and led them around the portal, heading deeper into the vast structure.
The building felt more like a small city, bustling with people everywhere. To the Yun Clan elders' surprise, they even spotted people with red skin and small statures—clearly, foreign races.
"The Benevolent Emperor!" Suddenly, a loud shout rang out from somewhere in the building.
Lin Qian's heart sank as he realized what was happening.
"Yes! I've seen the Emperor in the Soul Vision Machine! That's the Emperor!"
"The Benevolent Emperor! I can't believe I'm seeing him in person!" A woman screamed and immediately fainted from excitement.
"Emperor! Emperor!"
In an instant, chaos erupted. People began surging toward Lin Qian, their excitement uncontrollable.
"Everyone, calm down!" Lin Qian sighed helplessly, coughing twice as his voice, imbued with soul power, resonated through the crowd.
There seemed to be a magnetic charm in his voice, and the previously frenzied crowd instantly quieted down.
"I have urgent matters to attend to, and I need to catch the intercity train to New Qin City. Please don't crowd around me—let's avoid any accidents."
"Since the Emperor has spoken, don't push forward."
"I never thought the Emperor would ride the train just like us. It seems he's no different from us."
Hearing Lin Qian's words, the crowd started talking amongst themselves. They slowly made way, clearing a path for Lin Qian, though many remained nearby, waving at him excitedly.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Lin Qian smiled and continued walking forward, waving at the people who had gathered on both sides.
"Emperor, I love you!"
"The Benevolent Emperor! Unmatched under the heavens, invincible, the greatest in the world!"
The crowd on both sides cheered wildly, waving their arms in excitement. Some people even fainted after shaking hands with Lin Qian, overwhelmed by happiness.
As for Yun Fan and the others, they stood behind Lin Qian, frozen in shock, their expressions dazed and confused.
It wasn't until they followed Lin Qian to a platform, boarding a strange metal box, that things finally calmed down.
Even then, they could still see, through the transparent crystal windows, a large crowd outside waving enthusiastically and shouting with joy.
Moments later, they realized that the strange metal box had begun to move, and the scenery outside the windows started rushing past, as the vehicle headed north.
"In about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, we'll reach New Qin City. That place we just left was the southern transportation hub of New Qin City. From there, you can take Soul Cars, Soul Trains, Soul Ships, and Cloud Boats to any part of the Southern Domain," Lin Qian explained briefly as he sat down.
They were now in the First-Class Cabin of the Soul Train, a luxurious space reserved exclusively for Lin Qian, though it was large enough to accommodate the dozens of people traveling with him.
"Qian'er, those people just now…" Yun Yunyan, having settled Emperor Lin on a bed in the room, turned to Lin Qian. "They were completely out of control."
"They are the citizens of the Huaxia Empire—my people. Given my status, it's only natural that they reacted like that," Lin Qian replied, shaking his head with a hint of frustration. "Being such a popular ruler has its downsides, you know."
"When we arrive in New Qin City, the first thing we need to do is get everyone Huaxia Empire identity certificates. With those, you'll be able to use public transportation without needing me to guide you everywhere. You'll also need flight permits to be allowed to fly within the Huaxia Empire."
"Since none of you have those yet, I had to bring you on the train. I may be the Emperor, but I can't bend the rules for anyone. Otherwise, the laws of the empire would be meaningless."
"In this empire, I am the only one who is allowed special privileges."