The Soul Train gradually came to a stop as it entered the South Station of New Qin City. As the capital of the Southern Domain, Lin Qian had personally overseen the design of every transportation hub in the city.
To him, the process was as simple as controlling a game through the system framework, allowing him to manage the Southern Domain's construction even while far away in the Central Domain.
The bustling crowd disembarking from the train prompted Lin Qian to subtly conceal his face with soul power, making it hazy and unrecognizable to avoid being recognized—something that would cause no end of trouble.
The architectural style of New Qin City's South Station bore a strong resemblance to the New Qin City Transportation Hub, though this station was significantly smaller. Yun Fan and the others followed closely behind Lin Qian, their eyes filled with curiosity as they observed the surroundings.
As Emperor, Lin Qian had his own private passage and personal soul vehicle waiting for him.
After exiting the private passage, they arrived at the Emperor's Lounge within the station. Inside the spacious room, a graceful figure was already waiting.
As soon as Lin Qian appeared, the figure rushed toward him, and he wrapped her in a tight embrace.
"Xin'er, you've worked hard during this time," Lin Qian said softly, his voice tinged with guilt as he held her close.
Raising her beautiful face to look at Lin Qian, Ye Xin shook her head gently. "Being by your side, protecting everything you care about, is enough for me."
"Ahem, seems like the lovebirds are so caught up in each other they've forgotten all about us old folks," Yun Fan coughed twice, teasing them with a playful tone.
"Hmm?" Startled by Yun Fan's words, Ye Xin leapt from Lin Qian's arms like a frightened rabbit, suddenly at a loss for words as she glanced at the elders.
Only then did Lin Qian realize that, although he had told Xin'er he would return, he had forgotten to mention that his family would be accompanying him.
"Father, you don't have to scare her like that," Yun Yunyan said with a soft chuckle as she walked over to Ye Xin. "Xin'er, do you still remember me?"
Seeing Yun Yunyan, Ye Xin's eyes lit up with surprise and delight. "Aunt Yun! It really is you! You haven't changed at all after all these years—you're still so beautiful."
Yun Yunyan stepped forward and hugged Ye Xin warmly. "Still as sweet as ever, Xin'er. I promised your mother that I would take good care of you, but I'm afraid I haven't done enough…"
As Ye Xin gently pulled away, she shook her head. "Aunt Yun, it's alright. Qian has taken very good care of me all these years."
Watching this scene unfold, Lin Qian sighed quietly. Ye Xin's mother had been an ordinary woman who passed away soon after giving birth to her, entrusting her care to Yun Yunyan. It was also during that time that Lin Qian and Ye Xin's engagement had been arranged.
"Come, Xin'er, let me introduce you. This is your grandfather…" Yun Yunyan quickly introduced Ye Xin to Yun Fan, Yun Rong, and Yun Qingfeng.
"Qian'er found himself a fine wife," Yun Qingfeng remarked, shaking his head with mock frustration. "When will I find a wife of my own?"
Smack!
"What nonsense are you spouting? You've turned down so many good matches yourself!" Yun Rong scolded, smacking Yun Qingfeng on the head. Turning to Ye Xin, she added with admiration, "But Xin'er is truly talented. She's already reached the Transcendent Realm!"
Her words made Lin Qian suddenly glance toward his mother, Yun Yunyan. While Lin Qian's own rapid breakthrough speed seemed normal to him, Ye Xin's advancement to the Transcendent Realm was astonishingly fast.
"I'm not sure how it happened. My cultivation just sped up all of a sudden, and a few days ago, I unknowingly broke through to the Transcendent Realm," Ye Xin said with a sheepish grin, her demeanor gentle and demure.
If anyone else saw her like this, they'd be utterly shocked. After all, the regal and revered Empress of the Huaxia Empire, known for her poise and wisdom, rarely showed such girlish charm.
Ye Xin's capability in managing state affairs had earned her much praise from Zhuge Ming, who often spoke highly of her.
Moreover, Ye Xin was a quick learner, rapidly mastering formations, artifact refining, alchemy, and other skills under Zhuge Ming's guidance. Her aptitude far surpassed Lin Qian's in these areas.
Even Zhuge Ming, who deeply respected Lin Qian, had to admit that his Emperor couldn't hold a candle to Ye Xin when it came to these matters.
"Qian'er, I suppose you've returned to deal with the Wood Spirit Clan matter?" Ye Xin asked softly, turning her attention to Lin Qian.
Lin Qian nodded, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Yes, if it weren't for this issue, I wouldn't have returned to the Southern Domain for another two months."
Ye Xin gazed at him, speaking softly, "This matter is too important. I didn't dare make any decisions on my own and waited for you to come back. Now that you're here, I'll leave it in your hands."
"You've worked hard, Xin'er. Rest well," Lin Qian said, smiling as he gently ruffled her hair. "With the administrative system handling most of the state affairs, hasn't it been easier?"
"Of course! Anything complicated, I just leave for you to deal with. I only handle the easy stuff," Ye Xin teased.
Lin Qian playfully pinched her cheek, whispering, "I'll deal with you later tonight."
"Stop talking nonsense," she blushed, lightly hitting him.
"Xin'er, could you help them get their Huaxia Empire identity certificates and flight permits? I'll head to the western sea to see what this Wood Spirit Clan is all about."
"Go ahead, Qian'er. I'll handle things here," Ye Xin replied with a smile.
Lin Qian gave her one last affectionate pat on the head before turning and stepping out of the room, ascending into the air.
As he flew, a golden chariot materialized mid-air, drawn by nine dragon horses. Lin Qian seated himself within it as the horses galloped westward at incredible speed.
Back on the western sea, aboard the Wood Spirit Clan's fleet, the members of the clan remained in a state of fearful anticipation, uncertain of their fate.
At that moment, Mu Houde noticed Zhang Zide, the Treading Waves General, approaching their ships.
"Our Emperor is on his way. He'll meet you personally to discuss the matter of this token," Zhang Zide said, shaking the broken token in his hand as he addressed Mu Houde.
Hearing this, Mu Houde's heart tightened with nervousness. He felt deeply anxious about meeting the Emperor of the Huaxia Empire, as the fate of his entire clan hung in the balance.
The pressure weighing on him was immense.
Suddenly, the sound of hooves echoed through the sky, drawing Mu Houde's attention.
From afar, nine dragon horses galloped through the air, pulling an opulent chariot that came to a halt above the fleet. In the chariot stood a young and handsome man, who stepped forward with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing down at Mu Houde.
"I am Lin Qian, Emperor of the Huaxia Empire, titled Benevolent Emperor Wu. Mu Houde, patriarch of the Wood Spirit Clan, shall we discuss this token?"