The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

The Ba Dao Sect (Tyrant Blade Sect) never anticipated that the Sheng Tian Sect would suddenly turn against them and launch an attack.

For the longest time, the Ba Dao Sect considered themselves to be the most steadfast allies of the Sheng Tian Sect, standing side by side through all difficulties.

When the Sheng Tian Sect gained control of Linhai Prefecture, the members of the Ba Dao Sect were even gleefully imagining that they would become the second most powerful force in Linhai Prefecture, right after the Sheng Tian Sect.

After all, the Sheng Tian Sect had promised that once the Wanxiang Sect was thoroughly defeated, they would divide the Wanxiang Sect's territory among the allied forces.

Given their unwavering loyalty to the Sheng Tian Sect, the Ba Dao Sect believed they would receive a substantial reward when the time came.

They were certain that the reward would be enough to elevate their sect's power to new heights.

But reality proved to be far less kind than their fantasies. No one had expected the Sheng Tian Sect to tear off their friendly mask so quickly after expelling the Wanxiang Sect.

Seeing this betrayal, it became clear to everyone that the Sheng Tian Sect harbored more sinister ambitions.

It was now evident that the Sheng Tian Sect had never intended to share the Wanxiang Sect's territory but planned to keep it all for themselves.

Not only that, but the Sheng Tian Sect aimed to dominate all of Linhai Prefecture.

Faced with the Sheng Tian Sect's actions, the remaining sects began to prepare for resistance.

However, the Sheng Tian Sect moved with incredible speed. The Ba Dao Sect's leader and several elders were caught off guard and were all swiftly eliminated.

With no other options, apart from a few fiercely loyal members who chose to fight to the death, the remaining elders and disciples of the Ba Dao Sect had no choice but to surrender and join the Sheng Tian Sect.

By the time the other sects realized what had happened, the Sheng Tian Sect had already grown even stronger, combining the forces of the Sheng Tian Sect, Ba Dao Sect, Hui Chun Sect, and Quenching Fire Sect.

Compared to this newly strengthened alliance, the remaining forces of the Jin Hai Sect, Beast Control Sect, and Shen Jian Sect were no match.

Especially the Shen Jian Sect, which had lost its female sword saint, Wei Qingqing, leaving it without the high-level power needed to resist the Sheng Tian Sect.

Moreover, the Sheng Tian Sect had the support of an alien race.

Based on the descriptions circulating, this alien race had viscous skin, stood barefoot with webbed fingers and toes, and had bone blades protruding from their forearms, along with gills on their necks.

"Bone Blade Fish Clan!" Zhang Qi exclaimed in surprise upon hearing the description of the alien race assisting the Sheng Tian Sect.

According to Zhang Qi, the Bone Blade Fish Clan was a marginal sea tribe near the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe. They were lazy and prone to raiding smaller sea tribes rather than developing themselves.

In essence, they were like pirates among the sea tribes.

The Bone Blade Fish Clan would often target smaller tribes, including those under the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe's protection, making them particularly detestable.

"According to the intelligence reports, this Bone Blade Fish Clan seems to be quite powerful, with four Life and Death Realm experts, eight thousand Void-Breaking Realm members, and at least thirty thousand in the Nirvana Realm."

"And your Eight-Armed Sea Tribe never thought to attack them?" Lin Qian asked, puzzled by Zhang Qi's explanation.

Zhang Qi smiled bitterly, shaking his head. "Attack? We would love to, but we can never find them."

"Can't find them?" Lin Qian asked, even more confused. "What do you mean by that? With a population of at least twenty to thirty thousand, how could they possibly be hard to find?"

Ye Xin and Lei Qian, who were also present, shared Lin Qian's confusion. How could such a large group be so elusive?

"You see, this Bone Blade Fish Clan is so lazy that they don't even build permanent homes. They either make do with random sea caves or seize the cities and villages of other sea tribes, living off their spoils."

"Because of this, the Bone Blade Fish Clan doesn't have a fixed residence, constantly moving around. That's why they're known as 'Pirate Fish' or 'Black Tide' among the sea tribes. Their reputation is as bad as that of the corpse-stealing Black Blood Tribe." Zhang Qi sighed, a wry smile on his face.

"In my view, the Bone Blade Fish Clan likely struck a deal with the Sheng Tian Sect."

"Given that our branch of the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe has been growing stronger, my grandfathers have managed to catch them off guard a few times, killing many of their members."

"They probably relocated to the area between our sacred lands and Linhai Prefecture. The Sheng Tian Sect has several members who failed to break through to the Life and Death Realm but survived. The Bone Blade Fish Clan must have feared them and struck a deal, offering their services in exchange for a place to live near Linhai Prefecture."

"Knowing the Bone Blade Fish Clan, the Sheng Tian Sect likely offered them food in exchange for their loyalty. Under pressure from us, this would be their best option." After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Qi concluded with this analysis.

Lin Qian nodded thoughtfully. "It seems that the 'help' Zhuge Ming mentioned might indeed be this Bone Blade Fish Clan."

"Emperor Lin, this matter concerns not just your Hua Xia Empire. Since the Bone Blade Fish Clan is involved, it makes sense for the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe to intervene as well," Zhang Qi said, only for Lin Qian to raise his hand, signaling him to stop.

"No, this is something the Hua Xia Empire can handle on its own. There's no need to alert your grandfathers. However, you are welcome to join in—I'm sure you'd enjoy taking out some of your frustrations on the Bone Blade Fish Clan, wouldn't you?" Lin Qian smiled at Zhang Qi.

Zhang Qi nodded seriously, "Indeed, it would be immensely satisfying to personally eliminate those scoundrels."

"Then it's settled. Once the Sheng Tian Sect defeats the alliance of the Shen Jian Sect, Beast Control Sect, and Jin Hai Sect, and fully controls Linhai Prefecture, we'll march in and reclaim the entire region." Lin Qian declared, slamming his hand on the armrest of his chair, sealing the decision.

Lei Qian, surprised by Lin Qian's words, quickly stood up. "Boss, shouldn't we inform the others? Like Sect Master Qin, Sect Master Mei..."

"Why should we inform them? This is a matter for the Hua Xia Empire. Why should they be involved?"

"Zhang Qi is a representative of our ally, the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe. Xin'er is my empress, and you are my younger brother, the Empire's Guard General. That's why we're discussing this matter here. It wouldn't be appropriate for others to hear about internal affairs of the Hua Xia Empire," Lin Qian explained to Lei Qian.

"But Boss, aren't you still a disciple of the Wanxiang Sect? Aren't you worried about what people might say? It could seem like you're betraying the sect..." Lei Qian asked, his eyes wide, though he quickly added, "Of course, I'm on your side, no matter what."

"The only one I owe anything to is my master, Wei Wushuang. As for the Wanxiang Sect, it seems they've been indebted to me for a while. So, what right do they have to say anything? I heard some elders had some interesting ideas, like saying I should hand over the warships to the sect!" Lin Qian roared in anger, smashing a nearby table to pieces with his palm.