The Celestial Sprites knew how fragile their tiny bodies were. They truly found it hard to believe that such a powerful being had invaded their little world—Lin Qi looked only about a meter taller than them, and perhaps three to five times their size. How could he possibly be so formidable? This made no sense at all!
As the smoke and dust dispersed, Lin Qi, Lan Mei, and Lan Ling hovered in midair above a massive crater nearly a hundred miles deep. A translucent, earth-yellow crystal sphere enveloped the three of them, wisps of smoke and fire continuously rising from its dazzling, multicolored surface. Lin Qi stood inside the sphere with his hands behind his back, coldly watching the sky gradually clear. Then he suddenly laughed icily. "Elders of the Celestial Sprite Clan, I know you can see me, and hear me!"
High in the sky, the enormous dark-blue eye shifted slightly. A gale suddenly blew in from the horizon, and a hoarse, trembling voice carried on the wind. "Of... of course. The great Celestial Sprites can see you, and hear what you say."
"Send out a representative. Let's have a proper talk!" Lin Qi snorted. The crystal sphere around him cracked apart, turning into countless specks of light that drifted away. His body slowly rose toward the sky as he said coldly, "Send someone who can make decisions. I guarantee his safety! We need to have a good talk—for instance, about the benefits and treatment you'll receive after pledging yourselves to me."
"The benefits and treatment after pledging ourselves to you?" The Celestial Sprite elders were led around by Lin Qi's words. That hoarse voice snorted and stammered, "You can't afford to support us. Our consumption... uh, uh, what nonsense are you spouting? We will never obey your orders!