The Empire at Stake

Shi Yi leaned against the ship's railing, his gaze sweeping across the distant sea. "Ji Lin's martial soul is of the mental-attack type, so it's best to find a mental-type spirit beast; that way, the effect of his spirit ring will be maximized."

Guang Ling curled his lip upon hearing this. "Little Eight, that sounds nice, but do you think it's that easy?"

"Mental-type spirit beasts are rare enough as it is, let alone finding one that's actually suitable for him. This ocean is vast—where are we supposed to look?"

Ji Lin sat in the middle of the deck, clutching a thick spirit beast encyclopedia. His brows were furrowed, clearly troubled by the same problem.

He looked up, his tone tinged with helplessness. "His Lordship is right; mental-type spirit beasts are indeed hard to find. And even if we find one, it might not necessarily be a good fit for me."

Shi Yi shook his head. "Difficult to find doesn't mean impossible. Since we've already set sail, as long as we search with patience, we'll eventually come across one."

Before he left, he had promised Xiao Che with absolute certainty that he would secure a suitable spirit ring for Ji Lin. If he messed this up, he wouldn't know how to show his face when he returned.

Snow Emperor suddenly spoke, catching everyone on the boat off guard. "As far as I know, there are far more hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts in the ocean than on the continent. Perhaps we really will find one."

Shi Yi gave a hum of agreement. "Snow Emperor is right. The variety of spirit beasts in the ocean is vast, and the deep-sea regions are rarely visited by humans; the number of hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts there is indeed far greater than on the continent."

His own last three hundred-thousand-year spirit rings had been obtained from sea spirit beasts; he truly hadn't thought much of those two blockheads in the Star Dou Forest.

At this moment, the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect was filled with celebration, adorned with lanterns and colorful streamers, all because today was Ning Rongrong's birthday.

In the main hall of the sect, Ning Fengzhi sat in the seat of honor, a gentle smile on his face as he watched the lively scene below.

Ning Rongrong wore a gorgeous pink gown, a delicate crystal crown resting upon her head, making her look every bit the little princess.

She stood in the center of the hall, her face beaming with a radiant smile as she accepted the blessings of the crowd.

"Rongrong, happy birthday!" The disciples of the sect offered their gifts and well-wishes one after another, creating a bustling and joyous atmosphere.

Just then, a cool, clear voice drifted in from the entrance of the hall: "Rongrong."

Everyone turned their heads toward the door upon hearing the voice.

Qian Lingche walked in slowly, dressed in blue, a faint, elusive smile playing on his lips.

Seeing this, Ning Fengzhi wore a gentle smile and stepped forward to greet him. "Xiao Che is here."

Qian Lingche smiled slightly, his tone carrying a touch of humility. "Uncle Ning is too kind. It's Rongrong's birthday, so naturally, I had to come and offer my congratulations."

This little girl followed Ning Jingchen to the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall whenever she had the chance, so Qian Lingche was quite familiar with her by now.

After speaking, he took out an exquisite jade box and handed it to Ning Rongrong. "Rongrong, this is your birthday gift. I hope you like it."

Ning Rongrong took the jade box, a flash of pleasant surprise in her eyes, and said sweetly, "Thank you, Brother Qian!"

She opened the box to find a crystal-clear jade pendant resting inside, engraved with exquisite patterns and emitting a faint glow.

Ning Rongrong's eyes were filled with adoration, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "What a beautiful pendant!"

Qian Lingche explained, "This pendant is called the 'Clear Heart Jade.' Wearing it can calm the mind and focus the spirit, which is of great benefit to cultivation."

Ning Rongrong said sweetly upon hearing this, "Brother Qian is so thoughtful! I love this gift!"

Qian Lingche reached out and gently ruffled Ning Rongrong's hair, his tone filled with indulgence. "Rongrong, happy birthday. I hope every day from now on is as happy as today."

Ning Rongrong tilted her little face up, her eyes full of smiles. "Thank you, Brother Qian!"

Ning Fengzhi said to Qian Lingche, "Xiao Che, sit down. Don't just stand there."

Qian Lingche nodded and walked over to Ning Jingchen, finding a seat beside him.

Once Qian Lingche was seated, Ning Jingchen leaned in with a smile and whispered, "What have you been up to lately? You've had the hall gates sealed for so long—were you busy cultivating again and forgot all about me?"

Qian Lingche felt a trace of helplessness flash in his eyes at this, and he replied in a low voice, "There have been quite a few things to deal with lately, and cultivation has taken up a fair amount of time."

Ning Jingchen curled his lip. "Give it a rest. What's the real reason?"

Qian Lingche chuckled and shook his head. "I can't hide anything from you. A while back, Emperor Xue Ye sent people over hoping I would help with the war between the two empires, so I've been avoiding him."

Ning Jingchen couldn't help but laugh at this, patting Qian Lingche on the shoulder. "Alright, stop thinking about all that. Since you're here, just relax and enjoy yourself today."

As the two were whispering, Ning Rongrong came bouncing over, holding the Clear Heart Jade in her hand, her face full of excitement.

"Brother Qian, this pendant is truly beautiful! After putting it on, I feel like my whole body is so much lighter!"

Qian Lingche nodded. "As long as you like it, Rongrong."

Ning Rongrong took his hand and said, "I will definitely cherish it!"

Seeing this, Ning Jingchen couldn't help but tease, "Rongrong, you're being so good to your Brother Qian that even I, your own brother, am starting to get jealous."

Ning Rongrong stuck out her tongue at his words and said playfully, "Brother, you get jealous too? Well, next time you give me a gift as beautiful as this, I won't play favorites anymore!"

Ning Jingchen was left between laughter and tears by his sister's words, shaking his head helplessly. "You girl, you're getting better at talking back every day."

Qian Lingche watched the siblings bicker, lifting his teacup to take a light sip, his eyes filled with a hint of warmth.

He liked this atmosphere; it was very cozy.

As the sky grew dark, Qian Lingche returned to the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall.

He stood on the balcony, gazing distractedly at the scenery outside the hall.

"I wonder how Brother Ling and the others are doing. They've been gone for so long," Qian Lingche murmured to himself.

Just as Qian Lingche was lost in thought, a flurry of hurried footsteps pulled his attention back.

A Cardinal hurried onto the terrace, his face etched with anxiety, fine beads of sweat even seeping from his forehead.

He arrived behind Qian Lingche and bowed respectfully, his tone laced with urgency: "Hall Master, a major incident has occurred!"

Qian Lingche's brows furrowed slightly as he turned around: "What is it? Speak clearly."

The Cardinal took a deep breath, struggling to steady his tone: "News has just arrived that two vassal states under the Heaven Dou Empire have been breached by the Star Luo Empire; full-scale war has now broken out!"

Upon hearing this news, a flash of coldness crossed Qian Lingche's eyes, though his face remained calm.

He was silent for a moment, then said indifferently: "The Star Luo Empire is certainly impatient, making their move so quickly."

The Cardinal nodded, his tone carrying a hint of worry: "Hall Master, do we need to take action? I fear this war will engulf the entire continent and even affect us."

Qian Lingche did not answer, instead turning to look out at the night.

A moment later, he spoke slowly: "Pass down the order: the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall shall remain neutral and must not interfere in the war between the two empires."

"At the same time, seal the hall gates, decline all visitors, and strengthen the internal defenses to prevent anyone with ulterior motives from seizing this opportunity to stir up trouble."

Hearing this, the Cardinal nodded quickly: "Yes, Hall Master! This subordinate will go and make the arrangements at once!"