The Star River Empress had originally thought that upon hearing her words, Lin Ming would, even if he did not break down in tears, at least show some fear.
After all, she was a Seventh Layer of the Twelfth Tier powerhouse. Even a mere projection of her was enough to make countless people tremble. She had even prepared what to say, intending to let this young man taste the agony of a shattered Dao Heart, just as he had done to her son.
She had seen far too many so-called geniuses collapse before true power. She believed the young man before her would be no exception.
However, she soon realized she had overthought it.
Lin Ming stood where he was, his expression calm as still water, as though he were not facing a Tier Twelve powerhouse, but merely an ordinary passerby.
He even smiled. There was an indescribable meaning in that smile, seeming both mocking and excited.
He raised his head slightly and looked straight at the Star River Empress without the slightest hint of retreat.
"Tier Twelve... is this all there is to it?" Lin Ming spoke slowly. His voice was not loud, yet it clearly reached everyone's ears, like a heavy hammer striking their hearts.
"Kill the young one, and the old one comes running. You great clans really are all the same."
The Star River Empress's expression darkened slightly. She had not expected this young man to be so recklessly fearless.
Yet Lin Ming seemed not to notice her expression and continued speaking, his tone carrying a composure that could not be ignored.
"Still... this is good too. I was just worrying about not having an opponent. Your arrival has instead given me the motivation to grow stronger. This Star Sea is finally getting a little interesting."