The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

Zhang Qi was practicing the cultivation technique and using the potions Lin Qian had given him. The effects needed to be closely observed, so he stayed by Lin Qian's side. Over time, Zhang Qi gradually became more familiar with Zhang Zide, Li Yunfeng, and, naturally, Zhang Wenxuan.

As for the talented human ally of the Western Branch Clan, his solitary nature kept him distant from Lin Qian's group.

Thus, during this clan competition, a small circle of friends formed around Lin Qian.

The competition itself took a long time, and many of the geniuses on the viewing platforms would meditate and cultivate during the breaks.

After some casual conversation, Zhang Zide and the others planned to sit and cultivate.

To them, the first-round matches seemed trivial and not worth their attention. It felt like a waste of time to watch.

But just as they were about to begin cultivating, Lin Qian stopped them. "Trust me, you'd be better off watching every match carefully."

Hearing Lin Qian's advice, they looked at him with curiosity, not understanding why.

With their strength and cultivation levels, the first few rounds mainly featured lower-level competitors. Watching such battles seemed pointless. They believed their time would be better spent refining their cultivation and enhancing their levels.

Seeing their confused expressions, Lin Qian chuckled and explained, "If these were ordinary battles between low-level cultivators, then yes, it wouldn't be necessary. But don't forget, everyone participating in this competition has some talent, right?"

They all nodded in agreement with Lin Qian's assessment.

"These talented soul cultivators are fighting with everything they've got right in front of you. Every match is a valuable opportunity to learn, even if you don't realize it yet," Lin Qian continued, noticing their still-doubtful looks.

"Even if their cultivation is lower than yours, every fighter is unique, with different fighting styles. You might even find nuances between fighters who seem similar."

"Even those at the Primordial Formation Stage have their strengths. When you watch these battles, your goal should be to find those strengths and learn from them."

"At the same time, try to identify their weaknesses. Compare those flaws to your own and make sure you avoid them. If you share those weaknesses, work on correcting them."

"Another fun method is to put yourself in their shoes. If you had their level of strength, how would you respond? How would you fight? Could you do better?"

"Power isn't just about soul energy and physical strength; experience and knowledge are key. Watching these matches can help increase your experience. It's a rare opportunity."

"Will a few days of cultivation really improve your levels? Breaking through the Life and Death Stage isn't just about increasing your soul energy."

"Who knows? Watching these battles might even inspire a breakthrough."

Lin Qian's words took them by surprise. They had never thought of it this way.

"Who says you can't learn from lower-level battles?" Li Yunfeng, the battle enthusiast, was the first to realize the value in Lin Qian's advice. Though he didn't stand up, he remained seated with his eyes glued to the battle stage.

"Lin, my brother, you've truly opened our eyes," Zhang Zide admitted, abandoning his plans to cultivate and turning his attention to the matches.

Zhang Qi and Zhang Wenxuan, also quite talented, quickly followed suit, focusing on the battles below.

Seeing everyone engrossed in the matches, Zhang Nianxin also felt a surge of inspiration from Lin Qian's words, as if a light had gone off in his mind.

Meanwhile, on the Western Branch Clan's viewing platform, a young human cultivator scoffed as he watched the Eastern Branch Clan.

"To watch such low-level battles with such enthusiasm—it's clear they are all just fame-seekers," he sneered.

Over on the Northern Branch Clan's platform, Wu Chunshan's face was twisted with anger as he repeatedly glanced at the Eastern Branch Clan's platform. Seeing Lin Qian getting along so well with Li Yunfeng only made him more frustrated.

In the past, when Wei Wushuang joined the Yunhai Sect, his talent quickly outshone Wu Chunshan's. He became a strong candidate for the position of deputy sect master.

Driven by jealousy, Wu Chunshan had plotted against Wei Wushuang, bribing disciples close to him to poison him during his cultivation. Wei Wushuang, unable to believe that those he trusted would betray him, ended up severely weakened and eventually left the Yunhai Sect.

Wu Chunshan's plan succeeded. He became the sole shining star of his generation, rising to become the youngest deputy sect master in the Yunhai Sect.

But he never expected to encounter Wei Wushuang's disciple here, let alone see him becoming friends with the heir of the Carefree Sect.

Could he eliminate Lin Qian to cut off any future threats?

Wu Chunshan considered it but ultimately dismissed the idea.

Given that Lin Qian was Wei Wushuang's disciple, he likely knew the truth about the past. Now that he was on good terms with Li Yunfeng, it was impossible that he hadn't already informed him.

If Lin Qian were to die, Li Yunfeng would undoubtedly figure out that it was Wu Chunshan who orchestrated it.

Furthermore, Lin Qian was residing in the Eastern Branch Clan's residence, under the protection of Zhang Nianxin, who had once been a prominent figure among the Eight-Armed Sea Clan. Zhang Nianxin's strength far exceeded Wu Chunshan's.

He never imagined that this clan competition would bring such disaster.

"I'll just have to find a way to beg for mercy from this brat," Wu Chunshan thought to himself. "Hopefully, his arrogance will make him overlook me."

"As long as he spares me, I'll endure whatever humiliation is necessary. Once my strength surpasses his, I'll find a way to deal with him."

"Back then, I was able to destroy Wei Wushuang, despite his talent. There's no reason I can't do the same to his disciple." His eyes filled with malice as he plotted.

However, Wu Chunshan had no idea that Wei Wushuang, who he thought was gone, was very much alive. He hadn't joined Lin Qian on this trip simply because he didn't care to be involved.

As Wu Chunshan stewed in his thoughts, Zhang Keren sat on the Western Branch Clan's platform, feeling a pang of regret as he watched the Eastern Branch Clan.

Before the water array had activated, he had seen Zhang Zide chatting happily with Zhang Nianxin. In contrast, when Zhang Keren had greeted Zhang Zide earlier, he had received a cold response.

The water array now concealed the Eastern Branch Clan's platform, preventing outsiders from seeing or hearing what was happening within.

But inside the platform, the sound of a fierce argument filled the air.