"Higher status than mine? Ancestor, are you serious?" Yuan Zhizun asked, his eyes wide with disbelief after hearing Yuan Xiang's words. He couldn't comprehend what kind of person could make Yuan Xiang issue such an order.
Yuan Zhizun was not someone obsessed with power. At his level of existence, his primary concern was how to advance to the next realm, not holding onto authority. He was the spiritual pillar of the Yuan family, and the family's continued prosperity relied on his protection.
However, Yuan Zhizun was eager to know who this person was that had led Yuan Xiang to make such an arrangement. "Ancestor, can you tell me why this person, who may control the fate of the Yuan family in the future, is so special?"
"He's a very young man, currently only at the Life and Death Realm. But he's someone who can create miracles," Yuan Xiang replied, understanding his descendant's concern. He knew Yuan Zhizun wasn't worried about losing his status but was simply anxious about the future of the Yuan family.
"His soul is incredibly strong, and he possesses a massive amount of unknown national destiny. Even my imprinted form would be injured if I entered his sea of consciousness."
Hearing this, Yuan Zhizun, who had initially frowned upon learning that Lin Qian was only at the Life and Death Realm, now showed a look of astonishment. He was well aware of the level his ancestor had reached.
In the outside world, it was rumored that Yuan Xiang had died long ago. In reality, only he, a few of the family elders, and the current head of the family knew that the ancestor was still alive. Occasionally, Yuan Xiang would secretly return to the Soul Martial Continent to deliver valuable items to the family.
This was why, even after the great war over 30,000 years ago, the Yuan family remained one of the top families on the continent.
"And that young man's soul glow has twelve layers, which means he underwent twelve rounds of nirvana," Yuan Xiang added.
At this revelation, even someone as composed as Yuan Zhizun was left speechless. He stammered, "An-ancestor, you... you can't be serious, right?"
"You think I would joke about this?" Yuan Xiang replied with a chuckle.
Seeing his ancestor's assurance, Yuan Zhizun finally believed that such an extraordinary person truly existed.
"His name is Lin Qian. You don't need to seek him out or approach him deliberately. When the time is right, meet him and tell him it's on my order."
"Remember, unless it would mean the destruction of the Yuan family, you must fulfill any requests or orders he gives. When the time comes, you, Little Supreme, will personally receive him."
Yuan Zhizun could only nod and agree to his ancestor's instructions. He then asked, "Ancestor, what do you mean by 'when the time is right'?"
"When this young man appears on your radar, that's when the time is right," Yuan Xiang explained as he waved his hand. Lin Qian's image appeared before them.
Seeing Lin Qian's handsome face, Yuan Zhizun's expression suddenly turned thoughtful. "Strange, this young man's eyebrows resemble someone from the Yun family."
Curious, Yuan Zhizun kept his thoughts to himself and simply nodded, indicating that he had taken note of Yuan Xiang's instructions.
"Little Supreme, let me make one thing clear. This young man has a deep connection with me. If you ignore my words and he dies because of the Yuan family, I will personally return to the Soul Martial Continent."
"And if that happens, the entire Yuan family may have to pay with their lives—not because of my actions, but because of him. Understand?"
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Yuan Zhizun solemnly vowed to his ancestor that he would follow his instructions to the letter.
Satisfied with the promise, Yuan Xiang nodded and, with a flash of light, disappeared from Yuan Zhizun's sight.
After the imprinted form of his ancestor left, Yuan Zhizun finally exhaled a sigh of relief and sat down heavily.
The sudden orders from his ancestor had left Yuan Zhizun somewhat bewildered, but he trusted that Yuan Xiang had his reasons. Moreover, given the ancestor's description, this young man named Lin Qian must be extraordinarily gifted.
Throughout the countless years, Yuan Xiang had often returned to secretly assist the family, providing valuable cultivation techniques, soul skills, pills, and soul devices. It was clear that Yuan Xiang still held deep affection for his family.
If the ancestor had arranged this, it might indeed be a blessing for the Yuan family.
"Lin Qian... but this young man really does look a lot like that Yun family member," Yuan Zhizun muttered as he stroked his beard and studied Lin Qian's face.
"Although the Yun family had some trouble, the Yun family member left with his children, son-in-law, and loyal retainers. And now that I think about it, that son-in-law's surname was Lin…"
At this realization, Yuan Zhizun's eyes lit up, and he quickly called out, "Bring me the records and image crystal of the Yun family's former son-in-law, the one with the surname Lin."
"Yes, sir!" came the reply from outside. Within the time it took to brew a cup of tea, the requested items were delivered to Yuan Zhizun's cabin.
He opened the records and activated the image crystal containing the likeness of Yun family's Lin son-in-law.
"Lin Di... I see. It seems my suspicions were correct," Yuan Zhizun remarked with a knowing smile after comparing the faces of Lin Di and Lin Qian.
Afterward, Yuan Zhizun carefully put away the records and issued another order. "Send covert aid to the new Yun family. Provide them with pills and soul devices, as well as a few discreet assets."
"Understood!" The Yuan family member outside the cabin nodded, though he looked puzzled, unsure why Yuan Zhizun had given such an order.
Just as he was about to leave, Yuan Zhizun's voice echoed again from within the cabin, "Also, summon all the elders and the top ten geniuses from the Heaven, Earth, and Human lists. I have something important to discuss with them."
The Yuan family member outside the cabin froze in shock at the command.
If Yuan Zhizun was calling such a gathering, then something significant must be happening!
"Well? Get moving!" Yuan Zhizun's voice snapped him out of his daze, and the Yuan family member quickly bowed and flew off toward Yuan Family City.
Back in the Four Corners World, Lin Qian watched as Yuan Xiang returned with a smile on his face, looking quite pleased with himself.
"Kid, when you reach the Soul Martial Continent, your path will be much smoother. When the time comes, make sure to properly repay those who helped you."
Yuan Xiang's words left Lin Qian completely bewildered. As he watched the ethereal figure walking away with his hands behind his back, Lin Qian couldn't make sense of it.
Little did Lin Qian know that, thanks to Yuan Xiang, he now had a powerful force on his side in the Soul Martial Continent!