"Ornamental fish species?"
Thinking back to the terrifying Purple Demon Fish that had flown toward them, Ye Xin still felt a lingering fear. If it hadn't been for Lin Qian's Zhu Xian Sword Formation severely wounding the creature and his incredible final strike, they both might have been killed.
Yet now, with the return of the three elders, they were telling her that the ferocious and powerful fish was merely an ornamental species?
"We suspect that within the ruins, there may be other living beings still sealed away," Fang Shuiwen said, his tone heavy as he recalled the scene in the ruins.
At this mention, Zhou Yian and Yang Guixiang, standing beside him, also showed signs of apprehension on their faces.
Back in the ruins, it had felt like a small world, vast and filled with countless seals. If the creatures behind those seals were similar in strength to the Purple Demon Fish, the consequences of their release would be catastrophic for the entire Soul Martial Continent.
"We hurried to escape the ruins, but unfortunately, the formation controlling access had already been broken by the fish. There was no way to seal it again."
"We were planning to rest here and figure out what to do next. We certainly didn't expect to run into you and hear that you had dealt with the Purple Demon Fish."
Hearing this, Ye Xin understood the gravity of the situation. As Fang Shuiwen mentioned, if the creatures sealed in the ruins were released, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"By the way, when you returned, did you notice the state of the exit tunnel? What is the situation now?"
Ye Xin vividly recalled how the exit had been blocked by a purple barrier, preventing them from leaving. It now seemed likely that the Purple Demon Fish had created that barrier to better devour everything in the underground world.
"It's gone now. We can leave anytime," Yang Guixiang nodded, responding to Ye Xin.
Ye Xin acknowledged this but remained cautious. "Even though the exit is now unblocked, we shouldn't leave hastily. Xiao Qian is gravely injured and still unconscious. The removal of the barrier will surely draw the attention of the Fengxun Clan. If we leave too soon, it could endanger Xiao Qian."
"For now, we should stay put and wait for Xiao Qian to wake up before making any decisions," Ye Xin continued, looking seriously at the three elders. "During this time, the three of you must ensure Xiao Qian's safety."
When Ye Xin spoke these words, her tone was firm and commanding. She wasn't merely asking the elders to protect Lin Qian; she was issuing an order.
In truth, Lin Qian had suffered these injuries while trying to rescue the three of them. The elders had been loyal followers of Yun Fan, and even after arriving in the Southern Domain, that fact hadn't changed. To the three of them, Lin Qian was their young master. Protecting him was their duty.
The elders didn't object to Ye Xin's command. On the contrary, they nodded in agreement. "That is only right."
With that said, Ye Xin stood and left the room, heading back to Lin Qian's side to quietly guard over him.
After she left, the three elders fell silent. Finally, Zhou Yian spoke first. "The young master has found himself an extraordinary woman, far from just a pretty face."
"She doesn't know that we swore a heart demon oath long ago to protect the young master with our lives. It's natural that she would try to assert her authority," Fang Shuiwen said, smiling. "If we were people with ill intentions, the young master would indeed be in a vulnerable position right now."
"She is strong and decisive. This was her way of warning us not to act impulsively or do anything that would harm the young master," Yang Guixiang added, admiration clear in his tone. "In the future, her support may very well be the young master's greatest asset."
As Ye Xin left the elders' quarters, she let out a soft sigh and glanced back at the house. "I hope the three of them don't do anything foolish," she muttered.
Afterward, Ye Xin hurried back to the Green Spirit Clan elder's house, where Lin Qian had been resting. She brought him to a new room next to the three elders' temporary quarters, continuing to keep a close watch on him.
The Green Spirit Clan had a unique ability: they could control the growth of plants, accelerating their development. However, this talent had limitations. While the plants would grow rapidly in size, they wouldn't necessarily mature in age, and their intrinsic qualities wouldn't fully develop.
For instance, the new house they now stayed in appeared to be made from century-old trees, but in truth, the trees were only sixteen years old.
This was because Cui Yu, the young Green Spirit girl, was sixteen, and the accelerated growth of the trees was tied to her own age and ability.
Nevertheless, the spiritual energy inside the house felt incredibly pure and refreshing, providing comfort and aid to Lin Qian's recovery.
"It's truly a comforting atmosphere," Ye Xin murmured as she gently placed Lin Qian on the bed. His previously furrowed brow relaxed, and she looked over at Cui Yu. "The spiritual energy in this village feels much cleaner and purer than in the outside world."
"Our clan's gift allows us to accelerate the growth of spirit plants, which helps purify the surrounding energy. It makes people feel more at ease," Cui Yu explained with a slight smile, though her expression quickly turned melancholy. "But in the end, we're still considered a lower-class race, sister."
She continued, her voice tinged with helplessness, "The Earth Spirit Clan is the same. Their talent allows them to soften the soil and evenly distribute nutrients for the soul beasts they raise. It's useful for growing fat and tasty soul beasts, but that's it."
"The Wood Spirit Clan, the Green Spirit Clan, and the Earth Spirit Clan—we're all just considered farming and livestock races to the Fengxun Clan."
"You're part of the human race, and you have a powerful martial soul. That makes you one of the higher races, sister. It must be nice."
Hearing the tone of pure envy, without resentment or jealousy, Ye Xin's heart trembled. She could see that Cui Yu wasn't bitter, just full of admiration, yet she clearly felt inferior.
After a brief silence, Ye Xin placed a hand gently on Cui Yu's shoulder and spoke softly, "You know, my husband is the ruler of an empire. He once said something to his people that I will never forget."
"No matter what your talent is, never give up on yourself."