Become Grandma Huo's master? What did that mean?
Lin Qian was shocked when he heard this. Could it be that she was suggesting he control the entire Soul Martial Continent, just like he controlled the Four Regions?
Lin Qian knew exactly what it meant to control the Four Regions, but controlling the entire Soul Martial Continent? That was something he hadn't experienced yet. The thought filled him with both curiosity and a hint of excitement.
However, Lin Qian quickly calmed down, knowing that things were not as simple as they seemed.
According to Grandma Huo, many had come to this place before, including Yuan Xiang.
Why would they come here? At first, Lin Qian hadn't understood, but now it was clear: these people had likely come for the same reason Grandma Huo was speaking of now—she was looking for a master.
"So, Grandma Huo, have you been searching for a master all this time? Did the others who came here try as well?" After a moment of thought, Lin Qian voiced his question.
Grandma Huo had expected this question from Lin Qian long before he asked it.
"That's right. If an Earth Spirit has a master, the situation changes drastically, especially for a place like the Soul Martial Continent," Grandma Huo explained, smiling at Lin Qian. "A place with an Earth Spirit is highly sought after because of two miraculous abilities."
"The first ability is to enhance the concentration of spiritual energy, and with that energy, form defensive barriers. For any power, having a star governed by an Earth Spirit as their territory is highly advantageous."
"The second ability is to devour the Earth Spirit. Some Celestials cultivate Earth Spirits on purpose or seek out small stars that have developed Earth Spirits. Once the Earth Spirit matures, they devour it to rapidly increase their own strength, causing their cultivation realms to soar."
Hearing this, Lin Qian grew puzzled. "If that's the case, wouldn't you, Grandma, be afraid of finding a master? Aren't you worried they might devour you once they take control? And why would you tell me this, knowing I could someday consume you?"
Grandma Huo sighed and looked at Lin Qian. "But, child, I am a broken fragment of an Earth Spirit, incomplete. If I don't find a master, I will eventually dissipate."
"I know my own situation very well. In another ten thousand years, I will completely break down. That's why, by the heavens' grace, I've found someone like you." Grandma Huo sighed emotionally, looking at Lin Qian. "In the long span of time, many people have come here, but I never told any of them about devouring the Earth Spirit—except you. Do you know why?"
"Why?" Lin Qian asked.
"Because I trust you. A wise emperor like you, who ensures even the humblest people live good lives, would never devour me." Grandma Huo's eyes were filled with sincerity as she looked at Lin Qian.
Lin Qian could see the trust in her gaze, and after a long pause, he rubbed his forehead and laughed. "Grandma Huo, you certainly have me figured out. If I truly became your master, I would never devour you."
"Because if that day comes, you will be one of my citizens—a part of the Hua Xia Empire. How could I ever devour one of my own citizens just to increase my strength?" Lin Qian said, laughing heartily. "On the contrary, I would much rather see you enhance the spiritual energy of the Soul Martial Continent, making it even more abundant."
Grandma Huo had anticipated Lin Qian's response, but hearing it in person still moved her deeply.
She was grateful that the Soul Martial Continent had someone like Lin Qian.
Ten thousand years might seem like an eternity to an ordinary person, but to Grandma Huo, it was fleeting.
She didn't want to collapse like this. She had used her power to turn this fragment into a star, and she wanted to watch over the beings living on this star for much longer. How could she let herself fall apart so easily?
And the recent emergence of the Dark Lord worried her. She didn't know where he had come from, but it was clear that, even in the lower realms, he knew the Soul Martial Continent was a fragment of Celestial land.
He had set his sights on her, plotting to take control. All she could do was use the spiritual energy at her disposal to defend the star, preventing the Dark Lord from entering.
Yet, despite her efforts, she could do nothing to stop the Dark Lord's schemes as they unfolded across the Soul Martial Continent.
Death energy had begun to spread across the land, corroding her defenses. The undead army would continue to slaughter the inhabitants of her star—the people she considered her children.
But then Lin Qian appeared. She discovered this remarkable individual, an unprecedented emperor, the ruler of the Hua Xia Empire, who was still so young.
For some reason, Grandma Huo had a feeling—a gut instinct—that Lin Qian was the master she had waited for over countless years. He was the one who could keep her from falling apart and possibly restore her to her full potential.
Filled with emotion, Grandma Huo could not help but tremble. Using what little control she had, she had brought Lin Qian to the heart of the fragment, hoping he could become her master.
"So, Grandma, what must I do to become your master?" After a long pause, Lin Qian looked at Grandma Huo and asked.
At that moment, he remembered that many people had come before him, and all of them had failed.
Could he really succeed?
After all, Grandma Huo was the Earth Spirit of land from the Celestial Realm.
"The others failed because they couldn't withstand the immense force that comes with becoming my master. This force is part of the natural laws of the universe. We Earth Spirits are born from these laws and are an extension of them."
"So, to become my master, you must be able to suppress the laws of the universe itself. Only Celestials are capable of doing this. That's why, after so many years, no one has succeeded—they were not Celestials."
"However, are you willing to try?" Grandma Huo asked cautiously, looking at Lin Qian.
After a moment of contemplation, Lin Qian smiled confidently. "In all these years, I've never lost. Since I'm here, of course, I'll try."
"After all, failure is nothing to fear. It's giving up that's truly terrifying."