The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

After Wei Wushuang went back inside, Lin Qian flashed a mischievous grin as he turned to Lei Qian. "Hehehe, Lei Qian..."

Seeing the peculiar smile on Lin Qian's face, Lei Qian shivered involuntarily and took a few steps back. "Boss, what are you planning?"

"Of course, it's time for some training!" Lin Qian suddenly shouted as he kicked toward Lei Qian. The swift strike whistled through the air, reaching Lei Qian in the blink of an eye.

Clang!

However, unlike before, Lin Qian's kick didn't connect with Lei Qian's chest but was instead blocked by the flashing purple lightning soul power of Lei Qian's Thunder Sword.

"Interesting. Your reactions have gotten faster," Lin Qian noted, his eyes gleaming with surprise. "It seems I should really see you in a new light after a few days apart."

With that, Lin Qian's body surged with bright yellow soul power as he launched another attack toward Lei Qian.

Lei Qian quickly composed himself, fully aware that Lin Qian might be able to afford to take it easy, but he couldn't. Despite being called "training," Lei Qian knew from experience that Lin Qian's strikes were far from gentle—they were, in fact, quite brutal.

By dusk, Lei Qian lay sprawled on the ground, his face swollen like a pig's, breathing heavily. In contrast, Lin Qian, though drenched in sweat, bore no injuries.

"If I hadn't fought Lei Kuo recently, I might really think I'm useless," Lei Qian chuckled, lying on the ground and gazing at the sunset-streaked clouds. "But what you said that day really woke me up. If I don't believe in myself, how can I ever become strong?"

Lin Qian laughed as well, looking at his hands. "The most important thing is to compare yourself to who you were yesterday. If you're stronger today, you'll find that many people have unknowingly fallen behind."

Lei Qian remained silent, seemingly lost in thought.

Suddenly, a shadow flew through the air, landing right on his face.

His already bruised face stung as something smacked into it, causing Lei Qian to cry out in pain and leap to his feet.

Once he steadied himself, he realized that the object that hit him was a nameless book.

"This is the surprise I promised you," Lin Qian said with a grin as Lei Qian looked at him in confusion, signaling for him to open the book.

Curious, Lei Qian opened the book and began reading its contents. By the time he finished the first page, his expression had changed. The further he read, the more serious his face became.

After finishing the entire book, Lei Qian sat there, stunned, unable to calm his mind.

Looking up at Lin Qian, Lei Qian started to speak but was quickly interrupted.

"Don't ask where it came from—I won't tell you anyway. Just know that this is one of a kind," Lin Qian said, pointing to the book in Lei Qian's hands. "And trust me, the effects will far exceed your expectations."

Upon hearing Lin Qian's words, Lei Qian clutched the book tightly, overwhelmed with emotion. The book contained a cultivation technique that not only detailed the meridian routes for cultivating soul power but also methods for effectively tempering the body.

But what shocked Lei Qian the most was that the cultivation technique seemed tailor-made for him. It felt like it was specifically designed to maximize his potential.

Compared to this nameless cultivation technique, his current cultivation method, the Thunder Art, felt like garbage. He was confident that if he started cultivating this new technique, his strength would undergo a monumental transformation.

"Catch!"

Lin Qian's voice suddenly rang out. Lei Qian instinctively reached out and caught a warm crystal bottle, filled with a familiar crimson liquid.

However, today's liquid seemed darker than usual.

"Every night, this potion will push your potential to its limit, and the sparring sessions will help you adjust and master your newfound strength," Lin Qian explained.

Understanding Lin Qian's intentions, Lei Qian looked at him, unsure of what to say.

"Why are you being so good to me?"

"You call me 'boss,' don't you? Besides, you'll be working for me in the future. You didn't think you were getting all these potions and techniques for free, did you?" Lin Qian laughed as he pulled Lei Qian to his feet. "Now get out of here. What are you still hanging around for?"

With a respectful nod, Lei Qian carefully stored the nameless cultivation technique and potion before leaving the mansion on Mount Maoqing.

Watching Lei Qian's departing figure, Lin Qian smiled to himself.

Lei Qian's strong desire to grow was one reason why Lin Qian had decided to help him. Based on their sparring sessions and data gathered, Zhuge Ming had analyzed that Lei Qian harbored immense potential that had yet to be fully realized.

Before the development of the Substitute Puppets, Zhuge Ming believed that His Majesty should have capable individuals by his side. Since Lei Qian had shown up with such resolve, why not use him?

The nameless cultivation technique Lin Qian had given Lei Qian was specifically designed by the Heavenly Works Division, based on Lei Qian's data. Combined with the Nirvana Flame Bath potion, it would maximize his potential.

As Zhuge Ming had put it, if Lei Qian intended to work for Lin Qian, his current level of strength was far too weak. If his strength was insufficient, then he would need to be trained up.

Moreover, Lei Qian made an excellent sparring partner. Although it seemed that Lin Qian was merely sparring with him, in reality, Zhuge Ming and the Heavenly Works Division were using the Sky Scar to intensify the weight on Lin Qian's body during their bouts.

Every time Lin Qian fought, it felt like he was carrying a mountain on his back, with his soul power partially restricted. However, his physical body was so strong that Lei Qian's attacks couldn't inflict any serious damage.

"Your Majesty, this person is quite promising. He never complains and seems to have a strong will. He's worth keeping," Zhuge Ming's image appeared before Lin Qian, visible only to him through the system interface.

Lin Qian nodded. "Indeed, he's a good candidate."

"Your Majesty, there are twenty-five days left until the Ancient Ruins open. At that time, you'll meet your future empress. Would you like to prepare a gift for her?" Zhuge Ming asked with a knowing smile.

Zhuge Ming's reminder made Lin Qian smack his forehead. "Ah, good thing you reminded me, or I would have forgotten!"

But then Lin Qian frowned. "But what should I give her when I see her?"

"Your Majesty, you've lived another life and have known the Empress since childhood. Why not think back on your memories together…" Zhuge Ming suggested.

"You're right. I know exactly what to give her. She'll love it!" Lin Qian said, his face lighting up with excitement.