394: Chapter 394 The Nine Lotus Fairy, whose true intentions lay elsewhere, bestowed an imperial decree!

Fairy Jiulian's expression was undoubtedly one of surprise; even she had originally thought Lin Ran would die in the Wuzhong Forbidden Zone, but she never expected him to return completely unscathed!

It seemed Her Majesty the Empress had been working behind the scenes!

Little Prince Chen Lian was also stunned, but he soon realized that Empress Mo Chenxin must have been secretly protecting Lin Ran, which allowed him to return safe and sound!

Otherwise, with only a cultivation of the Divine Fire Realm Ninth Heaven, how could Lin Ran have stayed in the Wuzhong Forbidden Zone for two months?

His eyes were bloodshot as he stared at Lin Ran with murderous intent, wishing he could slice him into a thousand pieces!

Even he understood that Empress Mo Chenxin was secretly protecting Lin Ran; how could the other old fogies not understand?

However, due to Empress Mo Chenxin's authority, those stubborn old fogies wouldn't say anything openly, nor would they harbor resentment toward her.

But at the very least, they could still harbor resentment toward Lin Ran.

Empress Mo Chenxin slowly scanned everyone present. General Tiance also stood there, already fully prepared and ready to go.

"Although Lin Ran is a Disciple of our Zifu Holy Land, he accidentally killed Xiang Mo during the Recruitment Ceremony's assessment, breaking the ironclad rule."

"Therefore, I sent Lin Ran to the Wuzhong Forbidden Zone to reflect on his actions for two months."

"However, Lin Ran felt this punishment was insufficient, so he volunteered to head to the Koumo Desert to deal with the Sand Bandits."

"The Sand Bandits are a great scourge to the people of the world. If he can deal with them, Lin Ran will undoubtedly be benefiting all living beings."

As soon as these words were spoken, all the young Prodigies were stunned.

Lin Ran volunteered to go to the Koumo Desert to deal with the Sand Bandits?!

Is he serious?!

The Koumo Desert is vast and boundless, and the Sand Bandits hidden within are countless. Who would dare say they could completely exterminate them?!

Even a powerhouse of the Seven-Star Divine Realm would probably find it difficult to achieve, right?!

If Lin Ran goes alone, wouldn't it be no different from seeking death?!

The way everyone looked at Lin Ran couldn't help but change slightly.

"Of course, besides Lin Ran, I will also select several young Prodigies and General Tiance to accompany him to the Koumo Desert."

Empress Mo Chenxin said indifferently.

She gave a cursory glance at the new Disciples, her red lips parting slightly as she slowly called out several names:

"Chen Mu, Ming Chuan, Saintess Yu Luo, Little Prince Chen Lian, the four of you and General Tiance will accompany Lin Ran to the Koumo Desert!"

"As you command!"

General Tiance cupped his fist slightly and spoke with great respect.

Chen Mu and the other three respectfully cupped their fists and said, "As you command!"

Seeing that she wasn't on the list, Fairy Jiulian immediately grew anxious and even had the audacity to approach Empress Mo Chenxin, making constant hand gestures.

"What does this mean?"

Empress Mo Chenxin frowned.

Yu Xi summoned her courage to come to Fairy Jiulian's side and explained:

"Your Majesty, the Young Miss's meaning is that she also wants to go to the Koumo Desert to deal with the Sand Bandits."

"The Sand Bandits have long plagued the world's people. Dealing with them is a matter for all under heaven, and she does not want to just stand by and watch!"

Fairy Jiulian nodded heavily with a determined gaze.

"Oh? Is that so?"

Empress Mo Chenxin's gaze inexplicably became profound as she looked Fairy Jiulian up and down.

Wanting to contribute to dealing with the Sand Bandits?

Hah!

In her eyes, it was merely a case of having ulterior motives!

"Good! Very good! As expected of Fairy Jiulian, not only is your talent extraordinary, but you also care for all living beings!"

"Isn't that right? Since Fairy Jiulian has such intentions, I think Your Majesty the Empress shouldn't refuse."

"Why refuse? One more person means more strength. To be able to resolve the Sand Bandit issue, Your Majesty the Empress would be more than happy!"

The surrounding young Prodigies discussed among themselves.

But what they didn't see was that Empress Mo Chenxin's expression was becoming increasingly unsightly, as if a storm were brewing on her face.

However, soon a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, and she said, "Since Disciple Yu Xin has such intentions, I naturally won't refuse."

"In that case, we'll count you in as well. Head to the Koumo Desert together!"

Fairy Jiulian was overjoyed and hurriedly cupped her fist toward Empress Mo Chenxin.

"By the way, when you go to the Koumo Desert, remember to bring that translator of yours along, lest others cannot understand your meaning."

Empress Mo Chenxin said with a faint smile.

Fairy Jiulian nodded heavily, seemingly not catching the underlying meaning in Empress Mo Chenxin's words.

Lin Ran frowned slightly and gave Empress Mo Chenxin a deep look, not understanding what she was thinking.

Empress Mo Chenxin continued, "Furthermore, on this trip to the Koumo Desert, all of you must follow Lin Ran's orders. Lin Ran shall be the leader of you all!"

"Lin Ran, this is my imperial token. Seeing the imperial token is like seeing me!"

"With the imperial token in hand, you may issue any command. If anyone dares to disobey, you have the authority to execute first and report later!"

With a light wave of her right hand, she handed a dark golden token to Lin Ran.

The token was very heavy, with a large character for 'Emperor' carved on both sides. A thick imperial pressure washed over them, filling the area.

*Hiss—*

"This... this... isn't this the imperial token that symbolizes Your Majesty the Empress's identity?! Your Majesty actually dares to temporarily hand the imperial token to Lin Ran?!"

"This... this is too... Does Your Majesty the Empress value Lin Ran that much?!"

"With the imperial token in hand, Lin Ran has the authority to execute first and report later. Who would dare to defy Lin Ran's orders now?!"

"Exactly! In my view, since Your Majesty the Empress values Lin Ran so much, he is about to truly soar to the heavens!"

"But it's also what Lin Ran deserves. A young Prodigy as monstrous as Lin Ran is something I've never even heard of, let alone seen!"

The faces of all the young Prodigies were filled with shock and utter disbelief.

Even General Tiance was slightly stunned for a moment, but he quickly returned to normal.

Lin Ran took the imperial token and said solemnly, "Lin Ran will certainly not fail Your Majesty's expectations!"

"Good. Time waits for no one. You all should set off now. I have already prepared the carriage for you."

Empress Mo Chenxin said with a wave of her hand.

Lin Ran solemnly cupped his fist and left with General Tiance, Chen Mu, Yu Xin, and the others.

The carriage Empress Mo Chenxin prepared for them was pulled by nine Black Dragons.

Each of these nine Black Dragons had a cultivation of the Seven-Star Divine Realm. Their bodies were massive, and their auras were ancient and distant, giving off a sense of grandeur and majesty.

Lin Ran's expression remained unchanged as he entered the carriage first and sat in the main seat.

Next, he had to carefully consider his plans for the future.

On this trip to the Koumo Desert, he not only had to resolve the Sand Bandit issue but also deal with Little Prince Chen Lian!

The grudge between him and Little Prince Chen Lian had already been formed. Even if Little Prince Chen Lian wanted to settle it, he would never agree!

But Little Prince Chen Lian was, after all, the Little Prince of the Chen Manor. He had to think carefully about how to deal with Little Prince Chen Lian within a reasonable scope!

"Lin Ran, this is a map of the Koumo Desert. Take a look."

General Tiance entered the carriage at this moment and handed a map to Lin Ran.