The Four Corners World consists of several distinct regions: the Path of Battle in the First World, the Forest of Battle in the Second World, the Plain of Battle in the Third World, the Frozen Land of Battle in the Fourth World, and the Central World known as the Four Corners Boundary.
This world is much larger than the Starting Province, at least ten times its size. When the Four Corners World was transformed into a testing ground, it was divided into these five distinct regions.
Currently, Lin Qian is in the Frozen Land of Battle, located in the Fourth Space, resting within an oasis that used to serve as a respite for the Xun Yin and Wuxing tribes. The aliens that once occupied this place have all been eliminated by him. From them, Lin Qian also learned that Wu En was actually the same Blackblade Fish Clan leader he had encountered earlier. Clearly, that clan leader had been killed, and his body was taken over by Wu En's avatar.
Meanwhile, Gale and Shadow are tracking down the remaining alien survivors in the Four Corners World. As for the portals leading into this world, Lin Qian now controls them completely. The scholars of the Ministry of Industry have found a way to destroy these portals, and they have already set the plan into motion. The next step is to seal the space rifts to prevent the aliens from re-entering the Four Corners World.
At the same time, Lin Qian has stationed a million soldiers at each portal, ready to ambush any aliens attempting to escape. Gale, with his exceptional tracking abilities, leads the search, accompanied by the Silvermoon Wolves, to ensure that all aliens within the Four Corners World are eradicated.
In this icy world, the scholars under Lin Qian's command are wrapped in thick robes, their garments subtly glowing with soul energy to protect against the biting cold and the blizzards that ravage the Frozen Land of Battle. This world was designed as a testing ground, and the fierce blizzards are strong enough to injure even those at the Nirvana Realm, with deadly ice shards lurking within.
While the harsh environment makes it difficult for the aliens to escape, it doesn't hinder the Huaxia Empire's search efforts. One by one, the aliens are discovered, their blood staining the white snow.
Within the Frozen Land of Battle, the scholars and artisans begin their work, locating the nodes and central mechanisms of the arrays that the aliens had been using to siphon power from the world. They then modify these arrays to sever the aliens' influence over the world.
Once the modifications are complete, Lin Qian transmits his will to Yuan Xiang, who can then sense every movement within the Frozen Land of Battle, including any remaining fleeing aliens.
When all the aliens are finally eliminated, Lin Qian and Yuan Xiang head to the Central World, carefully avoiding the area where Ye Xin and the others are still undergoing trials. They go directly to the heart of the small world.
"This is the Heart of the World," Lin Qian muttered, gazing at the large, seven-foot-wide, white orb before him. The gentle light it emitted made him feel incredibly comfortable.
Lin Qian couldn't hide his amazement as he looked at the glowing sphere before him. This was his first time seeing the so-called Heart of the World.
According to Yuan Xiang, not every small world had a Heart of the World.
When Lin Qian asked why the Starting Province lacked a Heart of the World, Yuan Xiang had explained, "Not all small worlds are equal; some are of lesser quality and do not possess a Heart of the World."
Upon reflection, Lin Qian realized that the spiritual energy in the Four Corners World was far denser than in the Starting Province, and it was also much larger.
Yuan Xiang's imprint body continued to burn, the flames intensifying as his decision became irreversible. His ethereal form had grown much fainter than before.
Nearby, a portal with an ancient design stood. This was the portal Yuan Xiang had mentioned, one that led directly to the heart of the human territory.
"I've reclaimed my imprint. This Four Corners World now belongs to you," Yuan Xiang said to Lin Qian. "But be careful not to use this portal lightly. The human territory is not a place you should venture into just yet."
"Focus on refining yourself first. Strengthening your own power is crucial. And that ability you have to summon armies—use it wisely. It's a power that draws too much attention and can bring unnecessary trouble."
"People may know that you command a large and powerful army, but it's best they don't know you can summon such forces at will. There's a world of difference between the two."
After offering his advice, Yuan Xiang smiled at Lin Qian with gratitude. "I must thank you for your contributions to the human race, and for the great help you've given to my descendants. On their behalf, I offer you my thanks."
Lin Qian nodded respectfully at the increasingly transparent Yuan Xiang. "As a member of the human race, it was only right that I did what I could."
"We will meet again, young one. Stay strong. There's a lonely old man out there who desperately needs you," Yuan Xiang said cryptically, leaving Lin Qian puzzled.
Before Lin Qian could ask more, Yuan Xiang's form dissolved into countless blue sparks, which scattered throughout the space surrounding the Heart of the World.
"Until we meet again, Senior," Lin Qian said with a smile, turning back to face the Heart of the World. He sat down cross-legged in front of it.
Following Yuan Xiang's instructions, Lin Qian extended his soul sense into the Heart of the World.
Instantly, he felt as if his soul had entered a soft, warm space, as if he had been embraced by a gentle force. His entire being felt relaxed and comfortable.
With his mind clear, Lin Qian found himself gaining new insights and involuntarily began to cultivate.
In a distant realm, far beyond the reach of this small world, Yuan Xiang's true body sat by a lake, smiling as he fished alongside a companion.
He wasn't focused on his fishing rod but instead smiled as he recounted the events that had transpired in the Four Corners World.
"Ha ha ha, wonderful... truly wonderful..." The person beside Yuan Xiang repeated words of praise, tears streaming down his face.
Seeing his elder brother shed tears, Yuan Xiang sighed softly and looked out over the lake with determination. "Brother, good times are sure to come. I believe in Lin Qian. With his unparalleled talent, he will return soon."
Yuan Xiang's elder brother wiped away his tears, a proud smile spreading across his face. "The grandson of Lin Shitian is no ordinary person. Second Brother, I'm looking forward to it."
"He won't disappoint you. That young man is extraordinary," Yuan Xiang agreed, smiling.
Lin Qian, unaware of the events taking place far away, remained focused on refining the Heart of the World before him.