Urban Peerless Expert

"Immortal Monarch, what's your opinion on the next steps?"

Avoiding Nicholas, Lin Chen inquired of Qingluan Immortal Monarch, as it seemed the old Clan Chief had implied that the Starburst Area was far from peaceful.

Just how strong were the Cosmic Ghosts?

The old Clan Chief had not provided an exact answer. While he claimed that the Cosmic Ghosts weren't stronger than Spirit Venerable-level Starry Sky Demon Beasts, the reality was that Starry Sky Demon Beasts of that level entered the area and never emerged, dying within.

Without exception!

Lin Chen had to take this seriously, as it concerned his own survival.

In that region, even Star Sky Jump couldn't be used; only flight was possible. Compared to the speed of the Cosmic Ghosts, how could that fare?

Could it possibly be faster?

Qingluan Immortal Monarch responded without hesitation: "Though it's dangerous, we must undertake this journey."

Seeing Qingluan Immortal Monarch's resolute expression, Lin Chen didn't waste any words.

"Alright, then let's brave this region and see if we can gain something from it!"

The reason Lin Chen agreed so readily was that he possessed two Innate Spiritual Treasures that each included independent internal worlds.

Tao Ding and the Heavenly Earth Mysterious Yellow Exquisite Tower.

With the defensive power of these treasures, Lin Chen didn't believe that the Cosmic Ghosts could break through them.

If real danger arose, he could simply hide inside the treasures. The treasures could then slowly escape outward, even if it took more time—it would eventually work.

Qingluan Immortal Monarch stared at Lin Chen and said, "With our strength, beneath that of Saints, we should have no equals. I don't believe those ghosts can stop me. Besides, I also have techniques bestowed by my master—immeasurably powerful. As long as those ghosts aren't Saint-level, there won't be any issue."

Lin Chen let out a breath of relief and joked, "Having a powerful master is truly a blessing, I'm so envious."

Qingluan Immortal Monarch gave a faint smile: "Indeed, throughout my cultivation journey, I've encountered many life-and-death crises. Every single time, I've relied on my master's bestowed treasures and life-saving techniques to overcome hardships."

"You don't need to envy me—you're so young yet already a Quasi-Saint. Even the Great Wilderness Saint values you highly, and my master has been paying extra attention to you. Speaking of which, hasn't the Great Wilderness Saint gifted you some powerful techniques?"

Lin Chen gave a wry smile: "Given his status, perhaps he simply finds me interesting. After all, I'm not his disciple—why would he give me powerful items? If he were to give any, they'd go to his disciples."

Qingluan Immortal Monarch's gaze relaxed slightly. The last time he ambushed Lin Chen, he had succeeded but neglected to consider whether Lin Chen possessed any life-saving methods gifted by the Saint. Now, he used this conversation to confirm.

Though Qingluan Immortal Monarch had Lin Chen under control, if Lin Chen had some incredible method and used it when Qingluan was unguarded, things could escalate into trouble.

Qingluan Immortal Monarch smiled reassuringly: "If we manage to locate Kryptonite this time and make a great contribution to the Immortal Realm, it would be a simple matter for you to ask my master for powerful techniques for self-defense."

Lin Chen said with a laugh, "If we truly achieve such merits, I must indeed seek an opportunity to request powerful techniques from the Emperor. After all, with the ongoing battles against the Abyss Demons, even the slightest mistake could lead to eternal ruin—having more powerful life-saving methods is never a bad thing."

Qingluan Immortal Monarch laughed: "With all the contributions you've made along the way, such a trivial request will certainly not be an issue."

Lin Chen glanced at Qingluan Immortal Monarch's delicately soft, handsome features and smiled: "Thank you for your kind words. Let's proceed."

Qingluan Immortal Monarch decisively ventured into the Starburst Area to search for Kryptonite, perhaps considering Lin Chen as a pawn under his control—one he could sacrifice at any moment.

Should real danger arise, Qingluan Immortal Monarch would likely reveal his true face and force Lin Chen to cover his retreat.

Little did Qingluan know that Lin Chen had not been fully controlled and had already seen through his entire charade. Lin Chen silently awaited an opportunity.

Lin Chen wasn't necessarily determined to confront or retaliate against Qingluan Immortal Monarch, but he had to uncover the whereabouts of Gu Yue.

Given Qingluan Immortal Monarch's strength, Lin Chen could not take him down directly, so he had to wait for the right moment.

After the two finalized their plans, they bid farewell to Nicholas, who wore a cold expression, and Tia, who appeared reluctant to part.

As Nicholas maintained his cold attitude, Tia flew up, pleading tearfully, "Father..."

Nicholas glanced at Tia, his gaze softening slightly. He ultimately let out a sigh and opened his mouth. A bell emerged from his large mouth and floated before Lin Chen.

Lin Chen stared at the bell before him, surprised: "What is this?"

Nicholas answered coldly: "Many warriors of my clan ventured into that region to search for Kryptonite, but none returned. They all perished. Each carried a bell like this. When you enter, if you are within a certain range of them, the bell will vibrate."

"Even if they have died in that area, they must have explored considerable ground. Before their deaths, they would surely have left clues that may assist you."

"If you're exceptionally lucky, you might even find Kryptonite near their remains."

Lin Chen's eyes brightened. Extending his hand, he grasped the floating bell: "Thank you—this will be immensely helpful to us."

Nicholas replied coldly, "I'm not helping you for free. Firstly, it's for Tia's sake. Secondly, if you find them and they've left other clues, make sure to pass them on to me."

Lin Chen nodded in understanding: "Alright, if I encounter them and find their relics or final words, I will deliver them to you."

Nicholas ended the conversation bluntly: "You may leave now."

"Understood."

Qingluan Immortal Monarch entered the jade pendant, while Lin Chen utilized Star Sky Jump and vanished from Nicholas and Tia's view.

Watching the two disappear, Tia worriedly asked, "Father, that region is so dangerous—why must they go?"

Nicholas snorted: "For Kryptonite—they have no choice."

Tia looked anxious: "Will they return safely?"

Nicholas remained silent for a few seconds before calmly stating: "That depends on their fate."

...

This particular Star Sky Jump spanned an extraordinarily long distance. Within the starry passage, Lin Chen's spiritual power drained like a raging tide.

Clenching his teeth, Lin Chen pushed on. Just as his spiritual power began to feel depleted, the light point in his mind finally illuminated.

A coordinate!

He had finally arrived!

Lin Chen seized onto the light point and exerted all his strength, leaping out of the starry passage into the desolate expanse of the starry sky.

Lin Chen's head felt slightly dizzy as his sight swept around, spotting a rapidly flying starry meteorite in the distance.

In a flash, Lin Chen approached the starry meteorite. Like a meteor himself, he quickly caught up to it and landed atop it.

Sitting cross-legged, Lin Chen consumed a medicinal pill for himself.

As radiant light flickered, Qingluan Immortal Monarch emerged from the jade pendant, standing before Lin Chen.