Urban Peerless Expert

"Why would the Immortal Monarch say such a thing?"

Lin Chen displayed an expression of surprise: "Immortal Monarch's presence here was appointed by the Emperor, it has nothing to do with me."

Qingluan Immortal Monarch said with a smile: "Accompanying you here was indeed the decree of my master, but along the way, I have made no significant contribution. You were the one who found every piece of kryptonite, while I merely watched from the sidelines. Still, being able to bring the kryptonite back, my master will undoubtedly hold me in higher regard. For that, I should thank you."

Lin Chen gave a faint smile: "Immortal Monarch, your words sound too courteous. Earlier, when we were blocked by the gatekeepers of the Star Sky Magical Beasts Clan, it was Immortal Monarch's exceptional methods that acquired the entry method and won their respect with your strength. Without that, how could we have learned about the kryptonite, let alone found it?"

"Immortal Monarch has made significant contributions on this trip; I merely lent a bit of effort. The major credit should unquestionably go to the Immortal Monarch."

Qingluan Immortal Monarch's eyes lit up. Lin Chen's flattery seemed so earnest. Could it be that he truly intends to pledge allegiance to me?

He knew that upon returning, with the achievement of bringing back kryptonite, his master would undoubtedly approve, and he would likely ascend to become a Saint. Perhaps Lin Chen wanted to gain favor in advance and cling to his thigh?

While it felt a bit opportunistic, he ultimately decided to bow to me!

Considering that the credit primarily stemmed from Lin Chen, if he refused to yield the merit, the achievement would surely diminish greatly. There's no saying how my senior brothers and junior brothers might comment otherwise. But if he willingly yields the credit and cooperates, reframing the narrative, the accolades would become undeniably mine.

"Your words make it sound like I'm stealing your credit. Don't forget, my master clearly stated that I'm only here to assist you, as a support role with you in the lead!"

Lin Chen saw Qingluan Immortal Monarch's eyes gleaming yet still feigning righteousness, so he decided to speak plainly: "If the major credit is mine, there might be disputes over the Immortal Monarch's achievements. But if the credit mainly belongs to the Immortal Monarch, then your victory and securing the position would undoubtedly be certain."

"With the credit in my hands, I might earn some rewards, maybe one or two defensive techniques bestowed by a Saint. Sure, they'd be useful for me, but they're limited in scope. However, if you, Immortal Monarch, ascend to become a Saint, would the benefits from this credit not be far greater?"

"Immortal Monarch, once you become a Saint, there's no way you'd treat me unfairly, correct? Earlier, didn't you mention inviting me to join you as a Guest Elder? I wonder if those words still hold true now and in the future?"

Of course, Lin Chen didn't truly intend to pledge allegiance to Qingluan Immortal Monarch; the grudge for being manipulated was still unresolved.

However, now that the mission had retrieved the kryptonite—and not just a single piece—upon returning, regardless of Lin Chen's statements, Qingluan Immortal Monarch would inevitably share in the credit, and the portion wouldn't be small. The result was already predestined.

After all, Qingluan Immortal Monarch held the position of the Immortal Emperor's Direct Disciple, while Lin Chen was merely an outsider with no backing.

Given the circumstances, Lin Chen didn't mind cooperating a bit, yielding more of the credit, and facilitating Qingluan's success. Feigning allegiance would temporarily avoid direct conflict.

Lin Chen had considered battling Qingluan Immortal Monarch here in this "Lawless Land," planning to ensure his demise. But upon realizing Qingluan might possess more than one method granted by the Immortal Emperor, Lin Chen quickly abandoned the thought.

Too dangerous!

While Lin Chen was strong, facing the methods of a Saint, he'd likely only end up taking hits.

The gap was insurmountable.

If he couldn't eliminate Qingluan, feigning closeness wasn't a bad alternative.

Qingluan Immortal Monarch's Secret Realm—Lin Chen hadn't even entered it yet!

The matter of Gu Yue absolutely had to be investigated, as it was of paramount importance to Lin Chen!

What would come next could only be approached step by step.

Pretending to pledge allegiance meant Qingluan wouldn't expose his control over his actions, allowing Lin Chen to avoid breaking ties and facing potential retaliation.

Qingluan Immortal Monarch had the Immortal Emperor behind him—Lin Chen couldn't afford to provoke him!

Qingluan Immortal Monarch, hearing Lin Chen speak so bluntly, found his words credible. After all, given the current circumstances, anyone with a functional brain would make the same choice.

To oppose him and fight recklessly?

That brought no benefits and would offend him, potentially leading to difficulties in the future.

As for Seven-colored Immortal Monarch, Lin Chen had already saved her life—there was no owed debt. Besides, what could Seven-colored Immortal Monarch offer to win Lin Chen over now?

The principle of seeking the strongest tree to perch on wouldn't escape Lin Chen's understanding!

Although he was previously an Immortal Emperor's Direct Disciple, merely one of three disciples and only a Quasi-Saint, it was understandable that Lin Chen did not wish to follow him. But now, with his likely imminent Sanctum Ascension, if Lin Chen still hesitated in choosing, it would be outright foolish.

In the entire Immortal Realm, there were only three Saints. Qingluan himself might soon become the fourth!

If Lin Chen didn't seek to curry favor with him at this moment but instead chose to offend him, wouldn't that be courting death?

Qingluan Immortal Monarch gave a faint smile, no longer pretending, and said with a laugh: "What I've said before naturally holds true. I've always admired you, and now that you've done me such a great favor, once I achieve Sanctum Ascension, I certainly won't treat you poorly."

Lin Chen smiled faintly: "With Immortal Monarch's assurance, my heart is now fully at ease. Then let me offer my congratulations to Immortal Monarch in advance for securing the position, stepping into the Saint Realm, and becoming the fourth Saint of the Immortal Realm!"

The flattery stirred Qingluan Immortal Monarch's heart. Watching Lin Chen offer his congratulations with a cupped-hand salute, he sneered inwardly—smart of you!

But even if you're clever, my envy of your Starry Sky Jumping Divine Ability doesn't diminish one bit!

The current me wouldn't dare face the wrath of the Great Wilderness Saint, but once I become a Saint, I will seize that ability for myself and study it!

Even if I cannot tame the Star Chart Spirit, at least if I don't possess it, no one else will!

Lin Chen's pretense of allegiance pleased Qingluan Immortal Monarch, but it didn't lessen his jealousy towards Lin Chen—instead, it solidified his resolve to first feign intimacy with Lin Luo. After his Sanctum Ascension, he'd find a chance to eliminate Lin Chen and seize all of his opportunities!

"Thank you, rest assured, I'm a fair person. You've helped me, so naturally, I'll help you in return."

Qingluan Immortal Monarch drew Lin Chen a grand vision and then promptly added: "Once we return from this trip, the Saints will surely inquire about the details. How should we respond to them?"

Lin Chen replied with a laugh: "The Saints are unaware of the situation here. In any case, I'll simply report that I was continuously transmitting, and everything else was handled by Immortal Monarch. Whatever Immortal Monarch decides to say, I have no objections."

Qingluan Immortal Monarch, satisfied with Lin Chen's tact, nodded: "That's fine, though we should still rehearse the details to avoid inconsistencies that might embarrass us later."

You're the one stealing credit, so you're also the one who'll be embarrassed!

Lin Chen whispered to himself but outwardly agreed: "Indeed, we should calibrate our narrative."

Qingluan Immortal Monarch pondered for a moment and fabricated a tale of encountering Cosmic Ghosts, engaging in a battle of wits, narrowly escaping death, and ultimately acquiring the kryptonite. Naturally, in his story, Lin Chen only contributed insignificant help.

Lin Chen listened to Qingluan Immortal Monarch's recount and nodded along, silently cursing—how greedy you are! Had you not worried others wouldn't believe it, your story would likely have erased the existence of me entirely!