Urban Peerless Expert

Is Lin Chen really in such a hurry to see his wife?

Of course not.

He simply doesn't want to appear too close to the Seven-colored Immortal Monarch for now, especially since he had pretended to pledge allegiance to Qingluan Immortal Monarch before.

If Qingluan's trap knew that he returned and immediately drank wine and had a private gathering with the Seven-colored Immortal Monarch, wouldn't that just create unnecessary trouble?

If Lin Chen had a choice, he would naturally prefer Seven-colored Immortal Monarch to join him in carrying out the mission. If they gained merit, he'd be happy to share it with Seven-colored Immortal Monarch. But who told you to lose to Qingluan Immortal Monarch?

With the Immortal Emperor's decree, the result is already set. No matter what Lin Chen says, it won't change the outcome.

Since that's the case, why say anything more?

Both are wise people; some things don't need to be stated too plainly.

"Alright, Brother Cong, I'll head back first. Let's plan to meet again later when we have time."

Lin Chen walked a few steps, but suddenly thought of something, so he turned back and approached the Seven-colored Immortal Monarch, retrieving a necklace he had borrowed and handed it back to the Seven-colored Immortal Monarch.

"Many thanks, Brother Cong, for lending me this item. It proved highly useful. Now I return it to you intact."

The Seven-colored Immortal Monarch grasped the necklace in his hand, his eyes lighting up: "It worked?"

Lin Chen smiled and nodded: "It worked."

The Seven-colored Immortal Monarch immediately exhaled deeply in relief, smiling: "Good that it worked."

Lin Chen didn't say much more. He gave a polite bow, turned, and left.

The Seven-colored Immortal Monarch watched Lin Chen's departing figure, his eyes reflecting deep thought.

Lin Chen said the item proved useful and effective, which implies that Qingluan Immortal Monarch had already made a move against Lin Chen. But because Lin Chen was prepared, Qingluan Immortal Monarch's methods clearly didn't work.

Although the Seven-colored Immortal Monarch didn't know the exact details, it was evident that Lin Chen hadn't been controlled by Qingluan Immortal Monarch.

If he wasn't controlled, and yet spoke in such a calm tone just now, this seemed to indicate a lot.

Since Qingluan Immortal Monarch had already attempted to take action against Lin Chen, given Lin Chen's personality, it's impossible he would truly swear allegiance to Qingluan Immortal Monarch. Even though Qingluan Immortal Monarch appears to have all the merit right now, it's just a façade.

Deep in Lin Chen's heart, he surely has his own calculations.

"Rejected?"

Sea Burning Immortal Monarch's figure appeared at the entrance, his tone carrying a hint of sympathy: "The times have changed. Things are different now than in the past. This time, we're completely out of luck; Lin Chen is a smart man—he surely knows how to choose."

The Seven-colored Immortal Monarch turned and gave a bitter smile: "Junior Brother, do you actually believe all that?"

Sea Burning Immortal Monarch spread his hands: "Does it even matter if I believe or not? The result is already in front of us. Even if all the merit belongs to Lin Chen, so what? Ultimately, the two of them brought back the Kryptonite together..."

"Indeed, it doesn't matter anymore."

The Seven-colored Immortal Monarch's gaze dimmed slightly before returning to tranquility: "Actually, this outcome was determined from the beginning. Neither you nor I could change it, and Lin Chen couldn't change it either. Even if he has choices to make, they're forced ones. I hold no grudge against him for that."

"I came out to greet him not to pry for information but purely because I'm happy to see him return safely. After all, he saved my life. He's straightforward and interesting—I already consider him a friend."

Sea Burning Immortal Monarch chuckled: "Too bad he's not the master's disciple. Otherwise, heh..."

The Seven-colored Immortal Monarch understood the implication behind Sea Burning Immortal Monarch's words and fell silent for two seconds: "It shouldn't be that fast, right?"

This statement from the Seven-colored Immortal Monarch came out of nowhere, seeming abrupt, yet Sea Burning Immortal Monarch understood. He replied calmly: "At least not before the Abyss Demon is completely defeated and the war is over—it's impossible."

The Seven-colored Immortal Monarch nodded, lifting his gaze to lock eyes with Sea Burning Immortal Monarch: "Are you going?"

"Of course, why wouldn't I go?"

Sea Burning Immortal Monarch answered without hesitation: "What, just wait here until they become Saints and look down on you and me? Now that the opportunity has arrived, we must take the gamble."

After a moment's pause, Sea Burning Immortal Monarch sighed: "It's just that the place isn't somewhere you and I can enter at will—it depends on fate..."

The Seven-colored Immortal Monarch's eyes showed determination: "We'll try. Who knows, maybe we'll get in."

Sea Burning Immortal Monarch nodded, lifting his gaze to look in the direction where Lin Chen had disappeared: "Will he go?"

"He probably will."

The Seven-colored Immortal Monarch replied: "This time, they're selecting excellent individuals to give it a try. He's so outstanding and has achieved so much merit—it'd be unreasonable not to choose him."

Sea Burning Immortal Monarch nodded in agreement: "True... Well, let's head back. The great battle is likely about to begin. Hopefully, that Kryptonite is truly as miraculous as they say."

The Seven-colored Immortal Monarch laughed: "Indeed, assuming it's as claimed, then this war might end very soon."

...

When Lin Chen returned to the camp, he immediately drew the attention of the many Quasi-Saints.

"Lin Chen, where have you been these days?"

"Haven't seen you for a while—where did you go off to?"

The news of Lin Chen and Qingluan Immortal Monarch traveling to the Starry Sky Demon Beast Ancestral Land was known only to a few Saints and direct disciples. Most of the Quasi-Saints had only seen Lin Chen come and go quickly, and were now curious about his whereabouts.

Lin Chen, having risen to Quasi-Saint level so quickly and being so young, naturally attracted additional attention. His absence sparked speculation, and now that they saw him again, they couldn't resist asking questions.

Lin Chen smiled and replied: "Under orders, I went on a mission, which I've just completed and returned from."

Immediately, someone couldn't help but ask curiously: "What kind of mission? Can you tell us?"

Lin Chen answered conservatively: "I can't say for now, but you'll all know soon enough."

"Is it good news?"

"Good news."

Lin Chen handled the questions tactfully, eventually making his way to Chu Jiaxue and the others' residence.

Chu Jiaxue, Nalan Wushuang, Zhen Liuxue, and the others lived together. Seeing Lin Chen return, they all were overjoyed.

They had been quite worried about his mission in the Starry Sky—not only the unknown dangers of the starry domain but also the presence of Qingluan Immortal Monarch. Now that Lin Chen had returned safely, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Chu Jiaxue hugged Lin Chen briefly and asked with concern: "Everything went smoothly along the way?"

Lin Chen replied: "It was fine. Everything went smoothly. We found something to counter the Abyss Demon and brought it back. If things go well, this war should end before long."

The women were instantly thrilled.

"What is it that can counter the Abyss Demon?"

Lin Chen naturally wouldn't hide anything from his wife and recounted everything that had happened.

Upon hearing it, the women were immediately infuriated.

"Qingluan Immortal Monarch tried to manipulate you from the very beginning! Clearly, he's harboring ulterior motives—the man is far too insidious!"

Nalan Wushuang's eyes flashed cold with killing intent: "Since he still has a chance to become a Saint, I think we mustn't give him that opportunity. Otherwise, once he ascends to Sainthood and the threat of the Abyss Demon is gone, what will become of us?"