Urban Peerless Expert

In a remote land, a white-haired elder sat cross-legged, eyes closed, resembling a statue.

Not far away, Lin Chen sat cross-legged along with Gu Yuexi, Yao Xuanji, and Shang Wenyin, quietly waiting.

After waiting silently for several days, tiny whirlwinds began to form around the white-haired elder as spiritual Qi gathered toward him.

Lin Chen opened his eyes, a trace of excitement flashing across them.

The breakthrough has begun!

Lin Chen transmitted his voice to the three women: "You can consume the Qingming Divine Fruits now. I'll guide you. Pay careful attention to comprehending."

After a pause, Lin Chen transmitted a message solely to Gu Yuexi: "He's like you, possessing the wood attribute. The Heavenly Dao he seeks to comprehend is similar to yours. You need to immerse yourself wholeheartedly. If everything goes well, you will soon enter the Dao and gain enlightenment."

Gu Yuexi's eyes sparkled with excitement: "All right!"

Following Lin Chen's instructions, the three women each consumed a Qingming Divine Fruit and quickly fell into a transcendent state where self and surroundings merged.

Lin Chen, who no longer needed the Qingming Divine Fruit, could now clearly sense the white-haired elder's current progress.

No secret art—the sharpness comes merely from practice.

Previously guided by Lin Chen, the white-haired elder gained profound insight into the Heavenly Dao, making his current breakthrough much smoother.

The three women had long merged with Heaven and Earth, becoming intangible spirits, gossamer-like entities revolving around the white-haired elder, quietly attuning themselves to the changes in their surroundings.

Throughout the process, Lin Chen occasionally offered them pointed guidance, enabling a more precise and effective comprehension.

The white-haired elder's breakthrough proceeded smoothly, and within days, he successfully ascended to the Quasi-Saint Realm.

The three women remained in their meditative pose, continuing their contemplation, until several days later when they opened their eyes.

This first enlightenment session, guided by Lin Chen, brought significant gains to all three women, with Gu Yuexi benefiting the most. Despite being her first attempt, she faintly tapped on the doors of the Quasi-Saint Realm.

The three women were elated but also a bit uneasy. The Qingming Divine Fruits were not abundant. What would they do if they ran out?

"Use them when needed. At the very least, they'll help you get started. Even if there are no Qingming Divine Fruits left, once you understand the process, you can independently reflect and deepen your cultivation, advancing step by step,"

Lin Chen cheerfully reassured them, "Besides, there are still quite a few left. On average, each of you should have at least two or three fruits remaining. It might even be more than enough—like Yue Yue. Her level of comprehension is impressive. Another round of enlightenment, paired with my guidance, and I see no issue at all."

The three women immediately perked up.

They had been cultivating for a long time, yearning for the day they could fight alongside Lin Chen. Yet they understood that without the strength of a Quasi-Saint, joining him in battle would only make them burdens, slowing him down. Therefore, they diligently pursued cultivation in silence, hoping to break through as quickly as possible.

Now, with hope visible on the horizon, how could they not be overjoyed?

Lin Chen said with a laugh, "Don't get too excited—breaking through to Quasi-Saint doesn't mean I'll let you join the war against the Abyss Demons. Whether you're there or not doesn't make much difference, so don't get involved."

"Once the Abyss Demons matter is resolved, our next challenge will be Qingluan Immortal Monarch."

"We need to uncover the truth behind the Gu Yue incident, which may also entail rescuing Gu Yue. It's certain we'll clash with Qingluan Immortal Monarch, and potentially even with the Immortal Emperor."

"The challenges ahead aren't small, so preserving some strength is crucial—it's best if they don't figure out all of our hidden cards."

"The future might not be as grim as I envision, but we must prepare for the worst."

Gu Yuexi replied resolutely, "Qingluan Immortal Monarch isn't a good person—he even tried to control Brother. Just for that, he deserves to die. If the battle against the Abyss Demons ends and he gets an opportunity to ascend to sanctification, we'll create an opportunity to finish him off!"

Yao Xuanji concurred, "He must have life-saving measures bestowed by the Immortal Emperor. In the past, we had no chance against him. But now that you hold techniques gifted by five Saints, if utilized well, I believe we have a shot."

Lin Chen nodded; their arguments were naturally within his calculations.

Upon receiving the mighty treasures bestowed by the Saints, Lin Chen's first thought was that these treasures could counter Qingluan Immortal Monarch's protection granted by the Immortal Emperor—finally rendering him vulnerable.

"One step at a time. The immediate priority is for you all to ascend to the Quasi-Saint Realm. Even if this draws attention, the likelihood of the Immortal Emperor personally dealing with us remains small. Qingluan Immortal Monarch is still our most probable adversary."

"Worst case scenario: we'll find a secluded space to hide. After all, I can perform Star Sky Jump, which even the Immortal Emperor cannot replicate."

Shang Wenyin chuckled softly, "I guess throughout history, you're likely the only one who makes even Saints jealous."

Lin Chen grinned wryly, "Star Sky Jump is powerful, yes—but it also attracts schemes from the Saints. For now, they're lenient due to the influence of the Great Wilderness Saint. Otherwise, they'd have acted against me long ago."

Shang Wenyin pondered briefly, her gaze filled with anticipation, "I hope the region of opportunity you mentioned can be reached. If you enter, you might directly ascend to sanctification. Once sanctified, all these challenges you've mentioned will no longer matter."

Lin Chen said with a laugh, "If I truly ascend to sanctification, then naturally there'll be no problem. Alas, the whereabouts of the Heavenly God Clan remain unknown. Otherwise, wouldn't I at least take a glance? What if I manage to somehow return as a Heaven Deity? Even the Immortal Emperor wouldn't dare speak loudly to me. Haha, now that would be arrogant!"

The three women laughed heartily at Lin Chen's jest; they knew he was joking.

Only the strongest from the Heavenly God Clan can ascend to Heaven Deity. They consider themselves the universe's dominators while all other races are but ants. Even if the Heavenly God Realm's location were known, venturing there would likely result in instant eradication.

"All right, continue your contemplation. I'll scout out another enlightenment target for you!"

...

While Lin Chen and his comrades leisurely sought enlightenment in the Crimson Immortal Domain, over in the Sacred Heart Fairyland, a battle that could decide the outcome of this war quietly began.

Five Saints, like ethereal specters, materialized above a purple crystal pillar. Their appearance immediately alerted the leaders of the Abyss Demons.

In an instant, their figures vanished from their original positions. The next moment, they were suspended above the purple crystal pillar.

They moved quickly, for any delay would allow the five Saints to launch a joint attack, obliterating the pillar rooted into the surface of the earth and annihilating the demon entities embedded like stakes into the ground.

The Absolute Devouring Lord gazed at the five Saints drifting in the outer void and let out a cold, sinister chuckle: "You truly have no fear of death. Last time, my Master sent you fleeing in embarrassment, and now you've come back like lingering ghosts…"