79: Let's go see the stars together

"...the day you rule the world!"

True Monarch Zi Wei's voice, carrying a hint of ethereal anticipation, slowly echoed within the Star Gazing Secret Chamber.

Her purple eyes, reflecting the myriad stars, stared unblinkingly at Lin Chen, as if wanting to thoroughly see through this man whose entire body was ablaze with the black flames of ambition.

However, she was disappointed.

All she saw was an abyss, deeper than the starry sky and more unfathomable than Chaos.

This man's ambition was far more terrifying than she had imagined!

Silence.

A long silence.

The aroma of tea still lingered.

But the atmosphere within the secret chamber had long since shifted from its previous ambiguity and charm to a suffocating oppression, almost solidified.

It was the ultimate tranquility before a storm.

Finally.

True Monarch Zi Wei slowly withdrew her gaze.

She refilled Lin Chen's cup with a serving of Nine Heavens Star Dew.

This time, her movements were less casual and more solemn than before.

"Lin Chen."

Her voice returned to the absolute calmness and rationality befitting a Saint.

"I admire your fighting spirit."

"But courage cannot replace strength."

"The cruelty of the Central Continent Sacred Domain far exceeds your imagination. There, a Nascent Soul Cultivator without a Foundation is even less significant than a local tyrant in the Eastern Barrens."

She was reminding Lin Chen not to let ambition cloud his judgment.

Then, she finally put forward her true intention for the night.

A suggestion that, in her opinion, would be most beneficial to both Lin Chen and the Purple Cloud Holy Land.

"Therefore, I suggest you..."

She looked at Lin Chen, and in an irrefutable yet gentle tone, tinged with 'consideration for him', she slowly said:

"...temporarily remain in the Eastern Barrens."

"Stay in the Purple Cloud Holy Land."

"With your current prestige and strength, coupled with my protection, no one in the entire Eastern Barrens will dare to oppose you."

"You can Cultivate here with peace of mind."

"All the resources of the Eastern Barrens, whether Spirit Stone veins or Heaven And Earth Treasure, I can spare no effort to find for you!"

"Your confidantes, and your soon-to-be-born offspring with Divine Grade talent, I will also take good care of them for you, ensuring they enjoy the best resources and receive the best training!"

"You don't have to worry about anything."

"Just Cultivate with peace of mind!"

"With your talent, coupled with the Purple Cloud Holy Land's full effort in nurturing you! I dare to guarantee, ten years! Ten years at most! You will definitely Cultivate to... Peak Nascent Soul!"

"By then, you will proceed to the Central Continent Sacred Domain with the cultivation of a Peak Nascent Soul and holding a supreme treasure like the human emperor seal!"

"Only then will you truly have the capital to stand and contend in that cruel world!"

What a 'tempting' plan!

What a seemingly 'stable' upgrade path!

It must be said, True Monarch Zi Wei's proposal was an irresistible temptation for any normal Cultivator!

No need to worry about anything!

Just be a 'hands-off manager'!

And possess all the resources of the Eastern Barrens!

And be able to Cultivate to Peak Nascent Soul within ten years, steadily and safely!

This was simply a pie falling from the sky!

However.

After Lin Chen listened to her 'well-intentioned' plan.

His expression showed no hint of joy or excitement.

He merely calmly picked up the priceless Nine Heavens Star Dew and took a light sip.

Immediately after.

He slowly shook his head.

"Saint Elder."

"Lin Chen appreciates your 'kindness'."

"But..."

He put down the teacup and looked up, meeting True Monarch Zi Wei's slightly stunned gaze.

His eyes were calm yet held a sharpness that made even True Monarch Zi Wei feel a tremor in her heart!

"—Your path is too slow."

Too... slow?!

True Monarch Zi Wei was completely stunned!

Ten years!

From late Golden Core stage to Peak Nascent Soul!

This was an incredibly fast speed for even the most top-tier Genius!

Yet, in his words, it was still too slow?!

"Lin Chen, you..." True Monarch Zi Wei was about to say that he was being overly ambitious.

However, Lin Chen directly waved his hand, interrupting her.

He slowly stood up.

An 'Imperial' Aura, completely different from the previous domineering 'ambition' but grander, heavier, as if carrying the entire world and bearing the fate of all living beings, surged forth from him!

"Saint Elder, you are mistaken."

His voice was not loud but seemed to contain a supreme truth capable of subverting all contemporary understanding!

"Simply cultivating in seclusion, hiding in a greenhouse and piling up cultivation with resources, is the most ineffective and foolish method in this world!"

"What is piled up that way is not a 'strong one'."

"But a 'waste' with cultivation but vulnerable to a single blow!"

"A true 'King', his cultivation, his Dao Heart, his will are never 'cultivated' in a quiet room!"

"They are 'forged' in one bloody battle after another!"

"They are 'honed' in one power struggle after another!"

"They are 'tempered' in one strategic layout after another, treating the entire world as his 'chessboard' and all living beings as his 'chess pieces'!"

Lin Chen's voice was firm and every word was profound!

With each word he spoke, the 'Imperial' Aura on him grew stronger!

By the end, his entire figure, in True Monarch Zi Wei's purple eyes that had shrunk to pinpricks, seemed to slowly overlap with the image of the First Human Emperor, who rose from obscurity and eventually unified the entire Human Race, as she had seen described in the Holy Land's most ancient texts!

True Monarch Zi Wei was completely shocked!

She opened her mouth but found that her proud wisdom and eloquence seemed so pale and powerless under Lin Chen's dimensionality reduction attack, which was full of higher-dimensional 'strategic thinking'!

Because she heard in Lin Chen's words a new Dao path that she had never encountered, and never even imagined!

Lin Chen, however, ignored her shock.

He slowly walked to the star map that represented the entire world.

He stretched out his hand.

But it was not pointing towards the distant Central Continent Sacred Domain.

Instead, he gently pressed it on the somewhat 'barren' and 'small' Eastern Barrens!

Then he turned his head and looked at True Monarch Zi Wei, announcing his new plan, which was enough to make the entire Eastern Barrens tremble, in a calm tone filled with supreme charisma!

"Saint Elder."

"I will not leave the Eastern Barrens."

"But I will never stay in the Purple Cloud Holy Land as a 'canary' under your protection."

"The path I want to take is one of 'sustaining war with war, proving the Dao through slaughter, and using the world as a crucible'—"

"—The Human Emperor's Path!"

"Ten years? Too long."

The corner of his mouth curved into a domineering arc, filled with absolute confidence!

"I only need three years!"

"Within three years, I will integrate the entire Eastern Barrens!"

"Whether it's the Great Yan Dynasty or those self-important top Sects!"

"Those who obey me prosper!"

"Those who defy me... perish!"

"I will completely transform this land, which everyone considers 'barren and desolate', into Lin Chen's personal... private garden!"

"Into an arsenal that can continuously provide me with troops, resources, and Power Of Faith!"

"And then..."

His gaze suddenly became incredibly sharp! As if to pierce through this starry sky and reign over the vast world beyond!

"I will, as the 'Lord of the Eastern Barrens', lead my invincible army to flatten the chasm between 'immortals and mortals'..."

"—And rule over Zhongzhou!"

"Rather than venturing into Zhongzhou like a stray dog, as a 'countryside Genius' with no Foundation!"

Boom—!!!!

Vision!

This was the true 'Imperial' vision!

True Monarch Zi Wei was completely lost in thought.

She looked at the man standing before the star map, commanding the world as if he already held the entire world in his palm.

An unprecedented storm surged in her heart!

She finally understood.

The biggest gap between her and Lin Chen was not in talent.

But in... vision!

She thought about how to help Lin Chen grow and 'adapt' to the rules of the Central Continent Sacred Domain.

But Lin Chen was thinking about... how to accumulate strength to 'break' and even 'establish' the rules of the Central Continent Sacred Domain!

One was the mindset of a 'chess piece'.

The other was the mindset of a 'chess player'!

The difference was immediately apparent!

"Integrate the Eastern Barrens... rule over Zhongzhou..."

True Monarch Zi Wei murmured, repeating these eight words.

A crazy flame, identical to Lin Chen's, uncontrollably ignited in her beautiful purple eyes!

She seemed to have already seen the near future.

She saw that figure ruling the world!

She saw the glorious future of her Purple Cloud Holy Land, leading the entire Xuanhuang Great World under that figure's guidance!

"Good..."

After a long while.

She squeezed out a single word through gritted teeth.

Her voice even carried a tremor due to extreme excitement!

"—What a 'Lord of the Eastern Barrens'!"

"What a 'Human Emperor's Path'!"

"Lin Chen!"

She suddenly stood up, her purple star-like eyes fixed on Lin Chen!

"I will help you!"

"From today onwards, everything in the entire Purple Cloud Holy Land will serve you alone!"

"If you need people, I will provide them!"

"If you need resources, I will flatten those short-sighted Sects for you!"

"I only ask one thing of you!"

"—Take me with you to see the most beautiful... scenery on the mountain Peak!"

True Monarch Zi Wei's voice, with a violent tremor born of extreme excitement, echoed for a long time in the Star Gazing Secret Chamber.

An unprecedented crazy flame burned in her beautiful purple eyes!

It was the absolute determination of a gambler who, upon seeing the "peerless hand" capable of changing their destiny, unhesitatingly staked their entire fortune and life upon it!

Lin Chen looked at the woman before him, whose ambition had been completely ignited by his "grand blueprint."

He knew.

From this moment on.

He had truly tied the Sect Master of the Purple Cloud Holy Land, the greatest strategist in the Eastern Wasteland, completely onto his... war chariot!

"Good."

A smile full of control appeared on Lin Chen's face.

He slowly extended his hand toward True Monarch Zi Wei.

"Then, Esteemed Sect Master."

"It's a pleasure working with you."

True Monarch Zi Wei took a deep breath.

She looked at Lin Chen's long, powerful hand.

She did not hesitate in the slightest.

She likewise extended her own slender, jade-like hand.

And clasped it firmly with his.

"It's a pleasure working with you."

...The next day.

A supreme decree personally issued by the Sect Master instantly spread throughout the entire Purple Cloud Holy Land!

The content of the decree was only a single, short sentence.

"—From this day forward, Saint Lin Chen shall temporarily wield the Sect Master's Seal! His words are my presence! His command is heavenly Law! Violators, regardless of identity or status, shall all be punished according to the 'Crime of Sect Betrayal'!"

BOOM—!!!

As soon as this decree was issued, the entire Purple Cloud Holy Land erupted!

All the Elders and Disciples were completely shocked by the Sect Master's sudden, almost "abdication-like" decision!

Temporarily wielding the Sect Master's Seal?!

This meant that starting today, Lin Chen would possess the supreme authority to mobilize all the resources of the entire Purple Cloud Holy Land!

He would become the de facto... King of the Purple Cloud Holy Land!

What kind of trust was this?!

What kind of gamble was this?!

Naturally, there were dissenting voices within the Sect regarding the Sect Master's decision.

Some conservative Grand Elders immediately went to the Star Gazing Platform, hoping to persuade the Sect Master to reconsider.

However, when they saw the Sect Master's undeniable purple starry eyes.

And when they heard the Sect Master's plain yet supremely authoritative statement, "My mind is made up on this matter; no further discussion is needed."

All opposing voices vanished like smoke.

They were suddenly startled into realization.

Their Sect Master was never an indecisive person who could be easily persuaded!

Either she wouldn't act.

But once she made a decision, it was an all-in, thunderous strike!

As for Lin Chen, the center of this storm.

After receiving the weighty [True Monarch Zi Wei Sect Master Seal], which symbolized the highest authority of the Purple Cloud Holy Land.

He did not immediately begin his grand plan of "Integrating the Eastern Wasteland."

The first thing he did was return to his exclusive courtyard within the Holy Land—[Chenguang Residence].

He needed to make new arrangements for the "harem" of women around him who shared his fate... The backyard of [Chenguang Residence].

The sunlight was warm and gentle.

Lin Xiaoya was leaning happily in Lin Chen's arms, gently stroking her highly protruding belly with her small hand.

Feeling the intimate connection with Lin Chen that stemmed from deep within her Bloodline.

Lin Ziyan, Xiao Qingxue, Luo Bingli, Blood Moon Wolf Queen, and Bai Ruoxue, who had been "captured" and brought back, sat separately on the sides.

The atmosphere was warm yet carried a faint sense of sorrow at the impending separation.

"Xiaoya."

Lin Chen gently held Lin Xiaoya's hand, his eyes filled with tenderness and reluctance to part.

"Next, I have to go do some things that are very important and very dangerous."

"So you must stay in the Holy Land and rest easy while pregnant."

"With the protection of the Esteemed Sect Master here, this is the safest place in the entire Eastern Wasteland."

"Once I have settled everything outside, I will return to be with you and our child."

"Mhm..."

Lin Xiaoya nodded obediently.

Although she really wanted to stay by Lin Chen's side.

She knew even better that her most important task now was to protect the little life in her belly, which possessed the [Human Emperor Saint Body].

"Brother Chen, please go without worry."

"The baby and I will both wait obediently for you to return here."

Her voice was gentle yet full of strength.

After reassuring his "great rear base."

Lin Chen's gaze turned toward Lin Ziyan and Xiao Qingxue.

"Ziyan, Qingxue."

His voice became serious.

"The two of you also have new tasks ahead."

Hearing this, the two women immediately straightened up, their faces displaying focused expressions.

"Ziyan."

Lin Chen looked at this beautiful Fairy, who was as cold as snow, and said in a deep voice:

"I will give you a 'Law Enforcement Team' composed of three hundred Core Disciples at the Golden Core Stage."

"Your mission is to 'sort out' all the second and third-rate Sects in the southern region of the Eastern Wasteland for me."

"I don't need you to attack them."

"I only need you to deliver my 'Recruitment Order' into the hands of every single one of them."

"Tell them: surrender within three days, or... die!"

Hiss—!

What a domineering command!

A peculiar light flashed in Lin Ziyan's beautiful, glass-like eyes.

She loved this kind of decisive, battle-ready mission!

"...Yes! I guarantee the completion of the mission!" she responded decisively.

"Qingxue."

Lin Chen then looked at the heroic and spirited woman.

"I will hand over all the elite Yao Race members of [Black Wind Mountain] for you to command."

"Your mission is heavier than Ziyan's."

"I want you to lead them and, with the momentum of thunder, sweep away all the disobedient 'Demonic Path' and 'Evil Cultivator' forces in the northern region of the Eastern Wasteland!"

"I want to use their blood to tell everyone in the entire Eastern Wasteland..."

Lin Chen's eyes suddenly turned icy cold!

"—Those who follow me shall live! Those who defy me shall perish!"

Xiao Qingxue felt the blood in her body instantly boil!

What she yearned for most was this heroic feeling of war, fighting on the battlefield with spears and horses!

"Yes! Esteemed Saint! Qingxue guarantees she will not fail the mission!"

Looking at the two women who instantly entered "battle mode."

Lin Chen nodded in satisfaction.

This was the first step in his plan to "Integrate the Eastern Wasteland"!

—Courtesy before force!

Using Lin Ziyan's "civil" approach to recruit forces that could be won over.

Using Xiao Qingxue's "martial" approach to eliminate the stubborn and unyielding elements!

With both civil and martial methods working simultaneously!

He believed that the situation in the entire Eastern Wasteland would be completely renewed in less than a month!

Finally.

Lin Chen's gaze fell upon the two charming "Queen's Loyal Servants"—Luo Bingli and Blood Moon Wolf Queen—who had been quietly standing behind him.

The look in their eyes toward Lin Chen was filled with undisguised fervor and... anticipation.

Because they knew.

They were the master's chosen ones, the right-hand women destined to conquer that broader world alongside him!

"Bingli, Yue Ji."

Lin Chen's voice became deep and magnetic.

"The two of you, prepare yourselves."

"Tomorrow, you will depart with me."

"Heading to..."

"—The [Central Continent Sacred Domain]!"

"Yes, Master!"

The two women simultaneously knelt on one knee, their voices filled with endless excitement and honor!

...One day later.

After making all the arrangements.

Lin Chen brought Luo Bingli and Blood Moon Wolf Queen, his two absolutely loyal "Vanguard Team" members.

As well as High-Grade Fertilizer and Extinction Sword Crone, whose cultivation had been sealed, leaving them like two dead dogs.

He arrived once more at the central plaza of Qianlong City.

The area had already been cleared.

Only City Lord Long Yan was present, holding a golden token that was ancient in design, cast entirely from unknown Divine Gold, and engraved with the two characters "Xun Tian."

That was the exclusive honor of the champion of the Qianlong Grand Competition.

The [Heavenly Patrol Order] that could activate the great teleportation Formation leading to the [Central Continent Sacred Domain]!

"Are you ready?"

Long Yan looked at the young man before her, whose Aura was more restrained and unfathomable than it had been a few days prior, her eyes filled with complexity.

She had already heard about all of Lin Chen's actions in the Purple Cloud Holy Land.

She had to admit.

She had underestimated this man once again.

She had thought he was an unruly, powerful Dragon crossing the river.

But she never expected him to be a chaotic era's hero... one with the world in his heart!

"Ready anytime," Lin Chen nodded calmly.

Long Yan said nothing more.

She just took a deep look at Lin Chen, and then slowly pressed the [Heavenly Patrol Order] in her hand into the eye of the ancient and massive Teleportation Formation at the center of the plaza!

"Buzz—!!!!!"

In an instant!

The entire Great Teleportation Formation, which had been silent for untold ages, seemed like an ancient behemoth waking from slumber!

It roared to life!

Countless brilliant spatial runes soared up from the Formation!

They intertwined in mid-air, forming a gigantic, mysterious, and unknown... spatial vortex!

On the other side of the vortex, a brand new world, completely different from the Eastern Wasteland, could vaguely be seen!

There, the Spiritual Qi was so dense that it condensed into multicolored auspicious clouds!

There, the Heavenly Dao Laws were so solid that space itself shone with a glass-like luster!

That was... the [Central Continent Sacred Domain]!

"Go."

Long Yan's voice slowly sounded.

"I hope that when we meet again next time."

"You will possess the qualifications to stand as my equal."

Lin Chen smiled upon hearing this.

He turned his head and looked at Long Yan's face, which was still breathtakingly beautiful.

The corner of his mouth curved into a confident and aggressive smile.

"Esteemed City Lord."

"When we meet again next time."

"I might be here to 'propose marriage'."

Having said that.

He ignored Long Yan, who was instantly stunned by his words.

Pulled by the terrifying spatial power capable of tearing apart Nascent Soul Cultivators.

Taking his "right-hand women."

He resolutely stepped into the Great Teleportation Formation leading to the "Central Continent"!