192: Chapter 192 The Crimson Phoenix Token, Reencountering an Old Friend

The crimson token felt warm and smooth to the touch, yet it carried an understated, scorching heat.

Its material was neither gold nor jade, and Lin Wan found himself unable to identify it for a moment.

The flame rune on the front was ancient and profound, appearing to slowly pulse and burn, emitting a scorching and ancient Aura.

The star map on the back was extremely simplified, consisting of only a few strokes that outlined several stellar nodes and a vague path, ultimately pointing to a location marked with a flame deep within the Chaos Ruins.

"This rune... it seems somewhat similar to the Innate Divine Runes, yet there are differences; it is closer to the primitive Dao runes of the Chaos period." Lin Wan carefully observed the flame rune, pondering in his heart.

He had seen records of Innate Divine Runes and primitive Dao runes in some ancient texts; they were the manifestation of the most original and ancient Laws when the world was first created and the Dao was revealed, possessing incredible power. The rune on this token gave him that same feeling.

"Huo Linger said this is a Family heirloom, related to a secret location in the Chaos Ruins... It seems her ancestors might have some connection to the Chaos Ruins, or perhaps they even originated from the Chaos period." Lin Wan mused, "This token might be the 'key' or a token of identification to open that secret location."

The faint resonance the Chaos Dao Seed had with the token also made Lin Wan attach greater importance to this object. The Chaos Dao Seed was the Foundation of his Chaos Immortal path; anything that could resonate with it was surely extraordinary.

"I'll store it away first; it might come in handy later when I enter the Chaos Ruins." Lin Wan wrapped the token in silk again, placed several Restrictions on it, and put it into the deepest part of his Storage Ring. An innocent man is innocent, but to carry a jade ring is a crime. Once such a treasure was exposed, it would surely invite catastrophic disaster.

After putting away the token, Lin Wan took out the pale blue Jade Slip of intelligence he had purchased from Bai Xiao Pavilion and probed it with his Divine Sense to read carefully.

The information in the Jade Slip was more detailed and systematic than what Huang San and the others had discussed. It not only marked the range and patterns of the recent gray fog in the meteor belt northeast of the Broken Star Abyss (named the "Gray Fog Zone" by Bai Xiao Pavilion), but also listed over a dozen cases of Cultivators who had gone missing or insane after venturing deep into the Gray Fog Zone, along with some speculations analyzed by Bai Xiao Pavilion.

"The gray fog has strong hallucinogenic effects and erodes the Divine Soul; it is suspected to be related to spacetime turbulence and some kind of ancient Restriction... Those who venture deep into the gray fog see different illusions, but most involve the fears, desires, or regrets deep within their hearts... Survivors (during moments of brief lucidity) have mentioned hearing eerie whispers and seeing twisted shadows..." Lin Wan read line by line, his brows slightly furrowed. This gray fog was even more bizarre and dangerous than he had imagined.

"Currently, it is known that at least five major forces have dispatched personnel to operate on the periphery of the Gray Fog Zone, attempting to investigate. They are: the Sky Wolf Association (suspected to be led by the Yao Race, with a ruthless style), the Four Seas Merchant Alliance (a commercial Alliance, putting profit first), the Ice and Snow Divine Palace (a top force in the Immortal Realm, acting mysteriously), the War God Temple (a Holy Land for Body Cultivators, overbearing and aggressive), and... the Xuan Yin Sect (a major Demonic Path sect, with secretive movements)." Seeing the name of the Xuan Yin Sect, Lin Wan's eyes narrowed. As expected, the Xuan Yin Sect had not given up on that ancient ruin; the death of Young Sect Master Yin Wujiu would likely only make them more vigilant and frantic.

"Additionally, according to unconfirmed news, some lone experts and mysterious organizations have also secretly infiltrated, with unclear intentions. Deep within the Gray Fog Zone, there are suspected signs of powerful creatures or bizarre existences, but this cannot be confirmed..."

At the end of the intelligence, there was a relatively detailed star map, marking several relatively safe temporary footholds on the periphery of the Gray Fog Zone, as well as several known areas with dense spatial rifts and dangerous Vicious Beast nests.

"Gray Fog Zone... five major forces... Xuan Yin Sect..." Lin Wan put down the Jade Slip, tapped his fingers on the table, and fell into deep thought. The situation was even more complex than he had anticipated. With the intervention of the five major forces, including his mortal enemy, the Xuan Yin Sect, plus those lone experts and mysterious organizations, the Gray Fog Zone had become a huge whirlpool. Entering it to investigate that ancient ruin would be no easy task.

"It seems I must be more cautious. It would be best to fish in troubled waters or borrow strength to strike." A glint flashed in Lin Wan's eyes. Although his cultivation was only at the Early Stage of the Heavenly Immortal realm, his true combat power was enough to rival a Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal. Combined with the miraculous nature of the Chaos Dao Seed and his various trump cards, as long as he didn't clash head-on with Late Stage or Peak Heavenly Immortal experts, he should be able to protect himself. Moreover, his greatest advantage lay in his Chaos energy, which might be able to suppress or even utilize certain bizarre powers within the gray fog.

"The most urgent task is to improve my strength, digest the gains from this Breakthrough, stabilize my cultivation at the Peak of the Early Stage Heavenly Immortal realm, and further comprehend the Chaos Dao Seed to develop its wonderful uses. In addition, those three Chaos Materials also need to be refined and absorbed, especially the Chaos Root." Lin Wan had a plan in mind.

For the next half month, Lin Wan stayed in his room at the "Peace Inn," rarely going out, and focused on his closed-door cultivation.

He first set up several layers of Restrictions to completely isolate the inside and outside of the room. Then he took out the chaos original stone, Chaos Dust, and Chaos Root, and began to refine and absorb them.

The Chaos Qi contained in the chaos original stone was the weakest and most impure, but it had the advantage of quantity. Lin Wan circulated the "Chaos Dao Derivation Scripture," grasped the chaos original stone with both hands, and a devouring force emanated from his palms. The faint Chaos Qi within the chaos original stone was slowly extracted, refined, and merged into the Chaos Immortal Energy within his body, nourishing the Chaos Dao Seed. The Chaos Dao Seed was like a thirsty seedling, greedily absorbing these "nutrients." Although the growth was minimal, it was growing slowly after all.

A few days later, the fist-sized chaos original stone turned into a pile of gray-white powder, and the Chaos Qi within it was completely devoured. Lin Wan's cultivation improved slightly, and the Chaos Dao Seed seemed to have solidified just a little bit more.

Next was the Chaos Dust. This small pinch of gray-white powder contained relatively pure and active Chaos Qi. Lin Wan placed it in his palm, wrapping and refining it with his Chaos Immortal Energy. This time, the absorption efficiency of the Chaos Qi was significantly improved, and the feeling of "pleasure" from the Chaos Dao Seed was clearer. The Chaos Dust turned into nothingness, Lin Wan's cultivation stabilized even more, and his Immortal Chaos Body seemed to have received some nourishment, with a faint gray halo flowing on his skin.

Finally, it was that piece of Chaos Root. This was a true treasure. Lin Wan did not rush to refine it, but first used his Chaos Immortal Energy to warm and nourish it for several days, allowing it to blend with his own Aura. Then, he held it in his mouth and slowly refined and absorbed it with the power of the Chaos Dao Seed.

The Chaos Root melted upon entry, turning into a warm, majestic, and vibrant stream of Chaos energy. It flowed along his Meridians, surged into his limbs and bones, and finally converged into his Dantian, where it was absorbed by the Chaos Dao Seed. This time, the reaction of the Chaos Dao Seed was significantly stronger; it trembled slightly, emitting waves of joy, like parched earth meeting sweet rain. The Chaos halo on the surface of the Dao Seed became noticeably richer and more solid, and the internal Chaos space seemed to have expanded and stabilized a bit. At the same time, the Aura of that life Origin also nourished Lin Wan's Physical Body; the strength, defense, and recovery ability of his Immortal Chaos Body had all increased significantly.

When the Chaos Root was completely refined and absorbed, Lin Wan's cultivation had been completely stabilized at the Peak of the Early Stage Heavenly Immortal realm, only one step away from the Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal realm. The Chaos Dao Seed had also grown quite a bit; although it was still far from sprouting, it was no longer a weak embryo but had a robust vitality. He felt that his control over Chaos energy and his perception of the Laws of heaven and earth had both increased significantly.

"As expected of the Chaos Root, the effect is remarkable." Lin Wan opened his eyes, a flash of gray light passing through them, and his Aura became increasingly profound and restrained. "It's a pity there is only one piece; if I could get more, the growth speed of the Chaos Dao Seed would definitely accelerate greatly."

In addition to refining the Chaos Materials, Lin Wan also took time to comprehend the Jade Slips obtained from Young Sect Master Yin Wujiu and Bai Xiao Pavilion, especially those insights regarding Alchemy, Artifact Refining, and Formations, as well as records of Immortal Realm geography and strange anecdotes, broadening his horizons and increasing his knowledge. At the same time, he also deduced and perfected his own Spells and Divine Abilities, especially the Chaos Divine Light, Chaos Imprisonment, and Chaos Annihilation Finger based on Chaos energy, striving to exert greater power in actual combat.

Half a month passed in a flash.

That day, Lin Wan finished his cultivation, feeling that his state had been adjusted to the best, and it was time to set off for the Chaos Ruins. He removed the Restrictions on the room and was preparing to go out and check out, when he heard a commotion coming from downstairs, seemingly sounds of an argument.

Lin Wan originally didn't want to pay attention, but when his Divine Sense subconsciously swept over, he sensed two slightly familiar Auras.

"Hmm?" Lin Wan raised his brows and walked to the window, looking down.

He saw that the lobby on the first floor of the inn was currently tense. On one side was the innkeeper and a few waiters, who were blocking the middle with bitter and terrified faces. The two sides of the conflict were: on one side, three Cultivators wearing uniform green tight-fitting outfits with a wolf head pattern embroidered on their chests, possessing fierce Auras and cultivation levels from the Late Stage to the Perfection of the Earth Immortal Realm. The leader was a burly man with a scarred face and a fierce, vicious look in his eyes; he unleashed his Early Stage Heavenly Immortal cultivation without reservation, suppressing the innkeeper and waiters until their faces turned pale and they retreated repeatedly. The attire of these three was clearly the mark of the Sky Wolf Association!

On the other side were two women. One of them had a tall figure, wearing a water-blue long dress, with a cold and beautiful face and an icy, snow-like temperament—it was Fairy Shuiyun, whom he hadn't seen for a long time! At this moment, her pretty face was frosty, her beautiful eyes filled with anger, and she was standing in front of the other woman. Her cultivation had actually broken through to the Early Stage of the Heavenly Immortal realm, and her Aura was solid, clearly with a stable Foundation.

The woman protected behind Fairy Shuiyun made Lin Wan slightly stunned. The woman was wearing a goose-yellow long dress, with a refined and otherworldly appearance and a gentle and soft temperament. At this moment, her face was filled with panic and grievance; it was the female Cultivator in the yellow dress who had sold him the mysterious black iron piece (containing the Incomplete Manual of the "Chaos Dao Derivation Scripture") at the Tianshu Immortal Palace market! Why was she here? And why was she with Fairy Shuiyun?

"Senior Sister Shuiyun, we really didn't take their things! They are deliberately looking for trouble, wanting to rob us of our 'Ice Soul Cold Jade'!" The female Cultivator in the yellow dress, who was Liu Qingqing, said to Fairy Shuiyun with a sobbing voice.

"I know, Junior Sister Qingqing, don't be afraid." Fairy Shuiyun stared coldly at the burly bald man opposite, "Friends from the Sky Wolf Association, you are going too far! This 'Ice Soul Cold Jade' was clearly spotted by us first, and we have already paid the Immortal Crystals to buy it, yet you want to force a purchase and even slander us for stealing. Do you really think my Ice and Snow Divine Palace is easy to bully?"

"Ice and Snow Divine Palace?" The burly bald man heard this, a trace of dread flashed in his eyes, but it was immediately replaced by greed and viciousness. He gave a sinister laugh, "Hehe, Ice and Snow Divine Palace? What a big name! It's a pity this is Beichen City, not your Northern Region Ice Plains! Here, the Sky Wolf Association calls the shots! You say this Ice Soul Cold Jade was bought by you; do you have evidence? Innkeeper, tell me, whose is this Ice Soul Cold Jade?"

The innkeeper broke out in a cold sweat, looking at the fierce Sky Wolf Association trio, then at the cold-tempered but clearly well-connected Fairy Shuiyun. He was in a dilemma and stammered, "This... this Ice Soul Cold Jade was indeed spotted first by this Fairy, and she paid a deposit... but, but the gentlemen of the Sky Wolf Association offered a higher price..."

"Did you hear that? The innkeeper said we offered a higher price!" The burly bald man smiled triumphantly, his lecherous gaze sweeping over Fairy Shuiyun and Liu Qingqing, "Two Fairies, why ruin the harmony over a mere piece of Ice Soul Cold Jade? How about this, you give the Ice Soul Cold Jade to us, and accompany our brothers for a few drinks to make friends, and today's matter will be considered settled. Otherwise... hehe, my brothers here have rather bad tempers."

"Shameless!" Fairy Shuiyun was so angry that her delicate body trembled slightly. She had a cold temperament; when had she ever been treated with such disrespect? She flipped her jade hand, and a blue Immortal sword overflowing with cold air appeared in her hand, the tip pointing at the burly bald man, "If you want the Ice Soul Cold Jade, come and take it with your ability!"

Liu Qingqing also took out a pair of crystal-clear short daggers. Although she was afraid, she gritted her teeth and stood beside Fairy Shuiyun. Her cultivation was only at the Middle Stage of the Earth Immortal Realm; facing the Early Stage Heavenly Immortal burly man, she had no chance of winning, but she could not abandon Senior Sister Shuiyun and flee alone.

"Yo? Still want to fight?" A fierce light flashed in the burly bald man's eyes, and his Early Stage Heavenly Immortal Aura exploded, pressing towards Fairy Shuiyun and Liu Qingqing, "Refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit! Take them down! Kill the men, and take the women back for the brothers to have fun!"

"Yes! Brother Wolf!" The two Late Stage Earth Immortal members of the Sky Wolf Association behind him grinned and were about to step forward.

The other guests in the inn had long been scared away to the side, afraid of being affected. The innkeeper and waiters were even more pale; if the inn were demolished, they would not be able to afford the consequences.

Seeing that the conflict was on the verge of breaking out.

Just at this moment, a flat voice came from the stairs.

"Sky Wolf Association, what great prestige."

The voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying an invisible pressure, causing the two Sky Wolf Association members who were about to make a move to pause.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a young Cultivator wearing a plain green robe, with an ordinary appearance and an Aura of only the Late Stage Earth Immortal Realm, walking down the stairs slowly. His expression was calm, and he looked at the burly bald man and others with an indifferent gaze.

It was Lin Wan.

"Where did this ignorant brat come from, daring to meddle in the affairs of our Sky Wolf Association? Are you tired of living?!" A Late Stage Earth Immortal member of the Sky Wolf Association, seeing that Lin Wan was just a "Late Stage Earth Immortal" Loose Cultivator, immediately shouted angrily and was about to make a move to teach him a lesson.

"Wait." The burly bald man raised his hand to stop his subordinate. He narrowed his eyes and sized up Lin Wan. His Early Stage Heavenly Immortal cultivation actually couldn't see through the depth of this "Late Stage Earth Immortal" brat! There was a feeling on the other side that made him vaguely uneasy. Moreover, for the other party to dare to stand out at such a time, he was either a fool or had something to rely on. To be able to reach the Heavenly Immortal realm in Beichen City, the burly bald man was no fool.

"This Fellow Daoist, you look very unfamiliar. This is a matter between me and the two Fairies from the Ice and Snow Divine Palace; it would be better for you, Fellow Daoist, not to intervene, lest you bring trouble upon yourself." The burly bald man said with a fake smile, his tone filled with threats.

Fairy Shuiyun and Liu Qingqing also looked at Lin Wan. When they saw Lin Wan's appearance clearly, both of them were stunned.

A trace of doubt flashed in Fairy Shuiyun's beautiful eyes. She felt this person looked somewhat familiar, but she couldn't recall where she had seen him. After all, Lin Wan had changed his appearance and Aura, making him different from when they were at the Tianshu Immortal Palace. Moreover, at that time, Fairy Shuiyun had only caught a fleeting glimpse of Lin Wan, leaving a shallow impression.

As for Liu Qingqing, after taking a few careful looks at Lin Wan, her delicate body suddenly trembled, and her eyes revealed an expression of disbelief and surprise. She remembered this face! Although his Aura had changed somewhat, becoming more profound and restrained, she would never mistake those eyes, calm as an abyss! It was that Senior who had bought her mysterious iron piece at the market back then! That Senior who had made her feel unfathomable! Why was he here?

Liu Qingqing opened her mouth, wanting to greet him, but seeing Lin Wan's calm and waveless gaze, she held back. The Senior was appearing with a changed appearance, perhaps he had his own plans; she could not rashly acknowledge him.

Lin Wan ignored the bald man's threats and looked at Fairy Shuiyun and Liu Qingqing. His gaze lingered on Liu Qingqing's face for a moment, and seeing the surprise and restraint in her eyes, he understood that this girl had recognized him.

"I am an old acquaintance of these two Fairies." Lin Wan's tone remained calm. "Since this Ice Soul Cold Jade was bought by them first, it belongs to them. You all, please return."

"Old acquaintance?" The bald man's eyes turned cold. "Brat, are you refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit? Do you really think my Sky Wolf Association is a pushover? If you know what's good for you, get lost immediately, otherwise, I'll deal with you too!"

"Oh? How will you deal with me?" A faint, mocking smile curled at the corners of Lin Wan's mouth as he stepped forward.

With that one step, the "Late Stage Earth Immortal" Aura on his body changed abruptly! A vast, profound, and terrifying pressure, as if it could contain all things and suppress everything, descended like an invisible mountain, precisely enveloping the three men led by the bald man!

This pressure was not a simple suppression of cultivation base, but contained the heaviness and dominance of Chaos! It was as if the Chaos from the beginning of heaven and earth had descended, wanting to re-enact earth, water, fire, and wind, and suppress everything!

"Thump!" "Thump!"

The two Late Stage Earth Immortal members of the Sky Wolf Association, bearing the brunt of it, had no power to resist under this terrifying pressure. Their legs went soft, and they knelt directly on the ground, their faces pale as paper, cold sweat pouring down their foreheads, their eyes filled with boundless fear, unable to even speak.

The Early Stage Heavenly Immortal bald man also let out a muffled groan, as if struck in the chest by an invisible giant hammer. He stumbled back three steps, leaving a deep footprint on the hard jade floor with each step. His face instantly flushed red, his blood surged within his body, and a mouthful of blood nearly sprayed out, which he forcibly swallowed. He looked at Lin Wan in sheer terror, as if looking at a waking ancient Vicious Beast!

"Hea... Heavenly Immortal... Middle Stage? No! That's not right! This pressure... You..." The bald man's voice trembled. He felt as if he were an ant facing the heavens, unable to muster the slightest will to resist! This was definitely not a pressure that an ordinary Middle Stage Heavenly Immortal could have! This person was definitely an old monster hiding his cultivation!

Fairy Shuiyun was also stunned. Her beautiful eyes widened, her small mouth slightly parted, and she looked at Lin Wan in disbelief. Although this pressure was mainly directed at the three members of the Sky Wolf Association, she was close by and could also feel that vast, abyssal, and unfathomable terrifying Aura! Was this... was this really that "Late Stage Earth Immortal" Cultivator? Who exactly was he? Why did he want to help them? And, he said he was an "old acquaintance"?

Liu Qingqing was both shocked and delighted, thinking to herself: "As expected! The Senior is indeed hiding his true strength! Great! Senior Sister Shuiyun is saved!"

The others in the inn were also dumbfounded, their gazes towards Lin Wan filled with awe. No one had expected that this seemingly ordinary "Late Stage Earth Immortal" Loose Cultivator was actually a hidden powerhouse! The power of his anger had actually made the Early Stage Heavenly Immortal leader of the Sky Wolf Association look so wretched!

"Se... Senior, spare me! This Junior had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai, and offended the Senior and the two Fairies. I beg the Senior to raise your hand and spare this Junior's life!" The bald man knew when to bend and when to stretch. Seeing the situation was bad, he immediately yielded and begged for mercy, no longer daring to be the least bit arrogant. In his heart, he had already cursed the subordinate who instigated him to come and snatch the Ice Soul Cold Jade to pieces, while also guessing Lin Wan's identity. Such terrifying pressure, could he be a Late Stage, or even Peak Stage Heavenly Immortal old monster? When did the Ice and Snow Divine Palace have such strong reinforcements?

Lin Wan retracted his pressure, as if that terrifying pressure had never existed, and he returned to his plain, unremarkable appearance. But now, no one dared to underestimate him again.

"The Ice Soul Cold Jade belongs to them. Any problems?" Lin Wan looked at the bald man and asked indifferently.

"No... no problems! Absolutely no problems!" The bald man felt like he had been granted amnesty and hurriedly said, "It was this Junior who was blinded by greed and should not have coveted the two Fairies' treasure! The Ice Soul Cold Jade belongs to the two Fairies, this Junior will get lost now, will get lost right now!"

As he spoke, he dared not stay for a second longer, and sternly shouted at his two subordinates who were still limp on the ground: "Why aren't you leaving yet! You shameful things!" Then, not caring about his face, he scrambled to his feet and, with his two subordinates, rushed out of the inn as if fleeing for their lives, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

A disturbance thus subsided.

The inn was silent. Everyone looked at Lin Wan, their gazes complex.

Fairy Shuiyun and Liu Qingqing also came to their senses and hurriedly stepped forward, performing a graceful bow to Lin Wan.

"Thank you, Senior, for your help! Shuiyun is deeply grateful!" Fairy Shuiyun's voice was cold and clear, but carried sincere gratitude. Although she did not know why this Senior said they were "old acquaintances," the fact that the other party had helped them was true.

"Tha... Thank you, Senior!" Liu Qingqing also hurriedly expressed her thanks, her gaze towards Lin Wan filled with admiration and gratitude.

"No need for such formalities." Lin Wan gestured with his hand as if to help them up. His gaze lingered on Liu Qingqing for a moment, and he said: "This is not a place to talk, follow me."

After speaking, he turned and walked upstairs.

Fairy Shuiyun and Liu Qingqing looked at each other, nodded, and followed. The innkeeper hurriedly stepped forward, respectfully leading the three to the private room where Lin Wan had previously been, served fragrant tea, then tactfully retreated and closed the door.

Inside the private room, a soundproofing Restriction was set up.

"Senior, you..." Fairy Shuiyun looked at Lin Wan, hesitating to speak. She really couldn't recall where she had seen this Senior.

Lin Wan smiled slightly. His bones made a series of slight popping sounds, and the muscles on his face shifted slightly, restoring his original appearance. Although he was still wearing a simple green robe, his entire Aura changed instantly, from plain and unremarkable to refined and extraordinary. His eyes were as deep as a sea of stars, and his Aura was ethereal and unfathomable.

"It... it's you?!" Fairy Shuiyun's beautiful eyes widened, she covered her mouth and exclaimed, her face filled with disbelief. She finally recognized him! Wasn't this Lin Wan, who she had mistaken for a "lecher" at the Tianshu Immortal Palace market back then, who she had caught a fleeting glimpse of in the Secret Realm showing astonishing strength, and who had then disappeared without a trace?! How... how could he be here? And his cultivation... Fairy Shuiyun remembered that back in the Secret Realm, Lin Wan was only an Earth Immortal. How long had it been since then? He had actually reached a point where even she couldn't see through him?! That pressure just now...

Liu Qingqing exclaimed in pleasant surprise: "Senior Lin! It really is you! Great! I knew it was you!"

"Fairy Shuiyun, Miss Liu, long time no see." Lin Wan smiled and nodded, acknowledging his identity. He had intervened on one hand because he couldn't stand the Sky Wolf Association bullying others, and on the other hand, because he had recognized Liu Qingqing. This girl had sold him the Incomplete Manual of the "Chaos Derivation Scripture" back then, which could be considered a good karmic connection. As for Fairy Shuiyun, although there had been a small misunderstanding back then, it was harmless; after all, they were from the same School.

"Lin... Junior Brother Lin? Is it really you?" Fairy Shuiyun was still somewhat unable to believe it, but the appearance and Aura before her were undoubtedly Lin Wan's. "Your cultivation... and just now..."

"Had some fortuitous encounters and managed to Breakthrough by luck." Lin Wan said lightly, without over-explaining. "But Senior Sister Shuiyun, and Miss Liu, how did you come to Beichen City? And why did you get into a conflict with the Sky Wolf Association?"

Upon hearing this, a trace of bitterness appeared on Fairy Shuiyun's face. She sighed and said: "This is a long story. Junior Sister Qingqing and I were ordered by our School to come to the Chaos Ruins to investigate the abnormalities in the 'Gray Mist Area'. The Ice Soul Cold Jade is a core material we prepared to refine a Magic Treasure to resist the erosion of the Gray Mist on the Divine Soul. We finally found it in Beichen City and paid the deposit, but we didn't expect to be targeted by people from the Sky Wolf Association. When they couldn't force a purchase, they framed us for theft, intending to cause trouble... Thanks to your timely appearance, Junior Brother Lin, otherwise..."

As she spoke, Fairy Shuiyun felt lingering fear. Although she was also an Early Stage Heavenly Immortal, the three opponents included the bald man who was also an Early Stage Heavenly Immortal, and the other two were Late Stage Earth Immortals. If they really started fighting, she might not be able to protect Liu Qingqing. Moreover, the Sky Wolf Association was vengeful and had significant influence in Beichen City, which would lead to endless trouble.

"Ordered by the School? Is the Ice and Snow Divine Palace also interested in the Gray Mist Area?" Lin Wan's heart stirred. It seemed the information from the Bai Xiao Pavilion was correct; the Ice and Snow Divine Palace had indeed sent people. Moreover, they had actually sent Fairy Shuiyun and Liu Qingqing? Fairy Shuiyun was fine; as an Early Stage Heavenly Immortal, she was considered a strong expert. But Liu Qingqing was only a Middle Stage Earth Immortal. Sending her to such a dangerous place as the Chaos Ruins, wasn't that a bit...

Seeming to see Lin Wan's doubt, Fairy Shuiyun explained: "The School originally only sent me. But Junior Sister Qingqing... she insisted on coming, saying she had some reasons that she must come to the Chaos Ruins. Revered Master couldn't sway her, and seeing her resolute attitude, allowed her to come with me, considering it training, and also so I could look after her. But I didn't expect that as soon as we arrived in Beichen City, we would provoke the Sky Wolf Association..."

"Reasons she must come to the Chaos Ruins?" Lin Wan looked at Liu Qingqing.

Liu Qingqing bit her lip, a flash of complexity in her eyes, and whispered: "Senior Lin, actually... my Family's ancestors had some connection to the Chaos Ruins. I came this time to look for an important token of my Family lost in the Chaos Ruins; it relates to... a secret of my Family. The black iron piece I sold to you before, Senior, was a part of that token. I suspect the other part might be in the Chaos Ruins."

"Black iron piece?" Lin Wan's heart shook. Inside that iron piece was the Incomplete Manual of the "Chaos Derivation Scripture"! Could it be that Liu Qingqing's ancestors were related to the "Chaos Derivation Scripture", or rather, the Chaos Immortal Path? Could the other part of the token be another iron piece, or... some other related object?

"I see." Lin Wan remained calm and did not mention the "Chaos Derivation Scripture". "So what are your plans next? The Sky Wolf Association will not let this rest, and you will likely have trouble in Beichen City."

"We plan to leave Beichen City early tomorrow morning and head to the outskirts of the Gray Mist Area to rendezvous with other teams from the School." Fairy Shuiyun said. "The School sent more than one team to investigate, led by an Elder Xue who is a Late Stage Heavenly Immortal. We arranged to meet Elder Xue at the 'Cold Ice Valley' on the outskirts of the Gray Mist Area. Once we get there, the Sky Wolf Association should not dare to act recklessly."

"Cold Ice Valley..." Lin Wan recalled the markings on the Bai Xiao Pavilion map. It was a relatively safe temporary foothold on the outskirts of the Gray Mist Area, named because of the perennial raging cold ice gales. The environment was harsh, but it was also a cultivation place favored by Cultivators with ice and snow attributes. It was reasonable for the Ice and Snow Divine Palace to set the meeting point there.

"Junior Brother Lin, what about you? Why are you here? Are you also here to train in the Chaos Ruins?" Fairy Shuiyun asked, a trace of curiosity in her beautiful eyes. She always felt that this "Junior Brother Lin" was full of mystery. His cultivation progressed rapidly, his strength was unfathomable, and he seemed to have designs on the Chaos Ruins as well.

"You could say that." Lin Wan didn't say much. "I have some matters and also need to go to the Chaos Ruins. Since we are going the same way, why don't we set off together tomorrow? We can look out for each other on the way."

He had originally planned to act alone, but meeting Fairy Shuiyun and Liu Qingqing, especially with Liu Qingqing possibly related to her Family's "token", made him change his mind. Perhaps traveling with them could lead to unexpected gains. Moreover, having the banner of the Ice and Snow Divine Palace could save a lot of trouble.

"Really? That's great!" Liu Qingqing said happily upon hearing this. With the "unfathomable" Senior Lin traveling with them, their safety would undoubtedly increase greatly.

Fairy Shuiyun's eyes also lit up. She was worried about safety on the road, and having the "mysterious expert" Lin Wan traveling with them was naturally something she couldn't ask for more. "That's great! With Junior Brother Lin traveling with us, we can be much more at ease. It's just... will it delay Junior Brother Lin's matters?"

"No problem, I also need to go to the Gray Mist Area, it's on the way." Lin Wan said.

"Then it's settled!" Fairy Shuiyun smiled, like ice and snow melting, stunningly beautiful. "We will meet at the city gate early tomorrow morning."

"Good." Lin Wan nodded.

After discussing some more details, Fairy Shuiyun and Liu Qingqing took their leave to prepare for tomorrow's departure. They were staying in the same inn, just in different rooms.

After seeing the two women off, Lin Wan sat back down, his fingers gently tapping the table, light flickering in his eyes.

"Ice and Snow Divine Palace... the secret token of Liu Qingqing's Family... the ancient ruins in the Gray Mist Area... and that mysterious Red Phoenix Token..." Lin Wan felt that this trip to the Chaos Ruins seemed to be entangled with more and more Karma. However, he felt no fear, but rather a faint sense of anticipation. The Chaos Immortal Path inherently required one to move forward through tribulations and opportunities. He was determined to wade through these muddy waters!

"Tomorrow, set off, Chaos Ruins!"