The Inner Area of the Frost-Heaven Secret Realm was a different world entirely. The air was thick with the scent of ancient ice, heavy with a suffocating pressure and a dark, eerie atmosphere. To most, this place appeared incredibly dangerous—and for good reason—as this was the heart of the secret realm.
Lin Chen stood at the edge of a jagged cliff, his eyes still and calm. Though he was at the Peak of Foundation Establishment, his true strength allowed him to fight across realms and even slay Golden Core experts.
While he was capable of killing Golden Core creatures alone, doing so would result in a massive depletion of his spiritual energy. If he encountered a horde of strange creatures alone, similar to the ones he had stumbled upon at the entrance, it would be a perilous situation.
Lin Chen decided to join a camp to secure protection and ensure he could conserve his energy while accumulating points. The best choice he could think of was the camp headed by Yan Jue; after all, they could be considered acquaintances.
Lin Chen made his way to the camp, and after some inquiry, he reached the area where Yan Jue resided. Inside a large tent, Yan Jue sat atop a frost-covered boulder, her Early-stage Golden Core aura radiating outward like a cold sun. However, it was the man standing behind her who drew Lin Chen's focus.
Wei Kun, a Middle-stage Golden Core cultivator. In terms of raw cultivation, Wei Kun was the strongest person present, yet he stood behind Yan Jue like a shadow. His eyes were filled with an obsessive, protective light; it was clear that Wei Kun was a powerful pursuer, sticking to her side to gain her attention by flaunting his strength.
Lin Chen did not hesitate. He walked straight into the tent. The surrounding disciples and cultivators subconsciously stepped back, sensing the dangerous, killing aura permeating from him.
"I'm joining for the canyon hunt," Lin Chen said, his voice echoing as he stopped before Yan Jue. He did not bow; he simply stated his intent.
Yan Jue opened her eyes, her gaze meeting his. She took in the calmness of his expression and the weight of his words.
"Lin Chen. I remember you from the entrance," she said. "I am quite surprised you have reached the peak of the Foundation stage so quickly. I heard you caused quite a stir in the Outer Ring."
"It was just a fluke," Lin Chen replied dismissively. "I want to join the camp so that I can remain safe when encountering a horde of strange creatures."
Yan Jue's eyes flickered with a hint of respect. In a world of flatterers, Lin Chen's bluntness was refreshing. "It doesn't matter," she said with a faint smile. "After all, you are someone who would go directly into thunder tribulation clouds to be struck by lightning. I could hardly imagine you would come to my camp to join."
"Then it's settled," Lin Chen said. "I want to head to the valley tomorrow. I heard there are many Golden Core strange creatures there."
Yan Jue stood up and walked over to him, wanting to discuss the specific threats of the valley. As they spoke, her cold demeanor softened slightly. She found Lin Chen's tactical understanding to be far superior to anyone she had ever met. She listened to him intently, her head tilted in genuine interest.