I am cautiously cultivating immortals in a strange world

Seeing that the other party believed his identity, Chen Lin nodded in satisfaction.

He gently stroked his chin and said, "Tell me first what your family knows about that treasure, what its functions are, and also describe in detail the scene in the secret realm."

His tone then became more forceful.

"Don't try to be clever. Although I'm not familiar with that treasure, I do know a thing or two about it."

"besides."

"Although I did not come here to investigate this treasure, if I do not gain any benefit, I will have no choice but to send the message back. I don't need to elaborate on the consequences then."

Li Huaxuan nodded hastily.

"I understand what you mean, sir, and I would never dare to deceive you in the slightest."

But he immediately looked troubled.

He said shyly, "But our clan is dull-witted and has not made much progress in exploring that ancient totem. If all else fails, you can go and see for yourself, and you will know that I am not lying."

Chen Lin raised an eyebrow.

He turned the teacup in his hand and pondered for a moment.

He said calmly, "Very well, since you put it that way, it would seem cowardly of me not to go and take a look. So, lead the way."

Li Huaxuan's cloudy eyes flickered slightly.

He hadn't expected Chen Lin to actually go, and his heart pounded with apprehension as he became increasingly unsure about Chen Lin's identity.

But they must have been sent from there, otherwise a cultivator who hasn't reached the Dominator Realm would never dare to be so arrogant.

So he immediately stood up.

He bowed and walked out of the room with Chen Lin, leaving Xiaoxuan Island together.

Li family residence.

Led by Li Huaxuan, Chen Lin entered a dimly lit hall.

He remained calm throughout the journey, but in reality, he was prepared to take action at any moment. However, the Li family did not make a move. Instead, Li Qianming kowtowed to Li Huaxuan to apologize at Li Huaxuan's request.

But Chen Lin did not relax; he became increasingly vigilant.

The Li family dared to commit treason, so they are not the kind of people who would passively accept their fate. The more they endure now, the stronger their outburst will be. We must be careful and on guard.

"Please take a look, sir."

Upon entering the main hall, Li Huaxuan walked to a small altar.

He pointed to the statue above.

Chen Lin looked over and his expression immediately froze.

"Have you made any discoveries, sir?"

Upon seeing this, Li Huaxuan, who had been observing Chen Lin, immediately asked a question.

Chen Lin did not answer.

He was an imposter, and he didn't even know who he was impersonating, so he spoke as little as possible to avoid giving himself away.

However, the statue in front of him filled him with astonishment and doubt.

He was very familiar with the aura of this creature, which resembled the zodiac animal, and its form was that of a large rooster.

The totem treasure the other party mentioned is actually related to the zodiac animal?
Chen Lin secretly guessed.

After carefully examining the statue and confirming that he hadn't misjudged it, he fell into deep thought.

According to the red-haired rat, there are twelve zodiac animals in total. When all the inheritances are gathered together, they can light up a map, which is related to a mysterious place.

He had always believed that the mysterious place might be the celestial realm.

That is, the city of Yangon.

Huang Yan once said that Yangon City was the origin of the Zodiac Beasts, and that Huang Yan was the reincarnation of the Star Lord. Logically speaking, what he said should not be false.

Could it be that...

Is the secret realm connected by this totem the city of Yangon?

Chen Linsheng had this idea.

But something still felt off.

Yangon is one of the three most mysterious places in the cultivation world. It is said that unless there are special circumstances, only those who are listed on the Ascension Ranking can enter, and only at specific times.

These two from the Li family probably don't have the ability to make the list.

There is another possibility.

Although the zodiac beasts originated in Yangon, the place the map points to may not be there. Red-haired Rat also said that Shadow Scholar only became powerful after going to the place indicated on the map.

The Shadow Scholar was already quite powerful when he entered Yangon to participate in the Ascension Trial.

The timing is wrong.

They disappeared completely after the trial ended.

Chen Lin's mind raced.

Perhaps the core of this totem realm is the place mentioned in the zodiac map.

The Shadow Scholar became powerful because he mastered that characteristic.

As soon as the idea popped into his head, Chen Lin became interested and turned to look at Li Huaxuan.

"How do you activate the totem statues?"

Li Huaxuan stepped forward.

Take out a small purple bottle.

He presented it with both hands, saying, "Our family has also conducted many experiments and finally discovered that this totem can absorb the energy of the variegated essence. However, it requires a whole bottle each time. The variegated essence is priceless, and our family has spent a great deal of money on it, but we have only been able to open it a few times."

Chen Lin's eyes lit up.

Reach out and take the small bottle, then, after taking precautions, gently open it.

It truly contains the essence of splendor.

He nodded, covered it again, and put it away without any hesitation.

Even if we don't gain anything else from this bottle of crystal marrow, the risk we took wasn't in vain.

Then another association arose.

This zodiac animal statue can absorb the energy of colorful essence; can the others do the same?
He also has a tiger pendant on his hand.

If it can be activated, can we also enter the same secret realm?
Not only the tiger pendant, but also other items.

Chen Lin was surprised to find that he had come into contact with quite a few zodiac beasts: a red-haired rat, a tiger pendant, a rabbit statue with the Tranquility Technique, a golden dragon inside the Star Gate, and a pig demon in a piggy bank.

A willing ox could also be one.

With the addition of this chicken, the number is already more than half.

Five more animals are missing: snake, horse, sheep, monkey, and dog.

Chen Lin uses divergent thinking.

Based on the 'coincidences' that have happened to him in the past, he may have encountered these five zodiac animals.

The snake.

The little white snake is a point of suspicion. Although he obtained it from a blind egg, it's not impossible that the zodiac beast was formed through inheritance.

The other snakes did not seem to be more suspicious.

As for the horse.

It could be a dream horse.

However, the Pegasus is a dimensional anomaly, and it is suspected to be the possession of a powerful being who survived the last Ascension Trial, but the possibility is not very high.

There is still much to be discovered.

However, among those born in the Year of the Sheep, Chen Lin has one person he is most suspicious of.

That is Princess Yun, the monarch.

The other party has maintained the form of a sheep. I used to think it was due to the rules of the Nightmare Realm, but now it seems more likely that it is a zodiac beast.

Then there are the monkey and the dog.

He had no suspects for the monkey, but as for the dog, the big black dog from the outside world was worth noting.

I thought about it once.

Chen Lin was secretly surprised. Unbeknownst to him, he had actually come into contact with so many suspected zodiac animals before. If all of them were verified, then only the zodiac monkey was still missing.

Completing all twelve zodiac animals felt like a natural progression.

Not only that.

He also inherited the art of tranquility, but unlike the red-haired rat, he did not become a zodiac animal.

Thinking about this.

Chen Lin suddenly realized something.

The reason he didn't become a zodiac animal might be related to the fact that he inherently possesses 'that characteristic'. No.

It's not related, it must be for this reason.

In other words.

He can continue to inherit the legacy of other zodiac animals without any problems.

This was also arranged.

All the blame was being directed at one person.

The Shadow Scholar!

"As far as I know, totem statues are all passed down through generations. You took this item for the sake of that inheritance, right? You've been researching it for so long, haven't you figured out anything?"

Chen Lin composed himself and looked at Li Huaxuan, asking a question.

Li Huaxuan glanced at Li Qianming beside him.

He replied, "What you say is true, sir. My father did bring this item out to obtain the inheritance, but he did not succeed. He only discovered the method to open the secret realm."

"You've gained nothing from me either."

“It wasn’t until my son was born that I plucked a feather from the statue, but the power it displayed was not as exaggerated as I had imagined; it was only at the initial level of the Overlord.”

"hehe."

Chen Lin chuckled softly.

"Your son's cultivation is only at the ordinary Eternal Realm. He can already wield a Sovereign-level treasure, which is enough to make people envious. Does he really want to take a leap to the Sovereign Realm directly?"

"Your words are correct."

Li Huaxuan echoed in agreement.

Chen Lin then looked at Li Qianming and sized him up from head to toe.

At last.

His gaze fell on the black feather in her hand.

This feather was the one the opponent used to attack him. Its power was indeed considerable, but it did not possess true dominance. It was unclear whether the opponent had not yet fully mastered it, or whether this was the limit of the feather's power.

If it is the latter.

Then this zodiac totem won't be too exaggerated. Even if it comes back to life, it will have a chance to escape unscathed.

"When you plucked this feather, did you obtain the method to control it?"

Chen Lin asked directly.

"Your Excellency, I have not learned how to use it, but I have a strange connection with this treasure and can use it at will. Moreover, no matter how far away this treasure is from me, it can return on its own."

Li Qianming immediately offered an explanation.

His eyes held a hint of tension, as if he feared Chen Lin would snatch it away.

Chen Lin smiled faintly, ignoring the other party, and slowly walked to the altar.

He focused his mind and sensed for a while.

Then activate the Tranquility spell.

A strange power enveloped the rooster statue, and the rooster blinked and raised its head to crow, but it seemed to have its neck stuck, only emitting a soft hoarse sound.

even so.

Chen Lin's expression also changed slightly. He stopped using his secret technique and stepped back.

This statue can break through the effect of the Tranquility spell, its strength is much higher than he imagined, and it can actually come back to life, so it is not advisable to conduct any more experiments for the time being.

However, the statue did not retaliate.

After the tranquility spell disappeared, its raised head lowered again, and its eyes lost their liveliness.

Seeing this, Li Huaxuan and his son both showed expressions of shock. After exchanging a glance, they became even more respectful towards Chen Lin.

Li Huaxuan cupped his hands in greeting.

He tentatively asked, "Since you were able to activate the totem directly, it seems you have a connection with this treasure. Should we go directly into the secret realm and see if we can explore the core area?"

"Not urgent."

Chen Lin waved his hand.

"This treasure has an extraordinary origin. I only tried it out, and the effect was not ideal. I will think about it carefully when I get back and then make a decision."

Done.

He then took his leave and headed towards the exit.

Li Huaxuan looked completely bewildered, not knowing what Chen Lin was up to. First, he used his status to pressure him, forcing him to reveal the details of the treasure, then he came to see it in person and tried to activate it.

Everything that needed to be done has been done.

The next step should be to strike while the iron is hot, either try to take the treasure or enter the secret realm to explore.

What does it mean that he suddenly left again?
He was surprised and suspicious, but he did not dare to stop Chen Lin. He could only respectfully see Chen Lin out of the Li family's residence, and then return with Li Qianming.

"Dad, is this person really sent from above? He doesn't seem like it."

After returning to the main hall, Li Qianming spoke in a deep voice.

Li Huaxuan shook his head.

"Whether it is or not, our Li family can't afford to gamble. However, since this person can directly activate the totem statue, he might also be able to enter the real secret realm. We should use him to pave the way for us."

"What if he attacks us?"

Li Qianming's tone was very wary.

Chen Lin's effortless parrying of his feather attack had left him feeling utterly defeated, and he realized the gap between himself and Chen Lin. Even his own father might not be a match for him.

"Don't worry."

Li Huaxuan sneered.

“Once he enters the secret realm, he will have no choice. I have already refined the Killing Lock. I just need to set it on the altar. Whatever benefits he gains in the secret realm, he will have to hand them over obediently when he comes out.”

"Father, you've refined the Killing Lock!"

Li Qianming was overjoyed to hear this.

He immediately said with murderous intent, "Then why bother dealing with him? Let the elders work together and kill him to avoid any further complications."

"No."

Li Huaxuan shook his head vigorously.

He said in a deep voice, "You don't know how powerful those people are. If this person really comes from above, we must be careful. Only by leading them into the secret realm can we ensure that nothing goes wrong."

"Otherwise, if the other party escapes, our entire family will suffer."

He hesitated for a moment.

He said to Li Qianming, "Here's what you'll do: find two attractive women in your clan and send them to him, saying they'll be his maids."

"Pity."

"If your sister were still alive, she would definitely stay with him. It's hard for an ordinary girl from your clan to catch his eye. If he doesn't want her to stay, don't force it. Just keep an eye out for her outside..."

Chen Lin leisurely returned to Xiaoxuan Island.

Su Wanyi had been waiting in the room for a while. When she saw Chen Lin return, she made a hesitant expression as if she wanted to say something but couldn't.

"Don't worry."

Chen Lin reassured the other party.

"The Li family has no intention of breaking off relations and will not take action against your Wang family for the time being. You should wait and see. Hiding now will only be seen as a sign of a guilty conscience and will likely lead to your being ambushed."

"Then I'll listen to the adults."

Su Wanyi remained silent for a while before making a decision.

Then he bowed and said, "I wish to have Zhe'er become your disciple, sir. I wonder if he has the opportunity?"

"Opportunity?"

Chen Lin shook his head.

“My enemies are far more powerful than the Li family. I could easily wipe out the entire Shattered Star Ring with just a flick of my finger. For you to have your son become my disciple is not an opportunity, it's suicide.”

Su Wanyi's expression froze.

She sensed that Chen Lin wasn't just making excuses; it seemed genuine. In that case, she had really gotten herself into big trouble.

"okay."

Chen Lin waved his hand.

"Your Wang family doesn't need to get too involved with me. That way, my enemies won't bother with you, and I'll be leaving soon anyway. Just treat me as a passerby."

Su Wanyi pursed her lips.

In the end, he didn't mention the matter of becoming an apprentice again, gave a slight bow, and left the room.

Chen Lin then took out the tiger pendant to test it. (End of Chapter)