I am cautiously cultivating immortals in a strange world

Chen Lin flapped his soul wings and flew towards the shore, with Bai Lingyu following beside him, and the rest of the people nervously following behind.

After an incense stick has burned.

They landed safely on the shore.

The surging waves on the sea surface slowly dispersed and soon returned to calm.

"Thank you for your protection, Venerable Chen!"

The survivors all expressed their gratitude and cast thankful glances at Chen Lin.

At the same time, they were terrified.

If Chen Lin hadn't displayed his divine power, apart from Bai Lingyu, their chances of survival would have been extremely slim, especially for those who hadn't reached the Sovereign Realm. They had witnessed the deaths of three of their companions and were utterly powerless to resist.

Chen Lin immediately waved his hand.

"Fellow Daoists, you are too kind. Even without me, Elder Bai could have led everyone ashore."

"It's a pity about Fellow Daoist Wang and the others."

He looked at the sea behind him.

He sighed softly, "To die before even starting a mission—this secret realm is indeed extremely dangerous. We must be extra careful from now on."

Bai Lingyu's complexion was also not very good.

"Alright, your contribution is obvious to all, no need to be modest. All the three-finned fish you caught are yours. We shouldn't stay here any longer, let's hurry up and move on."

Upon hearing this, Chen Lin walked to the middle.

He took out the Xuanjin Spear and waved it back and forth on the ground. He felt that there were about twenty of them. Without being polite, he put them directly into his storage ring.

Since Bai Lingyu said this fish has great benefits, it must be true.

But the prerequisite is that you can take it out.

If this item cannot be taken out, even if it is consumed and refined, it will be useless, and the benefits gained will disappear again.

This is very similar to the Nightmare Realm. If it weren't for the absence of any eerie aura, Chen Lin would have suspected that this place might be a scene from the Eerie Kingdom. However, based on the known information, the strength of the rules here is even higher than that of the Eerie Kingdom.

Put the fish away safely.

The group continued forward.

About half an hour later, Chen Lin finally saw the black building clearly.

It is indeed a giant tower, but it is incomplete. It is unknown how many floors it originally had, but now only three floors remain, and the damage is so severe that it is impossible to tell that it is a tower without careful observation.

"Elder Bai, this tower seems very dangerous. Are we really going to go there?"

A woman in a black robe suddenly spoke.

Chen Lin looked over.

This woman's cultivation has reached the Sovereign Realm, making her one of the three Sovereigns in the team, including him. Moreover, the style of her identity token is different from his, indicating that her level of worship is definitely higher than his.

"Not there."

Bai Lingyu answered immediately.

Then he explained, "That half-tower is also an extraordinary item, a tangible treasure. Even though you can see it clearly from this distance, it's something you can see but can't touch. Going there won't do you any good."

Upon hearing this, Chen Lin looked at the tower again.

Such a large and extraordinary object must have been extremely powerful when intact. Even if it is damaged, it must still be a high-level treasure, and it may contain a large number of treasures, or even cultivation techniques and secret manuals.

But he also knew.

The tangible things in this secret realm are more peculiar than the intangible things.

Intangible things can be explored and understood through touch, but tangible things cannot be touched, let alone picked up, so there is no possibility of them being taken out.

Therefore, all that has ever appeared in the outside world so far are intangible treasures; tangible treasures have never been seen.

"So where are we going?"

Another question was raised.

Upon hearing this, Chen Lin also looked at Bai Lingyu.

Having arrived at this place and already faced a life-or-death crisis, it would be unreasonable not to explain the situation, as it could easily cause the team to fall apart.

"We are going to a deserted town about 300 miles behind."

"Three hundred li?"

Upon hearing this answer, everyone's expression changed.

Under normal circumstances, three hundred li is nothing to them; they can reach it in a single step.
But now it seems like an insurmountable barrier.

Beyond the giant tower lies a landscape of mountains and dense forests, where numerous extraordinary creatures are bound to reside. To avoid emitting energy, one must refrain from flying or using teleportation techniques.

Trying to cross a distance of three hundred miles would likely result in heavy casualties.

"no way."

Bai Lingyu took out a scroll.

He continued, "This place is the most suitable place for exploration that I can find. Other areas are more dangerous, and I have reliable information that there are definitely rare treasures in this abandoned town, and quite a lot of them."

Everyone immediately looked at the map on the scroll.

Chen Lin also glanced over.

The map is not complicated; it only depicts a single route that begins at the half-tower and winds its way to the destination.

But he frowned.

Because there are three scarlet markers in the middle of this route.

The text describes a valley, a dense forest, and a great river, clearly indicating that there are three dangerous places along this route; otherwise, it wouldn't be specifically highlighted.

This place was already fraught with danger at every turn, and with these three more perilous locations, even he was starting to have second thoughts.

Elder Bai.

The woman in black robes spoke in a low voice.

"This place is too far away, and it's too unsafe to walk on the ground. If there's no way to fly there, I think we should explore somewhere else."

After she finished speaking, she looked at the Black Tower.

"Instead of trekking through mountains and rivers to that place, it would be better to explore this ruined tower nearby. Although it is a tangible treasure, it doesn't mean that there is no intangible treasure inside. Perhaps we can gain something."

"Zhou Gongfeng is overthinking it."

Bai Lingyu shook her head.

"This ruined tower is quite famous. At least five powerful rulers have perished inside, including Sai Yihe, a sixth-order Grand Wizard and deacon elder of the Wizard Council."

"so."

She took a deep breath.

"This place is extremely dangerous. It is one of the six forbidden areas listed in the Nameless Secret Realm. No one dares to go in anymore. Otherwise, there would be so few explorers in this direction."

The woman in the black robe's expression changed.

Even a sixth-tier ruler perished inside; no matter how arrogant she was, she wouldn't dare to enter rashly.

Everyone fell silent.

Bai Lingyu closed the scroll.

Looking into the distance, he said, "Gentlemen, don't worry about safety."

"There is no such thing as absolute safety in this world. The Heavenly Trial is imminent, and I'm afraid none of us here will be able to escape it. If we don't obtain the extraordinary treasure, our chances of survival are slim."

"There's no difference between risking your life first and risking your life later."

He paused for a moment.

Bai Lingyu continued speaking.

"If anyone is interested in this tower, we can wait until we return after exploring that small town. If we find any rare treasures, we might as well give it a try."

"Then let's listen to Elder Bai. It's too late to go back now. Those three-finned fish may not leave."

Han Tianyu said in a deep voice.

Seeing that no one raised any further objections, Bai Lingyu held the map and observed it for a while.

With a wave of his hand.

"There's no time to lose. I'll lead the way, and Chen Lin will bring up the rear. Don't let your guard down!"

"Yes!"

Everyone agreed in unison.

However, at that moment, a black dot appeared on the distant sea, growing larger and larger, and it turned out to be a ship sailing in this direction.

"Elder, look."

The woman in black pointed to the sea.

Bai Lingyu noticed it too. She frowned and stopped.

Chen Lin also strained his eyes to observe. The ship was getting closer and closer.

Just like when they arrived, not too far from the coastline, waves suddenly surged up and swept towards the ship.

The small boat began to rock instantly.

Just when everyone thought the people on the boat were doomed, the small boat suddenly took to the air, emitting a burst of black light that enveloped the boat and transformed into a streak of light, shooting straight to the shore in an instant.

boom!
The small boat crashed heavily onto the rocks and bounced several times before finally coming to a stop.

A short man wearing a wide-brimmed hat and dressed as a clown jumped down from above and made exaggerated gestures.

"Wow, there are so many invisible fish here! They almost killed me... Huh?"

The clown yelled and screamed, then his gaze fell on Chen Lin and he suddenly let out a surprised "Eh!"

Chen Lin was also taken aback.

He then smiled and stepped forward, saying, "Lord Zossiven, what brings you here?"

Zoshi looked sullen.

"Isn't it said that the Trial of Ascension to Heaven will begin in about thirty years? I thought I'd come here to try my luck and get a rare treasure to increase my strength. I didn't expect to be so intimidated on my first visit."

talking.

His gaze fell on Bai Lingyu.

He chuckled.

"It seems that the old man Tianji's divination was quite accurate. We will meet a benefactor if we go in this direction. I was wondering who it would be, but I didn't expect it to be Elder Bai."

"I'm not some kind of VIP."

Bai Lingyu spoke in a flat tone.

She glanced at Zosswin sideways. "I have no desire to associate with anyone from your House of Observers. If you're going anywhere, get out of here and don't interfere with our treasure hunt."

Zosiwen's expression froze.

He said awkwardly, "Elder Bai, why are you so cold? I am a major client of Qingding Heavenly Palace, and I have even helped you complete missions. You shouldn't be so ungrateful."

"That was a deal between you and the Azure Peak Heavenly Palace. There's no personal favor involved. Don't try to get close to them."

Bai Lingyu grew increasingly indifferent.

Chen Lin watched this scene and couldn't help but mutter to himself.

These two seem to be at odds. If they were to fight, he really wouldn't be able to choose sides. Although he is now the Geng Gongfeng of the Qingding Heavenly Palace, he had received help from Zuo Xiwen in the past.

"Ugh!"

At this moment, Zossie sighed.

"Ok."

"Since Elder Bai hates me so much, then I won't stay with you. You can keep this pagoda ruin; I'll go explore other places."

"You want to explore this tower?"

Bai Lingyu raised an eyebrow.

"how."

"You came here to explore this tower, so where are you going?"

"Zoshi asked, puzzled."

"Then there's no need to tell you. Since our goals are different, let's keep to ourselves and explore our own paths."

After responding coldly, Bai Lingyu waved to Chen Lin and the others.

"Let's go!"

"Hey, hey, hey, what's the rush? I'm not some kind of bad luck incarnate, why are you hiding so readily? Let's travel together for now, and we'll part ways when we reach the pagoda."

Zosiwen followed along as he spoke, without even putting away the small boat.

Bai Lingyu frowned again, but did not expel the other party again, letting the other party follow in the group.

Everyone was curious about the relationship between the two, but no one dared to ask too many questions. They could only look around and speculate.

Chen Lin was the same.

He had already figured it out. Although the two didn't seem to have a good relationship, they probably weren't enemies. In fact, Zosiwen's extreme tolerance towards Bai Lingyu might have other factors at play.

But to say that the two have that kind of relationship.

Also unlikely.

Zoxiwen's image is not up to par; Bai Lingyu, being such a proud person, would never be interested in him.

"Where is Fellow Daoist Chen going?"

Just as Chen Lin was lost in thought, Zosiwen approached him and asked with a grin.

He immediately shook his head.

"I can't say the specific location. I'm currently employed by Elder Bai. Wherever she tells me to go, I'll go."

Bai Lingyu, who was at the front of the group, paused, seemingly wanting to turn around and reprimand him, but ultimately remained silent and quickened her pace to continue forward.

"It's okay if you don't say."

Zosiwen smacked his lips.

He continued, "Are you interested in joining me? There must be a treasure in that pagoda. If we work together, our chances of success will be much greater. I'll let you choose first."

"Not interested."

Chen Lin shook his head repeatedly.

I thought about it.

He advised, "I suggest you don't go either, sir. It's said that it's extremely dangerous there, and even a sixth-tier ruler has perished there. The secret realm is so vast, going to other places is no different."

"hey-hey."

Zoshi smiled.

"I know what you're talking about. He's the Grand Wizard of the Wizard Council, but he entered when the secret realm first opened, and everyone was still unfamiliar with this place back then."

"Things are different now."

"I've pretty much figured out the rules of the secret realm. While cultivation is important here, the most important thing is rare treasures. As long as you have a powerful treasure, your safety can be guaranteed."

"And me."

Zoshi pointed to himself.

"We only have one defensive artifact, which should be enough to protect the two of us."

Then he looked at Chen Lin's wrist.

“Don’t you also have a rare treasure? If the two of us join forces, we won’t be able to roam freely in this secret realm, but our safety will definitely be greatly increased, and our chances of obtaining treasures will also be much greater.”

These words were spoken.

Everyone turned around, their eyes fixed intently on the two of them.

Bai Lingyu also stopped in her tracks.

Looking at Zossiven, he asked, "You obtained a rare treasure, what type is it?"

"It's half a shield, but it's quite powerful. Although the defensive range is a bit small, it can still protect two or three people. If Elder Bai is interested, the three of us can go together."

"Humph!"

Bai Lingyu snorted coldly.

Ignoring him further, I turned and continued walking.

At the same time, he said in a deep voice, "The power of the rare treasure here is indeed very strong, but it is not omnipotent. If you want to die, go ahead and do it yourself. Don't drag my people down with you."

Zosiwen remained silent.

He simply looked at Chen Lin, quietly waiting for a response.

Chen Lin shook his head again.

"I am on a mission and cannot join forces with you, sir. However, I have received your kindness in the past, and if you need help in any other way, I will certainly do my duty."

"hehe."

Before Zoxiwen could speak, Bai Lingyu scoffed.

He said to Chen Lin, "The Observer gives you benefits, but there is no gratitude involved. He takes away some of your power. As long as your cultivation improves, he will improve as well."

"No wonder his cultivation level has increased so much; it turns out you're the person he's observing."

"The one who owes a debt of gratitude shouldn't be you, but him!"

The voice just fell.

A loud roar suddenly came from the sea behind them, followed by the shaking of the entire ground. (End of Chapter)