Urban Peerless Expert

"You've been a great help to me."

The palace lord tapped the box lightly with her finger and inquired, "As a reward, what would you like to receive?"

Lin Chen pondered for two seconds, "A reward? I don't really want anything in particular, but I do want to inquire about something, um, a magical treasure."

The palace lord asked, "Which magical treasure?"

Lin Chen replied, "The Gray Mirror."

The palace lord's eyesight clearly paused, and after two seconds of silence, she asked, "You want to return to the Immortal Realm?"

Lin Chen nodded frankly, "Yes."

He paused, then added, "Now that the Great Wilderness Palace has taken over the entire Black Sky Demon Domain, considering the current situation, it's basically set in stone, with no more variables."

"In the battle between the Immortal Realm and the Demon Realm, if the Immortal Realm were to be defeated, many domains within it would fall into the hands of the demon race. With such a vast Heaven and Earth at their disposal, the Demon Emperor would not care about a single Black Sky Demon Domain. If the Demon Realm loses, then the Demon Emperor will have even less energy to deal with the Great Wilderness Palace."

"To a certain extent, as long as the Great Wilderness Saint is around and nothing goes wrong, regardless of the future direction, the Black Sky Demon Domain is basically settled, and the palace lord can comfortably fulfill her role, peacefully engage in cultivation, and strive to break through to saintliness as soon as possible."

"Under such circumstances, whether Dawn Camp and I stay here is no longer important. It could well be said that with or without me, it makes no difference. That's why I want to gather information on the Gray Mirror to see if there's a way for me to bring Dawn Camp back to the Immortal Realm without anyone noticing."

"The battle for the Great Wilderness Palace has temporarily ended, but the battle for the War God Mansion's First Corps Ninth Division Third Squad is far from over."

The palace lord remained silent for two seconds, then said softly, "The Immortal Realm is vast, with countless immortals; it truly doesn't lack a Third Squad. Actually, you could choose to stay..."

Lin Chen smiled, yet his words contained no compromise or hesitation, "This is not our hometown, and the people we care about in our hearts are not here. Back then, when the eighteen seniors didn't return, it was because they had no way back. Now that the Immortal Demon Channel has stabilized, the situation is different from before, and it's much easier to return."

The palace lord's eyes returned to a calm state, "Have you decided?"

Lin Chen said with a laugh, "That's the idea, but it all depends on what the deal is with that Gray Mirror. If there is a way, naturally I want to go back. If not, then I'll have to stay and ask the palace lord to continue to look after us."

The palace lord huffed, "So, I'm the backup plan, right?"

Lin Chen spread his hands, "Palace lord, I am just speaking honestly. You should understand the desire to return home, being alone in a foreign land—a stranger in an unfamiliar place, with each festive season amplifying the yearning for family..."

The palace lord pursed her lips but didn't continue to tease. After all, what Lin Chen said was indeed the truth.

Who would want to be far from their families and friends, stuck in a completely unfamiliar foreign domain?

The palace lord, no longer jesting and with a serious expression, answered, "As for the Gray Mirror, I only know of its function, but I'm not aware of its specific origin and more detailed characteristics."

Just as Lin Chen was about to ask if he could seek the knowledge of the Great Wilderness Saint, the palace lord took the initiative, "My master should know a bit more. After the Red Demon Sect matter is resolved, I can go back and inquire for you."

Lin Chen's eyes lit up, and he smiled, "Thank you, palace lord. To save time, I can offer you the Star Sky Jump service."

The palace lord couldn't help but chuckle, "Are you in such a hurry?"

Lin Chen explained, "Remember when I mentioned that we had subdued a vice sect leader of a power? According to reports, their sect has a Quasi-Saint fighting on the front lines of the Immortal-Demon Battlefield. By sending them a message, we're asking their sect to select elites and head to the Immortal Realm to stake claims and prepare for a prolonged conflict."

"I was thinking, this might be an opportunity. If I could find a way to deal with the Gray Mirror, then I could force him to take us through the Immortal Demon Channel and back to the Immortal Realm."

"They are currently organizing forces and expect to set out in a little over two months, so I want to take this time to learn more about the Gray Mirror and see if there's a way to fool it, and then follow them back to the Immortal Realm."

The Palace lord suddenly realized, "If there's a Great Sect with a Quasi-Saint, that's no small force. Which power is it?"

"Golden Sword Sect."

The Palace lord looked at Lin Chen in surprise, "The Golden Sword Sect is one of the major Great Sects in the Blood Wind Demon Domain. You managed to control their Vice Sect Leader without alarming anyone?"

Lin Chen said with a laugh, "Dealing with a man whose heart is full of lust and eyes only see women, the mindful against the mindless, is not difficult."

The Palace lord didn't think much more of it; she knew Lin Chen's combat power far exceeded his realm strength. After Lin Chen advanced to Top Grade, even those at the Daluo Peak might not be his match. Plus, as he said, the mindful against the mindless, it was not surprising that the Vice Sect Leader fell into Lin Chen's hands.

"Fine, after we handle the Red Demon Sect, we'll return to the Great Wilderness Palace, and I will go consult my master."

Since Lin Chen had decided to leave, although the Palace lord had mixed feelings, she did not attempt to hold him back.

I tried to keep him, but if he wants to leave, what else can I do?

His departure is a good thing; it prevents me from getting flustered by his presence.

Once he's gone, everything will go back to the way it was before, albeit a bit dull and boring... but it's still okay!

"Thank you, Palace lord!"

Half a day later, the Red Demon Sect sent another envoy, proposing new terms.

"The Red Demon Sect was born here, grew up here, does not wish to move, but would degrade themselves by kneeling and begging for mercy if the Great Wilderness Palace's army were at the gates. Now, we offer two proposals."

"First, the entire Red Demon Sect will relocate and leave the Black Sky Domain."

"Second, the Red Demon Sect and the Great Wilderness Palace each send three contestants below the rank of Quasi-Saint for one-on-one battles. Whichever side has all three contestants defeated first is considered the loser. If the Red Demon Sect loses, we will submit and become a vassal to the Great Wilderness Palace. If the Great Wilderness Palace loses, the palace will allow the Red Demon Sect to stay, preserve its territory, and maintain its independent status, but the Red Demon Sect must also promise not to act as an enemy to the Great Wilderness Palace."

After hearing the envoy's words, the Palace lord scoffed, "Quite confident, the Red Demon Sect. Does the Great Wilderness Palace look undefended to you?"

The envoy smiled, "The Great Wilderness Palace naturally abounds with talented and exceptional individuals. It's just that the Red Demon Sect really doesn't want to move, hence this desperate measure. If by luck we win, it is Heaven's favor; if we lose, we will submit cleanly and clearly."

"Of course, if the Palace lord simply desires this territory and has no interest in the Red Demon Sect, you may refuse the challenge, and our sect, though unwilling, will have no choice but to move far away to another domain."

The Palace lord sneered, "A provocation?"

The envoy smiled slightly, unfazed, "I speak only truth. The Palace lord could try. Win or lose, the Great Wilderness Palace stands to gain everything, or lose nothing…"

The Palace lord said coldly, "Fine, don't say that the Great Wilderness Palace bullies with power. I accept the challenge, but if you lose, don't be all hesitant, as if I forced your submission."

The envoy's eyes brightened, speaking straightforwardly, "If we lose, we will wholeheartedly join the Great Wilderness Palace, no playing coy, no regrets!"

The Palace lord slapped the armrest, "Good, agreed. Let's have the battle!"