Chapter 40: The Professional Team Begins to Appear
Before the ruin’s exit, Luo Chen stood gazing at the massive stone they’d painstakingly pushed over, hands behind his back, lips curling slightly.
“Tch—perfect. A work of art,” he said, satisfied.
Luo Yuanshan eyed the stone: “Young Master, will this… really work?”
“Of course,” Luo Chen said confidently. “This ruin has one exit. You saw—the stone’s the same material as the walls, tough as hell. Even with Luo Jiutian’s skills, breaking through will take time.”
His eyes sharpened: “By then, the secret realm will be closed.”
Luo Yuanshan nodded.
He opened his mouth to speak, but Luo Chen waved, reverting to an amiable demeanor: “Of course, he’s not completely trapped—unless…”
“Unless?”
“Unless he can punch a hole through the ruin and escape another way.”
Silence fell.
Luo Yuanshan looked at Luo Chen, wordless.
A close look would reveal his lips twitching, quickly suppressed, his facial muscles spasming subtly.
Since Luo Jiutian held a wisp of his and Luo Yan’s divine souls, he could receive one-way messages and knew Luo Jiutian’s movements.
Knowing the truth, he was struggling to keep a straight face.
Luo Chen, seemingly oblivious, met his gaze.
Their eyes locked, the air thick with unspoken tension.
“Hahahahaha…”
“Hahaha!”
Both burst into laughter.
Luo Yuanshan gave a thumbs-up: “Young Master, you’re hilarious!”
“Eh, just average.”
After laughing, Luo Chen’s smile faded, resuming his Young Master poise.
“Alright,” he said coolly. “Time to move.”
Luo Yuanshan nodded seriously: “Got it.”
Luo Yan stood, responding gravely: “Understood.”
Without another word, the trio sped toward the central region.
Winds howled, spiritual energy surging.
Luo Chen gripped his spear, eyes cold.
Just wait, Luo Jiutian.
This time, I won’t give you any openings.
Once I get the Tempering Origin Persimmons and reach Golden Core…
You’ll never rise again.
…
Elsewhere in the secret realm.
Luo Jiutian sat cross-legged on a rock, eyes closed, spiritual energy flowing steadily.
Moments later, he opened his eyes, murmuring: “Foundation Establishment, perfect stage.”
Feeling the refined energy within, he nodded.
One Tempering Origin Persimmon, fully refined, would push him to Golden Core.
But—
He glanced at the sky, ripples forming, signs of the realm closing growing clearer.
“No time,” he sighed. “I’ll refine it outside.”
He turned to Su Wan’er nearby.
She sat, chin in hand, eyes sparkling, staring at him unblinkingly.
“Why’re you staring?” he asked.
She flashed a bright smile: “Nine Heavens Brother broke through—so awesome~”
Then she lowered her head, muttering: “But… you’re getting stronger… will you not need me anymore? Will you ditch me?”
Her tone was calm, but her serious gaze was unsettling.
“Wan’er?” he called.
As if not hearing, she continued, lips curving: “It’s fine. I’ll get stronger too, so strong you can’t ditch me. Hmm… right, after leaving, my cultivation will drop to Golden Core’s peak. Should I… take advantage now…”
Her voice softened, cheeks flushing, her eyes gleaming with something off.
Until—
Thud!
Luo Jiutian, now beside her, tapped her forehead.
“Ow!” She clutched her head. “Nine Heavens Brother, you hit me again—mean!”
Pouting, she glared, looking aggrieved but not backing off, instead leaning closer.
He ignored her, gazing at the horizon, expression darkening.
“Almost time,” he murmured.
Su Wan’er tilted her head: “Almost what?”
Then—
[Ding! Host has successfully destabilized the Chosen One ‘Luo Chen,’ converting destiny points…]
[Current Blue Star return countdown: 276 years.]
[6 months deducted, remaining: 275 years, 6 months.]
…
The scene shifts to the central region.
“Where are they? Where’re the persimmons?!”
Luo Chen roared, spear pointed skyward, face redder than a gacha player missing a guaranteed pull.
He hadn’t taken Luo Yan’s words seriously, but now—
The Tempering Origin Persimmons were gone, and the Li and Xiao families had vanished, suggesting they’d split the loot and left.
Luo Chen approached the tree, staring up.
Luo Yuanshan and Luo Yan exchanged a glance, unsure what he’d do.
Then—
“Argh!!!”
Luo Chen roared, charging the tree, spear slashing wildly!
“Grow back, damn it!”
“Grow! Back!”
The bark didn’t budge, but his spearhead clanged from the impact.
“Calm down, Young Master!” Luo Yuanshan rushed forward, grabbing his arm. “The tree’s innocent—it’s the victim!”
Luo Chen took deep breaths, finally calming.
He slammed his spear into the ground, silent, reverting to his usual cold Young Master demeanor.
Luo Yuanshan quietly let go, stepping back, pretending nothing happened.
Luo Yan stepped forward: “Young Master, I have an idea.”
Luo Chen glanced at him: “Speak.”
“Li Daming killed many of our clan. We should settle that score,” Luo Yan said. “Demand one or two persimmons—they’ve no reason to refuse.”
“Outrageous!”
Luo Chen spun, righteous: “They’re my dear kin, brothers! You think I’d use them to bargain? Do I seem like that kind of person?”
Luo Yan: “…”
Don’t you?
Luo Yuanshan stepped in: “Young Master, Skinny Ghost’s not entirely wrong. Getting some benefits isn’t for personal gain—it’s revenge for our brothers. Plus, you need the persimmons for Golden Core, right?”
Luo Chen didn’t reply, hands behind his back, pacing.
He’d considered it, but agreeing instantly would seem spineless.
Luo Yuanshan pressed: “Young Master, our fallen brothers would want you to grow strong, to honor them!”
Luo Chen stopped, about to nod, when—
A white light rose from his feet, enveloping him.
“Hm?” He looked down. “The realm’s closing? This soon?”
Luo Yuanshan and Luo Yan glowed too, exchanging looks.
Luo Chen’s eyes narrowed, voice cold: “Fine. Some debts… should be settled outside.”