A year later.
Chen Lin finally returned to Dream Illusion City.
Little had changed here. The city lord, Gu Tianhan, was still in seclusion recovering from his injuries. No one knew when he would emerge, or whether he ever would.
Few survived a failed ascension to high-tier Dominator.
Upon learning of Chen Lin's arrival, Yu Gongyuan came to visit of his own accord, bringing quite a few treasures.
Chen Lin accepted them.
He understood the man's intentions. Knowing that his strength had increased dramatically, Yu Gongyuan simply wanted to draw closer to him so he might lend Dream Illusion City a hand at a critical moment.
There was probably another concern beneath that: that he might harbor unsavory intentions while Gu Tianhan was gravely injured.
After all, the Ascension Trial was approaching, and powerful figures everywhere were collecting treasures by any means necessary, hoping to survive the trial. Faced with life and death, it was difficult to hold on to such things as moral boundaries.
Of course.
Chen Lin had no such intentions.
Nor did he offer any promises. After accepting the treasures, he returned to his own headquarters.
Naturally, a celebration followed.
With Grass's help, Leng Yue had earned merit fighting the bizarre invasion and received a substantial reward. Thanks to this opportunity, her cultivation had soared all the way to the peak of early Eternal.
Her progress was astonishing enough to make even Chen Lin see her in a new light.
After exchanging accounts of their experiences over the years, Chen Lin spent several more months guiding Leng Yue and the others in their cultivation. Then, after leaving them some treasures, he headed straight for Matihai Mountain.
He had promised Little White Bear that he would place the Purple Light Cauldron beneath the Purple Light Tree, and he