My gorgeous wife Chapter 1949 - 1918: Gained a Tagalong

"Destroy the world?" Li Chen looked at Zhang Shutong and chuckled, "It’s not that I look down on you, but eradicating the entire world isn't as simple as one might imagine."

He gazed upwards at the heavens, pondering, "This expanse of stars is truly immeasurable, so vast it defies comprehension. It’s likely that no single individual could survey every corner of this cosmic expanse within a lifetime. Therefore, its power might far exceed your expectations."

"Perhaps a World-Destroying Beast possesses the capability to annihilate this starry universe, but it would undoubtedly be a protracted endeavor. For us, as long as we can discover the purpose of our existence within this grand cosmic tapestry, that should suffice." Li Chen murmured softly.

"Enough, I shall not debate this matter further with you. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave now." Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Li Chen extended a hand to pat Zhang Shutong’s shoulder, preparing to depart.

As Zhang Shutong observed Li Chen, a flicker of intrigue surfaced in his eyes.

This was due to his unprecedented encounter with such an idiosyncratic cultivator.

Ever since assuming the identity of Zhang Shutong, he had encountered a myriad of individuals – the cunning, the slow-witted, the brilliant, the foolish, the steadfast, and the indolent. Yet, none had ever presented such a complex enigma as Li Chen.

He seemed to exude an air of detachment, as if unburdened by any worldly concerns. Simultaneously, however, one could sense the formidable and unyielding resolution of a true sovereign within him.

This individual possessed his own distinct principles and maintained an unwavering faith in himself, never faltering.

Such a person might be perceived as arrogant and obstinate, yet they also harbored an exceptionally robust inner self.

However, should such a person ever realize they had embarked upon an erroneous path, the repercussions they would face would be of the gravest magnitude.

Li Chen's conviction was indeed exceptionally solid, implying he would never entertain regrets concerning his chosen course.

It is possible that a considerable span of time would be required for him to truly comprehend the significance behind that sigh uttered upon the Three Lives Bridge.

...

"Brother Li Chen has returned!"

Within the confines of a secluded protective formation, Bai Tianyi suddenly exclaimed with evident delight, causing a slight stir among those present.

A contingent of individuals promptly rose to their feet, and Yang Xin swiftly moved to dismantle the protective array.

However, upon catching sight of the approaching figure in the distance, a collective frown settled upon the faces of everyone gathered.

The reason for their concern was evident: Li Chen had not returned unaccompanied!

"Isn’t that the destroyer from before?" Li Changkong inquired, his voice tinged with a noticeable stiffness.

"Could it be that Li Chen has been taken captive by him?" Li Bihai’s expression grew grim, his thoughts immediately turning to the worst-case scenario.

Upon hearing this, Yang Xin's countenance also darkened, and faint surges of spiritual energy occasionally emanated from her in her palpable distress.

At this juncture, Bai Tianyi interjected, stating, "No, Brother Li Chen displays no signs of being coerced, and that ‘destroyer’ appears remarkably weakened. Judging by his current state, even if he were to make a move, he would be no match for Brother Li Chen."

The assembled group exchanged uncertain glances, unable to completely dismiss another, perhaps even more astonishing, possibility.

Li Chen... had captured a destroyer?

And not just any destroyer, but one of the Eighth Rank Shen Heaven Realm, at the Heavenly Sovereign level!

This development... seemed even more extraordinary than his previous feat of defeating an Immortal Emperor!

"Brother Li Chen!" Bai Tianyi hurried forward with enthusiasm.

Li Chen responded with a warm smile, reaching out to affectionately pat Bai Tianyi’s head. He then addressed the others, stating reassuringly, "Worry not, all is well now."

"Well then, what exactly is this..." Li Bihai couldn’t refrain from glancing towards Zhang Shutong, who was positioned behind Li Chen.

"Ah..." Li Chen paused briefly before replying, "I simply encountered him on my return journey and offered some assistance. He chose to accompany me, nothing more."

Hearing this explanation, the expressions of the assembled group became increasingly bewildered. Casually offering aid, only for the individual to then simply follow along?

This was, after all, a destroyer. Hadn’t they been warned of his extreme danger just moments ago? Yet, Li Chen had proactively brought him back, seemingly inviting trouble!

Furthermore, this destroyer held the formidable rank of a Heavenly Sovereign within the Shen Tian Realm!

Just how boundless was this cultivator's courage!

"Um... could we perhaps have a word?" Li Bihai and Li Changkong exchanged a knowing look before addressing Li Chen.

"Certainly," Li Chen readily agreed.

He recognized the necessity of clarifying the situation for them; otherwise, the presence of this individual nearby would undoubtedly continue to cause them unease.

Truth be told, Li Chen had not actively solicited Zhang Shutong’s companionship; rather, the man had simply refused to depart, clinging steadfastly to him.

Initially, Li Chen could have easily incapacitated him and continued his journey alone.

However, given the injured state the man was in, discovery by others would likely result in his demise. Consequently, Li Chen found himself unable to abandon him.

This was not an act of excessive leniency, but rather considering the not insignificant investment of a Rank Seven Body-Continuing Pill to save him, allowing him to perish so easily would feel like a considerable waste...

Moreover, Li Chen harbored a desire to extract certain information from Zhang Shutong.

Specifically, information pertaining to the individual previously mentioned... Zhang Lu!

Upon hearing this name resurface, Li Chen experienced a complex rush of emotions.

As his suspicions had indicated, Zhang Lu was indeed not deceased.

Not only was he alive, but he had somehow managed to reach the Ancient Battle Realm.

In Li Chen's estimation, Zhang Lu represented an individual of exceptionally perilous nature.

Li Chen had expended all his Supreme Treasures back then, yet the individual still managed to slip away. What's more, at that very moment, Zhang Lu's cultivation grade was identical to Li Chen's!

For this reason alone, Li Chen regarded Zhang Lu's potential threat as even greater than that of some Daoist Lords!

It wasn't an exaggeration by any means!

Even now, when facing opponents of the same level, few could endure several of his attacks.

Yet, this fellow had managed to escape even when Li Chen unleashed his full might. From this, it was clear that once his cultivation recovered, he would likely become a rather troublesome calamity.

After a lengthy explanation assuring them that Zhang Shutong harbored no ill intentions, the two brothers found some slight relief. However, they still maintained a distance from Zhang Shutong, offering a simple greeting before hurrying away. It was evident they remained quite wary of him.

After all, not everyone possessed a magnanimous heart like Li Chen.

"Is he truly harmless?" Yang Xin couldn't help but inquire of Li Chen via Sound Transmission.

"He should be alright. Besides, he's a cultivator at the Eighth-Rank Heavenly Sovereign level. Once he recovers his strength, he'll command considerable combat power. For the time being, let him stay with us. Don't fret, I have ways to keep him in check; he won't get the opportunity," Li Chen responded.

Yang Xin nodded, offering no further words. Since Li Chen had made his decision, her role was simply to follow his lead.

Perhaps, in her personal worldview, Li Chen had already ascended to become the singular focal point.

"The Four Emperors Territory should lie within the mountain range ahead." Li Chen activated his Eye of the Dao, surveyed the vicinity, and upon confirming no other powerhouses were approaching, he finally declared, "Next, let's take a short rest and make preparations to journey to the Four Emperors Territory."

"Ah, the treasure left behind by that Palm Realm powerhouse! There is indeed some anticipation for it."