My gorgeous wife Chapter 1952 - 1921: The Snipe and the Clam Compete

"There are actually people here."

Seeing the scene unfolding beyond the valley, Christina’s expression shifted. She’d taken great care to conceal the entrance, never anticipating that such an ordinary-looking valley would be occupied. Her efforts at concealment should have been flawless.

However, neither of the factions locked in battle displayed any unusual reactions, leaving it uncertain if they had discovered the secret realm within the valley.

After a moment of contemplation, Li Chen inquired, "Any thoughts?"

Though his question was posed to the entire group, Li Chen’s gaze settled upon Zhang Shutong.

This individual possessed an aura that could be incredibly potent one moment and virtually nonexistent the next. Regardless of how Li Chen assessed him, he felt certain Zhang Shutong was a character of monstrous caliber.

As a Destroyer inhabiting a cultivator's body, sworn to safeguard the Starry Universe, he conducted himself like a philosopher, employing an array of peculiar tactics, having existed for an immeasurable span of years. Such an entity demanded Li Chen’s utmost caution.

Li Chen even harbored concerns that Zhang Shutong might turn against him at any given moment.

Seemingly acknowledging Li Chen’s attention, Zhang Shutong calmly stated, "What I previously clarified was merely to establish that even without my cultivation fully restored, I can still serve a purpose by your side. Now that you have made your decision, I presume my opinion is no longer required?"

Li Chen nodded, his estimation of Zhang Shutong soaring even higher.

Regarding disparities in cultivation, Li Chen possessed numerous methods to compensate. Against formidable opponents he could not overcome, he could evade them preemptively.

Yet, confronting an individual of such formidable intellect presented the greatest challenge.

Fortunately, this enigmatic figure was, for the time being, aligned with him.

"In terms of combat capability, there are four individuals engaged in combat over there, all roughly at the Soul Realm cultivation level, yet their power has been forcibly suppressed to the Domain Realm within this area. However, it is evident that their might far surpasses that of typical Domain Realm cultivators."

Following a period of reflection, Li Chen articulated, "This implies a significant degree of peril present here. Primarily, our cultivation is capped at the Domain Realm, and even if our combat prowess exceeds this level, the others are capable of doing the same. Based on our current assessment, if we were to engage them simultaneously, we could likely defeat them all, but we would likely sustain casualties. Therefore, I propose we observe temporarily and choose an opportune moment to strike when they are nearing the conclusion of their battle."

"I concur," Christina affirmed.

If there were two distinct factions present, it would be Li Chen and his companions on one side, and Christina standing alone on the other. Li Chen’s suggestion was, in essence, directed towards her, and given that the others deferred to Li Chen’s judgment, they naturally raised no objections.

Still, she found herself pondering why this Soul Realm Martial Artist, despite appearing severely wounded and not particularly close to Li Chen, would heed his counsel.

Naturally, even with considerable effort, she was unlikely to uncover the answer.

The aerial battle above the valley raged on.

On one side stood two formidable entities from the Divine Realm, their bodies ablaze with incandescent light. Opposing them were two equally powerful Heaven Realm Martial Artists.

Though, in a certain context, Li Chen himself could be considered to belong to the Heaven Realm.

However, considering his accumulated experiences, the notion of allegiance had long since become blurred.

To say nothing of the company he kept – Immortals, members of the Demon Race, even a Destroyer, and he himself being a Martial Artist hailing from the Heaven Realm.

Such a peculiar assembly would be remarkable in any setting, yet Li Chen found nothing unusual about it.

Certain convictions take root subtly and over time. Cultivators from all realms are indoctrinated with the tenet that 'all Great Realms are adversaries,' naturally fostering a hostile outlook towards those from other Great Realms. However, Li Chen represented a deviation from this norm.

Having originated from the Lower Realm, enduring betrayal and pursuit within the Heaven Realm, and subsequently venturing into the Immortal Realm, his unique journey had forged a profoundly distinct perspective.

Friendship is a reciprocal bond; what had Li Chen truly experienced within the Heaven Realm?

From the moment he arrived in the Heaven Realm, he was marked, leading to an unending cycle of pursuit, evasion, and concealment. Even after he valiantly defended the Demon Realm entrance on the Earth Prison Star Continent for the entirety of the Star Continent, thereby buying precious time, the Daolan Heavenly King imparted such counsel to him. How, then, could Li Chen harbor a strong sense of belonging to the Heaven Realm?

Understanding certain truths is one matter; accepting them is quite another.

"The battle is drawing to a close." Observing the combatants, a peculiar glint flashed in Li Chen’s eyes.

As Li Chen's cultivation advanced, his Eye of the Dao grew progressively more potent. To this day, apart from the ethereal mist encountered at the Three Lives Bridge, Li Chen had yet to discover anything that his Eye of the Dao could not penetrate.

While the attention of others was directed towards the grand unfolding of the battle, Li Chen’s focus remained steadfastly on the Law domains of both opposing forces.

It was apparent that the Martial Artists were entirely on the defensive. Though it might not have been obvious to casual observers, Li Chen’s Eye of the Dao perceived with clarity that the maneuverability space for the two Heaven Realm Martial Artists was progressively diminishing. This area was continuously being encroached upon by the two formidable Divine Realm powerhouses, gradually constricting their movements to an exceptionally confined zone.

"Now!"

Precisely as the Martial Artists’ available space reached its limit, the eyes of the two Divine Realm powerhouses flashed with sudden brilliance, and radiant light began to surge forth from their bodies.

"Holy Chants—Sword of Punishment!"

A sword formed of light, shaped like a cross, abruptly descended from the heavens directly above the Martial Artists.

Even from a mere visual inspection, one could sense the intense, burning intent emanating from the Cross Sword. Under its oppressive heat, even the surrounding air seemed to warp and distort incessantly.

Suddenly, their expressions shifted dramatically. In unison, they summoned their most potent Techniques to erect a defense against this terrifying Cross Sword.

Whatever this attack was, they knew instinctively that suffering its full impact would be far from a pleasant experience!

"Boom!!"

A resounding concussion, a testament to the immense power unleashed, echoed through the sky above the valley.

Observing from a considerable distance, Li Chen, who had been watching the entire engagement, rose to his feet. He stretched his arms and legs, remarking, "Almost time. Is it our cue to step onto the stage?"

"How did you..." Christina still harbored reservations about Li Chen. After all, they had deliberately concealed themselves in a location impenetrable even to Divine Sense, ensuring absolute secrecy. Yet, Li Chen appeared to be intimately aware of their every move.

"Well, there’s no need to inquire further. It’s a secret," Li Chen responded with a enigmatic smile.

Internally, however, his mind was racing through countless possibilities.

Beside him, Zhang Shutong cast a peculiar glance at Li Chen. Facing four Soul Realm entities, was he truly unafraid of utter failure?

A faint premonition stirred within him: this individual, currently at the Domain Realm, might just be the catalyst for something truly monumental this time around.