My gorgeous wife Chapter 2014 - 1982: I Want to Give It a Try

Although the second layer of the Little Secret Realm differs from the First Layer's starry sky, their vastness is a shared characteristic.

This land, existing within a void, is undeniably immense. Despite Li Chen's prolonged exploration, he has only covered a minuscule portion of the entire second layer.

Numerous perils have presented themselves along his path, yet these dangers were effectively nonexistent for Li Chen, who had previously mastered complete concealment.

Furthermore, much like the First Layer, this realm also harbors colossal beasts.

Indeed, the creatures inhabiting this layer are even more formidable than those confined within the meteorites and stars of the First Layer!

When Li Chen underwent his Tribulation, all the beasts in the vicinity had already fled in their entirety.

While these beasts possess considerable strength, with some capable of matching Soul Realm experts, their intelligence is limited. Confronted by such celestial power, they instinctively sought refuge, rapidly vacating the area.

This indirectly resulted in significant benefits for the cultivators in this region, thanks to Li Chen.

Some individuals, initially treasure hunters nearby, harbored apprehension due to the presence of certain beasts, choosing to merely observe valuable items from afar rather than approach. However, Li Chen's Heavenly Tribulation scared these beasts away, ushering in a period of bounty for the cultivators here.

With the exception of those within the Ancient Tree Domain, nearly all cultivators in the vicinity reaped substantial rewards.

Rivalries that might have led to conflict upon encounter were set aside; amidst this opportunity for effortless gains, animosities dissolved, and everyone focused on prosperity.

Gazing at the dispersing Tribulation clouds above, some individuals couldn't help but express their gratitude: "No matter who underwent the Tribulation, we owe this person our thanks!"

Naturally, these occurrences were beyond Li Chen's awareness.

Moreover, even if he had known, such fleeting treasures would have held little allure for him.

Because what lay directly before him at this moment might just be the most significant treasure within the entire second layer of the Little Secret Realm!

"Have you given this matter thorough consideration?"

Li Chen addressed the ancient tree before him, his tone tranquil: "Remaining here only hastens your decay. While your purpose remains unknown to me, a being of your stature surely cannot be content to simply await oblivion. Doesn't the unending solitude weigh upon you as well?"

The ancient tree offered no reply to Li Chen, maintaining a stoic silence as if it were merely an ordinary, aged tree.

Yet, Li Chen understood that this entity possessed a profound intelligence and could comprehend his words perfectly.

Otherwise, his prior threats would have proven ineffective.

"Perhaps you might consider venturing out with me to explore," Li Chen proposed with a smile. "A broader world awaits beyond, filled with greater wonders. To remain here perpetually, whether in expectation or hope of transformation, is ultimately futile. You may persist, but your waiting will yield only one inevitable outcome: to vanish along with this world."

"I cannot fathom the duration of your vigil here, but I must impart a crucial piece of information: the World-Destroying Beast has once again stirred. Soon, another cataclysmic war may erupt. And when that conflict commences, only two potential outcomes exist."

Li Chen continued, shrugging: "Firstly, we triumph, vanquishing the World-Destroying Beast and restoring myriad years of peace to the Starry Universe. Secondly, we falter, and the entire Starry Universe succumbs to darkness, heralding a new Era. But amidst such devastation, do you truly believe you can remain untouched?"

"Very well, then."

Li Chen rose, dusting off his legs: "My words are not born from a particularly strong desire for you, but merely a presentation of the unvarnished truth. Your willingness, or lack thereof, rests entirely with you."

"Now, provide me with your answer." Li Chen subdued his aura, presenting himself as an ordinary young man exuding tranquility, yet his words possessed an undeniable, almost magical, resonance.

One second, two seconds, three seconds elapsed.

The ancient tree remained utterly still, not a single leaf stirring, as if Li Chen's discourse had never reached its consciousness.

"If such is your decision, then I shall take my leave for now." Li Chen chuckled, betraying no sign of disappointment, and turned away without hesitation.

However, at that precise moment, a desolate voice abruptly reverberated within Li Chen's mind.

"Wait!"

Li Chen halted his movement, a subtle smile playing on his lips as he turned slightly to cast his gaze back towards the ancient tree in the distance.

The ancient tree maintained its silence, but after a prolonged pause, a voice echoed once more within Li Chen's consciousness.

"What... can you offer me?" The ancient tree's solitary voice echoed within Li Chen’s consciousness, its intent unmistakable despite the lack of spoken words.

Li Chen paused, considering the tree's query before sending a telepathic reply.

"Then, what is it that you desire?"

Instead of speaking, Li Chen directly posed the question back to the ancient tree.

The ancient tree responded slowly, as if unaccustomed to communication, which was understandable given its long isolation. After a significant pause, its voice, or rather its thoughts, finally reached Li Chen again.

"I am uncertain of my own needs, but I sense an immense passage of time spent here... I yearn for... a transformation." As the ancient tree conversed with Li Chen, its telepathic communication became swifter, indicating an adaptation to this newfound interaction.

"Transformation?" Li Chen nodded thoughtfully. "It's evident you've been rooted here for ages. This 'transformation' you seek, does it mean you wish for a new way of living?"

"Perhaps, that is what I desire," the ancient tree replied with a touch of uncertainty.

"I cannot guarantee everything else, but I assure you that accompanying me will usher in a life utterly different, and I daresay, quite exhilarating." A curious smile touched Li Chen's lips. "I only wonder, given your nature, can you endure such exhilaration?"

"Exhilaration... what is that?" the ancient tree inquired, its tone laced with confusion.

Hearing this, Li Chen let out a soft laugh. "It is an experience that makes the heart pound and the blood surge. For you, it would mean your branches might tremble, your roots might stir—not from external forces, but from an awakening within."

"I wish... to experience it!"

A sudden surge of vitality infused the ancient tree's voice.