My gorgeous wife Chapter 2032 - 2000: Exchanging Intelligence

Black River is indeed an exceptionally strong figure, a veritable old fox who has lived for countless years. Though his cultivation is evidently superior to Li Chen's, he carries himself with remarkable modesty. To Li Chen, in particular, he makes a concerted effort to appear unassuming. Nevertheless, Li Chen perceives him as a cunning old fox lying in wait, ready to show no mercy when the opportune moment arises.

This is the immutable reality of the cultivator's world. True influence and authority are attained only when one's strength reaches a certain threshold. Otherwise, regardless of one's status or demeanor, without the backing of sufficient power, one is merely perceived as prey.

"Red Dust Heavenly Sovereign..." Black River strained his memory but could not recall any such formidable individual from the Heaven Realm.

Unbeknownst to Black River, Li Chen has only lived for several decades. As someone who arrived here tens of thousands of years prior, how could Black River possibly have heard of Li Chen?

Despite this, Black River offered a smile and remarked, "Your name resonates like thunder in my ears..."

"Enough, enough," Li Chen interjected, waving his hand to halt Black River's effusive praise. "There's no need for such formality. I am well aware that you have never heard of me."

Black River let out a dry chuckle, ceasing his pretense as Li Chen had so directly pierced through his facade.

"I wonder if you might have some free time. If it is possible, would you care to visit my residence?" Black River extended an invitation.

Having resided within the Yushi Realm for millennia without ever departing, Black River saw Li Chen, an outsider, as a valuable source of information regarding the outside world.

Li Chen considered the offer for a moment before finally nodding. "Very well, let us sit for a while."

Shortly thereafter, Li Chen proceeded into the heart of the city. Compared to the city itself, Black River's residence was not particularly ostentatious. Its architecture mirrored that of other structures, distinguished primarily by its larger scale. This was necessitated by the substantial physiques of the local races, requiring grander edifices to accommodate them without alteration.

Gui Mo had originally intended to cause trouble for Li Chen. However, upon witnessing Li Chen and Black River conversing amicably as they approached, he found himself taken aback.

"You... this?"

"What about me?" Li Chen's lips curved into a slight smile. "Seeing me unharmed, are you perhaps quite disappointed?"

"Certainly not..." Gui Mo averted his gaze towards Black River before quickly shaking his head. He realized his misstep and hastily adopted a smile. "Since you are a friend of Lord Black River, you should have said so earlier. Why did it nearly lead to a misunderstanding?"

It must be acknowledged that Gui Mo possessed considerable adaptability, swiftly altering his demeanor to curry favor with Li Chen.

Black River, having lived for countless ages, was inwardly shrewd despite his deferential posture towards Li Chen. Observing the interaction between Gui Mo and Li Chen, he immediately grasped the situation.

"Brother Red Dust, such trivial matters are hardly worth mentioning. Having an unexpected chance to meet a fellow countryman, let us first share a drink," Black River said warmly.

"Excellent!" Li Chen, unbothered by Gui Mo's earlier actions, smiled and agreed.

For Li Chen, Gui Mo's antics were indeed a minor inconvenience. If one were to dwell on every trifling matter, their life would be consumed by trivialities.

Black River had constructed a palace for himself, and judging by the craftsmanship, considerable effort had been invested. This indicated Black River's firm intention to establish himself in the Yushi Realm; otherwise, he would have no reason to expend resources on building a permanent abode.

"Here, I shall dispense with lengthy preamble. Let us exchange information," Li Chen stated boldly, settling himself beside Black River.

"Brother Red Dust speaks with such candor; conversing with you is truly refreshing," Black River responded with a laugh.

In truth, his intention in bringing Li Chen here was also to exchange information. However, his approach was simply more tactful.

Having been confined to the Yushi Realm for tens of thousands of years without venturing out, he genuinely required knowledge of external affairs. Conversely, as a newcomer to this realm, Li Chen's understanding, however astute, was inevitably limited. Thus, an information exchange was mutually beneficial.

Li Chen nodded. "Observing you, it seems you have not yet obtained the inheritance of the Innate Gods and Demons, have you?"

Black River shook his head ruefully. "It is quite shameful to admit, but despite my millennia-long stay in the Yushi Realm, and having unearthed some clues, I have found no trace of the Innate Gods and Demons' inheritance."

"Yet, you possess some leads, correct?" Li Chen inquired with a knowing half-smile.

Li Chen’s words rendered Black River momentarily speechless.

After a pregnant pause, Black River slowly spoke, his voice carrying a measure of suspicion. "You hail from the outside world, and the information you possess about the Four Realms is common knowledge amongst them. My own clues, however, are exceedingly difficult to acquire, even within the Yushi Realm. Given this disparity in value, you will still need to offer a different form of payment."

"Is that so?" Li Chen grinned, his eyes glinting. "Do you truly believe the affairs of this minor world can be compared to the grand scale of the Four Realms? Furthermore, this God Subduing Swamp has seen entrants only once in ages. Why has no one entered for so long before this? Could it be that this place was undiscovered? Or perhaps, entry was simply impossible for others?"

"You must consider this carefully. I am an entrant of this current batch; if you miss this opportunity, who knows how many years you will have to wait to gain knowledge of the Four Realms again. Moreover, this is precisely the moment when information about the Four Realms holds its greatest value. Even details known to the general populace might not be inferior to your obscure clues."

Black River’s eyes narrowed as he absorbed Li Chen’s words. Information had always been a precious commodity, but when would it be at its absolute peak of value?

"Has war erupted in the Four Realms once more?"

Li Chen offered a silent, knowing smile.

After a period of deliberation, Black River finally clenched his jaw. "Very well! It’s a deal!"

Subsequently, Black River enveloped the entire grand hall within a powerful Great Formation, ensuring absolute secrecy. This meant that no one, save for the two of them, would be privy to their conversation.

Naturally, the gravity of the matter necessitated Black River’s extreme caution.

Eventually, Li Chen departed the great hall, a look of satisfaction on his face. Black River then dispelled the Formation Guard.

"The inheritance of the Innate Gods and Demons, hmm? I am eager to witness just how potent it truly is," Li Chen mused, his gaze sharp as he ascended directly into the heavens.

Black River emerged slowly from behind, his gaze following Li Chen's trajectory. A lingering paleness still touched his features.

Despite his mental preparations, he was profoundly shaken by the revelations Li Chen had shared.

While the Four Realms had indeed plunged into war, the most terrifying aspect was not the conflict itself, but the emergence of a true, ancient enemy!

"Those monsters…" Black River's mind was suddenly flooded with fragmented memories of the ancient war, an involuntary shudder coursing through him.