Chapter 522: Back at the Foot of the Tianshan, Heading to the Tianshan God Palace

As the light of the Teleportation Array faded, Jiang Chen unexpectedly met Chen Zixuan's party again.

Jiang Chen politely bowed to Chen Zixuan, "Thank you for informing me about Yue Dapeng's situation. If you ever need my assistance, just find me."

Chen Zixuan waved his hand hurriedly, a hint of awkwardness on his face, "Divine General Jiang, you're being too formal; we only offered a modest contribution."

The expressions of the others were also tense and restrained; facing such a transcendent and highly respected Divine General, they felt somewhat at a loss.

Jiang Chen understood their feelings but persisted, "No need to over‑emphasize status. We are all warriors fighting for the Human Race. With a common goal, we are comrades."

Chen Zixuan steadied himself and asked about Jiang Chen's recent affairs, "Divine General Jiang, may I ask how your friend is now?"

Jiang Chen replied, "They are fine, currently recovering."

"That's good. Then let's head back to the university first," Chen Zixuan exhaled with relief.

Jiang Chen nodded, "After returning, follow the university's instructions and don't overthink. Everything will get better."

Watching Jiang Chen's departing silhouette, Chen Zixuan and the others exchanged glances, a strange emotion welling up inside them.

Someone whispered, "Boss, what did Divine General Jiang mean by that?"

"Yeah, I feel he knows something."

"The university suddenly summoned us back—does that mean something big is about to happen?"

Chen Zixuan took a deep breath, trying to calm the unease, "Don't overthink it; we'll follow Divine General Jiang's lead and act according to the university's directives after we return."

"The university won't harm us."

Jiang Chen knew that after Chen Zixuan and the others returned, they would be placed under strict supervision. In the current situation of the Shenlong Empire, such measures were unavoidable.

To control the spread of soul‑devouring beasts, the empire could only adopt this large‑scale containment approach. Though it caused some inconvenience, it was for the greater good.

Jiang Chen stepped out of the city gate, a biting cold wind slashing at him as if to freeze him solid. Inside and outside the city seemed like two worlds with a huge temperature difference.

From the gate began a winding path leading toward the distant Tianshan Mountains. This area hosts countless Secret Realm instances, attracting innumerable adventurers.

Jiang Chen could see an endless stream of parties along the way—some just emerging from instances, others preparing to enter Secret Realms. Their levels varied, but all shared the same enthusiasm and anticipation.

The Tianshan Mountains lie on the north‑west frontier of the Shenlong Empire, bordering several nations. It is not only an adventurer's paradise but also a vital corridor for the empire's exchanges with neighboring countries.

The main range of the Tianshan, as the core area of the Tianshan Mountains, often encounters adventurers from other nations. They travel in groups or explore alone, each with different goals and dreams. Conflicts and frictions are inevitable here, but the Shenlong Empire, with its strong national power, usually holds the upper hand.

Jiang Chen walked alone, dressed in simple cloth, his steps steady on the Tianshan path. His attire starkly contrasted with the heavily equipped, imposing adventurers around him. Yet the aloof pride he exuded could not be

ignored.

Jiang Chen thought of Yue Dapeng, who he had successfully recruited into Shenlong University.

For him, this was not only recognition of Yue Dapeng but also a responsibility toward himself. He believed Yue Dapeng would find his own stage within Shenlong University.

Snowflakes fluttered down as the temperature in the Tianshan Mountains grew ever colder. Many lower‑level adventurers began to feel uncomfortable, pulling on heavy coats, while only those clad in heavy armor—Knight warriors—and mages with strong shields could barely endure.

Yet Jiang Chen seemed unaffected by the cold, maintaining a composed stride. His uniqueness lay not only in this but also in his keen senses; along the way he could clearly hear the surrounding chatter, people guessing his level and purpose.

"What level is this person actually? I can't tell at all."

"Looking at his outfit, he must be a civilian‑type adventurer. What's he doing in the Tianshan Mountains?"

"Civilian‑type adventurers usually have little combat ability; going solo like this, isn't he afraid of danger?"

"I heard there's a special profession called a herbalist; they often venture into various environments to find medicines. Maybe he is one."

"Herbalist? Really? Then they must possess strong adaptability and the ability to foresee danger, right?"

Jiang Chen listened to the rumors, a faint smile tugging at his mouth. He felt as if he truly had become the herbalist spoken of, though in reality he was not.

However, the herbalist profession does exist; he had once seen related descriptions in a book.

He thought that perhaps one day he could actually try becoming a herbalist, exploring unknown Secret Realms and seeking precious herbs.

The herbalist, seemingly ordinary, actually hides great potential and value. They can traverse various environments with ease, even delve deep into Secret Realms to gather rare herbs—treasures for alchemists.

Jiang Chen recalled the records of herbalists in his mind, filling his heart with awe for this world.

Their ability to anticipate danger lets them retreat unharmed even from perilous settings. This skill is coveted by many adventurers.

Historically, a top‑notch herbalist once embarked on an adventure that left people in awe. He penetrated a Level 85 Secret Realm, discovered a realm‑within‑a‑realm, and brought back a strange flower.

That flower was eventually prized by a Divine-level alchemist, who crafted a potion that enables a Divine-level Strongman to achieve Profession Ascension—the Divine-level Ascension Pill. Its emergence undeniably marked a brilliant chapter in Human Race history.

Jiang Chen felt deeply moved, believing that more miracles still await his discovery in this world.

Just as he once neutralized a corpse toxin that even Antares deemed unsolvable, he is convinced that even skills or potions that can resurrect the dead are not impossible.

The gentle path reached its end, revealing the entrance to a Secret Realm. This realm is only Level 30, a low‑level Secret Realm, not far from the town.

Beside the entrance stood a Magic Monument; merely communicating with Spiritual Power

can grant detailed information about the realm.

This Secret Realm has existed for years and has long been fully explored. Its precious resources have been completely harvested, now serving mainly as a tourist spot. Jiang Chen stood at the entrance, gazing into the distance, a strange emotion welling up inside him.

He thought of Lin Caier'er, the woman he met, fell in love with, and cherished. Their bond was deep, yet circumstances kept them apart often.

Jiang Chen's heart swelled with longing; he imagined that when the chance arises, he will definitely bring Lin Caier'er here to see its beauty and tranquility.

If there is free time in the future, it is indeed worth a proper journey.

Lin Caier'er always mentioned that she hopes one day she can travel every corner of the world with him.

Not only the Human Race's world, she also wishes to go beneath the Abyss, explore the mysteries of the Dragon Realm, even set foot on the Ancient Battlefield, and the legendary Fusishi Jie.

The little girl is always full of curiosity and yearning for the unknown world.

Jiang Chen did not enter the Secret Realm before him; he planned to save these sights for the future, to admire them together with Lin Caier'er.

Skirting the realm, he continued deeper into the Tianshan Mountains. The wind and snow grew fiercer, almost obscuring vision. The Tianshan God Palace Dungeon lies deep within the Tianshan Mountains, situated at the Mountain Foot of the main peak. At Jiang Chen's walking speed, without flying, it would take another hour to reach.

Along the way, other adventurers gradually chose to leave, their numbers dwindling.

"Brother, isn't your outfit cold?" a resonant voice suddenly rang in his ear as a heavily armored Knight approached him.

The Knight's appearance bore a few resemblances to Huo

Lieyang, almost like a young Huo Lieyang.

Jiang Chen noticed the Badge on their chests, the emblem of the Blue Leaf Guild.

"What a coincidence." Jiang Chen sighed lightly in his heart and asked, "What is your relationship with Huo Lieyang and Huo Yuyao?"