Starting with Proficiency Panel-Chapter 625 - 622: Cowardly Squad

After all, when I first came to the Journey to the West World, the first scene I saw was the four travelers of the Journey to the West returning to Chang'an after obtaining the True Scripture.

Lu Ren couldn't help but ponder for a while, then he realized that the worldview of Journey to the West had once mentioned that one day in heaven equaled one year on earth.

Although it's somewhat exaggerated, it does indicate that the time flow in the Three Realms actually has relative differences.

He had been in the Westward Divine Realm for several years, so it's likely that much time had passed in the Lower Realm, and perhaps the Great Tang Empire no longer existed.

Lu Ren sighed in his heart but didn't dwell too much on this matter. After all, he didn't want unnecessary complications at present. In the upcoming time, he just needed to quietly absorb the Flat Peach, and he was confident that within ten years, he would step into the mid-stage Earth Immortal realm.

This cultivation speed, if heard by the Tathagata and the Jade Emperor, would be considered a fantasy, as if someone were fooling them.

After all, reaching the Earth Immortal Realm isn't just about progressing step by step through regular cultivation.

However, this cultivation common sense didn't apply to Lu Ren. As long as his skill level increased, he would naturally understand, and those newfound insights appeared in his mind like a warm current, as if he had practiced for countless years and finally achieved an instinctual understanding.

"Chenxiang…"

Wu Gang, beside him, pondered with a puzzled expression, "I feel like I've heard this name somewhere."

Chen Chao, who had been silent, said softly, "It's better for us to pretend we don't know about this matter."

Wu Gang chuckled, "Brother Chen, you know our nature, we're just curious to know some gossip. After all, being well-informed doesn't hurt, does it?"

Pausing, Wu Gang glanced around, making sure they had left the Chenliu Residence, then lowered his voice, "Weren't you born in the Golden Light Cave? You should know some inside information, right?"

Chen Chao shook his head slightly, "I'm just an unregistered disciple. If it weren't for my master's consideration and placing me in the Patrol Bureau, I wouldn't be here. As for the secrets you mentioned, do you think I would know them?"

Wu Gang was not disheartened and just sighed, "You know, we live without enough talent to reach the top, muddling through life. If there's no pleasant enjoyment, what meaning is there in seeking immortality over and over again?"

Lu Ren couldn't help but laugh, "Brother Wu certainly has a carefree attitude."

Upon hearing Lu Ren's praise, Wu Gang was instantly pleased, "One should have self-awareness, right? Don't strive too hard in life. As long as the environment allows it, learn to enjoy life, just like that phrase you mentioned last time, 'lie...'

"Lie flat." Cut in Liu Changfeng, who hadn't spoken for a long time.

"Yes, yes, yes."

Wu Gang nodded quickly, "This 'lie flat' is indeed suitable for us, seeking transcendence… how many can truly transcend?"

Chatting all the way, they continued until the evening when they reached a gorge; the five-member team instinctively stopped.

Looking at the narrow gorge ahead, which was like a passage connecting the Chenliu and Gouchen dwelling areas, if not for this gorge, it would take a hundred times longer to detour.

Seeing no one appear at this gorge, the surrounding atmosphere was silent, as if even life had suppressed its activity.

Liu Changfeng lightly coughed and said, "My dear comrades, sometimes taking a little detour isn't a bad thing, right?"

Wu Gang nodded in agreement, "Captain Liu is right. Why don't we turn back and sit down at the Chenliu Inn, have some wine to fend off the chill. I know a tavern whose homemade fairy brew is quite tasty, and the dishes are exquisite, leaving a lingering taste."

Hearing this, Chen Chao couldn't help but praise, "Brother Wu sure knows how to enjoy life. You must take us to experience it. I mostly practice hard and haven't been to such places."

Saying this, he turned to Lu Ren and said, "Brother Lu, you must be the same. I see you go straight to practicing behind closed doors after duty. Cultivation requires balance; occasional relaxation is beneficial."

Lu Ren almost burst into laughter. This is a ridiculously timid team, he had spotted from afar the oppressive auras inside the gorge, clearly an ambush targeting the Patrol Bureau.

What surprised Lu Ren was that Liu Changfeng, Wu Gang, and the others, although noticing it later than him and realizing something was off at the gorge, had no desire to investigate, choosing instead to turn back.

Lu Ren nodded and seriously said, "You all are right. Just last month, I received my annual salary, so this time, let me host and treat everyone to something nice."

"That would be great."

"I won't decline then, I was the one who treated last time."

As they were walking back with excitement, the air suddenly filled with coldness, the temperature abruptly dropped below freezing, and even the flowers and grass beside their feet were frosted.

Though nothing unusual could be seen with the naked eye, Lu Ren and his companions felt as if they were at the center of a formation. The previously calm and gentle Spiritual Qi around them surged, carrying sharp breath that continuously circled, blocking their path.

"Be alert! It's the Ice Soul Sword Array!"

Liu Changfeng's expression was solemn. With a low shout, he formed a sword seal with his fingers before him, and the longsword at his waist instantly transformed with a 'clang' into a soft blue light, like water ripples, circling around him.

Wu Gang and Chen Chao were also serious, no longer as lazy as before, their bodies tense, forming seals with their hands, with a surging mana around them.

Lu Ren, on the other hand, didn't make much preparation, leisurely observing his teammates' actions. At this moment, Zhou Zhi, the small and slender teammate, also had a crystal-like gleam in his eyes.

Though well-disguised, Zhou Zhi was, in fact, a woman.

As everyone was fully prepared, a figure finally emerged from the gorge entrance. It was a young man with gray temples, obsidian-like eyes, handsome appearance, and a faintly sinister aura. He was surrounded by a sword completely made of Cold Ice Marrow, encircling him, even freezing the air into frost.

He looked at them with interest, "You all surprise me, being able to sense the danger within the gorge."

After sizing up Liu Changfeng a few times, he said, "What surprises me most is that you actually recognize this formation."

Liu Changfeng murmured, "Send the signal!"

After seeing Chen Chao crush the warning jade token at his waist, he loudly declared, "Fellow Daoist, the road is wide, we are each on our side. We have already retreated step by step, why force us to such a point. If you withdraw the array and return to the gorge, we'll pretend we never saw you."