This is a high-stakes game, better not get involved.

The Divine Realm, upstream of the River of Time.

Once a world that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Immortal Realm, the breadth and depth of its glorious history were no less than that of the Immortal Realm—perhaps even greater!

Unfortunately, due to an unavoidable calamity, the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm collapsed, and the River of Time split into two, becoming narrow and shallow.

In stark contrast, the River of Time in the Immortal Realm flourished.

After emerging victorious in the final struggle, it swiftly claimed dominance over all realms, facing no threats from any other world. Thus, it began to grow unchecked.

The Immortal Realm's River of Time widened and deepened until it became the sole main artery in the Sea of Time and Space—vast and boundless, beyond the full comprehension of even an Immortal Emperor.

"Chen Yi, are you certain you wish to enter the Immortal Realm?"

At a certain stretch of the Divine Realm's River of Time, Zhang Bairen's gaze was heavy with concern.

Truth be told, he had no doubts about Chen Yi's capabilities. This anomaly always managed to accomplish feats beyond imagination and comprehension.

But he had little faith in this mere Taiyi-level avatar of Chen Yi.

After all, even avatars have their limits, especially when Chen Yi was a prime target of the Immortal Ascension Tribulation. The slightest leak of his aura within the Immortal Realm would inevitably expose him.

If Chen Yi were exposed, it wouldn’t matter much—just the loss of an avatar. But as an accomplice, Zhang Bairen would suffer dearly.

It had to be said, though the Wuji Celestial Court was still a fledgling institution, it was undeniably filled with hidden dragons and crouching tigers.

Zhang Bairen might be able to deceive Wuji with his knowledge of its workings, but actions left traces, no matter how meticulously covered.

If some ambitious individuals seized upon this, his position as a First-Rank Spatiotemporal Inspector would be over.

"Senior, rest assured. I know my limits."

Chen Yi gave Zhang Bairen a confident look but refrained from mentioning the perilous situation Cui Changsheng was in.

To put it bluntly, he didn’t mean to belittle Zhang Bairen, but this was a high-stakes game. As a half-step Dao Ancestor with only eighteen strands of foundational Dao Marks, Zhang Bairen would be nothing more than cannon fodder if he stepped in.

Rather than burdening him with unnecessary worry, Chen Yi chose to shoulder the responsibility alone. Once he pulled Cui Changsheng out of the quagmire, he could share the good news then.

"You think I’m unworthy?" Zhang Bairen stared at him calmly. "Senior Cui Changsheng once said you are utterly uncontrollable. Whatever you plan to do must be supervised by me to prevent irreparable consequences."

"This isn’t about controlling you—it’s for the safety of the covert operations in the Immortal Realm. I trust you understand."

Chen Yi nodded slightly. "I do. But Senior, this is a high-level game. You really can’t tag along."

Zhang Bairen’s expression grew graver. "Are you planning to provoke that one again? With just this Taiyi avatar? Is it even possible?"

Chen Yi smiled faintly. "This avatar is merely a mobile coordinate. And I’m not going to provoke that one. You have nothing to worry about."

Zhang Bairen fell silent for a long moment before sighing deeply. "Sigh... I know I can’t stop you from doing what you want, nor can anyone force you to do what you don’t. But I beg you to keep a low profile. Don’t make too much noise—I truly can’t cover for you."

Chen Yi replied solemnly, "Before, I didn’t know the seniors were shielding us from above. Now that I do, I won’t act recklessly. I always plan before acting, think thrice before moving. I never fight battles I’m not confident in winning. You have my word."

Zhang Bairen said no more, silently unfurling his First-Rank Spatiotemporal Umbrella to begin his routine patrol.

As a First-Rank Spatiotemporal Inspector, his duties focused on leadership, patrols, and oversight. The task of tracking Ling Xiao was merely an incidental assignment—one he could neglect without consequence, as there were plenty of ambitious inspectors eager to take his place.

Still, diligence was key. His meticulous work ethic had earned him his rank, and he wasn’t about to slack now.

Soon, he arrived at the node where Wuji had severed the River of Time.

"Immortal, halt! Leaving the investigation zone requires inspection by His Majesty Wuji’s Heaven-Gazing Mirror. Please comply." The immortal general guarding the critical temporal node spoke with solemn authority.

Entering was easy—just present Wuji’s pre-approved search warrant. But exiting was another matter. After all, who knew if the fugitive Ling Xiao might be hiding on one’s person? A thorough inspection was non-negotiable.

"Relax. Ling Xiao isn’t in the stretch of river I patrolled." Zhang Bairen reassured him, submitting to the Heaven-Gazing Mirror’s scan without resistance.

He had nothing to hide. As for Chen Yi...

"Inspection clear. Permission to depart granted!"

"Immortal, please take this path!"

Once cleared, the guardian immortal’s demeanor turned respectful. With a wave of his crimson-gold banner, he opened a narrow path across the severed River of Time, allowing Zhang Bairen passage.

"Mm. Your diligence is appreciated. Stay vigilant—we cannot let that criminal escape again." After offering a few words of encouragement, Zhang Bairen stepped onto the path, heading straight for the Immortal Realm’s River of Time.