Just as Nie Shiyun had expected, more and more cultivators arrived from all directions, entering the city to rest and reorganize. The climate of the Northern Plains was harsh, and as a major city with ample supplies and the most prosperous docking point for celestial ships, Lingtian City was a mandatory stop for most of those heading further north.
"It’s about time we set out." After resting in Lingtian City for a few more days, Nie Shiyun decided to hit the road along with the group from Yunqing Pavilion.
Glancing at the several outer disciples, Nie Shiyun casually gave them a few Grade 3 magic tools he no longer had any use for. Although they hadn't interacted much before, they were still fellow sect members, and he hoped that everyone from Yunqing Pavilion would be able to return safely.
"Th-thank you, Senior."
The disciples were overwhelmed by the unexpected favor, respectfully accepting the items he offered.
"It’s no trouble at all."
The group arrived at the north gate of Lingtian City and summoned their flying swords. This time, Yunqing Pavilion had no Qi Refining stage cultivators participating, which made travel much more convenient. However, the Foundation Establishment juniors and Qi Xuan'er did not have the abundant spiritual energy of Golden Core cultivators; they needed to rest after about half a day of sword-kinesis. Seeing Nie Shiyun and Du Zhi stopping to rest just to wait for them, the group felt somewhat guilty and told them it would be fine if they went on ahead.
Time was not particularly tight, so Nie Shiyun saw no reason to leave them behind. He smiled and told them to put their minds at ease, as there was no need to rush.
Traveling in this stop-and-go fashion, a journey that would have taken Nie Shiyun alone about three days ended up taking the group over six. The benefit, however, was that they didn't waste any extra medicinal pills; they only spent a bit more time.
"So many people," Du Zhi marveled.
The other outer disciples were equally astonished. The Northern Plains were currently experiencing clear weather, and the snow on the ground reflected the light brilliantly. Amidst such a beautiful scene, hundreds of cultivators were waiting around listlessly, making the landscape appear crowded. And this was even before many other cultivators still on the road had arrived.
Seeing that Nie Shiyun was scanning the surroundings and had no intention of speaking, Qi Xuan'er took the initiative to explain to the others, "I heard from Master and the elders that although the entrance to the secret realm is small, it’s merely for teleportation. Once inside, no one can say for sure how large it is—it could be millions of miles across. A few hundred cultivators scattered in such a realm won't seem like many at all."
The disciples nodded, taking the lesson to heart.
*And many will perish inside,* Nie Shiyun added silently to himself. However, since they were already at the threshold, there was no need to say anything unlucky.
He had just used his divine sense to sweep the area. Among his old acquaintances, he only spotted Rong Lü. The other man's cultivation was lower than his own; when Nie Shiyun's gaze passed over him, Rong Lü only felt a slight prickle of sensitivity, looking around suspiciously but failing to detect where Nie Shiyun was in the crowd. It stood to reason that since Lingfeng Mountain was closest to this location, he would be the first of Duan Mingyu’s group to arrive.
Though they were called a "group," now that Zhai Bairong was estranged in spirit if not in appearance, Duan Mingyu’s team only consisted of three people—fewer than Nie Shiyun’s side.
The Yunqing Pavilion disciples looked nervous, standing in place without talking, waiting in silence. Nie Shiyun felt that staying tense was better than being lax, so he didn't intervene and continued to observe the situation from the side.
After about half a day, Pinyin Pavilion arrived. They came in force, their presence exerting a heavy pressure over the area. Jiang Baixiang had actually come in person to escort the disciples this time, causing the other cultivators present to feel both envy and fear. This hadn't happened in the past, but it was likely because the Hantian Secret Realm was so close to Pinyin Pavilion; otherwise, why would a Soul Transformation cultivator move for such a minor matter?
"Master is really too much. I told her there was no need to see us off," Qi Miaohan grumbled in a low voice.
Jiang Baixiang said sternly, "Stand up straight. So many juniors are watching."
Qi Miaohan shuddered and straightened her posture, still feeling a lingering fear.
Jiang Baixiang used sound transmission to speak directly into her ear, ensuring their conversation wouldn't be overheard by other cultivators.
"You’ve been used to being flamboyant since you were young, but once you enter the secret realm, no one will be there to protect you. Be extra careful," Jiang Baixiang repeated. Qi Miaohan’s cultivation was already nearing the late Golden Core stage, so she shouldn't have been so worried. But this child’s personality was too restless, and since this was her first time entering a secret realm, Jiang Baixiang truly couldn't set her mind at ease.
"I know, I know. Why did Nie Shiyun say that, and my sister thinks so too... and now Master as well."
"It shows that you truly are like that and should reflect on yourself."
Jiang Baixiang sighed, a trace of fatigue appearing on her elegant face. After hearing Qi Miaohan mention Nie Shiyun, she recalled him and spoke again, "I have an impression of that Nie Shiyun you mentioned. That junior is no ordinary person. Do you know his background thoroughly? If you are truly certain he can be trusted, then you should take his advice to heart."
"Of course he’s my friend!" Qi Miaohan declared confidently. However, she couldn't figure out how Nie Shiyun, who had only spoken a few words to her Master, had left such a reliable impression in her mind.
At this moment, Nie Shiyun had no idea he was being held in high regard by a Soul Transformation cultivator. It just so happened that the Moon Reflection Sect group arrived around this time, and Nie Shiyun was busy casting his gaze toward his own Dao companion, unable to focus on anything else.
"Senior Brother, I see Brother Rong Lü!" Duan Mingyu looked around and suddenly shook Zhai Bairong’s sleeve excitedly.
"Very good," Zhai Bairong responded briefly.
"..."
Duan Mingyu stopped his movements. He felt that his Senior Brother’s attitude toward him had been growing colder and colder lately. Usually, he was the one who threw small tantrums and waited for his lovers to coax him; he didn't know how to please others except by acting spoiled. Now, he was suddenly at a loss for what to do.
However, Rong Lü happened to look over just then, so Duan Mingyu let go of Zhai Bairong’s sleeve and waved at Rong Lü with a smile through the crowd.
"I don't seem to see Yehua."
"I heard that as soon as he returned to Red Rock Cliff, he was called in for a lecture by the Ancestor. His return journey might have been delayed," Zhai Bairong said indifferently.
It would be for the best if Xu Yehua couldn't make it to the secret realm. However, he had heard that the man had set out alone from Red Rock Cliff ten days ago; with a late Golden Core cultivation, he should be able to cover this distance in time. What a pity.
Duan Mingyu felt a bit disappointed but comforted himself, "In any case, we’ll have to separate temporarily after entering the secret realm. As long as he can make it in the end, it’s fine."
Zhai Bairong gave a soft "Mhm."
He finally spotted Nie Shiyun, but they were too far apart. He only caught a brief glimpse before other cultivators blocked his line of sight. Zhai Bairong felt much more at ease just seeing him once; there was no rush.
He placed his hand over his chest. The tiny furnace pendant was hanging around his neck, safely hidden beneath his inner robes. The contact of the metal against his skin gave Zhai Bairong an extraordinary sense of security.
During his return to the Moon Reflection Sect, although he had only stayed for two days, Zhai Bairong had still been summoned by Qu Zhanmeng for questioning. He omitted everything regarding Nie Shiyun but reported everything else truthfully to his Master.
Qu Zhanmeng observed that Duan Mingyu’s cultivation hadn't progressed much; even if he gained some opportunities in the secret realm, he wouldn't break through to the Nascent Soul stage just like that. Thus, he felt safe letting Zhai Bairong take Duan Mingyu to the Hantian Secret Realm. However, he didn't want anything to go wrong with Duan Mingyu, so he carefully instructed Zhai Bairong to regroup with him as soon as possible after entering. It didn't matter if Zhai lost an arm or a leg, but he had to ensure Duan Mingyu’s life was safe.
Zhai Bairong had accepted the order with a complex heart.
The Moon Reflection Sect’s supreme Ancestor Chongguang had been in secluded cultivation for a hundred years, and Zhai Bairong had never met him. In recent years, rumors had spread that he was nearing his end, which Zhai Bairong believed. Those who sought to refine a Heavenly Yin Physique did so either for a massive surge in cultivation or to extend their lifespan. In this cultivation world where Soul Transformation was the ceiling, the reason could only be the latter.
The Heavenly Yin Physique was a gift of fortune that allowed for rapid cultivation, but it often led to an early death due to its nature. The Moon Reflection Sect had placed a seal on him to deceive the heavens; not only had the Heavenly Dao failed to notice, but even Duan Mingyu himself was completely unaware of his own talent, which was why he had been able to cultivate smoothly to the Golden Core stage.
In truth, the Moon Reflection Sect could have made their move as soon as Duan Mingyu reached the Golden Core stage. But human greed was boundless; the Primal Yin of an early Golden Core would extend one's life by at least eight hundred years less than that of a late Golden Core. It was likely that Ancestor Chongguang was so terrified by the crisis of his impending end that he didn't want to face it a second time so soon. Thus, the Moon Reflection Sect had adopted this perilous practice, akin to raising Gu.
Yet, during his conversation with Qu Zhanmeng, Zhai Bairong had vaguely sensed that his Master, who should have been wholeheartedly devoted to Ancestor Chongguang, seemed hesitant. There was a hint of an unspeakable, selfish motive mixed into his words and deeds.
The affairs within the sect were convoluted, and he suffered in silence. He didn't want to aid a tyrant, but he no longer had any desire to protect Duan Mingyu either. At this moment, he felt like he was no longer his own master, dragged into a mess of foul business from which he couldn't escape.
"Senior Brother?"
"Hmm?" Zhai Bairong snapped back to his senses.
Duan Mingyu said with some dissatisfaction, "Senior Brother, you’ve been spacing out a lot lately... I was saying, I thought that after taking the Golden Sun Pill last time, my coldness would be better. But after just over a month, I’m feeling uncomfortable again. Can Senior Brother give me some more Fiery Sun Pills?"
"Oh, alright." Zhai Bairong didn't bother asking why he hadn't bought them himself earlier and gave him a bottle.
"I don't know how long they’ll last... It would be great if I could regroup with Yehua sooner," Duan Mingyu muttered to himself. Realizing immediately that he shouldn't have said that, he added,
