The origin of the Chu Tian Secret Realm is no longer traceable. It is said that long ago, after the Great Cataclysm, when human cultivators were at their weakest, the Chu Tian Secret Realm suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
The realm is filled with heavenly treasures and rare materials, along with countless magical artifacts and cultivation manuals. As long as one can find them—and more importantly, make it out alive—anyone could become a dominant figure in the cultivation world.
Since its first ظهور, the Chu Tian Secret Realm has appeared once every three thousand years without exception. Therefore, its early emergence this time has caused a massive upheaval throughout the cultivation world.
Everyone is speculating about what could have happened within the realm. Why did it appear ahead of time? Some even predict that this may be its final appearance. For a time, many powerful cultivators who had long been in seclusion came out, unwilling to miss what might be their last opportunity, and rushed toward the Chu Tian Secret Realm.
The Yun Tian Sect was naturally no exception. This time, Ling Xiaozi personally led the group, bringing along all disciples of the younger generation. At this moment, they were aboard a massive Cloud Sailing Vessel—some sitting quietly in meditation, others gathered in small groups whispering among themselves.
The Cloud Sailing Vessel is a large-scale travel artifact in the cultivation world. Because it consumes an enormous amount of spirit stones to operate, it is rarely used. Only during grand gatherings like this do the major sects bring it out, partly for show.
Xiao Lingyu remembered that the last time he rode one was also during the appearance of the Chu Tian Secret Realm. However, in his previous life, the realm had not appeared early. So why this time? Xiao Lingyu absolutely refused to believe that his own rebirth could have altered so much.
At the stern of the vessel, Xiao Lingyu sat beside Chu Mingwei, surrounded by Bai Qian, Luo Shaohan, and others, listening to Meng Fan recount the various speculations circulating in the cultivation world about the Chu Tian Secret Realm.
“The most widely spread theory right now,” Meng Fan said, “is that the spirit stones maintaining the realm have been depleted. That’s why it appeared early—and likely why this will be its final ظهور.”
As soon as Meng Fan finished, Luo Shaohan, ever impatient, spoke up. “How is that possible? The realm is filled with countless heavenly treasures—how could it appear early just because of depleted spirit stones? I’ve heard there are even several large spirit veins inside. Three thousand years ago, an Elder Xu from our sect even found a piece of spirit marrow there.”
Meng Fan was unfazed by the challenge and replied leisurely, “Even if there are spirit veins, so what? Without an owner, once the formation runs out of spirit stones, do you think the spirit veins will automatically maintain it?”
Luo Shaohan was momentarily speechless.
Another disciple asked curiously, “Is the Chu Tian Secret Realm truly ownerless?”
Meng Fan nodded. “It has appeared many times, and no one has ever stopped cultivators from searching for treasures within it. So the cultivation world generally agrees that it is ownerless. However…”
He paused, seeing everyone perk up, then smiled and continued, “It’s said that the central region of the realm is protected by extremely powerful restrictions—no one has ever entered it. People can only stand outside, looking at countless pavilions and towers, with treasures everywhere, drooling in frustration. Anyone who has tried to enter has never come back alive. So some speculate that the owner of the realm may have perished inside. If someone could enter and obtain the inheritance within, they might be able to control the entire realm.”
“Really?” The disciple looked astonished, clearly hearing this rumor for the first time.
Hearing this, Xiao Lingyu’s thoughts stirred. There was indeed such a place within the Chu Tian Secret Realm—a region with powerful restrictions that those with low cultivation couldn’t even approach. Inside, just as Meng Fan described, were countless structures, and the spirit plants alone were enough to drive the entire cultivation world mad—not to mention the treasures hidden within those buildings.
Every time the realm opened, countless disciples tried their luck there, but for tens of thousands of years, Xiao Lingyu had never heard of anyone successfully entering.
Whatever lay inside, one thing was certain: the most valuable treasures of the Chu Tian Secret Realm must be there.
As Xiao Lingyu’s thoughts shifted, Chu Mingwei seemed to sense it immediately. Without drawing attention, he reached out and held his hand. “What are you thinking about, Lingyu?”
Xiao Lingyu smiled and looked at Zhu Yuruan, who was lying in front of them, stuffing himself with pastries. Chu Mingwei followed his gaze and smiled as well.
Zhu Yuruan, who was happily eating, suddenly shivered. How strange—why did he suddenly feel cold? Clutching his pastries, he scooted backward and pressed close to Xiao Lingyu, then resumed eating with peace of mind.
The old ghost glanced at him with pity and shook his head. He already had enough trouble—Zhu Yuruan could fend for himself.
Xiao Lingyu and Chu Mingwei silently reached an understanding—they would try their luck at the central region of the Chu Tian Secret Realm.
At that moment, Meng Fan continued, “Because of the recent rumors that the realm appeared early due to depleted spirit stones, the previously restricted central region has become the main focus this time. I’ve heard many powerful cultivators have come out of seclusion specifically for it.”
Seeing the younger disciples show hesitation upon hearing that so many Nascent Soul experts would compete with them, Bai Qian rolled his eyes at Meng Fan and smiled reassuringly. “No need to worry. The realm has its own rules. No matter how high your cultivation, once inside, it will be suppressed to the Void Realm. Also, external artifacts won’t function there.”
Chu Mingwei nodded. “That’s correct. These are conclusions drawn from past experience. The master of the realm likely intended fairness. However, this situation is unusual—no one knows what will happen this time. Everyone should prepare accordingly.”
The disciples immediately agreed and began cultivating diligently.
Xiao Lingyu, however, felt uneasy. In the past, cultivators above the Core Realm rarely entered such realms due to the suppression of cultivation. Only under special circumstances would they try their luck. Yet this time, so many powerful figures had come out of seclusion. It felt far more complicated than simply competing for the treasures in the central region.
Meanwhile, Meng Fan looked aggrieved as everyone dispersed to cultivate, casting a resentful glance at Chu Mingwei.
Chu Mingwei sighed. “This sudden appearance is unpredictable. With so many powerful figures gathering, something feels off. Meng Fan, you must not be as careless as before.”
Meng Fan grew serious and nodded. Then he turned to Xiao Lingyu with a grin. “Junior Brother, you shouldn’t slack off either.”
Before Xiao Lingyu could respond, Chu Mingwei spoke first. “I will protect Lingyu.”
Meng Fan blinked, then silently conceded defeat. Fine—let the Senior Brother spoil him.
…
Later, after arriving near the secret realm, Xiao Lingyu and the others encountered a lively gathering of cultivators from both righteous and demonic sects, as well as independent cultivators trading in a spontaneously formed marketplace.
While chatting, a young girl approached Xiao Lingyu and asked brightly, “You’re Xiao Lingyu?”
She introduced herself as Zhu Xier, laughing freely at his formal way of addressing her. Xiao Lingyu, unused to interacting with female cultivators, was left confused by her behavior.
Soon, a young man named Kun Peng arrived, apologizing for her conduct. After a brief exchange, he left with her—but not before giving Xiao Lingyu a lingering glance.
Only after they departed did the old ghost suddenly speak:
“They are from the demon race.”
Xiao Lingyu was startled. The demon race? That meant they likely came from the Illusory Demon Realm—a place that had never involved itself with the cultivation world, nor had it appeared during the previous opening of the Chu Tian Secret Realm.
So why were they here this time?
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Zhu Xier spoke to Kun Peng with a hint of regret. “What a pity—he actually chose a male cultivator as his partner.”
Kun Peng glanced at her. “Even if he chose a woman, you’d still be decades older than him.”
“Are you saying I’m old?” she snapped.
He smiled. “An old cow eating young grass.”
She fumed, then huffed, “I just thought it was amusing the way he called me ‘Immortal Zhu.’”
Kun Peng looked at her oddly. “Aren’t you the one who hates being called that?”
She snorted. “He’s different. He’s the master of the Spirit Rhinoceros Pig.”
Kun Peng sighed. “The Demon Emperor has already predicted danger within the realm. Once inside, we must find a chance to stay close to Xiao Lingyu. We have to ensure the safety of the Spirit Rhinoceros Pig.”
Zhu Xier nodded, then suddenly laughed. “Do you think if the pig ever takes human form, it’ll regret being named Zhu Yuruan?”
Kun Peng smiled faintly. “That’s assuming it lives long enough to grow.”
Her expression dimmed slightly.
The two fell silent as they disappeared into the shadows.