Chapter 1082: Heavenly Secret Realm?

Heiya Realm, Heiya City. There was no doubt that the Black Feather Merchant Guild and its supporting forces had launched a relentless pursuit of Yun Che, given his abduction of Mu Ling and his severe injury to the black-clad middle-aged man. However, after much deliberation, Yun Che, having left the Wood Spirit Secret Realm, still chose to return to Heiya City.

With the Wood Spirit Orb now in his possession, only the Nine Star Buddha God Jade and the Emperor Immortal Grass remained to complete the Qiankun Five Qiong Pills.

As a renowned trading hub in the lower star realms, Heiya City was naturally the most probable place to find information or clues. This was why he had doubled back.

Of course, he didn't return directly. Instead, he changed his clothes, altered his appearance, and greatly suppressed his profound energy aura using the Flowing Light Thunder Concealment technique.

Heiya City was bustling with activity, showing no signs of anything unusual. Evidently, any pursuit by the Black Feather Merchant Guild regarding the royal Wood Spirit would be carried out discreetly, as they would never dare to make a public spectacle of it. Yun Che walked confidently among the crowds, beginning his search for information on the Nine Star Buddha God Jade and the Emperor Immortal Grass.

Avoiding the large merchant guilds, Yun Che wandered for a while before his gaze settled on a moderately sized street stall. The vendor was an old man with a flowing white beard who, despite the constant flow of people around him, remained perfectly composed and still, exuding an air of venerable wisdom.

His stall was laden with various peculiar items, most of which appeared ancient and exuded an antique aura.

When it came to extensive knowledge, an experienced old man was naturally the most reliable source. Yun Che approached him and directly asked, "Senior, may I inquire about something?"

The old man's gaze swept over him, and he lazily replied, "By your appearance, you must be an outsider, yes? Just a heads-up: in our Heiya City, information doesn't come cheap. Go on, ask your question."

Yun Che asked, "This junior wishes to know, where in Heiya City can one purchase the Nine Star Buddha God Jade?"

The moment Yun Che finished speaking, the old man's gaze immediately snapped back to him, his expression turning sour. "Young man, are you trying to amuse yourself at my expense?"

"...Absolutely not." Yun Che shook his head.

"Then you must be out of your mind!" The old man's voice suddenly rose an octave. "The Nine Star Buddha God Jade can only form after Dome God Jade has been bathed in the light of nine different stars for at least ten thousand years. It's an incredibly rare and priceless treasure even in the upper star realms! Few in the lower star realms even know its name, and you come to my Heiya Realm looking for such a divine item? What else could it be but mocking me?!"

The old man, who had been quite the picture of an immortal sage, suddenly transformed into a scolding shrew, leaving Yun Che momentarily stunned. "Huh? What does 'out of your mind' mean?"

"Then... what about the Emperor Immortal Grass? Would Heiya City have it?" Yun Che asked again. He hadn't held much hope to begin with, but he hadn't anticipated such an absolute dismissal.

"Argh!" The old man's beard bristled. "Scram, scram, scram! Don't waste this old man's time on business!"

Yun Che immediately produced ten thousand violet profound stones. "Esteemed Senior, I sense your knowledge is truly vast. Could you perhaps offer this junior some guidance on where one might find the Nine Star Buddha God Jade and the Emperor Immortal Grass?"

Confronted with the glittering violet profound stones, the old man's expression instantly smoothed out. He casually swept up the stones, his face and eyes now completely serene. Looking at Yun Che with approval, he said, "Young master, from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were a distinguished young man from a noble family. Since you seek advice with such sincerity, this old man will not hesitate to share what he knows."

Yun Che: "..."

"As for this Nine Star Buddha God Jade, forget our lower star realms, you won't even find it in the middle star realms. Its mother jade, the Dome God Jade, exists only in the upper star realms. Coming to Heiya City to look for it is simply out of your mind... *ahem*, inadvisable. Even if you were to go to the upper star realms, it would still be incredibly difficult."

"As for the Emperor Immortal Grass, this divine herb is said to appear only within ancient secret realms."

"Ancient secret realms?" Yun Che's eyebrows twitched.

The old man immediately looked suspicious. "Young man, you don't even know about ancient secret realms? Could it be... you're from the lower realms?"

Yun Che's eyes widened, and he had no choice but to admit, "Yes, this junior is indeed from the lower realms and has only recently arrived in this esteemed place. I beg the senior to enlighten me on what ancient secret realms are."

As he spoke, Yun Che "sensibly" produced another ten thousand violet profound stones.

The old man swiftly took the stones, his expression unperturbed. "Since you're from the lower realms, it's not surprising. So-called ancient secret realms are independent small worlds left behind from the era of the ancient gods."

With the old man's explanation, Yun Che had already understood most of it.

"Within the God Realm, there are countless ancient secret realms. Some are directly connected to the outside world, allowing free entry and exit, while others, due to their independent laws, restrict things like time, quantity, or profound energy level. Many legacies and ancient treasures in the God Realm were discovered within these secret realms. With the collapse of the Age of Gods and the loss of their power source, a large number of ancient secret realms collapse and vanish every year. Even those that still exist have had most of their secrets and resources plundered. Nowadays, the majority of these realms are occupied by powerful sects and used as trial grounds."

Yun Che nodded slowly. The Heavenly Pond Secret Realm of Heavenly Sword Villa in the Azure Cloud Continent was, in fact, an ancient secret realm, left behind by the Heretic God.

"In my Heiya Realm, two ancient secret realms still remain, both belonging to the Guihun Sect," the old man stated openly. "Speaking of ancient secret realms, one inevitably thinks of the Primal Chaos God Realm, which even the seventeen Royal Realms that govern the vast God Realm..."

Before he could finish, he suddenly stopped and waved his hand. "Oh! I got sidetracked. You won't be able to comprehend anything about the Primal Chaos God Realm for another ten thousand years. That Emperor Immortal Grass you're inquiring about... oh, yes, the Emperor Immortal Grass. All records concerning it involve various ancient secret realms: secret realms in the upper star realms, the middle star realms, and as for the lower star realms... oh! It seems there were some there too! In any case, I've never heard of the Emperor Immortal Grass growing anywhere outside of ancient secret realms."

Ancient secret realms... Emperor Immortal Grass appearing only in ancient secret realms... This was undoubtedly very bad news.

Even if it only appeared in high-level planes or dangerous locations, he could attempt to seek it out. But secret realms... there were countless in the God Realm, and who knew which one might contain Emperor Immortal Grass? Moreover, most major secret realms now had owners, making free entry impossible. He couldn't even try to find a needle in a haystack.

Seeing Yun Che's expression darken, the old man leaned forward and said mysteriously, "Young man, it seems you are truly desperate to find these two treasures. Given your generosity, I might be able to point you towards a clear path."

Yun Che looked up. "Please guide me, Senior."

"The Heavenly Mystery Realm!" the old man said, his gaze fixed.

"Heavenly Mystery Realm... Heavenly Mystery?" Yun Che murmured.

"The Heavenly Mystery Realm is the smallest star realm in the Eastern God Region... oh no, perhaps even the smallest in the entire God Realm. Its territorial expanse is roughly the size of the Heiya City you're currently in. However, that is a... genuine upper star realm!"

Yun Che's eyes widened in astonishment. A star realm with a territory comparable only to Heiya City, merely a thousand li in extent. Yet, it was an upper star realm that could even surpass the Snow Song Realm and the Flame God Realm in terms of its standing!

"Though small, the Heavenly Mystery Realm is not only an upper star realm but also one of extremely high status. Even the Four Royal Realms hold the Heavenly Mystery Realm in great respect, and their Great Realm Kings frequently visit it in person."

"Since this star realm is called the Heavenly Mystery Realm... could it be that its inhabitants can truly peer into heavenly mysteries?" Yun Che asked, surprised.

"Hehehe," the old man chuckled. "So it is said, but I am certainly not qualified to know about matters of that realm. However, the Heavenly Mystery Realm is an open star realm; anyone can go there. Once there, as long as you can afford enough profound stones, you can purchase any information... for example, where to find the Nine Star Buddha God Jade and the Emperor Immortal Grass."

Yun Che's eyes glimmered.

"However, information in the Heavenly Mystery Realm is far more expensive than you can imagine. But as long as you can afford it, you definitely won't be disappointed. How you acquire the Nine Star Buddha God Jade and Emperor Immortal Grass after obtaining the information, however, will be entirely up to you, and that will undoubtedly be far more difficult than simply purchasing the intelligence."

"How does one get to the Heavenly Mystery Realm?" Yun Che asked without hesitation.

"Simple!" The old man pointed. "To the west of the city, there's a star realm dimensional station. By paying enough profound stones, you can activate the dimensional profound array that connects to over sixty star realms. Choose to go to the Shuohan Realm, then from the dimensional station in Shuohan Realm to the Kuiyang Realm, and from the Kuiyang Realm to the Grand Holy Light Realm... After seventeen such transfers, you'll reach a star realm called the God Sea Realm. In the central city of the God Sea Realm, there's a dimensional profound array that goes directly to the Heavenly Mystery Realm. However, these dozens of dimensional transfers are not cheap; an ordinary person would go bankrupt trying to afford them."

Yun Che: "..."

Although it involved no less than seventeen previously unheard-of star realms, Yun Che managed to commit it all to memory in a single attempt. "Thank you for your guidance, Senior."

Having found his objective, Yun Che headed straight for the east side of the city.

The Heavenly Mystery Realm, an open upper star realm. He wondered if the hundred million violet profound stones he still possessed would be enough to purchase information regarding the Nine Star Buddha God Jade and the Emperor Immortal Grass.

Yun Che hurried through the city for a long time, asking for directions along the way, until he finally reached the dimensional station on the west side of the city. As he approached, he noticed a large crowd pouring out from that direction, every one of them looking displeased.

Yun Che's heart skipped a beat. He quickly stepped forward and stopped someone. "Brother, has something happened at the dimensional station?"

"If you're planning to go to the dimensional station, you'd better turn back," the person said, looking dejected. "It seems the dimensional station has been sealed off for several hours, and no one is allowed to enter. What's more..." he lowered his voice, "...a large group of Soul Sect members are guarding the area. Anyone who even approaches the dimensional station is immediately subjected to intense scrutiny."

"Oh, I see. Thank you for the information." Yun Che said, his heart suddenly sinking.

As expected, the Black Feather Merchant Guild had not remained idle after last night's events. Sealing off the dimensional station was clearly meant to prevent him from escaping the Heiya Realm.

After all, the Black Feather Merchant Guild knew he was from another star realm.

Could it be that they intended to search the entire Heiya Realm for him? Even if it was for the royal Wood Spirit, wasn't that a bit excessive?

The Soul Sect, whose full name was the Black Soul Divine Sect, was the dominant sect of the Heiya Realm. It was now clear that they were the power behind the Black Feather Merchant Guild, and a force Yun Che absolutely could not afford to provoke.

Yun Che immediately turned back. The dimensional station couldn't remain sealed indefinitely. He would have to stay within Heiya City and wait for the day it reopened.

Yun Che ceased his search for information on the Nine Star Buddha God Jade and Emperor Immortal Grass. Concealing his presence entirely, he wandered casually through Heiya City. He bought a few small trinkets that caught his eye, spending a considerable amount of profound stones over several hours.

As noon approached, Yun Che was considering finding temporary lodging in the city when he suddenly sensed an extremely powerful aura nearby. His gaze flickered, and he saw a person dressed entirely in black walking towards a shop not far away. Wherever this person passed, pedestrians hurriedly moved aside, their faces showing deference.

As he turned, a black snake insignia flashed distinctly on his left arm, identical to the one worn by the black-clad middle-aged man he had crippled.

A member of the Soul Sect!?

Yun Che immediately paid close attention. The black-clad individual entered the shop and emerged a good while later, quickly walking away.

Yun Che's brow furrowed slightly. After a brief hesitation, he entered the shop.

A rich aroma immediately assailed him. This was clearly a spice shop, and the various exotic scents mingled together, creating an unusually pungent atmosphere.

Somewhat detracting from the ambiance was the shopkeeper, a shifty-looking middle-aged man.

Although Yun Che had concealed his presence, his attire and demeanor still exuded an air of nobility. The shopkeeper's gaze swept over him, and he instantly broke into a wide, ingratiating smile. "Young master, my humble shop offers over six hundred varieties of incense and spices. I'm certain you'll find something to your liking. Please, take your time and browse without haste."

Yun Che stepped forward and lowered his voice. "What did that last customer buy?"

As he spoke, he placed five thousand violet profound stones on the counter in front of the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper's eyebrows twitched. Instead of taking the money, a look of apprehension crossed his face. "Young master, you... you must be from a major merchant guild or a powerful sect, aren't you? Ah, please don't make things difficult for me. If I were to sell the Thousand-Mile Soul Tracking Incense to anyone else, and the Soul Sect found out, I would surely lose my life."

"Thousand-Mile Soul Tracking Incense?" Yun Che's brows furrowed deeply. "What is that?"

"Hm? You don't know?" Seeing that Yun Che didn't seem to be feigning ignorance, the shopkeeper was momentarily stunned.

"I truly have no idea, and I am not affiliated with any major merchant guild or sect. I am merely an ordinary traveler from outside this realm," Yun Che stated. "I simply happened to notice that person's extraordinary aura and presumed that whatever he specifically came to purchase must be remarkable, so my curiosity led me to inquire."

"Oh, I see. Hmm... you certainly don't look like someone from the Heiya Realm." After re-examining Yun Che, the shopkeeper believed him. The panic on his face vanished, and he swiftly pocketed the five thousand violet profound stones. "However, young master will be disappointed. I will not, and dare not, sell this Thousand-Mile Soul Tracking Incense to anyone outside the Soul Sect."

"What exactly is this Thousand-Mile Soul Tracking Incense you're talking about?" Yun Che asked, suspicion in his voice. For some reason, a strong sense of unease welled up within him.

"Of course, it's an incredibly remarkable item," the shopkeeper said, a proud look on his face. "Its required materials are very expensive, and currently, I am the only one in the entire Heiya Realm capable of producing it. The Soul Sect sends materials regularly and retrieves the Thousand-Mile Soul Tracking Incense ten days later. Although I'm forbidden by the Soul Sect to sell it to anyone else, my small shop also receives their protection, doesn't it?"

"What is the purpose of the Thousand-Mile Soul Tracking Incense?" Yun Che's brows furrowed tighter and tighter.

"It's for tracking, of course," the shopkeeper replied. "This Thousand-Mile Soul Tracking Incense is colorless, odorless, and undetectable, so it absolutely cannot be discovered by people. However, a profound beast known as the 'Crimson-tailed Sable' is uniquely sensitive to its scent."

"So, if you apply the Thousand-Mile Soul Tracking Incense to valuable treasures, or to criminals or profound beasts, should they get lost, escape, or be abducted, you can immediately use a Crimson-tailed Sable to track them down, guaranteeing absolute..."

"What did you say... What did you say!?"

Before the shopkeeper could finish his sentence, he was abruptly lifted by the neck. Though he possessed cultivation at the Monarch Profound Realm, he was utterly powerless in Yun Che's grip, his wide eyes betraying deep confusion and terror. "You... what are you doing...?"

Yun Che's entire aura was in disarray, and a chill ran down his spine. His hand, gripping the shopkeeper's arm, trembled violently, his pupils rapidly contracting and dilating. "The Thousand-Mile Soul Tracking Incense... How long does it last? How far can it track... Will it extend beyond two thousand li?!"

"Young master... please... let's talk properly..."

"Answer my question!" Yun Che roared.

The shopkeeper's mouth hung open, and he gasped out painfully, "The name 'Thousand-Mile Soul Tracking'... isn't... a joke... Moreover... two thousand li... it would take at least... four days and four nights... to dissipate..."

*BOOM!*

The shopkeeper was slammed violently onto the ground, his condition unknown. Yun Che had already shot into the sky, rushing south towards the city like a madman.