Chapter 494: Yan Ling, Wanbao Secret Realm

Compared to two centuries ago, Spider Mountain had barely changed, but the number of cultivators stationed there had significantly decreased. Currently, there were hardly any cultivators left in the entire Scarlet Kite cultivation world.

Everyone had flocked towards Lake Tai. Even if they didn't join the front lines, they could still gain considerable benefits from the territories after the demonic invasion. The casualties from direct assaults were not as high as imagined.

These demonic cultivators, who swept through the lands after the battles, were the true source of disaster. Without any bottom line or morality, they dealt a heavy blow to the population of Lake Tai.

Sweeping through like a sieve, they caused countless casualties.

His agreed meeting place with Yan Ling was Spider Mountain.

Upon arrival, Wang Yu did not find her immediately. He only found a spiritual imprint she had left in Spider Cave, and once activated, Yan Ling's true body would be informed.

He waited for a month.

A blue streak of light, imbued with frost, suddenly descended into Spider Mountain. She wore a long, flowing gown embroidered with flying birds, her abundant dark hair cascaded down, and she had a silver-patterned cicada-wing hair ornament.

Two pieces of ice-cold green jade hung from her waist. A white jade ribbon, embroidered with frost flowers, lightly cinched her slender waist, and her shapely posterior swayed with each step, drawing attention.

Her clear, bright eyes sparkled like water, devoid of any color. Compared to the ice queen she used to be, she now exuded a unique feminine charm.

Her figure also seemed to have matured slightly.

Wang Yu stood by the cliff edge, smiling as he looked at her.

"Well done," he said. "Second stage Nascent Soul, and on the verge of breaking through. It seems the Blood Spirit Sect gained a lot from attacking Lake Tai over the years. Yan Ling, how have you been?"

For some reason, upon hearing Wang Yu's words, Yan Ling suddenly felt a sting in her eyes. Time was the most formidable enemy of all living beings, but past memories were also the best repository for emotions.

Recalling the past was an inevitable reflection after achieving success and fame.

Her myriad thoughts and feelings eventually condensed into just two simple words from her lips.

"...I'm well."

This generation of true disciples, except for Xie Xie An who had vanished without a trace, had also encountered a fortunate era. The continuous victories in the righteous-demonic war had garnered immense resources for their sect.

Coupled with the support from their respective families, they successively broke through to the Nascent Soul stage. Except for the true disciple surnamed Lu from Gu Poison Peak, who failed his breakthrough, everyone else succeeded.

They were currently serving on the Thunderfire Temple battlefield, in the southern part of the Dragon-Coil Mountain Range. According to Yan Ling, Zhou Lingjun of Savage Ghost Peak had been struck dead by the Thunder Sovereign of Heaven.

He was the first young-generation Nascent Soul cultivator to die on that battlefield.

The world changed so rapidly, it was hard to predict.

Their casual conversation continued for a long time. They discussed all sorts of topics, from young prodigies to Cold Blood Peak, the Southern Demonic Tribe, the battlefield situation, and so on.

Only after chatting for most of the day did they finally get to business.

Wang Yu said, "The journey to the Heavenly Palace Secret Realm is extremely perilous. I will enter with the Northern Demonic Tribe's contingent. I entrust this sacred token to you to give to Yu Tangtang, and then you and she will go to the Endless Ice Plains together."

Yan Ling nodded, then asked, perplexed.

"Will I need to disguise myself?"

"It depends on the situation," Wang Yu replied. "The Ice Clan will certainly send a large number of powerful cultivators. You can hide among the rogue cultivators and help me gather intelligence on powerful individuals. The detailed plan will need to be formulated based on the actual circumstances."

The Heavenly Palace Secret Realm was extremely crucial. Wang Yu had set his sights on breaking through to the Soul Transformation stage here, so he wouldn't act without preparation. He already had a clear idea of the preparations and preliminary plans.

Following the Northern Demonic Tribe's contingent was advantageous not only because of their immense power, but also because of their understanding of the Heavenly Palace Secret Realm. Many secret pieces of intelligence could be shared, which naturally provided a greater advantage than exploring alone.

"I understand."

Yan Ling nodded and said no more. She stood with Wang Yu by the cliff edge, watching the clouds unfurl and disperse in the distant sky, feeling utterly relaxed.

Wang Yu was also accustomed to this silence.

They sat quietly until dusk.

Yan Ling suddenly spoke.

"Apart from our journey in the Blood Abyss," Yan Ling said, "I haven't explored a secret realm with you, senior brother. Recently, the Ten Thousand Treasures Pool of Golden Tower is about to open. How about we go together?"

The Heavenly Palace Secret Realm was still over thirty years away. Waiting was still waiting, and since Yan Ling had temporarily left the front lines, she wouldn't be returning anytime soon.

So she invited Wang Yu to explore the Ten Thousand Treasures Secret Realm together, and cultivate their teamwork along the way.

"The Ten Thousand Treasures Secret Realm... that could work."

This secret realm was also on Wang Yu's preparation list. He had accumulated a good number of top-grade Tier 4 spiritual materials, but lacked suitable refining methods.

Although the Demon Refining Art was simple and practical, it couldn't be used to meticulously refine the desired magic treasures. The finished products were too crude, unworthy of grand use.

Many of the spiritual items he obtained from the Northern Demonic Tribe had been used for cultivating the Netherworld Divine Art, and many more for nurturing the Glazed Pagoda and cultivating the Frozen Demon Core.

Roughly a dozen types of top-grade spiritual materials remained.

Besides various magic treasures and rare artifacts, the most crucial opportunity in the Ten Thousand Treasures Secret Realm was the Ten Thousand Treasures Pool, said to have been left behind by the Ten Thousand Treasures Sect from ancient times.

The Ten Thousand Treasures Pool was a top-grade spiritual treasure specializing in artifact refining.

It belonged to the Golden Tower.

When it was in the hands of the Ten Thousand Treasures Sect, famous artifact refiners throughout generations would often choose to sacrifice their lives to the artifact at their final moment, which nurtured the Ten Thousand Treasures Pool into a top-grade spiritual treasure.

It was rumored that the Hundred Treasures Liquid, which could directly elevate the rank of magic treasures, also originated from this secret realm.

As long as one could reach the end of the secret realm, one could receive a free refining opportunity provided by the spirit of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pool, with the result being at least a top-grade Tier 4 item.

With good luck, it was even possible to refine a Tier 5 spiritual treasure.

Therefore, after a brief consideration, Wang Yu nodded in agreement.

"I had the same idea," Wang Yu said. "Golden Tower has opened the Ten Thousand Treasures Secret Realm to all Nascent Soul cultivators, requiring only an entry fee of five top-grade spirit stones. Do you have confidence in reaching the end?"

"Let's try."

Yan Ling gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a slight smile playing on her lips.

Compared to the potential gains, Wang Yu's presence attracted her attention more. After all, his past experiences were already a legend, and in the Scarlet Kite cultivation world, there was no one more suitable to be her Dao companion.

Yan Ling ran her fingers over the Universe Ring on her finger.

Inside, she held an opportunity she had gained from the battlefield this time: a secret Yin-Yang harmonization technique from the Joyful Demonic Sect. The question was whether to invite Wang Yu to cultivate it with her.

She was still hesitant, worried about losing face and tarnishing her image. Unbeknownst to her, Wang Yu could shamelessly invite the Ice Soul Immortal to dual cultivate just for a precious pill.

He would never care about such trivial matters.

As night shrouded the sky, two streaks of light, one black and one blue, traveled south, crossing thousands of mountains and rivers. On the way, they passed through the territory of the Heaven Refinement Demonic Sect, and Wang Yu, fearless, crossed right through it.

Chitian was only fit to eat his dust. This threat had long since diminished in importance in his mind; he would sooner or later completely resolve this trouble.

They traveled for over a month.

The two arrived at the southern end of Scarlet Kite, in the territory of the Underworld Mountain Sect. This was also the headquarters of Golden Tower – the location of the Heavenly Pool!

The Ten Thousand Treasures Secret Realm was located within Golden Toad City. Or rather, Golden Toad City was established precisely because of this top-tier secret realm.

After traveling through wind and dew and reaching their destination, Wang Yu suddenly remembered his confidante, Jin Miaoshan. Come to think of it, she was also close to breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage. He wondered if he could see her again this time.

Furthermore, the results for the four succession candidates of Golden Tower would be announced soon, likely not long after the Ten Thousand Treasures Secret Realm opened.

Jin Lin was dead, so Jin Miaoshan had no more rivals in the Scarlet Kite region. Only Jin Xuanxuan and Jin Chixuan from Lake Tai still had a fighting chance.

Perhaps he could still pull some strings through his connections?

Golden Toad City.

This super spiritual city boasted the most spirit veins in Scarlet Kite. The cultivation environment was excellent, with spiritual energy condensing into mist in the air, giving Golden Toad City a perpetually ethereal, misty appearance.

As a major commercial hub and the reserved land of the Heavenly Pool Jin Clan, Nascent Soul experts were as numerous as fish in a river, countless. Even Wang Yu couldn't act as he pleased here.

Its architectural style was similar to Heavenly Treasure City.

Hundreds of floating mountains hovered in the sky around the city. Half of them belonged to Golden Tower's Nascent Soul cultivation grounds, while the rest, besides functional buildings, were mainly for external rental.

Due to the advantages of its spirit vein environment, land prices in Golden Toad City were extraordinarily exorbitant, practically worth an inch of gold. The business of renting cave dwellings was the most profitable.

Nearby cultivators and clans all liked to acquire properties here.

Qi Condensation cultivators risked "spirit intoxication" if they stayed too long. Those who resided here long-term were at least Foundation Establishment cultivators, which clearly showed the prosperity of Golden Toad City.

With the Ten Thousand Treasures Secret Realm opening soon, many Nascent Soul cultivators were drawn back from the front lines to participate. This led to an even greater number of powerful cultivators and bustling scenes everywhere.

There were also many private treasure exchange meetings organized by Nascent Soul cultivators. After a brief inquiry, he learned of three Nascent Soul circles, where participation in the exchange meetings required an introducer.

He wasn't in a hurry about that.

He and Yan Ling settled down at a restaurant operated by the Jin Clan. Wang Yu ordered a large table full of spiritual food and fine wine, beginning a "revenge spending" spree; the pleasure-loving Wang Yu's taste buds were practically bored to death with bland flavors.

The cuisine of southern Scarlet Kite was unique in its preparation of avian delicacies, thanks to the Vermilion Bird Divine Mountain. There was also a special delicacy supplied by the Underworld Mountain Sect.

Yin Beast Meat Porridge, despite its unassuming name, was extremely beneficial to cultivators practicing Yin, Ice, Water, or Blood attribute cultivation methods. It invigorated Yang and nourished Yuan, and was especially potent if consumed before dual cultivation.

The price, however, was somewhat expensive.

But Wang Yu didn't care about the cost at all. He had more spirit stones than he could spend, so he simply ordered the most expensive items, which made Yan Ling feel a little pang of concern for the expense.

She had not long ago advanced, and her personal funds were almost depleted.

Such luxury was rare for her on ordinary days.

The two ate and discussed business.

"Senior Brother," Yan Ling said, "there's still over a month until the Ten Thousand Treasures Secret Realm opens. Tomorrow, let's first go to Golden Tower to take a look. With your reputation, participating in Bishop Youpeng's treasure exchange meeting shouldn't be a problem."

"No rush discussing that. First, try the local specialties here."

Wang Yu picked up his jade chopsticks and gestured towards the Yin Beast Meat Porridge.

Yan Ling's face turned red. Knowing the many effects of the meat porridge, she secretly thought Wang Yu was hinting at something. Her lips parted slightly, but she hesitated to speak.

Unexpectedly, a voice from nearby interrupted them.

"Who are you trying to impress?" the voice sneered. "Do you think just any Tom, Dick, or Harry is qualified to participate in the treasure exchange meeting hosted by Bishop Youpeng?"

"If this lady wishes to participate," he continued, "this young master can certainly help you. Would you honor me by joining me for a drink?"

Due to the recent large influx of cultivators into Golden Toad City, Wang Yu and Yan Ling were dining on the third floor of the Jin Clan's restaurant, by a window. They hadn't secured a private room, partly because they hadn't revealed their cultivation levels.

The one speaking provocatively was a young noble.

He had a somewhat handsome face and was gently fanning himself with a black profound-iron fan with sharp edges. He considered himself elegant and refined, but in reality, he was like a clown.

Wang Yu didn't even bother to raise an eyebrow.

This idiot only had Foundation Establishment cultivation. The old man accompanying him, however, was at the late Core Formation stage. Judging by this arrangement, he was most likely the offspring of some Nascent Soul cultivator.

While he remained indifferent, Yan Ling was quite annoyed.

She shot him a cold glance and sharply retorted.

"In terms of age, I'd be too young to be your great-grandmother," she snapped. "Now get lost!"

The young noble's expression shifted slightly. He shot a glance at the old man beside him, whose eyes immediately gleamed with an inch of spiritual light, clearly using some spiritual eye secret art to probe the two.

Wang Yu finally dropped his chopsticks.

"It's hard to reason with those who are determined to court death. Hmph!"

An aura of extreme cold spread, freezing both of them into ice sculptures. The Soul-Carving Evil Boat appeared silently, and Wang Yu quickly discovered the truth behind this provocation through soul-searching.

"The only offspring of Old Devil Tiangui? Interesting..."

Yan Ling, hearing his words, also frowned deeply.

"Jin Xuanxuan's people?" Yan Ling asked. "Why would they seek to trouble us? Is it because of that incident when you offended Golden Tower during your Foundation Establishment stage, senior brother?"

"It's a long story, but it's not because of that."

Wang Yu shook his head, his mind rapidly processing.

Old Devil Tiangui was Jin Xuanxuan's Dao Protector, at the eighth stage of Nascent Soul. Just like Jin Xiyuan was to Jin Miaoshan, the two could be considered a single entity.

This person originated from the Yellow Spring Temple and was pursued by them for stealing a foundational treasure from the sect. When he was critically wounded and near death, he was rescued by Golden Tower, and subsequently became one of the Jin Clan's Nascent Soul venerated elders.

In his offspring's memory, it was instigated by a subordinate of Jin Chixuan. The young man, driven by lust, came over without thinking much.

The whole affair was not meticulous at all; it seemed like a deliberately exposed flaw.

If he wasn't mistaken, the two had been targeted by the Jin Clan's people the moment they entered Golden Toad City. And he was the culprit who personally killed Jin Lin, although Jin Miaoshan had taken full responsibility afterwards.

For Nascent Soul cultivators, finding out the truth was not difficult.

"It's truly a continuation of Jin Lin's clumsy methods," Wang Yu murmured. "Do they want me to become an enemy of the other two succession candidates? Their plan is clever, but their brains are a bit dull."

Yan Ling was completely bewildered.

"What do you mean, senior brother?"

"This matter has nothing to do with you," Wang Yu said. "I will handle it personally, and meet an old acquaintance along the way. You stay here and wait for me for a few days."

"I'll go with you."

Wang Yu's rising figure paused. He said, his expression unchanged.

"It's not very convenient. Next time, for sure!"

With that said, he transformed into a streak of light and vanished instantly. The two ice sculptures remained in the stairwell. Wang Yu had spared their lives for now; not needing to recklessly make enemies was one thing.

On the other hand, he could use this opportunity to demand compensation for the offense.

He considered himself quite skilled at seizing opportunities to demand compensation, and wasn't afraid of such petty, disgraceful matters at all.

On a nearby street, the person secretly tailing them realized something was wrong, but before he could get far, he saw Wang Yu leaning against a wall up ahead.

He said faintly, "Where do you think you're going?"