Chapter 559: A Ready-Made Meeting Gift

Spirit Transformation stage cultivators are, at the very least, a core force within their respective clans, wielding considerable influence. Some even lead entire clans, with numerous Nascent Soul stage cultivators pledging their allegiance. Their power is immense; such a combined force could rampage through the Demon Realm, seemingly ignoring all rules.

At least, that’s how it appears to Foundation Establishment grand cultivators and Golden Core elders, for whom Spirit Transformation cultivators are akin to deities.

However, Spirit Transformation cultivators themselves know that, compared to truly powerful cultivators, they are nothing more than ants.

Just then, the legendary Demonic Sound Heavenly Maiden appeared. With a single move, she froze all of them in mid-air, rendering them completely immobile. They could only watch helplessly as the three individuals conversed and laughed among themselves.

“When I used to travel through the Demon Realm, I encountered many unexpected situations, and I relied entirely on Senior Sister for support,” the Third Senior Sister said. She smiled, remarking, “But now, my cultivation is vastly different. I no longer need Senior Sister; I can handle things on my own. This is what growth looks like.”

“As for you...” The Third Senior Sister turned her head. Despite her eyes being covered, she keenly perceived the movements around her. “You’ve all been surviving in the Demon Realm for so many years, so you understand its rules: those who kill shall be killed. Since you dared to attack my junior brother, there’s no longer any need for you to live.”

“Wait...” The Qiongqi clan member struggled desperately to break free, attempting to beg for mercy. However, as he barely managed to utter a single word, he heard the Third Senior Sister pluck the zither strings once more.

The sound waves transformed into invisible fine lines, slicing the Spirit Transformation and Nascent Soul cultivators in the sky into countless pieces. Their bloody remains splattered and fell to the ground.

Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou swallowed hard, silently acknowledging the Third Senior Sister’s truly ruthless methods.

“What’s the big deal?” the Immortal Fairy chimed in, stepping forward to corroborate. “In ancient times, people killed like this all the time. Back then, it was even more perilous than the current Demon Realm, with countless cultivators and demon beasts perishing daily.”

The recently awakened Foundation Establishment and Golden Core stage demon beasts stared in utter disbelief. Their minds struggled to process the overwhelming sight of the high and mighty Spirit Transformation cultivators being slaughtered with such ease.

After a few seconds, a demon beast shrieked and fled frantically. The remaining demon beasts, as if jolted awake from a dream, then bolted as well, scrambling to escape.

It didn't matter where they ran, just as long as they got far away from this place!

The Third Senior Sister had no interest in these minor demons and allowed them to depart.

With the rabble either dead or fled, the Third Senior Sister then resumed observing Lu Yang. Noticing his exceptionally solid foundation, she felt a surge of emotion.

She unfurled a tablecloth, spread it on the ground, and gestured for the two to sit, telling them not to be too formal.

“Your cultivation progress is quite remarkable,” she began. “I heard that when you became our Master’s disciple, Master happened to be missing, and it was Senior Sister herself who personally taught you. You truly have incredible luck.”

“I also wished to be taught by Senior Sister, but unfortunately, I wasn’t there at the right time.”

“I asked Senior Sister to send a fellow disciple proficient in ancient history, but I never expected her to send you,” she continued. “Who would have thought that at such a young age, you’ve become a recognized scholar of ancient history, endorsed by Senior Sister?”

Lu Yang chuckled awkwardly, “It’s all just luck, purely luck.”

The Third Senior Sister waved her hand, encouraging him. “How can you call it mere luck? Don’t belittle yourself. Luck is only a small part; your accomplishments today are undoubtedly a result of your hard work.”

Lu Yang reflected, realizing she was right; had he not diligently passed the Immortal Fairy’s trials, he wouldn't even be alive today.

The Third Senior Sister then turned to Meng Jingzhou, a hint of teasing in her voice. “Since he is Lu Yang, then you must be Young Master Meng of the Meng family, correct?”

“Senior Sister mentioned that despite being a single spirit root cultivator, you are brave enough to innovate and advance, forming two solitary Golden Cores,” she continued. “You’ve even mastered the Nirvana True Flame to accelerate your cultivation, utterly fearless of qi deviation from wavering willpower. Even demonic cultivators wouldn’t dare attempt such a feat! Your sheer determination to pursue the immortal path alone surpasses everyone else’s!”

“As your Senior Sister, my first meeting with you was quite rushed, and I don’t have any proper gifts on hand,” she said. “So, instead, I’ll open this secret realm and take you to find some good things.”

A Senior Sister needed to uphold her role and ensure they weren't treated unfairly.

The entrance to the secret realm lay directly beneath their feet. She drew in the white jade plate that was floating in the air.

“This secret realm was likely left behind by a Spirit Transformation cultivator of the Suan Ni clan,” she explained. “At the time, he was a renowned Spirit Transformation expert in the Demon Realm, considered a genius, full of vigor and unruly. He wiped out several small tribes on a whim. Unfortunately, he later provoked a powerful entity he shouldn’t have. A formidable enemy attacked, and the Suan Ni was no match, perishing with regret in the north. His supreme defensive treasure, the white jade plate, was shattered by this powerful foe into three pieces, which then scattered throughout the Demon Realm.”

The Third Senior Sister sighed. “I also tried to find the white jade plate fragments, but I never succeeded, so the matter was shelved. I never imagined that you two youngsters would gather all the pieces today.”

“...Yes, I didn’t expect to gather all the white jade plate pieces either,” Lu Yang mumbled.

Lu Yang could honestly say he hadn’t done anything; the white jade plate had simply fallen into his hands on its own.

“Senior Sister,” Lu Yang asked, “don’t secret realms usually have cultivation level restrictions? Can you enter a Spirit Transformation level secret realm?”

The Third Senior Sister shook her head. “What you’re referring to are secret realms left behind for the good fortune of future generations. They are set with cultivation level restrictions, where descendants can receive rewards after passing trials within. This particular secret realm is the Suan Ni’s personal treasury. As long as it can be opened, anyone can enter and exit freely, with no restrictions.”

“I see,” Lu Yang murmured.

“Secret realms meant for future generations are quite rare in the Demon Realm but much more common in Great Xia,” she clarified. “So, it’s understandable that you would have this impression.”

“Why are they common in Great Xia?” Lu Yang asked.

“There are two reasons,” she explained. “Firstly, some cultivators believe in karmic connections and prepare for their future cultivation. If a junior gains benefits from their secret realm, it forms a good karmic bond with them, which might lessen the harm they experience during their heavenly tribulation later.”

“And the second reason?” Lu Yang prompted.

“Great Xia has a law requiring inheritance tax,” she replied. “Some cultivators are unwilling to pay it, so they choose to establish secret realms for fated individuals. This is considered a gift and is not subject to tax.”

Lu Yang was speechless.

Meng Jingzhou was equally speechless.

The Third Senior Sister weighed the white jade plate in her hand. “This plate is actually quite useful,” she mused. “But its level is too high for you two to use. Otherwise, I would simply give it to you.”

She couldn’t, like Senior Sister, place multiple layers of seals on the white jade plate that would unlock as Lu Yang’s cultivation advanced.

The secret realm entrance was a black vortex shimmering with specks of starlight. Rashly attempting to enter without the key was extremely dangerous; even if one weren’t torn apart by the vortex, they would be teleported to an unknown location.

The Third Senior Sister seemed to already know how to use the white jade plate. She activated it, connecting it to the secret realm entrance, then with a gentle twist, the entrance swung open.

“Done,” she announced.

“Senior Sister, you seem very familiar with how to use this white jade plate?” Lu Yang asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

“What’s the big deal?” she shrugged. “When I fought that Suan Ni, he kept using this plate. I learned how to use it just by watching a few times.”

“...That Suan Ni was killed by *you*?” Lu Yang asked slowly.

“Oh, did I not say that?” she responded. “Right, I said he provoked a powerful enemy. It amounts to the same thing.”