Chereads / Sword pointing towards the sky / Chapter 4 - The Mystery of the Qingyun Secret Realm

Chapter 4 - The Mystery of the Qingyun Secret Realm

The dawn of Xuantian Sect always arrives punctually. The chilly mountain wind, carrying the moisture of the dew, sweeps over the lofty peaks that touch the clouds. The disciples gradually wake up in the lingering echoes of the morning bell, and the entire sect is filled with a serene and fulfilling atmosphere. But today, Lin Tian senses an unusual fluctuation, a premonition that defies description, as if some power is calling him from the unknown. As usual, Lin Tian is meditating in the bamboo forest in the early morning. He strives to focus his mind and peacefully absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. However, that inexplicable sense of anxiety lingers, preventing him from fully concentrating. He frowns slightly, feeling the circulation of the true essence within his body, attempting to identify the source of his distress. Just as he is trying to calm his mind, a series of soft footsteps come from the forest. Lin Tian slowly opens his eyes and sees his junior fellow apprentice Chen Yang running towards him in a hurry, his face brimming with excitement and tension that is hard to conceal. "Senior Brother Lin, something bad has happened!" Chen Yang pants, his face flushed, obviously having run all the way. Lin Tian's heart stirs and asks calmly, "What's the matter?" "The sect just sent word that the Qingyun Secret Realm is about to open! All the elders are discussing related matters in the council hall. I heard that all disciples above the Qi Condensation stage have the opportunity to sign up and enter the secret realm to search for opportunities." "The Qingyun Secret Realm?" Lin Tian murmurs this name, and the records about it in the sect's classics immediately surface in his mind. The name of the Qingyun Secret Realm is not new in the history of Xuantian Sect. Legend has it that it was the cultivation place of ancient masters of great power. The interior of the secret realm is filled with rich spiritual energy and countless rare spiritual herbs, treasures, and there might even be long-lost mysterious cultivation techniques. Every time it opens, it attracts countless cultivators to search for treasures, but the danger of this secret realm is also well-known - the last time it opened, less than one-tenth of the cultivators who entered survived. Most perished within, and only a few managed to return alive. "So that's it." The unease in Lin Tian's heart seems to have found its root. It is the impending opening of the Qingyun Secret Realm that gives him an ominous premonition. Seeing Lin Tian lost in thought, Chen Yang anxiously asks, "Senior Brother Lin, are you going? This is a rare opportunity. Although it's dangerous, if you can obtain an inheritance or treasure within, your cultivation level is sure to increase significantly!" Lin Tian doesn't answer immediately. He knows that the Qingyun Secret Realm is highly tempting, but it is also fraught with unknown perils. This entry into the secret realm is not just a treasure hunt, but more likely a life-and-death test. He understands that without sufficient preparation and a firm Dao heart, venturing into the secret realm rashly will only bring him catastrophe. "I will consider carefully." Lin Tian's tone is plain, but there is a glint of determination in his eyes. He already has a preliminary decision in his heart, but he knows that before making the final choice, he needs more information to support his judgment. To clarify the details of the Qingyun Secret Realm, Lin Tian decides to go to the sect's Sutra Pavilion to consult the relevant records about the secret realm. The Sutra Pavilion is located in the back mountain of Xuantian Sect, in a quiet pine forest. The ancient and simple attic exudes a sense of the passage of time in the sunlight. Lin Tian pushes open the heavy wooden door and enters the interior of the attic. A faint aroma of books wafts towards him. The furnishings inside the attic are simple. The bookshelves around are neatly lined with all kinds of classics, ranging from the sect's history to cultivation experiences, from atlases of spiritual herbs to inscriptions of arrays, everything is available. Lin Tian weaves through the bookshelves, searching for the records related to the Qingyun Secret Realm. After a thorough search, he finally finds a thin ancient book in an inconspicuous corner. The cover is inscribed with the words "Qingyun Secret Realm" in ancient seal script. Opening the ancient book, Lin Tian's gaze gradually becomes solemn. This book details the origin, the regularity of its opening, and some important events during each opening of the Qingyun Secret Realm. It is mentioned that the Qingyun Secret Realm opens only once every hundred years, and each time it opens, the structure of the secret realm undergoes certain changes, as if it is self-repairing and reorganizing. Therefore, even the survivors of the last opening cannot accurately predict the internal situation of the next time. More importantly, the ancient book also mentions that the Qingyun Secret Realm is not only a place for cultivators to seek opportunities but also a testing ground for tempering one's mental state. There are various intricate arrays and mechanisms in the secret realm. A slightest carelessness will lead to a desperate situation. Besides, there are many powerful fierce beasts and ancient creatures left behind. They not only possess strong power but are also hostile to intruders. Lin Tian continues to flip through and suddenly sees a special record on a yellowed page. It is a note left by a senior cultivator in the secret realm: "Although there are many treasures in the Qingyun Secret Realm, one must not be greedy. Every gain is accompanied by danger. Once an elder obtained a volume of celestial script here but was consumed by inner demons and eventually lost control and died. Therefore, those entering the secret realm must be free from arrogance and impatience, make careful choices, and only then can they withdraw unscathed." Reading this, Lin Tian's heart trembles. He seems to envision the various dangers and temptations that the senior cultivator experienced in the secret realm. The Qingyun Secret Realm is not only a blessing for cultivators but also a testing ground. Only those with truly resolute minds and those unmoved by external things can obtain true opportunities within. Lin Tian closes the book scroll, his gaze deep. He knows that although the Qingyun Secret Realm is fraught with dangers, for a cultivator like him who aspires to break through the bottleneck and pursue a higher realm, it might just be a rare opportunity. The path of cultivating immortality is originally one that hovers on the verge of life and death. Only by contending with heaven and competing with others can one go further on this thorny path. After emerging from the Sutra Pavilion, Lin Tian's desire to enter the secret realm grows stronger. However, he is well aware that his cultivation level is still shallow. If he wants to gain something in the secret realm, he must make thorough preparations. To further confirm his decision, Lin Tian decides to consult a highly respected elder within the sect - Elder Cang Song. Elder Cang Song is one of the most senior elders in Xuantian Sect. His cultivation has reached the late stage of Nascent Soul and there are even signs of a breakthrough to the Deity Transformation stage. Usually, he has a mild temperament and always patiently guides the disciples on their cultivation issues. Therefore, he enjoys an extremely high reputation within the sect. Lin Tian has consulted him many times on cultivation puzzles and has benefited greatly each time. When Lin Tian arrives at Elder Cang Song's cave abode, it is mid-afternoon. The sunlight filters through the treetops and spills onto the small courtyard in front of the cave. Elder Cang Song is sitting on a blue stone, holding an ancient book in his hand, reading intently. Hearing the footsteps, he looks up and smiles at Lin Tian. "Lin Tian, why have you come today?" Elder Cang Song's voice is gentle, carrying the kindness of an elder. Lin Tian respectfully bows and then informs him of the upcoming opening of the Qingyun Secret Realm and pours out his inner doubts. After listening, Elder Cang Song's expression remains unchanged, still as calm as water. He closes the ancient book in his hand and sighs gently: "The Qingyun Secret Realm, indeed, is an extremely special place. Countless cultivators have found opportunities within, but many have also perished because of it. All this is caused by the greed and obsession in people's hearts." "The path of cultivation is originally a path full of thorns and temptations. If you want to make a breakthrough within it, the firmness of your mental state and Dao heart is particularly important. Although there are many treasures in the secret realm, you must remember that every gain is accompanied by a loss. If you cannot remain clear-headed and rational, you will eventually be deceived and blinded, leading to a path of no return." Lin Tian listens quietly, reflecting inwardly. He understands that what Elder Cang Song says is precisely what he is most worried about - how to maintain inner peace and calmness when facing temptations. "Disciple understands." Lin Tian says respectfully, "Disciple will keep the elder's teachings in mind, not be moved by external things, and always remain clear-headed and vigilant." Elder Cang Song nods slightly, revealing a gratified smile: "Since you have made the decision, then make preparations. Remember, no matter what kind of situation you encounter in the secret realm, you must remain calm and not act rashly. The path of cultivation values persistence and caution. Do not be eager for quick success." Lin Tian bows again and his heart is already determined. No matter what kind of dangers there are in the secret realm, he will go all out to face and overcome them. This is not only an opportunity but also a tempering and test of his mental state. After receiving Elder Cang Song's guidance, Lin Tian begins to prepare for entering the Qingyun Secret Realm. He first checks his storage bag to confirm the quantities of essential items such as spirit stones, pills, and talismans. Then, he goes to the sect's Miscellaneous Hall to purchase some low-level magical tools and talismans to ensure that he can handle various unexpected situations in the secret realm. At the same time, Lin Tian also intensifies his own cultivation. He understands that after entering the secret realm, not only will he need to rely on external things, but more importantly, his own strength. Therefore, in the following days, he cultivates day and night without rest, regulating the true essence within his body to the best state to deal with any possible challenges. A few days later, the disciples of the sect gather on the square at the mountain gate one after another, preparing to go to the Qingyun Secret Realm through the teleportation array. The square is abuzz with voices, and the atmosphere is tense and excited. Whether it is the inner disciples or the outer disciples, almost all the qualified cultivators decide to take the risk, hoping to obtain breakthroughs and opportunities in the secret realm. Lin Tian stands among the crowd, his gaze firm. He knows that this will be a perilous training, but he has made sufficient preparations. No matter what kind of difficulties he encounters, he will fear no hardships and deal with them with all his strength. Following the elders' instructions, the teleportation array in the center of the square starts to operate. Amid the flashes of spiritual light, the spatial rift gradually expands, and that is the entrance to the Qingyun Secret Realm. Lin Tian takes a deep breath, feeling the flow of the true essence within his body, and murmurs in his heart: "Set off." The light of the teleportation array envelopes Lin Tian. He only feels a blur before his eyes and then loses his perception of the surroundings. When he opens his eyes again, he is already in a strange world.

Before Lin Tian lies a vast and desolate land. The sky is wreathed in misty clouds, and the surrounding mountains stand loftily like sharp knives, seemingly blending with the heaven and earth. The air is pervaded with rich spiritual energy. With every breath, Lin Tian can sense the slight undulation of the true essence within him. This feeling makes him realize that the spiritual energy of heaven and earth in the Qingyun Secret Realm far surpasses that of the outside world, which is undoubtedly a tremendous boost for cultivators. However, Lin Tian doesn't let his guard down because of this. Although the environment in the secret realm is beautiful, he knows that beneath this seemingly serene land, there might be countless unknown dangers lurking. Lin Tian proceeds gingerly, exploring forward along a faintly discernible path. He notices that the plants around are thriving. Many spirit herbs that are extremely rare outside can be seen everywhere here. Lin Tian is slightly delighted inwardly, muttering that this secret realm is truly extraordinary. If he can collect some precious spirit herbs, it will surely be of great benefit in his future cultivation. Just as he is about to pluck a spirit herb, a low growl suddenly comes to his ears. Lin Tian immediately becomes vigilant and swiftly casts a spell to conceal his figure, hiding behind a huge rock. After a moment, a colossal beast covered with silver scales slowly emerges from the forest. Its eyes are like copper bells, emitting a fierce light. Lin Tian holds his breath and observes the beast carefully. Judging from its appearance and aura, this is a fierce beast that has reached the peak of the third rank, with a strength equivalent to the Golden Core stage among human cultivators. Facing such a powerful adversary, Lin Tian knows that he must not engage in a head-on confrontation. He quietly shifts his footsteps, trying not to make any noise, attempting to bypass this fierce beast. However, just as he is about to turn and leave, the fierce beast seems to catch a whiff of something. It suddenly raises its head, emits two streams of white gas from its nostrils, and starts sniffing around. Lin Tian's heart tightens. He knows that he has been detected and must act immediately. Seeing the fierce beast slowly approaching in his direction, Lin Tian quickly takes out a fire-attribute attack talisman, injects true essence into it, and activates it abruptly. The talisman transforms into a stream of fire, hurtling straight towards the fierce beast. Enraged by this sudden attack, the fierce beast lets out a roar and lunges at Lin Tian with its huge body. Lin Tian dares not prolong the battle. He immediately casts the Wind Control Technique, leaps backward, and evades the pursuit of the fierce beast. The fierce beast pursues relentlessly. Lin Tian shuttles through the forest, taking advantage of the terrain for cover and constantly increasing the distance from the fierce beast. Nevertheless, the fierce beast is extremely fast, and Lin Tian gradually feels somewhat powerless. Just as he is about to be caught up by the fierce beast, suddenly, a glimmer catches his eyes. He discovers that there is an unfathomable canyon ahead. A glint of determination flashes in Lin Tian's eyes. Without hesitation, he flies towards the canyon. The fierce beast follows closely. Seeing the canyon, its speed slows down significantly but it doesn't stop and continues the pursuit. Lin Tian stops at the edge of the canyon and quickly surveys the terrain. He notices that some strange plants are growing on the stone walls on both sides of the canyon, emitting a faint fluorescence as if guiding the way in the darkness. A spark of inspiration flashes in Lin Tian's mind, and he comes up with a way to get rid of the fierce beast. He promptly takes out several Explosion Pills from the storage bag, places them on the ground, and then uses branches to make a simple mechanism, connecting the fuse to a stone at the edge of the canyon. After finishing all this, Lin Tian immediately leaps into the canyon, places his palm against the stone wall, and uses his lightness skill to slowly slide down. The fierce beast chases to the edge of the canyon. Seeing Lin Tian jump into the canyon bottom, it emits an angry roar and then jumps down without hesitation. At the moment it jumps down, the mechanism prepared by Lin Tian is triggered, and the fuse ignites the Explosion Pills. Several deafening explosions ring out, and a huge flame soars in the canyon, causing the stone walls on both sides to tremble. The fierce beast is overturned by the shock wave of the explosion. Its colossal body crashes into the stone wall of the canyon, emitting a painful roar. Taking this opportunity, Lin Tian quickly leaves the original place and continues to advance deeper into the canyon. Lin Tian has walked in the canyon for a long time and finally feels a bit safer. He stops, looks back, and confirms that the fierce beast is no longer chasing, then he breathes a sigh of relief. The depth of the canyon is exceptionally quiet. Only the occasional chirping of birds in the forest adds a hint of vitality. Lin Tian discovers that the spiritual energy at the bottom of the canyon is even denser than that outside, which surprises him. He continues to move forward, attempting to find a way out. However, after walking for a long time, he finds himself gradually lost in this gloomy canyon. Just as he starts to feel a little anxious, a faint light suddenly appears in front of him. Lin Tian's heart stirs. Cautiously approaching, he discovers that it is a hidden cave. The entrance of the cave is covered by several huge rocks. If it weren't for the fluctuation of spiritual energy, it would be almost impossible to notice. Lin Tian pushes aside the rocks and enters the cave. Instantly, he is stunned by the scene before him. The cave is spacious and bright. The surrounding stone walls are engraved with ancient runes. These runes emit a faint fluorescence, illuminating the entire cave as if it were daytime.