For the next few days, Qin Tian remained in the quiet confines of his pavilion, fully engrossed in the study of his Grand Dao Demonic Body and Flying Celestial Body.
"System," Qin Tian inquired, "if I cultivate the Flying Celestial Body to its peak and transform it into the Grand Dao Flying Celestial Body, how would it compare to my innate Grand Dao Demonic Body?"
The Grand Dao Demonic Body was the embodiment of darkness, while the perfected Flying Celestial Body symbolized light. One represented the ultimate devil, the other, the ultimate celestial. Qin Tian was eager to explore how his constitution would evolve when these two extremes collided.
"Master," the system responded, "the Grand Dao Demonic Body is the most formidable demonic physique in existence, surpassing even the Grand Dao Flying Celestial Body."
Qin Tian nodded slightly, his expression calm. He wasn't surprised; after all, his Grand Dao Demonic Body was nothing short of unparalleled, a constitution so extraordinary that it defied all comparison.
"Master, Master! Something major has happened in the Central Plains today—a secret realm has opened!"
Ji Lingxian's soft voice called out as she hurried up to the pavilion, a slight flush on her face as she approached Qin Tian. Over the past few days, she had fallen into a routine of coming to Qin Tian's side, enjoying his presence and the sense of safety it brought.
"I heard Father mention that this secret realm resembles the one described in ancient texts—the Immortal-Demonic Secret Realm."
Ji Lingxian's tone carried a mix of excitement and awe. She had read about the Immortal-Demonic Secret Realm during her childhood in the royal archives. Though ancient and shrouded in mystery, the realm was said to be one of the Qingyun Realm's oldest and most enigmatic secret realms.
Legends spoke of countless treasures hidden within—artifacts, mystical herbs, and scriptures left behind by unknown creators. Those who entered and emerged successfully often became legendary figures of their time. However, the realm's opening was erratic, with no fixed time or location. Over the centuries, it had faded into obscurity.
"Its sudden appearance has already drawn countless cultivators," Ji Lingxian continued, her voice tinged with reverence.
"The Immortal-Demonic Secret Realm..." Qin Tian's lips curved into a faint smile as if deep in thought.
Secret realms like these often served as pivotal opportunities for protagonists to gain resources and power. Qin Tian was confident that Ye Chen, the so-called Child of Destiny, would inevitably head there. After all, secret realms were treasure troves for those who had yet to achieve their full potential.
As expected, moments later, Qin Tian's expression deepened into an amused smile. Ling Jiao's voice transmitted to him, informing him that Ye Chen had been spotted disguising himself and sneaking out from a hidden corner of the Ye King's Manor.
"This Child of Destiny certainly has the knack for foresight," Qin Tian murmured. He already had a clear understanding of Ye Chen's archetype—a meticulous planner reliant on his knowledge of future events.
"Master, there's more!" Ji Lingxian added with a playful smile. "Many rulers from the Qingyun Realm's sacred lands, Dao Palaces, and imperial dynasties are preparing to visit Da Zhou to pay their respects to you."
Ji Lingxian couldn't suppress a laugh as she thought of how these normally aloof and high-handed figures were now bending over backward to curry favor. Moments earlier, she had seen some of these lofty figures, all smiling obsequiously at her and attempting to convey their goodwill.
"Not interested. Let them handle it themselves," Qin Tian replied dismissively. "I'm not someone they can meet whenever they please."
Qin Tian's purpose in coming to the Qingyun Realm wasn't to establish a foothold or manage relationships. His focus was singular: suppressing the Child of Destiny. Everything else was trivial.
"As you wish, Master," Ji Lingxian replied, her tone obedient. She moved to pet Yi Yi, Qin Tian's little beast companion, which had grown increasingly powerful under his care. As she gently stroked Yi Yi's fur, her thoughts wandered. What kind of extraordinary beast was this creature?
Occasionally, she found herself sneaking glances at Qin Tian. His ethereal appearance, flawless features, and regal bearing captivated her. To her, Qin Tian was the epitome of perfection, fulfilling every fantasy she had ever held about an ideal companion.
Near the Ye King's Manor
"The Immortal-Demonic Secret Realm has opened at last. My path to ascension begins now."
A young man dressed in plain green robes and with unremarkable features spoke softly to himself. Yet, his trembling hands betrayed his excitement. Unlike others, Ye Chen was intimately familiar with the secrets of the Immortal-Demonic Secret Realm—after all, he had entered it in his past life.
"I can't approach it directly," Ye Chen muttered, his expression darkening. Recently, Da Zhou's emperor had been tightening surveillance around the Ye King's Manor, stationing guards and spies everywhere. It had taken considerable effort for Ye Chen to shake them off.
"I don't understand why the emperor would treat us like this. My father has always been loyal to Da Zhou!" Ye Chen's frustration was evident. In his previous life, the Ye family had been instrumental in supporting the Da Zhou royal family, even earning their reliance during turbulent times. Yet, in this life, everything had changed.
"Why is everything so different?" Ye Chen's unease deepened. Events around him were diverging from his past life memories, making him feel increasingly vulnerable.
"Fortunately, I remember the secret entrances," Ye Chen mused. In his past life, he had stumbled into the Immortal-Demonic Secret Realm through a hidden passage. Unaware of where he was, he had spent days hiding in fear, wasting precious time.
"This time, I'll seize everything—every treasure, every opportunity," Ye Chen vowed. His eyes burned with ambition. If he could gather the treasures he had missed in his past life, he was confident of rising to prominence, even in the Primeval Immortal Domain.
Among the treasures he sought, the ancient tower was paramount. The tower held the key to unlocking his Battle Saint Physique, a power that would allow him to soar through the ranks of cultivation.
"I can't stand it!" Ye Chen seethed inwardly as he thought of Qin Tian. That youth, seemingly close to his age, had already reached the Human Emperor realm. Worse yet, he had somehow beguiled Ji Lingxian, the woman Ye Chen cherished. Rage simmered beneath Ye Chen's calm facade, but he knew he was powerless against Qin Tian—for now.
"Soon," Ye Chen whispered to himself. "Once my Battle Saint Physique is awakened, everything will change."
As Ye Chen set his sights on the secret realm, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Little did he know, Qin Tian was already several steps ahead, calculating every move.
"Let's see how long you can run, Ye Chen," Qin Tian murmured, a sinister smile playing on his lips.