To the east of the Da Zhou Empire, a vast expanse of mountain ranges stretched endlessly.
This was the Ten Thousand Mountains, a region of boundless wilderness and ancient trees. Usually shrouded in an eerie silence, the mountains were now bustling with activity. Powerful auras swept across the skies as cultivators soared overhead. Some rode majestic flying beasts, their proud gazes scanning the surroundings as if the world was theirs to command.
"In recent days, golden light has been radiating from these mountains, accompanied by waves of immortal energy. It's drawn the attention of numerous powerful factions. Many have dispatched their people to fight for the treasures within," a middle-aged swordsman remarked with a sigh. As a wandering cultivator, he knew all too well the disparity in strength between himself and the elites of these mighty sects. Whatever opportunities lay ahead might be far beyond his reach.
"Indeed. I've even spotted disciples from sacred lands and Dao palaces arriving in droves," replied a one-eyed man beside him. In recent days, factions from across the Zhong zhou and even the distant Eastern Desolation had sent their forces here.
"No one knows what treasures lie within this secret realm," someone muttered.
"Even if the treasures are real, they won't be ours to claim," an elderly man in grey chimed in. He had spent his entire life as a wandering cultivator, experiencing both the freedoms and the limitations of such a path. "We'll be lucky to walk away with anything at all."
The scattered group of rogue cultivators fell silent at his words. Deep down, they all knew he was right.
Not far away, a man in simple green robes stood quietly, his expression unreadable. "I remember this place," he murmured to himself. "One of the entrances to the Immortal-Demon Secret Realm should be right here."
This man was none other than Ye Chen, carefully disguised to avoid attention.
"I must have arrived early this time," Ye Chen muttered, glancing at the large pouch of spirit stones he had used to hire a flying beast for his journey here.
He observed the area carefully, noting the gathering cultivators and their varying levels of power. "It seems the secret realm hasn't fully opened yet," he mused.
In his previous life, Ye Chen had stumbled into the realm by accident. By the time he arrived back then, many of its treasures had already been claimed. While he now had the knowledge of when the secret realm would appear, the exact timing of its entry point remained uncertain.
"No matter. I know exactly where the greatest opportunities lie," he thought, his lips curling into a faint smile. Even though his current cultivation wasn't particularly high, his memories from his past life gave him a decisive edge. Many treasures didn't require overwhelming strength to obtain—only knowledge and timing.
His mind quickly settled on his first target: an ancient, mysterious tower. "I'll claim that tower first," he decided. It had been his most significant gain in his past life, achieved even with a lower cultivation level than he had now. With his recent breakthroughs—thanks to the ancient scripture he had been cultivating—he was far stronger this time around.
Ye Chen knew the value of patience. Rushing into danger recklessly would only lead to his downfall. "Secure what's within reach and avoid needless risks," he reminded himself. With that, he chose a secluded spot to rest, ensuring he'd be among the first to enter the realm once the gates opened.
Meanwhile, in another part of the Ten Thousand Mountains, Qin Tian stood with his hands clasped behind his back, exuding a calm yet commanding presence.
"Are you also planning to explore the Immortal-Demon Secret Realm, my lord?" asked Ji Kong, bowing respectfully beside Qin Tian. Even as one of Da Zhou's most revered warriors, Ji Kong couldn't help but maintain deference toward this enigmatic young man.
"I'm merely here to take a look. You don't need to trouble yourselves over me," Qin Tian replied coolly, his gaze falling on the gathered Da Zhou elites standing obediently in formation.
To him, they were little more than decorations—none of them could hold a candle to his strength.
"As you wish." Ji Kong didn't hesitate. He immediately led the imperial forces toward the secret realm's entry point, leaving Qin Tian to his own devices.
"You two, follow me," Qin Tian said with a faint smile, addressing Chu xinyue and Ji lingxian. His eyes gleamed with subtle amusement as he took in their appearances. Both women seemed to have dressed with unusual care for this outing.
Chu xinyue wore a flowing white dress, her face partly obscured by a light veil. Her every movement radiated an intoxicating allure, the kind of beauty that could topple kingdoms. Ji lingxian, on the other hand, had chosen a masculine outfit—a fitted green tunic accented with a white jade belt that cinched her slender waist.
"Are you two treating this like a leisure trip?" Qin Tian teased. Though his tone was light, there was a hint of indulgence in his gaze. Among the many companions he had kept by his side, Chu xinyue's sharp wit and charm matched his preferences best.
Chu xinyue covered her mouth and laughed softly, sneaking a glance at Ji lingxian. We agreed to keep it simple, yet here you are, dressed to the nines.
Ji lingxian, sensing the subtle jab, rolled her eyes internally. And you're one to talk, parading around like a walking temptation. Who doesn't know what you're trying to do?
"Enough. Let's move," Qin Tian said, cutting through their silent rivalry. He had little patience for their games; as long as they followed his orders, that was enough. They were like finely groomed pets—adorable when obedient, but troublesome if they misbehaved.
Looking out over the gathering forces in the distance, a sly smile played on Qin Tian's lips. "It's harvest time," he thought. "Let's see how much luck I can reap from this batch of fools."
Back in the mountains, a commotion broke out.
"Look! It's the people of Wan Dao Sacred Land!" someone exclaimed.
Heads turned as an awe-inspiring sight came into view—a colossal ship adorned with fluttering war banners. This was the unmistakable symbol of the Wan Dao Sacred Land, one of the most powerful factions in the Qingyun Realm.
"It's them! The sacred land backing that mysterious young man who descended from the upper realm," someone whispered.
Rumors about Qin Tian had spread far and wide. When he first arrived in the Qingyun Realm, the Sacred Lord of Wan Dao had personally accompanied him. For someone of such high standing to act as an attendant, Qin Tian's background could only be described as terrifying.
The ship's grandeur was undeniable, and its arrival instantly shifted the atmosphere.
Before the sacred land's representatives could disembark, a hearty laugh echoed through the mountains.
"Sacred Lord, you've arrived early!"
The voice belonged to none other than Ji Kong, now widely known as War Emperor Ji, who had recently ascended to the rank of Human Emperor.
"I didn't get a chance to congratulate you, Ji Kong. To have stepped onto the path of the Human Emperor—you've truly earned the envy of us all!" the Sacred Lord of Myriad Dao replied warmly.
Ji Kong smiled humbly. Though he now held the esteemed title of Human Emperor, he maintained a respectful tone. "Your Excellency flatters me. I'm sure your time will come soon enough."
He knew the Sacred Lord's ascension was merely a matter of time, especially given his ties to Qin Tian. With such a connection, the future was all but guaranteed.