The news of the Cloud Mist Secret Realm's opening was like a drop of cold water in boiling oil, throwing the entire Qingxu Temple into a state of excitement and busyness. After a night of careful consideration, Tang Xiaoqi's internal scales tilted decisively—the opportunity was rare, risks certainly existed, but if he didn't even have the courage to take a chance, how could he hope to walk the perilous path of the cultivation world and pursue the elusive truth of his origins?
The next day, with a touch of trepidation, he sought out his master, Daoist Xuan Lin, and expressed his desire to register for the secret realm trial.
After hearing his request, Daoist Xuan Lin did not respond immediately, but instead examined him with those calm, ancient-well-like eyes, a gaze that seemed to penetrate his heart, seeing the progress of his cultivation and the determination in his eyes.
After a moment of silence, Daoist Xuan Lin slowly spoke, his voice peaceful yet carrying a trace of barely perceptible concern: 'Qi Refining fifth layer, newly entered mid-stage, foundation still shallow. Within the secret realm, dangers lurk everywhere, far beyond what you normally see. Have you thought this through clearly?'
Xiao Qi took a deep breath, straightened his spine, and met his master's gaze: 'Disciple has thought it through clearly. The path of cultivation is like sailing against the current—if you don't advance, you fall back. Disciple does not wish to miss an opportunity due to fear of risk. Moreover, disciple also needs actual combat tempering to truly grow. Disciple will be cautious in all matters and act within his capabilities.'
Daoist Xuan Lin looked at the steadiness and resolve in his eyes that did not quite match his age, and gave a slight nod: 'Since your mind is made up, this master will not stop you. Remember, within the secret realm, preserving yourself is the foremost task, opportunity comes second. When faced with matters, remain calm; do not overextend yourself, nor be greedy.'
'Yes, disciple will remember master's teachings!' A weight lifted from Xiao Qi's heart as he bowed respectfully. Though his master had not explicitly encouraged him, this tacit permission and admonition were already the greatest support he could give.
Leaving his master's place, Xiao Qi went straight to the Stewards Hall, where he solemnly engraved his name on the registration jade scroll. Watching his still-wet ink name and the Qi Refining fifth layer cultivation notation mixed among disciples of Qi Refining sixth, seventh, and even eighth layers, he felt an invisible pressure, but even more so, a soaring fighting spirit.
Registration was only the first step; the real challenge lay in the preparations to follow. With less than a month remaining until the secret realm's opening, he had to race against time, improving his strength as much as possible and making complete preparations.
He first turned his gaze to pills. Within the secret realm, spiritual energy consumption and injury recovery were both crucial. He dug out all his possessions, sorted out the medicinal herbs he had accumulated over time and exchanged for contribution points, and once again brought out his all-purpose frying pan.
This time, he wasn't just refining Fasting Pills. Thanks to his increased cultivation and improved control over spiritual energy, he began attempting to refine more complex formulas: 'Qi Recovery Powder' and 'Golden Sore Medicine.' Qi Recovery Powder could accelerate spiritual energy recovery in a short time, while Golden Sore Medicine had decent blood-staunching and flesh-regenerating effects for external injuries.
The process still bore the distinctive marks of 'kitchen alchemy'—smoke curling, medicinal fragrance (occasionally mixed with a scorched smell) permeating the air. But Xiao Qi focused intently, relying on the occasional cool energy from the jade pendant to stabilize his mind, and his innate talent for controlling heat. Surprisingly, his success rate was higher than anticipated. After several days of sleepless busyness, before him lay dozens of jade bottles and wooden boxes of varying sizes, each containing different types of pills he had refined, categorized accordingly. Though most were only of low quality, the quantity was quite substantial, enough to deal with ordinary situations.
With pills prepared, the next step was to enhance his own combat prowess.
He elevated the practice of the 'Breeze Brushing Willow Sword Art' to the most important position. No longer confining himself to secluded slopes, he sometimes went to the training grounds commonly used by disciples, enduring curious or astonished gazes as he repeatedly polished the 'Willow Catkins Drifting with the Wind' stance. What he sought was no longer mere resemblance in form, but in spirit—that feeling of seamless integration between force exertion and spiritual energy flow. Sweat soaked his clothes, his arms grew sore from repeated swings, but he took delight in it. Though progress was slow, he could feel his connection with the darksteel wood branch in his hand growing ever tighter.
At the same time, he did not neglect his exploration of 'Pot Dao.' In secluded spots, he would take out the frying pan, integrate the force application techniques he had gleaned from the sword art, and practice various applications—slapping, smashing, blocking, sweeping—familiarizing himself with the weight and characteristics of this black pan. He even attempted to channel a faint thread of spiritual energy into the pan handle, feeling that faint resonance, pondering how to combine spiritual energy with the pan's peculiar vibrational force. This was undoubtedly a path no one had walked before; each step required his ownexploration, but he found unique delight and anticipation in it.
Regarding movement techniques, he mainly relied on the footwork variations contained within the 'Breeze Brushing Willow Sword Art,' combined with some 'unorthodox' evasion skills previously taught by Second Senior Brother, striving to enhance his agility and reaction speed.
Apart from diligent self-practice, Xiao Qi did not forget to seek advice from experienced senior brothers and sisters.
He sought out Third Senior Sister Liu Yun. Upon hearing of his registration, Liu Yun first habitually jabbed at him: 'Daring to enter the secret realm at Qi Refining fifth layer, quite bold,' but then seriously pulled him aside, explaining in detail the habits and weaknesses of several common demonic beasts in the secret realm, as well as the characteristics of dangerous areas and natural traps to be wary of.
'Remember, in the secret realm, sometimes people are more dangerous than demonic beasts,' Liu Yun warned with a serious expression. 'Do not easily trust strangers; even fellow disciples may harbor ill intentions when faced with great benefits. Forming a team is safer, but keep your wits about you.'
Xiao Qi committed every word of his senior sister's advice to heart.
He also sought guidance from First Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng. Mu Qingfeng offered more guidance regarding mindset and strategy.
'Seeking treasures in the secret realm depends on fate; it cannot be forced. Keeping your mind clear is sometimes more important than blindly searching. When facing matters, make decisions decisively; do not hesitate, nor be rash. If you encounter dangers you cannot overcome, preserve yourself and retreat decisively—that is the wise course of action.' Mu Qingfeng's words were as steady as ever, carrying a reassuring power. 'Your sword art has reached a small achievement; the emphasis lies in the subtleties of application. When facing enemies, adapt to circumstances.'
Xiao Qi benefited greatly.
He even mustered the courage to seek out Second Senior Brother Luo Feng. Though Luo Feng's own combat abilities were questionable, his theoretical knowledge was extremely rich, especially regarding all sorts of peculiar materials, minerals, and array traps. He shoved into Xiao Qi's hands a self-compiled 'Illustrated Guide to Common Secret Realm Materials (Incomplete Edition)' and a few 'improved warning talismans' said to alert to some low-level traps. Though their effectiveness remained to be verified, the gesture touched Xiao Qi deeply.
Time flew by amidst the tense preparations. Xiao Qi's storage pouch gradually filled up, packed with pills, talismans, spare clothes, dry rations, water, and that crucial frying pan. His cultivation also showed faint progress under pressure, and his mastery of the sword art and 'Pot Dao' grew increasingly proficient.
As the opening date of the secret realm drew ever closer, the atmosphere within Qingxu Temple reached its peak. Xiao Qi stood by the window, gazing at the exceptionally bright stars in the night sky, gently stroking the jade pendant on his chest, his eyes firm and bright.
He was ready to face the first real challenge on his cultivation path. Cloud Mist Secret Realm, here he comes!