Wei Zhong emerged from his cultivation chamber. Xie Linghua, seeing him, immediately rose to her feet and exclaimed joyfully, "Master!"
Wei Zhong smiled at her and turned to Ling Ziwei, expressing his gratitude. "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Ling, for guarding my seclusion these past few days."
"You're most welcome," Ling Ziwei replied. "Fellow Daoist Wei, did you succeed?"
"Indeed," Wei Zhong nodded. "To be honest, I owe much to the hundred-plus Hundred Spirits Water Stones you brought. The hundred I had gathered myself wouldn't have been enough."
"That's wonderful! Does this mean you'll need Thousand Spirit Water Stones next to advance to the Thousand Jun Realm?"
Wei Zhong shook his head slightly. "There's no rush. I plan to continue cultivating for a while longer, aiming to reach the Late-Stage Foundation Establishment first and further strengthen my foundation before considering that step."
Ling Ziwei looked slightly disappointed. "Then you should focus on your cultivation for now. But once you reach the Late-Stage Foundation Establishment, you must come find me. I know of several Secret Realms rich in Thousand Spirit Water Stones. With me as your guide, you're sure to reap a bountiful harvest."
Wei Zhong found her enthusiasm amusing. He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture. "I will certainly trouble you then, Immortal Maiden Ling. Also, please set a reasonable price for the Hundred Spirits and Thousand Spirit Water Stones. After all, these are resources belonging to the Ling Clan. Giving them away freely might draw criticism from your Clan Elders."
Ling Ziwei pondered for a moment. "Very well, Fellow Daoist Hundred Spirits Water Stone, you may pay the market price, either in spirit stones or Spirit Pills.
As for the Thousand Spirit Water Stone, there's no need. I obtained it from my elder brother and consider it a friendly gift."
Wei Zhong shook his head. "That won't do. The Thousand Spirit Water Stone is no ordinary item to be given away so casually. If absolutely necessary, I'll return it to Fellow Daoist Linghua later."
He handed her a Storage Pouch. "This contains several thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones, along with various tiers of Qi Nourishing Pills and Qi Harmonizing Pills—common Medicinal Pills used by cultivators."
Ling Ziwei reluctantly accepted the Storage Pouch. "Then I'll defer to your wishes, Fellow Daoist. With this matter concluded, I must take my leave."
Without waiting for Wei Zhong's response, she summoned her Flying Sword and vanished like a shooting star.
Xie Linghua giggled. "Master truly has no sense of romance."
Wei Zhong glared at her. "Tell me, were there any important matters while I was in seclusion?"
In truth, it had only taken Wei Zhong half a month to forge his Spirit Body, a process greatly accelerated by the Spring and Autumn Water Refinement Manual.
Xie Linghua then recounted Daoist Qingze's visit.
Qingze wants me to refine pills for him?
Could it be a Second-Tier Breakthrough Pill?
Wei Zhong couldn't help but recall the Spirit Fruit he had obtained from the tide pool.
True to form, Daoist Qingze returned to Cloudglow Island within seven days.
"Fellow Daoist Wei, I've been eagerly awaiting your emergence from seclusion," Daoist Qingze said, stepping off the back of his Spirit Turtle onto the Spirit Island. He was clad in yellow robes.
Wei Zhong recognized the Spirit Turtle beneath Daoist Qingze's feet—the very same one that had appeared during the Tide-Watching Treasure Plunder a few days prior.
"Fellow Daoist Qingze," Wei Zhong exclaimed in admiration, "your Beast Taming Art is truly profound! To command so many Second-Tier Spirit Beasts..."
"Haha, mere parlor tricks," Daoist Qingze replied. "Fellow Daoist Wei, your spirit bird is far more remarkable. I must confess, I've been quite envious."
Hearing this, Nine-Colored, perched on a branch, opened her eyes. She glanced at Daoist Qingze's stubble-covered face before closing them again to rest.
Wei Zhong chuckled and invited him to sit in the cliffside pavilion. Pouring him a cup of spirit wine, he asked, "I heard you sought me for alchemy, Fellow Daoist. What kind of pill do you require?"
Daoist Qingze drained his cup in one gulp. "A Second-Tier Breakthrough Pill. Do you have confidence in your success?"
Just as I suspected.
Wei Zhong pondered briefly. "A spirit pill to advance from Mid-Stage to Late-Stage Foundation Establishment is no trivial matter. I can only guarantee a fifty percent success rate."
He held up five fingers to emphasize his point.
To his surprise, Daoist Qingze replied with genuine delight, "That's more than enough! I've already gathered a full batch of spirit medicines. I can entrust them to you immediately. What compensation do you require?"
Wei Zhong was taken aback by Qing Ze's ready agreement, but he still stated his condition: "This Daoist requires no spirit stones. However, if multiple Spirit Pills are refined, I would like to take one for myself."
Qing Ze clapped his hands decisively. "No problem at all!"
Qing Ze's easy agreement left Wei Zhong somewhat uneasy. In his past experiences refining rare Medicinal Pills, haggling over compensation was always the norm.
As they exchanged toasts, Wei Zhong asked curiously, "This Daoist heard you came looking for me some time ago, but I was in secluded cultivation for several days. Why didn't you seek another Pill Refiner to refine this pill?"
Qing Ze's tone turned indignant. "It's all Zhu Shen's fault. That petty, vindictive man still holds a grudge from our conflict at the Tide-Watching Treasure Plunder. When I needed to refine this pill, he used some underhanded tactics to dissuade all the nearby Alchemists from accepting the commission. Those brave enough to take it had success rates far inferior to yours, Fellow Daoist Wei."
Wei Zhong now understood the situation. It seemed Zhu Shen's misunderstanding of Qing Ze from the Tide-Watching Treasure Plunder ran deep. Of course, Wei Zhong's own actions likely contributed to the misunderstanding.
"Ahem," Wei Zhong cleared his throat. "Fellow Daoist Qingze, if you ever need pills refined in the future, feel free to seek me out. Whenever this Daoist has time, I assure you I won't disappoint you."
"Many thanks, Fellow Daoist Wei," Qing Ze said, raising his glass in a final toast.
After sharing drinks and merrymaking, Qing Ze left behind the Spirit Medicine required for alchemy and departed. Wei Zhong promised the pills would be ready for retrieval in ten days.
Carrying the Spirit Medicine, Wei Zhong entered his Grotto-Heaven and retrieved a water-blue alchemical furnace. This custom-made furnace was specifically designed for Wei Zhong's Water Refinement Alchemy Method, a technique that eschewed traditional methods of using Spirit Fire for pill-making.
Wei Zhong then pulled out his Primordial Water Pearl, a palm-sized sphere he had been condensing for many years. The jet-black pearl, as smooth as polished ink, gleamed with a dark, lustrous sheen.
The Primordial Water Pearl had already reached the high-grade level among Second-Tier Magic Artifacts, surpassing even the typical high-grade Second-Tier tools available on the market. Had Wei Zhong been a Core Formation cultivator, he could have further refined it to Third-Tier status, elevating it to the rank of a magic treasure.
He placed the Primordial Water Pearl into the lower chamber of the furnace, where it would serve as his "Spirit Fire." As a highly concentrated form of Water spiritual power, the pearl was perfectly suited for refining Spirit Liquid or forging pills. Moreover, as Wei Zhong's Lifebound Magic Artifact, it was exceptionally responsive, allowing him to refine pills with unparalleled skill.
After retrieving the Spirit Medicine left by Qing Ze, Wei Zhong meticulously sorted the herbs into categories and arranged them on the ground. He then began refining them one by one in the proper sequence.
This alchemy session proved lengthy, primarily because Wei Zhong had only refined Second-Tier Breakthrough Pills once before, three years ago, for a fellow Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Though that attempt had yielded a pill, it was only a single low-grade specimen, barely worth the effort.
Therefore, Wei Zhong approached this session with extreme caution, determined to avoid any mistakes in the initial stages.
After a full day, the alchemy process was nearing completion. The Spirit Liquid within the furnace had steadily condensed, ready to transform into Medicinal Pills.
A glint flashed in Wei Zhong's eyes as he pointed at the furnace's base. Instantly, the Primordial Water Pearl began spinning wildly, its swirling vortex of spiritual energy compressing the Spirit Liquid within.
"Merge!"
Wei Zhong slammed the furnace lid shut. Three Medicinal Pills shot forth, caught by a large hand formed from his condensed spiritual energy.
"Three pills, all mid-grade. Not bad at all—a significant improvement over last time."
Satisfied, Wei Zhong pocketed one pill and stored the other two in jade vials.
After emerging from his secluded chamber, he summoned Xie Linghua and entrusted the vials to her. He instructed her to deliver them to Daoist Qingze upon his arrival, then vanished with a flicker.
"Master is truly diligent!" Xie Linghua murmured in admiration before tucking away the vials and retreating.
Unbeknownst to anyone, Wei Zhong had not returned to his cultivation chamber for secluded cultivation. Instead, he had cast Breath Concealing and Invisibility Techniques and left Cloudglow Island.
Once the island was far out of sight, Wei Zhong retrieved a fiery-red Second-Tier Flying Sword, changed into a black magic robe, and fastened a magic tool wine gourd to his waist.
He touched his face, instantly transforming his appearance.
Looking at his reflection in the river, he now bore a striking resemblance to Chu He, his former Loose Cultivator alternate identity.
Stepping onto the Flying Sword, Wei Zhong flew straight toward their agreed-upon rendezvous point. He couldn't afford to miss the appointment with his fellow Daoists to explore the Dongting Secret Realm.
Reaching a small river island, Wei Zhong landed and sheathed his sword.
The island was tiny, barely thirty feet square, and mostly barren due to frequent flooding. Patches of dark green moss clung to the sandy rocks.
At the center stood a stone pavilion where four figures were already waiting. Some faces were familiar, while others were strangers to Wei Zhong.
As Wei Zhong landed, a young Daoist with a youthful face burst into laughter. "Fellow Daoist Song, we've been waiting for you!"
Lan Fangyi, a young Daoist known as Void Valley, pointed at Wei Zhong and introduced him to the group: "This is Fellow Daoist Song Zhong. We've explored several Secret Realms together, and I specifically invited him along on this expedition to ensure our safety."
Lan Fangyi, whose alias was Void Valley, was a Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator whom Wei Zhong had befriended over the past eight years.
"Fellow Daoist Lan," one of the four spoke up, "this Secret Realm exploration is extremely important. Is it really appropriate to invite someone who's only at the Early Foundation Establishment stage?"
Wei Zhong didn't recognize the speaker. The man resembled a half-centenarian with gray hair and beard, his face etched with wrinkles. His slightly bulging eyes gave him a fierce, intimidating expression.
"Hmph," another member of the group scoffed, clearly displeased. "Fellow Daoist Song Zhong isn't your average Early Foundation Establishment cultivator. His combat skills might even rival Old Freak Tan's."
"Besides," the speaker added, "I'm also at the Early Foundation Establishment stage. Are you implying that you look down on me as well, Mou Yuanfeng?"
"Ahem," Lan Fangyi interjected smoothly, attempting to smooth things over. Turning to Wei Zhong, he said, "This is Fellow Daoist Tan Bo, a Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator and a master of the Formation Dao."
"Fellow Daoist Tan is blunt and outspoken, Fellow Daoist Song. Please don't take his words to heart."
Wei Zhong glanced at Tan Bo before turning to Lan Fangyi. "Fellow Daoist Xugu, rest assured, I'm not one to hold grudges over trivial matters.
"Moreover, this exploration of the Secret Realm seems unusual. I would appreciate it if you could provide more details."
"Fellow Daoist Shang discovered the secret site," Lan Fangyi replied, "so it would be best if he explained it."
Wei Zhong followed Lan Fangyi's gaze to the fourth member of their group, who had remained silent until now. This was Shang Mengchun, a Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Thin and slightly shorter than average, Shang Mengchun's oversized Daoist robe draped awkwardly over his frame, lending him a somewhat comical appearance.
However, Wei Zhong had long since learned not to judge by appearances. Shang Mengchun was no ordinary cultivator; in fact, he could be considered a prodigious talent among Loose Cultivators.
Having cultivated for over a century, he was not only a Second-Tier Talisman Master, but also a Second-Tier Formation Master and Artifact Refiner. He possessed countless other First-Tier skills across the hundred arts of cultivation, likely surpassing Wei Zhong's own breadth of expertise.
Yet this breadth of knowledge came at a price. His skills were spread too thin, resulting in mediocrity across most domains. Of his three Second-Tier crafts, only his Talisman Mastery was truly noteworthy; the others were merely passable.
"In that case, allow me to explain," Shang Mengchun began.
"Some time ago, while exploring the Dongting Secret Realm alone, I discovered a secret site. Its restrictions were intricately linked, forming a formidable formation. Within it, I found a Profound Clarity Grass, which I estimate to be about a thousand years old."
"A Profound Clarity Grass?" Wei Zhong exclaimed, his surprise palpable. "Could it be the very one needed to refine the Dustfall Pill?"
As a Second-Tier Pill Master, Wei Zhong naturally recognized this spiritual herb, a key ingredient in refining the Third-Tier Dustfall Pill.
The Dustfall Pill, renowned for increasing the likelihood of Foundation Establishment cultivators achieving Core Formation, was highly coveted by countless practitioners.
"Exactly," Shang Mengchun confirmed. "The herb stands over two feet tall, with more than a dozen nodes along its stem. It's undoubtedly over a thousand years old and perfectly suited for refining the Dustfall Pill."
These words instantly ignited fervent desire among the cultivators present, including Lan Fangyi, who had already been informed of the discovery.
"Then why didn't you harvest the spirit medicine yourself, Fellow Daoist?" Lan Fangyi asked. "Why invite us instead?"
Shang Mengchun's gaunt face flushed slightly. "I... I was being chased by a pack of spirit beasts at the time. In my panicked escape, I stumbled upon the herb's location."
"Moreover, the spiritual herb is located within a damaged formation that I lack the Formation Dao prowess to unravel. That's why I invited Fellow Daoist Tan to join us," Shang Mengchun explained.
"Hmm, Fellow Daoist Shang, could you elaborate on the spirit beast and the formation? Your vague explanation doesn't inspire confidence in me to accompany you all," Wei Zhong said, throwing up his hands.
"Fellow Daoist Song Zhong, allow me to explain," Lan Fangyi interjected, noticing Shang Mengchun's difficulty in articulating the situation clearly.
"The demon beasts that chased Fellow Daoist Shang were a group of White-Browed Red Monkeys. Most were First-Tier, with only a few Second-Tier individuals among them. Fellow Daoist Shang was pursued because he accidentally trespassed into their territory. If we proceed cautiously, we should be able to avoid encountering these territorial creatures. As for the formation, it's a damaged Fourth-Rank formation."
"Fourth-Rank?" Wei Zhong exclaimed in shock.
A Fourth-Rank formation corresponds to the Nascent Soul realm. For a group of Foundation Establishment cultivators to attempt to seize a spiritual treasure within such a formation would be nothing short of suicidal.
Noticing "Song Zhong's" obvious reluctance to proceed, Lan Fangyi quickly added:
"Fellow Daoist Song, please remain calm," Lan Fangyi said soothingly. "Although this is a Fourth-Rank Formation, it's severely dilapidated. Its rank has long since fallen; it's more accurate to consider it a damaged Third-Tier Formation now. We've prepared Second-Tier Barrier-Breaking Cones, and with Fellow Daoists Shang and Tan's expertise in the Formation Dao, we can proceed cautiously. Securing that Thousand-Year Profound Bright Grass is entirely possible. Moreover, a place capable of nurturing such a rare herb must be extraordinary. Who knows what other precious spiritual treasures might await us?"
Hearing this explanation, Wei Zhong's expression softened slightly.
"It's a pity we couldn't acquire Third-Tier Barrier-Breaking Cones," Shang Mengchun said with a hint of regret. "That would have made things much smoother."
Wei Zhong's mind stirred. Third-Tier Barrier-Breaking Cones... I actually have one of those.
In recent years, after accumulating spirit stones, he had deliberately stocked up on rare and peculiar items. This Formation-Breaking Cone was among them—a single-use tool capable of swiftly creating a breach in a Third-Tier Grand Formation, making it invaluable for dealing with entrapment formations. Its only drawbacks were its exorbitant price and disposable nature.
Wei Zhong remained silent, refraining from revealing his trump card. He possessed only two of these precious items, essential for survival, and couldn't afford to waste them here.
Since the others exuded such confidence, Wei Zhong decided to follow their plan.
"No need to worry," Tan Bo declared confidently. "With this old one here, I'm certain we can conquer that dilapidated formation. But let me make one thing clear: if I contribute the lion's share of the effort, I'll claim the majority of the treasures within."
Lan Fangyi retorted, "Fellow Daoist Tan, demanding the lion's share is rather greedy. What about the rest of us? Treasures should be divided according to each person's contribution. If you truly carry the bulk of the burden, we won't begrudge you the largest share."
The other three, including Wei Zhong, nodded in agreement.
"When shall we depart?" Wei Zhong asked, seizing the opportune moment. "Are there any other fellow Daoists joining us?"
Lan Fangyi shook his head. "Fellow Daoist Song is the last one. We were just waiting for you. Time is of the essence. Shall we set off immediately?"
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
The four companions agreed without objection, each maneuvering their escape lights toward the entrance of the Dongting Secret Realm.
Luochuan Prefecture differed significantly from Wild Plains Prefecture. Not only was it larger, but it also contained a greater number of secret realms, including some that remained permanently open, like the Dongting Secret Realm.
"I've heard that many secret realms have vanished in recent years," Wei Zhong remarked curiously. "Fellow Daoists, do any of you know the reason?"
Shang Mengchun replied, "Most of the secret realms Fellow Daoist Song mentioned were too dilapidated. Their spatial integrity was inherently unstable, causing them to be directly absorbed and integrated into the main realm. They haven't disappeared; they've simply become part of our world."
"Oh?"
I didn't expect to hear a similar explanation here to the one I learned in Wild Plains Prefecture.
"Fellow Daoist Song, might you be from another prefecture?" Tan Bo probed. "We haven't seen many secret realms collapse in Luochuan Prefecture lately."
"Fellow Daoist Tan, my origins are none of your concern," Fellow Daoist Song retorted. "Instead of prying into my background, perhaps you should focus on how we'll handle the damaged formation ahead. Fellow Daoist Shang's supply of Second-Tier Barrier-Breaking Cones isn't exactly inexhaustible."
"Hmph," Tan Bo grunted softly, dropping the subject.
As they spoke, Wei Zhong and the others approached the entrance to the Dongting Secret Realm.
The entrance was hidden behind a massive waterfall stretching for several miles along the Luo River. The Secret Realm remained permanently open, with no one claiming territory or charging admission.
When the five arrived, cultivators were constantly entering and exiting the area.
The other four used their own methods to pass through the waterfall. Wei Zhong activated his Blackwater Spirit Garment, extending its protective membrane outward to easily hold back the cascading water.
This was a new ability he had discovered after mastering the technique. The thin film formed by the Blackwater Spirit Garment was no longer confined to his body; it could extend outward to form various shapes and possessed the power to repel water.
Beyond the waterfall wasn't solid rock, but a gray-white spatial tunnel. The five stepped through together, and the surrounding scenery instantly transformed.
A wave of dizziness washed over Wei Zhong, subsiding after a few breaths. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in a small cluster of buildings.
Cultivators bustled about, their voices mingling with the shouts of vendors hawking their wares. The scene lacked any semblance of celestial grandeur, resembling instead an ordinary market town.
This was a rest area built by cultivators within the Secret Realm.
The five of them stepped out of the teleportation formation beneath their feet and began moving away in a single direction.
After flying for half a day, Wei Zhong and the others finally approached their destination.
Shang Mengchun pointed to a crimson forest ahead and said, "That's the Autumn Maple Forest, where the White-Browed Red Monkeys dwell. Everyone, be careful not to be discovered."
The group sheathed their magic swords and landed on the ground.
Wei Zhong put away his sword and activated a partial aura concealment technique, deliberately holding back to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
Tan Bo glanced back at Wei Zhong in surprise, never imagining that an Early Foundation Establishment cultivator possessed such skill.
Shang Mengchun produced four high-grade aura concealment talismans and distributed them. "These are high-grade aura concealment talismans—a small gift from me to you, Fellow Daoists." He then turned to Wei Zhong and asked, "Fellow Daoist Song, you likely won't need one, as usual, right?"
Wei Zhong nodded.
The aura concealment effect of these talismans is barely comparable to my own Breath Concealing Technique. There's no need to waste effort using them.
Tan Bo shook the spirit talisman in his hand. "A First-Tier Breath Concealing Talisman? This won't be enough to evade those Foundation Establishment spirit beasts."
Shang Mengchun retorted, "Fellow Daoist Tan, if you possess a superior aura concealment technique, feel free to share it with us. We could even count it toward your contribution."
"Alright, alright," Lan Fangyi said, pulling out five small brown vials. "This Beast Repelling Incense is specially formulated to ward off these monkeys. Apply it to your bodies. With this and Fellow Daoist Shang's concealment talisman, our chances of passing through this area will greatly improve."
Wei Zhong took a vial and found it contained a black powder with a pungent odor. Maintaining his Blackwater Spirit Garment as a thin, transparent layer, he poured the powder over his head.
With preparations complete, the five ventured into the Autumn Maple Forest.
Shang Mengchun's voice echoed in Wei Zhong's ear through a spiritual message: "The White-Browed Red Monkeys, led by a Second-Tier leader, control most of this forest. We simply need to carefully avoid their territory to reach the secret area. Remember, absolutely do not cross this stream."
Shang Mengchun pointed to a small stream at his feet.
Wei Zhong looked up and spotted red-furred monkeys leaping through the treetops overhead, just as Shang Mengchun had described. They showed no intention of crossing the stream.
"Those are White-Browed Red Monkeys," Shang Mengchun warned as he led the group onward. "The ones with white eyebrows are First-Tier. But if you encounter a Spirit Monkey with yellowish eyebrows, exercise extreme caution. It's likely a Second-Tier creature, on par with our own cultivation levels. Avoid confrontation if possible, and only engage as a last resort. If it attracts a large group of its kin, escape will become nearly impossible."
After traveling a considerable distance, they reached a fragmented mountain forest where the trees had grown sparser. Only occasional roars echoed from the distant woods. Pointing to a narrow passage within the forest, Shang Mengchun led the group inside.
Moments after the five adventurers entered the forest, a towering twelve-foot-tall male Spirit Monkey emerged. Contrary to Shang Mengchun's description, its eyebrows had completely transformed into shimmering gold, and its fur blazed like living flames.