A hint of resentment flashed in Guan Xin's eyes. "I treated you like a brother, but you treat me like a fool?"

How could someone with mediocre talent break through so quickly and easily take on challenges beyond their level?

However, he chose not to press the matter further. Li Ming clearly didn't want to say more, and asking any further would be ungrateful.

Deep down, he still felt that the other party's background was definitely extraordinary, and that they might even come from a powerful force outside of the Great Xuan.

Li Ming naturally remained silent in response, keeping his origins mysterious so that those who were hostile to him would have something to think twice about.

Li Ming chuckled lightly, then changed the subject, chatting about everything under the sun, discussing the general trend, and talking about martial arts.

Even though Guan Xin came from an extraordinary background and had a fourth-rank master to teach him, he still nodded repeatedly when he heard Li Ming's insights on martial arts. Many of Li Ming's insights were incisive and he benefited greatly from them. Just these words made him feel that it was very worthwhile to befriend Li Ming.

The two talked more and more, and Guan Xin inadvertently revealed a lot of intelligence about powerful forces. Guan Xin's words from the perspective of aristocratic families also touched Li Ming's heart.

As they spoke, Guan Xin's mind stirred, and he said mysteriously:

"Brother Li, have you ever heard of the Heavenly Stele Secret Realm?"

Li Ming shook his head, indicating that he had never heard of it.

There are too many secret realms in this world, but many of them existed long ago. Da Xuan is just benefiting from the legacy of his predecessors.

To be able to open up a secret realm, one not only needs to have extraordinary cultivation, but also needs to know how to construct a secret realm, which is very troublesome. Therefore, many secret realms are actually converted from the dojos of once peerless figures.

"It's quite a coincidence that the Azure Dragon Nine Revolutions Saber technique you learned was actually created by my ancestor, the Guan family."

Guan Xin changed the subject and said with a smile.

"Oh? Then I am very honored. This swordsmanship is incredibly powerful and will be of great help to me."

Upon hearing this, Li Ming was startled, but seeing that the other party seemed to have an unspoken meaning, he quickly picked up the conversation and said:

"Then I would like to hear more about the Heavenly Stele Secret Realm."

Guan Xin raised his wine glass and said in a deep voice:

"Legend has it that a thousand years ago, a being above the Martial Saint level came to this remote region of ours. However, he seemed to have been injured and died not long after opening this secret realm, leaving behind a series of trials and a mysterious wordless stele."

"Based on speculation, this powerful figure may be a genius who came from our area and returned when he was on the verge of death, wanting to contribute to his hometown... One of my Guan family's ancestors once went to the secret realm, overpowered a group of geniuses, and finally comprehended this stele and mastered the Azure Dragon Nine Revolutions Blade."

"However, his biggest regret is that he failed to develop this sword technique to the level of a supreme skill. Therefore, he did not keep the sword technique to himself, and many forces were able to learn it. It's just a pity that no one has been able to go any further so far."

"Moreover, some people have comprehended martial arts techniques at the ultimate level on it before, and they are all different. Wan Qiankun, who was ranked first on the Human Ranking a few years ago, once went there to study them, but he didn't say what he comprehended..."

Guan Xin gave a general account of the information he knew, which he had learned from records in his family's historical texts.

After listening, Li Ming nodded silently and asked curiously:

Are there any conditions for entering the secret realm?

Guan Xin thought for a moment, then slowly said:

"The secret realm is located in the neighboring Yunzhou. It is jointly managed by many local forces and is open once a year. Entry is based on age. It seems that the bone age of martial artists cannot exceed 40 years old. Then, they need to pass the secret realm test before they can comprehend the wordless heavenly stele."

Guan Xin then revealed his purpose.

"The next one will begin in three months. If Brother Li is free, would you like to come with me?"

"When the time comes, I will go with the Guan family. Even the Qi family won't be able to touch you in the slightest."

Guan Xin spoke with extreme confidence, making his point clear.

Li Mingjing offered a toast, and verbally agreed first:

"I will certainly not refuse Brother Guan's invitation. I will contact you when I have time."

"good!"

Upon hearing Li Ming's reply, Guan Xin took it as an agreement and immediately returned the toast.

Inside the private room, the two of them finished the spirit wine in no time.

Then Li Ming finished all the food on the table without wasting a drop.

After a hearty meal and drinks, the drunken group was safely escorted home by Guan Xin's arrangements.

Li Ming and Guan Xin then found a place to spar for a while. Both of them used the Azure Dragon Nine Turns Blade technique, but Li Ming's technique was clearly a level higher.

This convinced Guan Xin even more, and they formed a good relationship.

Back at the Lu residence.

Li Ming was actually quite concerned about this Heavenly Stele Secret Realm. He also felt that his swordsmanship needed updating, and he had originally planned to obtain a unique swordsmanship manual from the Six Doors.

However, he has now changed his mind. The Azure Dragon Nine Revolutions Blade is sufficient for the Grandmaster level, and with his comprehension, he should be able to gain something from studying the Heavenly Stele.

...

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, seven days have passed. During this time, Li Ming did not go out, but instead honed his cultivation and qi, and worked hard to digest the wine and food he had drunk and eaten.

early morning.

Li Ming was still cultivating in the secret chamber. Streams of spiritual energy were drawn into his body, and his aura continued to rise. Finally, after a burst of energy, Li Ming opened his eyes and let out a long breath.

"I have reached the Golden Core Realm... Today is a good time to step into the Spirit Refining Realm."

"Without realizing it, it seems I'm already nineteen?"

Li Ming silently opened the panel.

Name: Li Ming

Cultivation Level: Golden Core Perfection

[Entry]: [Defying Fate (Gold), Myriad Martial Arts (Deep Crimson), Divine Enlightenment (Crimson), Dragon Bone (Crimson), Dragon and Elephant Power (Crimson), Primordial Spiritual Body (Crimson), Innate Extraordinary Blood (Crimson)...]

[Martial Arts]: [Yi Wood True Skill - Golden Core Chapter (Perfect), Overlord Fist - First Form (Minor Success 30%), Azure Dragon Nine Revolutions Blade - Refining Spirit Chapter (Major Success 50%), Fleeting Light and Shadow - Golden Core Chapter (Perfect)...]

These days, he has successfully reached the Golden Core stage and, thanks to his strong comprehension, has made progress in many martial arts.

However, the Overlord Fist, a first-class martial art, is quite special. It consists of only five forms. For example, the first form is usually beyond the reach of most martial artists who have mastered it.

Li Ming had only just mastered the basics... but even so, the power of this punch had already begun to reach the level of a divine power.

Even experts at the fourth-grade Divine Power realm can only use their Divine Power attacks as their ultimate moves.

Everyone's supernatural abilities are different. The first supernatural ability is always the innate supernatural ability, which is closely related to the individual's cultivation method and physical constitution.

For example, Li Ming's Hunyuan Qisha is more related to his physique.

Of course, if Li Ming were to cultivate the Yi Wood True Skill normally, there would actually be many directions in which he could develop supernatural powers.

As a superior skill.

It includes offensive, supportive, and defensive supernatural abilities.

The first supernatural power is generally the strongest.

Once a martial artist reaches the Martial Saint level, their physical body and form are forged, and even a casual punch or kick possesses the power of divine abilities.

The great supernatural powers cultivated by the Martial Saint are even capable of moving mountains and boiling seas, among other incredible abilities.

Put all that aside.

Regarding the affixes, due to Li Ming's rapid increase in strength, the effects of many of his previous affixes have become increasingly weak.

However, some terms are becoming increasingly effective.

It is worth mentioning that, thanks to Li Ming's physique or many other factors, his [Innate Extraordinary Blood] automatically advanced from the light red level to the red level during this period.

At this moment, the qi and blood within Li Ming's body, when listened to quietly, seemed to have the roar of dragons and the howl of tigers, and his originally rather thin body had become slightly swollen. If someone with keen eyesight were to sense it, they would know how powerful he was.

After a moment of silence, Li Ming murmured to himself:

"To break through the barrier between life and death and step into the realm of refining the spirit is, for a martial artist, a transformation of life and soul."

Upon reaching this realm, the martial artist opens up a sea of ​​consciousness within their mind, and wields their sword as if divinely aided.

The knife severs the flesh, the heart severs the soul.

However, this step is not something that ordinary martial artists who have refined their spirits can achieve; this is merely stepping into the threshold of reaching this stage.

...

Meanwhile, let's go back in time to before Li Ming went into seclusion.

Cangyang County, Black Iron City.

This place is famous for its rich iron production. Although it is only a small town, it is exceptionally prosperous, far surpassing Bluestone City.

In the past, the city was bustling with people seeking pleasure, day and night.

Nowadays, every household has sealed their doors and windows, and many fully armed warriors patrol the streets.

Since a month ago, livestock kept by some people outside the city have been disappearing one after another. Then, some martial artists with considerable strength began to disappear, leaving no trace of their bodies. This caused a great uproar in the city, and people were filled with fear.

Inside the Six Doors, many constables had grim faces. They had lost many of their colleagues in recent days, and as the investigation deepened, they discovered that this was definitely not something that a few demonic martial artists could have done.

"A large number of mummified corpses were found in the outer city area, and their hearts had all been removed..."

"This...could it be a demon?"

"Do demons really exist? Or perhaps they are demonic warriors?"

"Demonic martial artists wouldn't leave so many traces..."

The constables present were all heavy-hearted. They had also heard the legends of demons... who fed on human blood and loved the hearts of warriors the most.

Most importantly... even the weakest demon is not something a low-ranking martial artist can handle.

Legend has it that demons are immortal and can only be killed by martial arts masters.

"Chief Constable Shangguan, if this continues... things are out of control."

A man dressed in official robes, with a dignified appearance, looked worried.

This man was none other than the magistrate of Heitie County.

Beside him stood a burly man with an imposing presence, clad in armor—Shangguan Xiong, the chief constable of the Six Doors of Black Iron City.

He was the strongest person in the city, and with his cultivation level approaching the Refining God Realm, he had always been the city's guardian. However, this time, he was powerless to do anything.

Shangguan Xiong frowned and made a judgment:

"This must be the work of demons. Sending people from the county town might not be of any use. I contacted the prefecture ten days ago, and they should be able to send out experts."

"Let's just get through this period if we can..."