Chapter 50 Demon Realm 1 This is proof of her and her senior brother's destiny.
Shuiyun Immortal Capital can be said to be the main channel of communication between the demon realm and the human realm. The demon realm sells spiritual herbs and medicines to the outside world and buys magical artifacts and talismans to the inside world almost entirely through Shuiyun Immortal Capital. Therefore, the cultivators of Shuiyun Immortal Capital also know some secrets of the demon realm that other sects do not know.
Apart from the former Demon King, who came from the snake clan, the snake, tiger, and deer clans each originally had a Mahayana stage cultivator in charge. On the surface, the three clans were relatively balanced in strength and had lived in peace for many years, maintaining stability in the demon realm under the leadership of the Demon King.
However, the Demon King suddenly perished eighteen years ago, shattering the superficial harmony among the three races. Everyone wanted the new Demon King to come from their own race. At this time, the Tiger Clan unexpectedly produced another Great Ascension stage demon cultivator, catching the other two races off guard.
The balance was broken, and it seemed that the position of Demon King was about to fall into the hands of the Tiger Clan. But then, news spread from somewhere that the previous Mahayana stage demon cultivator of the Tiger Clan had obtained the remains of a ninth-level alchemist in his early years, but he had never found the key to open the remains and could not enter.
He was injured during the process of obtaining the burial goods, which left him with a hidden ailment. Only one item in the burial goods can completely cure him.
In order to help him return to his peak strength and lead the Tiger Clan to overpower the other two clans and compete for the title of Demon King, together with the newly promoted Mahayana demon cultivator, the Tiger Clan used all its strength to help him establish a secret realm in its own domain, called the Ruins of Exploration.
The Secret Realm of Exploration contains treasures accumulated over many years by demon cultivators at the Mahayana stage. Demons and other cultivators with the Glazed Token can enter, but only the cultivator who finds the key to unlock the burial within the Secret Realm can inherit the legacy of the Tiger Clan's great power.
The remains of that ninth-tier alchemist were called Guixu...
Mei Zihan and his three fellow disciples wanted to enter the Ruins of Discovery to find the key, but they did not expect the Ruins of Discovery to be so strange. Not only did they not find any clues, but they also almost lost their junior sister's life.
"Qianqian was ambushed by the demons when we left the Exploration Realm to seek help from our sect, and that's how she was poisoned by demon blood."
Mei Zihan's voice was somber, clearly still shaken by what had happened in the secret realm. They were actually searching for the key for Qianqian, but they nearly caused her death. If they hadn't encountered Xu Xing, Qianqian might have…
Chen Du, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up, "Since this secret realm is so dangerous, even with the two of us, we probably still can't succeed. Why do you still want to go in?"
Mei Zihan coughed twice and slowly said, "Fellow Daoist Shen, you may not know this..."
He didn't elaborate, only saying, "This secret realm was set up to find the key. There aren't many dangerous places in the secret realm itself. If it were truly dangerous everywhere, so many cultivators wouldn't flock to it."
“We could have escaped unscathed. If it weren’t for the demons’ ambush, Qianqian wouldn’t have been injured. Now that Fellow Daoist Yu has the antidote for demon blood, these demons who attacked us are no longer a threat.”
Xu Xing was puzzled and asked, "Why can demons enter? Does this secret realm have no restrictions at all?"
Humans are one thing, but demons are unwelcome everywhere. Yet the tiger race is so unconventional.
He Yue added, "No, you still need a Glazed Token, and your cultivation level cannot exceed the Golden Core stage."
Of the group, only Mei Zihan was at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, He Yue was at the peak of the Foundation Establishment realm, while Xiang Di and Qianqian were both at the mid-stage of the Foundation Establishment realm. However, Mei Zihan had a hidden ailment that might prevent him from unleashing his full strength at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm when it flared up. If a powerful Golden Core sword cultivator joined them, their chances of success would be much higher.
As for the female cultivator who was only in the early stages of Foundation Establishment and whose foundation was clearly weak...
Mei Zihan was quite skilled in medicine and was a second-level alchemist. He was somewhat sensitive to smells and could vaguely detect the medicinal fragrance on the young female cultivator. In addition, she was able to produce a detoxifying pill that had never been circulated in the market, so he guessed that she might also be an alchemist and had studied under a master.
The two were clearly close and always inseparable. The Golden Core sword cultivator was taciturn, and although his cultivation was higher than the female cultivator's, he always put her first. If one wanted to invite this sword cultivator, the two of them would have to go together.
"You two happen to meet the requirements, which is why we had the idea of entering the secret realm together. If you are unwilling, we will not force you and will still consider you our friends."
Xu Xing and Shen Du exchanged glances. "We'll go back and discuss it. We'll give you an answer tomorrow."
The two left the Luohu Trading Company and returned to the Xianyuelai Inn.
After Chen Du raised his hand to set up a soundproof array, Xu Xing finally spoke, "Senior brother, do you think what they're saying is true?"
Senior Fu Shuang clearly stated that the Mahayana stage demon had refined himself and the key together. If he had not died, the key would not have appeared in the world. Since it is impossible to find the key, what exactly is this so-called Exploration Realm?
Shen Du said in a low voice, "What they said may not be a lie, but this statement may be what others want them to believe."
"The owner of this Ruins Exploration Realm is probably the demon race member that Senior Fu Shuang mentioned who is about to perish. Since he knows that his death is imminent, how could he be willing to wait for death? This Ruins Exploration Realm may be his last gamble to save his life."
Similarly, cultivation levels are restricted. Regardless of what that Mahayana-stage demon clan member intends to do, the Exploration Realm he created must be closely related to the Return to the Void Realm.
Xu Xing naturally believed Fu Shuang's words more. She frowned and said, "He deliberately led everyone into the secret realm, hoping to find a way to save their lives. No wonder even demons can enter."
"Senior brother, although this Ruins Exploration Realm is full of mysteries, we came here for the key. Since we have the opportunity to explore its secrets, why don't we go with those disciples from Shuiyun Immortal Capital to take a look?"
They would have to enter the demon realm sooner or later, so it would be best to have someone who was somewhat familiar with the demon realm accompany them. Those disciples were quite upright in their conduct and were the right people to go.
Shen Du did not object.
As long as his life wasn't in danger, he would never oppose any of Xu Xing's decisions.
After the two decided to travel with the disciples of Shuiyun Immortal Capital, Xu Xing returned to her room and took out the treasure map she had accidentally photographed. She tried it and found that it actually matched the old scroll of paper she had caught while fishing many years ago!
"Senior brother, look!" Xu Xing excitedly showed it to Shen Du, but Shen Du's expression was rather strange after looking at it.
Where did you get the other half of the map?
Xu Xing didn't hide anything, "Do you remember Xiahe Village? I was always hungry back then, so I often fished for a treat. This map is something I fished out of the river once."
"That's right!" Xu Xing suddenly remembered, "It seems to be the day I first met my senior brother!"
Recalling the scene of her "fishing" Shen Du out of the river when they first met, Xu Xing's eyes crinkled with laughter.
Fishing is indeed a great skill. Look, she not only caught the treasure map, but also her senior brother!
"..."
A strange expression crossed Shen Du's usually calm face. He remained silent for a moment before saying, "At that time, I had just killed a demon beast and retrieved a scroll of parchment from its lair..."
But later, when he flew over the river on his sword, the Xuan Yue Sword suddenly became unruly, causing him to fall off the sword. Not only did all the items he had obtained from the monster's lair fall into the river, but the treasure map also disappeared.
Shen Du never expected that it would be caught by Xu Xing by a twist of fate...
Xu Xing was very surprised, "This map was actually lost by my senior brother?"
Considering that the map and Shen Du appeared on the same day, it was indeed possible. Xu Xing looked at the map and then at Shen Du, his face full of surprise.
"Then let's return it to its rightful owner."
Xu Xing handed over the treasure map, but Shen Du did not take it. "Since you caught it, it's yours."
He examined it carefully for a moment, then said, "This map is quite complex. I haven't seen similar terrain in any secret realm. Keep it safe for now; you might need it later."
Xu Xing wasn't shy at all. Senior Brother Chen Du still had most of his wealth with her, so adding another map wouldn't make a difference.
Even if she never finds the secret realm depicted on this map, she will keep it safe, after all, it is proof that she and her senior brother are destined to be together!
...
With time pressing, Chen Du intensified her training even more in the following month, without a moment's slack. Before, she would eat with Xu Xing, but now she would even use her mealtime to practice swordsmanship. This also made Xu Xing feel a bit of urgency, and every day, apart from refining pills, he would carry his sword and continue practicing his "thrust" move.
Soon, it was time to depart as agreed with Mei Zihan and the others.
Is Qianqian going too?
Seeing the slender Qianqian among them, Xu Xing was somewhat surprised. Although the demonic blood had been cured, a month was only enough time for his body to barely recover, and it wouldn't be so quick for his cultivation to return to its peak.
Qianqian was originally a lively and cheerful girl. Upon hearing this, she smiled at Xu Xing and said, "Actually, my senior brothers and sisters had to go to the secret realm again for my sake, so of course I have to go."
There must be many unknown secrets involved. Xu Xing had no intention of inquiring, so he didn't ask any further questions. He simply took out four small bottles and handed them to them, saying, "Each of these contains a detoxification pill. Keep them with you as a precaution."
In preparation for this trip to the secret realm, Xu Xing refined a lot of third-tier pills for backup, including more than twenty poison-removing pills. Fortunately, she was in Luohu City, where it was very convenient to buy spiritual herbs and medicines.
He Yue glanced at Mei Zihan, "This..."
Xiang Di, being straightforward, scratched his head sheepishly, "This detoxifying pill is so precious, we can't afford it."
They had almost spent all their spirit stones, and even though they were envious, they were unwilling to take advantage of Xu Xing.
Xu Xing laughed and said, "Don't worry, the two thousand spirit stones you gave me are enough to buy a lot of materials. In fact, I'm the one who got a good deal from you."
Mei Zihan thought to herself, "She really is an alchemist."
He shook his head. “Its original value is one thing, and our willingness to exchange two thousand spirit stones for the antidote is another. Fellow Daoist Yu is already doing a favor by offering the medicine to save lives. There is absolutely no question of taking advantage of you.”
She didn't even accept the glass token, which shows she wasn't someone who coveted money.
Xu Xing's heart stirred slightly. He hadn't misjudged them after all; these cultivators were worth befriending.
"Since we've decided to cooperate, the six of us are now one. If something happens to you, my senior brother and I will be without support. Please accept this."
"And..." she smiled, "Actually, my surname isn't Yu. My name is Xu Xing. My senior brother and I came from the Eastern Pole and are disciples of the Jade Cloud Sect."
Shen Du nodded slightly and stated his name, "Shen Du".
When traveling, it is perfectly normal to conceal one's name. Mei Zihan and the others showed no displeasure and readily agreed, saying, "So you are Fellow Daoist Xu and Fellow Daoist Shen."
Seeing that they were willing to reveal their identities, the group breathed a sigh of relief and trusted the two of them even more. The Jade Cloud Sect was a prestigious and righteous sect, one of the top sects in the Eastern Pole. Since they came from the Jade Cloud Sect, this cooperation might really be successful.
Mei Zihan and the other three each possessed a Glazed Token. Since the owner of a Glazed Token could bring one other person along, they were confident enough to extend their invitation even though they didn't know whether Xu Xing and his companion had their own tokens.
The group took off on their swords. Xu Xing and Shen Du, who had not yet learned how to fly on swords, rode together on one sword. They did not summon the Wind Spirit Deer, as a fourth-tier spirit beast would be too conspicuous.
The border of the demon realm and Luohu City are not far apart. After flying for more than two hours, a lush green forest came into view, with the entrance deep within the forest.
To Xu Xing's surprise, there was no demon guarding the entrance, only a vortex-shaped portal. After entering the vortex, she felt dizzy, but fortunately, her arm was supported by a strong and powerful hand.
After landing and Xu Xing regained his balance, Chen Du withdrew his hand.
As if startled, several birds flew across the sky above the crowd, and a few feathers slowly drifted down from the air.
"This is the demon realm?"
Xu Xing felt a little short of breath. She pressed her chest, which was suddenly pounding, and looked up at her surroundings. All she could see was lush greenery, the scent of grass and trees wafting towards her, and the air was full of vitality.
She fell in love with the place at first sight.
“That’s right. This is the edge of the area, and the demonic spirits aren’t as strong here yet. The deeper we go into the demon realm, the stronger the demonic spirits become. Human cultivators who are encountering this for the first time might find it a bit difficult to adapt. After we enter the city, we should rest for three days to adjust before heading to the location of the Exploration Ruins Secret Realm.”
Mei Zihan was already physically weak, and his face turned even paler after being teleported here. Fortunately, he had been to the demon realm twice before, so he adapted relatively well.
Xu Xing was the one who reacted the most. Not only did her heart beat faster and her breathing become rapid, but her spiritual energy also began to leak out uncontrollably. After her initial curiosity subsided, Xu Xing became unsteady on her feet and had to lean on Chen Du's shoulder to avoid falling.
Mei Zihan said she needed to rest for three days, precisely because Xu Xingcai was only in the early stages of Foundation Establishment and Qianqian had just recovered from a serious illness, so she wanted to give them time to adjust.
At the edge of the demon realm's teleportation portal lies a city called Luocang, which has many business dealings with Luohu City and is relatively less hostile to humans.
After Shuiyun Xiandu and the others settled down at an inn in Luocang City, Chen Du closed the door behind him and said in a deep voice, "Meditate, I will help you regulate your breathing."
Xu Xing's vision went black, and she managed to nod, but she didn't even have the strength to move onto the couch. Her body was as limp as a noodle. Seeing her like this, Chen Du picked her up horizontally and carried her in his arms. He felt as if he were holding an ice cube, which was cold to the touch.
He helped her adjust to a meditative posture, and Shen Du transmitted spiritual energy to her from behind Xu Xing.
However, to Shen Du's surprise, the spiritual power he transferred into Xu Xing's body was like a mud ball entering the sea, causing no ripples at all. Moreover, Xu Xing's discomfort was not due to rejection of the demonic energy; she was clearly actively absorbing these demonic spirits.
Because too much demonic energy suddenly surged into her body, her dantian, being only at the Foundation Establishment stage, was too shallow to contain it, which caused her to feel dizzy and weak. However, she did not know why she felt cold all over.
But how could humans possibly absorb demon spirits?
Shen Du slowly withdrew his hand, his brows furrowing slightly. He lowered his eyes, his gaze suddenly sweeping over a small white nail plate that had appeared on the bed at some unknown time.
That looks like...
Snake scales.
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Author's Note: Thank you Wukong for the nutrient solution! =3=
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