Shu Han, holding Shangguan Ruolin, trailed behind Che Hanyan, who kept her spiritual sense fixed on him. While he spewed nonsensical chatter, portraying his lack of worldly knowledge, Shu Han was secretly plotting to take down Che Hanyan. He was well aware that sooner or later, Shangguan Ruolin's identity would be exposed. When that happened, everyone from the Golden Silkworm Association would become an enemy. If he could eliminate one of them now, it would be to his advantage.
Although his current cultivation was at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment and his strength had greatly increased, he was hesitant to make a move without ascertaining Che Hanyan's abilities. He began to long for the demonic cultivators who, when subdued by the Eight-Direction Evil-Breaking Sword and the Golden Light Divine Incantation, were easily manipulated.
Che Hanyan took jade bottles from a few Qi Refining cultivators, inspected them, and commented, "Excellent, we've got the Yin Spring Cold Energy. Let's move on to the next location."
Curious, Shu Han inquired, "Where are you leading me? I hope not to the mountain's peak! Let me make myself clear, I won't go there. The Heavenly Creation Fluid is too hot to handle, and I dare not interfere."
Seeing Shu Han's timid demeanor, an annoyed Che Hanyan clarified, "I've already told you, that's not our destination!"
"Hmph! I find it hard to believe that the Golden Silkworm Association would hire a cultivator of Senior Shangguan's caliber at a hefty price and not be after the Heavenly Creation Fluid. I refuse to be your cannon fodder!"
Furious, Che Hanyan retorted, "What do I need to tell you to put your mind at ease? You're a mid-stage cultivator, yet you're as timid as a Qi Refining cultivator! Also, Senior Shangguan isn't here to assist us in obtaining the Heavenly Creation Fluid. Stop being so paranoid!"
Shu Han expressed skepticism, "If it's not for the Heavenly Creation Fluid, what else in the Immaculate Realm could possibly interest Senior Shangguan?"
Che Hanyan produced a portrait, stating, "It's no harm telling you. Look at the man in this painting."
Shu Han observed the portrait, admiringly noting, "This man has a refined appearance. Though not exceptionally handsome, he does have a pleasant charm upon longer observation..."
Annoyed, Che Hanyan interrupted, "Who asked for your critique?! I'm asking if you've seen this man. He's at the early stage of Foundation Establishment!"
Shu Han shrugged, "Never seen him before. Why do you ask?"
Che Hanyan explained, "He's the reason for Senior Shangguan's journey."
Shu Han, surprised, remarked, "Seeking a man? Surely, even at her worst, Senior Shangguan could set her sights higher than a novice at Foundation Establishment?"
On the verge of losing her temper, Che Hanyan tried to understand where this peculiarly-minded mid-stage cultivator emerged from. Struggling to control her rage, she corrected, "Stop talking nonsense! This man is being pursued by Senior Shangguan. If you can provide any information about him, there's a reward of a hundred mid-grade spirit stones!"
"Damn! One hundred! Now that you mention it, it does ring a bell!"
"Silence!" Che Hanyan snapped, unwilling to further engage with this shameless fellow.
Shu Han probed delicately, "What virtues and talents has he demonstrated to warrant such a hefty bounty? Are his accomplices also being hunted?"
"Only him," was the curt reply.
Confusion clouded Shu Han's features. Why was he the sole target? But realization dawned upon him soon after. It was because she and Shangguan Ruolin were identical in appearance. Hunting Shangguan Ruolin was tantamount to hunting her. It seemed this madwoman wasn't yet ready to air their shared dirty laundry in public. In this feud, he was the innocent caught in the crossfire.
Grasping the situation, Shu Han shifted his inquiries towards the demonic cultivators. "I've heard that the Qi Refining disciples from the Purple Sun Sect mentioned their leading elder is from the Devil Music Sect—a demonic cultivator! He started killing upon entry! Do you think the Golden Silkworm Association has been infiltrated by them?"
"Infiltrated by demonic cultivators?" Che Hanyan chuckled, "Every batch has them. But our Golden Silkworm Association has never experienced such things."
"Ah! Such tactics!"
"We purchase all our places. In each Immaculate Realm session, we openly bring them in by selling a few slots to the Devil Music Sect. What's there to infiltrate?"
Shu Han was speechless. Truly, there seemed to be no depths they wouldn't plumb.
Continuing, Shu Han casually mentioned, "I also spotted an elder from the Green Thunder Sect seemingly collaborating with a demonic cultivator. Do you think they're up to something nefarious for this Immaculate Realm?"
"Oh?" Che Hanyan perked up, "Did you truly witness this? Be careful with such claims. The Green Thunder Sect is a sworn enemy of the Devil Music Sect."
From Che Hanyan's tone, it was evident they were unaware of the demonic cultivators' schemes. Shu Han projected an illusion of the Green Thunder Sect elder conspiring with Gui Wu, causing Che Hanyan to frown deeply.
"I didn't just hear rumors; I saw it with my own eyes!"
The Golden Silkworm Association had deep connections and traded with many sects, thus Che Hanyan quickly recognized the figures in Shu Han's projection. "Those two are Elder Xu Quanyong from the Green Thunder Sect and Gui Wu from the Devil Music Sect. Publicly, they have no associations. How can they stand together so peacefully?"
Continuing his revelation, Shu Han added, "I also overheard them mention a 'Blood Soul Tracking Array'. What is that?"
Che Hanyan gave Shu Han a peculiar look, "You're quite an enigma. Not only did you stumble upon these two without harm, but you also eavesdropped on their private conversation. How did you manage that?"
Shu Han was speechless: You're really good at focusing on the point. He could only retort, "My combat skills might be lacking, but I do excel in concealing my aura. One must have a few tricks up one's sleeve when venturing out in this world!"
Che Hanyan regarded him skeptically, then mused, "Every year, our Golden Silkworm Association circulates a considerable amount of information about formations. With the accumulated knowledge over the years, I should have heard of every formation below the Nascent Soul stage. However, this is the first time I've heard about this one. It either means this formation is exceedingly rare, or it can only be deployed by those at the Nascent Soul stage."
Hearing Che Hanyan's description, Shu Han grew even more uneasy, sensing that something was amiss. Che Hanyan felt the same. Her instincts told her that Shu Han wasn't making this up, especially when there seemed to be no benefit in it for him.
Could it be that the Green Thunder Sect was genuinely conspiring with the Devil Music Sect in secret, plotting something in the Immaculate Realm?
With her acute business acumen, Che Hanyan sensed that something was off. After collecting the medicinal herbs, she planned to inform the other Golden Silkworm Association cultivators immediately. They might as well give up on obtaining the Heavenly Creation Fluid this time since their association had never succeeded in obtaining it on previous occasions anyway.
While she had her plans, Shu Han had his own.
From Che Hanyan's account, it seemed that the Green Thunder Sect and Devil Music Sect's collaboration was covert, which meant other sects were unaware. If he could expose the conspiracy between these two major sects and inform the other sects, he could harness their collective power to thwart the Devil Music Sect's plans. Regardless of the Devil Music Sect's clandestine intentions—even if it was something as innocuous as sightseeing—he couldn't let them succeed!
Thus, Shu Han followed Che Hanyan deeper into the mountain. After a circuitous journey with Che Hanyan, avoiding certain areas, they finally reached a valley within the mountain.
As they approached the valley's edge, Shu Han was greeted with a fragrant herbal aroma.
Impressive! A medicinal field!
But this field was unusual. From a distance, the entire valley was bathed in an orange-yellow glow. The herbs in the field weren't rooted in the soil but floated within the glow as if rooted in thin air.
"What a peculiar medicinal field. Why are the herbs floating in the air?"
Che Hanyan explained, "This is the Immaculate Realm's Earth Goddess' Divine Glow, imbued with pure earthly energy. Bathing in this divine light allows the herbs to grow at tenfold their usual speed."
Observing the Earth Goddess' Divine Glow, Shu Han couldn't help but marvel, "The Immaculate Realm truly is wondrous."
However, at that moment, Shu Han sensed that the Grand Yin Jade Rabbit within the black jar suddenly ceased its usual fidgeting, shuddering, and retracting into the jar.
"What are you afraid of? Speaking of which, why is it only you? Can't the jar replicate you?"
Shu Han, holding Shangguan Ruolin, trailed behind Che Hanyan, who kept her spiritual sense fixed on him. While he spewed nonsensical chatter, portraying his lack of worldly knowledge, Shu Han was secretly plotting to take down Che Hanyan. He was well aware that sooner or later, Shangguan Ruolin's identity would be exposed. When that happened, everyone from the Golden Silkworm Association would become an enemy. If he could eliminate one of them now, it would be to his advantage.
Although his current cultivation was at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment and his strength had greatly increased, he was hesitant to make a move without ascertaining Che Hanyan's abilities. He began to long for the demonic cultivators who, when subdued by the Eight-Direction Evil-Breaking Sword and the Golden Light Divine Incantation, were easily manipulated.
Che Hanyan took jade bottles from a few Qi Refining cultivators, inspected them, and commented, "Excellent, we've got the Yin Spring Cold Energy. Let's move on to the next location."
Curious, Shu Han inquired, "Where are you leading me? I hope not to the mountain's peak! Let me make myself clear, I won't go there. The Heavenly Creation Fluid is too hot to handle, and I dare not interfere."
Seeing Shu Han's timid demeanor, an annoyed Che Hanyan clarified, "I've already told you, that's not our destination!"
"Hmph! I find it hard to believe that the Golden Silkworm Association would hire a cultivator of Senior Shangguan's caliber at a hefty price and not be after the Heavenly Creation Fluid. I refuse to be your cannon fodder!"
Furious, Che Hanyan retorted, "What do I need to tell you to put your mind at ease? You're a mid-stage cultivator, yet you're as timid as a Qi Refining cultivator! Also, Senior Shangguan isn't here to assist us in obtaining the Heavenly Creation Fluid. Stop being so paranoid!"
Shu Han expressed skepticism, "If it's not for the Heavenly Creation Fluid, what else in the Immaculate Realm could possibly interest Senior Shangguan?"
Che Hanyan produced a portrait, stating, "It's no harm telling you. Look at the man in this painting."
Shu Han observed the portrait, admiringly noting, "This man has a refined appearance. Though not exceptionally handsome, he does have a pleasant charm upon longer observation..."
Annoyed, Che Hanyan interrupted, "Who asked for your critique?! I'm asking if you've seen this man. He's at the early stage of Foundation Establishment!"
Shu Han shrugged, "Never seen him before. Why do you ask?"
Che Hanyan explained, "He's the reason for Senior Shangguan's journey."
Shu Han, surprised, remarked, "Seeking a man? Surely, even at her worst, Senior Shangguan could set her sights higher than a novice at Foundation Establishment?"
On the verge of losing her temper, Che Hanyan tried to understand where this peculiarly-minded mid-stage cultivator emerged from. Struggling to control her rage, she corrected, "Stop talking nonsense! This man is being pursued by Senior Shangguan. If you can provide any information about him, there's a reward of a hundred mid-grade spirit stones!"
"Damn! One hundred! Now that you mention it, it does ring a bell!"
"Silence!" Che Hanyan snapped, unwilling to further engage with this shameless fellow.
Shu Han probed delicately, "What virtues and talents has he demonstrated to warrant such a hefty bounty? Are his accomplices also being hunted?"
"Only him," was the curt reply.
Confusion clouded Shu Han's features. Why was he the sole target? But realization dawned upon him soon after. It was because she and Shangguan Ruolin were identical in appearance. Hunting Shangguan Ruolin was tantamount to hunting her. It seemed this madwoman wasn't yet ready to air their shared dirty laundry in public. In this feud, he was the innocent caught in the crossfire.
Grasping the situation, Shu Han shifted his inquiries towards the demonic cultivators. "I've heard that the Qi Refining disciples from the Purple Sun Sect mentioned their leading elder is from the Devil Music Sect—a demonic cultivator! He started killing upon entry! Do you think the Golden Silkworm Association has been infiltrated by them?"
"Infiltrated by demonic cultivators?" Che Hanyan chuckled, "Every batch has them. But our Golden Silkworm Association has never experienced such things."
"Ah! Such tactics!"
"We purchase all our places. In each Immaculate Realm session, we openly bring them in by selling a few slots to the Devil Music Sect. What's there to infiltrate?"
Shu Han was speechless. Truly, there seemed to be no depths they wouldn't plumb.
Continuing, Shu Han casually mentioned, "I also spotted an elder from the Green Thunder Sect seemingly collaborating with a demonic cultivator. Do you think they're up to something nefarious for this Immaculate Realm?"
"Oh?" Che Hanyan perked up, "Did you truly witness this? Be careful with such claims. The Green Thunder Sect is a sworn enemy of the Devil Music Sect."
From Che Hanyan's tone, it was evident they were unaware of the demonic cultivators' schemes. Shu Han projected an illusion of the Green Thunder Sect elder conspiring with Gui Wu, causing Che Hanyan to frown deeply.
"I didn't just hear rumors; I saw it with my own eyes!"
The Golden Silkworm Association had deep connections and traded with many sects, thus Che Hanyan quickly recognized the figures in Shu Han's projection. "Those two are Elder Xu Quanyong from the Green Thunder Sect and Gui Wu from the Devil Music Sect. Publicly, they have no associations. How can they stand together so peacefully?"
Continuing his revelation, Shu Han added, "I also overheard them mention a 'Blood Soul Tracking Array'. What is that?"
Che Hanyan gave Shu Han a peculiar look, "You're quite an enigma. Not only did you stumble upon these two without harm, but you also eavesdropped on their private conversation. How did you manage that?"
Shu Han was speechless: You're really good at focusing on the point. He could only retort, "My combat skills might be lacking, but I do excel in concealing my aura. One must have a few tricks up one's sleeve when venturing out in this world!"
Che Hanyan regarded him skeptically, then mused, "Every year, our Golden Silkworm Association circulates a considerable amount of information about formations. With the accumulated knowledge over the years, I should have heard of every formation below the Nascent Soul stage. However, this is the first time I've heard about this one. It either means this formation is exceedingly rare, or it can only be deployed by those at the Nascent Soul stage."
Hearing Che Hanyan's description, Shu Han grew even more uneasy, sensing that something was amiss. Che Hanyan felt the same. Her instincts told her that Shu Han wasn't making this up, especially when there seemed to be no benefit in it for him.
Could it be that the Green Thunder Sect was genuinely conspiring with the Devil Music Sect in secret, plotting something in the Immaculate Realm?
With her acute business acumen, Che Hanyan sensed that something was off. After collecting the medicinal herbs, she planned to inform the other Golden Silkworm Association cultivators immediately. They might as well give up on obtaining the Heavenly Creation Fluid this time since their association had never succeeded in obtaining it on previous occasions anyway.
While she had her plans, Shu Han had his own.
From Che Hanyan's account, it seemed that the Green Thunder Sect and Devil Music Sect's collaboration was covert, which meant other sects were unaware. If he could expose the conspiracy between these two major sects and inform the other sects, he could harness their collective power to thwart the Devil Music Sect's plans. Regardless of the Devil Music Sect's clandestine intentions—even if it was something as innocuous as sightseeing—he couldn't let them succeed!
Thus, Shu Han followed Che Hanyan deeper into the mountain. After a circuitous journey with Che Hanyan, avoiding certain areas, they finally reached a valley within the mountain.
As they approached the valley's edge, Shu Han was greeted with a fragrant herbal aroma.
Impressive! A medicinal field!
But this field was unusual. From a distance, the entire valley was bathed in an orange-yellow glow. The herbs in the field weren't rooted in the soil but floated within the glow as if rooted in thin air.
"What a peculiar medicinal field. Why are the herbs floating in the air?"
Che Hanyan explained, "This is the Immaculate Realm's Earth Goddess' Divine Glow, imbued with pure earthly energy. Bathing in this divine light allows the herbs to grow at tenfold their usual speed."
Observing the Earth Goddess' Divine Glow, Shu Han couldn't help but marvel, "The Immaculate Realm truly is wondrous."
However, at that moment, Shu Han sensed that the Grand Yin Jade Rabbit within the black jar suddenly ceased its usual fidgeting, shuddering, and retracting into the jar.
"What are you afraid of? Speaking of which, why is it only you? Can't the jar replicate you?"
