“In three more years, the Cloud Ze Secret Realm will open. With mid-stage Foundation Establishment, my strength inside won’t be considered weak.”

At this moment, Wei Tu finally felt a sense of relief.

Reaching mid-stage Foundation Establishment meant that whether in the Cloud Ze Secret Realm or in conflicts between the righteous and demonic sects, he now had a certain level of self-preservation.

Be it Golden Core forces or the Three Great Immortal Sects, mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators were the backbone of the Foundation Establishment realm.

“For the next few years, after stabilizing my realm, I should focus on enhancing my survival abilities and learning more techniques.”

After some thought, Wei Tu recalled the second-tier puppet technique inheritance he had received from Gong Shulan, as well as the third-tier demonic beast bone fragment in his possession.

Compared to ordinary puppet techniques, those of the Ghost Puppet Sect were far more sinister and difficult to defend against.

Among them, one technique in particular caught his attention—the Phantom Puppet Technique.

As its name implied, the Phantom Puppet was designed specifically to deceive cultivators.

By embedding the right spiritual materials into the puppet, it could simulate the aura of a cultivator or demonic beast before death, intimidating enemies.

At first glance, this ability seemed somewhat underwhelming.

However, Wei Tu firmly believed that, in the right situation, its effectiveness could not be underestimated.

“Three years isn’t enough for me to refine a second-tier puppet from scratch, but I could modify one of Master Yu Kui’s puppets instead.”

Wei Tu pondered.

The last time Qin Zhenren had tested Master Yu Kui’s abilities, Wei Tu had observed that his Swordsman Puppet bore structural similarities to a Phantom Puppet, making it an ideal candidate for modification.

…

Seven days later.

After stabilizing his cultivation, Wei Tu stepped out of his training chamber.

The three elders of the Consecration Hall visited one after another to offer their congratulations, each presenting a gift.

When meeting with Master Yu Kui, Wei Tu took the opportunity to express his interest in purchasing a Swordsman Puppet.

Master Yu Kui readily agreed and sold him a Swordsman Puppet for eight hundred spirit stones.

“I heard that Wei Talisman Master has decided to explore the Cloud Ze Secret Realm. Would you consider teaming up with me for this expedition?”

After presenting her gift, Master Si smiled gently and stepped forward, her graceful figure moving lightly as she bowed slightly before Wei Tu.

A faint, pleasant fragrance lingered in the air as she spoke, surrounding Wei Tu. When he lifted his gaze, he inadvertently caught a glimpse of the soft, pale skin beneath her robes as she bent down.

Wei Tu averted his gaze immediately, raising his guard against Master Si.

The only female cultivators who had ever tried to charm him in this manner were Hu Yao and Chu Yin—both of whom, as it turned out, had ulterior motives.

Now, with Master Si attempting something similar, Wei Tu had no doubts—she, too, was up to something.

“Master Si, you’re too late.”

“I have already agreed to explore the secret realm with a few other companions.”

Wei Tu rejected her outright.

“I see. My apologies for the presumptuous request.”

Master Si nodded with a composed smile, gracefully bidding him farewell before leaving Talisman Heart Residence.

Seeing this, Wei Tu couldn’t help but feel a bit uncertain.

Had he misjudged her?

In both the mortal world and the cultivation world, many beautiful women used their charms as a means to gain favors.

Perhaps Master Si was simply one of them and meant no real harm.

…

After meeting with a few other Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Heshan Huang Clan, Wei Tu resumed his closed-door cultivation.

…

Three years passed in a flash.

On this day, upon receiving a Talisman Message from Talisman Heart Residence, Wei Tu’s expression changed slightly.

“It’s finally here.”

He stored his Wind-Cleaving Eagle in his spirit beast pouch, summoned Huang Chengfu, and instructed him to guard his cave dwelling carefully before flying off as a streak of light toward the Clan Affairs Hall.

Upon arriving at the hall, Wei Tu glanced around and saw that most of the Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Heshan Huang Clan had already arrived.

The three elders of the Consecration Hall were all present, except for Master Xia Qi, who was absent.

“Could it be that Master Yu Kui hasn’t given up on exploring the secret realm?”

Wei Tu raised an eyebrow.

Among early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, Master Yu Kui was not considered weak.

However, compared to the cultivators participating in the Cloud Ze Secret Realm expedition, his strength was far below the average.

Wei Tu already knew the seven cultivators from the Heshan Huang Clan chosen for the Cloud Ze Secret Realm.

Apart from Huang Caiyu, who was at early-stage Foundation Establishment, the other six were mid-stage or late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Among them was also Huang Changkong, the very person who had recruited Wei Tu into the clan.

However, Wei Tu suspected that Huang Caiyu possessed powerful protective treasures, making her actual combat ability comparable to a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

After about half a day, all the selected Heshan Huang Clan cultivators had gathered.

At that moment, on the Clan Leader’s seat, a new figure suddenly appeared.

The old man was dressed in a flowing white robe, his hair pinned up neatly with a wooden hairpin. Despite his graying locks, his appearance was immaculate and precise, with not a single strand out of place.

As soon as he appeared, every Foundation Establishment cultivator in the hall immediately straightened their expressions and respectfully greeted him:

“Grand Elder.”

The Heshan Huang Clan had two Golden Core ancestors, but the only one referred to as “Grand Elder” was the clan’s eldest, the pillar of Yunhe Mountain, and a third-rank formation master—Huang Xinglie.

The other Golden Core ancestor was simply called “Second Elder” within the Heshan Huang Clan, to distinguish him from Huang Xinglie.

After exchanging a few words with Clan Leader Huang Changkong, Huang Xinglie glanced at Wei Tu and the other Consecration Hall elders, his tone indifferent.

“Those participating in the Cloud Ze Secret Realm, step to my left.”

The group immediately moved, hastily positioning themselves, careful not to offend the Golden Core ancestor.

Once everyone was in place, Huang Xinglie nodded slightly before sweeping his sleeve and walking out of the Clan Affairs Hall.

Upon reaching the entrance, he patted his spirit beast pouch, summoning a massive spirit crane over thirty feet in length.

The crane had a black crown on its head, a pure white body, and a golden streak running from its neck to its tail feathers.

“So this is the Cloud-Crowned Crane of Yunhe Mountain.”

Wei Tu immediately recognized the spirit beast—this was a native third-rank spirit beast of the Cloud Ze Secret Realm’s spiritual veins.

The name Yunhe Mountain itself had originated from these Cloud-Crowned Cranes.

The enormous crane let out a piercing cry, releasing its aura unchecked, suppressing the cultivators present.

The near third-rank demonic aura pressed down on them, making it difficult to breathe. Cold sweat formed on their foreheads.

Demonic aura was a natural weapon for demonic beasts.

Compared to the pressure of a human cultivator at the same level, a demonic beast’s aura was far more terrifying.

Huang Xinglie carefully observed the gathered cultivators, watching as the Heshan Huang Clan’s Foundation Establishment cultivators initially struggled before gradually stabilizing their breath. His expression became one of satisfaction.

His gaze then shifted toward the three Consecration Hall elders.

“So this is the Wei Tu that Huang Changkong mentioned?”

“He broke through to mid-stage Foundation Establishment using pills, yet his foundation remains firm. A promising candidate for an alliance marriage with our clan.”

Huang Xinglie’s eyes lingered on Wei Tu for a moment before he nodded subtly.

—The pressure from a high-rank cultivator is most effective against those with unstable foundations.

“You all, step onto the Cloud-Crowned Crane. I will take you to the Cloud Ze Secret Realm.”

With a flick of his sleeve, Huang Xinglie withdrew the Cloud-Crowned Crane’s aura and gestured toward the group.

As soon as he finished speaking, the massive Cloud-Crowned Crane bent its knees, lowering its broad back.

The Heshan Huang Clan’s Foundation Establishment cultivators boarded first, followed by the three Consecration Hall elders.

Once everyone was aboard, Huang Keren, a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, took the lead in explaining important details about the Cloud Ze Secret Realm.

“To prevent intelligence leaks… once we near the entrance to the secret realm, the Grand Elder will distribute a jade slip to each of us.”

“Inside, you will find a map of the areas our clan has explored, including the locations of spiritual herbs.”

Noticing the lingering unease among the cultivators, Huang Keren added a reassuring note.

Wei Tu’s expression darkened slightly upon hearing this.

Would the Heshan Huang Clan really provide him and the other consecration cultivators with the same information?

After all, information about the Cloud Ze Secret Realm was highly valuable.

Years ago, the Qiyue Zhao Clan had provided him with some basic intelligence, but there was no doubt—the Heshan Huang Clan was the most knowledgeable force regarding this secret realm.

Before he could dwell on the thought further, the Cloud-Crowned Crane suddenly took off, streaking toward a nearby cliff.

This cliff was not the actual entry point to the secret realm.

Rather, it was a gathering place for Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Heshan Huang Clan’s affiliated families.

Once the additional cultivators were picked up, the Cloud-Crowned Crane continued its journey, flying southwest.

After about a day, they arrived at the Southern Wasteland Ancient Plains, located at the intersection of Zheng Kingdom, Jing Kingdom, and Liang Kingdom.

“So the Cloud Ze Secret Realm is here?”

As Wei Tu observed the vast, arid landscape, so different from Zheng Kingdom’s central plains, he shifted his gaze toward Huang Xinglie, who now stood atop the Cloud-Crowned Crane, arranging formation plates.

Under Huang Xinglie’s formation techniques, the sky, which had been clear and bright, darkened as a black vortex began to form.

The vortex was initially the size of a chicken egg, but it quickly expanded to the size of a fist.

Through the swirling darkness, glimpses of the Cloud Ze Secret Realm’s terrain could be faintly seen.

Wei Tu took a quick glance before closing his eyes, sitting cross-legged atop the Cloud-Crowned Crane, adjusting his breath to maintain peak condition.

About two days later, reinforcements from two allied Golden Core clans, the Xuefeng Zheng Clan and the Qiyue Zhao Clan, arrived.

The moment the Xuefeng Zheng Clan appeared, the previously quiet Heshan Huang Clan gathering became noticeably livelier.

“Caiyu…”

Zheng Xian, the third son of the Zheng Clan, had approached Huang Caiyu, his former wife, begging for reconciliation.

Wei Tu initially intended to block out his senses, unwilling to concern himself with such trivial household matters. However, when he sensed Zheng Xian’s venomous gaze directed at him, his expression darkened slightly.

“Caiyu, do you have a new lover? Is it that Wei fellow?”

Zheng Xian’s words landed directly in Wei Tu’s ears.

He remained calm, ignoring the two of them and continuing to regulate his breathing.

Having encountered the arrogance of second-generation cultivators many times before, he was already well aware of their recklessness.

These cultivators, born into immortal clans, lacked the caution and prudence of wandering cultivators. They spoke bluntly and often acted without consideration of potential consequences.

Most of them never stopped to think whether their behavior would offend others or invite unwanted enemies.

To Wei Tu, these immortal clan heirs were easy to deal with. There was no need to provoke them now and unnecessarily increase his exposure.

Besides, he believed that the Heshan Huang Clan would not allow this farce to continue unchecked.

As expected—

Just as Wei Tu had predicted—

The next moment—

Huang Keren, the leader of the Heshan Huang Clan’s Foundation Establishment cultivators, wore a stern expression as he snapped coldly.

“Zheng Xian, that’s enough!”

“Though our Huang Clan and your Zheng Clan have been tied by marriage for generations, that does not grant you the right to cause trouble here!”

“If you dare harass Caiyu again or slander Wei Talisman Master, I’ll personally summon your father and have you dragged back!”

Zheng Xian’s face twisted upon hearing this, but he reluctantly backed down, retreating from the Heshan Huang Clan’s encampment with a sullen expression.

…

Meanwhile—

At the Qiyue Zhao Clan’s encampment—

Zhao Tinghai had taken note of the commotion in the Heshan Huang Clan’s camp. He cast a glance toward Zhao Qingluo, who was seated beside him, and sent her a voice transmission.

“Qingluo, you and Wei Tu have known each other since the Qi Refinement Realm. Now that you remain unmarried, tell me, do you harbor feelings for him?”

—Like other Golden Core families, the Qiyue Zhao Clan had marriage alliances with several major clans. However, ever since their war with the Chisong Jia Clan, other Golden Core families had been reluctant to propose marriage to them, fearing reprisal from the Chisong Jia Clan.

“Wei Tu?”

Hearing her father’s words, Zhao Qingluo furrowed her delicate brows.

“Father, do you… wish for me to marry Wei Tu?”

“He is a Huang Clan consecration elder, and there is nothing romantic between us—we are merely acquaintances.”

Though she did feel a certain comfort when around Wei Tu—his aura and demeanor put her at ease—it was not enough for her to consider marriage.

“A few years ago, I acquired intelligence from the Heshan Huang Clan—Wei Tu has broken through to mid-stage Foundation Establishment…”

“You may have reached Foundation Establishment twenty years before him, but your resources came from our clan. Meanwhile, Wei Tu has achieved all this on his own. A lone cultivator who can rise this far without external support is destined for greatness.”

Zhao Tinghai spoke with certainty.

“Besides, his current affiliation with the Huang Clan is not an obstacle.”

“He is merely a consecration elder, not a sworn vassal. If he were to leave and join our Zhao Clan, Huang Changkong wouldn’t object.”

His words carried weight.

If they were merely considering cultivation level, it wasn’t difficult to find mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators among Zheng Kingdom’s wandering cultivators.

However—

A cultivator like Wei Tu, with formidable skill, keen judgment, broad connections, and exceptional talent in talisman arts, was exceedingly rare.

Over a decade ago, when Wei Tu had first approached him seeking an alliance, Zhao Tinghai had already recognized his strategic foresight.

At that time, given Wei Tu’s background, it would have been far more advantageous to ally with the Heshan Huang Clan, bringing along Qin Zhenren and her disciples as an offering.

Yet, he had instead chosen to approach the Qiyue Zhao Clan rather than the Heshan Huang Clan.

In hindsight, Wei Tu had made the right decision.

The Heshan Huang Clan was a neutral force that would never have engaged in deep cooperation with him.

Only the Qiyue Zhao Clan could provide him with exclusive intelligence and meaningful benefits.

A cultivator who could navigate such political complexities and choose the correct path in turbulent times—such a person was highly prized among major immortal clans.

“…This…”

Zhao Qingluo hesitated.

Indeed, she could not find any flaws in Wei Tu.

However, there was something that had bothered her for years—

Back when she narrowly escaped death, she had been drugged with an aphrodisiac, and in her dazed state, she felt someone touch her.

Because of this—

She no longer saw herself as pure, and she did not want to drag Wei Tu down with her.

“I refuse this marriage.”

Zhao Qingluo shook her head, speaking firmly.

“I am unclean. I won’t bring misfortune to Wei Tu, my friend.”

“…What a pity.”

Zhao Tinghai sighed.

Hearing her father utter these words, Zhao Qingluo was momentarily stunned.

She vaguely recalled saying the exact same phrase when she had tried to recruit Wei Tu back in Yunque Street, only to be rejected.

Back then—

She had offered him a position as a matrilocal husband, but the marriage prospect had not been her own.

Now—

The roles had reversed.

This time, her father was the one seeking an alliance with Wei Tu, but she had become the bargaining piece.

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