“Thinking too much is pointless. Wei Tu is just a friend.”

Zhao Qingluo’s gaze was resolute.

Just because circumstances had changed, she would not suddenly develop thoughts of marrying Wei Tu—that would be far too naive.

Within the Qiyue Zhao Clan, she was indeed favored by the Golden Core ancestor, but that had little to do with her status or talent.

To a Golden Core ancestor, there was no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate lineage, nor did they care for social rank.

In terms of spiritual roots, she was merely above average—not particularly outstanding.

The reason the Golden Core ancestor valued her was because, from a young age, she had displayed an unyielding desire to seek the Dao.

It was precisely this determination to pursue immortality that set her apart in the clan and allowed her to become widely known as a genius of the Zhao family.

“The people from Qingzhu Mountain have arrived.”

Zhao Tinghai’s voice interrupted Zhao Qingluo’s thoughts. His expression turned serious as he gazed at the enormous golden spirit ship in the distance.

“Qingzhu Mountain has arrived alongside the Chisong Jia Clan. It seems they have officially joined forces. Who knows what benefits the Chisong Jia Clan has offered them?”

His eyes lingered on a massive black mountain goat, over thirty feet long, standing beside the golden ship, and his tone carried a hint of bitterness.

This black mountain goat was a late-stage second-rank spirit beast, well known to be a signature beast of the Chisong Jia Clan.

It was clear that the alliance between Qingzhu Mountain and the Chisong Jia Clan was far stronger than the Qiyue Zhao Clan’s relationship with Tai Xuan Sect.

Even after years of continuous offerings and goodwill, Tai Xuan Sect had never explicitly sided with the Qiyue Zhao Clan against Qingzhu Mountain.

As the golden spirit ship drew closer—

The excited exclamations of the surrounding cultivators woke Wei Tu from his meditative state. He gathered spiritual power into his eyes and focused on the distant spirit ship.

After closely observing its massive scale, he finally understood why so many of the surrounding cultivators looked as though they had never seen such a thing before.

The golden ship was three stories high, stretching over three hundred feet long, making it several dozen times larger than the black mountain goat standing beside it.

It was a colossal behemoth.

Additionally, the ship’s hull and deck were equipped with three giant spirit crystal cannons, each over ten feet wide, exuding an intimidating aura.

Compared to this, the arrival of the three major Golden Core clans earlier now seemed underwhelming.

From Wei Tu’s assessment, the power of this golden spirit ship alone was likely comparable to a Golden Core True Lord, not to mention that Qingzhu Mountain had dispatched two Golden Core True Lords this time.

Wei Tu could not discern their cultivation levels directly.

However, by observing the deferential behavior of the Qingzhu Mountain disciples toward the two leading figures on the deck, he could easily deduce that these two were indeed Golden Core True Lords.

The male was imposing and heroic, exuding a powerful presence.

The female was breathtakingly beautiful, her appearance flawless like a celestial being.

Both appeared far younger than the Golden Core ancestors of the three major clans—it was evident that they had successfully formed their Golden Cores at a young age.

“Zhao, so you’re willing to send your precious daughter to the Cloud Ze Secret Realm to die this time?”

A loud and arrogant voice erupted from the black mountain goat, shattering the tense silence among the three Golden Core clans.

Wei Tu immediately recognized it.

After thinking for a moment, he recalled where he had heard it before—it belonged to Old Demon Jia, the False Core cultivator from the Chisong Jia Clan, whom he had encountered at the underground auction.

Unlike before, when he had been cloaked in black robes, Old Demon Jia now wore bright red robes, with a thick yellow snake coiled around his waist.

His demeanor was no longer as reserved as before—he now carried a brazen arrogance.

“Strange… why hasn’t a Golden Core ancestor from the Chisong Jia Clan come this time?”

“Could it be that their ancestor is aboard the golden spirit ship?”

The cultivators present shared similar doubts.

Scanning the Chisong Jia cultivators atop the black mountain goat, they saw that they were all at Foundation Establishment level—not a single Golden Core cultivator was present.

Wei Tu suppressed his curiosity and feigned disinterest.

—His alliance with the Qiyue Zhao Clan was meant to be kept secret, not displayed openly.

It was best not to draw too much attention to himself right now.

However—

Even though he tried to ignore it, Old Demon Jia’s continued provocation of Zhao Tinghai reached his ears loud and clear.

Within moments—

The tension between the Qiyue Zhao Clan and the Chisong Jia Clan reached a breaking point.

“SILENCE!”

Just as a conflict was about to erupt, Huang Xinglie, the Golden Core ancestor of the Heshan Huang Clan, finally intervened.

His expression darkened as he rebuked both parties.

“If you two wish to settle personal grudges, then abandon your spots for the Cloud Ze Secret Realm.”

“Otherwise, cease this childish nonsense!”

A Golden Core ancestor had spoken.

Old Demon Jia and Zhao Tinghai immediately fell silent.

“Daoist Huang, despite your years of cultivation, your temper remains as fierce as ever.”

A voice rang out from the golden spirit ship—it was the young male Golden Core cultivator, addressing Huang Xinglie with amusement, clearly supporting the Chisong Jia Clan.

“Daoist Wanhai.”

Huang Xinglie narrowed his eyes slightly and bowed in response.

As soon as his words fell—

The entire Cloud Ze Secret Realm’s surroundings became eerily silent.

No cultivator dared to speak, fearing they might attract the attention of the two Golden Core True Lords.

Another half-day passed.

Only after the arrival of Tai Xuan Sect and Mirror Water Pavilion, the two major Immortal Sects, did the oppressive silence finally begin to dissipate.

Compared to the grandiose entrance of Qingzhu Mountain, the arrivals of Tai Xuan Sect and Mirror Water Pavilion were significantly more low-key.

Neither sect arrived on massive spirit ships, instead choosing to travel aboard mid-tier second-rank flying boats.

However, despite their modest transportation, the presence and aura of these two sects were in no way inferior to that of Qingzhu Mountain.

The Tai Xuan Sect cultivators wore traditional Daoist robes, with dust whisks in hand and wooden hairpins securing their topknots, exuding an ethereal, otherworldly presence, much like celestial beings.

Meanwhile, the Mirror Water Pavilion disciples were a group of cold, breathtakingly beautiful female cultivators, hovering gracefully midair, their presence captivating numerous male cultivators.

Even Zheng Xian was completely entranced.

Initially, his gaze had been wandering toward Huang Caiyu of the Heshan Huang Clan, but now, he was entirely focused on the Mirror Water Pavilion disciples.

Just then, two of the Mirror Water Pavilion female cultivators began walking in his direction.

Zheng Xian was momentarily stunned, his expression quickly shifting into nervousness.

Had he offended them simply by staring too much? Were they approaching him to reprimand him for his behavior?

Immediately, Zheng Xian lowered his head, retracting his gaze, not daring to look further.

However—

Out of the corner of his eye, he suddenly noticed that the two Mirror Water Pavilion cultivators had completely bypassed the Zheng Clan’s encampment—

Instead, they were heading directly toward the Heshan Huang Clan’s area.

“Their target is Wei Tu?” Zheng Xian was shocked.

“So Wei Tu, despite appearing to be devoted to cultivation, is actually just like me—a man who lusts after beauty?”

A sense of disdain surfaced in Zheng Xian’s mind.

However—

The very next moment, his smug expression froze.

The two Mirror Water Pavilion cultivators had not come to rebuke Wei Tu. Instead, they were engaged in lively conversation with him, their demeanor amicable and respectful.

“This Wei Tu… who exactly is he?”

Zheng Xian was dumbfounded.

He had initially dismissed Wei Tu as a mere wandering cultivator, nothing more than a temporary guest of the Huang Clan.

But now, seeing Wei Tu engaged in friendly discussions with cultivators from Mirror Water Pavilion, he deeply regretted his earlier decision to antagonize him.

Heshan Huang Clan’s Encampment

“This is the Twin Resonance Jade—one main and one secondary piece. Those who possess them can sense each other’s presence within a range of one hundred miles.”

Qin Zhenren approached Wei Tu and handed him a spiritual artifact.

The artifact was shaped like a phoenix, carved into a single piece of jade. The secondary jade was embedded within the main piece. Once removed, the main jade would appear hollow.

Wei Tu accepted the secondary jade, then dripped a drop of his blood onto it.

Instantly, he felt a subtle connection—he could vaguely sense the presence of the main jade, as well as Qin Zhenren’s faint emotions.

At this moment, Kou Hongying transmitted a message to Wei Tu, explaining the secret behind the Twin Resonance Jade.

This artifact, known as the Twin Resonance Jade, was actually a dual cultivation artifact, an exclusive treasure of Mirror Water Pavilion.

Through this jade, Daoist partners could achieve true harmony, allowing them to cultivate certain dual cultivation techniques together.

Artifacts capable of providing long-distance sensing were exceptionally rare, even within Mirror Water Pavilion.

Thus, Qin Zhenren had chosen this artifact, as it was one of the few affordable options that could help maintain communication with Wei Tu.

Upon realizing this, Wei Tu glanced up and noticed a faint blush on Qin Zhenren’s face.

However, he did not expose the truth about the Twin Resonance Jade being a dual cultivation artifact.

Instead, he simply nodded and thanked her.

“I can already sense Kou Hongying through my cultivation technique, so I don’t need an additional jade for her.”

“When we enter the Cloud Ze Secret Realm, make sure to find me immediately.”

Qin Zhenren, her expression now calm, reminded him earnestly.

After speaking, she turned gracefully, preparing to leave the Heshan Huang Clan’s encampment.

“Wait, Qin Daoyou.”

Wei Tu called out to her.

“What is it?”

Qin Zhenren paused, looking at him with a slightly puzzled expression.

“Since advancing to mid-Foundation Establishment, my talisman techniques have also improved.”

“These are two mid-second rank talismans—consider them a token of appreciation for your gift of the Twin Resonance Jade.”

After a brief moment of thought, Wei Tu retrieved two talismans and quietly handed them to Qin Zhenren.

The value of the Twin Resonance Jade aside—

Once inside the Cloud Ze Secret Realm, Wei Tu would still need to rely on Qin Zhenren for protection.

This was not the time to be stingy.

Qin Zhenren pinched the talismans between her fingers and looked at Wei Tu with a noticeably softer gaze.

After sending off Qin Zhenren, Wei Tu turned to his storage case and retrieved additional protective talismans for Kou Hongying.

In normal circumstances, friends would keep track of their debts and payments clearly.

However, right now was not one of those times.

They had known each other for many years—Wei Tu trusted Kou Hongying’s character.

“Thank you, Wei Shu!”

Kou Hongying’s heart warmed, and she happily accepted the talismans.

After handing over the talismans—

Wei Tu watched the two women depart.

“Mid-second rank talismans?”

Nearby, Huang Xinglie, who had been sitting cross-legged, took note of the exchange.

A thoughtful expression appeared on his face as he motioned for Wei Tu to approach.

—Despite Wei Tu’s attempt to remain discreet, his actions had not escaped the keen eyes of a Golden Core cultivator.

“This is a Golden Silk Armor, an upper-second rank spiritual artifact that I once used.”

“You will be heading into the Cloud Ze Secret Realm—you should wear it for protection.”

Huang Xinglie produced a golden, silk-like soft armor, no larger than the size of a palm, and handed it over to Wei Tu.

“Third Grandfather! Isn’t that your most treasured possession?”

Huang Caiyu was shocked, her eyes filled with disbelief.

She had previously begged Huang Xinglie to lend her the Golden Silk Armor for their journey into the Cloud Ze Secret Realm, but he had flatly refused.

Yet now—

Huang Xinglie had willingly given this valuable armor to an outsider like Wei Tu.

This realization frustrated her immensely.

“It’s just an upper second-rank defensive artifact. You already have two defensive treasures on you,” Huang Xinglie stated coldly, reprimanding her.

Huang Caiyu immediately fell silent, not daring to press further.

“Many thanks, Elder.”

Wei Tu bowed respectfully and accepted the Golden Silk Armor from the Golden Core elder.

At this moment, he fully understood why Huang Xinglie had chosen to gift him this artifact.

It was undoubtedly because the elder had taken notice of the mid-second rank talismans Wei Tu had given to Qin Zhenren earlier—showing appreciation for his talent in talisman arts.

After expressing his gratitude, Wei Tu sat down cross-legged and began refining the Golden Silk Armor.

Three to five days later.

Huang Xinglie retrieved the formation plate Wei Tu had seen before. Together with the other Golden Core cultivators, they began activating the formation to open the entrance to the Cloud Ze Secret Realm, which existed within a pocket dimension.

The previously small black vortex, now bathed in a dazzling array of five-colored light, gradually expanded until it fully revealed a dark portal inscribed with silver tadpole-like runes.

As soon as the black portal was unsealed, the pure spiritual energy that had accumulated within the secret realm for over two centuries gushed out, enveloping the area like a heavenly blessing.

Along with the spiritual energy, a mystical passageway covered in runes slowly materialized.

Without hesitation, the waiting Foundation Establishment cultivators moved swiftly, guided by their respective leaders, transforming into streaks of light as they rushed into the secret realm.

As he stepped through the black portal, Wei Tu followed the mystical passageway. At its end, a multicolored radiance shimmered before him.

Through this colorful barrier, he couldn’t see the specific scenery beyond, but he could sense the abundant spiritual energy and thriving vitality within.

Wei Tu extended his hand and touched the radiance.

In the next instant—

A wave of intense weightlessness washed over him, causing a dizzying nausea to surge through his mind. The sensation made his stomach churn, nearly causing him to retch.

However, Wei Tu had already been warned about this phenomenon by Huang Keren before they entered the Cloud Ze Secret Realm.

Thus, when the vertigo hit, he immediately focused his mind, steadying himself as he waited for the teleportation to conclude.

With a thud, he suddenly fell from the void, crashing onto solid ground.

Fortunately, Wei Tu had already prepared in advance. The protective talismans he had affixed to himself earlier instantly activated, forming a pale yellow protective shield that absorbed the impact.

As a result, he suffered no injuries, making a safe landing.

The moment he opened his eyes, Wei Tu found himself standing on a dark red rock formation, surrounded by rugged, uneven terrain.

Looking ahead, he noticed that seven steps away, there was a steep cliff.

A flicker of relief crossed his face—his luck had been relatively good.

Had he been teleported into the air above the cliff, even with talismans and defensive artifacts, he would have at least suffered some injuries from the fall.

“This should be Moyun Cliff, an outer region of the Cloud Ze Secret Realm, as described in the jade slip…”

Wei Tu retrieved the jade slip that Huang Xinglie had given him before they entered the secret realm.

Pressing it against his forehead, he carefully examined its contents, analyzing his current location and the surrounding environment.

The Cloud Ze Secret Realm, existing within a separate dimension, was vast—comparable to the size of three entire provinces within Zheng Kingdom.

Its internal layout was similar to the Demon Wolf Mountain Range, divided into outer, inner, and core regions.

The outer region, where Wei Tu currently was, had already been thoroughly explored in past centuries. As a result, it contained fewer spiritual resources, and the demonic beasts found here were relatively weak, making it the safest zone.

The inner region, though previously traversed by past cultivators, was constantly repopulated by beasts from the core region over time. Thus, despite being mapped out, it remained highly dangerous.

As for the core region, it was both rich in treasures and rife with peril, home to high-level spiritual herbs but also late-stage second-rank demonic beasts, many of which dominated entire territories.

“The inner region has seven locations marked by the Heshan Huang Clan as sites where Golden Core-grade spiritual herbs grow.”

“Four of these sites overlap with those marked by the Qiyue Zhao Clan, which only recorded five total locations.”

“It seems that most cultivators entering the Cloud Ze Secret Realm will be targeting these specific areas.”

Wei Tu compared the two different sets of intelligence reports and pondered in silence.

“However, it’s highly unlikely that these are the only areas of interest to the Heshan Huang Clan. Huang Xinglie’s jade slip is probably holding back additional information.”

Wei Tu’s eyes flashed with understanding.

After all, he was just a guest cultivator—there was always the possibility that he might leave the Huang Clan.

Thus, no matter how much Huang Xinglie might appreciate his talent, it was impossible for the clan’s true secrets to be shared entirely with an outsider.

If Wei Tu had not collaborated with the Qiyue Zhao Clan in advance, he would never have discovered these discrepancies.

Of course, he didn’t hold a grudge against the Heshan Huang Clan for this level of caution—

This was simply human nature.

If he had been born into the Huang Clan, he would have done the same.

“The Cloud Ze Secret Realm remains open for three years.”

“There’s no rush to start exploring—I should wait for Wind-Cleaving Eagle’s advancement first.”

Wei Tu glanced down from Moyun Cliff, carefully surveying the surrounding terrain before turning toward a nearby cave.

Once inside, he released Wind-Cleaving Eagle from his spirit beast pouch.

The large condor-like beast spread its wings, letting out a sharp cry as it circled around Wei Tu.

Wei Tu then took out two items—a pill bottle and a jade box.

Inside the pill bottle was a beast-advancement elixir, the Golden Ganoderma Pill, which he had previously purchased from Qin Zhenren.

Inside the jade box was a second-rank spiritual herb, the Dark Nether Grass, which he had obtained after slaying the Scarlet-Eyed Python in the Demon Wolf Mountains.

Wind-Cleaving Eagle immediately snatched the pill bottle with its beak, tossing back the Golden Ganoderma Pill in one gulp.

In an instant—

A wave of pressure surged from Wind-Cleaving Eagle’s body, releasing the distinct aura of a late second-rank demonic beast.

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