Lie Feng watched as the mysterious woman stepped down from the stage and joined a sturdy old man and a young maidservant.
The scene he had just witnessed left a lasting impression on him—he had not expected such a figure to appear in the tournament. That woman had clearly not even used her full strength, yet she had felled all her opponents in an instant.
Fortunately, in the earlier group matches, he had not faced her, or the outcome might have been uncertain. But who exactly was she? Judging from her youthful appearance, she had already reached the peak of the Fourth Realm—a remarkable feat among her peers.
While pondering about the woman, Lie Feng lowered his head and walked down the steps of the arena—until he noticed two pairs of feet blocking his path. Looking up, he found himself facing a swordsman and a scholar.
The swordsman stood solemnly, arms crossed, holding his sword against his chest.The scholar held a battered folding fan, his robes bearing patches and stains, but he smiled warmly."Congratulations, sir, on your victory and securing the qualification to enter the secret realm."
Seeing both men clasp their hands in courtesy, Lie Feng returned the salute."Thank you. May I ask who the two of you are?"
The scholar smiled."My name is Ji Wushi, as you can see, just a down-and-out scholar. And this here is my friend, Zheng Jian."
"I am Lie Feng. May I ask what business you have with me?"
"Nothing in particular," Ji Wushi replied. "We merely witnessed your brilliance on the stage, admired you greatly, and came to make your acquaintance."
At that moment Zheng Jian spoke."That throw you used on the platform just now—it didn't look like something a cultivator would use. Were you perhaps once a martial artist?"
"Yes," Lie Feng replied. "I studied martial arts under my parents when I was young. It was not until I turned ten that I stepped onto the path of cultivation."
"In that case, your martial prowess shouldn't be so high. Why, then, are your martial skills so outstanding?"
Lie Feng explained,"I actually began training at seven. By the age of eight, I had already mastered everything my parents could teach me, and later I learned other techniques from different seniors. Honestly, I don't know why, but every time I see martial techniques, I feel a strange sense of familiarity. Most of them I can learn after watching just once or twice."
Ji Wushi laughed."Doesn't that simply prove you are a man of extraordinary talent?"
But Lie Feng did not laugh. He knew that while his comprehension of martial techniques was exceptional, when it came to his master Chang Qingzi's specialty—alchemy—he was the weakest among the three disciples.
Just then, Chang Qingzi came forward and said,"Forgive the interruption, gentlemen. I have words to discuss with my disciple alone. Might I trouble you to excuse us?"
Ji Wushi bowed slightly."Not at all. Then I will take my leave. Brother Lie Feng, I hope we meet again someday."
With that, he and Zheng Jian turned and left.
As they walked away, Ji Wushi said to Zheng Jian,"I told you—sometimes coming to watch the excitement leads to unexpected surprises. See? Was I not right?"
Zheng Jian nodded."He is indeed extraordinary. So? You intend to recruit him?"
"That is exactly my intention," Ji Wushi replied. "In fact, I believe he may be the very one we've been searching for."
Zheng Jian fell silent for a moment before answering,"If your divination is correct, then nothing could be better. But I fear he will not agree to join us."
"Not necessarily. Let's not rush back yet. The secret realm will remain open for only one hour. When he comes out, we'll invite him for a drink and form a good bond. Who knows—perhaps it will be useful someday."
Once the two were out of sight, Chang Qingzi turned back toward Lie Feng and Qin Fen, who stood not far away."You two have worked hard. Qin Fen, come here."
Qin Fen walked forward. Chang Qingzi drew two jade tokens from his robe and handed one to each of them."These are teleportation talismans. If any danger arises, simply channel your spiritual energy into them, and you will be transported to safety."
Qin Fen frowned in confusion."Master, we are only entering the secret realm to gather spiritual herbs as rewards. Even if there are conflicts, surely it won't be life-threatening. Why would we need such things?"
Chang Qingzi sighed."There are reasons I cannot explain. Just remember this: if danger appears, do not act rashly. Your lives are what matter most."
Both disciples answered together,"Yes, Master."
Lie Feng noticed his master gazing at him intently and asked,"Master, is there something else you wish to say?"
Chang Qingzi sighed again."Lie Feng, I know your temperament well. You are calm and steady, yet quick to act on impulse. You must take my words to heart."
Lie Feng grinned playfully."Alright, Master, don't be so fussy. Rest assured, your disciple will return safe and sound."
Chang Qingzi simply closed his eyes and raised his hands in dismissal, signaling them to go join the others at the place where the secret realm would open.
At that moment, Yuan Hong stood before the assembled contestants who had advanced."I am Yuan Hong, the City Lord of Central State. First, congratulations to all of you for reaching this stage. As you know, the court wishes to encourage your cultivation efforts, and thus grants you this rare chance to enter a secret realm that opens only once every ten years.
Inside, you may gather as many spiritual herbs as you wish to aid your cultivation. But remember this well—the secret realm will remain open for only one hour. Be sure to return within that time!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than a vast spatial rift opened in the sky above the arena.
Yuan Hong raised his voice,"The secret realm has opened. Please, proceed."
One after another, the contestants soared into the glowing portal. When Lie Feng took off as well, Yuan Hong exchanged a glance with his subordinates, and three men quickly followed him in.
Since time was short, the participants scattered to search for precious high-grade herbs.
Lie Feng, however, remained still. He turned to Qin Fen."Senior Brother, shall we act together?"
"It's better to move alone," Qin Fen answered without hesitation, then dashed off in another direction.
In truth, Lie Feng had no wish to travel with him. He had asked only to send him away, for Chang Qingzi had warned him not to let anyone know of his true purpose.
Standing quietly, he waited until Qin Fen's figure disappeared into the distance. Then Lie Feng rose into the air, drew a map from his robes, confirmed his surroundings, and sped off toward the marked location.
The secret realm was indeed filled with spiritual herbs. Even as he traveled, Lie Feng passed countless treasures, some of which others were already fighting over.
But he ignored everything, racing straight for the location shown on the map. Since the secret realm's purpose was solely to cultivate herbs, no wild beasts or demons lurked within, and his journey was unhindered.
At last, he reached his destination—a dilapidated wooden hut with its door left ajar.
A sense of unease struck him.Could someone else have arrived before me?
He rushed inside—and indeed, someone was already there.
It was none other than the mysterious woman who had defeated four opponents single-handedly.
At this moment, she stood puzzled, turning over in her hand a ring.