Chapter Fifteen: An Unexpected Windfall
Kunlun.
Since ancient times, it has been the birthplace of countless myths.
It is said that the Jade Void Palace, the sacred site of the Primordial Lord of Heaven—one of the Three Pure Ones in Daoism—stands atop Kunlun Mountain.
Of course, myths are elusive and hard to trace.
As one of the greatest secret realms in China, and indeed the entire world, the Kunlun Secret Realm has always been a fiercely contested domain among cultivators.
When Song Yue and the group from the Academy of Cultivation arrived at the secret realm’s base, led by Peng Song, the place was already teeming with practitioners.
There were also swarms of internet celebrities hoping to ride the wave, but they could only broadcast from the outskirts. The interior of the base had been sealed off.
Everyone holding a “secret realm ticket” carried an electronic chip.
With this chip, one could freely enter and exit the base before the secret realm opened.
Inside, the base was a vast, enclosed space. At the far end stood an ancient altar, shrouded in swirling, mystical energy—the gateway where the Kunlun Secret Realm was about to emerge.
When the realm opened, a gap more than a meter wide would form within that haze. Those present could then pass through into the secret realm itself.
With each opening, the Kunlun Secret Realm remained accessible for about half a month. In other words, unless one wished to be trapped inside for sixty years, they had to return to the portal within those fifteen days.
Within the base, the space was divided into three camps: the Eastern and Western factions of Earth, and the camp of the alien returnees to their home planet.
Each camp contained sprawling new buildings, complete with all necessary facilities.
Rest and daily life were well provided for.
In the Eastern camp, China claimed more than five hundred slots; the remaining hundred-plus were divided among various smaller nations.
These minor countries didn't object; they were well aware that sheltering under China’s great tree was to their benefit. Though there might be small schemes at play, all knew well who truly held power.
Thus, when Song Yue and his companions entered the base and came to the Eastern camp, everyone seemed amicable enough.
Counting Song Yue and the vice-dean Peng Song, the Academy of Cultivation had brought sixty-three people.
Together with other practitioners from Hangzhou, they were housed in one building.
The rooms were like suites in a high-end hotel, their facilities all new—clear evidence of the authorities’ considerable effort to ensure the comfort of this expedition.
They strove to create an illusion of peace.
Yes, Song Yue and everyone else understood clearly: all those gathered in this massive, enclosed space could, once inside the secret realm, become enemies at any moment.
Even those by their side.
At certain moments, human greed could be magnified beyond measure.
Zhang Zixing was also in this building.
Song Yue and Qian Qianxue ran into him by chance as they were preparing to head to the dining hall.
Zhang Zixing glanced at Song Yue without expression, his gaze passing over him lightly as he brushed past.
Both sides seemed calm.
Qian Qianxue was a little worried.
During dinner, she whispered, “Will he cause you trouble once we’re inside?”
Song Yue, chewing his food, looked up at her and grinned. “If he comes looking for trouble, will you help me?”
Qian Qianxue’s starry eyes blinked as she looked at him. “Of course!”
“Then I’ll count on you!” Song Yue laughed.
That afternoon, the Academy of Cultivation held a closed-door meeting in the building’s multifunctional hall.
Old Peng stood at the podium, gazing at the sixty-odd treasured students below.
“This trial is very different from those before!” he began, his expression solemn, his voice earnest. “Within the Kunlun Secret Realm lie countless opportunities, but also unimaginable dangers!”
“I hope you will aid each other and keep watch over one another.”
“Our Academy is a single entity; so, too, is the entire Chinese community of cultivators.”
“Do not let greed cloud your eyes. But also, do not let yourselves be harmed by those blinded by greed.”
“You’ve never experienced a trial like this before, so be extremely cautious,” Old Peng said, glancing in Song Yue’s direction. “People’s hearts are unpredictable. Learn from Song Yue—his shamelessness, thick skin, courage, and resourcefulness are all qualities essential for exploring a secret realm!”
Laughter broke out.
Song Yue couldn’t help glaring at Old Peng. It sounded like praise, but wasn’t it also a sly jab?
Old Peng could be quite petty.
“You must guard against strangers—be they Westerners, or the returning aliens—but also keep an eye on some within the Eastern camp.”
“And remember, there are native denizens in the Kunlun Secret Realm!”
Peng Song looked at everyone. “If you encounter them, avoid conflict if possible. They typically won’t attack outsiders lightly unless provoked, but if you end up alone, you must be extremely careful.”
Peng Song sighed. “To be honest, I almost wish you weren’t going in. You’re all so young, so inexperienced.”
“But this is a rare opportunity—the great secret realm opens only once every sixty years. It would be a shame to miss it.”
“And besides, you fledglings will one day soar to the heavens.”
“So let this be your beginning!”
“I wish you all success and a safe return!”
With that, Old Peng bowed deeply to the group.
A round of applause erupted from the audience.
Song Yue clapped gently as well. Old Peng might be petty, but he was a good man.
Though he led the team, he could only bring them this far. Now, everything would depend on these elite youths from the Academy.
Old Peng stepped down from the stage and approached Song Yue, speaking earnestly: “Song Yue, after all these days, you know how important this journey is. I’m not asking for guarantees, but for the sake of all those you’ve bullied over the years, protect them.”
Song Yue assumed an innocent expression. “Now, Old Peng, that’s unfair. What do you mean, bullied? I was just exchanging friendly bouts! Ask anyone, isn’t that right?”
A chorus of boos rose from behind.
Unfazed, Song Yue said to Old Peng, “Don’t worry, we’re all good neighbors. I’ll do my best to look after them. And you, Old Peng, don’t fret so much—don’t be such a mother hen. Trust your students; they’re all advanced cultivators now. The only thing they lack is real combat experience!”
“So, just tell them one thing.”
Peng Song looked at him.
Song Yue turned to the crowd and declared, “If others don’t trouble us, we won’t trouble them. But if they do—then to hell with them!”
The words instantly ignited the stuffy atmosphere of the hall. The Academy’s young men all cheered.
That was the spirit they wanted!
They were young, passionate, and a bit wild. Each carried lethal skills, and who didn’t want to storm the world?
Ordinarily, strict rules prevented advanced cultivators from acting freely. Once one reached the seventh stage of Qi Nourishment, becoming a high-level practitioner, they could no longer act at will—especially not against ordinary people.
It was no joke. If caught, the punishment was severe.
So, all these high-level students, often pushed around by Song Yue, had long been itching for an outlet.
Even without his words, they were ready to show their mettle in the secret realm.
If no one caused trouble, fine. But if anyone did, they’d show them that cultivators were no pushovers!
Old Peng leaned toward Song Yue and muttered, “Take it easy—don’t lead these kids astray!”
Song Yue grinned. “Relax! There isn’t a single weakling among these sixty-plus.”
Old Peng was taken aback. Since when had this rascal become so modest?
Then Song Yue added, “Of course, I’m still the strongest of all!”
Another round of boos.
The final pre-departure meeting ended in laughter and excitement.
The young advanced cultivators brimmed with confidence, all imagining the adventures ahead.
At the end, Old Peng dismissed everyone but stopped Song Yue.
He still wore a look of concern as he said, “I heard you have a conflict with Zhang Zixing from the Star Martial Pavilion?”
Song Yue nodded—it wasn’t a secret, and the Academy had been involved in its origins.
Peng Song warned, “Forgive me for nagging, but in modern society, we all follow basic rules. Inside the secret realm, you’ll need to adapt quickly to a very different code.”
“Law of the jungle,” Song Yue replied.
Peng Song nodded. “Exactly. Someone needs to remind them.”
He then, as if performing a magic trick, produced another glass vial like the one before. “There’s another liter of marrow-cleansing elixir here, Song Yue. You’re far more mature than your peers, so let me be honest—take this. You know its value. Protect my students.”
Looking at the vial, Song Yue suddenly felt that Old Peng’s favors didn’t come cheap.
Still, he accepted it. “I’ll do my best to bring everyone back safe and sound. But Old Peng, if you’d given me this earlier, maybe I’d be even stronger by now.”
Peng Song rolled his eyes. “You think marrow-washing elixir is like mineral water, available in endless supply? I had to beg our alchemists to brew these!”
Song Yue chuckled. “Old Peng, do you have a storage space?”
Peng Song turned away. “No!”
The base was abuzz with life.
In the public areas, a small marketplace had formed.
Every opening of the secret realm was a grand gathering for cultivators.
It was a chance to exchange goods and ideas.
At such cultivator-only markets, one could sometimes unearth remarkable items.
It tested both your insight and your knowledge.
Song Yue excelled at this.
Since childhood, he had learned a vast range of arcane knowledge from his master.
After dinner, he dragged the reluctant Qian Qianxue out to stroll through the marketplace.
“You’re a girl—how can you not like shopping?” Song Yue lectured as they walked. “Cultivation requires a balance of work and rest!”
“I don’t like shopping,” Qian Qianxue replied helplessly, trailing behind.
“You have to open your heart to embrace the world. Besides, you do have a generous heart...” Song Yue trailed off.
Qian Qianxue glared. “Song Yue, if you keep talking nonsense, I’m going back!”
Song Yue laughed. “I’m serious. You can’t just be a bookworm all your life. You have to engage with the world, or you’ll always be a hothouse flower.”
As they talked, they entered the market.
Though Qian Qianxue disliked crowded places, she was soon captivated by the dazzling array of goods.
The alien returnees’ stalls offered high-tech items rarely seen on Earth.
“Come and see—energy beam gun, charges in ten minutes, usable three times! Can easily pierce three-centimeter steel plate—a must-have for travel, murder, and robbery! Only three million Chinese yuan! Cash only, no foreign currency!”
“Check out my alloy spear—pierces five-centimeter steel plate with ease, far superior to those energy guns! Detachable, easy to carry! Only five million Chinese yuan, cash only!”
A Westerner grumbled, “Why only Chinese currency?”
“Because the yuan doesn’t depreciate—your Western money is worthless!” retorted the black-haired youth selling the alloy spears, shooting a lazy glare at the energy gun vendor.
The Westerners felt slighted but, interested in the weapons, bit back their anger and began bargaining.
Song Yue was intrigued, but the prices killed his enthusiasm.
Far too expensive!
But Qian Qianxue eyed him and asked softly, “Do you want one? I can buy it for you.”
Song Yue glanced at her. “Have money to burn? Those things are surely dirt cheap on their planet—anyone who pays these prices is a fool. They’ll just use our cash to buy all sorts of cultivation supplies and rare ingredients... Trust me, don’t buy.”
Qian Qianxue was speechless.
She’d simply thought the detachable alloy spear would suit Song Yue. Though she’d never seen him use weapons, a true martial artist was usually skilled with all eighteen classic arms.
They wandered a bit more, finally stopping at a stall manned by a Chinese youth.
His wares differed from the rest—the cloth spread out before him was covered with aged, decaying relics.
Or at least, so they seemed.
Many people crowded around.
“Magical artifacts, a hundred thousand apiece—no bargaining, no returns,” the youth said calmly.
Cultivators—Earthlings, Westerners, and aliens alike—were all drawn to magical tools.
Yet most hesitated.
No one wanted to pay the fool’s tax.
Someone challenged him: “Who sells magical artifacts for a hundred thousand each?”
The youth replied serenely, “My family does.”
Everyone fell silent.
He added, “These are all unearthed relics, verified to have been used by cultivators...”
He picked up a palm-sized seal with a chipped corner and declared, “See this inscription? ‘Great Daoist Hermit’!”
Someone exclaimed, “I’ve heard of the Great Daoist Hermit—an ancient master! Is this really his seal?”
“Of course,” said the youth.
“A hundred thousand?” The man squeezed forward, eager. “I’ll take it!”
He scanned the QR code, paid, and took the seal.
“Must be a shill,” someone muttered.
No one had ever heard of the Great Daoist Hermit!
Still, seeing the youth’s nonchalance, many couldn’t resist and knelt down to examine the items.
Qian Qianxue glanced at Song Yue, who was staring intently at a dirty, battered jade slip on the stall. She wanted to ask, but the crowd was thick.
Suddenly, Song Yue stepped forward, scanned the code, and transferred a hundred thousand.
The youth was momentarily surprised. “Which do you want?”
“Aren’t they all the same price?” Song Yue smiled. “I can take any, right?”
The youth nodded.
Song Yue picked up the mud-stained, poorly preserved jade slip. “This one.”
Someone in the crowd sneered, “Typical brute—thinks any jade slip is a treasure. Even if it’s real and unearthed, it doesn’t have a single character on it. How much could it be worth?”
Song Yue glanced at the source of the voice and saw it was the blond young man he’d met at the Star Martial Pavilion. Annoyed, he retorted, “I’ll spend a hundred thousand on a piece of jade if I want—what’s it to you?”
He ignored the blond youth and pulled Qian Qianxue away.
The blond, Ouping, watched Song Yue’s back with a cold smile, then turned to Zhang Zixing. “That girl’s not bad—bright eyes, lovely figure.”
Zhang Zixing replied with a knowing grin, “Once we’re back from the secret realm, I can arrange a high-end gathering...”
Ouping said, “Too much trouble.”
Zhang Zixing immediately understood and laughed, “Then we’ll see inside the secret realm.”
The two walked off together.
Back in his room, Song Yue realized Qian Qianxue hadn’t bought a thing the whole night; she’d gone straight to her room upon returning.
“Calling you ‘Big Brother Qian’ is truly fitting,” Song Yue muttered.
He picked up the jade slip and went to the bathroom, turning on the tap to wash off the mud.
The slip was less than twenty centimeters long, a centimeter thick, three centimeters wide—overall, quite unremarkable, and indeed, blank.
But to judge it worthless based solely on that would be true ignorance.
Song Yue privately scoffed at the blond foreigner’s lack of culture. He was just about to take the next step when the doorbell suddenly rang.
He thought it was Qian Qianxue, but opening the door revealed Meng Xudong’s face.
“Huh? You?” Song Yue was surprised. “Little Meng, what are you doing at a cultivators’ gathering like this?”