Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Three Realms of the Grandmaster
The chapter is long, so bear with it and read slowly.
The newcomers were forceful, their attitude uncompromising; even before they arrived, their voices rang out in reprimand, clearly regarding the young trial-takers from the outside world as beneath their notice.
Almost everyone gathered here was dissatisfied, yet no one spoke up in immediate retort. Instead, it was the elder Miao Qiang, who had led Song Yue, Xiao Qi, and their group, who addressed the arrivals in a gentle tone: “Whether the underground palace can be opened remains uncertain. Everyone gathers here in hope of a chance; whether from the secret realm or the mortal world, we are kin and share the same lineage—there is no need to drive people away.”
At the head of the approaching group was a middle-aged man, his expression cold as he looked at the elder and said, “Miao Qiang, since when did you turn into the good old man?”
It was this middle-aged man who had just rebuked the crowd, and now he showed no leniency even to his fellow secret realm native, Miao Qiang, his manner forceful.
Even those beside him couldn’t help but mock, “Just a martial brute—it's remarkable the realm tolerates you. Best not bring trouble on yourself!”
Another man, appearing thirty-six or thirty-seven, smirked and said to Miao Qiang, “Matters of cultivation are not for martial brutes to meddle in. Mr. Miao, you’d do better to go home and make babies.”
The group accompanying the middle-aged man burst into laughter.
Several young people beside Miao Qiang flushed red, feeling stifled.
Those who pursued martial arts as their path held low status in the secret realm, often looked down upon. Fortunately, the realm was vast and sparsely inhabited, so relations had remained relatively peaceful.
Yet today, these newcomers showed not a shred of respect.
Miao Qiang felt embarrassed too, being so openly berated in front of young outsiders. He struggled to maintain composure and, still gentle, replied, “We are all cultivators. Let us not belittle martial artists.”
“Hahaha, a martial brute reasoning?”
“Not that he wants to reason—he’d rather fight. The key is, he can’t win!”
“Enough, we’re all from the secret realm. Give him some face. Miao Qiang, you should leave. Whether the palace opens or not, it’s little concern of yours,” a mature woman, just over forty, said with a smile.
Song Yue and the other outsiders were bewildered—weren’t the secret realm natives supposed to be united?
Yet here they were, quarreling amongst themselves.
The cultivators from the academy had a good impression of Miao Qiang; previously, they thought him somewhat hypocritical, but seeing him now, it seemed they might have misjudged him.
In this situation, he was the only one to step forward, and none could fault him.
Miao Qiang looked at the woman, his tone gentle: “Wang Jing, years ago we entered the secret realm together, and have maintained some friendship. Will you now become a cold, unfeeling native, severing yourself from the mortal world?”
Wang Jing smiled softly: “Miao Qiang, I am not like you. I am a cultivator, with no ties in the mortal world. Unlike you, whose family and friends remain there. If you truly wish to protect these outsiders, why not gather some good spiritual herbs and leave with them? If you stay longer, you may die of old age here, your bones buried within.”
Miao Qiang sighed and shook his head, then turned to the middle-aged man: “Wang Xu, this secret realm does not belong to any individual or organization, and besides, the underground palace has not yet opened—”
Just then, the earth near the palace entrance trembled softly.
A rainbow of clouds rose from that place!
“My God, the palace has opened!”
“Has it really opened?”
People cried out in amazement, gazing toward it.
Even Wang Xu and his group were stunned. This palace, suspected to be the residence of a Celestial Sovereign, was a place they visited several times a year, yet it had never shown signs of opening.
This time, he hadn’t even come to enter the palace, but to find someone!
His youngest son and several disciples had sneaked out two days ago, and there had been no news since. It was suspected they went to trouble the outsiders.
Now, with no word from them, worry drove him to bring people to search.
Upon arrival, he found a large crowd of outsiders gathered at the supposed Celestial Sovereign’s site, which aggravated his already restless mood.
Seeing Miao Qiang—the oft-disparaged martial brute—here, and daring to defend the outsiders, he tore off all pretense and reprimanded openly.
He never imagined the palace would open at such a moment!
They had made almost no preparations.
As the rainbow clouds soared, a massive stone gate slowly appeared, towering over ten meters high, covered in dense runes and radiating an intimidating presence.
The next moment, the gate opened!
A surge of immense spiritual energy burst forth.
Everyone’s eyes shone with excitement.
Some, impatient, rushed toward the gate.
Danger?
What danger could a Celestial Sovereign’s domain hold?
Except for demonic cultivators, how many would make their residence a place of traps and gloom?
As a Western faction cultivator neared the gate, the thirty-six or thirty-seven-year-old man beside Wang Xu narrowed his eyes. Without visible movement, a streak of fire descended from above, engulfing the Western cultivator.
The young Western cultivator shrieked in agony, rolling on the ground.
Companions used water techniques to extinguish the flames.
But pouring water only made the fire fiercer, as if oil had been added.
In the blink of an eye, a young life was reduced to ashes.
The air was thick with the smell of burning flesh.
Everyone was terrified, frozen in place.
Song Yue squinted, a thought flashing through his mind: Foundation Establishment!
That seemingly young man possessed such terrifying cultivation!
No wonder he had dared mock Miao Qiang so wantonly.
The thirty-six or thirty-seven-year-old man said coldly, “Westerners want to enter our Huaxia’s palace? Dream on! I don’t care about outside rules—here, Westerners stay away from the palace!”
He glanced at the red-haired and blonde woman who had previously clashed with Song Yue.
Red-hair turned and left.
Blonde woman left without hesitation.
At such a moment, even reasoning was meaningless.
The opponent was too powerful!
Yet they smoldered with anger—the palace had opened, a millennium’s opportunity was before them, but it had nothing to do with them!
They prepared to summon Western faction experts—Foundation Establishment was formidable, but among secret realm explorers, not all were mere youths.
Young people obtained secret realm quotas mostly for training, but the powerful came for more than that.
All Westerners retreated silently.
Miao Qiang sighed helplessly. He disliked the Westerners too; sixty years ago, he and the thirty-six or thirty-seven-year-old man were both participants in the Battle of Kunlun.
He knew why the man hated Westerners—many of his senior brothers and friends died at their hands.
Then, the man looked at Song Yue’s group, his attitude cold and firm: “You should leave as well. Here for training? Go gather spiritual herbs, hunt beasts—these are enough for growth and wealth. The palace is not for you!”
Song Yue nodded obediently, glanced at Qian Qianxue and Xiao Qi: “Let’s go.”
He knew exactly why the palace had opened, so when told to leave, he turned away without hesitation.
If he left and they could still enter, it would be a miracle!
The other Eastern faction cultivators stayed silent, planning to leave with him.
With Foundation Establishment-level experts around, they were no match, even if they had their own Foundation Establishment cultivators. Who knew how many more such experts were lurking?
Song Yue had barely taken a few steps when cries of alarm rang out behind him.
“The stone gate is sinking!”
“What’s happening?”
“Has the palace closed again?”
The gate, surrounded by rainbow clouds, began to sink slowly into the earth as Song Yue and his group departed.
Wang Jing said to Wang Xu: “It’s likely one of those young people is fated with the palace. Perhaps… let them stay.”
Even though Wang Xu was unwilling, he did not want to miss a top-tier palace.
He called out, “Stop, come back.”
Many academy students showed a hint of anger.
This man was too arrogant!
Ordering them about as he pleased.
Everyone looked to Song Yue.
Song Yue, however, said nothing and continued walking.
He could open the palace at any time—why let the secret realm natives enter?
“I said stop, come back!” Wang Xu’s voice turned icy. A young man beside him summoned a flying sword, sending it toward the back of Song Yue’s head.
He didn’t intend to kill, only to halt him.
Miao Qiang reacted, striking out with his palm. An explosive sound echoed as the flying sword was sent flying.
The young man shouted angrily, “Miao Qiang—”
The usually gentle, good-natured Miao Qiang suddenly glared, his aura exploding, and from ten meters away, he struck at the young man!
An invisible force distorted the air, blasting toward him.
Wang Xu and Wang Jing acted together, raising a defensive shield.
Miao Qiang’s force struck the shield with a thunderous crash.
Behind the shield, the young man paled, staggered back several steps, and spat blood.
“What are you? Enough already? I slew countless cultivators in the Battle of Kunlun!”
Miao Qiang sounded calm, as though emotionally unmoved, yet none present—including Wang Jing and Wang Xu—dared to retort.
Song Yue’s eyes lit up as he watched Miao Qiang.
A Martial Grandmaster!
Who would’ve thought this seemingly meek, oft-mocked elder possessed such terrifying power?
A Martial Grandmaster versus a Foundation Establishment cultivator—it’s hard to say who would win!
If the Foundation Establishment cultivator lacked battle experience, he might well be crushed by the Grandmaster.
Miao Qiang glanced at Wang Xu and Wang Jing, saying blandly: “Look down on martial artists if you must. But best wait until you reach the Penetration Realm before being so arrogant!”
He strode away, his young disciples suddenly revitalized, their spirits transformed.
They showed no provocative looks, but their demeanor was different.
Following Miao Qiang, they all felt honored.
What’s wrong with being a martial artist?
Can’t martial artists outshine cultivators?
The young man who spat blood after Miao Qiang’s strike spat again onto the ground. Though he appeared young, he had taken many rejuvenating herbs and spiritual nests; in truth, he was one of those who entered the secret realm with Miao Qiang years ago, lingering here.
There had always been grudges between him and Miao Qiang, though Miao Qiang advocated harmony, making him part of the “gentle faction” in the secret realm. Who could have guessed that the mild-mannered would be so frightening when angered?
More surprising was that today, Miao Qiang seemed to have progressed far along the Grandmaster’s path!
Seeing Miao Qiang leave, he didn’t even utter a threat.
In the world of cultivators, unlike ordinary people, threats can bring devastating consequences.
Meanwhile, the palace gate had sunk entirely into the earth.
Peace returned.
Wang Xu and Wang Jing realized that the palace’s opening was probably tied to the outsiders.
Someone among them must be deeply connected to the palace!
The previous palaces opened just as mysteriously—no pattern, no reason found.
But regret was useless now.
Even if they wanted to force the group back, Miao Qiang would never allow it.
“Damn!” The thirty-six or thirty-seven-year-old Foundation Establishment cultivator cursed. “Miao Qiang, that old fox, wants to monopolize the palace’s resources!”
Wang Xu said coldly, “We’ll wait here. If they want to enter the palace, they must return before the secret realm’s gate opens again!”
Someone asked, “What about those children—”
Wang Xu replied indifferently, “Don’t search for them! Wait here! If anything happens to them, I’ll slaughter all those outsiders—none will survive!”
Song Yue’s group hadn’t gone far; everyone felt a bit unwilling.
Except for Song Yue, no one understood why the palace gate appeared and vanished.
To miss such a chance, it stung.
They lingered by a small lake, Miao Qiang catching up, primarily suspicious of Xiao Qi.
Earlier, it was this young man who first pointed out the site’s uniqueness and seemed confident about entering the palace.
Appearances can be deceiving—youth does not preclude talent.
Miao Qiang never looked down on young people; during the Battle of Kunlun, many dazzling youths displayed unrivaled power.
Wang Jing and Wang Xu, too, had once been young prodigies. After staying in the secret realm, they soon entered Foundation Establishment, becoming “immortals” admired by many.
There was no reason to look down on outsiders; except for those born in the secret realm’s successive generations, all had come from outside.
“Senior Miao, thank you for helping us,” Song Yue greeted Miao Qiang as he approached.
This was a Martial Grandmaster, akin to his master and mistress—a common idol for all martial artists. Song Yue was respectful.
Miao Qiang nodded, smiling: “Don’t mind those people. Some went through the Battle of Kunlun sixty years ago and turned twisted; others are second or third generations, with no affection for the outside world.”
Song Yue nodded, smiling: “I understand.”
Miao Qiang scrutinized Song Yue, surprised: “Young man, how old are you?”
Song Yue replied, “Eighteen, senior.”
“So young!” Miao Qiang was astonished. “Only eighteen… and already near the second Grandmaster realm, a seasoned Grandmaster?”
Xiao Qi couldn’t help asking, “Senior Miao, are there realms within the Grandmaster rank?”
Some academy students recovered from their disappointment and looked at Miao Qiang, curious about Song Yue’s strength.
It’s said the highest tech from alien worlds can measure the combat power of those below Foundation Establishment and martial Grandmasters, but such devices are rare and consume vast energy. None here had seen one.
Miao Qiang looked at Song Yue, a hint of appreciation, his tone gentle: “Why don’t you explain?”
Song Yue said, “There are three Grandmaster realms. The first, blood and energy can be projected, organs resonate, metabolism is rapid, ordinary weapons barely wound, and healing is much faster than normal.”
“The second—I’ve named ‘Opening the Apertures.’”
Actually, his mistress taught him this, but Song Yue didn’t want to reveal his ties to his master and mistress.
“Opening the Ren and Du meridians marks the start of the second realm; the true completion is opening all the body’s acupoints.”
Miao Qiang smiled wryly: “Full completion of the second realm… is very hard. Though I’ve been a Grandmaster for years, many acupoints remain unopened—partly due to limited talent, so I opened only the major points; partly, resources are scarce.”
Someone asked in disbelief, “Even in the secret realm, resources are scarce?”
Miao Qiang shook his head: “You don’t understand. Martial artists need very special, rare resources, and even here, not every place can be reached—many forbidden zones are guarded by powerful demons.”
Demons!
Everyone was surprised.
They exist in the mortal world, but mostly hidden and low-profile, rarely appearing openly.
Those that remain in the mortal world are strong and adept at concealment; even if visible, identification is difficult.
Miao Qiang said, “Go on.”
Song Yue knew the elder was testing him, so he continued: “The third Grandmaster realm is spiritual power. Only when a martial artist can train their spiritual force do they become a true expert, no longer helpless against cultivators’ mental attacks.”
These lessons came after he was ambushed by the young golden-haired one; his master explained after revealing himself as a Grandmaster.
Otherwise, he might have been stumped today.
Many martial artists who reach Grandmaster don’t know this.
They think Grandmaster is merely strong or weak.
But each realm confers distinct abilities.
A small difference in rank means a huge difference in combat power!
Miao Qiang nodded with satisfaction, pleased: “Who is your teacher, young man?”
Song Yue answered sincerely: “My master.”
This was his first public admission of the connection.
Xiao Meng looked envious; the academy students were shocked—the notorious rogue was his master’s student?
My God… Why would the master take him?
Xiao Qi was deeply shocked—Song Yue was the master’s student? No wonder he recognized ancient texts!
Miao Qiang was stunned, murmuring, “Lu Shengfu… that explains it.”
He looked at Song Yue and asked, “Would you be willing to learn a few things from me?”
He had considered taking Song Yue as a disciple, but hearing his teacher’s identity, he abandoned the idea.
Still, he didn’t want to miss the chance to leave a connection.
Years of experience taught him: kindness brings good returns.
He often told those around him: “Plant flowers, not thorns.”
Song Yue didn’t act smart or cheeky; he waited for this. His master and mistress were Grandmasters, but Song Yue didn’t mind learning from other experts.
A man aspiring to be a Martial Saint must learn from all.
He bowed: “Student Song Yue greets Teacher Miao!”
Miao Qiang was delighted—such an obedient child!
No trace of martial arrogance—a good kid!
He knew who Lu Shengfu was—sixty years ago, a peerless prodigy, called ‘Master’ at fourteen, and not as a joke!
In many peers’ eyes, he was a born immortal!
Rumors said Lu Shengfu once entered a palace in the Kunlun secret realm alone, obtaining unimaginable fortune.
Had Wang Jing and Wang Xu known Song Yue’s identity earlier, they might not have been so forceful.
Then, Lu Shengfu drew Song Yue aside and began teaching him martial arts.
First, Miao Qiang taught Song Yue a palm technique, ‘Star-Cleaving Hand,’ which he had used earlier to strike down the young-looking cultivator.
“This technique has nine forms, each with four variations, making thirty-six moves. It’s complex; I’ll demonstrate once, teach you the method, and you can ponder it.”
Miao Qiang was earnest: “I obtained Star-Cleaving Hand years ago in the secret realm, trading many resources for it. It comes from a secret realm palace. The cultivators scorned martial arts, or they wouldn’t have traded it. The manual says, at its peak, one palm can split a mountain!”
Song Yue was amazed and skeptical—splitting a mountain… surely only possible for those who achieve sanctity through martial arts?
Miao Qiang said, “Sadly, my talent is limited—I can only split boulders and small hills.”
Song Yue: “…”
That’s impressive enough, Teacher!
Miao Qiang demonstrated the Star-Cleaving Hand.
His disciples watched, puzzled as to why their teacher valued this outsider, but said nothing.
No matter their thoughts, before this Grandmaster, they were obedient.
Song Yue learned it after one demonstration.
He memorized the method at once.
Miao Qiang said, “I don’t have the handwritten manual here. Memorize it; ask me if you forget.”
Song Yue replied, “I’ve learned it.”
Miao Qiang was surprised, then smiled: “Show me, then?”
He doubted anyone could learn it in one go.
When he acquired Star-Cleaving Hand, he was nearly a Grandmaster, well-versed in martial arts.
Even so, it took him five days to learn it.
His best disciple took eight or nine days.
Song Yue stood, performed the moves and method, not using full power, but wind and thunder sounded from his hands.
Miao Qiang was astonished.
His disciples were dumbfounded.
Could anyone be so gifted?
This wasn’t mere photographic memory—it was genius!
Xiao Meng, who was trying to learn by watching, was also stunned.
He only memorized a few lines of the method, a tenth of the moves; Song Yue had mastered it in one go.
Mastered it!!!
Is he even human?
Originally intending to teach Song Yue just one skill, Miao Qiang couldn’t help but teach another. Such a prodigy is irresistible to any teacher.
This kid is smart, talented, and, crucially, obedient!
Even if not his disciple, they’d have a teacher-student bond.
Upon return, having such a student would help him integrate into society faster.
And Song Yue was Lu Shengfu’s student—a stroke of fate!
Yes, Miao Qiang wanted to leave.
Sixty years passed in a blink; he was old.
Marriage, children, disciples in the secret realm, utterly disconnected from the outside world.
Thinking he might never see his parents again, regret filled his heart.
In youth, he pursued martial arts, entering the secret realm decisively.
Years later, as husband and father, he missed his family, sometimes moved to tears.
So two years ago, he resolved to leave when the secret realm gate opened.
He’d saved enough resources; upon return, he could found a sect and be a Grandmaster in the mortal world.
Then locate his family, nurture them.
If his parents still lived, he’d bring them close and make up for sixty years of absence.
Miao Qiang was overwhelmed with emotion and taught Song Yue another skill, ‘Thunder Fist.’
“This fist, once mastered, strikes like thunder, with terrible power!”
“After you reach Grandmaster’s second realm and open Ren and Du meridians, first open all acupoints in your arms and hands. Open any you can. Your strength will multiply!”
He demonstrated Thunder Fist as he spoke.
“Thank you, Teacher Miao!” Song Yue quickly learned it, bowing in gratitude.
As a gifted martial artist, he understood the value of these teachings.
Even if martial artists are undervalued, top-tier skills are precious; the martial community is vast, and everyone craves better techniques.
Miao Qiang said, “Good child—you are so smart and talented, a rarity in my life. When we return, my children must learn from you!”
Return?
Song Yue was surprised: “Teacher, you’re leaving the secret realm?”
Miao Qiang sighed: “Yes, it’s been sixty years. Enough.”
Song Yue realized why Teacher Miao was so kind—he intended to leave the secret realm.
Whatever the case, Teacher Miao, unlike Wang Xu and Wang Jing, was a true martial artist!
In him, Song Yue sensed something his master and mistress possessed—the spirit of the great hero!
At this moment, Wang Jing and Wang Xu’s group approached.
Wang Jing smiled, greeting everyone: “Greetings. Apologies—Wang Xu’s mood was poor due to his child’s disappearance, and he offended you. I apologize on his behalf!”
She curtseyed, hands crossed at her abdomen—a traditional gesture.
No one strikes a smiling face; even knowing their motive, none could say more.
The academy students weren’t foolish; after all this time, many guessed the palace gate was linked to someone here.
Why else would it open when they arrived, and sink when they left?
Song Yue was resigned; he saw clearly that Wang Jing and Wang Xu, having seen the palace open, would not leave easily.
If he didn’t enter within ten days, he’d have to wait sixty years.
Wang Xu could wait; he could not.
Wang Xu now addressed the group: “Sorry—my attitude was too harsh. Also, Old Miao—”
He looked at Miao Qiang: “Sorry; I hope you won’t hold a grudge.”
Miao Qiang smiled: “Old Wang, though we don’t interact much, we’ve known each other for years. I won’t hold a grudge.”
The young-looking man struck by Miao Qiang also approached, head lowered: “Our issue is settled.”
Miao Qiang just smiled, saying nothing.
Settled?
Is it that easy?
He knew the man’s character well.
But it didn’t matter; he’d leave with family and disciples willing to go. Whether it was settled or not, so what?
In sixty years, all grudges are washed away—who will remember?
Wang Jing smiled: “Now that the misunderstanding is cleared, we can return and explore the palace together. Let those destined claim its treasures!”
Wang Xu suddenly said, “One more thing: when you entered the secret realm, did you encounter attacks from young natives?”
He claimed not to care, but among those missing was his beloved youngest son and several disciples. Their cultivation was weak due to youth, but with time, they’d become pillars.
Everyone was silent.
Of course they had!
Song Yue had chased them into the forest!
But who would betray Song Yue now?
No one even glanced at him.
Yet Song Yue stepped forward: “Senior Wang, when we entered, several secret realm natives attacked us, killing several.”
Wang Xu’s eyelids twitched: “And then?”
“Then they targeted us. As a martial artist, I dodged arrows and entered the forest to talk, but—”
“And then?” Wang Xu pressed.
He hadn’t expected the group to have interacted with his lost ones; Song Yue was sincere, calm, heartbeat steady, likely not lying.
“They seemed afraid of me approaching… After I entered the forest, they all withdrew.”
Withdrew?
More like fled!
A bunch of losers!
Wang Xu relaxed; he’d used strong spiritual power to monitor Song Yue, ready to catch any lie.
But Song Yue was honest.
Miao Qiang said to Wang Xu: “He is Lu Shengfu’s disciple.”
Wang Xu was surprised; Wang Jing exclaimed, “Master?”
Miao Qiang nodded.
Wang Jing’s gaze toward Song Yue changed, “Is Master… well?”
Song Yue thought, what does she mean? Former admirer? Too bad you’re not on my mistress’s level!
He replied respectfully, “Master is well.”
Wang Jing seemed to want to ask more, but finally sighed softly, shaking her head.
Her attitude toward Song Yue shifted.
Then, everyone returned to the palace entrance.
Moments later, rainbow clouds rose, the rune-covered stone gate appeared.
The palace gate opened again!
This time, Wang Xu’s group didn’t make trouble; they even let Song Yue’s group enter first.
Song Yue glanced at eager Xiao Qi, signaling: “You first!”
Xiao Qi, never one for modesty, strode in proudly.
Wang Xu’s gaze narrowed, glancing at Miao Qiang—so it was that boy!
Miao Qiang’s attitude toward him was unusual; did he think it was unnoticeable? He deliberately pushed Lu Shengfu’s disciple as a shield!
Hmph!
But this handsome youth was the Master’s disciple… best not cross him.
Others might not know, but Wang Xu did—Lu Shengfu was extraordinary!
The Kunlun secret realm opened every sixty years; yet Lu Shengfu could enter every year!