Immortality Cultivation

Fang Hao hurried, finally rushing near the exit before the Tianyan Secret Realm closed. From afar, he saw the familiar valley, where quite a few people had already gathered, sparse and scattered, numbering about fifty. Compared to the bustling crowd of a hundred people when they entered the Secret Realm three months ago, it was much quieter.

"Almost half lost..." Fang Hao muttered to himself, slowing his pace to blend into the edge of the crowd. He crouched in an inconspicuous corner, operating the Ethereal Art to refine his Qi until it was no different from an ordinary Loose Cultivator, and then quietly observed his surroundings.

The people who came out all carried Evil Qi and had sharp gazes, clearly having not been idle over the past three months, experiencing many battles. However, most were in a sorry state, tattered and wounded, with grim expressions, likely having limited gains. Only a few groups appeared calm and composed, with faint glows of treasure about them, clearly having reaped substantial benefits.

Fang Hao spotted the Mu Family group at a glance; they were still gathered together, faintly surrounded by many others. Their numbers had dwindled by a few, but the core princes and princesses were mostly present, including Mu Fenghua. She had changed into a water-blue palace dress, her temperament appearing even more noble and cold; standing there, she seemed to glow, making it hard not to notice her. Her Qi was much more refined; it seemed she had gained quite a lot in the Secret Realm.

The Heavenly Sword Sect members were also there. Soaring Wind stood to the side holding his sword, expressionless, his presence even more piercing; it seemed his Sword Intent had improved again. Nether Child still wore that sinister look, hiding behind others. Liu Yunfeng and Mu Wanqing from the Green Wood Sect had also come out; seeing Fang Hao (in his disguised form), they slightly nodded to acknowledge him, seemingly still remembering the favor from the Ten Thousand Poisons Marsh. The Square-faced Youth from the Thunder Sword Sect had also survived, but his expression was grim, and only two Junior Brothers remained by his side; it seemed he had suffered losses in the Secret Realm.

Fang Hao also noticed a few lone Loose Cultivators or Disciples from small sects with unusually powerful auras and disdainful gazes; they were clearly ruthless characters who had obtained great Opportunities.

The atmosphere at the scene was somewhat subtle; no one spoke, all guarding against each other while waiting for the Secret Realm to close. Killing to seize treasures was something one could do inside the Secret Realm, but outside, one had to restrain themselves, as the elders of each family might be waiting just outside the exit.

Just as Fang Hao was pondering how to sneak out quietly to avoid being targeted by the Mu Family or the Yougui Sect, he heard a crisp, slightly joyful voice call out:

"Fellow Daoist Ning! You came out too!"

Fang Hao’s heart skipped a beat, and he secretly cursed. It was Mu Fenghua! How could this girl have such sharp eyes? He was disguised! And they were so far apart!

He bit the bullet and turned around, seeing Mu Fenghua walking over with a faint smile on her Face, her beautiful eyes landing on him. Behind her, several Mu Family Disciples also looked over, their expressions varied—some curious, some scrutinizing.

"Uh... Fellow Daoist Mu." Fang Hao had no choice but to cup his hands, trying to make his voice sound hoarse, "Just luck, just luck."

Mu Fenghua walked up close, looked him over carefully, and smiled: "Fellow Daoist Ning’s disguise technique is quite exquisite, but your Qi could not hide from me. Since we parted at the Ten Thousand Swords Valley, your demeanor has become even more impressive." Her words were polite, but she also pointed out that she could recognize Fang Hao.

Fang Hao forced a wry smile inwardly, though he had to keep up the act on the outside: "Fellow Daoist Mu is joking. It is you whose cultivation has greatly advanced; it is truly admirable."

Mu Fenghua seemed to be in a good mood and didn’t ask how Fang Hao’s harvest in the heaven-reaching pagoda was (as that was taboo); instead, she took a warm, white jade talisman from her storage bracelet and handed it to Fang Hao: "Fellow Daoist Ning, I am very grateful for your help during this Secret Realm trip. This is a special communication stone made by the Mingling Empire’s royal family; within a certain range, we can sense each other and send messages. If you have time in the future to come to Heavenly Capital in the Central Province, you must use this item to find me, so that I, Fenghua, can fulfill my duties as a host and repay your kindness."

As soon as she said this, the gazes of many people nearby "whooshed" and concentrated on Fang Hao! Their eyes were filled with surprise, envy, and jealousy! The Ninth Princess of the Mingling Empire was actually taking the initiative to invite a Loose Cultivator (or so they thought) to the capital? And she even gave him a communication stone? What was this guy’s background? How much did he help the Princess in the Secret Realm?

Fang Hao was also bewildered by this sudden invitation. Go to the Mingling Empire’s capital, Heavenly Capital? And be invited by a princess? This... was unpredictable! He had a "grudge" with the Mu Family (having killed the Third Prince); although they didn’t know, going to their lair wasn’t that like walking into a trap?

But under the gaze of everyone, he couldn’t slight the Princess, so he had to take the jade talisman, which felt warm and cool to the touch: "Fellow Daoist Mu is too kind. If I have time to visit the Central Province, I will certainly pay a visit." He left some leeway in his words, not promising he would definitely go.

Mu Fenghua seemed to see through his concerns, smiled slightly, and whispered: "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist, within Heavenly Capital, I can still make some decisions." The implication was very clear; she was telling Fang Hao that she could protect him in Heavenly Capital.

Fang Hao felt slightly relieved and nodded: "Thank you, Fellow Daoist. However, I still have some private matters to attend to, so I’m afraid it will be delayed for some time."

"No matter, you may come at any time." After saying this, Mu Fenghua took one more look at him and then turned back to the Mu Family team. Her action undoubtedly placed Fang Hao in the "can be associated with" circle, causing some who originally had thoughts about Fang Hao to temporarily put them aside.

Soon, the light gate at the Secret Realm exit fluctuated; the time for it to be open had arrived. No one delayed any longer, and one after another, they turned into escape lights and dove into the light gate.

After a familiar sensation of teleportation, Fang Hao’s feet touched the ground; he had returned to the valley outside Hundred Flowers City in the Southern Border. Outside, the sun was bright, the air was fresh, and it felt like a lifetime away. Many people were already waiting in the valley—elders or fellow Sect members of each family. Seeing their Disciples come out, some wept with joy, some asked with concern, and some grieved for the Disciples who had fallen; it was a chaotic scene.

Fang Hao ignored everyone; after coming out, he immediately used Shrinking the Ground to an Inch, mixed into the crowd, disappeared after a few flashes, and slipped straight back to the small courtyard he had rented in Hundred Flowers City.

Closing the courtyard gate and activating all Formations, Fang Hao finally let out a long sigh of relief. He had finally come out safely!

He took stock of this trip to the Secret Realm, feeling content. His cultivation had surged to the Middle Golden Core Stage, his Sword Intent had broken through by one layer, his Physical Body was formidable, and he had obtained several top-tier Cultivation Techniques and many treasures. Although he hadn’t obtained other great Opportunities in the Secret Realm, his gains from the heaven-reaching pagoda had far exceeded his expectations.

"Next, I must go into seclusion for a period of time to thoroughly digest these gains!" Fang Hao made up his mind. As for whether or not to go to Heavenly Capital... that could wait! Currently, increasing his strength was the fundamental priority!

He composed himself and began preparing for the upcoming seclusion. Meanwhile, in the outside world, various news and rumors about this Tianyan Secret Realm had begun to circulate quietly. The name of Fang Hao, this "mysterious Loose Cultivator," also began to attract faint, elusive attention in certain small circles.