79: Shared secret realm, young master?

Qin Ding was already aware of the concepts of exclusive Secret Realms and shared Secret Realms mentioned by Chu Xiong.

This was because the Qin Family itself also possessed several Secret Realms, just like the Saintly Way Academy.

Some were exclusive to the Qin Family, forbidding entry to other powers. Others were relatively open and shared with other powers.

The reason was simply that even a Supreme Power could not domineeringly occupy all Secret Realms.

"A shared Secret Realm? Doesn't that mean other powers can enter this Secret Realm?" Qin Ding asked.

"Yes, that's right. However, because the connection channel between this Secret Realm and the outside world is relatively weak, if the Qi is too strong, one simply cannot enter. Therefore, all those who enter must have cultivation below the Rebuilding Realm. Of course, if one's strength reaches that of a Saint and they can perfectly conceal their Qi without causing spatial collapse, they can also enter."

"But Saints generally don't come in, so the Secret Realm is mostly populated by Cultivators below the Rebuilding Realm." Chu Xiong gave a general introduction to the Secret Realm's situation.

"Even so, we must be careful inside the Secret Realm. Unlike the Academy, those who come here include Prodigies from other powers, as well as adventurers who arrived by chance.

"Conflicts within the Academy are usually stopped before serious harm is done, without endangering lives. But here, once there is a conflict of interest, it is very likely to lead to a clash of blades."

"Even with the background of the Saintly Way Academy, we can only make people wary. But if the Opportunity is right and they won't be discovered by the outside world, those people definitely won't be merciful."

Clearly, Chu Xiong was someone who frequently entered Secret Realms and knew the cruelty within.

Qin Ding did not show any panic regarding Chu Xiong's warning.

Because the rules he followed when he was on Saints Fall Mountain were the same: once a conflict occurred, a clash of blades was normal, and many Prodigies had even fallen by his hand.

"Let's go to that palace now." Qin Ding cut straight to the chase; his purpose for coming here was the suspected Immortal ruin.

Chu Xiong then took out a rather rough map.

"This map was roughly drawn by one of the Academy's Saint Elders when the Academy first discovered the Secret Realm. Although it's a bit rough, the main topographical features are present. According to my memory, that Lightning Territory should be in this area."

Chu Xiong pointed to a certain location on the map.

After confirming the location, Chu Xiong and his group proceeded. While traveling at high speed, everyone remained mostly silent, without much conversation.

Midway through their journey, they spotted another team.

Since they had a specific goal for entering the Secret Realm this time, they didn't want to cause trouble and planned to take a detour.

Just as they were about to avoid them, a voice came from that team: "Li Xueer?"

After this voice rang out, Qin Ding and the others had no choice but to stop. He then surveyed the team.

That team was also small, consisting of only six people. The strongest member was a Cultivator at the Soulfire Realm Seventh Level, but judging by their formation, this Soulfire Realm Seventh Level Cultivator was not the leader. The leader should be the white-robed young man at the front of the team.

The young man was quite handsome and refined, holding a Feather Fan, looking like a dashing Young Master. The spiritual energy fluctuation around him was also strong, appearing to be at the Soul Fire Realm Fifth Level.

At this moment, the young man was staring intensely at Li Xueer in the group.

"Who is this person?" Yu Yiwan quietly asked Li Xueer.

"It's Yu Junyuan, the Young Sect Master of the Yuhua Sect. Once, when I was out training, I briefly cooperated with him, and since then, he's been constantly pestering me. I didn't expect to run into him here."

Li Xueer felt a great headache. The Yuhua Sect was a First-rate Power, and she couldn't afford to offend Yu Junyuan, so she had always maintained courtesy.

"Xue'er, who are these people..." Yu Junyuan stepped forward, acting very familiar with Li Xueer, while his eyes casually sized up the other three.

When he saw Yu Yiwan, his gaze grew a little more intense. Clearly, the gentle type also suited his taste.

As for Qin Ding and Chu Xiong, only Chu Xiong made him look twice, as the latter was also at the Soul Fire Realm Fifth Level.

Reaching the Soul Fire Realm Fifth Level at this age was quite good. As for Qin Ding, who was only at the Soul Fire Realm First Level, although he had potential, his strength was not worth much consideration.

Qin Ding, standing nearby, rubbed his nose upon seeing Yu Junyuan's dismissive gaze. He, the dignified Holy Son of the Qin Family, was actually being ignored by the Young Sect Master of a mere First-rate Power.

Of course, he didn't step forward to show off. This trip was for the Immortal Ruin, so keeping a low profile was better. Besides, acting ostentatiously wasn't his style.

"These few are all from our Saintly Way Academy. We agreed to venture into the Secret Realm together to see if we can find some Opportunities." Li Xueer could only humor Yu Junyuan.

"Adventuring and training? What a coincidence, I'm also here for an adventure. This Secret Realm is quite open. Besides the areas controlled by some powers, there are also some unknown entrances that allow adventurers to enter. For safety, I think we can cooperate." Yu Junyuan smiled slightly, waving his Feather Fan, appearing quite refined.

Then Yu Junyuan seemed to recall something and added: "Don't worry, if we encounter any Opportunities, we can split them equally. You and I have cooperated before, so you should be able to trust my character."

Yu Junyuan patted his chest in assurance.

However, Yu Junyuan's proposal made Li Xueer frown slightly. If it were a typical adventure, she might consider it. But this time, the four of them were going to the Immortal Ruin. Although Yu Junyuan was making good promises now, if he found out about the Immortal Ruin, he would likely sell them out immediately.

After all, even their Yuhua Sect did not have any Immortals.

Li Xueer could only reply with a slightly shy smile: "I'm afraid not this time. We have already made arrangements, and it wouldn't be convenient to add more people."

When Yu Junyuan heard Li Xueer's refusal, his expression became slightly awkward. He then chuckled softly: "People always have to adapt; things can't stay the same forever, right? This Secret Realm has many dangers, and having more people means more safety."

Yu Junyuan's reply left Li Xueer unsure how to refuse, when Qin Ding suddenly spoke up: "Are you threatening us?"

Qin Ding's sudden remark stunned Yu Junyuan, who then forced a smile: "Of course not, it's just a friendly reminder. If you are unwilling, I naturally won't force you."

"It's just that this young man seems quite young, likely having just entered the Saintly Way Academy recently. Having stayed too long in the ivory tower, he doesn't know the dangers of the outside world. This Young Master kindly reminds you: be careful of everything outside, or no matter how good your potential is, if you lose your life to danger, it will all be gone."

Yu Junyuan's words were full of threat.