Realm Gate

"Where did he go?!" The man's face remained elusive to many, making it akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.

"Find him!" The three Sect Masters commanded their respective servants, realizing the gravity of the situation. If this once-in-a-lifetime prodigy were to vanish, their peace of mind would be shattered.

"Oh, Big Brother Shu! Please don't leave me alone!" Min Li's voice trembled as tears streamed down her face.

"Min Li, why are you crying? I'm right here," Tian Yi's calm voice reassured her, as if nothing extraordinary had occurred. He materialized before her, dispelling her fears.

"Big Brother Shu!" She wiped away her tears and rushed into his embrace, seeking solace in his presence.

With a smile, Tian Yi scooped her up into his arms. "Fear not, my dear Min Li. Your Big Brother will not depart without bidding you farewell."

Min Qiu and Shang Guang grew apprehensive, their bodies quivering slightly. Their perception of him had transformed completely. Who was he now? He had ascended the Stairway to Heaven, reaching a realm beyond their Family's reach.

Yet, this same person, whom they deemed unattainable, held their daughter affectionately.

Min Qiu regained her composure and addressed him respectfully. "Young Master Shu, congratulations."

"It was nothing," he chuckled, dismissing her praise.

His gaze shifted to Min Li, still cradled in his arms, and his expression turned solemn. "Min Li, I have returned to bid you farewell. It may be another ten years before we meet again..."

Min Li's complexion grew pale at his words. She knew this day would come, but parting with him remained an unbearable thought.

"Big Brother Shu, must you truly leave?" Her eyes welled with tears.

"Yes, I must. If I delay now, I may never have the chance to return, not even in ten years," he spoke with a hint of bitterness, aware of the sacrifices he had to make.

Her silence spoke volumes.

"Min Li, do you remember our promise?" he asked, his tone gentle.

"Yes!" she nodded, determined.

"When I return, I wish to see the same Min Li I know, yet matured. Can you promise me that?"

"Yes! I will remain a good girl forever!" Her spirits lifted upon hearing his request.

"Good girl," he praised softly.

"Also, do not forget the item I entrusted to you. It holds great importance, so please safeguard it."

"I understand, Big Brother," she affirmed, cherishing the weight of his trust.

Tian Yi then turned to face Min Qiu, addressing her respectfully. "Senior Qiu, do you have any requests regarding the favor I owe you? Please speak your mind."

Surprised, Min Qiu momentarily froze. He still remembered? "There is no need to worry about that trivial matter; it's of no consequence," she declined, taken aback by his unwavering memory.

Her husband's face contorted in shock. A favor? They were owed a favor?

"Your indifference may be genuine, but I take every act of kindness to heart," Tian Yi insisted firmly, unwilling to dismiss the debt he owed.

"My beloved wife, he's right! By declining his kindness, you're hurting him," her husband pleaded, his eyes silently urging her.

Min Qiu gazed at her husband and sighed. "You old man... Fine, since Min Li desires it as well, I'll reluctantly make the request," she surrendered, nodding in acceptance.

Anxiety etched across her face as she turned to Tian Yi. What if he refuses?...

"I know it may sound peculiar, given my previous request to forget about it, but... when Li'er comes of age, would you consider reserving a place for her? I don't mind if she becomes a concubine or even a bed-warmer... She will grow up to be beautiful too," she awkwardly expressed, her words stumbling upon unfamiliar territory. It was undoubtedly the most awkward line she had ever spoken.

Shang Guang's eyes flickered with anticipation, a spark igniting within him as he looked at Tian Yi.

A rosy hue flushed Min Li's cheeks, her embarrassment vivid.

Tian Yi regarded her with a strange expression. Was that all? He had already promised Min Li that if she fulfilled the conditions, he would marry her...

But as he beheld Min Li's endearing countenance, he couldn't help but laugh. "Very well! When I return, I will seek her out. However, whether she desires it at that time is beyond my control!"

Shang Guang experienced an overwhelming rush of joy, feeling as if he had ascended to the heavens themselves.

"Yes! Mother, Father, ancestors! Can you see this? Our family is about to soar through the Dragon's Gate! Our rise to a high-ranking family is just within reach!" he exclaimed, intoxicated by the prospect.

"Look! I've found him! He's right here!" Suddenly, someone shouted, pointing in their direction.

Tian Yi sighed. It seemed his departure was imminent.

"It truly is him! I saw his face clearly!" echoed the voice, prompting everyone in the vicinity to turn their gaze toward them.

Gently placing Min Li on the ground, he pressed a tender kiss on her forehead. "Min Li, Big Brother must bid you farewell now... Stay safe and remember our promise!"

"Big Brother Shu... Yes! I will be a good girl and wait for you!" An inexplicable pang tugged at her heart, though she couldn't fully grasp its meaning in that moment.

"Min Family, it was a pleasure to meet you! Until we meet again! Farewell!"

"Lao Bai, let's go!"

"Yes, Young Master!"

In a flash, their figures vanished into thin air.

"Ah! He's disappeared once more!"

"Is he a ghost or something?"

"Excuse me! This family here! What is your connection with him?" The Min Family found themselves besieged by a flurry of questions from all sides.

Ahem!

Shang Guang cleared his throat loudly, signifying his intention to speak.

The crowd fell silent, attentively awaiting his words.

"Listen closely! That was Young Master Shu! And as for our connection? He is my son-in-law! My youngest daughter is currently engaged to him!" he declared, his voice brimming with pride.

"Oh, that felt good!" he chuckled inwardly.

The crowd erupted in excitement.

"Son-in-law?! May I inquire which family you belong to?!" No one doubted the claim after witnessing him bestow a kiss on the little girl's forehead.

Shang Guang, a member of the Min Family, proudly proclaimed his family name for the first time in front of a large audience. Suddenly, a deafening boom reverberated through the venue, and three figures materialized out of thin air, positioning themselves in front of Shang Guang. One of them inquired, "Are you his Father-In-Law?"

Startled, Shang Guang gasped and replied, "Greetings, esteemed seniors! Indeed, I am his Father-In-Law! He promised to accept my youngest daughter as his concubine upon his return!"

These three individuals happened to be the Sect Masters. Cao Jian questioned, "Upon his return? Where has he gone, and did he mention how long he will be away?"

"Seniors, he did not disclose his destination, but he stated that he would be back in ten years to marry my daughter," Shang Guang respectfully informed them, refraining from assuming an arrogant demeanor in their presence.

"Ten years... That's not too lengthy. Excellent! Which one is your daughter?" Xuan Ruogang inquired.

To Immortals like them, ten years felt like a mere blink of an eye. Shang Guang beckoned his daughter, Min Li, and said, "Min Li, come forward and greet the esteemed seniors."

Min Li obediently approached and respectfully greeted them, "Greetings, esteemed seniors."

Xuan Ruogang smiled upon seeing her and remarked, "Very good, Min Li. Would you be interested in becoming a disciple of my Five Sense Illusion Sect?"

The other two Sect Masters' expressions changed at this proposal. What a quick-witted decision! If Min Li cared for their concubine upon his return, wouldn't he feel indebted and inclined to join her Sect?

"Wait! Little girl, join my Sect instead! I will accept you as a direct disciple and utilize pills to enhance your innate talent," Zou Guo suggested.

"No, no, little girl, you should join my Sect! I'll empower you greatly, making your husband favor you even more!" Cao Jian interjected, demonstrating some cleverness.

Envy filled the eyes of onlookers as they witnessed Min Li, so young yet already a direct disciple. However, such achievements paled in comparison to having a legendary husband. From this day forth, she was destined for fame.

Everyone seethed with jealousy, but they dared not act upon it. Who would dare lay a hand on her when even the Sect Masters treated her with such respect?

Min Li found herself at a loss for words. Suddenly, a thought struck her, and she inquired, "Esteemed seniors, do you possess knowledge of how to maintain the purity of one's soul?"

This question caught the three Sect Masters off guard. They were astonished that someone so young would be concerned with soul purity.

Xuan Ruogang's eyes gleamed as she responded, "Li'er, my Sect possesses a Soul Technique called 'Stainless Soul.' It can cleanse impurities from your soul, ensuring its purity remains untainted, or even purer if it already is." She began addressing Min Li with affection, as if she were her own daughter.

Min Li's eyes sparkled with excitement as she exclaimed, "Okay, senior! I will follow you!"

In her mind, preserving the purity of her soul held paramount importance since her elder brother cared not for her talent or cultivation.

The other two Sect Masters sighed, feeling somewhat disheartened. However, they reassured themselves, "Just because she has the position of concubine doesn't guarantee that she'll truly win him over! I still have a chance!"

Xuan Ruogang's smile widened upon hearing Min Li's decision. "Wonderful! I will personally guide you, Li'er. Is there any objection from your guardians?" She directed her gaze towards the astonished parents.

"No, no, of course not! We are honored that you, esteemed senior, will personally guide our daughter!" Shang Guang promptly bowed, recognizing the foolishness of declining such an offer.

Xuan Ruogang nodded in agreement and stated, "Very well, then. You have three days to bid your farewells. On the third day, I will come to fetch her and bring her to my Sect."

"Thank you, Senior!" Both parents bowed in gratitude.

***

News of Min Li's recruitment spread like wildfire throughout the Immortal Realm. A dark horse had ascended to the peak of the Stairway to Heaven after a staggering ten million years! A ten-year-old girl had become a direct disciple of Xuan Ruogang, the Sect Master of the Five Sense Illusion Sect. Furthermore, she was destined to become the genius's future concubine. Her name was Min Li, hailing from the prestigious Min Family.

***

The entire Min Family found themselves inundated with a constant stream of guests. They were so occupied with receiving visitors that they hardly had time to eat or rest. People from all walks of life, eager to establish connections, flocked to pay their respects with lavish gifts. The Min Family had now gained recognition as a High-Rank Family and enjoyed the support of three out of the four Ancient Lands.

Shang Guang's joy knew no bounds, his face eternally frozen in a blissful smile even in his slumber. Min Lian couldn't help but envy her younger sister, but she also felt immense pride to have such a remarkable sibling. Min Qiu, overwhelmed by the task of greeting guests, felt as though she were working as a waitress in a bustling restaurant. As for Shang Hai, who had been absent from the family for some time, he returned to a bewildering sight. When did our family turn into a restaurant?

Min Li spent three days bidding farewell to her family before embarking on her journey as Xuan Ruogang's direct disciple.

***

Wang Bao stared at the sky absentmindedly. Hours later, he suddenly exclaimed, "It's inevitable! Even I would be captivated by someone like him! I, Wang Bao, will admit defeat for the first time in my life!"

From that day onward, a rumor circulated, alleging that the second eldest son, Wang Bao, had turned gay. It spread like wildfire throughout the entire family, much to Wang Bing's exasperation.

Meanwhile, the Long Family and the Church of the Qilin God continued their fruitless search for the elusive "Mysterious Senior."

***

In the city of Xian Chengshi, a guard sat idly, gazing at the sky. He mused to himself, "What a great job this is. The pay is high, troublemakers dare not approach, and no one ever comes here." He happened to be the guardian of the Realm Gate, tasked with protecting a towering 25-meter gate.

The guard was constantly bored since no one ever utilized the Realm Gate. It seemed that nobody had the time or resources to return to the lower realms from whence they came. After all, who would willingly pay to descend to a realm with inferior Spirit Power and scarce resources?

The journey to higher Realms involved traversing rivers of dead bodies and enduring numerous hellish trials. People underwent the same arduous process when ascending to the next Realm. Hence, nobody had the time or inclination to descend and bully weaker beings.

The guard looked up as two figures approached him. "Halt! State your purpose for being here," he commanded, adhering to his training.

"We wish to utilize the Realm Gate and travel to the lower Realms," replied the ordinary-looking boy.

Surprised that someone actually wanted to use the Realm Gate, the guard responded, "Very well! As long as you possess sufficient Immortal Stones for your travel expenses and pay the required fee, you may proceed. Which Realm do you intend to visit?"

The boy asked, "Can I keep my destination a secret?"

The guard replied, "Keeping it a secret is fine, but it will incur an additional charge."

Understanding that individuals often preferred to keep their destinations undisclosed, the guard didn't mind. "Thank you. Take your time," he said before returning to his duty.

***

The two figures were Tian Yi and Lao Bai.

"Lao Bai, you are the first being I have encountered since descending. You have served me flawlessly, and I have no complaints. Now that I am leaving, what are your plans? Would you like to continue accompanying me or return?"

"If you are willing to have me, Young Master, then I will accompany you to the Mortal Realm. If you decide to go back, I will offer you a worthy reward as gratitude for your service. Choose as you wish. I will not force you," Tian Yi asked Lao Bai, who had been by his side since his arrival.

Lao Bai immediately kowtowed and declared without hesitation, "I will follow Young Master Shu wherever he goes! Even if it means going to hell, I am willing to follow!"

Tian Yi smiled at his loyal servant. "Is that so? Let me ask you once again. Are you willing to accompany me to the Mortal Realm or stay behind?"

"I will follow Young Master no matter what!" Lao Bai exclaimed, startling the guard nearby.

"What the hell are you shouting for?! You nearly scared me to death!" the guard cursed inwardly.

Tian Yi gazed at his devoted servant and smiled. "Good! When we reach the Mortal Realm, I will reveal my true name to you."

"Yes, Young Master!" Lao Bai cried out joyfully.

They made their way toward the guard.

"We are ready," Tian Yi announced.

The guard nodded and recited, "Very well, the cost for each person is as follows:

Mortal Realm: 3 billion High-Grade Immortal Stones;

Spirit Realm: 2 billion High-Grade Immortal Stones;

Heaven Realm: 1 billion High-Grade Immortal Stones;

Additionally, the fee will be 100 million High-Grade Immortal Stones."

The guard maintained his professional demeanor as he continued, "Since you wish to keep it secret, the fee will be doubled to 200 million. And because there are two of you, the total fee will be 400 million! Once you have paid the 400 million High-Grade Immortal Stones, proceed to the Realm Gate and input the corresponding amount for your desired Realm. That is all."

"Sounds good, here," Tian Yi said as he handed the guard a Storage Pouch containing the required payment.

"Good! Proceed and use the Realm Gate," the guard acknowledged, counting the Immortal Stones before giving them a nod.

Tian Yi and Lao Bai approached the Realm Gate. Sensing Lao Bai's nervousness, Tian Yi asked, "Are you ready? This will be my first time visiting the Mortal Realm. It should be an interesting experience. I'm prepared whenever you are, Lao Bai."

Lao Bai, brimming with excitement, replied, "I've never been to the Mortal Realm either. It's bound to be fun! I'm ready, Young Master."

With a sense of anticipation, Tian Yi declared, "Good! Let's go!" He inserted six million Perfect Immortal Stones into a designated slot next to the Realm Gate.

The Realm Gate sprang to life, manifesting a Purple Portal. Tian Yi calmly gazed at it. "Let us proceed. Onward to the Mortal Realm," he announced, walking towards the Purple Portal with a smile. Lao Bai followed closely behind. In an instant, they vanished from the Immortal Realm, embarking on their journey to the Mortal Realm.