Chapter 162: Arrival at Hinter Prairies

The next day, Ruchir found himself standing on the edge of the Hinter Prairies, a place that seemed to exist only in the darkest of tales. The prairies stretched endlessly, a vast, desolate expanse where the grass grew in patches like a shoddy carpet, torn and threadbare.

The sky overhead was a muted grey, as if the very heavens had given up on this forsaken land. The wind howled with a mournful wail, carrying with it the scent of decay and the whispers of long-forgotten battles.

As Ruchir took in the sight before him, a shiver ran down his spine. These plains were not just empty; they were cruel. The land itself seemed to exude a kind of malevolent intent, as if it enjoyed watching travelers stumble into its traps.

Bandits, they said, roamed these lands, striking terror into the hearts of those foolish enough to cross their path.

These were not your run-of-the-mill highwaymen—they were legends in their own right, known for their brutal efficiency and ruthless raids. Entire caravans had vanished without a trace, leaving only blood-soaked earth and broken dreams behind.

"Why did it have to be here?" Ruchir muttered under his breath, clutching his belongings a little tighter.

Before he could dwell too much on the potential dangers, the Raven Master interrupted his thoughts with a sharp command. "We're here."

Ruchir blinked, momentarily disoriented. "Wait, what? We're here already?" He looked around in confusion, realizing that they were standing before what appeared to be a simple gate, almost unnoticeable in the bleak landscape.

"But Master, you said the journey would be long. I barely felt any time pass at all!"

The Raven Master, hidden behind his mask, let out a smug chuckle. "For others, it would have been a long journey indeed. But for me, your Master, it's a matter of a few breaths. I can cross continents in dozens of breaths if I so choose."

Ruchir tried to suppress an eye roll, though he failed miserably. "Of course, you can, Master. You never miss an opportunity to remind me."

With a swift motion, the Raven Master waved his sleeve, and before Ruchir could react, he found himself unceremoniously tossed through the air.

He flailed comically, arms and legs flapping as he tried to regain his balance, before landing with a rather undignified thud on the ground.

"Master!" Ruchir exclaimed, scrambling to his feet. "Did you have to throw me?"

The Raven Master tilted his head slightly, his mask giving nothing away, though Ruchir could almost sense the amusement radiating from him. "It was faster," he said simply.

Ruchir dusted himself off, grumbling under his breath. "Faster for who, exactly?"

Ignoring his disciple's complaints, the Raven Master gestured to their surroundings. "Look around you, Ruchir. You're standing at the gateway to one of the most coveted secret realms in existence. The Unity Light Secret Realm draws in cultivators from across the world, and you're about to see why."

Ruchir reluctantly tore his attention away from his sore backside and took in the scene before him. The prairies might have been desolate, but this place was anything but.

Surrounding the entrance to the secret realm was a bustling crowd of martial artists, each one more intimidating than the last. It was like being at a carnival, except everyone was armed to the teeth, and the prizes were probably life-threatening.

His eyes fell on a group of towering figures, their skin as dark as night and muscles rippling like steel. Each carried a massive club, etched with intricate runes that glowed faintly. They spoke in low, guttural tones, their deep voices rumbling like distant thunder.

Next to them stood a man with flowing white hair and a robe that shimmered like moonlight. A long, slender sword hung at his waist, and his eyes gleamed with a cold, calculating light.

His every movement was graceful, like a dance, and Ruchir could tell that he was someone who could probably decapitate an opponent before they even realized they were in danger.

A little further away, a group of young women caught Ruchir's eye. They were dressed in vibrant, flowing garments that seemed to defy the drab surroundings.

Their hair was adorned with delicate ornaments, and each held a staff topped with a glowing gem. Their laughter was light and musical, though Ruchir had no doubt that they could conjure a storm with a flick of their wrists.

And then there were the noble warriors. They stood in a separate area, clearly marked off by an invisible boundary that only those of their status could cross.

Their armor gleamed under the dull sunlight, and their weapons were intricately designed, with family crests emblazoned on their hilts.

They carried themselves with an air of superiority, their eyes scanning the crowd as if everyone else were merely ants beneath their feet.

Ruchir couldn't help but feel a bit out of place in his simple robes, clutching his hastily packed belongings. "Master, do you think… do you think I should have dressed up a bit more for this?"

The Raven Master glanced at him and shook his head. "What's the point? They're all just here to show off. It's not about what you wear—it's about what you can do."

Ruchir nodded, though he couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious as he noticed a few sideways glances in his direction. "Easy for you to say," he muttered. "You're not the one who looks like he just rolled out of bed."

The Raven Master chuckled softly. "Focus on what's important, Ruchir. The Unity Light Secret Realm is not just about appearances or status. "

"It's about proving your worth, your strength, and your resolve. All these people," he gestured to the crowd, "they're all here for the same reason—to seek the treasures and knowledge hidden within. But not all of them will succeed."

Ruchir gulped. "No pressure, then."

"None at all," the Raven Master said, a note of humor in his voice. "Now, let's get moving. The entrance to the realm will open soon, and we don't want to be caught on the outside when it does."

As they began to make their way toward the entrance, Ruchir couldn't help but glance around one last time at the eclectic mix of characters gathered there.

It was like a scene out of a storybook, each person with their own tale to tell, their own reasons for being there. And in the midst of it all was Ruchir, just a young cultivator trying to make sense of it all.

"Master," he asked as they walked, "what do you think our chances are?"

The Raven Master didn't hesitate. "Our chances? With me by your side, Ruchir, they're excellent."

Ruchir smiled, feeling a bit of his anxiety melt away. "I hope you're right, Master."

"I'm always right," the Raven Master replied with a wink, though it was hard to tell behind the mask.

Ruchir stood there, his eyes scanning the bustling crowd of martial artists. But something was off. Despite the sheer number of people around him, not a single person seemed to notice his presence. It was as if he was invisible. He furrowed his brow in confusion.

"Master, is it just me, or is no one paying attention to us?" Ruchir asked, tilting his head in curiosity.

The Raven Master, still hidden behind his enigmatic mask, turned to him with a casual shrug. "Oh, that's because of the spell I cast on you. It's a basic concealment charm. You're like a ghost to them—completely invisible."

Ruchir blinked, processing this information. "So… you're saying I could walk right up to any of these big, scary-looking cultivators and they wouldn't even flinch?"

"Precisely," the Raven Master replied with a smug tone. "Though I wouldn't recommend it. It might be tempting to play pranks, but remember, we're here on serious business."

Ruchir looked around at the sea of people again, a mischievous thought creeping into his mind. But before he could act on it, he hesitated and glanced back at his master.

"Master, why don't you remove the spell on me? I don't want to feel like I'm sneaking around like some sort of… ghost."

The Raven Master made a small gesture, and Ruchir felt a slight tingle run down his spine as the spell dissipated. "There. Now the world can see you in all your glory."

Ruchir exhaled in relief but then noticed something odd. "Wait… Master, why do you still keep yourself hidden?"

The Raven Master let out an exaggerated sigh, as if the answer was too obvious for words. "Ah, Ruchir, you see, I'm just too much of a celebrity. "

"My reputation precedes me. I'm infamous across the continent. You'd be surprised how many of these folks might actually be my raven fans, following me helplessly, hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary Raven Master."

Ruchir nearly choked on his own breath. "Raven fans? Seriously, Master?" he thought to himself. "Does he really believe that?"

The Raven Master continued, clearly enjoying the sound of his own voice. "Yes, yes. I've had to keep myself hidden for years now."

"Once I was at a market, and let me tell you, the crowd went wild. It was like being swarmed by a flock of ravens—they just wouldn't leave me alone. Ever since then, I've had to avoid crowded places. "

"It's all because of that brat Yuan, the principal of Thousand Leaves Academy. His schemes forced me into this reclusive lifestyle. Once I get back, I'm going to make sure he pays for this indignity!"

Ruchir tried to suppress a grin as his master went on about his so-called misfortunes. "Old Principal Yuan sure did a number on Master, huh? It's amazing how he can turn everything into some grand conspiracy against him."

The Raven Master's voice suddenly grew sharper. "And stop chuckling inwardly, Ruchir. I can sense your thoughts.

You're not exactly a closed book, you know. Look around—people are starting to think you're some kind of idiot, standing there grinning like a fool."

Ruchir quickly snapped out of his internal musings and glanced sideways. To his horror, he realized his master was right.

Several martial artists were indeed giving him strange looks, their eyebrows raised as if they were questioning his sanity. He could almost hear their thoughts: "What's wrong with this guy? Has he lost his mind already?"

With an embarrassed cough, Ruchir straightened up and composed himself, trying to appear as normal as possible. "Great, just great. Now they think I'm a lunatic."

But before he could fully recover from the awkward situation, the Raven Master suddenly turned and delivered a sharp, unexpected slap to the back of Ruchir's head.

"Ow!" Ruchir yelped, stumbling forward a few steps. "What was that for, Master?"

The Raven Master crossed his arms and shook his head, as if disappointed in his disciple's lack of awareness. "Pay attention, brat! The secret realm is about to open. Do you want to be caught daydreaming when it does?"

Ruchir rubbed the back of his head, still smarting from the sudden hit. "Couldn't you have just told me that instead of smacking me?"

"Where's the fun in that?" the Raven Master replied with a chuckle. "Now get ready. We didn't come all this way for you to make a fool of yourself."

Ruchir sighed, trying to shake off the lingering embarrassment. "Master sure has an odd way of showing concern. But then again, what did I expect from someone who thinks he's the continent's most famous recluse?"

He took a deep breath, focusing on the task at hand. The crowd around them had grown even larger, and the air was thick with anticipation.

The entrance to the secret realm was pulsing with energy, a faint glow that seemed to promise both unimaginable riches and untold dangers. Ruchir could feel the tension rising, the atmosphere electric with the expectations of hundreds of cultivators.

Just as he was starting to get his nerves under control, the Raven Master leaned in close, his voice a low whisper.

"Remember, Ruchir, once we're inside, it's every man for himself. I'll be watching you, but don't expect me to hold your hand. This is your chance to prove yourself."

Ruchir nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and dread. "Right. Prove myself. No pressure or anything."

As the final moments ticked by, Ruchir couldn't help but steal one last glance at his master.

The Raven Master, as usual, was utterly unfazed, standing with the kind of confidence that only came from years of experience—and, perhaps, a bit of an inflated ego.

Ruchir smiled inwardly again, thinking to himself, "I'll make you proud, Master. And maybe, just maybe, one day I'll understand how you became so… eccentric."

The Raven Master suddenly shot him a sharp look, and Ruchir quickly corrected himself. "I mean, so wise. Definitely wise. Not eccentric at all."

Ruchir took a deep breath, standing tall as the gates of the secret realm began to crack open with a loud rumble.

The anticipation in the air was almost suffocating, and the crowd surged forward, eager to be the first inside. Ruchir steeled himself, ready for whatever awaited him on the other side.

Just as he was about to take his first step forward, the Raven Master gave him one last pat on the back—though this time, it was more of a shove that nearly sent Ruchir tumbling forward again.

"Don't get left behind, brat!" the Raven Master called out, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement.

Ruchir regained his balance and shot his master a quick glare, though he couldn't help but smile despite himself. "I won't, Master. Just try not to brag too much when I come back with a bag full of treasures."

The Raven Master let out a hearty laugh. "I'll believe it when I see it. Now go on—show them what you're made of!"

And with that, Ruchir sprinted forward, diving headfirst into the unknown, the laughter of his eccentric master echoing behind him. The secret realm awaited, and with it, whatever fate had in store for him.