Yan Kai or Han Yue

Yan Kai was a good person, someone with a heart that helped everyone. One day, after finishing work and heading home, he saw a woman being assaulted and went to save her. But who would have thought that the attacker would take out a knife and stab Yan Kai in the ribs? Yan Kai's death in the modern world was a tragic one.

After the death ,Yan Kai was reborn in another world 16 years ago, but his gender had changed—he was now born as a woman. Now known as Han Yue, she is a cultivator and currently resides in Ice Garden Valley.

Sixteen years in this cultivation world made her understand a harsh truth—good people die early. No, they aren't even worth as much as an ant.

First, she had to adapt to her changed gender. It was true mental torture for him, but she endured and adapted. Next, her kind heart changed. She learned to mind her own business and never interfere in others' affairs. Here, death always loomed over one's neck. So, she transformed from a good person into a low-key and cautious individual.

Han Yue had long accepted her new identity. Though the memories of her past life remained, she no longer dwelled on them. In this world, strength determined everything, and she was no exception.

Born with an Ice Spirit Root, she had a natural affinity for ice techniques. Under the guidance of her master, Bing Zhi, she cultivated diligently, never letting her guard down. Unlike others in the sect, she preferred to keep a low profile, hiding her true potential beneath an ordinary facade.

Ice Garden Valley was a sect exclusively for female cultivators. Within its serene, snow-covered mountains, disciples trained in ice arts, swordsmanship, and talisman techniques. Han Yue spent most of her time in secluded cultivation, avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

But the world outside was not so peaceful. Rumors of a secret realm opening soon had reached the sect, drawing the attention of countless cultivators. Even within Ice Garden Valley, disciples whispered about the treasures hidden inside. Han Yue, however, remained indifferent. Opportunities were tempting, but danger always followed.

Yet fate rarely let her choose the easy path.

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One evening, as Han Yue practiced her sword forms near a frozen lake, her master, Bing Zhi, arrived silently. The elder woman's presence was as cold and sharp as the ice itself, yet there was an unspoken care in her gaze.

"The sect will be sending disciples to explore the secret realm," Bing Zhi said, her voice calm. "You should go."

Han Yue lowered her sword, her expression unreadable. "I prefer to avoid unnecessary trouble, Master."

Bing Zhi's eyes remained steady. "Opportunities and dangers come together. If you fear one, you will miss the other." She paused before adding, "Your cultivation has reached a bottleneck. The realm may hold what you need."

Han Yue remained silent. Her master rarely insisted on anything, which meant this wasn't just a casual suggestion. If she refused, she might lose more than just an opportunity—she might lose her master's trust.

After a moment, she nodded. "I understand."

Bing Zhi's gaze softened slightly. "Good. The selection trial is in three days. Prepare yourself."

With that, she turned and left, her figure disappearing into the mist.

Han Yue sighed. A secret realm meant competition, danger, and unwanted attention. She had spent years avoiding both. But now, it seemed she had no choice.

Han Yue stood by the frozen lake, her breath steady despite the cold wind brushing against her skin. Qi Gathering Tenth Realm—she had reached this stage after years of patient cultivation, yet she knew it was merely the beginning. The true path of cultivation only started beyond this realm.

She glanced at her reflection on the ice. Pale skin, cold eyes, and an expression that rarely changed. This body felt familiar now, yet sometimes, deep within, she still felt like an outsider. But there was no point in dwelling on the past.

With the secret realm opening soon, she would need to prepare. Resources, talismans, defensive measures—everything had to be accounted for. Unlike others, who sought fortune with blind ambition, she would move carefully, ensuring every step was calculated.

Three days. That was all the time she had before the selection trial.

At dawn, Han Yue left Ice Garden Valley, her figure blending into the mist as she descended the mountain. The sect had an affiliated city below, where disciples often traded for resources. Before entering the secret realm, she needed talismans and a reliable defensive weapon.

Though her master had gifted her powerful defensive treasures, she preferred not to rely on them unless absolutely necessary. If she used them too early, others might grow suspicious of her true strength. It was always better to appear ordinary until the right moment.

As she stepped into the bustling city, cultivators moved about, discussing the upcoming secret realm. Some were excited, while others were wary. Han Yue paid them no mind. Her goal was clear – find what she needed and leave unnoticed.

She walked towards a well-known talisman shop, her thoughts focused. In the secret realm, being prepared could mean the difference between survival and death.

As Han Yue walked through the city, her gaze lingered on a small shop tucked between two larger establishments. The wooden sign above it was worn.it name Art store.

An appearance-changing technique—something she had been considering for a while. In a world where strength attracted both opportunities and trouble, blending in was often the wiser choice. If she could disguise herself when necessary, it would reduce unnecessary attention.

She stepped inside, her expression calm. The shopkeeper, an old cultivator with sharp eyes, looked up. "Looking for something specific?"

"An appearance-changing technique," Han Yue said simply.

The old man chuckled. "A useful skill, but not cheap. Do you want a temporary illusion technique or something more profound?"

Han Yue remained silent for a moment. A simple illusion wouldn't fool high-level cultivators, but a deeper technique might be beyond her current budget. She would have to choose carefully.

As she considered her options, another thought surfaced—realm-controlling techniques. She had heard of them, but acquiring one was nearly impossible without great power or influence. For now, it was beyond her reach.

Instead, once she returned to Ice Garden Valley, she would visit the sect's martial pavilion. There might be something useful there, something that would help her survive the dangers ahead.

Han Yue's fingers tapped lightly against the wooden counter as she weighed her options. "I need something effective, but not too conspicuous," she finally said.

The old shopkeeper narrowed his eyes, studying her. Then, he reached under the counter and pulled out a thin jade slip. "This is the Veil of a Thousand Faces technique. It doesn't just change your appearance—it subtly alters your bone structure and aura. Even foundation establishment cultivators will struggle to see through it unless they examine you closely."

Han Yue picked up the jade slip, sending a wisp of her spiritual sense into it. The technique was detailed but required careful practice to master. Unlike simple illusion techniques, this method made physical alterations, though temporarily.

She looked up. "Price?"

"Seventy spirit stones," the old man said.

Expensive, but worth it. Han Yue reached into her storage pouch, counted the required spirit stones, and placed them on the counter. The old man swept them up with a satisfied smile before passing her the jade slip.

"Practice well, young lady. And remember—changing faces is easy, but changing identities is an art."

Han Yue nodded, storing the technique before leaving the shop.

Now, she needed a defensive weapon. Talismans were useful, but they were one-time use. A weapon, on the other hand, could be relied upon repeatedly. She made her way toward a well-known blacksmith's forge, where the scent of burning metal filled the air.

The upcoming secret realm would be dangerous. If she wanted to survive without exposing her full strength, she needed every advantage she could get.

The forge was a modest-looking building, its entrance lined with various weapons displayed on wooden racks. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of molten metal and burning coals. Sparks flew as a blacksmith hammered away at a glowing blade, his muscles tense with exertion.

Han Yue stepped inside, her gaze sweeping over the weapons. Swords, daggers, spears—each radiating different levels of craftsmanship and spiritual energy. She wasn't looking for a primary weapon; her sword was enough for that. What she needed was a discreet defensive weapon, something she could use when caught off guard.

A young apprentice noticed her and approached. "Looking for something specific, miss?"

Han Yue nodded. "A defensive weapon. Something compact but effective."

The apprentice hesitated before gesturing towards a section in the back. "We have some concealed weapons here: throwing needles, short blades, even a few arm guards with defensive formations."

She followed him, her eyes scanning the selection. A set of silver throwing needles caught her attention. They were thin, sharp, and had faint rune markings on them—clearly enhanced by a formation.

"These are Frostbite Needles," the apprentice explained. "They contain a freezing effect upon impact. Good for surprising an enemy, especially if they underestimate you."

Han Yue picked one up, testing its weight. Light, easy to conceal, and perfectly suited for her ice affinity. "How much?"

"Thirty spirit stones for a set of ten."

She considered it for a moment before nodding. "I'll take them."

After paying, she stored the needles and left the forge. With the Veil of a Thousand Faces technique and the Frostbite Needles, she had most of what she needed.

Now, only one thing remained before the secret realm: visiting the sect's martial pavilion. There, she might find techniques that could strengthen her foundation even further.

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