Purchase Before Going to Secret Realm

Han Yue returned to Ice Garden Valley just as the sun was setting, painting the snowy mountains in shades of orange and gold. The cold air was a bit chilly, but it felt good to her – like coming home.

She headed straight for the sect's Martial Pavilion. It was a massive building made of dark jade and packed with powerful formations. It held loads of techniques, manuals, and records. Only sect disciples could go inside, and even then, you had to have enough contribution points and be at a certain level.

As she walked in, an old lady sitting behind a jade desk took a look at her. She stared for a bit before nodding. "Qi Gathering Tenth Realm. You can look at the first three floors."

Han Yue gave a little bow and walked past.

The pavilion was quiet, apart from the sound of pages rustling as disciples looked for techniques. There were rows and rows of shelves, each one filled with neatly arranged jade slips and scrolls. Magic formations cast a soft glow, keeping the dust off the ancient texts.

She knew exactly what she was looking for – techniques that would help her survive in the secret realm. She was already pretty good at swordsmanship and ice arts, but there was always room for improvement.

She moved past the shelves with basic techniques and went to the more specialised sections. Movement techniques, defensive arts, and combat strategies – that's what she needed.

Her fingers brushed against a jade slip called Glacial Phantom Steps. It was a movement technique that let you leave behind afterimages, confusing your enemies in battle. She picked it up – this could be handy.

Further down, another manual caught her eye – Ice Veil Barrier. It was a defensive technique that turned spiritual energy into layers of frost, making a strong shield against attacks. It wasn't perfect, but it was a great choice for people with an ice affinity.

She grabbed both and kept looking. The secret realm was unpredictable. If she wanted to survive without showing off her full power, she needed more than just raw strength – she needed to be able to adapt.

Han Yue kept browsing the pavilion, the soft glow of the formation lights reflecting off the jade slips. Around her, other female disciples were quietly going about their business, each focused on finding the techniques they wanted. A few whispered amongst themselves, occasionally glancing in her direction, but she ignored them.

After picking Glacial Phantom Steps and Ice Veil Barrier, she thought about adding one more category – offensive techniques. She was already good at swordsmanship, but a new attack method could give her the edge.

She stopped in front of a section dedicated to Ice-based Combat Arts. Her eyes landed on a jade slip labelled Frozen Moon Slash – a technique that condensed ice spiritual energy into a crescent blade, capable of striking from a distance. It was a subtle but deadly technique, perfect for her style.

Happy with her choices, she walked towards the jade desk where the elder was waiting. She looked at the techniques she had chosen, her expression neutral. "A good choice for someone at your level," she said, recording the transaction. "You can study them within the sect but can't copy them or share them with anyone."

Han Yue nodded. "Got it."

With that, she turned and left the pavilion. Snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky as she walked back to her residence. The secret realm was about to open, and she didn't have a moment to spare. Tonight, she would start studying the new techniques – every advantage mattered in the unpredictable world of cultivation.

Han Yue made her way back to her courtyard, the chilly wind rustling through the snow-covered trees. The sky had turned dark, and the sect's lanterns gave off a warm glow over the icy paths. She stepped into her little home and shut the door behind her.

Setting down the jade slips on a wooden table, she settled cross-legged on a woven mat. Before diving into her practice, she took a moment to clear her head, breathing in the crisp night air. The opening of the secret realm was just around the corner, and while she wasn't looking to draw any attention, she knew she had to be ready for anything.

She grabbed the jade slip with Glacial Phantom Steps, pressing it to her forehead and letting a little bit of her spiritual sense flow into it. Instantly, a wealth of knowledge rushed into her mind—detailed breakdowns of the technique, diagrams of footwork patterns, and tips on using her ice affinity to boost her movement.

The technique was all about condensing cold air beneath her feet, which let her move quickly while leaving behind shimmering afterimages. This could be a real game-changer against opponents who were all about direct attacks.

Han Yue opened her eyes and stood up, stepping onto the frozen ground of her courtyard. She began moving according to the technique's guide, her spiritual energy coursing into her feet.

Her first step barely stirred the air. The second made a slight ripple. By the third, a faint afterimage trailed her for a moment before disappearing.

She squinted. "Too slow."

Taking a deep breath, she focused on the ice affinity running through her meridians. Her next step felt lighter, almost like she was floating. The air around her shimmered a bit, and for just a heartbeat, it looked like she had taken two steps at once.

A little progress. But not enough.

She kept practising, each move becoming smoother than the last. Her spiritual energy adapted on its own, weaving through the cold air around her. Before long, her afterimages were sharper and hung around longer before they vanished. It wasn't perfect, but it was definitely a step forward.

After about an hour, she paused, her breath even. She had caught on to the basics, but really nailing the technique would need some actual combat experience. The secret realm would give her that chance.

Next up was Ice Veil Barrier, the defensive move. She sat back down and soaked up the information from the jade slip. This one was all about packing ice spiritual energy into a layered barrier, making a shield around you. The more layers you built, the tougher the defence.

Han Yue held out her hand, getting her energy flowing. A bit of a chill filled the air as a thin layer of frost formed around her hand.

"Too weak."

She fine-tuned the energy, putting more power into the barrier. The frost got thicker, turning into a see-through ice layer that wrapped around her arm. She gave it a little tap—it was solid, but a strong attack could crack it.

She kept working on the technique, trying out layering the ice. The first few goes were a bit wobbly, the layers breaking under their own weight. But after a few tweaks, she finally managed to make three stable layers of ice.

Not bad.

By now, it was late, and a light dusting of snow had settled in the courtyard. Han Yue breathed out slowly, her breath showing in the cold air.

She'd made some progress, but there was still one more technique left—Frozen Moon Slash. Unlike the others, this one was an attack move, something she'd need in the craziness of the secret realm.

She reached for the jade slip and absorbed its details. The technique was all about packing ice spiritual energy into a crescent-shaped blade that could be shot at an enemy. How strong the attack was relied on how well the user controlled it and how dense the ice was.

Han Yue grabbed her sword and focused her energy. A faint shimmer of cold light built up along the blade's edge. She swung forward, but the energy faded before it could take the crescent shape.

She frowned. "Not enough compression."

Tinkering with her control, she gathered the energy again. This time, as she slashed, a thin ice arc zipped forward, slicing into the snow. It wasn't strong, but it was a win.

She kept at it, slashing over and over until the arcs started to look clearer and sharper. By the time she wrapped it up, her Frozen Moon Slash could travel a few metres before fizzling out—not perfect, but getting there.

Han Yue finally put her sword down, her body relaxed but her mind alert.

She had picked up some solid techniques, but truly mastering them required hands-on experience in battle. The secret realm would be the ideal challenge.

Standing under the moonlit sky, she closed her eyes. The chilly wind brushed against her face, but she remained still.

Soon, she'd dive into the unknown. And in the world of cultivation, only those who were ready would succeed.

The next morning, Han Yue was up bright and early, heading out of her place and onto the frosty paths of Ice Garden Valley. The air was fresh, and the sect was pretty quiet – most of the disciples were either meditating or training.

She walked towards the sect's marketplace, where there were loads of stalls selling things just for disciples. Today, she had a mission – talismans.

Talismans were super handy in tricky situations. Unlike techniques, which took ages to use, talismans worked instantly. If used properly, they could turn a dangerous situation in her favour.

She popped into a shop that specialised in talismans, the smell of burning paper and ink filling the air. The shopkeeper, a middle-aged woman in a deep blue robe, looked up with a knowing smile.

"You've got good timing," she said. "Loads of disciples are getting ready for the secret realm. What are you after?"

Han Yue didn't hesitate. "Fire talismans, speed talismans, wind talismans, wing talismans, and fire blast talismans. I need at least seven, but depending on the price, I might get more."

The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow. "A good mix. Fire for attacking, speed and wind for getting around, and wings for flying. You're thinking ahead."

She grabbed a wooden box and put it on the counter. Inside were neatly arranged talismans, each with intricate golden patterns.

"These are top-quality talismans. Fire talismans make bursts of flame, while fire blast talismans cause an explosion. Speed and wind talismans make you move faster, and wing talismans give you temporary wings for short flights."

Han Yue picked up one of the wing talismans, running her fingers over the smooth surface. These could be lifesavers in some situations.

She looked at the shopkeeper. "How much for ten mixed talismans?"

The woman thought for a moment. "Fifty spirit stones."

A fair price. Han Yue nodded. "I'll take ten for now."

After she paid, she put the talismans away and left. With these, she was almost ready.

The secret realm was getting closer. And when the time came, she would be fully prepared.

Han Yue returned to her courtyard, her mind focused on the next task – mastering the talismans and the appearance-changing technique.

Talismans were straightforward, but to use them efficiently in battle, she needed to familiarise herself with their activation speed, range, and effects. She sat on the cold stone floor, placing the talismans in front of her.

She picked up a fire talisman, channeling a small amount of spiritual energy into it. The inscription glowed faintly before a small burst of flame ignited in front of her. It burned for a few seconds before fading.

"Fast activation. Effective for quick attacks."

Next, she tried the fire blast talisman. As soon as she infused energy, a compressed fireball shot forward, exploding against a nearby rock. The heat was intense, leaving scorch marks.

She nodded. "Powerful, but requires more energy."

She moved on to the speed talisman, activating it with a swift motion. A surge of energy filled her legs, making her movements lighter. She dashed across the courtyard, her speed nearly doubling. However, the effect only lasted a few breaths.

"Short duration but useful in critical moments."

Testing the wind talisman, she felt a sudden force push against her back, increasing her momentum. Unlike the speed talisman, this one relied on directional force, best used for evading or repositioning.

Finally, she held the wing talisman. As she activated it, a faint shimmer appeared behind her, forming a pair of translucent energy wings. She flapped them experimentally and felt herself lift slightly off the ground. Though unstable, she could see the potential.

"These will take practice."

She spent the rest of the day testing different combinations – using speed and wind talismans together for rapid movement, pairing fire and fire blast talismans for layered attacks. By the end, she had a solid grasp of their timing and power.

The next morning, she turned her attention to the Veil of a Thousand Faces technique.

Sitting before a bronze mirror, she circulated her spiritual energy according to the method described in the jade slip. A faint ripple spread across her features, but nothing changed.

She frowned. "Too little control."

Adjusting her energy flow, she focused on shifting minor details – softening her jawline, adjusting the shape of her eyes. This time, the changes were noticeable but uneven.

Again and again, she refined the technique, adjusting every detail carefully. After hours of practice, she finally succeeded in creating a different but natural-looking face.

Looking into the mirror, an unfamiliar woman stared back at her.

She smirked. "This will be useful."

She reached for the jade slip, absorbing its contents. The technique focused on condensing ice spiritual energy into a crescent-shaped blade, which could be launched toward an enemy. The strength of the attack depended on the user's control and the density of the ice.

Han Yue picked up her sword, channeling her energy. A faint glimmer of cold light gathered along the blade's edge. She slashed forward, but the energy dispersed before forming the crescent.

She frowned. "Not enough compression."

Adjusting her control, she gathered the energy again. This time, when she slashed, a thin arc of ice shot forward, cutting into the snow. Though weak, it was a successful attempt.

She continued refining the technique, slashing repeatedly until the arcs became clearer and sharper. By the time she stopped, her Frozen Moon Slash could travel several meters before dissipating—not yet perfect, but effective for now.

Han Yue finally set down her sword, her body relaxed but her mind sharp.

She had gained valuable techniques, but true mastery required battle experience. The secret realm would be the perfect test.

Standing beneath the moonlit sky, she closed her eyes. The cold wind brushed against her face, but she remained still.

Soon, she would step into the unknown. And in the world of cultivation, only the prepared survived.

-----

Two days passed in focused training. By the end, she was confident in her talismans and could alter her appearance with ease.

Now, the only thing left was the secret realm itself.

The morning air was crisp as Han Yue stepped out of her residence, her breath visible in the cold. Today marked the beginning of a dangerous journey—the secret realm would open soon.

She had spent the last two days refining her skills, testing talismans, and mastering the Veil of a Thousand Faces technique. But today, she chose to keep her true appearance. There was no need for unnecessary suspicion before entering the realm.

Walking toward the gathering point, she saw other disciples preparing—checking their weapons, adjusting their robes, and whispering among themselves. Some looked excited, others anxious. The secret realm was unpredictable; for many, it was an opportunity, but for some, it could be their downfall.

Han Yue remained silent, her gaze steady. Her preparations were complete. Now, all that remained was to step into the unknown.

As Han Yue approached the assembly of disciples congregated near the entrance of Ice Garden Valley, she perceived a subtle alteration in the atmosphere. The excitement was palpable, yet it was accompanied by a sense of caution. There was a collective awareness that the secret realm was no ordinary location; its dangers were legendary.

The elder of the sect, a stern woman with silver hair, signalled for the group to assemble. 'We shall be travelling to Coldstone City, a modest settlement adjacent to the access point of the secret realm. Upon our arrival, we will rest and undertake our final preparations. Remain vigilant; we shall encounter unknown challenges ahead.'

Han Yue nodded, her countenance remaining unchanged. Coldstone City was a common waypoint for sects and cultivators en route to the secret realm. Although not extensive, the city teemed with activity. Merchants, adventurers, and practitioners from various sects congregated there, readying themselves for the trials that lay ahead.

As the group departed, Han Yue maintained a degree of distance, her thoughts concentrated on the journey. She had acquired all the knowledge she could within the sect; now, it was time to assess her skills in the actual world.

After several hours of travel, the group arrived at Coldstone City. The imposing stone walls of the city rose in the distance, their surfaces slick with remnants of snow. The aroma of incense and freshly baked goods permeated the air as they entered through the gates.

The city pulsated with the rhythm of commerce. Stalls adorned the streets, offering an array of wares from rare herbs to magical artefacts. Merchants called out to passing patrons, their voices harmonising with the sound of the bustling crowds.

Han Yue could not suppress a fleeting sense of wonder. Despite her poise, she was still youthful and inexperienced in this realm.

She inhaled deeply and followed the group to a nearby inn. This evening, they would rest before embarking upon their venture into the secret realm. The trials would commence tomorrow.

Han Yue navigated the streets of Coldstone City with deliberate slowness, her heightened senses attuned to the vibrant yet tense atmosphere surrounding her. The city displayed a confluence of excitement and underlying unease, with cultivators from various sects intermingling with merchants, adventurers, and travellers. The air was rich with the aromas of exotic herbs, metals, and culinary delights. Some market stalls showcased rare treasures, while others offered weapons, talismans, and protective arrays for sale.

As she inhaled deeply, she continued her journey into a quieter alleyway. The tranquil ambience provided her with a momentary respite from the impending challenge posed by the secret realm. This was her first experience in such a city—teeming with life yet perilously easy to lose oneself within.

Delving further into the alley, her instincts were suddenly aroused. A menacing presence lurked behind her, heavy and foreboding. Narrowing her eyes, she instinctively reached for the sword at her waist.

Before she could adequately react, a figure materialised from the shadows—a man clad in dark robes, his face concealed by a hood. His spiritual aura was formidable, and Han Yue could sense the power emanating from him.

"You appear to be lost, little cultivator," he uttered, his voice low and laced with derision, exuding an air of superiority. "Perhaps you ought to exercise greater caution in these precincts."

Han Yue's grip on her sword increased in tension. She had encountered a variety of cultivators before, yet this one possessed a unique and ominous energy.

"I do not require your counsel," she responded coolly, her voice unwavering.

The man let out a dark chuckle, advancing closer to her. "Oh, I believe you do. A Qi Gathering Tenth Realm cultivator such as yourself should exercise more prudence when traversing these streets alone. This city harbours many who prey upon the vulnerable."

Han Yue's countenance hardened, her eyes igniting with fierce determination. "I am not prey."

The man's smile contorted, and in a flash, he unsheathed a long, black blade from his waist. The dark energy enveloping him surged forth, his aura constricting around her like a vice.

"I shall be the judge of that."

With a swift motion, he lunged towards her, the blade slicing through the air with lethal precision. Han Yue responded instinctively, drawing her sword in a fluid manner and successfully parrying the strike. The force of the attack reverberated through her arm, yet she maintained her ground, her gaze fiercely locked onto his.

He pulled back and then attacked again, faster this time. Han Yue was forced to retreat, her feet sliding against the slick cobblestones. She deflected another strike, but the impact sent a jolt of pain through her arm.

She could feel the weight of his dark energy pressing on her, making it difficult to breathe. He wasn't just a normal cultivator—his power was twisted, corrupted, like something that had been forged in the shadows.

"You're weaker than I thought," he taunted, his eyes gleaming with malice. "How pathetic."

Han Yue gritted her teeth. She couldn't let him get inside her head. She had faced tougher enemies before.

Han Yue wasn't giving up. She charged at him, her sword a blur as she slashed at his side. Her blade ripped through his robes and into his flesh. He howled in pain, stumbling back.

She pressed her advantage, her sword a whirlwind of attacks. The dark cultivator tried to block, but Han Yue was relentless. Her icy energy pulsed with each strike, freezing the air and slowing him down.

With a final, powerful blow, Han Yue plunged her sword deep into his side. He gasped, his face twisted in agony. His sword clattered to the ground as he staggered back, blood staining the cobblestones.

"You'll regret this," he hissed, but his voice was weak and empty.

Han Yue stood tall, her body aching and bloody, but her determination was unshakeable. She sheathed her sword and watched as the dark cultivator collapsed, unable to fight any more.

She took a deep breath, wiping the sweat from her brow. Her ribs throbbed with each breath, and the wound on her side pulsed with pain, but she wouldn't give in to weakness. She had won, and that was all that mattered.

"Pathetic," she muttered, grabbing his storage bag. She turned her back on the fallen man. She couldn't afford to waste any more time.

With a steady stride, Han Yue continued through the alley, her heart still pounding. The fight had been tough, but it had sharpened her focus. She was ready for whatever the secret realm threw at her.

Han Yue rushed back to her room, her steps quick and steady even though her side was hurting. As soon as she got in, she flopped down onto the bed, breathless. The healing pills she'd taken kicked in straight away. The pain in her ribs eased off, the bleeding stopped, but she could still feel a nagging ache throughout her body.

She shut her eyes for a moment to gather herself. The fight had been tougher than she expected. Even with her careful planning and quick reflexes, there were times she had just managed to dodge a lethal hit. That dark cultivator had packed a punch, and she realised she really needed to work on her physical strength.

She was no newbie to battles, but this encounter made it clear—being cautious was her best bet. She'd been lucky this time around. If she had underestimated her opponent even a bit, things could have gone south pretty quickly.

Han Yue let out a deep sigh and looked at her side. The healing pill had done its job, but she could still feel a bit of discomfort from the wound. The fact that she hadn't used any techniques during the fight kept bugging her. If she had let loose with her Phoenix Body or any of those elemental skills she'd been working on, the fight could've been over in no time. Instead, she relied on her sword skills and those talismans she'd just got her hands on.

But that was the problem—she hadn't fully worked her techniques into her fighting. She understood their potential, but hadn't used them in a real fight yet. It wasn't just about strength; it was about having the confidence to use them.

"Next time," she murmured to herself, "I'll be ready."

She felt the weight of her body's limitations. There was still so much she hadn't unlocked—so much she hadn't even tried. And it wasn't just about techniques. It was about managing her energy, building up her strength, and learning to use her powers without a hitch.

She had to figure out where she fell short. What had held her back in that fight? Was it fear of getting hurt? Not enough experience?

Her gaze landed on the dark cultivator's storage bag, still sitting on the desk next to her. With a steady hand, she opened it up and started rummaging through the items inside.

The first thing she pulled out was a blood pill—its deep red colour really stood out from the other items. It was a Temporary Power-Up Pill, but much stronger. That would have come in handy during her fight, so she tucked it away carefully.

Then she found a broken array flag. The flag was cracked, with faded and broken inscriptions. It probably had weak power, but it could still be worth something—once it was fixed up. It might help her out in future fights, or even for defence against certain moves.

Right at the bottom of the bag, something caught her eye – a dark book with a cultivator technique for hiding whole realms. Han Yue's fingers traced the smooth cover, her mind buzzing with possibilities. A technique to hide entire realms? She'd heard whispers of such things, but finding one so easily was a surprise. Could this be the very skill the dark cultivator had been using, a way to hide their true strength or identity?

Intrigue and caution battled inside her. This could be a powerful addition to her arsenal, but mastering it might be dangerous and demanding.

With a sigh, she got out of bed. "No more hanging about," she muttered to herself. She needed to push her training further, delve deeper into her abilities, and learn from every encounter – whether in the heat of battle or the quiet of meditation.

The path ahead would be tough, but she was determined to get stronger.

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