Just like that, three months passed.
In that time, Li Yao had painstakingly cultivated his First Body Refinement Stage to the ninth level, standing on the cusp of perfection. The countless hours spent tempering his muscles, bones, and meridians had pushed his body to its limits, leaving it refined and resilient. His internal strength resonated with a quiet, smoldering force—ready for the challenges ahead.
Now, the day had arrived. The gates to the secret realm were set to open, and Li Yao was on his way to meet his master for final instructions.
As he crossed into Deacon Bai's courtyard, Li Yao's steps slowed, a sense of nostalgia washing over him. His thoughts drifted back to the decision that had shaped his journey—choosing the Embercloud Sect over the Earthly Sword Sect. Had he chosen differently, would he have found a master like Bai? Would he have stumbled upon the guidance that resonated so deeply with his soul? Perhaps not. Despite the what-ifs, Li Yao felt no regret. His path, though fraught with hardships, felt right.
A familiar voice greeted him.
"You've come on time, disciple."
Li Yao approached and gave a respectful bow. "Master, how are you feeling today?"
"The same as always," Deacon Bai replied with a calm smile. "But let's set aside such concerns. How about you? How has your cultivation progressed?"
"Master, I've nearly perfected my body refinement," Li Yao said, his tone humble but tinged with quiet pride. "And my cultivation… it's proceeding smoothly."
"Good. Very good." Bai nodded, his eyes sharp with satisfaction. "Then let me tell you about the secret realm you'll soon enter."
"I've told you before—the place is called the Myriad Heaven Realm," Bai began, his voice taking on a weight of ancient knowledge. "It's a fragment of a world that was once whole and prosperous, until it was shattered long ago. This world was destroyed in a battle between two immortals whose powers clashed so violently that it ripped the very fabric of that world apart. However, just as the world was on the verge of total collapse, its own will—a profound, conscious force acted."
Li Yao's eyes widened. "The will of the world…?"
"Yes," Bai said gravely. "In its final moments, the will of the world preserved what fragments it could. Like a mother shielding her children, it split the realm into seven distinct parts, each infused with remnants of its vitality and laws. With its last strength, the will sent these fragments drifting into separate dimensions—hoping that in some future age, worthy beings might find them and rekindle the fading embers of that lost world."
Li Yao felt his breath catch. The scale of such destruction was beyond comprehension. "Master, who were those immortals?"
"No one in this realm knows," Bai answered, his gaze distant as if peering through time. "What is certain is that their conflict destroyed countless lives. Now, the remnants of that once-flourishing world are slowly losing their spiritual essence. In time, all seven fragments will vanish completely."
A shiver ran down Li Yao's spine. "Is it that serious?"
Bai's expression turned grave. "Yes. Even in our fragment—guarded by the Embercloud Sect—signs of decay are obvious. When our sect was founded ten thousand years ago, the secret realm permitted entry up to the Soul Turbulence Realm. But over time, the realm's vitality waned. Now, only cultivators in the Foundation Establishment Realm can enter, and the maximum allowed is ten."
Li Yao's mind reeled at the weight of history. "Master," he hesitated, "what is this 'will of the world' you spoke of?"
Bai's lips curved into a faint smile, though his eyes remained enigmatic. "Your cultivation has not yet reached the level to comprehend such things. But know this: the will of the world is an extraordinary force, akin to the consciousness of the heavens and earth itself. It governs, preserves, and protects its world until it fades away."
Li Yao pondered this, his thoughts heavy. "Master… will there come a time when only Qi Refining disciples can enter the secret realm?"
"Yes," Bai said simply. "But by then, the secret realm's value will be greatly diminished. Qi Refining disciples won't possess the depth to comprehend the realm's true potential or unlock its remaining secrets. It will be like trying to grasp the heavens with bare hands."
"Master," Li Yao hesitated again, "what cultivation realm were you in when you entered the secret realm?"
A rare smile of reminiscence softened Bai's features. "I was in the Core Formation Realm. The Myriad Heaven Realm accelerated my cultivation during that time. It's a place rich with opportunities, if you can find them."
Bai gestured toward the Qiheart Tree in the herbal garden, its emerald leaves shimmering faintly in the breeze. "See that tree? I brought it back from the secret realm. It's not native to this world, but its resilience and spiritual essence have flourished here. It was during my exploration there that I discovered my affinity for the Dao of Nature—and later, the Dao of Space. Perhaps you too will make unexpected discoveries."
Li Yao's brows furrowed in thought. "Is discovering one's Dao affinity truly that important, Master?"
"Crucial," Bai said firmly. "Before you reach the Nascent Soul Realm, you must uncover your Dao affinity. If I had overlooked mine—if I had failed to realize my connection to the Dao of Space—then once I formed my Nascent Soul, it would have been too late. No amount of heavenly treasures or late insights could correct it. The Nascent Soul forms based on your core, and if that core is incomplete, you'll never step beyond its bounds."
He paused, gazing at Li Yao with a hint of pride and curiosity. "I wonder what Dao affinities you'll discover. Even I possess only three affinities, which is the highest ever recorded in the Embercloud Sect."
Li Yao's heart pounded. The thought of multiple Dao affinities felt distant, yet tantalizingly possible.
"But disciple," Bai warned, "the secret realm is not without its dangers. Because of the realm's decay, there are no longer Nascent Soul-level demon beasts lurking there. However, Core Formation-level beasts still inhabit the realm, and they can be deadly. Your first task should be to secure a safe place, then focus on finding your Dao affinity."
Li Yao nodded, his mind already strategizing. "Master, how will I find my Dao affinity?"
Bai's smile turned mysterious. "The secret realm is unique. Its declining state has made it easier to observe the world's underlying Dao laws. By entering a state of deep meditation and aligning your mind with the realm's essence, the Dao you resonate with most will reveal itself. You'll experience it as an intuitive insight—an understanding that will settle in your mind like an ancient truth."
"But how is that possible, Master?" Li Yao's brows drew together in confusion.
"We don't fully understand it, disciple," Bai admitted. "Perhaps it's the will of the world helping those who still seek the truth of the Dao, granting them one final chance before the realm fades entirely."
He stood, his robes shifting with the motion. "One last thing. When you enter the secret realm, you and the other nine disciples will be teleported to random locations. No one knows where you'll appear. Be cautious, and above all, trust your instincts."
Li Yao bowed deeply, absorbing every word. "Thank you, Master. I will heed your advice."
"Good," Bai said softly, his tone warm yet resolute. "Let us set off for Cloudveil Peak. The others are already gathering. It's time for the next chapter of your journey."
Together, they left the courtyard, stepping into the morning light. Li Yao's heart beat with a mixture of anticipation and resolve. Before him stretched the path to the Myriad Heaven Realm, a place of untold secrets and perils. He was determined to uncover his Dao affinity, strengthen his cultivation, and return stronger than before.