"Still just a step away from the Profound Core Realm," Li Mo shook his head.
For most cultivators at the Jade Liquid Stage of Internal Breath, even those with decent talent, getting stuck for three to five years before breaking through to the Profound Core Realm was perfectly normal.
His current rate of progress was already something countless others could only dream of.
"Of the Seven Seals of Heaven and Earth, I can now execute the sixth."
"As for swordsmanship... well, I’ve gotten even more dashing!"
Young Li Mo was already virtually unmatched among those at the Internal Breath Stage when it came to swordplay.
After cooking breakfast, he ate while glancing at the room on the second floor.
Shang Wu narrowed her almond-shaped eyes:
"Even without reaching the Profound Core Realm, the intensity of her Internal Breath is enough to instantly crush most Profound Core cultivators and even make those in the Observation Divine Realm wary."
Li Mo fell silent for a moment.
He was wondering—did this ice block just dual-cultivate with herself?
If so, she probably wouldn’t need to practice the first layer of Phoenix Cry Over Heavenly Marsh with him anymore.
Hmm... the second layer would be more fitting.
But that was something to consider after reaching the Observation Divine Realm.
Shaking off his thoughts, Li Mo began checking the essentials for the journey.
As he did, he casually asked:
"Master, aren’t you planning to come with us to Qinghe County this time?"
After witnessing Shang Wu’s not-so-serious display of power last time, $2oung Li Mo felt that having her around would guarantee absolute safety.
"Hmph, not going," Shang Wu snorted lightly, clearly displeased.
"Those old geezers said I’ve worked hard enough and shouldn’t bother with this trip."
Li Mo ventured carefully:
"Is there a chance they’re just worried you’ll pick fights with people from other sects?"
"Come here, let me test if you’ve slacked off before the trip."
Shang Wu planted her hands on her hips, ready to give her precious disciple some special attention.
Fortunately, Ying Bing came downstairs just in time.
Li Mo slipped into the carriage, narrowly avoiding disaster.
The Qingyuan Sect’s departure for Qinghe County was naturally a grand affair.
Elders and deacons from every peak had gathered.
Leading the group were three elders, given the mixed and unpredictable nature of the forces involved—not just from the Eastern Wasteland Domain, but even neighboring foreign domains.
The team was headed by Yin Huaxuan, Elder Qian Bufan, and Xue Jing.
One was immensely powerful with extensive knowledge of exotic beasts, another was a smooth talker... and a glutton.
As for Xue Jing, his role was to prevent any mishaps among the disciples.
The disciple contingent was also composed of elites.
For instance, the previous generation’s top disciple—Ouyang, the true inheritor of Ruyi Peak.
The disciple leader was Yin Huacheng, son of Yin Huaxuan.
The rest of the disciples had been selected through a small competition held by the sect, this time without age restrictions—any disciple below or at the Observation Divine Realm could participate.
In the end, thirty were chosen.
Most were true inheritors at the Observation Divine Realm.
Only one inner disciple made the cut—Xiao Qin.
During the selection, he had suddenly erupted with formidable power, defeating his opponent and standing out conspicuously among the true inheritors.
"Where are Li Mo and Ying Bing?"
Qian Bufan stood at the front of the group.
Glancing at the sun, he frowned.
"Late for a sect expedition? Unacceptable."
Yin Huaxuan’s brows furrowed as he turned to the side.
"Father, rest assured. Once we enter the secret realm, I’ll ensure they follow orders."
Yin Huacheng smiled faintly, cupping his hands.
Just as he finished speaking, $2 familiar sect leader’s carriage appeared on the mountain path, moving at a leisurely pace.
"You two, why the delay?"
Qian Bufan coughed lightly, asking casually.
No one expected the ice block to handle social interactions.
"Got caught up in a crucial training session. My apologies, Elder Qian."
"I’ll treat you to hotpot later."
Qian Bufan nodded, his expression softening.
But when he swept his gaze over their auras, his smile turned into pleasant surprise.
"You’ve both improved so much? Excellent!"
He could see it clearly—
these two were already on the verge of the Profound Core Realm.
Though Ying Bing was slightly further from the breakthrough than Li Mo, she cultivated two types of Internal Breath, making their progress equally remarkable.
Qian Bufan’s tone turned serious:
"The Blood Phoenix Secret Realm is fraught with danger, and the factions involved are complex."
"Stay close to us on the journey."
"Indeed, Li Mo and Ying Bing’s safety is the top priority. Gains from the secret realm are secondary."
Xue Jing nodded in agreement.
"Once inside, junior brother and sister, please follow my lead and avoid stirring trouble."
Yin Huacheng’s indifferent voice cut in.
Who’s this guy? Talking like he owns the place?
Li Mo couldn’t help but size up the handsome yet gloomy true inheritor from the Beast Taming Peak.
"Elders, we plan to act separately."
It didn’t take a genius to guess the Blood Phoenix Secret Realm was crucial for the ice block.
She’d undoubtedly operate alone.
Li Mo, meanwhile, intended to scout for investment opportunities in the secret realm and wouldn’t stick with the main group either. They’d regroup later.
So, following orders was out of the question.
"Hmph, most entering the secret realm are at the Observation Divine Realm."
"You two are merely at Internal Breath, inexperienced in the ways of the world. Without my protection, you won’t last a step."
Yin Huacheng’s tone was far from friendly, $2et he insisted on keeping them under his watch.
What’s with this senior brother? Possessive much?
Li Mo frowned, about to activate his Heavenly Eye of Fate for a closer look.
Ying Bing tilted her head slightly.
Her serene eyes rested on Yin Huacheng, utterly devoid of emotion.
Even an ugly stray dog on the street would’ve elicited more reaction.
Indifference—the greatest insult of all.
Yin Huacheng’s face twisted, cycling through shades of green and white.
He recalled that cliff, that same pair, those same eyes...
Li Mo: "......Ahem, senior brother, no need to get worked up."
Then again, the ice block’s taunt aura only works on villains...
Wait, does that mean—
Qian Bufan and Xue Jing exchanged glances, their silence speaking volumes.
When they said "be careful," they meant outside the secret realm.
Observation Divine Realm?
Clearly, you haven’t heard how the Endless Trial ended...
They were more worried these two would pull another stunt—masks on, identities hidden, resurrecting the Three Evils of Huai Mountain.
Damn, now that I think about it, Xiao Qin’s here too. The trio’s practically complete.
"No discipline, no order."
Yin Huaxuan turned, expecting the other elders to reprimand them.
"Acting separately is fine."
Qian Bufan cleared his throat.
Xue Jing nodded. "I agree."
Yin Huaxuan was taken aback by their compliance.
"Very well. Best of luck in the secret realm, then."
Humiliated, Yin Huacheng stormed off.
Watching his retreating figure, $2i Mo raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with hidden intent.
Heavenly Eye of Fate—activate!
Heh, many thanks to all you dear readers. When I started this book, I never expected it to perform so well. As a small-time author dipping my toes into the Xuanhuan genre for the first time, some details might not be as polished as they could be.
I will be even more diligent in the future, crafting every part of the story with care. Mwah!