"Nine Nether Cave Heaven?"

Attending this meeting for the first time, Ji Yuan felt like a bumpkin, having never heard of anything and knowing nothing.

"An ancient secret realm that can produce Millennium Illusion Spirit Grass,"

Dong Qian, who had already obtained the recipe for the Foundation Establishment Pill, whispered.

No wonder... Ji Yuan had learned quite a bit about the Foundation Establishment Pill.

A secret realm that can produce Millennium Illusion Spirit Grass is as important as life itself for Qi Cultivation cultivators who have yet to establish their foundation.

Upon hearing about a secret realm, Ji Yuan's first reaction was... he couldn't go, nor was there any need to go.

A secret realm also has another name, a forbidden land, the kind of forbidden land of death; every time it opens, there are numerous casualties.

The majority who venture into a secret realm are mere cannon fodder,

stepping stones on the path to the rise of some strong individuals.

In short, for Ji Yuan, a secret realm was like a frontline; he'd rather die than go there.

Not to mention, he had a channel to get Millennium Illusion Spirit Grass, so there was even less reason to go.

His second reaction was that even though he wouldn't go, he could still learn about the situation.

"Who wouldn't be curious about this place? Brother Ge, why don't you tell us about it?"

"Hmm, if it's convenient, say it. If not, we can talk privately later. Just consider it a favor I'll owe you,"

finally spoke Liu Cangke, the Association Leader.

The earlier news about the Foundation Establishment Pill on the frontline hadn't moved him, or he had already made up his mind beforehand.

But the news of Nine Nether Cave Heaven truly tempted him.

Although he was strong, he was only at the Qi Cultivation Stage...

"No need for formalities, it's just passing news, not guaranteed to be true. Just listen to it," Ge Yang chuckled while stroking his beard. "Nine Nether Cave Heaven will open in three years, so any interested friends can prepare in advance. You can't be too prepared for this place."

"Three years from now..."

"Thank you, Brother Ge."

"..."

Ji Yuan listened to them expressing their gratitude and followed suit by saying thanks.

But as soon as the news of Nine Nether Cave Heaven came out, even the news of the Foundation Establishment Pill on the frontline seemed less enticing. The cultivators present soon talked about other matters.

Like some friend's successful foundation establishment and their impending island opening,

or a place where an earth treasure appeared, inciting many cultivators to contend for it.

But none of these drew much attention.

The brief gathering ended, and the cultivators began to extend invitations to their familiar companions, even Han Feiyu invited Ji Yuan to chat elsewhere.

Considering the invitation from this hometown fellow from Zengtou City, Ji Yuan didn't hesitate to spare some time.

He was about to leave with Han Feiyu, Dong Qian, and Du Wanyi when they saw a female cultivator arriving late on a Phantom Skiff.

She looked young and beautiful, wearing a light blue standard magic robe, but on each lapel were embroidered two talismans.

This was the unique robe of a disciple from the Talisman Hall of the Four Islands of the Water Dragon Sect.

Though Ji Yuan had only joined the Water Dragon Sect for a few days, he recognized the robe... and the person.

As soon as the female cultivator arrived, several cultivators greeted her.

"Junior Sister Lu, you're late today."

"It's been a while since I last saw Junior Sister Lu. How have you been lately?"

"Junior Sister Lu, you look even younger and prettier."

The female cultivator returned their greetings and finally approached Ji Yuan. She smiled and softly said, "Brother Ji, long time no see."

When greeting others, she was indifferent, but facing Ji Yuan, her eyes carried complex emotions, and her voice trembled slightly.

Seeing the situation wasn't right, Han Feiyu and the others quickly made excuses to leave,

saying they'd wait for Ji Yuan somewhere up ahead.

Everyone else also left individually.

Soon, only Ji Yuan and Lu Wan were left at the Scenic Pavilion.

"Senior Sister Lu... long time no see."

Ji Yuan initially intended to call her Sister Lu, but the words changed to Senior Sister Lu at the last moment.

Now that both were disciples of the Water Dragon Sect and Lu Wan had joined earlier, it wasn't wrong to call her Senior Sister.

Not to mention, Lu Wan also addressed him as "Brother Ji."

"Hmm, a few days ago, Mei Chen told me about Brother Ji's achievements, and I could hardly believe it."

Lu Wan came to Ji Yuan's side, and the two stood at the Scenic Pavilion, watching the waterfall cascade from afar.

"Just luck,"

was Ji Yuan's standard humble response no matter who he faced.

"Hmm."

Lu Wan seemed at a loss for words, and the two just watched the distant view in silence for a long time.

"I remember the last time I visited your home, I told you we'd meet again at the Water Dragon Sect. I didn't expect it to truly happen here."

Ji Yuan was about to speak, but Lu Wan interrupted, "Honestly, I wasn't confident about joining the Water Dragon Sect back then. I just felt that if you could get in, I should set it as a goal."

"Hadn't you developed the talisman painting method yet?"

Ji Yuan asked.

"I was close, but unsure if the method was valuable to the Water Dragon Sect, so I couldn't guarantee it... but it turned out well, fortunately."

Even now, recalling the experience made Lu Wan feel a sense of accomplishment.

"Senior Sister Lu, you're impressive."

Ji Yuan sincerely praised.

Lu Wan smiled self-deprecatingly, "If I were truly formidable, my parents wouldn't have died... Ji Yuan, honestly, I've always thought I was so naive back then at Zengtou City, or perhaps foolish. I indirectly caused my parents' deaths."

"I clearly knew the Wu Family's intentions towards me long ago, yet I couldn't bear to send myself away. Still, I needed to rely on the Wu Family's resources to enhance my strength..."

"Sister Lu, you..."

"Don't speak yet, let me finish. In the Water Dragon Sect, I honestly can't find anyone I feel at ease talking to about these things."

Lu Wan took a deep breath, revealing her inner feelings was indeed a tough task for her.

"In truth, I was thinking at the time that, once I join the Water Dragon Sect, I would properly repay Wu Wenbin and his family. But to sacrifice myself to serve someone like Wu Yan, I really couldn't do it. If the Wu Family had offered slightly different terms, I would have agreed. But they insisted I become Daoist partners with Wu Yan. I didn't want to. I don't want to spend the rest of my life in regret."

"But how many things in this life can be avoided just because you don't want to do them?"

"I didn't want to marry Wu Yan, and when I did, the cost was the death of my parents, who were killed by my momentary willfulness."

Lu Wan shook her head with a bitter smile.

Ji Yuan initially wanted to offer some comfort, but with Lu Wan already speaking so candidly, there was nothing left to console.

Moreover, he realized from her words that the current Lu Wan, having experienced the loss of her parents, had indeed matured considerably.

Though the price was rather steep.

"Qin Long and Old Third He have been dealt with by me. You don't need to worry about the Qin Family's affairs." Lu Wan spoke up again.

"Oh? Alright, thank you for the trouble."

Ji Yuan didn't ask how she handled it. But since she could say so, there must be no problem.

"Mm."

Lu Wan took another deep breath, suppressing all her emotions.

Her face once again displayed that lighthearted smile from before, "In the Talisman Hall on Four Sides Island, I even took a Foundation Establishment cultivator as my master. If you ever feel there's anything I can assist with, Brother Ji, feel free to come to me."

"Alright, I will."

Ji Yuan nodded slightly.

"Mm, Senior Brother Han and the others are waiting for you. You should hurry over. I won't be going; I still need to see my master shortly."

"Alright, take care, Senior Sister Lu."

Ji Yuan clasped his fists towards her, then summoned the Scarlet Skies Skiff, leaping onto it. His figure instantly transformed into a fiery streak, disappearing in the direction Han Feiyu and the others went.

Lu Wan stood there, watching Ji Yuan's departing figure.

With no outsiders around, her smile gradually faded.

The words just now were a farewell.

Rather than bidding farewell to Ji Yuan.

It was more like bidding farewell to her past.

After all, the next meeting would be as Senior Sister Lu and Junior Brother Ji of the Water Dragon Sect.

...

When Ji Yuan found Du Wanyi and the other three by a lakeshore of Mount Shui Island, they were already sitting together, casually chatting.

As Ji Yuan put away his flying boat and landed, they didn't ask what the matter was.

They only asked if any help was needed. When Ji Yuan said no, they didn't press further.

The four sat around. Du Wanyi took chairs and tables from her storage bag, while Dong Qian took out some fruits and snacks from hers, enjoying the rare tranquility.

Compared to earlier, there was more idle conversation now. All four came from Cloud Rain Marsh, and the market they resided in was relatively close, especially with Ji Yuan, Han Feiyu, and Dong Qian all from Zengtou City.

Thus, there were more topics to discuss.

Through casual conversation, Ji Yuan learned many things.

For instance, the Nine Nether Cave Heaven... What makes this place so enticing to everyone present is one major feature.

Legend has it that the Nine Nether Cave Heaven is the remnant of the Taoist site of the first cultivator of the Cangluo Continent. Although countless years have passed, its divine might still lingers. Its greatest feature is... Foundation Establishment cultivators and above cannot enter.

Only Qi Cultivation stage cultivators can enter, competing for various Treasures of Heaven and Earth inside.

There's even word that someone found a magical treasure inside... This has only increased the interest of Qi Cultivation cultivators wanting to visit the Nine Nether Cave Heaven.

Therefore, every time the Nine Nether Cave Heaven opens, the six great Immortal Sects of Shang Dong will organize their Qi Cultivation stage disciples who wish to go. The sect will also support them outside, ensuring they don't have their treasures snatched after obtaining them.

Once inside the Cave Heaven, everything depends on one's own skills.

'If I can successfully form the core, then I'll refine my Lifebound Magical Treasure into a Cave Heaven form, allowing it to upgrade through the interface directly. Its power would surely be immensely formidable.'

Ji Yuan secretly mused to himself.

Seeing Ji Yuan silent, Han Feiyu teased with a smile, "What's this, Brother Ji, has the Nine Nether Cave Heaven finally stirred your heart?"

Ji Yuan came to his senses and followed with a smile, "I heard from that Brother Ge that it will take at least another three years to open, so there's plenty of preparation time, no rush, no rush."

In three more years, even without triggering the Spirit Field's Spirit Effect1, I should still be able to obtain three stalks of Millennium Illusion Spirit Grass... If entering the Nine Nether Cave Heaven allows for such gains, wouldn't that be incredibly fortunate?

If that's the kind of fortune it takes to obtain so many.

Afterwards, the four chatted leisurely for a while. Han Feiyu suggested they exchange information if there are future developments.

Ji Yuan naturally agreed to this.

Du Wanyi then inquired with them about joining a hall under the Water Dragon Sect. To this, Han Feiyu and Dong Qian both indicated that without strong enough connections or impressive abilities, it's better not to hope for it.

Once the short gathering concluded, Ji Yuan was preparing to head home.

However, Dong Qian suggested, "The sky is still early. How about we all go to Thousand Mechanism Island to see if there are any tasks worth taking on?"

"Sounds good, just the opportunity to explain the intricacies of Thousand Mechanism Island to Junior Brother Ji and Junior Sister Du." Han Feiyu continued his helpful nature.

"I'll trouble you both then."

Ji Yuan naturally was more than willing to take up this offer.

About an hour and a half later, the four arrived at Thousand Mechanism Island.

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