Why would Steward Jin recommend this particular secret realm?What did he truly mean by it?
Liu Shi had originally planned only to use this opportunity to gather intelligence, and then, under the guise of surrendering, allow himself to be drawn into the control of the San Cai Workshop. Through that, he could seek to obtain their alchemy or artifact refinement techniques.
But now, Steward Jin's sudden proposal was something entirely outside his expectations.
Unable to hold back, Liu Shi asked, "What kind of place is this?"
Steward Jin's gaunt frame twisted, bones crackling in that familiar, teeth-numbing crunch, and within a blink he once again reverted to the smiling, harmlessly plump figure.
With a genial smile, he replied, "If you truly wish to free yourself from the Demonic Sect, then heed my advice—go there."
Liu Shi furrowed his brows tightly, feigning ignorance of the secret realm. A troubled look spread across his face."But… shouldn't I at least know what that place is? Otherwise, even if I went, I wouldn't know what I'm supposed to do."
"Of course," the fat man said kindly, as though expecting this question. "That is a righteous secret realm, protected by a special restriction—only mortals may enter."
"So once you step inside, those assassins hunting you will no longer be able to pursue."
Liu Shi's brow furrowed deeper, his expression more conflicted."But I already have cultivation. I am no longer a mortal. How could I possibly enter such a secret realm?"
"And even if I stayed hidden there for a while, that isn't a long-term solution. Sooner or later, I'd have to leave. By then, how would I resist the Demonic Sect's endless pursuit?"
Steward Jin did not answer immediately. Instead, he poured two cups of steaming tea, the mist obscuring his expression, making him appear even more enigmatic.
Only after setting the teapot down did he speak slowly:"To explain those two questions… it is not simple."
"First, yes—the secret realm allows only mortals to enter. But if you are willing, at its entrance you can voluntarily disperse all your cultivation. Then you will have the qualification to enter."
"For most cultivators, who spend their entire lives seeking cultivation and higher realms, to cast away their cultivation is worse than death itself. But if you truly wish to sever yourself from the Demonic Sect and regain freedom, then entering this secret realm is your only path."
Liu Shi's mind churned.
Disperse his cultivation?For other cultivators, yes—it would be unbearable. Their meager spiritual power was gained through years of toil, betrayal, humiliation, and endless struggle. To abandon it in an instant? Unthinkable.
But Liu Shi was only a disposable avatar. His meager Qi Refining first-layer cultivation had been granted by the Xuanpin Art. To him, this "cultivation" was utterly worthless.
Abandon it? He could. He cared nothing for it.
But what truly made him hesitate was…
"And the second problem?" Liu Shi pressed, "You know well the Demonic Sect's stance on betrayal. Once someone defects, they will hunt them to the ends of the earth—until death. When that time comes, how could I possibly survive?"
Steward Jin narrowed his small eyes, smiling mysteriously."If it were any other secret realm, there would be no solution. But this one is different. Its path is unique. Do you know which path it follows?"
Path?
Liu Shi frowned.He had heard this term before, aside from its use in techniques. But he still did not understand what exactly a "path" was.
All he knew was that this secret realm must have a connection to the Hall of Ritual Poems, and even the Ritual Poem Scripture.
Seeing Liu Shi's confusion, Steward Jin chuckled softly.
"It is the Path of Yin Learning."
"It is said: 'Honor the teachings of the Three Schools to nurture men; upon entering, one must wash away past sins and reform anew.'"
"As long as you enter that secret realm and it accepts you, then when you emerge, you will be a completely new person. Your appearance, your aura, even your soul's origin—all will be transformed."
"By then, even should the Demonic Sect confront you face-to-face, they would not recognize you. Well? Does that set your heart at ease?"
At ease?
Liu Shi's heart recoiled.How could he possibly feel at ease after hearing that?
Who knew if Steward Jin was speaking truth or falsehood?And even if it were true—what exactly did he mean?Enter the secret realm, and one becomes a "new" person?
Too bizarre.Even when Liu Qi had entered a secret realm, such a thing had not occurred…
—Wait.
At that time, Liu Qi had indeed changed.Upon entering the secret realm, not only had her clothing altered, but even her body had shrunk, turning into the form of a young student.
Could it be that this was the peculiarity of this secret realm?Was Steward Jin actually telling the truth?
Liu Shi furrowed his brows, gazing at him seriously."You… who exactly are you? How do you know all this? Could it be that you are—"
"Ahem!"
Steward Jin suddenly erupted into a fit of coughing, conveniently cutting off Liu Shi's speculation.
Waving a hand, his kindly smile returned."Little brother, knowing too much brings no good. I'll say it once again—if you wish to truly leave the Demonic Sect, then trust me. Go to this place."
But Liu Shi still hesitated, frowning."Yet I am already of the demonic path. If I recklessly entered, wouldn't those righteous cultivators discover me and kill me on the spot?"
Steward Jin sighed, as though expecting this concern.
From within his robes, he drew a palm-sized stone carving of a scholarly figure and placed it in Liu Shi's hand.
"Ah… forget it. Since I've helped you this far, I'll help to the end. Take this. If they discover you, present this statue. They should not make things difficult for you."
Liu Shi studied the warm, smooth stone carving carefully. But then Steward Jin's voice continued:
"Of course, I must speak plainly. Even if you find that secret realm, it does not guarantee you freedom or acceptance into the righteous path. One greatest obstacle still awaits you."
Liu Shi's head jerked up. "The greatest obstacle? What is it?"
"Talent."
Steward Jin's smile finally faded, replaced with solemn gravity.
"A path cannot be cultivated by just anyone. If you truly possess no talent for the Path of Yin Learning, then no matter what, the secret realm will not acknowledge you. You will never walk that path."
"And that is your greatest obstacle."