Chapter 38: Please, No More Advancements

This was an exceptionally large cloud ship. One end featured a two-story pavilion, while the rest, aside from the spacious deck, consisted of single-story cabins. Above the cabins stretched an even broader upper deck.

A Nascent Soul master and three Golden Core elders were in charge of escorting these fifty Foundation Establishment disciples. Naturally, the Nascent Soul elder resided in the sole cabin on the second floor, while the three Golden Core elders, accompanied by a group of steady, experienced disciples, remained in the main cabin below. The younger, more spirited disciples—many setting out on a long journey for the first time—gathered in small groups on the top deck. Some sat cross-legged in meditation; others chatted animatedly, filling the air with lively energy.

Hanshu had originally been settled by her senior sister on the lower deck, but she was too excited and dearly wished to see the upper level. Linxiu, seeing her eagerness, had no choice but to accompany her. Hanshu intended to take in the scenery, but the moment she stepped onto the deck, she became the center of attention.

After all, this too was a spirit vessel, and none had forgotten the event a year ago when this very junior sister advanced aboard such a ship. Raised like a noble lady in seclusion, she was rarely seen, and her presence on this expedition to the secret realm had already surprised many. Now, seeing her willingly mingle among the crowd was an opportunity few wished to miss.

Most disciples, however, did not dare approach her, merely watching as she wandered excitedly about the deck, gazing at the sky and earth with childlike wonder. A few secretly scoffed, thinking that for a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and the daughter of a Nascent Soul master, she seemed remarkably inexperienced. Yet, most were simply eager to witness her sudden breakthrough, and the glances exchanged among the senior brothers and sisters discouraged anyone from stepping forward to speak with her.

After her initial excitement faded, Hanshu soon found herself bored. Surrounded by odd stares and with no one speaking to her, she sat down, tugging at Linxiu’s sleeve to coax her into sharing more tales of the Hexi Secret Realm.

“The Hexi Secret Realm is a newly discovered domain,” Linxiu explained. “The elders plan to open it once every thirty years, each time for a month. As long as we follow the map distributed by the sect, there shouldn’t be any great danger. All you’ll have to do is gather spirit herbs and hunt fiend beasts. However, it’s said that upon arrival, we’ll each be assigned a sect mission; we’ll need to turn in a certain quota of spirit herbs. The number you collect will also count toward the rankings. This time, four sects are participating: the Yao Hua Sect, the Golden Sword Sect, the Azure Skies Sect, and the True Unity Sect.

“Of these, the Golden Sword Sect, like our Yao Hua’s Sword Peak, specializes in sword cultivation—do not provoke them lightly, as sword cultivators are formidable attackers. The Azure Skies Sect is composed entirely of female cultivators and is said to be rather unique—you’ll see when we meet them. The True Unity Sect is much like Yao Hua, focused on spell cultivation, so there’s often rivalry between us. In the secret realm, beware of the True Unity disciples, but of course, remain cautious around everyone.”

Hanshu listened with half-understanding, but did not press for more. The Hexi Secret Realm was so new that, apart from the elders’ initial exploration, little was truly known about its dangers. The main threats would not only be the other sects, but also whatever unknown perils awaited within. No matter what, caution would be essential.

When the spirit vessel landed, Hanshu was among the first disciples to disembark. The others, eager to witness her advancement, hesitated, uncertain whether to feel disappointed or secretly relieved, and dared not leave the ship until everything was settled—just in case inspiration struck her at the last moment.

Of the other three sects, two had already arrived. As the Yao Hua disciples took their places at the designated spot, they saw a remarkably plain spirit vessel descend slowly. Leading the way off was a figure whose face was broad and fierce, standing over eight feet tall with an imposing presence. It was evident at a glance that this was a body cultivator; his fitted robes strained to contain his bulging, knotted muscles. Thick veins stood out on his massive fists, which tightly gripped a pink embroidered kerchief—matching the ribbon in his hair. With a flourish of his handkerchief, he called out in a deep, resonant voice, “Brothers, you arrived early; it’s your little sister who’s late.”

At that, Hanshu felt the air around her freeze. Had she heard right—little sister?