After My Rebirth, I Ended Up Happily Ever After with the Saintess - Chapter 41

The news of the Cloud Mist Secret Realm’s opening swept through the Profound Cloud Sect like a storm, capturing everyone’s attention. Prices for various secret realm-related materials in the market soared, the Hall of Merit’s mission board was crowded, and disciples were engaged in heated discussions, with an air of tension and excitement permeating the atmosphere.

Yet, Ye Li’s small courtyard remained a calm center in the eye of the storm. She politely declined all invitations to form a team, focusing solely on her final preparations. For her, the Secret Realm was not just a treasure trove of resources, but also a perfect stage to settle grudges and test her true strength.

The intelligence summary jade slip sent by Lin Feng lay close by, detailing the registration information of Gao Sheng from Battle Maniac Peak, Shi Feng, and others, as well as traces of their contact with disciples from the Heaven Fiend Sect. This confirmed her suspicion that the killing plot from the Miasma Rain Forest was likely moved inside the Secret Realm, possibly involving even more dangerous collusion from multiple parties.

“Good, better to resolve it all at once, saving future trouble.” A cold glint flashed in Ye Li’s eyes as she committed the jade slip’s contents to memory.

She first checked her offensive tools. Her reinforced short sword radiated a restrained cold light, its edge coated with “Ice Marrow Toxin,” colorless and odorless, yet emanating a deadly chill. Two “Shadowless Needle Talismans” and ten “Profound Ice Blast Talismans (Simplified Version)” were her long-range sneak attack and area control weapons. The newly drawn ten “Mist Breaking Talismans” were crucial for navigating the Secret Realm’s unique environment.

For defense, the “Pure Spirit Jade Pendant” was worn close to her body, a constant coolness guarding her divine sense. Three “Hundred Poisons Repelling Pills” and several bottles of the improved “Cold Marrow Quenching Liquid” were sufficient to handle most poisonous miasmas and injuries. Even her inner sect disciple’s robe was soaked in a special medicinal solution, giving it certain anti-poison and dust-repelling effects.

Among the auxiliary items, the simple early-warning formation plate might save her life at a critical moment. A large quantity of blank talisman paper, cinnabar, demon beast blood, and various medicinal herbs filled the corners of her storage ring, prepared for any contingency. The Hundred Flowers Signal Talisman gifted by Su Wanyun was also carefully stowed away; though she didn’t plan to actively seek help, it might have other uses.

Finally, her gaze fell upon the storage ring she had acquired from the West Mountain Abandoned Mine. Apart from spirit stones and sundry items, the three “Ice Heart Pills” of excellent quality and the mysterious beast hide were the biggest variables in her Secret Realm journey.

The Ice Heart Pill could instantly restore a large amount of spiritual and soul power, and significantly enhance control over ice-elemental energy for a short period, serving as a trump card for self-preservation and counterattack. As for the beast hide…

Ye Li took it out again and carefully rubbed it. The material was neither leather nor silk, incredibly tough, and the patterns on it were indistinct, yet always gave a profound, esoteric feeling. The fragment of the Wheel of Reincarnation Mirror still craved it. She tried to infuse a trace of extreme cold spiritual power into the hide, but it showed no reaction. She then tried to drip blood on it, but the blood could not penetrate.

“Perhaps it requires a specific environment or energy to be stimulated?” Ye Li pondered for a moment, then carefully put the beast hide away. The Secret Realm environment was special; perhaps she could find a clue there.

After preparing the materials, she began to adjust her own state. For several days, she stopped drawing talismans or refining pills, focusing instead on cultivating the Ghostly Heaven Emperor Sutra and tempering her physical body.

The optimized Spirit Gathering Formation collected a large amount of spiritual energy in the quiet room. As she sat cross-legged, the trace of icy-blue spiritual power in her body flowed like a joyful stream along her increasingly wide and resilient meridians, continuously impacting the seemingly thin yet incredibly tough boundary wall. The spiritual energy vortex in her Dantian spun faster and became more solid.

Immersed in the enhanced Cold Marrow Quenching Liquid, extreme pain assaulted her once more, but she had long grown accustomed to it. The medicinal power was like countless tiny ice hammers, repeatedly pounding every inch of her bones and every muscle fiber, forcing out impurities and making her body more transparent and capable of bearing powerful strength.

She could feel that her strength, speed, reaction, and even her soul’s intensity were steadily approaching a critical point. Although she had yet to break through the Vein Condensation realm, her actual combat power already far surpassed that of an ordinary early-stage Vein Condensation cultivator.

During this time, Zhao Xiao Yi secretly delivered another message, saying that the Battle Maniac Peak side seemed to be purchasing a large number of detoxifying pills and miasma-repelling talismans, further confirming that their target was also the Secret Realm. Lin Feng analyzed that Gao Sheng and his group would likely make their move during the chaos of the Secret Realm entrance opening, or utilize the unique environment inside. He suggested that Ye Li should avoid the crowds initially and quickly venture deeper.

Ye Li adopted his suggestion.

The day before departure, Elder Mu Yun, uncharacteristically, sent someone to summon Ye Li to his cave dwelling at the peak.

“The Secret Realm is about to open. Do you know the dangers within?” Elder Mu Yun still maintained his gentle appearance, slowly brewing tea.

“This disciple understands,” Ye Li answered respectfully.

“Mm,” Elder Mu Yun nodded, handing her a cup of hot tea suffused with spiritual energy. “The Cloud Mist Secret Realm, where mist locks the divine sense, and danger hides in the subtleties. The demon beasts and strange plants within are secondary; what you must guard against most is the malice of human hearts. The bond of fellow discipleship, in the face of great fortune, is sometimes as thin as paper.”

“This disciple understands.”

Elder Mu Yun glanced at her, seemingly wanting to say something, but in the end, he merely took out a light-yellow, unassuming wooden talisman from his sleeve and handed it to Ye Li: “This is a ‘Thick Earth Evasion Talisman,’ a second-tier high-grade talisman. When activated, it can instantly tunnel underground and flee several miles, but it consumes a large amount of spiritual power and can only be used once a day. At a crucial moment, it might save your life. Take it.”

Ye Li was slightly stunned. A second-tier high-grade Evasion Talisman was incredibly valuable and priceless! She hadn’t expected this seemingly hands-off Master to bestow such a life-saving item.

“Thank you, Master, for the generous gift!” She solemnly accepted the wooden talisman, feeling the contained, heavy earth-elemental energy.

“Come back alive.” Elder Mu Yun waved his hand, signaling that she could retire.

Holding the warm wooden talisman, a slight ripple stirred in Ye Li’s heart. This Master, it seemed, was not as simple as he appeared on the surface.

Back in the small courtyard, she carefully put away the Thick Earth Evasion Talisman; this was a true life-saving trump card.

As night fell, she performed a final inventory of her storage ring. All materials were categorized and neatly arranged, ensuring they could be retrieved at the first moment of need.

She sat quietly in the courtyard, gazing up at the starry sky, mentally reviewing the Secret Realm map, dangerous areas, resource points, as well as potential enemies and countermeasures. Every detail was rehearsed repeatedly.

She knew that this Secret Realm trip was destined to be turbulent. The encirclement from Battle Maniac Peak, the potential threat from the Heaven Fiend Sect, the inherent dangers of the Secret Realm, and other disciples coveting resources… every step was perilous.

But there was no fear in her heart, only an icy calm fighting spirit and a subtle excitement.

Pressure was the best catalyst.

The next morning, as the rising sun scattered its golden light across Cloud Pill Peak, Ye Li pushed open her courtyard door.

She had changed into a neat, practical outfit, her long hair simply tied up, and a faint layer of cold mist covering her face (her appearance subtly adjusted with the Concealed Aura Art). She appeared cool and capable.

Outside the small courtyard, Zhao Xiao Yi and Lin Feng were already waiting, their eyes filled with nervousness and anticipation.

“Sister, please be careful!” Zhao Xiao Yi handed her a waterskin filled with spirit spring water.

Lin Feng merely nodded solemnly, everything unspoken.

Ye Li took the waterskin, gave a slight nod to the two, said nothing more, turned, and transformed into a green shadow, speeding towards the Sect Plaza’s assembly point.

At this moment, the enormous Sect Plaza was packed with people. Hundreds of inner and outer sect disciples who had qualified had gathered, grouped in small clusters, discussing animatedly. The air was filled with various emotions: excitement, apprehension, ambition, and killing intent…

Ye Li’s arrival attracted many gazes. Her reputation as the top scorer in the assessment, her feud with Battle Maniac Peak, and her unconventional style had already made her a focal point. Sensing the looks, some curious, some jealous, some harboring ill will, she remained expressionless, found a secluded corner to stand, and closed her eyes to rest, as if the surrounding clamor had nothing to do with her.

Not far away, the Battle Maniac Peak team was particularly conspicuous. Gao Sheng, Shi Feng, and others were clearly present. They also saw Ye Li, their eyes cold, a sinister sneer on their lips, seemingly not hiding their hostility. Standing beside Gao Sheng were several disciples with formidable auras and slightly different attire, their eyes haughty—they must be the Heaven Fiend Sect members.

On the other side, Su Wanyun led a few female disciples from Hundred Flowers Peak and cast glances of concern toward Ye Li. Han Li waved at her heartily, while Chen Mo merely glanced her way.

Ye Li acted oblivious to all the attention, her mind calm as still water. She was waiting, waiting for the moment the Secret Realm would open.

When the sun fully rose, coating the plaza in golden light, several powerful auras descended from the sky!

The Sect Master, Ye Tian, did not come personally. Presiding over the Secret Realm’s opening were the Chief Elder of the Enforcement Hall, Ye Xiao, and several other profoundly powerful elders.

Ye Xiao’s icy gaze swept across the entire audience, his voice like the clang of cold iron: “The time has come! Open the Secret Realm!”

As his voice fell, the elders struck simultaneously, pouring immense spiritual power into the gigantic teleportation array that had long been set up in the center of the plaza!

Buzz—!

A dazzling white light shot up into the sky, and the space violently fluctuated, forming a twisted, swirling light gate! Within the gate, mist swirled, making it impossible to see clearly, yet emanating an ancient and vast aura!

“The Secret Realm is open! It lasts for one month! Govern yourselves accordingly! Enter!” Elder Ye Xiao shouted sternly.

The disciples, who could no longer wait, instantly surged forward like a tide, scrambling into the light gate!

Ye Li abruptly opened her eyes, a sharp light flashing within them, but she did not rush to the front. Instead, she calmly observed. She saw Gao Sheng, Shi Feng, and others, flanked by the Heaven Fiend Sect disciples, rushing into the light gate with the crowd.

Only when most of the disciples had entered did she move, gliding out like a phantom, silently disappearing into the misty light gate!

A strong sense of spatial distortion enveloped her, and the scenery before her eyes shifted rapidly.

After a brief dizziness, her feet landed on solid yet damp ground.

A thick, impenetrable mist instantly wrapped around her, carrying the scent of rotting plants and earth. Visibility was severely obstructed, allowing her to see only a few zhang around her. When her divine sense extended out, it felt as if it had sunk into a mire, greatly suppressed to only her immediate vicinity!

The Cloud Mist Secret Realm had been reached!

New dangers and opportunities had unfolded.

Ye Li inhaled a deep breath of the cold, moist air, tightened her grip on her short sword, and her figure quickly vanished into the dense fog.

The hunt had begun.