Chapter 984: Chapter 958: Shi Que Secret Realm
Within the Liang Kingdom, the Liang Kingdom reigns supreme and is the ultimate ruler of this land, with no person or force daring to defy its will.
Compared to the Liang Kingdom, the Yanshan Sect is pitifully small and weak. A single order from the Liang Kingdom is enough to annihilate the Yanshan Sect, erasing it from existence.
So, upon hearing that the other party was from the Liang Kingdom, Tangyu and the others were naturally startled; someone from the Liang Kingdom. A person from the Liang Kingdom would indeed come to such a distant place. Anyone from the Liang Kingdom is evidently superior while in Liang’s territory. The invisible status, like a great mountain, presses down.
Only then did Tangyu feel relieved, no wonder this young man could have such an unfathomable attendant with him; turns out he was from the Liang Kingdom, truly of considerable background.
Facing such a prominent figure, Tangyu and the rest could only cautiously respond; if they inadvertently angered him, they would face dire consequences.
The young man elegantly smiled and nodded to Zhuang Qian and said, "Yes, I am Liang Fengnian, the thirteenth prince of the Liang Kingdom. How may I address you, fellow Daoists?"
What—
The thirteenth prince of the Liang Kingdom!
Tangyu and the other three were once again shocked. They thought he might be just an ordinary disciple of the Liang Kingdom, but his background turned out to be so grand—he was actually a prince of the Liang Kingdom. Such a status is extraordinarily elevated. It is no exaggeration to say that even the Yanshan Sect Master, if present, would have to show him respect. A prince is the son of the king of the Liang Kingdom.
And the king of the Liang Kingdom is the supreme ruler of the entire kingdom, his word carries the force of law. A single sentence from him could shake the whole kingdom.
Tangyu had also heard some rumors about the King of Liang, who was said to be incredibly powerful, with earth-shaking abilities. Exactly how powerful, was unknown, but it was said that the king could cut down the stars in the sky with one sword stroke.
This magnitude of power was beyond what Tangyu could imagine.
Tangyu immediately said, "So it is His Highness the Prince, nice to meet Your Highness."
Tangyu and the other three slightly bowed, maintaining the respect they should, but at the same time, without being servile, preserving their dignity.
Liang Fengnian seemed not to care about these formalities and casually waved his hand, saying, "No need for such formalities. There’s no need for such small courtesies while away from home. We are all fellow Daoists and cultivators here."
Liang Fengnian’s words earned many favorable impressions from Tangyu and the others; such humility was indeed rare.
Tangyu also responded, "Your Highness, I don’t know if there is anything you require of us. If not, we will take our leave, as we have tasks to attend to and cannot stay long."
Upon hearing Tangyu’s words, the four men on the other side looked over with somewhat unusual gazes. The fact that the prince himself approached them, and yet they did not flatter him but instead spoke of leaving, was clearly seen as not giving due respect to His Highness.
"Humph, you all are truly busy, too busy to even stay a little while longer? Since His Highness came to find you, it must naturally be good things to share. Don’t be so blind to the situation," a young man in blue clothes sarcastically remarked with discontent.
Tangyu frowned slightly, glanced at the young man in blue, and said unceremoniously, "We are indeed very busy; if His Highness has something for us, we are honored and willing. If not, we truly must attend to our tasks. His Highness hasn’t even spoken, and yet here you are barking without reason?"
Tangyu used the term ’barking,’ clearly likening the young man in blue to a lapdog.
Tangyu’s assertiveness angered the young man in blue, who retorted, "Humph, what did you say?"
Liang Fengnian waved his hand, saying, "Enough, enough. Fellow Daoists, let’s not be so agitated; we should be looking out for each other when away from home. This way, we maintain harmony. Come, come, let’s all introduce ourselves."
Tangyu said, "Tangyu from the Yanshan Sect, these are my brothers Zhuang Qian, Yu Feng, and Zi Cang."
The young man in blue, although still looking somewhat displeased, decided to let it go, saying, "Zong Qing, Luo Ke, Lv Shi, and Zhou Yang from the Flaming Sun Sect."
After both sides introduced and got to know each other, the young man in blue named Zong Qing was evidently the key figure among the four from the Flaming Sun Sect. Tangyu was aware that the Flaming Sun Sect was quite far from the Yanshan Sect, with several sects and hundreds of miles in between.
When Zong Qing and his group heard that Tangyu and his group were from the Yanshan Sect, they obviously showed some disdain. The closer a sect is to the Central Origin region, the more they look down on edge sects like the Yanshan Sect and the Sunset Sect, considering them backwater, barren places where no talent comes from.
Liang Fengnian said, "Ah, so it’s the four Daoists from the Yanshan Sect. I am rudely intruding, as there is something I’d like to discuss with you and see if you can help."
Liang Fengnian spoke with great politeness, making it hard for anyone to dislike him, even increasing goodwill, naturally drawing people closer.
With such a character, no matter who they’re with, they can quickly grow closer.
Tangyu said, "Your Highness, if you have anything to discuss, feel free to tell us. If it’s something we can do, we won’t shirk our responsibility. However, if it’s something truly impossible, we ask for Your Highness’s understanding." Tangyu’s words were cautious, leaving room for retreat without burning bridges.
In fact, it was easy to imagine that if even Prince Liang wanted the four of them to assist him, it surely wouldn’t be a simple task. While helping Prince Liang this once could earn them invaluable favor, it was crucial that they were alive to help in the first place.
Risky endeavors like these were something Tangyu naturally wouldn’t rush into. By making his stance clear now, even if he had to refuse later, it would be justified, showing his maturity.
Liang Fengnian said, "It’s like this, have you ever heard of the Shi Que Secret Realm?"
"Shi Que Secret Realm?" Tangyu furrowed his brow slightly, clearly unaware of it.
Zhuang Qian, however, showed a hint of surprise on his face, "Shi Que Secret Realm!"
Tangyu looked at Zhuang Qian, clearly indicating Zhuang Shu knew, as Zhuang Qian always seemed to know everything. If something was up, Tangyu typically looked to Zhuang Qian.
Zhuang Qian said, "The Shi Que Secret Realm is an extremely dangerous place with a ferocious reputation. It’s said to be at least three thousand miles deep within the Dark Nether Region, a depth considered very perilous. Moreover, they say the Shi Que Secret Realm is peculiar; even those who have visited once cannot find their way back. In fact, no one truly knows where the Shi Que Secret Realm is. Only those fortunate enough to obtain the Shi Que Order, and guided by it, can locate the Shi Que Secret Realm."
Tangyu was taken aback, truly astonished that such a secret realm existed. Indeed, the world was full of wonders.
Liang Fengnian nodded with a laugh, "Haha, it seems friend Zhuang Qian does know quite a lot. Without the Shi Que Order, very few can find the Shi Que Secret Realm, unless a Great Power intervenes personally. The rumors about the Shi Que Secret Realm are abundant in our Liang Kingdom. We do have the Shi Que Order in the Liang Kingdom; I brought one out. This time, I plan to explore a bit in the Shi Que Secret Realm."
The nonchalant manner in which Liang Fengnian spoke made one feel he really was just going for some fun.
The silver-armored man behind Liang Fengnian couldn’t help but say, "Your Highness, we’ve been out for a long time now. If we don’t return soon, you’ll face punishment. The Shi Que Secret Realm is extremely dangerous; I think it’s wise to return."
Upon hearing the silver-armored retainer’s words, Liang Fengnian frowned slightly, glanced at him, and said, "Wooden Sword, didn’t I make myself clear? My mind is made up, so stop nagging. We’re here now, no matter what, I must venture into the Shi Que Secret Realm. Even if there’s danger, aren’t you by my side? What’s there to fear? Besides, the Shi Que Secret Realm holds great opportunities—I’m going there to seek fortune. If I can obtain a fortune from the Shi Que Secret Realm, my strength will soar, and my status among the princes will rise."
Competition for favor among the princes is indeed very fierce.
And all of this hinges on strength.
Zhuang Qian said, "There’s always been a rumor that the Shi Que Secret Realm was left by a Great Power, seeking a worthy successor. For thousands of years, many have ventured into the Shi Que Secret Realm, but no one has ever been known to gain its fortune. Moreover, those who return can’t clearly explain what transpired inside or where exactly the Shi Que Secret Realm is. Yet, the Shi Que Secret Realm continues to attract countless people, even making Golden Core Realm powerhouses envious."
"Unfortunately, the Shi Que Secret Realm only allows cultivators of the Mystic Law Realm to enter."
The Shi Que Secret Realm, a place of great opportunity indeed, had Tangyu also somewhat tempted. If he could seize that opportunity, his path would become much smoother.
The Yanshan region is ultimately too small. In Yanshan, Tangyu might be seen as talented, but if placed in the Liang Kingdom, he might just be average. Judging by the present Liang Fengnian, the difference was evident.
There was simply no way to compete.
Good cultivation techniques, good inheritance, good resources, and a good cultivation environment have a significant impact on the Path of the Immortals.
Liang Fengnian said, "Now you should understand why I’m seeking you. This time, I’m planning to enter the Shi Que Secret Realm. However, it’s quite perilous, so I want to find some helpers to enter together. The benefit for you is that you can enter the Shi Que Secret Realm with me to seek some opportunities. Of course, the condition is that you must assist me. Whatever opportunities you find in the Shi Que Secret Realm, I won’t take them from you. But the things I want, you must fully assist me in obtaining."
"This counts as a form of cooperation, I believe it’s beneficial for all. The only question is whether the four of you are willing. Of course, if the four of you really don’t want to, then forget it. I won’t force anyone. However, this opportunity comes only once."
The four of them, including Tangyu, began to discuss among themselves. For Tangyu, the temptation was indeed substantial. No matter what, this was an opportunity, and perhaps they could truly gain a fortune.
Immortal Cultivators are all about seeking any trace of opportunity.
With such an opportunity in front of them, how could they pass it up?
Quickly, Zhuang Qian laughed heartily, "Haha, I see no reason not to go. Danger is unavoidable, but with this chance, we have to fight no matter the risk."
Tangyu nodded, "Let’s fight. Fortune is found amidst danger; where there’s no risk, there’s no opportunity."