87 A New Mission Arrives
The Yang Polar Secret Realm contained a single, massive volcano, constantly erupting and spewing lava that flowed down its slopes, collecting in pools.
This lava, however, wasn’t ordinary lava, but condensed Yang Essence. The pools where it gathered were called “Yang Essence Pools.” Their temperature was high, but they weren’t harmful, more like viscous hot springs.
By bathing in them and circulating body tempering techniques, cultivators could absorb the Yang Essence, invigorate their Blood Qi, and strengthen their physiques.
Pools of various sizes dotted the mountain, catering to different cultivation levels and preferences. The cost was the same as the Celestial Dome Pagoda: 100 points per day, deducted automatically upon entering and exiting.
Over a hundred students appeared at the foot of the volcano, nearly a kilometer away, but they could already feel the intense heat.
The ground beneath their feet was cracked and dry, with steaming rivers and pools bubbling and emitting thick white smoke.
After explaining the precautions, the elder on duty left. The experienced society leaders immediately rallied their members and headed towards the volcano.
Wen Canglan approached again, cupping his hands respectfully. “Zi Ji, Junior Brother Yan Zhen, this should be your first time in the Yang Polar Secret Realm, right? Would you like to join us? The quality of the pools varies, and it’s difficult for newcomers to distinguish them. If you come with us, we can secure a good pool for you. Consider it an apology for my impulsive behavior earlier.”
Wen Canglan thought he had humbled himself sufficiently, and Yan Zhen and Zi Xunyi wouldn’t refuse him. However, he was too confident.
Yan Zhen and Zi Xunyi ignored him completely, flying off with Long Ying and Huangfu Wenqing, quickly putting a hundred meters between them and the Broken Mirror society.
“…”
Wen Canglan’s expression darkened, a flicker of resentment in his crystalline eyes, his fists clenching within his sleeves.
Which student in the Inner Academy, regardless of their status or strength, would dare ignore him? Zi Xunyi was one thing, but Yan Zhen? A nobody from a remote kingdom!
The Broken Mirror officers were also indignant.
“Young Master, they’re too arrogant! There’s no need for you to be so humble!”
“Indeed, Young Master. That Yan Zhen only defeated Bai Ao. He’s not qualified to look down on you, to look down on our Broken Mirror society!”
“Should we teach him a lesson? Even if the Purple-Clad Goddess is protecting him, we can still find a way to make him suffer.”
Wen Canglan sighed, knowing it wasn’t that simple.
Besides Zi Xunyi, there was also that mysterious pink-haired loli with unknown strength and origins, capable of even suppressing an instructor. With her presence, it would be difficult to threaten Yan Zhen.
“Forget it. Let’s go. Cultivation is more important.”
He led the Broken Mirror members towards the volcano.
Yu Die, watching them, stroked her chin thoughtfully.
“My cousin-in-law is quite the character. But how did he get to know Lady Zi Ji? Could it be because of Little Long Ying? And they seem quite close. Could he be… betraying my cousin Xuan’er?”
Transformation’s second-in-command reminded her, “Big Sister, we should go too. If we’re late, that pool will be taken by another society.”
Yu Die nodded, dismissing her thoughts, and flew towards the volcano with her fellow society members.
“Brother Fei, where are we going?” one of Ling Fei’s subordinates asked. “Should we follow the Transformation society—ouch!”
Ling Fei smacked him on the head, exasperated. “Are you trying to get us killed? If Yu Die hears that, I’m screwed… Always thinking about women. To our usual spot!”
“Yes, Brother Fei!”
At Ling Fei’s command, the members of “Soaring,” another of the Inner Academy’s top ten societies, flew towards their designated pool.
The plaza quickly emptied, the activity shifting to the sky above.
The top ten societies naturally reached the foot of the mountain first, but they didn’t stop, continuing to ascend.
As Wen Canglan had mentioned, the quality of the Yang Essence Pools varied, the higher up the mountain, the better.
The best pool was the one at the volcano’s crater, but it was too dangerous. The pools at the foot of the mountain were ordinary, their tempering effect average. Therefore, the most suitable pools were those located halfway up the mountain.
However, there weren’t many pools at that level, mostly occupied by the top ten societies. Other first-rate societies had to settle for the pools at the base.
Even among the pools at the base, the quality varied. Soon, two groups clashed over a pool, one of them the White Fang.
“…”
—The competition is fierce.
Yan Zhen shook his head inwardly. With the four of them combined, they could easily compete with the top ten societies for the pools halfway up. But his main goal in entering the Yang Polar Secret Realm wasn’t body tempering, but to search for fire crystals to forge his sword embryo. There was no need to fight over a pool.
His ultimate destination was the volcano’s crater, but it wasn’t time yet. He had to wait until the volcanic eruption tomorrow night.
After the eruption, a large number of fire crystals would be ejected, and he could simply collect them. Of course, he wouldn’t be the only one, so there would be another fierce competition then.
The four of them chose a nearby, ordinary five-person pool, inserted their academy cards into the slots by the pool’s edge, and four stone platforms rose from within.
Runes were inscribed on the platforms’ surfaces, accelerating the absorption and refinement of Yang Essence and mitigating the intense heat, much better than simply soaking in the pool.
“Let’s begin cultivating… If you feel uncomfortable after absorbing too much Yang Essence, then take a break.”
Yan Zhen sat on a platform, closed his eyes, and circulated his Blood Qi, activating the Primordial Dharma Body Chart, a faint, fiery aura appearing around him.
Just then, the system notification sounded in his mind.
[Ding! Key plot triggered.]
[Current Plot Progress – Chapter 404: Yang Polar Secret Realm]
[Acting Requirements: ① Absorb Yang Essence and strengthen your physique; ② After the volcanic eruption, gather fire crystals on the mountain; ③ Assist the top ten societies in killing a Tier 5 Magma Beast and obtain the Fire Spirit Crystal within its body, then be chased by the “Black Horn” society; ④ To escape pursuit, be forced to climb to the summit and jump into the volcano’s crater, triggering the next key plot point.]
The next key plot point… It was basically Long Ying causing trouble and a turning point in their relationship, also the first time he would see her transform into her true form.
After this event, Long Ying would become much more obedient and sensible, and Yan Zhen, having witnessed her true power, would then trick her into signing a master-servant contract, making her his mount.
This was why Long Ying would willingly follow him to Cloud Heaven Palace for the two-year duel.
One plot point leading to another.
However, in reality, Long Ying wasn’t just not causing trouble, but she had also become incredibly attached to him in less than half a month. He didn’t understand why.
Yan Zhen dismissed the system interface with mixed feelings and focused on his cultivation.
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