Chapter Forty-Three: Azure Soul

Led by Chu Qingchen, the two quickly arrived at the place where they had first entered the Heavenly Evolution Sect—the teleportation zone.

Tianming had been puzzled at first, but after Chu Qingchen’s explanation, he understood that within this teleportation area, there was a teleportation array that led directly to the Celestial Pool Secret Realm.

As for why they didn’t enter the secret realm directly through the Celestial Lake, it was because the entrance lay at the lake’s deepest depths, thousands of fathoms below, a place no ordinary cultivator could reach. Even those capable of withstanding the tremendous water pressure would lose their way without a resolute mind, making it perilous in the extreme!

Because of this, every year, countless inner and outer sect disciples lost their lives attempting to enter the secret realm.

Thus, the sect had specially established a teleportation array with a threshold for entry, making access to the secret realm more regulated within the sect and reducing casualties as a result…

“I see. Brother, you’ll have to help me out later. If I fail within the first two or three levels, I’ll be thoroughly disgraced!” Tianming nodded, forcing a bitter smile.

After all, he had only recently joined the Heavenly Evolution Sect. Compared to Chu Qingchen, he was still a novice. Having such an experienced elder as a guide and companion would certainly make things easier.

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible,” Chu Qingchen replied, coming to a halt and shaking his head.

It seemed he had anticipated Tianming’s request, and he refused without hesitation.

“Why not?” Tianming asked in surprise, his brows knitting together.

He looked at Chu Qingchen in confusion—could it be that Chu Qingchen found him a burden?

“Because within the Celestial Pool Secret Realm, a celestial soul stands guard. Ah… This dates back to the era of the sect master before last,” Chu Qingchen began.

“At that time, Sect Master Xun inadvertently discovered a secret realm, an independent space brimming with treasures. He sought to claim it, but a celestial soul suddenly appeared. Somehow, an agreement was reached, and it became a place for the inner disciples to hone their skills and ambition.

“Now, all the rules are set by the celestial soul. The challenges change every year, and to prevent cheating, all teleportations are random. No one above the Emptiness Stage may enter, and those who do are ineligible for rewards…” Chu Qingchen explained with great earnestness.

“I understand—so inside, I’m on my own!” Tianming replied without disappointment. He had planned to rely on his own abilities anyway. Of course, having an experienced companion would have been ideal, but since the rules were set for the benefit of future generations, there was no point in faulting them.

“That’s not entirely the case. I haven’t ventured into the secret realm in a long time and can’t say what challenges await. Some trials may involve teamwork, so we might cross paths again. Remember—within the realm, anyone could be your enemy. Don’t let your guard down just because someone is a fellow disciple.” Chu Qingchen’s expression suddenly grew stern.

“Thank you for the warning, Brother,” Tianming replied, a wry twitch at the corner of his mouth.

Though Chu Qingchen could be long-winded, his advice was sound. Tianming did not argue, knowing that a single mistake could spell disaster. It was better to admit ignorance than to feign understanding.

…

Inside the teleportation area, two tokens shot into the air. Instantly, a pillar of blue light surged skyward as the two figures standing within the teleportation array vanished amid swirling runes.

A dizzying sense of vertigo overtook Tianming, leaving him lightheaded and disoriented.

The glare was so intense he couldn’t open his eyes. He barely sensed that the person beside him had suddenly disappeared.

Just as Tianming tried to open his eyes and take in his surroundings…

“Fated one, I have awaited you for some time. Welcome to the first level of the Celestial Pool Secret Realm. I am the spirit of the Exquisite Heavenly Mirror. You may call me Azure Soul.”

An ancient, ethereal voice rang out, carrying the warmth of a long-lost friend.

“Azure Soul? Are you the celestial soul?” Tianming asked, eyes widening in disbelief as he slowly opened them.

He found himself in a boundless void, the heavens and earth seemingly within arm’s reach. In this moment, he felt like the master of all creation.

“Celestial soul?” Azure Soul burst out laughing, as if hearing the world’s greatest joke.

“Do you know what it means to be a celestial? There are no true immortals in this world—only those who have achieved the highest realms of cultivation and adorned themselves with lofty titles. Yet even heaven and earth must perish. My master, for instance, eventually dissipated into nothingness,” the voice continued, steeped in the wisdom of ages, as if it had witnessed countless eons.

“My apologies, Senior,” Tianming quickly offered, sensing Azure Soul’s unrest.

His heart was shaken. So even those who reached such heights were not immortal. To possess a treasure of this caliber, its owner must have been an ancient powerhouse beyond the Golden Immortal stage.

“No matter. I won’t waste your time. This place is the Exquisite Heavenly Domain—what your sect calls the Celestial Pool Secret Realm. It was my master’s artifact in life. As you know, if you clear all ten levels, you may claim this treasure. I need say no more,” Azure Soul intoned, its voice now calm and even.

“I’ve known this for a while,” Tianming nodded.

“Now, let me explain the rules. Given your current cultivation, you might not make it halfway, so I will lower the difficulty of the trials and offer you secret protection—but only in dire peril. Don’t try to exploit this, or you risk losing your qualification,” the ancient voice warned, growing more emphatic at the end.

“Senior, why are you giving me such special treatment?” Tianming asked, frowning in confusion.

He didn’t recognize Azure Soul, yet felt an odd sense of familiarity, as if they were old acquaintances. It made him uneasy—was this not cheating?

“Consider it a boon for a fated one. That’s all you need to know.”

“Very well,” Tianming answered, resigned.

“The first trial is a test of wisdom. Ten questions. Answer at least five correctly to advance.”

A test of wisdom?

Tianming’s lips curled in a subtle smile—this was his forte, and the reduced difficulty was evident. If he had to face a Spirit Void cultivator in combat or rely on treasures, he wouldn’t stand a chance.

“First question: Suppose you enter a bustling city with only two alchemists. The first is disheveled, his robe untidy and hair a mess, his surroundings ramshackle and rough. The second is elegantly dressed, full of vigor and spirit. Whom would you choose?”

“You have thirty seconds to answer. Begin!” the ancient voice commanded.

Beneath the surface of this simple question, profound subtleties were hidden.

“I choose the first alchemist.”

Tianming knew that things were rarely as they seemed. Appearances are fleeting; when a problem seems too simple, it often loses its value.

“Oh? Why?” The voice betrayed a hint of surprise.

Most chose the second alchemist—never had anyone so decisively picked the impoverished first. Even Azure Soul believed the first must be failing for lack of customers.

“Because true masters often shun the spotlight, seeking to live quietly and undisturbed. When there’s need, they refine pills; when there’s none, they rest. The second alchemist, flaunting wealth and drawing envy, could perish without warning, exhausted by his own striving,” Tianming replied with a knowing smile.

In his experience, those who reached the pinnacle often returned to a simple, peaceful life, content to be ordinary.

That was why he had chosen the first alchemist without hesitation. Compared to Tianming’s calm, Azure Soul was utterly astonished…