Chapter 399: The True Essence of the Secret Realm
The number of spiritual plants Lu Xuan had planted in the spiritual field of his cave dwelling was becoming too numerous, nearing the limit of what could be cultivated. Among the newly acquired spiritual seeds he planned to plant in the soon-to-be-acquired damaged secret realm were the Emperor Jujube, including the Sword-Nurturing Gourd, as well as the Flame Fruit and others.
Based on his understanding of secret realms, this particular one seemed more likely to meet the growing conditions for the Emperor Jujube. There was no need to worry about them failing to grow after planting.
As the saying goes, "Speak of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao arrives," it wasn't long before a cyan bird puppet flew to the outside of Lu Xuan’s cave dwelling.
"Junior Brother Lu, if you're available, please come to the Formation Hall. It concerns the secret realm under your control."
A gentle voice emanated from the cyan bird puppet. Lu Xuan hurriedly followed it, crossing many mountain peaks to arrive at the sect's Formation Hall.
This was Lu Xuan's first visit to the Formation Hall, a place he rarely entered compared to the Agricultural Hall, Miscellaneous Affairs Hall, and Sword Hall which he frequented.
As Lu Xuan observed the arrangement of the formations, he closely followed the cyan bird puppet.
Compared to other halls, the Formation Hall was much quieter. Occasionally, one or two inner sect disciples could be seen hurrying by, nodding slightly at Lu Xuan before quickly disappearing.
Deep within the Formation Hall, intense fluctuations of spiritual power were occasionally transmitted, as if harboring spiritual power bombs ready to explode at any moment.
"Let me introduce myself. My name is Li Yunyuan, one of the sect's true disciples, with a certain mastery in formation techniques. I'm fully responsible for the formation plate concerning the damaged secret realm under Junior Brother Lu's control."
"Is it Brother Li? Will those who are arranging the formations cause any significant impact?" Lu Xuan asked, looking in the direction from which the spiritual power fluctuations came, curious.
"Generally, it's within control. Occasionally, if a formation fails and goes beyond control, it might cause injuries, but it's not a big problem," Li Yunyuan explained, conjuring a bronze formation plate in his hand with a flash of spiritual light. The plate, only the size of a palm, bore ancient charm and was engraved with dense runes. The closer to the center, the more the plate seemed to merge with the void, as if connecting to an unknown existence.
"Junior Brother Lu, this is the key to entering and exiting that damaged secret realm. This plate is linked to the core formation of the Formation Hall, allowing you to traverse the void with the power of the main formation. It was arranged by several formation masters of the Formation Hall, achieving utmost stability," Li Yunyuan explained in detail.
Lu Xuan respectfully took the bronze formation plate, and as advised, dropped a drop of his blood essence into the center. The blood essence disappeared instantly upon touching the plate, and the runes on the plate flickered. Lu Xuan faintly sensed an enlightenment to the existence of a distant outer world.
"Secret realms are generally located in the void or in extremely dangerous places, and cannot be reached quickly by ordinary means. Only through the teleportation formations in the Formation Hall," the middle-aged cultivator explained upon seeing Lu Xuan's expression.
"Based on my understanding of the secret realm under Junior Brother's control, the density and purity of spiritual energy there are lower than the three great Blessed Lands and other secret realms of the sect but are significantly stronger than the inner sect's spiritual energy environment."
"Moreover, there are several natural spiritual lands within the secret realm, extremely suitable for cultivating spiritual plants. Junior Brother Lu will surely be satisfied."
"Brother Li, what about the safety of the secret realm?" Lu Xuan asked, voicing his primary concern.
"There's no need to worry about safety. Although the secret realm is damaged, its edges are protected by spatial barriers. After its discovery, the sect not only stabilized the realm's space but also laid down powerful prohibitions. Even Nascent Soul cultivators cannot easily enter."
"Furthermore, the demonic beasts and evil spirits within have been thoroughly cleansed. Only some harmless spirits remain, which Junior Brother Lu can easily handle with his cultivation."
"Unless the sect is breached and the Formation Hall's main formation is destroyed, the secret realm should not face any safety issues," Li Yunyuan confidently stated.
Lu Xuan was reassured. The Sky Sword Sect
was a colossal presence in the cultivation world, and he couldn't even begin to imagine the sect being breached.
Li Yunyuan then continued to explain the usage of the formation plate, precautions, and the period for entering and exiting the secret realm.
Lu Xuan memorized everything carefully, taking the bronze formation plate back to his cave dwelling.
"Besides the newly acquired spiritual seeds, I can transplant some other spiritual plants there, changing their growth environment."
"The sixth-rank Phoenix Wood is of too high a grade. With the presence of the Red Lotus Flame, it doesn't require daily cultivation and is safer placed in the secret realm."
"The fifth-rank Diamond Bodhi could also be brought over. Keeping it in the cave dwelling, it can only barely maintain its vitality. In a more abundant and purer spiritual energy environment, it might be able to grow slowly."
"And the fourth-rank Thunderstruck Wood…"
Lu Xuan carefully considered. He planned to bring the highest-grade spiritual plants that didn't require frequent cultivation from his cave dwelling into the secret realm for safer and more stable growth.
"The Underworld spiritual plants in the small courtyard of Sword Gate Town... I'll observe for a while longer. If appropriate, I'll move them there."
He was hesitant about taking the Underworld spiritual plants into the secret realm and decided to first enter the damaged secret realm to see the situation.
"Fortunately, with the fifth-rank Gluttonous Insect Pouch, even if transplanting high-grade spiritual plants, their vitality can be well maintained without causing much impact."
Thinking this, Lu Xuan quickly prepared the necessary spiritual plants.
Returning to the Formation Hall and paying dozens of spirit stones, he activated the teleportation formation. The bronze formation plate shone brightly, taking Lu Xuan into a void.
With his spiritual sense, he perceived chaos around him. After a long while, Lu Xuan finally felt a solid ground under his feet.
Before he could even open his eyes to observe the secret realm, dense and pure spiritual energy surged crazily towards him. Each pore on Lu Xuan's body involuntarily opened, greedily inhaling the incredibly pure spiritual energy.
"This secret realm is truly rich."
Lu Xuan silently marveled.
The spiritual force here was no longer merely 'gas' but subtly trending towards 'liquid.' Breathing it in, his limbs and bones felt moist and unobstructed, easily condensing into drops of pure, transparent spiritual liquid inside his dantian.
"I've never fought such a wealthy battle!"
"With such an abundant and pure spiritual energy environment, I wonder how much time I can save in cultivation."
In such a rich and pure environment, Lu Xuan couldn't help but feel as if he had stepped into a realm of untold riches.