Lu Xueqi and Bi Yao (38)

After Elder Lin left, the courtyard returned to tranquility. Su Han held the Ice Secret Realm Access Token in his hand. It felt icy cold, snowflake patterns engraved upon it, with star power faintly flowing through it.

"Five years... Star Palace Realm..." Su Han murmured, feeling the heavy burden on his shoulders. Yet there was not a trace of fear in his eyes; instead, blazing fighting spirit rose within them.

That night, he did not rush into the secret realm. Instead, he sat quietly in the courtyard, sorting through what he had gained at the Scripture Repository that day. Six kinds of sword intent flowed and collided in his mind, gradually merging into his own understanding of the sword. The Ice Crystal Star Wheel slowly rotated within his dantian, growing more solid with every turn.

Early the next morning, Su Han arrived at a cliff in the Back Mountain of Tian Ya Peak. An ancient stone gate stood upon the cliff, carved with patterns of ice and snow. Before it stood an old man with his eyes closed in meditation.

"Disciple Su Han has come with an access token." Su Han respectfully bowed and offered the token.

The old man opened his eyes. They seemed capable of seeing through all worldly matters. He examined Su Han for a moment, his gaze lingering briefly on the Tian Ya Sword at Su Han's waist before he nodded. "Go in. Remember, the secret realm may be good, but it is no safe haven. The dangers within are no less than those of the outside world."

"Thank you for the warning, Senior." Su Han bowed.

The old man waved a hand and sent out a strand of star power. The stone gate slowly opened, and a bone-piercing chill rushed toward him. Su Han stepped