This secret realm... was somewhat unusual.
Fang Qing gazed at the wall ahead, silently studying the patterns carved into it.
Beside him, Zhan Hongxiu was casting a spell to harvest a stalk of Millennium Phoenix-Cry Grass. The plant resembled a cockscomb, and a spirit pattern shimmered across the surface of its leaves. It looked quite extraordinary.
"Fellow Daoist?"
Zhan Hongxiu carefully put away the Millennium Phoenix-Cry Grass and looked toward Fang Qing. Seeing him studying a broken wall, she couldn't help asking, "What is...?"
"This wall is no ordinary structure. I suspect materials like Heaven-Absolute Silver and Wind-Nirvana Gold were mixed into it when it was forged..."
Fang Qing sighed. "Materials like these are now enough to serve as the main ingredients for a Core Formation cultivator's Life-Bound Artifact. Yet the owner back then used them merely to make walls and furniture... Their extravagance is truly hard to imagine."
"The master of this place must have been an important figure in the All-Heaven Star Palace..."
Zhan Hongxiu spoke slowly.
As for anything more, Turtle Elder hadn't told her. He had only said that she should return after reaching Core Formation, when a great opportunity would await her.
"I see."
Fang Qing nodded slightly. The two continued onward, and soon came upon a black river!
The water flowed quietly, carrying an indescribable aura.
"This is..."
Zhan Hongxiu clearly sensed something ominous. She raised her hand and sent out a streak of light.
The streak of light reached the air above the black river, where its radiance immediately faded, revealing a top-grade Spirit Artifact.
Its spiritual nature had been greatly diminished. It fell into the pitch-black water, and with a gurgle, vanished without a sound...
"An anti-flight restriction?"
Zhan Hongxiu was somewhat surprised.
"I'm afraid it's more than that..."
Fang Qing walked