This was the main reason Qin An had come. He did not want to waste time, so he asked outright.
At those words, Emperor Xuanwu fell silent.
The silence stretched until a falling pin could have been heard in the Imperial Study. It was deathly still.
But Qin An sensed something unusual in Emperor Xuanwu's silence.
If Emperor Xuanwu had shaken his head or answered at once, it would likely have meant he did not know much about the next realm.
But his expression now told Qin An that he knew what the next realm entailed. He simply could not say it.
There had to be something hidden here—a danger, or something else—and it could not be insignificant.
After a moment's thought, Qin An asked,
"Your Majesty, is there something you find difficult to speak of? You can tell me directly. Rest assured, I know my limits. I won't take reckless risks or put you in a difficult position."
Emperor Xuanwu let out a long sigh, his gaze turning deeply conflicted.
"I never expected you to seek a breakthrough to the next level so soon. In truth, I may be the only person in the entire Great Qian Kingdom who knows what the next realm is."
"But the name of that realm and the Supreme Foundation it requires are both bound up in grave danger. I've remained in the Heaven-Human Realm for a long time, yet I still have no confidence that I could break through."
"So if you intend to try, I can't help worrying."
His tone grew solemn as he spoke.
At last, Qin An understood.
"Please tell me plainly, Your Majesty. Danger has always been there for me. But only by growing stronger will we have the power to stand against those Heavenly Demons."
It was just