Chi Boqian slowed his pace, gazing at Qin Yu quietly for a moment, a deep sense of approval slowly emerging in his eyes. He had achieved fame at a young age, yet he was not enamored with it; his cultivation had improved, yet he was not arrogant or boastful.
The more treacherous the place, the more one understands the importance of concealing one's abilities and acting prudently. In Chi Boqian's eyes, this mindset and perspective are far more valuable and precious than mere physical strength or cultivation. "Very good."
Chi Boqian nodded slightly, sincerely praising, "Truly a man of courage, wisdom, and composure." His expression grew even more serious. "Since you've decided to disguise yourself and travel alone, I'll inform you of the crucial details of the secret realm beforehand, so you can prepare accordingly."
Qin Yu turned his head and listened intently. "With the opening of this ancient secret realm, all Lineage of the Eternal Nonexistence Limitless Domain will send their top direct disciples," Chi Boqian said in a deep voice. "Especially the five most renowned geniuses in the domain today; none of them will miss such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
He listed them one by one, his voice steady and powerful. "Ju Lingyuan of the Ju Lineage, a woman with the cultivation of the Wuji Realm; Chi Xiyue of my Chi Lineage, also reached the Wuji Realm; Hua Yanyang of the Hua Lineage family, a male cultivator of the Wuji Realm; and two heirs of the Shangguan Lineage, Shangguan Shumu and Shangguan Hongyin, both of whom are at the Wuji Realm."
At this point, the gentle smile on Chi Boqian's face vanished, and his tone became solemn, "These five are the five most recognized top geniuses in the Eternal Nonexistence Limitless Domain. Being As It Is Secret Realm opens this time, all five of them will definitely enter."
Qin Yu silently memorized the five names, showing no disrespect or contempt even though he had never actually fought or met some of them. Their ability to stand out among the thousands of young disciples of the Lineage, reach the Wuji Realm, and firmly establish themselves among the region's prodigies was enough to prove their strength and foundation; they were by no means ordinary individuals.
"The situation within the secret realm is unpredictable and treacherous. The various tribes appear to be at peace, but ultimately, they cannot resist the allure of opportunity," Chi Boqian continued to admonish. "Ordinary alliances and tribal relationships cannot restrain the conflicts within the secret realm."
"Once an unparalleled opportunity arises that can tempt even those at the Wuji Realm or higher, temporary alliances and sudden betrayals are commonplace. Human hearts are unpredictable, and situations can change in an instant. After you enter the secret realm, you must proceed with extreme caution and discretion." Qin Yu nodded solemnly. "This junior will heed your instructions, senior."
Chi Boqian pondered for a moment, then asked, "Since you've decided to change your appearance and enter the secret realm, should I have informed Xiyue of your identity beforehand?" Qin Yu's eyes flickered slightly as he waited for further details.
Chi Boqian explained, "If she knows that you have also entered the secret realm, the two of you can secretly look after each other and cooperate when you encounter dangers or compete for opportunities in the future. If she is completely unaware, she will not be able to recognize you after you have changed your appearance. If you encounter a sudden danger, she may miss the opportunity to help you and cause unnecessary complications."
Qin Yu did not respond immediately upon hearing this. His original plan was extremely simple: after disguising himself, he would not inform anyone, enter the secret realm alone, and act independently. This was the cleanest and most efficient way to completely cut off any possibility of others tracing his origins through the Chi Lineage.
However, Chi Boqian's intention was clear. As the core prodigy of the Chi Xiyue Chi Lineage and a key figure in the Chi Lineage's entry into the secret realm, the elder naturally hoped that the two could rely on and support each other within the realm. After a brief silence, Qin Yu nodded slightly. "Alright."
Chi Boqian's expression softened slightly. "Just a senior," Qin Yu added, "You only need to inform Senior Xiyue that I will disguise myself and infiltrate the secret realm." Chi Boqian raised an eyebrow and nodded slowly.
Qin Yu spoke calmly and clearly, "If we happen to meet in the secret realm, I will take the initiative to reveal my identity to her." With this arrangement, Chi Xiyue would only know that Qin Yu would go to the secret realm and would not show his true face to the world, but she would not be able to describe his appearance to anyone. This would maximize the secrecy of Qin Yu's whereabouts and avoid the risk of exposure.
Chi Boqian instantly understood his profound considerations and immediately agreed, "Very well, I will convey your message to Xiyue as you say." Qin Yu cupped his hands in thanks. "Thank you for your trouble, senior."
A mountain breeze gently swept past the two of them. Ahead, the Chi Lineage's layered palace complex became increasingly clear, majestic and imposing, stretching as far as the eye could see. Qin Yu raised his eyes to gaze into the distance, his expression returning to calm and serene.
As dusk fell, the last rays of sunlight faded slowly across the vast sea of steles above the Stele Forest Imperial City, and the grand palaces of the Chi Lineage home gradually sank into the deep twilight.
After bidding farewell to Chi Boqian, Qin Yu did not venture into any other part of the clan and returned directly to his residence in the Chi Lineage. Two years had passed since he left, yet the furnishings remained unchanged. The ancient steps in front of the hall were as clean as ever, and the long corridor in the courtyard was tinged with long, narrow shadows by the setting sun. Clearly, during the two years he had been away, someone had been taking meticulous care of it.
The courtyard, which had been silent for so long, finally came alive with voices again tonight, and as dusk deepened, it became even more lively and vibrant.
Inside the main hall, the long table was already laden with exquisite food and wine, and several wine jars were placed beside the table. The rich and mellow aroma of the wine wafted through the open hall doors and permeated the entire courtyard.
Qin Yu, Shen Qingchen, Su Qingyuan sat around each other, finally reunited after two years. The separation two years ago was not easy for any of them. Qin Yu went to the Wanyan Ancestral Land alone and then disappeared without a trace. After recovering from their injuries, Shen Qingchen and Su Qingyuan stayed in the Chi Lineage, focusing on their cultivation while gradually taking over the affairs of the clan.
Two years have passed in the blink of an eye, yet they have also gone through many twists and turns. Now, the three of them sit facing each other, and the many dangers they once faced side by side are temporarily set aside in their hearts. No one is in a hurry to ask about those heavy past events. After a few cups of light wine, the atmosphere in the hall has become very warm.
Brother Qin!
Shen Qingchen raised his hand and lifted the wine jar, then casually filled the empty wine cup in front of Qin Yu. The clear wine poured into the cup, splashing out tiny, glistening droplets. He had long since shed his former naiveté.
He possessed the composure of a steward of the Chi Lineage, but when facing Qin Yu, that dignified demeanor of someone in charge of tens of thousands of disciples vanished, his brows relaxed, and he couldn't hide his joy.
Come on, come on!
Shen Qingchen raised his glass in a toast, his smile open and hearty. "Since you won the championship, the three of us haven't drunk and talked so heartily. Later, you went to our ancestral homeland and disappeared for two years. Today you've finally returned, so you absolutely cannot refuse to drink less at this feast!"
Qin Yu gazed at the wine glass offered to him, a gentle smile playing on his lips, and simply replied, "Okay."
Without the slightest refusal, he raised his wine cup and clinked it heavily with Shen Qingchen's. Su Qingyuan, standing beside him, also raised her cup, her beautiful eyes filled with Wenwan smile. The two years of quiet cultivation at the Chi Lineage had added a touch of maturity and serenity to her, yet her speech still retained the liveliness and lightness of her youth.
"Yes, Young Master Qin."
She scrutinized Qin Yu for a moment, then suddenly sighed with feigned helplessness, shaking her head and teasingly said, "Your cultivation has actually reached the Eternal Silence Realm · Supreme your return."
Su Qingyuan held the wine cup in her palm, deliberately feigning a solemn and serious expression, and sighed softly, "Alas, I wonder when Qingchen and I will be able to catch up with you." After saying that, she sighed again in a serious manner, making her appearance particularly vivid.
Qin Yu paused slightly in his cup-holding hand, looking at her charmingly melancholy expression, he could easily detect the teasing undertones. He shook his head helplessly and chuckled, "You two, you're getting better and better at banter these days."
His gaze slowly swept over the two of them, and he sighed inwardly. Two years ago, Shen Qingchen and Su Qingyuan were still at the True Annihilation Realm · Advanced Stage. Now, after two years, their auras and foundations have been completely renewed.
Shen Qingchen has entered the Eternal Silence Realm Initial Stage, and Su Qingyuan has even entered the Eternal Silence Realm · Middle Stage. Such a breakthrough speed is absolutely amazing, even among top clans like the Chi Lineage.
Qin Yu raised his glass and chuckled, then retorted, "One of you Eternal Silence Initial Stage, and the other Eternal Silence Middle Stage. With such a rapid pace of progress, you still have the nerve to say that I'm improving quickly?"
Before Shen Qingchen could respond, Qin Yu continued, "In my opinion, it is you who have truly made leaps and bounds. In just two years, you have broken through from the True Annihilation Realm · Advanced Stage all the way to the Eternal Silence, and each of you has taken on a stewardship position, commanding tens of thousands of disciples. Such achievements already place you among the top geniuses of the entire younger generation of the Chi Lineage."
Su Qingyuan was speechless, stunned by his words. She blinked and turned to look at Shen Qingchen beside her. Shen Qingchen was also slightly taken aback, and after a moment, a hearty laugh suddenly echoed throughout the hall. "Hahahaha!"
Su Qingyuan couldn't help but smile, her deliberately melancholy expression vanishing without a trace, replaced by a bright smile. Qin Yu also raised his cup with a smile, and the laughter of the three intertwined and drifted out of the palace, echoing far and wide through the twilight-shrouded courtyard.