The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 803 Netherworld Secret Realm, Fourth-Order Strange Bird

The desolate forest was cold and desolate, and the chill was growing stronger.

Luo Hou's sudden words, "Fellow Daoist, please wait," plunged the atmosphere into a cold, deathly silence.

As the night deepened and the dew grew heavy, the area outside the city was desolate and quiet. In such an atmosphere, a sudden remark after the transaction was completed would undoubtedly lead to unnecessary speculation.

"What's the matter?"

Chen Ping'an's eyes were cold and sharp as he looked at the gray-mist man not far away.

"Fellow Daoist Qi Jin, have you ever heard of the Netherworld Secret Realm?"

Luo Hou's words broke the deadlock in the arena, and the cold atmosphere seemed to warm up a little.

"The Netherworld Secret Realm?"

Chen Ping'an's heart stirred as he pondered the information about this secret realm.

He had read quite a few books and biographies. However, the dynasties were vast, and the various secrets and biographies were as numerous as the ocean. In particular, some rare information was difficult to access unless one reached a certain level of expertise.

Chen Ping'an's emotions shifted, but his expression remained unchanged, his face deeply furrowed, as if deep in thought.

Luo Hou didn't expect the old monster in front of him to respond to his question. He smiled slightly and revealed his plan.

"The Netherworld Secret Realm appears once every three Jiazi (60 years). Although it doesn't follow a fixed pattern, the timing is roughly the same. Based on past experience, the secret realm will open in the next year or two. When the time comes, the secret realm will open."

"I'm sure you're aware of the many opportunities in the secret realm. Protective treasures, great medicinal herbs and spiritual objects, refined minerals and secret treasures, and even breakthrough opportunities like Heavenly Essence and Earthly Dew are all readily available. However, the Netherworld Secret Realm has always been dangerous. With various factions vying for power, the secret realm is a perilous and dangerous place. Even celestial beings like us cannot guarantee our own safety."

"I intend to explore the Netherworld Secret Realm this time and am organizing manpower to form teams so that we can look out for each other while we explore the secret realm. I am quite compatible with Fellow Daoist Qi Jin and intend to win you over to explore the secret realm together."

As he spoke, Luo Hou paused slightly, then continued with a sigh, "We rogue cultivators face great difficulties in our cultivation, our foundations are shallow, and every step we take requires immense effort. Our foundation and resources are already inferior to those of renowned sects. If we continue to fight alone and act independently, how can we compare with the elders of those great sects and the geniuses of past generations!"

"Fellow Daoist, why not join forces with me, support each other, and seek mutual benefits!"

The gray mist surged and subtly rippled, making Luo Hou's figure appear even clearer.

"Secret realms hold opportunities, various factions vie for power, and perilous places lurk." Beneath his wide black robe, Chen Ping'an remained calm, his eyes dark, absorbing the information revealed by Luo Hou.

He had read about the Netherworld in a travelogue, but he didn't know much about its specifics.

It appeared in the travelogue only as background information, without any further explanation. Furthermore, the authenticity of the travelogue was uncertain, and it seemed somewhat like a casual read, so Chen Ping'an didn't delve into it further.

He was suddenly hearing this, which was clearly a world he had never been exposed to before.

"The Netherworld Secret Realm"

Chen Ping'an pondered in his heart, and from Luo Hou's few words, he also sensed the risks involved.

Even a second-realm celestial being like Luo Hou was extremely cautious and wary of him.

In addition, there are still one or two years.
One or two years might not seem like much to other celestial beings, but for him, it was an extremely precious period of time.

A dark glint appeared in Chen Ping'an's eyes. Faced with Luo Hou's serious invitation, he did not agree directly, but he did not refuse either, leaving room for maneuver.

"I haven't considered participating in this Netherworld Secret Realm yet, however..."
"If I decide to participate, I can consider your suggestion."

A year or two is only a short time for Luo Hou. But for him, it is a considerable amount of time. A year or two is enough for many variables to arise. If he really enters the secret realm to search for treasures and explore mysteries, given his progress, his strength back then may not be what it is today.

If he can cultivate steadily and accumulate experience diligently, this one or two years will be enough for him to advance several levels and truly enter the next realm.
"In that case, we await your good news, fellow Daoist." Luo Hou's voice came from within the gray mist, revealing neither joy nor anger.

"If you are interested, you can leave a mark in Wentian City to contact me."

As he spoke, the gray mist surged and gradually condensed into a special mark in mid-air. It lingered in front of Chen Ping'an for a moment before completely dissipating, turning into wisps of mist that merged into the dense gray mist below.

"Okay." Chen Ping'an's voice was old and hoarse, like a broken furnace that had been burning for many years.

Wentian City, a major city in the northern border, is a thriving commercial center, far surpassing the surrounding area of ​​Bicang.

The two agreed on how to contact each other, said nothing more, and then parted ways.

Before leaving, Chen Ping'an's dark eyes darted around, his gaze cold and detached, as if he could see the figure and spirit within through the thick fog.

"Fellow Daoist, you should be more careful when you're out and about. If you do this again next time, showing no restraint, I might not be so patient as I am today."

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Ping'an flicked his sleeves, transforming into a streak of light that shot into the sky and quickly disappeared into the deep night.

The night was deep and cold, the desolate forest was quiet and still, with only a gray mist swirling around it, seemingly tranquil, yet constantly churning.

Within the gray mist, a man stood with a deep gaze. His eyes were hazy and shrouded in an indescribable eeriness, filled with a sinister and hidden intent. Beneath his skin, which was as white as frost, stretched veins and tendrils like the roots of an ancient tree.

"Seven Forbidden Rules."

He murmured in a low voice, a deep sense of apprehension appearing in his eyes.

He had already planned for tonight's events at the Xuanling Auction. Whether it was waiting in advance or following him all the way, it was all within his calculations.

He possessed the true skill, the Ash Mist Concealment Scroll, which allowed him to hide his form and conceal his aura. With his abilities, let alone the black-robed old monster who was merely at the first realm of perfection, even a true second-realm celestial being would find it difficult to detect his presence.

Can.
Thinking of this, Luo Hou's heart trembled secretly, filled with apprehension.

The old monster seemed to have sensed his presence all along, leading him out of Xuanling City and into the desolate forest outside the city. He even revealed his whereabouts in a single sentence, urging him to show himself quickly.

At first, he thought the old monster was just being cautious and trying to trick him. His ability to conceal himself was, if not unparalleled, but among cultivators at the Hidden Radiance Realm, very few could detect him when he was focused on hiding.

But the old monster's next few words told him that this was not the case. The old monster was not bluffing him; he had truly discovered him.

Their tone was so arrogant that they even bluntly stated they were prepared to send him on his way.

"Damn it! When?"

This situation naturally startled him.

What alarmed him was not the other person's tone, but the unwavering composure and aloofness they exuded throughout. Tone can be faked, but behavior is extremely difficult to fake, especially when given a choice.

The old monster had clearly discovered his pursuit long ago. Yet, even so, the old monster remained steadfast, heading straight for the outskirts of Chongcheng, and deliberately choosing this secluded spot.

These actions all demonstrate the old monster's certainty and confidence.

Under normal circumstances, a first-realm Celestial Being, upon discovering a second-realm Celestial Being with ill intentions following them, would never put themselves in a disadvantageous position. Even with the utmost self-confidence, they would rarely act this way. Unless, of course, they encounter a self-confident madman! A madman who craves battle and the experience of life and death.

Even now, he is still wondering where he was exposed.

He had planned this operation meticulously, not only refining his aura beforehand but also employing concealment techniques. He proceeded cautiously, following closely behind, but was ultimately discovered.

“This old monster.” Luo Hou’s eyes were deep, and gray mist surged, seemingly covering the tremors in his heart.

Having previously relinquished his place at the auction, he had already decided to pursue his goal tonight: to secure the proceeds with minimal cost.

No matter how high his bid, competing with the other party, in the end he'd only be damaging his own resources. Instead of letting the auction house profit for nothing, he'd be better off voluntarily backing down, reducing costs, and hoping to maximize his gains.

His move today was aimed at strengthening his foundation and increasing his wealth. But he never expected to run into such a formidable opponent.

"This old monster is no ordinary person! If he really makes a move..."

Luo Hou's expression faltered, and a gray light swirled around him. From within the gray mist, a gray feather appeared out of thin air, flapping its wings and circling back and forth above him.

This gray-feathered creature, shaped like a crane, is a deep, airy gray with three-pronged tail feathers. The base of the feathers glows with fluorescence, and the tips are like ink stains. As it flaps its wings, it seems as if dust of light is falling.

He had cultivated for many years, and his current state was certainly not without fortuitous encounters. Among his many fortuitous encounters, this Yinming Gray Feather was his greatest one.

A fourth-order wondrous bird, with dark gray feathers. It can perceive all things and predict good and bad fortune.

When he appeared and went to assist the old monster, his pet bird, which he had kept for many years, suddenly became alarmed and cried out repeatedly, showing a strong sense of unease.

This cry caused all his previous mental calculations to vanish.

Years of experience gave him complete confidence in the judgment of his spirit pet, the wondrous bird. Even though he was unwilling, and even though there was a complete unequal disparity in their strength, he forcefully suppressed his own plans.

Having been a second-stage Celestial for many years, he has encountered numerous opportunities and possesses skills that are extremely formidable even among second-stage Celestials. Furthermore, with a fourth-tier spirit pet and protective artifacts, even a newly promoted second-stage Celestial, caught off guard, would have to suffer a crushing defeat tonight.

Logically speaking, no matter how remarkable the old monster's methods are, at most he can only contend with a second-realm Celestial Being, and he has no chance of winning against him.

The profits from this are practically guaranteed.

But the fact that he, as a rogue cultivator, has managed to come this far with only a meager inheritance, is not only due to his talent and natural abilities, but also to his unwavering devotion to the Dao.

Even when faced with enormous rewards and substantial profits, he held back from the very moment the gains were within his grasp.

Some gains seem like a sure thing, but the price to pay is still unknown.

Some things seem within reach, but in reality, they lie on the edge of a cliff.

The strange bird was uneasy, and the gray-feathered bird cried out; he naturally knew what to do.

The fact that the gray bird was wary of it meant that the old monster's methods were far more sophisticated than expected.

He changed his previous plans, put aside his temper, sincerely invited the other party to do business, and maintain friendly relations.

Using fourth-tier aquatic treasure mines, he traded with the other party using the Formless Freedom Technique to gather resources and enrich himself.

Upon realizing this, Luo Hou's fear gradually faded, replaced by a look of self-satisfaction and contentment.

Some gains don't necessarily require combat. They can be obtained through trading, by taking a different approach.

Although the gains are smaller than those from a full-blown fight, the advantage lies in its safety and virtually no risk or mishaps.

"In this round, I, the Marquis, am still the superior one!"

Luo Hou's expression blurred, and a profound and unfathomable smile appeared on his face, which was as white as frost.

The Formless Freedom Method, though undoubtedly derived from the True Skill Scroll, deserves the name of a fragment of the scroll when cultivated to a high level. But...
You also need to reach a high level of mastery!
Formless and free, concealing its sharpness and form, mimicking the essence of existence, the technique's effectiveness is considerable. By borrowing the trace of its inherent meaning and accumulating experience over many years, one might be able to forcefully master it. But to reach the initial level is incredibly difficult. As for the profound and mysterious stages?
What he couldn't do in all these years, how could that old monster possibly do it!
Based on his research and insights over the years, he clearly knows that to cultivate this secret technique, one needs the assistance of secret medicines. Without the auxiliary secret medicines that are compatible with the cultivation, even if one spends a lot of effort, it will all be in vain.

This secret technique, though called a secret technique, is actually an incomplete version of a cultivation method. Without the aid of secret medicines, how can one possibly achieve any significant level of mastery?

He'd been searching for the secret medicine's formula for years without finding a clue. If he didn't have it, then that old monster certainly didn't!
Although this secret technique is called a fragment of a precious scroll, without the aid of secret medicine, it is tasteless to use and a pity to discard, making it utterly useless.

"Hahaha," Luo Hou laughed silently, feeling delighted.

In this transaction, he not only cleared out the useless secret techniques, but also acquired a cultivation method and the White Bone Secret Technique. The cultivation method can be used as a core essence to enrich his martial arts foundation, while the White Bone Secret Technique has many intricacies that can be carefully studied. If he achieves success, he can incorporate it into his own system.

The gains from this are truly substantial.

Luo Hou felt exhilarated. He sensed his surroundings with his divine sense and, after confirming that there was no movement, he rolled up his robes. The gray mist surged like waves, and in the midst of the churning, he disappeared from the scene.

The desolate forest was completely silent.

After a dozen or so breaths, a figure slowly emerged from behind a rock several miles away from the desolate forest.

His face was like the bark of an old tree, deeply lined with wrinkles, showing signs of age and hardship. His eyes were dark and deep, with a faint, eerie light. He wore a black robe that was wide and deep, concealing the movement of his figure.

"The gray feathers of the Black Bird?" Chen Ping'an's voice was low and almost silent.

"It seems that now, when I fully conceal my aura, I can deceive even a second-realm celestial being."

Chen Ping'an lowered his eyes and gazed at her for a moment, his thoughts swirling, it was unclear what he was thinking.

"The Second Realm of Celestial Beings, the Realm of Piercing the Rainbow"

If it weren't for the gray-feathered bird displaying its fourth-order power, he probably would have made a move just now to test the strength of this second-realm celestial being.

When master and pet join forces, their combat power is astonishing; a slight misstep could result in the loss of their trump card.

The fourth-tier strange bird possesses astonishing speed, and even he has no confidence in tracking it. With this strange bird around, even if he manages to gain something, it may not be much.

The input and output are completely unequal, which does not conform to his logic in dealing with the world.

Furthermore, this Luo Hou is no ordinary second-realm cultivator; there's no guarantee he won't resort to any unforeseen means. His attempt to forcefully reverse the situation with the power of a single realm is questionable, and the outcome is truly uncertain.

Chen Ping'an sighed softly, then with a flick of his sleeve, he vanished from the spot.

Whoosh!
The ghostly light was almost invisible, completely concealed in the night.

Only now did he truly leave this place.

(End of this chapter)