Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 2144 1542: Departure
Previously on Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan...
The stir caused by the commotion prompted many cultivators to open their eyes, some observing with caution, others with casual glances, and a select few appraising the pair as if they were rare treasures, their minds churning with unspoken intentions.
The Earth Immortals present, finding Li Zhirui and Fu Chengguang to be merely Perfect Human Immortals, felt little initial interest and quickly shifted their attention elsewhere.
"Fellow Daoists, you both seem unfamiliar. Might we introduce ourselves? Perhaps there's potential for future cooperation." A cultivator from the observing group, harboring hidden motives, approached with a smile.
A swift exchange of glances between the two revealed their shared understanding.
Li Zhirui responded, "We appreciate your kind offer, Fellow Daoist, but my brother and I intend to find a secluded spot to break through to the Earth Immortal Realm immediately after departing this Secret Realm. Regrettably, cooperation may not be feasible."
"Ah, I see. My apologies for the intrusion then. Should the opportunity arise in the future, I hope you two will keep my offer in consideration." A subtle calculative glint appeared in the cultivator's eyes, though his true schemes remained concealed.
"We too hope for such opportunities." The reply was neither a firm agreement nor a refusal, but a statement laden with unspoken meaning.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the cultivator, having accomplished his immediate goal, withdrew to his original position, discreetly relaying information to his associates.
Few cultivators nearby missed this interaction. While most sensed the Human Immortal's ill intent, no one intervened or issued a warning to the pair, merely watching with detached interest.
In reality, Li Zhirui and Fu Chengguang were fully aware, having noted the cultivator's every seemingly subtle movement, a fact he believed went unnoticed.
For instance, as he approached, he had surreptitiously applied a unique powder and left a hidden mark upon their persons.
However, rather than addressing the issue directly, they chose to feign ignorance, playing along with his charade to ultimately turn the tables.
They even intentionally divulged certain information as part of their strategy, aiming to attract more covetous cultivators from whom they could illicitly acquire Spiritual Objects.
This tactic proved far more efficient and rewarding than the arduous task of searching for Spiritual Objects independently.
Had the group of cultivators not initiated hostilities first, they would not have resorted to such measures.
After all, their clandestine entry into the Ten Thousand Rivers Realm was not solely for the acquisition of Spiritual Objects; it was primarily to comprehend the realm's Laws and absorb its distinct essence to further their own cultivation.
But since the cultivators harbored malicious intentions from the outset, it was a matter of natural consequence, an unavoidable karmic retribution.
...
The Laws within this Secret Realm are fragmented, lacking a natural cycle of day and night. Yet, those within still possessed a distinct sense of time.
Consequently, as the closure of the Secret Realm drew nearer, an increasing number of cultivators converged at the portal, anticipating their egress.
Among them, various other agendas were being formulated.
For example, some had placed marks on Li Zhirui and Fu Chengguang, plotting to pursue them relentlessly after exiting the Secret Realm to seize their Spiritual Objects.
Others were awaiting the appearance of the three Loose Cultivator Earth Immortals, intending to ascertain if any Spiritual Objects had been pilfered from the central Spirit Field.
A portion of the cultivators planned to organize a post-departure trade fair to exchange or divest themselves of unwanted Spiritual Objects.
Beyond the possibility of an all-out brawl witnessed by all, a vibrant spectrum of other activities was unfolding.
Under these circumstances, the vicinity of the portal had paradoxically become the most secure location within the Secret Realm.
"Why have those Earth Immortals not yet appeared? Could they be too fearful, intending to remain hidden within the Secret Realm indefinitely?"
Some onlookers, observing that the closure was merely days away while a specific group remained absent, expressed a degree of disappointment.
"However, this is merely a temporary reprieve; they cannot evade their fate forever. It is impossible for them to achieve breakthroughs to Heavenly Immortal within the Secret Realm, and within a few centuries, their destiny remains unavoidable."
"Perhaps they believe they can utilize the Secret Realm's Spiritual Objects to elevate their cultivation to Perfect Earth Immortal, thereby enhancing their chances of survival through increased might?"
"That is merely wishful thinking. Without reaching Heavenly Immortal, there is absolutely no hope."
Despite these speculations, the three Earth Immortals made no appearance, although they might have been concealed within the throng.
Buzz——
A low hum resonated as the portal began its gradual opening, signaling the commencement of the exit from the Secret Realm.
"Let us depart."
The moment the portal materialized, Li Zhirui and Fu Chengguang surged through, disregarding the wide-eyed stares of everyone present. In a flash, they had traversed the portal and were back in the Ten Thousand Rivers Realm. Usually, Earth Immortal cultivators depart first; even if unintended, a prior announcement should be made before others leave. Their haste meant they had, in effect, disregarded the established procedure. However, Li Zhirui and Fu Chengguang were unconcerned, recognizing that no further encounters would be possible after exiting the Secret Realm. Moreover, as they were not cultivators originating from the Ten Thousand Rivers Realm, nor were they true Human Immortal cultivators, slighting a few Earth Immortals held no consequence for them. Their abrupt departure did, however, capture the notice of several Earth Immortals, who might not have anticipated such audacious cultivators within the Secret Realm.