The Supreme Martial King Shocking All Realms Chapter 3309 - 3304: Yang Chen’s Full Strength?_1
Previously on The Supreme Martial King Shocking All Realms...
Yang Chen, feeling intrigued, chuckled and replied, "I'd be grateful if Fairy Linglong could share details about these Secret Realms."
After pausing to think, Fairy Linglong explained, "With merely five levels of merit right now, Young Master Yang Chen is restricted to just one Secret Realm: Fang Xuan Villa."
Yang Chen felt a surge of astonishment and asked, "Does entering other Secret Realms demand a higher merit level, then?"
"Naturally, since these mighty Daoist Ancestor figures established the Secret Realms to identify top talents, the entry barriers are set quite high. After all, attaining Daoist Ancestor status isn't something average folks can easily catch the eye of. Other Secret Realms require at least six levels of merit to access. For five levels, only one is available, though stepping inside still costs Ji Yu essence." Fairy Linglong elaborated.
A wry smile crept across Yang Chen's face, realizing the matter wouldn't prove so straightforward.
Who could have guessed that entry demanded expending Ji Yu essence?
He inquired with fresh surprise, "Why would those Daoist Ancestors create such stark differences in entry requirements?"
"Brother Yang Chen, remember that even among these Daoist Ancestors, power levels vary from stronger to weaker. Of course, using merit for entry isn't perfectly precise." Fairy Linglong responded.
Yang Chen spoke steadily, "Could Fairy Linglong describe the rewards awaiting in the Fang Xuan Villa Secret Realm?"
"I've heard rumors that exceptional performance there might yield a chunk of Ancient Essence Cold Iron, tempered by that ancient Daoist Ancestor over endless ages. Who knows if it's accurate? Out in the world, such Ancient Essence Cold Iron would spark fierce battles among seekers." Fairy Linglong revealed.
The moment "Ancient Essence Cold Iron" reached his ears, Yang Chen found himself unable to remain seated.
Across the vast universe, this Ancient Essence Cold Iron stood as an incredibly scarce treasure.
Though he lacked deep knowledge of its nature, his awareness stemmed from the time his Slaughter God Spear absorbed a fragment from an Unparalleled Daozu, surging forward in power to claim a spot among high-grade Emperor Divine Artifacts.
Such gains highlighted the immense potency of Ancient Essence Cold Iron.
Should he secure another fragment...
"Young Master, you have to snag me another piece of Ancient Essence Cold Iron. This is prime stuff, utterly fantastic." The Slaughter God Spear's voice bubbled with delight and thrill.
Yang Chen snapped back irritably, "I get it."
Having sent that mental message, Yang Chen turned to Fairy Linglong with composure and declared, "In that case, I'll head over to Fang Xuan Villa and check it out."
"Excellent choice." Fairy Linglong offered a gentle smile, then directed Yang Chen to Fang Xuan Villa's whereabouts.
Soon after, Yang Chen departed from the Earth Spirit Hall, making his way toward Fang Xuan Villa.
Fang Xuan Villa served as the dwelling of its creator, the Dao Ancestor Fang Xuan, with the Secret Realm nestled right within.
Upon arrival, Yang Chen spotted two youthful boys, appearing childlike, stationed at the villa entrance, each clutching a whisk. Their auras radiated depth and wisdom. Spotting his approach, they spoke with innocent words yet carried a tone of seasoned maturity.
"What brings Daoist Friend to our Fang Xuan Villa?" The Whisk Dust Boy inquired.
Yang Chen answered, "I've arrived in hopes of exploring the Ice River Secret Realm."
"Understood, Daoist Friend. Please come with me." The Whisk Dust Boy replied.
Yang Chen gave a nod, a wave of感慨 stirring within him.
Gatekeepers under these Daoist Ancestor masters truly stood out, as even these boyish figures had attained the Great Ascension Stage.
Clearly, the Daoist Ancestors had plied these two with abundant pills, enabling such rapid heights at tender ages.
Yet, at this stage, their advancement hinged solely on external aids like elixirs. Overreliance on them spelled more drawbacks than advantages, leaving future progress to crawl forward without such crutches.
While his mind wandered, the boy guided Yang Chen to a grand Formation altar.
This altar resembled a Daoist sanctuary, encircled by sturdy pillars. At the heart of the four supports lay a platform glowing with frosty light, featuring an open portal upon it.
Beyond the portal stretched a vista utterly alien to the outer realm, evidently the Teleportation Array leading to the Ice River Secret Realm.
Before the Ice River Secret Realm's gateway stood a handful of figures, arms folded behind them. Among the group, one man and two women appeared youthful and striking, their cultivations hinting at mere tens of thousands of years.
As the Whisk Dust Boy appeared, these individuals bowed deeply in respect, "Greetings to Fairy Qing Wan, Fairy Yun Xiu, and Sir Mu Fei."
"And who is this..." The man called Mu Fei questioned, hands still clasped behind.
The Whisk Dust Boy clarified, "This visitor from beyond seeks entry to the Ice River Secret Realm. The Ji Yu essence remains unpaid for now."
"I am Yang Chen." Yang Chen cupped his hands in greeting.
"Ah, Brother Yang Chen, then." Mu Fei returned the gesture courteously, his demeanor balanced and neutral.
Surprise flickered in the Whisk Dust Boy's voice as he asked, "Sir Mu Fei, you and the others..."
Mu Fei grinned, "Ah, nearly slipped my mind. Since Brother Yang Chen also aims for the Ice River Secret Realm, we might need to ask his patience. The three of us serve as disciples to old Daoist Ancestor Fang Xuan, and we've returned today to test this forgotten Ice River Secret Realm, gauging our recent advances. My Senior Sister Yun Xiu and I have completed our turns; only Senior Sister Qing Wan remains. Brother Yang Chen, you'll likely need to hold off a bit."
Hearing this, understanding dawned on Yang Chen.
No surprise these three boasted such youth alongside refined cultivation, having touched the Heaven-separated realm.
They were elite disciples under Daoist Ancestor Fang Xuan, after all.
Given Mu Fei's courteous manner, Yang Chen held his tongue and responded, "Brother Mu Fei, no need for such courtesy. Priorities must be respected, and arriving later means abiding by the sequence."
"We appreciate your patience, Brother Yang Chen." Mu Fei acknowledged.
Yang Chen inclined his head in agreement.
Mu Fei proved decent enough, showing fair treatment toward him. Yet Yun Xiu and Fairy Qing Wan differed sharply.
Fairy Yun Xiu merely seemed reserved due to unfamiliarity, staying quiet before, whereas Fairy Qing Wan exuded an innate chill, scarcely glancing his way throughout. She came across as aloof and distant.
Fairy Qing Wan offered few words, merely stating, "This venture will reveal the extent of my growth after three thousand years in seclusion."
"Senior Sister, rest assured—your power this time should rival the King of the Netherworld." Mu Fei encouraged.
A shadow of grim recollection crossed Fairy Qing Wan's features, and she advanced without delay, vanishing into the formation.
Witnessing this, Yang Chen sensed Fairy Qing Wan harbored some hidden tale.
Still, such affairs bore no relevance to him. Earlier, as her words hung in the air, a stir of reflection hit him.
"Just how formidable have I become?"
In the decades since arriving in this realm through relentless toil, no opponent had yet pushed him to unleash his full might.