The spiritual energy here is dense, and the mountains rise and fall in layered waves. The mighty cultivator who created this secret realm must have been in the Mahayana stage to possess such power.
This was Xu Yi’s first impression upon entering the secret realm. The scene within completely captivated her.
The Western Water Domain’s secret realm was indeed renowned. Ji Buwang nodded slightly in agreement. He had cultivated for many years and visited numerous secret realms, with this one ranking among his top three.
However, dense spiritual energy also meant abundant hidden dangers. Recalling the tragic events that occurred in this realm five hundred years ago, Ji Buwang glanced at Xu Yi, his gaze profound.
"It is rumored that the Soul Severing Bell suddenly appeared before the secret realm closed. I wonder if it will be the same this time," Xu Yi murmured, unfurling her divine sense.
"The Soul Severing Bell devours souls, so it will surely appear when the most cultivators are present. We just need to wait for that day," Ji Buwang replied.
Xu Yi agreed with his assessment. After a brief discussion, they decided to explore the secret realm first. They landed beside a river whose source was hidden from view and proceeded along its course into the depths. The area was uninhabited and serene, and Xu Yi’s accumulated fatigue slowly dissipated.
As she walked on the damp earth, Xu Yi looked elsewhere, feigning casualness. "Ji Buwang, can you tell me about yourself?"
Ji Buwang paused for a moment before softly replying, "Yes."
Although she knew Ji Buwang wouldn't refuse, Xu Yi felt a wave of relief. Since Ji Buwang had revealed his identity, Xu Yi had been filled with many questions. However, being pursued by a great demon and the concern of being unable to leave the Beast King Continent had prevented her from having an open conversation with him. This secret realm presented the perfect opportunity. She wanted to know about Ji Buwang’s past and his thoughts, otherwise, it would remain an unresolved issue between them, a lingering concern she couldn't ignore.
Xu Yi was unaware that Ji Buwang had similar thoughts but had hesitated to speak, fearing it might alienate her. With Xu Yi’s invitation this time, Ji Buwang began to recount his past. His early life was as Qingfeng Zhenren had described: he was adopted by the sect's Fengjian Ancestor, followed him to learn cultivation, and eventually became the sect's youngest sect leader.
"There is one thing, however, that even Elder Qingfeng does not know," Ji Buwang said, looking directly at Xu Yi. He didn't want Liu Jinghong's outsider status to interfere with Xu Yi's cultivation, but there were some things he no longer wished to hide. He had already missed one opportunity. This time, he wouldn't.
"Speak," Xu Yi urged, her heart pounding with a surge of nervousness. She had a premonition that what Ji Buwang was about to say was related to her.
"The one who taught me the methods of cultivation, besides Fengjian Ancestor, was Liu Jinghong."
"Liu Jinghong? How could it be her!" Xu Yi’s pupils dilated. "When you joined the sect, she had already ascended to the Upper Realm. Could it be..." Xu Yi's previous conversation with Elder Qingfeng had made her believe Ji Buwang had no connection to Liu Jinghong. Yet, now he claimed Liu Jinghong had been teaching him the Dao.
"She had indeed ascended, but before she left, she left behind a divine artifact through which I can converse with Liu Jinghong at any time." Ji Buwang recalled the coldness and annoyance in Liu Jinghong's voice back then, his brow hardening.
Meanwhile, Xu Yi was thrown into turmoil by Ji Buwang's revelation. This implied that everything happening in the Lower Realm was under Liu Jinghong's control? Was she still watching her in secret? Xu Yi's expression turned grim, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. Her gaze towards Ji Buwang became distant. So, her previous suspicions were correct; Ji Buwang and Liu Jinghong indeed had a close relationship. She assumed Ji Buwang's name was also given by Liu Jinghong, which was why it matched the name from her dream.
However, Xu Yi soon noticed something amiss. Ji Buwang had referred to Liu Jinghong by her full name just now, without any trace of respect, and rather with evident disgust. What else had happened between them?
Before Xu Yi could ask, Ji Buwang looked at her and stated earnestly, "Xu Yi, I have long since had no contact with Liu Jinghong. I am even ashamed to be associated with her because she is a complete thief. She stole your life."
He had said it. Ji Buwang felt a significant portion of the heavy burden on his shoulders dissipate. He should have told Xu Yi everything long ago. He wanted to personally uproot the inner demon that had taken root in Xu Yi's heart. Liu Jinghong did not deserve Xu Yi's apprehension; instead, Liu Jinghong should be the one living in fear, looking over her shoulder. She should live under Xu Yi's shadow, trembling constantly at the mention of Xu Yi's name or the sight of anyone connected to her. This was the retribution for the base.
"Stole my life?"
Xu Yi had raised her eyebrows in shock at Ji Buwang's initial words, but by the time he uttered the last sentence, her expression froze. A chill coursed through her, leaving her utterly cold. Ji Buwang's statement conveyed far too much information. Her past confusion was finally answered. Liu Jinghong's inexplicable targeting of her and her uncanny intuition finally made sense.
"But how did you know?" Xu Yi's eyes shot out sharp rays of light upon regaining her composure. Ji Buwang couldn't have known this secret from the beginning. If he had known all along, he wouldn't have been so guarded with her and hidden his identity while staying by her side. Therefore, he must have found out later.
Recalling Ji Buwang's unusual actions, such as participating in the Nascent Soul disciple competition regardless of his status and joining Kunlun Academy, Xu Yi clapped her hands, asserting with certainty, "The Dean told you, didn't he?" The Dean had trapped her, given her dreams, and then told Ji Buwang about this matter. It seemed the Dean genuinely wanted to help her. But why didn't the Dean tell her directly? Xu Yi tilted her head, pondering the Dean's intentions.
Ji Buwang was also taken aback. He had assumed Xu Yi was completely unaware of this matter, but it now seemed Xu Yi already knew. Hearing Xu Yi's question, Ji Buwang realized with sudden clarity that the Dean had also informed Xu Yi.
"Yes, the Dean told me. It's also thanks to the Dean that my childhood confusion was resolved. Liu Jinghong had Fengjian Ancestor bring me back simply to use me to achieve her goals."
"What goals?" Xu Yi asked instinctively.
Ji Buwang's lips twitched slightly. "Because she knew I would be the next sect leader of Xuanji Sect."
Xu Yi's mind reeled, and she stared blankly at Ji Buwang, sensing something was amiss. Liu Jinghong, through some unknown means, knew about her experiences and wanted to replicate her life. Even after ascending, she had Fengjian Ancestor bring Ji Buwang back, which was also an attempt to copy her actions. Did that mean Ji Buwang’s past life was likely her disciple? Realizing this, Xu Yi was dumbfounded.