A secret realm is, most of the time, a separate domain that exists in the real world but is separated into a dimension that overlaps reality to some extent. However, despite this separation, it still falls under the rule of the Heavens to some extent.

And since it falls under the rule of the Heavens, it is also normal for many types of Heavenly Treasures to form in them, albeit at an accelerated and in exaggerated quantity due to the very nature of the secret realms.

This along with a few other reasons is why Cultivators of various factions compete so much to gain ownership of a secret realm, no matter how small, and why fierce battles and blood bath takes place every time an expedition is carried out into such realms.

Why am I thinking about all of this general knowledge?

It is because we are currently going against this common sense and treating this highly coveted place as a vacation spot.

I turned to the side a little and saw that Yin Lingxi was still in deep sleep. The moonlight illuminated her body which was sprawled out on the recliners that I always carry around with me in my space ring. It was truly gratifying for me that she trusted me so much to leave herself completely defenseless like this.

After the disaster with the Natural Treasures under the mountainous area of the realm, we decided to explore the secret realm for a bit to see if we can’t find something that would interest us. However, all we found were the heavenly treasures that we already had with us.

Gradually, we slowly lost interest in finding treasures and decided to explore the realm. Finding hidden waterfalls filled with life, gentle glades that stretched as far as the eye can see, verdant hills full of life, and beautiful flowers. This place is truly a paradise when one stops looking for treasures and just starts to explore the place.

That is why, we decided to plop down on one such hill with flowers surrounding us as far as we can see and relax. Cleansing all of the stress that was accumulated in the few days we spent inside this place.

The flowers themselves are a type of heavenly treasures of Mortal-Rank, the lowest possible rank, known as the Midnight Moonflowers, a type of flower that is rich in Yin Qi and only blooms under the full moon. The rich and mesmerizing fragrance it gives off makes it a very popular treasure for female cultivators and makes for a very good gift.

‘Perhaps, it really is not a bad idea to relax like this once in a while. Especially for you since you have been drowning yourself in work these days.’

‘You are talking about relaxing? That’s a first. Don’t you always push me to cultivate harder?’

‘I do that because I don’t want you to die a dog’s death, no matter how small the chance of that happening is. Especially with what is about to come in the next few decades.’

‘….The Invasion of the Continent?’

‘The invasion of the continent. Last time, I survived that disaster through sheer luck as a Core Formation realm cultivator. In the end, it took the combined might of all four Holy Lands to repel the invaders. Even then, the loss of life was immense during those times. While you are not like me and have already reached the threshold of the Soul Transformation realm, it would still be prudent of you to prepare for it.’

‘True. But that event is still a decade or two away so I guess I can afford to relax a little bit.’

‘Correct. Speaking of, your lover is awake.’

‘She is not my lover!’

‘….I truly pity that girl. Just how oblivious can you be?’

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‘….I am not talking about those things right now.’

‘Fine. Do whatever you want.’

I ignored those words and suppressed the chaotic emotions that swirled into existence at his words.

I am not a fool. I have long since picked up on her hints, and I have also recently realized the significance of her actions in recent days.

The significance of having her hair done up in a bun, which is part of the Baihu Empire’s culture, signifies that a woman is either married or taken. This is something that I only recently came to know after going through the history and culture of the Baihu empire, thanks to a particularly talkative bar owner in the capital.

The significance of having a Jade hairpin placed in her hair by my hands instead of wearing the normal hairpins made of spiritual materials and shaped like flowers that she used to wear, which is another indication of an ongoing relationship.

The embroidered sashes, the complex sleeves, the wider collar in her dress, the list went on and on, each and every one of which clearly displayed her intent as far as it could be socially acceptable for a woman to show her interest so blatantly.

And, as much as I fear to admit it, I feel untold amounts of pride and happiness with these gestures of hers.

However, a small but extremely loud part of my mind is terrified. Terrified of the unknown territory that I had never ventured into, and the prospect of all of this being a misunderstanding on my part and all of her actions being nothing more than ignorance due to being a princess.

I know this is stupid and that there is no way she does not know the significance of her actions since she must have received a great deal of education about the culture and traditions of both her own empire and that of her rival empire.

But the heart is rarely rational and so are emotions.

This is why, I have yet to act upon her hints. To try and probe her intentions and to confirm our relationship.

Besides, I also need to think about the current situation between the Yin Long Empire and the Baihu Empire.

As cultivators, we have a long life ahead of us. So, I believe it is prudent to wait until this issue is solved and our home is truly at peace before we step into this chaotic mess of emotions.

“You are losing yourself in your thoughts, again. Seriously, why can’t you just enjoy yourself for once?”

Her exasperated but fond voice brought me out of my thoughts as I looked at her.

For a moment, I lost myself in the image that I saw.

The gentle light of the moon illuminated her beautiful silver hair, the dye having long since been washed out during our travels in the realm. Her golden eyes gave a gentle gaze. Her perfect form lying lazily in the chair and her full lips pulled up in a small smile.

The rapid rise in my heartbeat brought me back to reality as I once again suppressed my emotions.

Indeed, it is too dangerous to indulge in these emotions right now. But, when the opportunity arises in the future, I will have to confront her directly.

I am truly terrified, that what I feel now is just a one-sided affair, that I am getting my hopes up fruitlessly. But, I will not allow that fear to ruin what could be. Not again, never again. I swore to myself that I would live this life without regrets on my mother’s grave, and I will not go back on that promise.

I felt my lips pull into a smile as I reaffirmed myself.

“I am enjoying myself, aren’t I? I am surrounded by beautiful flowers, a full moon, and an even more beautiful maiden by my side. What more can a man ask for?”

A furious blush exploded onto her face as she glared playfully at me before swatting my shoulder.

“Look at you, such a sweet talker. I bet you used the same words on many girls before in your sect.”

“Haha! Not really. Back in those days, the only thing I ever cared about was strength.”

“I don’t believe you.’

I laughed as she turned away from me, probably to hide her embarrassed expression.

Yes, I will not allow my life to be filled with regrets again like I did in my previous one.

What use is having money, Power, Social status, And every other form of material gain in the world if you don’t have anyone to share it with?

They used to say, that money can’t buy happiness. A notion that I used to look down on in my youth back on Earth. I used to think that whoever came up with that notion must have been a fool and a poor bastard since money clearly could buy happiness, at least for me.

A successful man with millions of dollars worth of assets and money. A beautiful house, a large array of various types of cars. All the time in the world to indulge in my hobbies without having to worry about my day-to-day life ever again. Isn't such a life the peak of happiness?

But, as I grew older, I realized the true meaning of that statement.

It's not that money can’t buy happiness, it's just that happiness gained through material means is only temporary. True happiness, is something that can only be gained through family.

Looking up at the full moon, I felt something within me change as I continued reflecting on what once was and would never be again if I had any say about it.

It felt like some weight that had been pressing down on my heart was finally lifted.

With those chaotic feelings, I closed my eyes and rested in the comfortable silence.