Xiao Ming looked at Riu Xian thoughtfully before answering his question about secret realms. “According to some researchers, and my sister and brother-in-law who are now on another continent, there is much more to the cosmos than we typically understand. My sister and her husband are both researchers, and during one of their studies, they uncovered ancient documents about a teleportation array. While they were examining it, they were accidentally teleported to another continent by that ancient array. We only learned about their sudden transportation because they released a transmission talisman right before the event. In the talisman, they mentioned the array and described the general location. Unfortunately, the talisman was half-destroyed by the energy of the teleportation, so we didn’t receive the full details.”
Riu Xian listened intently, his curiosity growing with each word.
“Through their research and discoveries,” Xiao Ming continued, “they’ve come to believe that there are numerous universes. We currently reside in what is called the Heavenly Universe. This universe is divided into multiple lower and upper realms, as well as a singular Immortal Realm, which stands above all others realms in the Heavenly Universe. Ascending to the Immortal Realm is the dream of countless cultivators from both the lower and upper realms. Beyond our Heavenly Universe, there are countless other universes, some of which contain spiritual energy like ours, while others are entirely devoid of it.”
Riu Xian’s eyes widened slightly. He had never heard of such theories before. Xiao Ming’s voice grew more serious as she explained further.
“Secret realms,” she said, “are unique spaces that can originate from various sources. Some are separated fragments of other universes, while others might belong to upper or lower realms of the Heavenly Universe. There are even some that could be fragments of the Immortal Realm itself. These secret realms form when, due to certain events or incidents, parts of a world become detached and attempt to connect with other universes.”
She paused for a moment to let the information sink in before continuing. “When a secret realm originates from another universe, it usually lacks living beings. However, it often contains valuable resources. Each secret realm retains the natural laws of its original universe, which are applied to anyone who enters. For instance, there’s a secret realm located about 6,000 miles from here. That realm has no spiritual energy, and anyone who enters it will find their cultivation completely suppressed, rendering them as mortals for the time they’re inside.”
“A realm without spiritual energy?” Riu Xian asked, his tone tinged with surprise.
Xiao Ming nodded. “Yes, and because of this suppression, it’s not protected by any sects and is open to all. It doesn’t hold any resources suitable for cultivation, but it does have fertile land and a wide variety of crops. Over time, some mortal villages have formed near and even within the realm.”
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Riu Xian found himself intrigued. A realm where cultivators were reduced to mortals was fascinating and unsettling in equal measure.
Xiao Ming continued, “Inside that secret realm, they discovered tools and devices that seem to be inventions of that universe. They’re unlike anything we have here. One example is a type of metal carriage with a streamlined body that stands on four wheels. It’s similar in function to a horse-drawn carriage but doesn’t require horses. Most of these devices are now covered in vines, moss, and dust, and many have been damaged over time. Additionally, there are small, dark-colored devices resembling jade tablets. Some are the size of a palm, while others are larger. These, too, are covered in dust and moss, their original purpose unknown.”
She smiled faintly before adding, “My sister, during her research, discovered documents mentioning a unique substance from that realm: a honey called Mad Honey. According to the documents, this honey’s composition is dangerous for the original inhabitants of that universe but could be highly beneficial to us. Based on the description, it might be capable of healing the damage caused by qi deviation.”
Riu Xian’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “Master,” he said, “can a mortal medicine really heal such damage?”
Xiao Ming nodded with certainty. “Yes. According to my sister, the properties of Mad Honey align perfectly with what we would need to treat qi deviation. However, obtaining it is nearly impossible. It’s found on tall mountains within the secret realm. Without spiritual energy, climbing those peaks becomes a daunting task. My sister has already attempted it but was unable to reach the source due to her cultivation being suppressed in the realm.”
Riu Xian frowned slightly. “Does anyone else know about this honey?”
Xiao Ming shook her head. “No. The secret was discovered by my sister, and she’s kept it to herself. But even with this knowledge, the challenges of obtaining the Mad Honey make it unlikely that anyone else will pursue it.”
She paused for a moment before adding, “My sister also mentioned other universes during her research. "One of them is called the Martial Universe. In that universe, people channel spiritual energy not for the pursuit of immortality but to temper their physical bodies with qi, achieving unparalleled strength and mastery over the martial arts. However, these are just speculations whispered among researchers; the true nature of this realm remains shrouded in mystery
Hearing this, Riu Xian felt a jolt of recognition. Could she be talking about my original world? he thought. But before he could dwell on it, Xiao Ming’s voice broke through his thoughts.
“Are you here, or have you gotten lost in your thoughts?” she teased, smiling lightly.
“I’m here, Master,” he said quickly, shaking off his surprise.
Xiao Ming’s expression turned more serious as she gestured toward the sword he now held. “On another note, I found this sword in a secret realm filled with spiritual energy. Based on the laws and environment of that realm, it may have been part of an upper realm in our Heavenly Universe.”
Riu Xian looked down at the sword in his hands. It was a striking crimson color, with intricate patterns of wolves etched into both the hilt and the sheath. The craftsmanship was extraordinary.
“This sword is incredible,” he said, his voice filled with awe.
Xiao Ming smiled warmly. “It’s yours now, Riu Xian. Treat it with respect and allow it to grow with you. This sword has potential, just as you do.”
Riu Xian bowed deeply, his gratitude evident. “Thank you, Master. I will honor your trust.”