I am a late bloomer in the world of cultivating immortals

"Fellow Daoist Tianhe, is this true?"

"Is there really a way to get to the Purple Palace Realm?"

Upon hearing this, Flame Spirit King's face lit up with joy, and he hurriedly turned to look at Ancestor Heavenly Crane and asked.

"That's natural. Ten thousand years ago, I was fortunate enough to participate in the great war between the two realms that broke out in the Zichen Realm..." Ancestor Tianhe smiled faintly and casually mentioned his seniority.

None of the cultivators present doubted this.

Although more than 100,000 years is a long time, enough to kill off many powerful cultivators at the Integration stage, the Heavenly Crane Ancestor, as one of the 'Eight Fiends' and a rare beast of heaven and earth, is naturally very different from ordinary cultivators at the Integration stage.

Each of the Eight Fiends is a living fossil of the spirit world, having lived for countless years.

However, during this conversation, some cultivators noticed that the Flame Spirit King seemed to glance at the private room where the Feather Dragon Clan was located, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

……

Half a day later.

With the conclusion of the individual trade fair, the once-in-a-century "Flying Cloud Festival" on Flying Cloud Island also came to an end.

Wei Tu also left the private room and went to the backstage of the auction for the exchange of spiritual items.

After producing Pei Hong's handwritten letter and proving his identity with the Feathered Dragon Clan's identity token, the 70% discount on the 'Crimson Ghost Golden Marrow' smoothly fell into his pocket.

Of course, seven thousand mid-grade spirit crystals was not a small amount for Wei Tu. He barely managed to scrape together this amount after selling the broken [Demon Dragon Scissors] and some spirit pills and talismans he had.

His wealth was instantly reduced to poverty because of this item.

Even so, a faint smile appeared on Wei Tu's face at this moment.

The 'Crimson Demon Golden Marrow' is extremely useful for his cultivation path. He would not hesitate to sell all his treasures except for the Heavenly Treasure, let alone become poor because of it.

Spirit crystals can be earned again, but it's unknown how long it will take to encounter such a rare item again in the future.

However, after finishing his business, Wei Tu was not in a hurry to leave. With a quick glance, he walked to the most secluded room in the corridor.

Inside the room, there were already cultivators waiting for Wei Tu. Upon seeing Wei Tu arrive, their gazes all turned to him.

These cultivators were none other than the two human cultivators who appeared in the auction hall—Flame Spirit King and Azure Sword Child.

And then there's the Heavenly Crane Ancestor, who accepted the Flame Spirit King's 'deal' and provided this cultivator with a way to reach the Purple Chen Realm.

The three people, two elderly and one young, showed different expressions after seeing Wei Tu open the door and enter the room.

Qing Jianzi and Yan Lingwang looked slightly nervous, yet also quite excited.

As for Ancestor Tianhe, he seemed to have thought of something, and his gaze toward Wei Tu held a hint of a half-smile.

"Is what you say true? Do you really know the geography and ancient demons of the Purple Chen Realm like the back of your hand?"

"You must understand, the Purple Palace Realm has already fallen. We cultivators of the Spirit Realm can still search through the notes of our predecessors to learn a thing or two about its geography... but the ancient demons who have occupied this realm will find it impossible to obtain even the slightest bit of information..."

A moment later, Qing Jianzi, who had just joined the fusion, seemed to be acting on the orders of Yan Lingwang and was the first to ask a question.

However, no sooner had he finished speaking than...

Before Wei Tu could speak, the Heavenly Crane Ancestor spoke first.

"If it's Fellow Daoist Lin, then this matter should be true. Within this Spirit Realm, when it comes to understanding the Purple Chen Realm, besides his master, Lord Zi Chi, he's the only one..."

Ancestor Tianhe narrowed his eyes and spoke in a resolute tone.

"Lord Zichi?"

Upon hearing this, Qing Jianzi and Yan Lingwang exchanged a glance and nodded secretly.

As high-ranking members of the human race, the two of them had some understanding of the identity of 'Zi Chi Jun', knowing that he joined the Feathered Dragon Clan as a remnant of the Zi Chen Realm.

With the connection to Zi Chi Jun, Wei Tu had some understanding of the Zi Chen Realm... so it wasn't exactly a major mystery.

However, it is clear that the Heavenly Crane Ancestor's response at this moment, and his efforts to gain the trust of Qing Jianzi and Yan Lingwang for Wei Tu, were not entirely out of good intentions.

Just as Qing Jianzi and Yan Lingwang's doubts were resolved by these words, Tianhe Ancestor bypassed the two and spoke telepathically to Wei Tu.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, could it be that you, like Lord Zi Chi, are a remnant of the Zi Chen Realm?"

Ancestor Tianhe smiled faintly and asked.

Before Wei Tu could answer, he added, "Within the Feather Dragon Clan, while there are countless heroes and geniuses at the Integration Stage, it is by no means easy for a cultivator like Fellow Daoist Lin to emerge silently..."

"There is only one explanation: that you are a visitor from another world, just like Zi Chi Jun, a descendant of the Zi Chen Realm."

"Only in this way can you join the lineage of the Purple Dragon Lord and become someone that even the Great Princess would strive to win over."

but--

After this very precise and well-considered statement,

Wei Tu's face showed no surprise, as if he had known all along that Ancestor Tianhe would have such abilities.

After all, his joining the Feathered Dragon Clan was not a matter of a day or two, but rather a full century ago.

Furthermore, given his interactions with Pei Hong and the Mist Ghost Clan decades ago... as 'ally' of the Mist Ghost Clan, how could these leaders of the Eight Fiends Sea Clan not know his current intelligence in great detail?

With this basic information, and with reasonable speculation at this moment, it is not difficult to conclude that he, like Zi Chi Jun, is a survivor of the Zi Chen Realm.

"What does Senior Tianhe mean?" Wei Tu frowned and looked at Ancestor Tianhe with a slightly unpleasant expression.

The fact that they prevented him from revealing to Qing Jianzi and Yan Lingwang that he was a 'remnant of the Zi Chen Realm' was obviously not out of any kindness... It must be because this information was also of great use to them, which is why they blocked it and kept it 'secret'!

"Since Fellow Daoist Lin was able to escape from the Zichen Realm to the Spirit Realm, then... he must have found a safe passage from the Zichen Realm to the Spirit Realm..."

“Originally, I wasn’t interested in you guys going to the Purple Chen Realm, since a slight mistake could be fatal… But with Fellow Daoist Lin involved, things are very different.”

Ancestor Tianhe smiled and said.

Upon hearing this, Wei Tu finally understood what Ancestor Tianhe was thinking.

This cultivator's ambition was not just to earn the reward offered by the Flame Spirit King! He also coveted the Purple Palace Realm and even the 'opportunity' that the Flame Spirit King was so determined to seize.

In his eyes, the reason why the Flame Spirit King dared to risk his life and death to go to the Purple Palace Realm was probably because there was an opportunity to break through to the Mahayana Realm within the Purple Palace Realm... That's why he did it!

Only a great opportunity is worth the risk for Flame Spirit King and the current Heavenly Crane Ancestor.

However, for the latter, his appearance was the key to truly giving rise to the idea of ​​'treasure hunting'.

That's why I spoke to him at this moment, and to prevent his 'true identity' from being known by Qing Jianzi and Yan Lingwang.

"I, Lin, have discovered a safe passage from the Zichen Realm to the Spirit Realm, but... why would I offer this method to Senior Tianhe?"

Wei Tu spoke coldly and bluntly, seemingly without the slightest fear of Tianhe Patriarch, a dignified half-step Mahayana cultivator.

The same is true.

With the backing of the Feathered Dragon Clan, he didn't need to give much face to the Eight Fiends Sea Clan.

Moreover, the Heavenly Crane Ancestor was only at the half-step Mahayana stage.

However, upon hearing this, the Heavenly Crane Ancestor showed no sign of anger, except for a slight glint of cold light flashing deep in his eyes.

He smiled faintly and said:

"I know that Fellow Daoist Lin will not easily offer this method to me, which is why I am trying my best to negotiate with him at this moment..."

"What I desire, Fellow Daoist Lin, is surely something you can guess. If you enter the Purple Palace Realm, aside from the opportunity for the Great Ascension... I am willing to give everything I gain to Fellow Daoist Lin..."

"I wonder if Fellow Daoist Lin is satisfied with these conditions?"

"All that you've gained?" Upon hearing this, Wei Tu's gaze instinctively turned to Qing Jianzi and Yan Lingwang.

At this moment, it was not difficult for him to guess what the Heavenly Crane Ancestor meant by "all that he had gained".

It's nothing more than the wealth of Qing Jianzi and Yan Lingwang.

Once they enter the Purple Chen Realm, it is inevitable that they will target Qing Jianzi and Yan Lingwang.
Thinking of this, Wei Tu's heart stirred slightly.

If the Flame Spirit King's wealth is truly as 'abundant' as Fairy Xuanling said, then acquiring his wealth would mean that he would be able to avoid struggling for thousands of years in this Integration Realm.

“This condition is acceptable. However… I cannot guarantee that the safety passage will also be safe for Senior Tianhe… If anything goes wrong during this time, it will not be my fault…”

Wei Tu replied with a glint in his eyes.

“Of course, no one can guarantee that nothing will go wrong. As long as what Fellow Daoist Lin said is indeed the method he used to safely travel to the Spirit Realm before…” Ancestor Tianhe did not take it seriously, thinking that Wei Tu was just saying this to avoid risks. He chuckled and nodded slightly in agreement.

"Furthermore, Fellow Daoist Tianhe must also guarantee that there are no other people besides the four in this room on this trip!"

Wei Tu continued, his eyes gleaming.

Even if things change, he doesn't need to be too afraid if he is only at the half-step Mahayana stage. However, if he is followed by the other 'Eight Fiends', he would rather give up the idea of ​​going to the 'Purple Chen Realm' than go there easily.

"It's natural."

"Even among the eight evil ones, there are disagreements. This opportunity for Mahayana Buddhism is something I have already obtained with great difficulty, so how could I easily give it up to others..."

Upon hearing this, Ancestor Tianhe nodded slightly and replied dismissively.

But soon, he couldn't help but frown and realize what was going on.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, do you intend to accompany us to the Purple Palace Realm?" Ancestor Tianhe asked in astonishment.

When he learned from the Flame Spirit King that Wei Tu possessed information about the Purple Chen Realm, he initially thought that Wei Tu was simply selling information for personal gain...

I never imagined that Wei Tu was planning to go to the Purple Palace Realm with Flame Spirit King and the others.

After all—in his eyes, Wei Tu was a survivor who had finally escaped from the Zi Chen Realm. Now, within the Feather Dragon Clan, he had power, status, and a promising future… Returning to the Zi Chen Realm would inevitably make him seem even more foolish, wasting his life.

Because it is almost unprofitable!

Otherwise, he wouldn't have made it a condition for Wei Tu to receive benefits based on all his gains within the Zi Chen Realm.

The implication of these words was that he would only pay Wei Tu the corresponding 'reward' if he could leave the Zi Chen Realm safely.

"To be honest, Senior Tianhe..."

"My return to the Purple Palace Realm this time is not for any opportunity or benefit, but because some of my old friends and relatives still reside in this realm... If I can save them from their suffering, I am willing to take on some risks..."

Wei Tu pondered for a moment, then gave the reason he had already prepared, offering a perfunctory explanation.

"Fellow Daoist Lin is indeed a man of deep feelings."

Upon hearing this reason, although Ancestor Tianhe inwardly scoffed, believing that Wei Tu was not telling the truth, he still praised him outwardly.

There's no other reason than that, regardless of Wei Tu's reasons for returning to the Purple Palace Realm... as long as he can go with him, it means that the danger is undoubtedly more 'controllable'.

He was naturally eager for Wei Tu to go with him.

……

Although Wei Tu and Tianhe Patriarch had a long conversation, it only lasted a moment to the outside world.

Unaware that Wei Tu was a 'remnant of the Purple Palace Realm', and perhaps confident in his own strength, Flame Spirit King had little doubt about Ancestor Heavenly Crane.

After their conversation, without even signing a blood pact similar to the 'Blood Curse Secret Book,' they followed Ancestor Tianhe with Wei Tu and Qing Jianzi to that 'secret place' leading to the Zi Chen Realm.

However, Wei Tu, who knows the 'insider information,' naturally has to be extremely cautious about this.

In the unseen secrets of Flame Spirit King, he signed an 'alliance' blood pact with Ancestor Heavenly Crane. In addition to the previous exchange of benefits, they also agreed that within three thousand years, neither the Purple Palace Realm nor the Spirit Realm would attack each other.

“Master, once this Heavenly Crane Ancestor makes a move, I’m afraid the two of us…” On the way, Qing Jianzi frowned and reminded Yan Lingwang.

Flame Spirit King was confident in his strength and was not afraid of Heavenly Crane Ancestor's attack, but at the 'early stage of Fusion,' he was unable to withstand even the slightest risk.

"You don't need to worry about this. Not to mention Tianhe, even if a few more of the Eight Fiends come, our safety is not a concern... This time, the two of us are acting on orders from the Human Ancestor Temple. How could the clan not take precautions against this danger in advance?"

"If this Heavenly Crane really dares to make a move, I wouldn't mind having another spirit pet."

"Flame Spirit King said in a cold voice."

Upon hearing this, Qing Jianzi felt relieved and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He was overthinking it. The Five Kings of Fusion had been famous in the Spirit Realm for tens of thousands of years, venturing into countless immortal ruins and secret realms, and had not yet perished... They were certainly not ordinary people.

Compared to the eight fierce sea creatures, they may not be as powerful, but they are certainly not to the point of collapsing at the slightest touch.

"But what makes this Feathered Dragon Clan cultivator so capable of daring to travel to the Purple Palace Realm with us?"

"He and I were both at the early stage of the Fusion Realm..."

Qing Jianzi narrowed his eyes and secretly glanced at Wei Tu, who was chatting happily with Tianhe Patriarch and Yanling King in front of him as a Mahayana disciple.

……

same moment.

Fifteen minutes after Wei Tu left the auction.

Inside the private room, Princess Qian Ying'er, who was waiting for Wei Tu, also received a handwritten letter from Wei Tu informing her that he was leaving Feiyun Island for Zichen Realm.

"What? Search for relatives and return to the Purple Palace Realm?"

"How could Lin Tianqi be so bold?"

"That Purple Palace Realm, is it a dangerous place that can be easily reached?"

Upon seeing the talisman, Qian Ying'er was immediately alarmed. She quickly used her magic to activate the sound transmission artifact, summoning the Hidden Dragon Guards around her to search for Wei Tu's whereabouts.

This time, Wei Tu went to the 'Flying Cloud Gathering' with her. If Wei Tu 'disappears,' no matter what the reason, she will be a 'sinner' with no way to defend herself.

With this charge against her, forget about winning over the Purple Dragon Lord's faction; she'd be lucky if she didn't become enemies with them.

"Lin Tianqi..."

A moment later, Qian Ying'er, regaining her senses, clenched the talisman in her hand. Her pretty face turned as cold as ice, and even the surrounding void seemed to crack from the cold.

In that instant, she understood perfectly.

In Wei Tu's eyes, she was almost the same as 'Pei Hong'... both were stepping stones to achieve their goals.

She doesn't care at all about the potential harm her actions will bring to her future.

But—she couldn't understand why such a 'selfish' cultivator would insist on risking returning to the Purple Palace Realm to save those... relatives who had fallen into the hands of the ancient demons?
His actions were clearly contrary to his character. (End of Chapter)