I was a mineral prospector in Chengdu, who transmigrated into the body of a mortal sword immortal.

Li Bai leaned against the rough trunk of an ancient pine tree. The bitter scent of pine resin mingled with the damp chill of the night dew, filling his nostrils and slightly clearing his feverish mind caused by tension. The eastern sky was beginning to lighten, and the outline of the campsite became clearer in the gradually brightening morning light.

The owner of that divine consciousness did not reappear, but an invisible sense of oppression, like a spider web, enveloped the entire mountain forest.

Seven days.

He needs to find a way to survive within these seven days—or create one.

The Azure Lotus Sword emitted a low, unwilling groan from within his dantian, its tip pointing towards the place deep within the rock wall that had called to it. Li Bai closed his eyes and began circulating his internal energy to nurture the sword spirit, while simultaneously sinking his consciousness into the pulsation of the earth's veins, searching for any undetected, minute cracks that might exist within those countless tremors.

Daylight arrives.

Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The clamor of the camp was even clearer than at night—commands, footsteps, and the hum of ritual implements mingled together. The Imperial Observatory's search continued, even intensified.

Li Bai remained composed, like a real rock, blending into his surroundings.

His eyes peered through the gaps in the bushes, observing everything in the camp.

The curtain of the central tent was lifted, and an elderly man dressed in purple robes stepped out. The old man had white hair and beard, a gaunt face, but bright, piercing eyes, and an air of authority in every gesture. Behind him were two middle-aged cultivators, also dressed in purple robes. The three of them stood in front of the tent, their gazes sweeping across the camp.

"Wang Jianzheng." A cultivator in a green robe stepped forward quickly, bowed, and said, "The third area on the east side has been explored, and no abnormal ley lines have been found."

The elderly man, known as Supervisor Wang, nodded slightly and said in a low voice, "Continue. Increase manpower in area four on the west side. The Imperial Preceptor has ordered that the entrance must be found within seven days."

"yes!"

The green-robed cultivator accepted the order and left.

Li Bai's heart stirred.

Wang Jianzheng… Jianzheng, that’s an official title in the Imperial Observatory. It seems this search team is indeed from the Imperial Observatory. And the “National Preceptor” they’re talking about must be that mysterious figure residing in Chang’an—the legendary National Preceptor whose cultivation has reached the Nascent Soul stage.

So, that divine consciousness from last night...

Li Bai turned his gaze toward the central tent.

Around the large tent, there were faint traces of array fluctuations. The array was extremely sophisticated, not only isolating it from external detection but also completely sealing off the internal energy. If Li Bai hadn't had a unique understanding of earth veins and arrays, he would have been almost unable to detect that invisible barrier.

The expert in charge was inside that large tent.

Was it the Imperial Advisor himself? Or a trusted confidant sent by the Imperial Advisor?

Whoever it is, their cultivation level is far superior to his.

Li Bai withdrew his gaze and continued to observe.

The daytime search was more meticulous. The cultivators, in groups of three, each carrying a compass-like magical artifact, slowly advanced along the grid-like route. Every three steps, they would stop, press the artifact against the ground, and sense it for a moment. The surface of the artifact would light up with different colors—green for normal, yellow for a slight anomaly, and red for a strong anomaly.

Li Bai saw that two groups of cultivators had approached the rocky area where he had stayed the previous night.

The distance was less than fifty zhang.

He held his breath.

The two groups of cultivators stopped before the rock face and began to examine it carefully. One person affixed a magical artifact to the rock face, while another chanted incantations, his fingertips flashing with spiritual light as he inscribed detection runes on the rock face. A third person stood guard nearby, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily.

Time passed second by second.

Li Bai could feel his heart beating faster.

If discovered...

In front of the rock wall, the cultivator who was carving runes suddenly exclaimed "Eh!"

"What's wrong?" asked the cultivator holding the magical artifact.

"The rock structure here... is a bit strange." The monk who was inscribing runes frowned. "The resistance to spiritual energy penetration is much greater than in the surrounding area, but it's not completely isolated. It's like... like there's a natural barrier."

"Mark it down," the cultivator holding the magical artifact said in a deep voice. "Go back and report to Supervisor Wang."

"Yes."

The two left a red marker on the rock face and then continued exploring other areas.

Li Bai breathed a sigh of relief, but his sense of crisis intensified.

They've begun to have doubts about the area.

At this rate, in two or three days at most, they will discover the anomaly in the rock wall, and may even find a way to break the natural formation. By then, the entrance will be completely exposed.

We can't wait seven days.

We must act in advance.

Li Bai closed his eyes, and his consciousness sank back into the earth's veins.

The earth's veins pulse like a heartbeat, regular and stable. Each tremor triggers fluctuations in the natural formations, creating a brief "static period." Last night, he calculated that the cycle consists of 343 tremors, and the next "static period" will be in seven days.

but……

Is the pulsation of the earth's veins truly completely regular?

Li Bai recalled his geological knowledge from his previous life. Crustal movement, plate tectonics, magmatic activity... any tiny change could affect the stability of the earth's veins. And the Shushan region was, after all, an area of ​​frequent geological activity.

He focused his mind and expanded his perception to a deeper level.

It's not about perceiving the intensity of the pulse, but rather the "rhythm" of the pulse.

Just like listening to a piece of music, you should not only listen to the notes, but also the intervals between the notes, the changes in intensity, and the subtle fluctuations in rhythm.

time flies.

The sun rises from the east to its zenith, then slowly sets in the west.

The search in the camp continued, and three anomalies had been marked in the rock wall area. Wang Jianzheng personally came to inspect them once, stood in front of the rock wall for a long time, and finally left with the words "monitor closely" before returning to the main tent.

Dusk falls.

The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the mountains and forests in a golden hue, and smoke rose from the campsite, carrying the aroma of rice porridge once again.

Li Bai remained motionless.

He had maintained his concealed state for a full day, expending a great deal of spiritual energy and nearing his mental limit. Yet, deep within his consciousness, his perception of the earth's pulsating veins was becoming increasingly clear.

He "heard" it.

Within the regular pulsations of the earth's veins, there exists an extremely faint "noise".

The "noise" is like a premature ventricular contraction in a heartbeat, appearing every so often and disrupting the original rhythm. Each time the "noise" appears, the fluctuations of the natural formation will be briefly disrupted—the disruption lasts for a very short time, perhaps only a breath or even half a breath.

But that half-breath might be the opportunity.

Li Bai began to calculate.

The intervals between the "noises" are not fixed, but there are certain patterns to follow. He needs to find the time when the next "noise" will appear, and the moment when the corresponding natural formation becomes disordered.

Night fell again.

Torches were lit in the camp, and the patrols began their changing of the guard. The monks, having finished their day's search, gradually returned to the camp to rest. Only a few groups remained on guard around the perimeter.

It's almost midnight.

Li Bai opened his eyes.

He figured it out.

The next "noise" will occur at 11:45 AM. The moment the natural formation becomes disordered will last for approximately... 0.7 breaths.

0.7 breaths.

He needs to complete three steps within 0.7 breaths to activate the entrance "key" and then enter.

During this process, he could not reveal even a trace of spiritual energy fluctuation, could not attract any attention, and could not be detected by the divine sense that was in charge.

almost impossible.

But we must try.

Li Bai slowly adjusted his breathing, bringing himself to his optimal state. The Azure Lotus Sword trembled slightly in his dantian, and the sword spirit seemed to sense its master's determination, emitting a faint sword intent, which Li Bai forcefully suppressed.

The second quarter of the hour of Zi (11:45 PM).

Most of the lights in the camp were out, with only a few sentry posts still lit. The footsteps of the patrol team echoed rhythmically in the night, like the pendulum of a clock.

Li Bai moved quietly from his hiding place.

He moved like a shadow, gliding along the ground, each step landing in the most concealed spot, avoiding any place that might be illuminated by the moonlight. The night breeze rustled the fallen leaves, perfectly masking the faint friction of his movements.

Fifty feet.

Thirty zhang (approximately 33 meters).

Ten zhang (approximately 33 meters).

He returned to the rock face.

The rock face gleamed with a cold, bluish-gray light under the moonlight; its rough surface was covered with moss and vines. The red markings left from last night still lingered, emitting a faint glow in the darkness.

Li Bai lay prone in the shadows beneath the cliff face, becoming one with the darkness.

He closed his eyes and began to count down.

The pulse of the earth's veins was crystal clear in my perception.

Three hundred and forty-two...

Three hundred and forty-three...

coming.

That faint "noise," like a slight tremor in a heartbeat, resounded deep within the earth's veins.

Almost simultaneously, the fluctuations of the natural formation became momentarily disordered.

It's now!

Li Bai's figure moved like smoke, emerging from the shadows.

The first step is to step three feet to the left of the rock face.

Spiritual energy circulated at a specific frequency beneath his feet, resonating with the array nodes deep within the rock wall. Ripples spread across the rock surface, like waves on water.

The second step is to step diagonally to the right, with your body almost parallel to the rock face.

The ripples expanded, the rock wall began to become transparent, and the distorted light and shadow of the space behind could be vaguely seen.

Step 3...

Just as Li Bai was about to take his third step.

That divine sense swept over again.

Cold, imposing, and bearing the mark of officialdom, it swept over the entire area like a tangible tide.

Li Bai's heart almost stopped beating.

The third step was to abruptly stop the aircraft in mid-air.

His muscles tensed, his spiritual energy flowed abruptly to a halt, and even his breathing stopped. He activated the Concealing Breath Technique to its limit, transforming himself into a lifeless, breathless, and cold rock.

The divine consciousness lingered on him.

This time, the stay was even longer.

Li Bai could feel the divine sense piercing his body like a probe, scanning his meridians, dantian, and even the depths of his consciousness. The Azure Lotus Sword trembled wildly in his dantian, its sword spirit emitting a silent shriek, but Li Bai forcefully suppressed it with his powerful willpower.

Do not move.

Unable to resist.

Not a single trace of spiritual energy fluctuation can be revealed.

Time seemed to stand still.

The window of opportunity, which lasts for 0.7 seconds, is rapidly passing.

Three breaths in a minute...

0:20...

One breath at midnight...

The window of opportunity is about to close.

The disorder of the natural formation is about to be restored; the ripples on the rock wall begin to shrink, and the light and shadow in the space begin to distort and dissipate.

Just then.

The consciousness shifted away.

It swept across the rock face, across the bushes, across the distant camp, and finally slowly retreated, disappearing in the direction of the central tent.

Li Bai did not hesitate.

The third step: Take the first step!

The body was completely pressed against the rock wall, and the spiritual energy completed its circulation at its final speed.

The ripples on the rock face suddenly expanded, turning into a swirling vortex that swallowed Li Bai whole.

The moment he entered, he felt that the divine sense seemed to fluctuate again, as if it had sensed something, but it was too late.

A feeling of weightlessness came over me.

The feeling of spatial transformation is like passing through a water curtain, with the surrounding light and shadow distorting, rotating, and rearranging.

The next moment, I felt my feet firmly on the ground.

A familiar spiritual aura washes over you—rich, pure, and carrying an ancient and mysterious air.

The Secret Realm of Xiling Divine Kingdom.

Li Bai opened his eyes.

Before me lay a strange world.

The sky wasn't blue, but a pale purple, dotted with countless luminous crystals like stars. The ground was some kind of translucent jade, warm and soft to the touch, yet exceptionally solid. In the distance, a vast complex of palaces stood majestically, their walls carved with ancient runes and totems, radiating a soft glow under the purple light.

The air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees, mixed with a hint of sandalwood. In the distance came the sound of flowing water, like a stream or a waterfall.

Li Bai took a deep breath, and the rich spiritual energy surged into his body, nourishing his parched meridians. The tension and fatigue of the day were relieved in that moment.

He succeeded.

It was extremely dangerous, but we made it in eventually.

However, before he could even catch his breath, he discovered that the atmosphere inside the secret realm was different from the last time.

In the distance, towards the direction of the temple, a faint light flickered.

That wasn't the aura emanating from the palace itself, but rather the spiritual light generated when some kind of spell or array was activated. The light was pale gold, particularly conspicuous against the purple sky, flickering like breathing.

At the same time, faint energy fluctuations could be felt in the air.

The fluctuations were very weak, but very regular, like some kind of large-scale formation in operation, or like... something was awakening.

Li Bai frowned.

When I last entered the secret realm, it was peaceful and serene, like a paradise. Although the high priest and the inhabitants of the secret realm were wary, the overall atmosphere was calm.

Now, however, there is a hint of tension and vigilance.

What happened?

He looked toward the temple.

The light flashed again, this time even brighter. The energy fluctuations intensified, and a subtle tremor could even be felt in the air.

After pondering for a moment, Li Bai decided not to rush to the temple.

He needs to understand the situation first and confirm whether the inside of the secret realm is safe.

He followed the path he remembered and walked deeper into the secret realm.

The jade-like ground beneath my feet was warm and soft, making almost no sound when I stepped on it. Strange plants grew on both sides of the road—some with leaves like jade, emitting a faint spiritual light; some with colorful flowers, their petals swaying in the wind, scattering sparkling light; and some bearing fist-sized fruits, their surfaces covered with natural runes.

The air was filled with a rich spiritual energy, and every breath made one feel refreshed.

But the deeper you go, the more pronounced the tense atmosphere becomes.

Some of the roadside plants showed signs of wilting, their leaves turning yellow and their luster dimming. Fine cracks also appeared on the jade stones on the ground, from which a faint black mist seeped.

The black mist carried a chilling aura, completely out of place with the pure spiritual energy that originally filled the secret realm.

Li Bai stopped, squatted down, and carefully examined the cracks.

The cracks were very fine, like strands of hair, but there were many of them, densely packed like a spider web. Black mist slowly seeped out from the cracks, permeating the air, and was then purified and dissipated by the spiritual energy of the secret realm itself.

However, the rate of purification seems to be slower than the rate of seepage.

That's why there's a lingering chill in the air.

Li Bai stretched out his finger and gently touched a crack.

A stinging sensation came from his fingertips, like being pricked by a needle. He withdrew his fingers and found that his fingertips were stained with a wisp of black mist. The mist tried to penetrate his skin like a living thing, but was automatically dispelled by the spiritual energy within his body.

This black mist... is corrosive.

Li Bai stood up and looked in the direction of the temple.

The light flashed again, this time lasting even longer. The energy fluctuations became more intense, and a faint humming sound could even be heard in the air.

It seems there really is a problem with the secret realm.

And the problem is quite significant.

Li Bai quickened his pace and walked towards the temple.

He needs to find the high priest and find out what happened.

At the same time, he also needed to confirm whether Duan Qiniang was safe.

After passing through a garden of sacred fruits and rounding a white jade arched bridge, the outline of the temple became clearer and clearer.

It was a magnificent palace, entirely constructed of white jade, its roof covered with golden glazed tiles that shimmered under the purple sunlight. In front of the palace was a wide plaza, paved with blue stone slabs, each carved with intricate array patterns.

At this moment, a large number of people have gathered in the square.

They were all inhabitants of the secret realm—they wore ancient robes, and included men, women, and children of all ages. At this moment, they were all facing the temple with solemn expressions.

The temple doors were wide open, and golden light shone from within.

Several figures could be vaguely seen in the light.

Li Bai recognized one of the figures.

That was the high priest.

She stood at the temple entrance, dressed in a white priestess robe, holding a scepter topped with a fist-sized purple crystal. The crystal emitted a soft glow, which mingled with the golden light within the temple.

The high priest's face remained beautiful and solemn, but there was a hint of weariness and worry in his eyes.

She was speaking to the residents in the square.

The distance was too great for Li Bai to hear clearly.

He approached quietly, hid behind a stone sculpture, and listened intently.

"...The seal has begun to weaken." The high priest's voice came, cold and solemn. "That thing deep within the earth's veins is awakening. We must reinforce the seal, or the secret realm will face annihilation."

A commotion broke out in the square.

The residents whispered among themselves, their faces showing fear and unease.

"High Priest, what can we do?" an old man asked.

"Gather everyone's spiritual power and channel it into the temple's 'Guardian Array,'" the High Priest said in a deep voice. "I will activate the array to temporarily suppress 'that thing.' But this is not a long-term solution. We need to find the reason why the seal has loosened and solve the problem at its root."

"What's the reason?" someone else asked.

The high priest was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "The outside world... has changed. The fluctuations in the earth's ley lines have become abnormal, affecting the stability of the secret realm. Moreover..."

She paused, then lowered her voice even further: "I sense that an 'outsider' has entered the secret realm."

The square fell silent instantly.

Everyone's eyes scanned their surroundings warily.

Li Bai felt a chill run down his spine.

Discovered?

No, the "outsider" the High Priest spoke of might not refer to him. The secret realm isn't completely isolated from the outside world, and occasionally some people stray into it. But at this critical juncture, any outsider would arouse suspicion.

He needs to show up.

but not now.

Li Bai continued to lie in wait, observing the situation.

The high priest began directing the residents to set up the array. The residents stood in specific positions, formed hand seals, and channeled their spiritual energy into the stone slabs beneath their feet. The array patterns on the stone slabs glowed with a blue light, which flowed towards the temple like water.

The golden light inside the temple grew ever brighter.

The energy fluctuations are becoming increasingly intense.

A powerful spiritual pressure permeated the air, which even Li Bai, who was hiding in the distance, could feel.

He looked into the depths of the temple.

In the golden light, a huge black shadow could be vaguely seen.

The dark figure was bound by countless golden chains, the other ends of which were connected to the temple walls and floor. The figure struggled, and each struggle caused the chains to vibrate, producing a grating metallic scraping sound.

Is that what the high priest was referring to as "that thing"?

Li Bai was deeply moved.

The secret realm of the Western Mausoleum Divine Kingdom indeed hides a great secret.

And now, this secret is awakening.

He needs to know more.

But first, he needed to confirm Duan Qiniang's safety.

Li Bai quietly retreated, bypassed the square, and walked towards the residential area he remembered.

The residential area, located behind the temple, is a cluster of stone houses arranged in a pleasing, staggered pattern. Built against the mountainside, the houses have thatched roofs and are surrounded by flowers and plants, creating a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

But at this moment, a tense atmosphere permeated the residential area.

Many of the stone houses had their doors and windows closed, with only a few still lit.

Li Bai arrived at the stone house where Duan Qiniang lived.

The door was ajar, and warm light shone through the crack.

He gently pushed the door open.

Inside the room, Duan Qiniang sat at the table, holding a scroll of bamboo slips in her hands, her brows furrowed. Hearing the door open, she looked up, and when she saw Li Bai, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, which quickly turned into delight.

"Young Master Li?" She stood up. "You... what brings you here?"

Li Bai went inside and closed the door.

"I've come to find you," he said in a low voice. "What happened in the secret realm?"

The surprise on Duan Qiniang's face faded, replaced by worry.

"The seal has loosened." She walked to the window and looked towards the temple. "The 'ancient demon' deep within the earth's veins is awakening. The high priest said that if the seal is completely broken and the demon is unleashed, the entire secret realm will be devoured."

"An ancient demon?" Li Bai frowned.

"Hmm." Duan Qiniang nodded. "That's a terrifying existence that was sealed here during the era of the Xiling Divine Kingdom. For thousands of years, the inhabitants of the secret realm have guarded the seal, and there has never been a problem. But recently... the earth veins have been fluctuating abnormally, and cracks have appeared in the seal."

She turned to look at Li Bai: "Young Master Li, you've come at the wrong time. The secret realm is very dangerous now. The High Priest has ordered that all outsiders must leave."

Li Bai shook his head: "I will not leave."

"Why?" Duan Qiniang asked, puzzled.

"Because..." Li Bai paused, "I need the traditions here. And, perhaps I can help."

Duan Qiniang looked at him, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.

"Young Master Li, this is no child's play," she said softly. "That demon is extremely terrifying; even the High Priest could only barely suppress it. Although your cultivation is considerable,..."

"I know what I'm doing," Li Bai interrupted her. "Tell me, besides the fluctuations in the earth's veins, are there any other possibilities for the seal to loosen?"

Duan Qiniang was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "The High Priest suspects... there is an 'insider'."

Li Bai's pupils contracted.

"An inside man?"

"Hmm." Duan Qiniang lowered her voice, "The sealing formation is extremely complex, and only the higher-ups in the secret realm know how to control it. But recently, some key nodes of the formation have been deliberately damaged, causing the sealing power to weaken. After investigating, the High Priest discovered that the method of destruction... was very professional."

"So, someone inside the secret realm is colluding with the outside world, trying to release the demons?" Li Bai said in a deep voice.

"Very likely," Duan Qiniang nodded, "but we haven't found out exactly who it is yet."

Li Bai fell into deep thought.

Things were more complicated than he had imagined.

There are traitors within the secret realm, the Imperial Observatory is searching the outside, and ancient demons are awakening deep within the earth's veins...

He needs to find opportunities to improve his strength amidst these crises.

"Young Master Li," Duan Qiniang's voice pulled him back to reality, "If you really want to stay, you'd better go see the High Priest. She... might need your help."

Li Bai looked up: "Will the High Priest trust me?"

"I don't know," Duan Qiniang shook her head, "but you are an 'anomaly.' The High Priest once said that you are a variable, and perhaps you can bring about a turning point."

An anomaly.

variable.

Li Bai recalled what the high priest had said last time.

"Okay." He stood up. "I'll go see her."

Duan Qiniang nodded: "I'll take you there."

The two walked out of the stone house and headed towards the temple.

In the darkness of the secret realm, under the purple light of the sky, the golden light of the temple grew ever brighter. Energy fluctuations spread out like waves, and a tense and oppressive atmosphere filled the air.

In the distance, the sealed monster let out a low roar.

The roar sounded like it came from hell, sending shivers down one's spine.

Li Bai clenched his fist.

Entering the hidden realm is just the beginning.

The real test has only just begun.