Disguise Technique was Qiao Xiaoxian’s specialty—Jiang Ke’er couldn’t use it yet.
She still wore the makeup Qiao Xiaoxian had applied before leaving; fortunately, this makeup couldn’t be washed off, so there was no need to worry about the Disguise Technique failing.
Since she couldn’t use Disguise Technique, Jiang Ke’er had no choice but to hide inside the Underworld Province Cauldron and slip out quietly.
She had already agreed to meet Mu Guoguo, Changsun Qingyue, Jieshui, and the others again in the Realm of No Regret.
The aura on Jiang Ke’er’s body was growing steadily stronger…
She no longer suppressed her cultivation, allowing the spiritual power that had long since been ready to break through to expand and transform as it should.
The Four Symbols Realm—here, one could commune with ancient, mighty deities and summon their power for themselves.
Normally, the deities one could commune with in the Four Symbols Realm were only those whose attributes matched one’s own.
Those with exceptional talent might reach the Four Supreme Deities—Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise…
But that was the limit. Moreover, every cultivator could only possess one Faxiang, never two or more; this was common knowledge.
Yet as Jiang Ke’er stared at her own Faxiang, she was stunned.
A Nine-tailed Fox. A Nebula.
It was her first time seeing her own Faxiang with her own eyes.
In past battles, her Faxiang had always appeared behind her; without eyes in the back of her head, she naturally never knew.
This time, before advancing to the Four Symbols Realm, she’d done her homework thoroughly and had even harbored a bit of hope—maybe she would be that chosen one, able to commune with the Four Supreme Deities…
But now, it seemed her luck as a non-chosen one was as persistent as ever.
What the heck were these two weird Faxiangs?
And why did she have two?
Jiang Ke’er felt bewildered, unable to tell if this odd situation was a blessing or a curse.
But the rules of the Realm of Novice Cultivator didn’t give her much time to ponder. Jiang Ke’er could only set aside this anomaly for now.
Sensing the rejection force from all around, Jiang Ke’er summoned the Underworld Province Cauldron and concealed herself in the shadowy world.
“See you in the Realm of No Regret!”
For most cultivators, the Realm of Novice Cultivator was only a fleeting chapter in life.
For Jiang Ke’er, it was especially brief.
Yet she felt a twinge of reluctance.
Perhaps this was the power of friendship.
Clutching the Recommendation Letter to her chest, Jiang Ke’er felt a gentle warmth in her heart.
Though Changsun Qingyue could be over-cautious and long-winded at times, she truly cared for those around her, always doing her best to look after everyone.
She insisted Jiang Ke’er accept this Recommendation Letter and set her mind at ease, saying Lingyin Valley had deep, mysterious origins—even the exiled immortals from the Tribulation Immortal Hall dared not act rashly.
Jiang Ke’er hadn’t been able to refuse, so she accepted it…
Besides, she did need a place where she could hide and focus on cultivation.
Since Changsun Qingyue had spoken, she decided to give Lingyin Valley a try.
Beyond the Realm of Novice Cultivator, surrounded by the bustling energy of the marketplace—and the hidden killing intent lurking in the crowd—Jiang Ke’er smiled.
As expected, the Tribulation Immortal Hall had been lying in wait at the entrance for some time.
After all, in this life, she only had two choices—either suppress her cultivation and rot in the Realm of Novice Cultivator forever, like the other realm slaves…
Or leave the Realm of Novice Cultivator and face the endless pursuit of the Tribulation Immortal Hall outside.
Fortunately, she had the Underworld Province Cauldron—even her aura could be concealed now. Otherwise, a mere Disguise Technique would never fool the Tribulation Immortal Hall.
But now that she thought about it… how did Qiao Xiaoxian escape?
Was Qiao Xiaoxian all right?
Wait! Why did she even care? Had she been smacked silly?!
Hmph, serves her right if she’s dead.
Jiang Ke’er grumbled in her heart, but the pulse of life from the Furnace Cauldron Contract told her that Qiao Xiaoxian was perfectly fine.
“What a pity!” Jiang Ke’er sighed in disappointment.
After getting her bearings, Jiang Ke’er quickly left this dangerous place.
Faced with the choice between entering the Realm of No Regret immediately or lingering outside for a while, Jiang Ke’er chose to stay outside.
After all, many cultivators in the Realm of No Regret had nearly reached the Qiyao Realm, and the top experts of that realm were still far beyond her current ability.
Even if she could challenge those above her level, the price would be steep…
So she decided to at least reach the Five Elements Realm before considering entry.
Following Changsun Qingyue’s instructions, she arrived at Taiming Mountain.
There stood a vast sect called the Taiming Sect.
Lingyin Valley was one of the seven subordinate peaks under Taiming Sect—a branch, really. Most of the disciples were women, specializing in healing and music.
Although they could fight, combat wasn’t their forte.
Such a gentle branch wasn’t really to Jiang Ke’er’s taste, but she knew this wasn’t the time to be picky.
It was Jiang Ke’er’s first time witnessing the grandeur of a super-sized sect.
An invisible, intangible barrier enveloped the vast domain of Taiming Mountain, spanning thousands of miles, with only two entrances—north and south.
From afar, the peaks shot radiant beams into the sky, each pillar of light a different color, pouring into the sect barrier and fueling its energy, which then enshrouded all of Taiming Mountain.
Jiang Ke’er had no idea how many layers the barrier had; with her basic appraisal technique, she couldn’t discern anything, but it was clearly far superior to the Thunder Array of Infinite Sect.
With a mix of anxiety and excitement, Jiang Ke’er released the Underworld Province Cauldron’s invisibility and approached the mountain gate.
Two gatekeeping cultivators stood by the entrance, with a long stairway behind them.
Every ten meters up the steps, there were more guards on either side.
It was a bit like the Hundred Sword Trials she’d braved on Hanye Island.
Seeing it sparked the urge to charge through all the checkpoints… Fortunately, she restrained herself.
“With this lineup, it’s just waiting for a dragon-protagonist to make their way through,” Jiang Ke’er muttered softly.
The two gatekeepers didn’t understand, but still did their duty, blocking her path and putting on stern faces.
“A visiting card, or a pass,” they demanded.
Jiang Ke’er produced the Recommendation Letter.
The two cultivators didn’t open it, but instead scanned the envelope with a crystal stone.
A peach-blossom-shaped sigil appeared on the envelope.
Their stern faces immediately relaxed, and their gazes toward Jiang Ke’er grew not only friendly, but even a little ingratiating.
“So a senior from Lingyin Valley sent you. Judging by the letter, that must be a Recommendation Letter, right?” The chubby one grinned.
“Yes,” Jiang Ke’er nodded obediently.
“Then from now on, we’re all fellow disciples. I’m Xiao Ming of Qingjin Peak,” the chubby cultivator said.
“And I’m Xiao Ri of Qingjin Peak!” the skinny one quickly chimed in, “Little junior sister, if anyone bullies you, just come find your senior brother. If I can beat them, I’ll definitely help!”
Watching the two cultivators trip over themselves to introduce, Jiang Ke’er couldn’t help but be amused.
“Thank you both for your kindness… Could you tell me how to get to Lingyin Valley?” Jiang Ke’er asked gracefully.
“Just head up to the top of the stairs and take the pink Automatic Bus Sword. It’ll carry you there.”