Jiang Ke’er felt she might become the first fox-eared girl in history to go bald at such a young age.
Bald at just one year old—how tragic was that?
She was deeply terrified by this prospect, so in the days leading up to the expedition into the Secret Realm, she devoured hair growth medicine and covered her scalp with hair tonic every day.
Her efforts paid off—her hairline was preserved, and not only that, her hair grew all the way down to her waist.
But the cost was obvious… her hair had lost its color.
Originally, her hair was a fierce, blood-red—because of the villain points overflow—that looked cruelly handsome, like fresh blood.
But due to the hair growing too fast and nutrients not keeping up, it had turned white.
What a disaster.
Jiang Ke’er had been hoping to slaughter her way through like a killing god, flaunting her blood-colored hair. Instead, malnourishment had drained the color, leaving it a faintly reddish-white.
Hmm, maybe a pure white killing god wasn’t so bad?
She could only comfort herself with that thought.
“The environment inside the Secret Realm is unpredictable, so you must prepare for multiple contingencies in advance to handle the complex and ever-changing conditions… whether it be cold, heat, or poison, all must be considered beforehand.”
Sect Leader Yuan Shouyi was briefing Jiang Ke’er and the other Taiming Sect disciples on the precautions for the Secret Realm.
“There are roughly three types of Secret Realms. The first is the ‘Fudiland’ type—a treasure land left behind by a sudden death of a great predecessor. These places are often riddled with traps, where danger and opportunity coexist. This is the lowest difficulty level.”
“The second type is the ‘Inheritance’ type, deliberately created by great predecessors to test their successors and select outstanding heirs to inherit their legacies. The environment inside these Secret Realms is relatively safer, but since only one person can claim the inheritance, other cultivators nearby become threats. If the inheritance is tempting, these Realms can quickly turn into a Daemonic Battlefield. Difficulty level: medium.”
“The third type is the ‘Comprehensive’ great Secret Realm, fragments of the shattered continents after the Nine Provinces broke apart. These Secret Realms are vast and full of unknown possibilities… as well as dangers beyond what Shenzhou’s beings can imagine. There, time and space distort, restless souls roam freely—it is a place where one is lucky to survive. Difficulty level: highest.”
Jiang Ke’er listened intently, not missing a single word.
“Besides these three types, I want you to remember three rules—First: Although our Taiming Sect isn’t a top-tier powerhouse, we are not short on talent or treasures. So when you encounter a Secret Treasure, remain calm, and prioritize your life safety above all. Under no circumstances trade your life for treasures!”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
“Second, never mock others, and avoid conflicts or making enemies, no matter how much you dislike them. Because that very well could be the cause of your death.”
“Third, never be the one leading the way. Though leading may get you the most treasures, the early bird always dies first. The real winner is the one who leaves the Secret Realm alive.”
“Remember these well, all five of you! These are precious lessons gained from the lives lost before you!” Yuan Shouyi warned sternly.
Jiang Ke’er nodded but curiously asked, “Sect Leader, is it only the five of us going?”
“Mm,” Yuan Shouyi nodded.
“Originally, each sect could send thirty people, but three days ago, for unknown reasons, a Great Energy Fluctuation occurred inside the Secret Realm, severely destabilizing the portal. After urgent discussions, it was decided that each sect can only send five elite disciples.”
“That’s better,” Xuanyang said proudly, “It lets us move freely.”
He was clearly confident in his own strength, believing the others were dead weight in combat and dispensable.
If it’s a contest of elites, having him made Taiming Sect more advantageous.
“Overconfidence leads to defeat!” Yuan Shouyi frowned, scolding, “Besides, Xuanyang, you have no right to be arrogant… You may be an elite within Taiming Sect, but compared to disciples from those powerful sects, you still fall short.”
Xuanyang curled his lips, unconvinced.
“Moreover, this Secret Realm exploration has even attracted the attention of a Shenzhou Elite Tournament team. You are no match for them!” Yuan Shouyi said.
Xuanyang’s expression changed, surprised. “The Elite Tournament team is here too?”
“Correct. A team that made it into the top thirty-two this year. They’re more than enough to deal with our outsider sects,” Yuan Shouyi sighed, “So, you should just lay low and scavenge some scraps. Don’t think too much.”
The Elite Tournament? The grand cultivator competition that had recently set the whole world abuzz?
Seeing Xuanyang suddenly deflate like that, they must be ridiculously strong, otherwise they wouldn’t have wiped out his confidence so quickly.
“In terms of command, cooperation, individual skill, and overall strategy, we simply cannot compare… Though it pains me to say it, that is the reality,” Yuan Shouyi sighed, “Face the truth if you want to survive. Remember, never provoke them.”
Jiang Ke’er memorized this well.
But wait…
Such a strong team must be rich, right?
Ah! No! Damn it, get rid of that dangerous thought!
Jiang Ke’er shook her head forcefully.
“…You don’t agree?” Yuan Shouyi glared at her, feeling a headache coming on.
He really feared this reckless little treasure, who defied everyone and sought trouble everywhere.
“Ah, no,” Jiang Ke’er hurriedly defended herself, “I promise I won’t provoke them, I swear!”
Unless she couldn’t help it.
No, she wouldn’t lose control. Jiang Ke’er believed in her willpower.
No matter how vicious the opponents, even if they hurled hateful insults or demeaned her, she would endure!
Yes, she was a magnanimous Saint.
Yes, nodding confidently.
The Sect Leader’s lecture ended, and then Jiang Ke’er and the others went to Qingjin Peak to collect various supplies for the exploration.
Tomorrow, they would set off to the Secret Realm gate. This was her first real Secret Realm expedition… not counting that time she visited home during the Beginner Realm!
All in all, she felt a little excited thinking about it.
Inside the Secret Realm, she must protect Senior Sister Qian Yue.
She also planned to be a polite, low-profile newbie—never snatching treasures coveted by big shots, never making any powerful cultivator angry, and definitely never being the one out in front.
She wanted to be the least conspicuous little cutie in the entire group!
Unless she couldn’t help it.
…No! There was no such option as “can’t help it!”
That night, Jiang Ke’er visited Luyia as usual, learning a new chapter of Pill Refinement knowledge, then went to System Space where she was beaten up until dawn.
But for the rest of the time, she stopped training and sat down to meditate after a long time.
She needed to calm her mind, dispel the anger from the brutal beatings of the past days, and greet the other teams in the Secret Realm with a warm, sunny smile.
She wanted to be like the gentle spring breeze, warming everyone’s hearts.
Yes, from this moment on, I am the gentle, easygoing Jiang Ke’er.
I am willing to face the sea and speak with elegance.