Invincible Soul Emperor

If Xue Zhao’s guess is correct, Xue Wei is very likely to be involved in this matter.

However, does Xue Wei have such great skills that he can freely enter and exit the secret realm?

Xue Zhao was only suspicious and had no evidence, so he did not directly mention Xue Wei.

A trace of doubt flashed in Ye Qingchen’s eyes as he questioned, "You mean that someone in your Xue Family can freely enter and exit such a dangerous secret realm?"

Xue Zhao nodded, his voice low, "Yes. But as far as I know, only the Family Head, and I don’t know about others yet."

Ye Qingchen pondered and muttered, "If that’s the case, then it couldn’t be your Family Head. Your Family Head has absolutely no reason to go after Xiao Xiao and the others."

Xue Zhao quickly said, "Didn’t Xue Feng say that the Thousand-Year Elder Gui at the seabed encountered misfortune? Perhaps, if we go there, we might find the answer."

Ye Qingchen nodded, "You’re right."

The two of them slowly walked forward, and Xue Zhao began to introduce the structure of the secret realm to Ye Qingchen.

Her tone was calm and detailed, as if she knew every corner of this secret realm by heart.

"Ye Qingchen, the secret realm is divided into four main parts, each with its own distinct environment and characteristics," Xue Zhao said as they walked.

"First is the desert," she pointed to an area ahead, "where yellow sand and gravel are everywhere. It’s scorching hot like fire during the day, and cold as ice at night. The desert holds many ancient ruins said to hide valuable treasures, but also many dangers."

Ye Qingchen nodded, and the scene of the desert seemed to appear in his mind, with yellow sand covering the sky, silent yet full of hidden threats.

"Secondly, there is the ocean," Xue Zhao continued, her gaze turning southward, "this area is covered by endless waters. The sea is crystal clear, and mysterious creatures and rare Spirit Grass can be found at the seabed. There are also some mysterious creatures at the seabed, said to hold ancient inheritance and mysterious powers."

Ye Qingchen seemed to see the vast and boundless ocean before his eyes, shimmering and unfathomable. He knew that this ocean contained rich resources, but also unknown dangers.

"The third part is the volcano," Xue Zhao continued, pointing to the area in the west, "where the terrain is treacherous, volcanoes abound, and fiery lava can erupt anytime. The volcanic area nurtures many rare fire-attribute treasures and Spirit Beasts, but entering it is extremely dangerous and one could easily perish in the fiery sea."

Listening to Xue Zhao, images of flaming scenery appeared in Ye Qingchen’s mind, hot lava erupting like the entrance to Hell. The volcanic area, though full of hazards, also holds immense power.

"The last part is the snowfield," Xue Zhao pointed north, "covered in ice and snow all year round, with piercing cold winds. The snowfield hides many ice-attribute treasures and Spirit Beasts, but it is also full of risks. It’s the hardest place to survive, but pursued by many strong individuals, for the Power of the Cold Ice here is said to temper the body and enhance cultivation."

Ye Qingchen imagined the icy and snowy scene, with snowflakes flying and cold winds piercing, but the treasures and opportunities were truly tempting.

Xue Zhao concluded, "These four parts have their own features, with the secret realm’s opportunities and dangers coexisting. We must be cautious."

Ye Qingchen glanced at Xue Zhao, slowly saying, "Xue Zhao, these places sound challenging, is there a way for you, being a person of the Xue Family, to quickly pass through?"

Xue Zhao smiled slightly, "Haha, Ye Qingchen, I knew you’d ask that. I do have a way to quickly go through these places, as none of these places contain what we’re looking for."

Their goal was the Buddha’s Relic.

This Sarira is said to hold immense power, capable of helping cultivators improve their cultivation and even cleanse the mind and purify Demonic Qi.

However, to find this sacred object, they would have to traverse the four areas of the secret realm and eventually reach the Ancient Temple hidden in the deepest part of the secret realm.

Xue Zhao continued to explain to Ye Qingchen while walking, "The Buddha’s Relic is hidden in the Ancient Temple in the deepest part of the secret realm. To reach it, we must pass through the four areas: desert, ocean, volcano, and snowfield in sequence. Each area has its unique environment and challenges; with any carelessness, misfortune may occur, but with me here, you can rest assured, Ye Qingchen!"

Ye Qingchen nodded, smiling: "Looks like I found the right person!"

Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao soon stepped into the desert.

The scene instantly became desolate yet majestic. Yellow sand filled the sky, with howling wind seemingly swallowing the entire world.

On the horizon, the sun hung high, the scorching sunlight stabbing like blades, making one feel immensely hot and dry.

"The desert’s environment is extremely harsh, but I’m quite familiar with it. As long as you follow me, we can avoid most dangers," Xue Zhao said to Ye Qingchen, with a hint of confidence in her eyes.

Ye Qingchen nodded, closely following behind Xue Zhao.

Along the way in the desert, ancient ruins appeared from time to time, half-buried in sand, seemingly telling of past glories and present desolation. Some places had broken stone pillars and damaged steles, engraved with indistinct runes and totems.

They walked through the desert, facing the heat waves under the blazing sun. Even with energy protection, they were sweating profusely.

In some places, one could see sand emitting heat from being baked by the sunlight, stepping on it felt like being roasted.

Sometimes, lizards and sand insects could be seen quickly crawling over the sand, leaving shallow traces.

Xue Zhao carefully led Ye Qingchen to avoid several hidden quicksand traps and undercurrents in the desert, skillfully finding some hidden shady spots for brief rest and to replenish their strength.

She even knew that in certain corners of the desert, sparse springs and drought-resistant plants could be found, providing precious water and nutrients.

After traveling for several hours, the desert’s wind gradually became violent, with sand and fine particles hitting the face like needles. Xue Zhao led Ye Qingchen to a natural sand dune barrier, temporarily avoiding the assault of wind and sand.

"Just up ahead, we can see the end of the desert," Xue Zhao pointed forward, telling Ye Qingchen.

In this last stretch, Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao began to relax.

However, suddenly, a distant sand dune began to shake violently, with sand rolling down as if a massive creature was moving beneath.

"Something’s there!" Ye Qingchen quickly became alert, drawing his Longsword and focusing his gaze on the sand dune.

The dune suddenly split open, and a gigantic Sand Python crawled out from the ground. The Sand Python was covered in yellow-brown scales that gleamed in the sunlight like a tough armor.