The Secret Realm

A disastrous start—that's the best way to describe the New Heavenly Demon Sect.

They marched out with overwhelming momentum, only to be blocked and forced back by a single person.

At least they didn’t lose, managing to drive Nangong Xiyun away.

Naturally, word of this spread quickly. Even if Nangong Xiyun stayed silent, the Heavenly Demon Sect’s members would make sure the tale was told.

After all, this was a hard-earned victory.

For the righteous factions, it served as a reminder that the New Heavenly Demon Sect wasn’t entirely worthless.

Regardless, this excursion fulfilled their desires while also exposing their shortcomings.

Everyone threw themselves into cultivating the Demon God Scripture with desperate fervor.

A thriving scene.

Like a field of leeks.

Su Luo was naturally pleased with this development.

As for the following period, it was originally supposed to be the time for Su Luo to undergo tribulation and ascend to the Great Ascension Realm.

Oh, wait—he had already far surpassed that level. Never mind, then.

So Su Luo had nothing particularly urgent to do.

He could continue lazing around as usual.

But then, one day, a pair of hands suddenly covered his eyes.

"Guess who?"

"Hmm, this is tough. Who could it be?"

Of course, Su Luo didn’t need to guess. With his keen perception, he recognized the person the moment they approached.

Jiang Ningshu.

Still, it was rare for her to act so playfully, so Su Luo decided to humor her.

However, Jiang Ningshu wasn’t actually interested in making him guess—she let go almost immediately.

"Feel like going on a spontaneous trip with me?"

"Why the sudden idea?"

Su Luo had assumed Jiang Ningshu had turned into a fellow slacker like him, yet here she was, proposing an adventure.

"Nangong Xiyun’s been living too comfortably lately. It annoys me."

"That’s your reason?"

"Just one of them. The main one is… I want to go with you." Jiang Ningshu had her own plans.

Su Luo was thoroughly charmed by her words.

"Then let’s go."

That day, Jiang Ningshu sneaked Su Luo out.

Not long after, Nangong Xiyun arrived as usual to visit Su Luo, only to find him gone.

She frowned in confusion. Since when did Su Luo go on outings?

Still, she wouldn’t chase after him. If Su Luo chose to leave, he must have his reasons. She’d just wait here.

Jiang Ningshu led Su Luo straight to her destination.

Su Luo quickly realized, "This isn’t spontaneous at all. You had a goal in mind."

"Yep. I secretly prepared a surprise for you."

"A surprise? Now I’m curious."

They arrived at an unremarkable lake, where Jiang Ningshu guided Su Luo beneath the water.

Hidden deep below was a secret realm.

This was a small realm Jiang Ningshu had crafted in secret after reaching the Tribulation Transcendence Realm.

Tiny by most standards—no larger than a single palace—but to her, it was the first place she had ever built with her own hands.

Inside, Su Luo found a modest yet cozy space.

A thousand-year-old willow tree, a small house, and a garden.

The spiritual energy here was rich, carrying a refreshing purity.

Staying here was undeniably pleasant.

"So? Do you like it?" Jiang Ningshu asked.

"It’s great. Your skills are impressive."

Creating a secret realm was no simple feat.

"I know it’s a bit plain, but I thought we could build it up together."

Jiang Ningshu envisioned this realm as a home for her and Su Luo.

Su Luo glanced around. "Honestly, simplicity is fine. If we find we need something later, we can always add it."

"True."

The two of them stayed in the realm, doing nothing in particular—just lazing around.

Though it might seem like they were merely lying around in a different place, the atmosphere here felt subtly different.

Jiang Ningshu was delighted, discussing with Su Luo what they could add to the realm.

Eventually, Su Luo couldn’t resist asking, "Why create a secret realm all of a sudden?"

He knew Jiang Ningshu understood his meaning. For cultivators of their level, a secret realm wasn’t a necessity.

Moreover, neither of them seemed the type to settle down permanently.

In the original storyline, after leaving the Heavenly Demon Sect, Jiang Ningshu had wandered alone without staying in one place for long.

"I just wanted to surprise you. After all, you’re the person I love."

Jiang Ningshu rarely voiced her feelings for Su Luo, but she had never forgotten how he gave her hope during her darkest times.

Everything they’d experienced since had only deepened her affection.

Though she had always known her feelings, she hadn’t realized just how strong they were—until she poured her heart into preparing this surprise for him.

This realm was her masterpiece, meticulously hidden and secured.

"I’m honored," Su Luo said, taking Jiang Ningshu’s hand.

She let herself be pulled into his arms. "This is our secret place. Don’t tell anyone."

"Don’t worry. I won’t."

Su Luo respected Jiang Ningshu’s wishes. If she wanted this kept private, he wouldn’t breathe a word.

For several days, Su Luo and Jiang Ningshu remained in the realm.

Yes, they were still lazing about, but the warmth of the place was undeniable.

Together, they made small additions, treating it like a home they were building.

Eventually, though, they had to return—others were waiting.

Back in Soul Return Valley, Nangong Xiyun immediately sought them out.

"Where did you two go?"

Jiang Ningshu scoffed. "Not telling."

"Hah. Finally decided to offer yourself up?"

"Not as vulgar as you’re imagining."

"Pfft. Whatever. Su Luo and I have plenty of fun without you. Don’t judge what you don’t understand."

Su Luo sidestepped the argument, leaving them to bicker as usual.

He glanced toward Little Yu’s secluded training spot—still no movement.

Well, she was attempting to break through to the Great Ascension Realm. It wouldn’t be quick.

Nangong Xiyun didn’t argue with Jiang Ningshu for long before turning her attention back to Su Luo.

Bickering was one thing, but she hadn’t seen him in a while. She had meant to play it cool after quarreling with Jiang Ningshu, but… forget it. No need for pretense.

...

A month of peace later.

Su Luo finally stirred from his idle repose.

The time had come. It was time to set the stage and lure Lin Xuan into battle.

The New Heavenly Demon Sect had mostly recovered from their injuries inflicted by Nangong Xiyun, and their mastery of the Demon God Scripture had deepened further.

"Everyone, it’s time to act."

The sect members: ?

Weren’t they just told to focus on consolidating their strength? Why another mission so soon?

"No need for concern. This time, my plan is flawless. Our target is Lin Xuan alone."

"Your training over this past month has yielded clear progress, and I’ve reached the Great Ascension Realm."

"This time, we will succeed."