"It seems like you have picked up another talented disciple." Su Fuwen shook his head, his crimson eyes were bright as he flipped his long sleeve, taking a seat on the empty chair, not minding his own status.
Tian Sichan merely replied, "Rather than finding him, he came to me."
Fei Qianchi looked up at this, not refuting because his words were true. Fei Qianchi sat on his chair, not knowing what was currently happening. Looking over, he saw that Hou Mengshu and Zhang Bingmei were deep in a conversation, as if they care about Su Fuwen.
"I see that Immortal Tian has given you Chu Fengzhuang's sword." Su Fuwen smiled, his facial expression turning a bit warmer.
"Master gave me the sword a while ago. I learnt about the history behind the sword then." Fei Qianchi's voice was as soft as normal, eyes bright as he said this.
Su Fuwen's smile seemingly got wider with his answer. His crimson eyes looked down at the stage as he murmured, "Chu Fengzhuang's sword has witnessed the rise and fall of many heroes and demonic cultivator. The sword survived the death of its master because it has its own spirit. Seeing as how it accepted you, it is a sign that you are the next determined hero."
Fei Qianchi didn't know how to feel about that. While he felt that on the surface, Su Fuwen's words meant a good thing, there was something off about his words. But Fei Qianchi didn't waver, his expression the same as he merely responded, "I was merely lucky." From his blue eyes, he couldn't help but gaze at Su Fuwen with some wary.
"My disciple will, of course, be different. Sect Leader, don't you have to return soon?" Tian Sichan interfered.
Hearing this, Su Fuwen nodded his head, eyes not straying from the stage. "I do. Immortal Tian, I have something to ask of you first." His hands were folded over his lap.
Fei Qianchi noticed that something seemed odd. For just a moment, Fei Qianchi had saw a flicker within Su Fuwen's eyes. But he didn't say a word, not knowing if what he saw was real or it was just his eyes.
"What is it?" Tian Sichan asked.
"The Ghost Realm will be opening soon. Each of the sects have decided to send one hundred disciples to the realm. If possible, I want you to send some of your own disciples into the Ghost Realm." Su Fuwen's voice was even as he said this, not wavering in his words.
Tian Sichan knitted his brows. He closed his eyes, opening them as he then looked at Su Fuwen. "Of course, it is about time that I begin to send some disciples out."
Hearing this, Su Fuwen nodded his head. "Ghost Realm is known as the realm that opens for only one day, closing for many years afterwards. Disciples that enter will only be able to come back out after decades pass by." He stood up, brushing his robe, his hair swinging. His crimson eyes turned to Fei Qianchi, lingering for a bit before he finally said, "I will take my leave now, Immortal Tian." With that, he walked away without another word.
"Master?" Fei Qianchi turned to look at Tian Sichan, whose face was darker, his hand tapped his fan onto the table.
Something seemed off, Fei Qianchi at least knew that.
"Hmm, this will be a hassle to deal with." Tian Sichan mumbled.
Fei Qianchi tilted his head.
"Zhang Bingmei of Shuihua Peak and Mei Guangxin of Liangqi Peak."
"It's finally my turn!" Zhang Bingmei sprung from her seat.
Fei Qianchi's attention was taken away by the energetic Zhang Bingmei as he said in turn, "Good luck, Senior Sister."
Zhang Bingmei turned and winked at him, "This Senior Sister will let you witness just how powerful she truly is."
Fei Qianchi shook his head, his eye lighting up at Zhang Bingmei's cocky expression.
"Go on, last time, you were nearly defeated." Tian Sichan brought up, eyes looking at her in mirth.
Zhang Bingmei rebuked, "Last time, I was distracted." With that, she turned around and jumped down, her dress blowing in the wind.
Hou Mengshu turned to Fei Qianchi, "Let me tell you about Ghost Realm."
Fei Qianchi nodded, knowing that he didn't have enough information about this realm.
"Ghost Realm is the realm of lost souls and wandering spirits. It is a realm where evil lurks and demonic energy runs wild. The realm opens once every century, closing for decades afterward. Cultivators who enter that realm will be stuck in that realm until a few decades pass and then they would be let out of the realm." Hou Mengshu's eyes looked down at the stage, watching Zhang Bingmei even as he explained to Fei Qianchi.
Fei Qianchi finally understood why Tian Sichan seemed a bit flustered.
"Ghost Realm has many treasures within it, but many cultivators have also lost their lives trying to seek out those treasures. At the moment, Junior Sister Bing and I are to enter a different realm. Junior Sister Fu and Junior Brother Zhang are already in a different realm. You are the only one who can join this mission." Hou Mengshu's face showed a trace of worry, explaining more details.
Fei Qianchi wasn't worried nor was he flustered. Even as he heard these words, he simply nodded his head. "I see. I believe that I should be alright."
Tian Sichan turned as he heard those words, "While your cultivation may be higher than others, there are many dangers that lurk within the Ghost Realm. Many have experienced Qi deviations within that realm. It is a realm that messes with your Qi, making you waver. I believe that you will be alright, but still, you have only been my disciple for a few weeks. If possible, I don't to send you out." Tian Sichan sighed, "It seems like all those years I avoided the realms have caught up to me."
Fei Qianchi still smiled. While he understood Tian Sichan's worries, he knew better than anyone that he wasn't delicate. But still, there was a warm feeling in his heart.
"I believe that Junior Brother also wants to go out. This may be the enlightenment he needs to further enhance his cultivation. Not to mention, though Ghost Realm is rather dangerous, the benefits within it are also great, Master." Hou Mengshu intercepted.
Fei Qianchi didn't interfere, his eyes watching as Zhang Bingmei's long whip scattered in the sky, sending a parade of energy down. His fingers tapped the table, his eyes unable to help it as he turned to the man sitting across of him, separated by the wide stage.
There was something he couldn't put his hands on. The man felt familiar, yet, it didn't seem correct. Fei Qianchi looked back at the stage. His mind was clear, without a single thought running through his mind. He would need to prepare if he were to enter the Ghost Realm.
-
There was a dark aura lingering in the ghastly streets of Ghost Realm. The streets were vacant and bare, not one voice could be heard. Darkness filled the night, only cats were roaming the streets.
The bright moon brought upon a dark feeling, even the tint of the moon seemed red. The demonic energy within the realm was truly to fear, able to cause chaos to many cultivators.
Deep within the realm, there was a man meditating in a cave.
He was dressed in blue robes, his long white hair flowed down his back. His eyes were closed, but even then, it was unable to hide the beauty he possessed. His face was mature, with thin pink lips, a high nose bridge, and sharp eyebrows. While the robe covered his body, it was unable to hide the muscle on his body, accenting his long limbs. His fingers were elegant and pale.
Surrounding him, there was a bright blue light growing stronger as he continued to chant an incantation, his voice low and husky. As he opened his eyes, a piercing gaze shone through the night, blue eyes looking forward.
Fei Qianchi smiled, a bright look on his mature face. Years and years have sculpted him now, he was already grown. As he stood up, his tall body was both strong and built.
Even in the ghastly Ghost Realm, Fei Qianchi thrived in such a place, only growing stronger and stronger, accepting the difficulties of this realm.
Now, forty years passed by just like that as Ghost Realm was now beginning to open once more. Forty years was long for a mortal, for cultivators like them, it was too short.
As Fei Qianchi grasped Baihe, there was a soft rustling heard in the night, wind blowing past.
Forty years ago, Fei Qianchi had entered this Ghost Realm, seeking the treasures and power this realm would bring him. Having left Shuihua Peak for so long, his cultivation soared, only getting stronger and stronger.
At the moment, Fei Qianchi already stepped foot into the ninth layer of Soul Transformation. While he had no way of knowing what was happening outside of Ghost Realm, he could feel that the realm was going to open up again.
Fei Qianchi did not travel with the other disciples of Fushui Sect, choosing to stay by himself. Hence, it was easier to care for himself in this realm.
Fei Qianchi threw Baihe into the air, jumping as his feet landed upon the sword. He could feel a strong energy in the realm as he moved through the air, his white hair fluttering. There was a bright look in his eyes as the moon shone above.
Within this realm, Fei Qianchi had had many lucky encounters. He had met countless spiritual beasts and even ancient beasts, encountered wandering souls and lost spirits, finding rare fruits, and even finding treasures such as elixirs.
With all of these benefits, it was easy for him to cultivate, withstanding the Heavenly Tribulations, the lightning that attacked without mercy.
As Fei Qianchi finally arrived, there was a tear in space, a strong energy leaking through. Fei Qianchi's lips lifted, blue eyes filled with light as he jumped off of his sword. With Baihe still in his hand, Fei Qianchi looked at the tear in space, knowing that this would be the only gateway opened. In less than a day, this gateway would close once more and those who didn't enter or exit would remain until the gateway opens up once more.
Fei Qianchi smiled, a look of joy on his face as he patted his robe. His white hair was held up by a jade crown, and while he didn't notice, at the moment, he simply looked stunning.
Taking a deep breath, Fei Qianchi gripped tightly onto Baihe as he finally took a step into the tear in space, leaving the darkness behind him.
A bright light flashed before his eyes, Fei Qianchi closed his eyes, feeling the dark energy lose its grip on him.
"Someone returned from the realm!"
At the sound of these voices, Fei Qianchi opened his eyes, roaming and searching for the people that he knew.
"This?"
Fei Qianchi looked around, a beautiful curve on his lips that brightened his blue eyes, looking both handsome and gallant. As he stared at the many new faces of these disciples, his every move was filled with elegance.
"Junior Brother!!!"
With a familiar voice, Fei Qianchi turned to look towards his right. It has been a while since he heard this voice.
"Senior Sister Zhang." Fei Qianchi walked forward as a woman dressed in pink walked over. There was a long whip attached to her side, a grin on her face, her eyes appearing mischievous.
Zhang Bingmei was grown too, and while more mature, she was still playful at heart. Her pink lips were curved, walking with big steps as she neared Fei Qianchi and smacked his back.
Fei Qianchi slightly stumbled, not anticipating the sudden attack. But even so, he smiled, his blue eyes looking carefree.
"Forty years! You've finally returned, looking even more handsome now." Zhang Bingmei joked, rolling her eyes.
"Senior Sister, how have you been?" Fei Qianchi didn't mind the stares he got, merely talking to Zhang Bingmei.
"Like normal. Other than going out on missions and teaching the newer disciples, I focused on cultivating." Zhang Bingmei carefully looked over Fei Qianchi before her eyes widened. "You have already entered Soul Transformation!?"
Fei Qianchi sent a cheeky smile at her, shrugging his shoulders. "I found quite a few treasures in the realm."
Zhang Bingmei opened her mouth in shock. "What kind of treasure helped you cultivate like this?! Master will be shocked when he sees you." Finally, Zhang Bingmei seemed to realize that there were still other disciples surrounding them in confusion.
Zhang Bingmei coughed into her hands while Fei Qianchi carefully watched her.
"I assume that these are the new disciples?" Fei Qianchi asked, a bright smile on his face as he looked at the crowd of new disciples before him, standing a head shorter than him.
"Yes, we have had quite a few batches of disciples during these forty years." Zhang Bingmei looked around at all the disciples before she finally raised her voice, "Everyone, this is your Senior Brother. He is Fei Qianchi, the fifth disciple of Shuihua Peak. At current, his cultivation is at the stage of Soul Transformation."
"Greeting Senior Brother Fei!"
Fei Qianchi glanced at the disciples bowing before him, cupping their fists as they bent their backs. He chuckled, a husky voice ringing. "No need for such formalities. It seems like you all are preparing to enter Ghost Realm?"
One of the more outgoing disciple replied in a loud and respectful voice, "Yes, Senior Brother!"
Hearing such a loud and enthusiastic voice, Fei Qianchi nodded his head. Forty years have passed. Looking back, it was a long time. He has grown and matured while more disciples have arrived at Fushui Sect.
"It seems like the other sects have sent their disciples here too." Fei Qianchi gazed at the different robes amidst the crowd of teenagers. Without much difficulty, he was able to see that there were other sects here too.
"Yes, the procedure is still the same as when you entered the realm. Only now, we have more disciples joining." Zhang Bingmei explained before she looked at Fei Qianchi and winked. "Let's go back to Shuihua Peak now! I'm sure that Master wants to see you after so long." As Zhang Bingmei said.
Fei Qianchi was unable to say a word as he watched Zhang Bingmei's quick actions, merely tilting his head a bit.
"We will leave first then. Elder Dang will come to explain more information about the Ghost Realm to you all." Zhang Bingmei quickly added to the clueless disciples as her hands corssed, forming a hand seal, her body disappearing.
Fei Qianchi felt a bunch of eyes staring at him. His pale face held some traces of awkwardness as he nodded his head and said, "I will take my leave then." Then, like Zhang Bingmei, his figure also disappeared with a quick seal.
Fei Qianchi opened his eyes upon a familiar pair of gates. Seeing the familiar pair of gates, there was a fleeting emotion running through his heart as he lifted his lips.
From ahead of Fei Qianchi, Zhang Bingmei turned to him, lifting her brows, "Hurry up and come in!"
Zhang Bingmei opened the gates, using the pendant and placing it on the fire emblem upon the Phoenix gates. The gates opened, revealing the familiar layout of Shuihua Peak.
Fei Qianchi quickly gazed around at the bamboo forest. Nothing had changed over these forty years. While his appearance had matured and his cultivation soared, Zhang Bingmei was the same. Although she was only at the second layer of Soul Transformation, it was already at a fast pace.
Dismissing his thoughts, Fei Qianchi walked through the gates, stepping foot onto the lush green grass.
"Junior Brother, Master should be looking at the garden." Zhang Bingmei called out to Fei Qianchi.
Fei Qianchi nodded his head. It didn't take long for them to see the gardens filled with rare plants as they walked deeper into the residence. Fei Qianchi watched as Zhang Bingmei turned towards him, lifting her finger to her mouth and sneakingly pointing at Tian Sichan.
Fei Qianchi furrowed his brows, but quickly understood once he felt other presences with them. His lips twitched, but he didn't stop Zhang Bingmei.
Fei Qianchi silently stood where he was, watching Tian Sichan, who was still clueless to them. Zhang Bingmei quickly pointed at a few spots and the surrounding figures silently smiled.
Fei Qianchi could only shake his head watching as Zhang Zaifan, Hou Mengshu, and Fu Huayan appeared from atop of the rooftops over the pavilion.
They all sent a smirk towards one another, watching Tian Sichan.
Zhang Zaifan looked over at Fei Qianchi and sent him a smirk, to which Fei Qianchi responded with a nod.
Then, without another word being said, all three of them jumped off the rooftop, right towards where Tian Sichan stood.
Fei Qianchi could only smile exasperatedly.
At that moment, around Tian Sichan's body, a barrier appeared.
Fu Huayan, Zhang Zaifan, and Hou Mengshu's faces froze as their bodies slammed into the barrier, their bodies flying off onto the ground as they groaned.
Zhang Bingmei looked at the scene and doubled over, laughing uncontrollably.
Tian Sichan merely looked at the three people on the ground, lifting his brows. "If I was not distracted by Qianchi, I would've taught you all a lesson."
Hearing this, Fei Qianchi began walking forward, hoping to burn off some steam so that the three wouldn't be scolded too heavily.
"Master, I have returned." Fei Qianchi said, bending his back as he cupped his fists.
Tian Sichan looked at Fei Qianchi, who had obviously matured. "It seems like the realm did you well. You have truly surpassed my expectations."
Suddenly, the sound of a woman's voice was heard.
"Master! The furnace exploded again!"
.
.
.
Cultivation stages:
Qi Enlightenment- 9 layers then tribulation
Qi Refinement- 9 layers then tribulation
Foundation Establishment- 9 layers then tribulation
Core Formation- 9 layers then tribulation
Nascent Soul- 9 layers then tribulation
Soul Transformation- 9 layers then tribulation
Soul Combination- 9 layers then tribulation
Void Stage- 9 layers then tribulation
Mahayana- 9 layers then Heavenly Tribulation
Immortal Realms:
Scattered Immortal- 9 layers then tribulation
Heavenly Immortal- 9 layers then tribulation
Golden Immortal- 9 layers then tribulation
Great Principle Golden Immortal- 9 layers then tribulation
Immortal Lord- 9 layers then tribulation
Immortal Emperor- 9 layers then tribulation
Divine Realm:
There are countless stages, but acquired gods can never rival those who were born as gods or deities of the Heaven. While acquired gods can use some power of the Heaven, they can not surpass innate gods or deities.