Chapter 370

"Phew..."As his consciousness returned to his body, Duan Lingtian immediately gasped for air. It was only then that he realized he was already in the cultivation chamber of the Heavenly Lake Palace's inner hall.

"Awake?"A voice reached his ears. Duan Lingtian turned his head and saw the old man standing beside him, though he didn't know when he had appeared.

"Senior."Duan Lingtian rose and respectfully bowed to the old man.

"How do you feel?" the old man asked with a smile.

"Senior, I... I seem to have entered a strange realm." Duan Lingtian took a deep breath, somewhat incoherent with excitement.

"Mm."The old man merely responded calmly, but his eyes were filled with admiration and excitement.

"Senior, do you know what realm I entered?" Duan Lingtian looked at the old man and asked.

"That's your fortune. I don't know," the old man shook his head.

"Fortune?"Duan Lingtian raised an eyebrow, then felt a little disappointed.

"Don't be disappointed."The old man seemed to read his mind and said, "Although you don't know what realm it is, it will greatly help you and the improvement of your strength."

"Mm."Duan Lingtian nodded. He could feel his strength improving. Though only a short time had passed, his cultivation had reached an incredible level.

"Cherish it well," the old man said.

"Thank you, Senior." Duan Lingtian bowed again.

"You may leave," the old man waved his hand.Duan Lingtian respectfully departed.

After Duan Lingtian left, the smile on the old man's face gradually faded, replaced by a look of solemnity.

"He actually entered that realm... It seems he holds a great secret," the old man murmured to himself. "I hope he can make it to the end."The old man's gaze was profound, lost in thought.

***

Leaving the Heavenly Lake Palace's inner hall, Duan Lingtian went directly back to his residence.

"Lingtian."As soon as he returned, he saw Feng Wudao and others gathered in the living room, seemingly waiting for him.

"Uncle Feng."Duan Lingtian saluted Feng Wudao.

"Lingtian, are you alright?" Feng Wudao asked with concern.

"I'm fine." Duan Lingtian shook his head and smiled.

"Good that you're fine," Feng Wudao breathed a sigh of relief.

"Lingtian, where have you been all this time? We couldn't find you," Feng Tianwu asked.

"I went to cultivate in the Heavenly Lake Palace's inner hall," Duan Lingtian said.

"The Heavenly Lake Palace inner hall?"Feng Tianwu and the others were all surprised.

"The Heavenly Lake Palace inner hall is the core area of the Heavenly Lake Palace; only individuals above the rank of Heavenly Lake Palace Elder can enter," Feng Wudao explained.

"Lingtian, have you been taken as a disciple by a Heavenly Lake Palace Elder?" Feng Tianwu asked excitedly.

"No." Duan Lingtian shook his head.

"Then how did you get in?" Feng Tianwu asked curiously.

"The Palace Master of Heavenly Lake Palace took me in," Duan Lingtian said.

"The Palace Master?"Feng Tianwu and the others were all astonished.

"Lingtian, you met the Palace Master?" Feng Wudao asked.

"Yes." Duan Lingtian nodded.

"Why did the Palace Master take you in?" Feng Tianwu asked.

"She said I have a special constitution," Duan Lingtian replied casually.

"A special constitution?"Feng Tianwu and the others were puzzled.

"Alright, don't ask any more questions. It's my secret," Duan Lingtian said.

"Okay."Though curious, Feng Tianwu and the others stopped pressing him.

"Lingtian, how much has your strength improved during this cultivation?" Feng Wudao asked.

"Quite a bit," Duan Lingtian said.

"That's wonderful!" Feng Wudao and the others were overjoyed.

"By the way, Lingtian, what are your plans next?" Feng Tianwu asked.

"I plan to venture out and seek an opportunity for a breakthrough," Duan Lingtian said.

"Venture out?"Feng Wudao and the others were stunned.

"Your cultivation is already very high. Why do you still need to venture out?" Feng Tianwu asked, puzzled.

"No matter how high my cultivation, without a breakthrough, I'll just be stagnating," Duan Lingtian explained.

"Yes, Lingtian is right," Feng Wudao nodded.

"So, Lingtian, where do you plan to venture?" Feng Tianwu asked.

"I haven't decided yet, but I'll go to Alchemy City first," Duan Lingtian said.

"Alchemy City?"Feng Tianwu and the others were surprised.

"Alchemy City is where the Alchemy Sect is located. The Alchemy Sect is an affiliated sect of Heavenly Lake Palace, and its strength is also formidable," Feng Wudao explained.

"Mm." Duan Lingtian nodded.

"Lingtian, when are you leaving?" Feng Tianwu asked.

"Tomorrow," Duan Lingtian said.

"So soon?" Feng Tianwu sounded a little sad.

"All good things must come to an end. I was bound to leave sooner or later," Duan Lingtian said.

"Alright," Feng Tianwu could only nod helplessly.

"Lingtian, take care on your journey," Feng Wudao said.

"Don't worry, Uncle Feng, I will," Duan Lingtian nodded.

***

The next day, Duan Lingtian bade farewell to Feng Wudao and the others and left Heavenly Lake Palace alone. He did not go directly to Alchemy City but first headed to Heavenly Lake City. Heavenly Lake City is an affiliated city of Heavenly Lake Palace and also its location. He wanted to gather information in Heavenly Lake City to see if there were any clues about the Alchemy Sect.

Heavenly Lake City was bustling with people coming and going. Duan Lingtian walked around the city but found no direct clues about the Alchemy Sect. However, he unexpectedly learned a piece of news. Within Heavenly Lake City, there was a merchant association called "Myriad Treasure Pavilion" that sold various rare materials and treasures, and it was rumored to also have information about the Alchemy Sect. Duan Lingtian immediately went to the Myriad Treasure Pavilion.

The Myriad Treasure Pavilion occupied a vast area, spanning over a thousand square meters, divided into three floors. The first floor held ordinary materials and treasures, the second floor rare materials and treasures, and the third floor was an auction hall. Duan Lingtian went directly to the second floor. On the second floor, various rare materials and treasures were displayed in dazzling abundance, overwhelming the senses. Duan Lingtian circled around but found no clues about the Alchemy Sect that he needed. He was about to leave when he suddenly heard a voice.

"Isn't that Duan Lingtian?"Duan Lingtian turned his head and saw a young man standing behind him, looking at him with surprise. The young man wore a luxurious brocade robe and a jade pendant hanging from his waist, indicating his extraordinary status at a glance.

"You are?" Duan Lingtian frowned; he didn't recognize this person.

"I am Ouyang Haotian," the young man said.

"Ouyang Haotian?"Duan Lingtian thought for a moment before remembering him. Ouyang Haotian was an inner disciple of Heavenly Lake Palace and also the young master of the Ouyang Family. He had met Ouyang Haotian once during the inner sect competition at Heavenly Lake Palace.

"Duan Lingtian, I didn't expect you to come to Myriad Treasure Pavilion as well," Ouyang Haotian said.

"Mm." Duan Lingtian merely responded indifferently.

"Duan Lingtian, what are you here to buy?" Ouyang Haotian asked.

"None of your business," Duan Lingtian said.Ouyang Haotian's face stiffened, evidently not expecting Duan Lingtian to be so disrespectful.

"Duan Lingtian, don't be too arrogant!" Ouyang Haotian scoffed coldly.

"So what if I'm arrogant?" Duan Lingtian sneered.

"You!"Ouyang Haotian was furious and about to make a move when he was stopped by a voice.

"Haotian, stop!"A middle-aged man walked over. The middle-aged man wore a green robe and had a refined face, clearly a high-ranking member of the Ouyang Family.

"Father!" Ouyang Haotian respectfully saluted.

"Elder Ouyang." Duan Lingtian also saluted the middle-aged man. The middle-aged man was an Elder of the Ouyang Family and also an Elder of Heavenly Lake Palace.

"Duan Lingtian, are you alright?" Elder Ouyang asked.

"I'm fine," Duan Lingtian shook his head.

"Haotian, why are you causing trouble?" Elder Ouyang reprimanded.

"Father, he first..." Ouyang Haotian tried to explain.

"Silence!" Elder Ouyang snapped.Ouyang Haotian immediately dared not speak.

"Duan Lingtian, Haotian offended you. I apologize to you on his behalf," Elder Ouyang said.

"Elder Ouyang, you exaggerate," Duan Lingtian said.

"Duan Lingtian, you are a magnanimous person; please don't bother with him," Elder Ouyang said.

"Alright." Duan Lingtian nodded.

"Thank you, Duan Lingtian," Elder Ouyang said.

"You're too kind, Elder Ouyang," Duan Lingtian said.

"Duan Lingtian, what are you looking to buy at Myriad Treasure Pavilion?" Elder Ouyang asked.

"I want to inquire about some information regarding the Alchemy Sect," Duan Lingtian said.

"Alchemy Sect?"Elder Ouyang raised an eyebrow, then said, "Myriad Treasure Pavilion does have information about the Alchemy Sect, but this information is only available on the third floor."

"The third floor?" Duan Lingtian asked.

"The third floor is the auction hall. An auction is held there once a month, and each auction will include some information about the Alchemy Sect," Elder Ouyang explained.

"I see." Duan Lingtian nodded.

"Duan Lingtian, if you want to know about the Alchemy Sect, you can wait until next month's auction," Elder Ouyang said.

"Thank you for the information, Elder Ouyang," Duan Lingtian said.

"You're welcome," Elder Ouyang said.Duan Lingtian bade farewell and left.

Ouyang Haotian looked at Elder Ouyang and asked, "Father, why were you so polite to him?"

"Haotian, do you know who he is?" Elder Ouyang asked.

"Isn't he just Duan Lingtian?" Ouyang Haotian said.

"He's not just any Duan Lingtian," Elder Ouyang said.

"Then who is he?" Ouyang Haotian asked, puzzled.

"He is someone highly regarded by the Palace Master of Heavenly Lake Palace, and he even entered the inner hall to cultivate with her," Elder Ouyang explained.

"What?" Ouyang Haotian was greatly astonished.

"Therefore, when you see him in the future, it's best to be more polite," Elder Ouyang said.

"Yes, Father," Ouyang Haotian nodded.

***

Leaving Myriad Treasure Pavilion, Duan Lingtian returned to his residence. Since Myriad Treasure Pavilion had no direct clues about the Alchemy Sect, he could only wait for next month's auction. During this time, he decided to cultivate diligently and improve his strength.

Time flew by, and in a blink of an eye, it was time for next month's auction. Duan Lingtian arrived at Myriad Treasure Pavilion early. The third-floor auction hall was packed with people, bustling with excitement. Duan Lingtian found a seat and sat down.

The auction soon began. Treasures were brought up for auction one by one, and their prices soared higher and higher. Duan Lingtian had no interest in these treasures; he was only concerned with information about the Alchemy Sect.

Finally, a highlight item was brought out. It was a jade slip, on which some clues about an Alchemy Sect ruin were recorded.

"This jade slip records a ruin of the Alchemy Sect. The starting bid is one million spirit stones," the auctioneer announced.

"One million spirit stones?"Duan Lingtian raised an eyebrow; this price was not low. However, for the sake of the Alchemy Sect clues, he didn't care about the cost.

"One million five hundred thousand!""Two million!""Two million five hundred thousand!"The crowd eagerly bid. Duan Lingtian also joined the bidding.

"Three million!""Three million five hundred thousand!""Four million!"The price skyrocketed, quickly breaking through five million.

"Five million five hundred thousand!""Six million!""Seven million!"Ultimately, this jade slip was won by Duan Lingtian for eight million spirit stones.

"Eight million spirit stones... really expensive," Duan Lingtian sighed. However, he felt it was well worth it. With this jade slip, he could find the Alchemy Sect ruin and thus find an opportunity for a breakthrough.

After the auction, Duan Lingtian returned to his residence, took out the jade slip, and examined it. The ruin recorded in the jade slip was called the "Alchemy Dao Secret Realm." The Alchemy Dao Secret Realm was located deep within the Heavenly Lake Mountain Range, a place where the Alchemy Sect's Ancestral Master once cultivated in seclusion.

"Alchemy Dao Secret Realm..."A glint of light flashed in Duan Lingtian's eyes. He decided to go to the Alchemy Dao Secret Realm tomorrow.

***

The next day, Duan Lingtian bade farewell to Feng Wudao and the others and went alone to the Heavenly Lake Mountain Range. Deep within the Heavenly Lake Mountain Range, the environment was harsh, and demonic beasts roamed rampant. Duan Lingtian proceeded cautiously, avoiding demonic beasts, and finally arrived at the entrance of the Alchemy Dao Secret Realm. The entrance to the Alchemy Dao Secret Realm was a huge cave. Outside the cave, there was a stone tablet with four large characters carved on it: "Alchemy Dao Secret Realm." Duan Lingtian entered the cave and found a whole new world within. Inside the cave was a vast underground space. The space was filled with abundant spiritual energy, like a celestial wonderland. Duan Lingtian continued deeper and found many buildings within the space. These buildings were all places where the Alchemy Sect's Ancestral Master had cultivated in the past. Duan Lingtian moved through these buildings, searching for clues left by the Alchemy Sect's Ancestral Master. Finally, in an inconspicuous building, he found another jade slip. On the jade slip, the Alchemy Sect's Ancestral Master's cultivation insights were recorded. Duan Lingtian picked up the jade slip and carefully examined it.

The cultivation insights recorded in the jade slip enlightened Duan Lingtian. His long-standing confusion about cultivation was suddenly resolved at this moment.

"So that's how it is..."Duan Lingtian took a deep breath. He felt his cultivation rapidly advancing at that moment. He immediately sat down cross-legged and began to cultivate.

Time flew by, and in a blink of an eye, a month passed. Duan Lingtian woke from his cultivation, feeling that his cultivation had reached an unprecedented height.

"Half-Step Martial Emperor!"A glint of light flashed in Duan Lingtian's eyes. He had finally broken through to the Half-Step Martial Emperor realm. Half-Step Martial Emperor was just one step away from the Martial Emperor realm. Duan Lingtian believed that it wouldn't be long before he could break through to the Martial Emperor realm.

"The Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master's cultivation insights are truly extraordinary," Duan Lingtian exclaimed. He put away the jade slip, preparing to leave the Alchemy Dao Secret Realm. However, just as he was about to leave, he suddenly heard a voice.

"Little fellow, you've finally arrived."Duan Lingtian was startled. He hadn't expected there to be others in the Alchemy Dao Secret Realm. He turned his head and saw an old man standing behind him. The old man had white hair and a benevolent face, but his eyes were filled with the light of wisdom.

"Senior, you are?" Duan Lingtian asked.

"I am the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master," the old man said with a smile.

"What?" Duan Lingtian was greatly astonished. He hadn't expected the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master to still be alive.

"Little fellow, you're quite good to have found this place," the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master said.

"You flatter me, Senior," Duan Lingtian said.

"Little fellow, since you've obtained my cultivation insights, you can be considered my successor," the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master said.

"Thank you, Ancestral Master," Duan Lingtian respectfully bowed.

"Little fellow, do you have any questions?" the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master asked.

"Ancestral Master, I'd like to ask, what realm is beyond the Martial Emperor realm?" Duan Lingtian asked.

"Beyond the Martial Emperor realm is the Divine Realm," the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master said.

"Divine Realm?" A glint of light flashed in Duan Lingtian's eyes.

"Beyond the Divine Realm, there are even higher realms," the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master said.

"Higher realms?" Duan Lingtian was even more surprised.

"You will naturally know those realms when you reach the Divine Realm," the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master said.

"Thank you, Ancestral Master, for clarifying my doubts," Duan Lingtian said.

"Little fellow, you have extraordinary talent. You will surely reach higher realms in the future," the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master said.

"Thank you for your auspicious words, Ancestral Master," Duan Lingtian said.

"Little fellow, my time is limited. If you have any questions, ask them quickly," the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master said.

"Ancestral Master, I'd like to ask how one can leave this world?" Duan Lingtian asked.

"Leave this world?" A hint of surprise flashed in the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master's eyes.

"Yes, Ancestral Master," Duan Lingtian nodded.

"Little fellow, there's only one way for you to leave this world," the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master said.

"What way?" Duan Lingtian asked.

"Break through to the Divine Realm!" the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master said.

"Break through to the Divine Realm?" A glint of light flashed in Duan Lingtian's eyes.

"Only by breaking through to the Divine Realm can you break the shackles of this world and ascend to a higher plane," the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master said.

"I see." Duan Lingtian nodded.

"Little fellow, my mission is complete, and it's time for me to leave," the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master said.

"Ancestral Master, where are you going?" Duan Lingtian asked.

"To a place that belongs to me," the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master said with a smile.As soon as his voice faded, the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master's figure gradually dissipated.

"Ancestral Master!" Duan Lingtian shouted.However, the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master's figure had completely vanished. Duan Lingtian sighed inwardly. He hadn't expected the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master to be a spirit body. However, he wasn't too sad, as the Alchemy Sect Ancestral Master had already lived for countless ages. He collected his thoughts and prepared to leave the Alchemy Dao Secret Realm. He had now broken through to the Half-Step Martial Emperor realm and also learned that beyond the Martial Emperor realm was the Divine Realm. This was a tremendous gain for him. He believed that it wouldn't be long before he could break through to the Divine Realm and then leave this world.

***

Leaving the Alchemy Dao Secret Realm, Duan Lingtian returned to Heavenly Lake Palace. He did not go to see Feng Wudao and the others but went directly back to his residence. He planned to go into seclusion for cultivation, striving to break through to the Divine Realm as soon as possible.

Time flew by, and in a blink of an eye, three years passed. During these three years, Duan Lingtian had been in seclusion, and his cultivation had reached an incredible level.

"Divine Realm!"A glint of light flashed in Duan Lingtian's eyes. He had finally broken through to the Divine Realm. The Divine Realm meant he had transcended the shackles of this world and could ascend to a higher plane.

"It's time to leave."Duan Lingtian took a deep breath. He knew he had to leave this world. He went to Feng Wudao and the others' residence to bid them farewell.

"Lingtian, are you really leaving?" Feng Tianwu asked reluctantly.

"Yes, I must leave," Duan Lingtian nodded.

"Then... when will you return?" Feng Wudao asked.

"I don't know," Duan Lingtian shook his head.

"Lingtian, take care on your journey," Feng Wudao said.

"Don't worry, Uncle Feng, I will," Duan Lingtian said.

"Lingtian, you must come back safely," Feng Tianwu said.

"I will," Duan Lingtian said.

Duan Lingtian bade farewell to Feng Wudao and the others and left Heavenly Lake Palace alone. He soared above the Heavenly Lake Mountain Range, looking down at the earth below.

"This world, I will return!"A glint of light flashed in Duan Lingtian's eyes. He took a deep breath, shot up into the sky, and disappeared into the horizon.