Chapter 123

Chapter 123: Long Time No See

Nie Zheng mentioned the celestial-grade Secret Realm would open soon. Without delay, You You departed the next day with Ning Rui and Yuan Qi. The Soul Breath was invisible and intangible – perhaps only Yuan Papa could detect it. Ning Rui had been specifically instructed by Nie Zheng to attend.

Upon arrival, they discovered Yuyu Island, though called an "island", was actually a vast landmass separate from the Immortal Blessing Continent. The island contained numerous cultivator cities where disciples from various sects often stayed during sea training expeditions.

Their meeting point was Jinxing City, the largest cultivator city here. They’d barely landed when they spotted someone wildly waving at them from the city gate.

"Ning brother!" Nie Zheng beamed like a sunflower, rushing straight to Ning Rui beside You You. "Years since we met! How’s your Foundation Building progress? Did you get the pills I sent? The Cultivation Techniques? Magical tools working well? Any Cultivation issues?"

His rapid-fire questions resembled an overbearing elder brother. Ning Rui’s face darkened, fingers repeatedly clenching as he fought the urge to punch the man. After a sharp inhale, he retreated a step. "No. Stay back."

Unfazed by the coldness, Nie Zheng sighed nostalgically. "Ah, still the same ice-faced warm-hearted Ning brother after all these years! I understand completely."

*Crk.* A vein throbbed on Ning Rui’s forehead. *Understand your head!* After several calming breaths, he turned to You You. "Master, shall we enter the city?"

Nie Zheng finally noticed the others. "You’re here too, Hea—"

"Call me You You," she cut in, preferring anonymity. "Let’s proceed."

Nodding comprehension, Nie Zheng led them through crowded streets packed with cultivators – sect disciples and loose cultivators alike. Stalls lined the roads selling pills, talismans, magical tools, and formation devices.

Nie Zheng explained this was the last major stop before dangerous sea voyages, hence the bustle. Ordinary people couldn’t reach these islands without flight capabilities. "The locals mentioned some event today – that’s why it’s busier than usual," he added before stopping at an inn.

"Innkeeper! Any private rooms left?"

The innkeeper began shaking his head until spotting You You. "Ah! Had I known a Celestial graced us! We’ll prepare one immediately!"

Soon they were seated in a room overlooking a central stage being prepared with defensive formations below.

"Here for the treasure appraisal event?" asked their guide, noting You You’s interest. "The Treasure Pavilion’s auction starts soon – rare treasures this time! The finale item’s especially remarkable."

"Treasure appraisal event?"

"A decade’s rarity!" he gushed. "Celestials should stay till the end!"

After thanking him, You You turned to her companions. "What’s the Treasure Pavilion?"

Ning Rui answered, "Sect Master, it’s a God Transformation loose cultivator’s creation rivaling top immortal sects. Their decennial auctions sell priceless items at rotating locations – this year’s here."

*An auction house.* You You observed neighboring boxes filled with female cultivators flanked by male companions. She suddenly understood the preferential treatment – female cultivators were rare and presumed wealthy.

Glancing at her disciples back home, she wondered if she’d become the realm’s only impoverished female cultivator.

As auction preparations continued below, she refocused. They were here for procurement, not spending.

"Nie Zheng. Explain the celestial-grade Secret Realm in detail."