Chapter 615 - 95: The Fourth Realm’s Spot

The Six Heart Sect had experienced a brief period of chaos over the past five days, but peace was restored both internally and externally. After all, with a Fourth Realm Cultivator presiding, no amount of turmoil could truly destroy a sect with a thousand-year heritage.

Early this morning, Inner Sect Disciples filled the area before the Six Heart Sect’s mountain gate. Among them was a Third Realm Gold Cultivator, obviously waiting to welcome someone.

「Late Morning.」

The chill of the winter night was gradually dissipating, and the clouds on the horizon were awash in the morning glow. Suddenly, a golden Token appeared at the edge of the southern sky, its image projected beneath the clouds.

Upon seeing this, the Third Realm Gold Cultivator leading the group instinctively straightened the collar of his Daoist robe. He then led the disciples out of the mountain gate, watching the rapidly approaching projection from afar with a gentle smile.

The visitor was, of course, Wang Ping. He had actually used a Transfer Talisman to arrive directly within Jinhuai Prefecture. However, since he was visiting a senior this time, he couldn’t just appear on their doorstep.

Looking at the familiar gate of the Six Heart Sect, Wang Ping’s mind filled with a myriad of thoughts. He couldn’t help but recall his first visit. Back then, the Six Heart Sect had been a colossus to him. But times had changed; the once-glorious sect was now showing signs of decline.

As his thoughts drifted, he flipped twice within the Wood Spirit Qi, then dove downward with Yu Lian at an imperceptible speed. He came to a steady stop a thousand feet from the Six Heart Sect’s mountain gate, dissipating the Wood Spirit Qi to reveal himself.

The moment Wang Ping’s feet touched the ground, the Third Realm Gold Cultivator at the gate immediately led the other disciples in a fist-and-palm salute.

Wang Ping returned the salute and then strode forward.

"This humble Daoist is Tong Jing of the Forgotten Heart Hall. Greetings, Changqing Zhenren!" the Third Realm Gold Cultivator introduced himself.

"Daoist Tong Jing!" Wang Ping returned the gesture with a single-handed Taoist salute.

After returning the salute, Daoist Tong Jing stepped aside, made an inviting gesture, and said, "Senior Wan Zhi has been awaiting you in the Dao Field behind the Heart Inquiry Hall for some time. This way, please, Zhenren."

Wang Ping gave a subtle nod. Yu Lian’s body was coiled around his left arm, her vertical pupils sizing up all the surrounding disciples.

As he entered the Six Heart Sect, Wang Ping could clearly feel many gazes secretly sizing him up. Yu Lian reminded him in his Spirit Sea, "Many of them are hostile toward you. It seems the rumors had some effect after all."

Wang Ping paid it no mind, so Yu Lian said no more. She merely shot an instinctual glare toward the malicious gazes. If this weren’t the Six Heart Sect, she might have already started a massacre.

After walking for two hours, Wang Ping saw the familiar pavilion.

"Come straight in."

Wan Zhi Daoist’s voice came from a small courtyard not far away.

Wang Ping and Daoist Tong Jing quickly bowed. Daoist Tong Jing then withdrew from the pavilion and departed, while Wang Ping, with his hands placed respectfully before him, walked toward the small courtyard.

The lounge chair in the courtyard was still there, but the person who used to occupy it was gone. Wan Zhi Daoist sat casually on a stone stool under the eaves, leaning against a pillar of the house as she read a book. It wasn’t a Taoist classic, but a common storybook.

"No need for formalities!"

Wan Zhi Daoist lifted her gaze and spoke just as Wang Ping was about to bow.

But Wang Ping still clasped his fists, bowed, and solemnly performed a junior’s salute.

Wan Zhi Daoist put down her storybook. After Wang Ping finished his salute, she spoke first. "I know why you’re here. Zi Luan has used a special method to block most means of tracking. Perhaps... not even a True Monarch can pinpoint his current location."

Wang Ping was taken aback. "Is ’First Day’ helping him?"

"Yes, but not the ’First Day’ you know," Wan Zhi Daoist replied casually. Seeing Wang Ping’s confused expression, she added, "Every sect has its factions. ’First Day’ is no exception."

A look of sudden realization appeared on Wang Ping’s face. "I understand," he replied.

Yu Lian had long since slipped into his sleeve.

Wan Zhi Daoist stood up, glanced at the lounge chair Xiao Shan Lord had often used, and said, "Ever since the revolt of the cultivators in the Southern Cultivation Realm over a hundred years ago, Zi Luan was ecstatic for a time. Then, for some unknown reason, he was suddenly plunged into constant terror, ultimately leading to his current escape."

"Escape?" Wang Ping softly repeated the word.

"By your generation, the slots for the Fourth Realm have become tainted. They are no longer as pure as they were at the dawn of the Human Dao. Your lineage holds one such slot, but it cannot be given to just anyone. Zi Luan’s choice means that regardless of what the future holds, he has lost his chance to enter the Fourth Realm!"

Wang Ping lowered his head at her words. "I understand."

Wan Zhi Daoist added, "The same goes for Xiu Yu. No one will support his advancement. Even if he schemes until the end of time, it will be impossible. Therefore, you don’t need to waste any more energy investigating Zi Luan and Xiu Yu."

She pointed a finger at Wang Ping. "Therefore, you are the sole successor Xiao Shan left behind. Although you do not share the title of master and disciple, you cannot change this fact. Do you accept this?"

"I will never forget Xiao Shan Lord’s guidance and care!" Wang Ping said, his head still lowered.

"Good!"

Wan Zhi Daoist withdrew her outstretched hand. "Are you prepared to seek the Fourth Realm?"

Wang Ping took a deep breath and replied, "Yes!"

Wan Zhi Daoist studied Wang Ping for a moment, then asked again, "Think carefully before you answer. Once you confirm, both your allies and your enemies will come knocking. For the next thousand years, you may have to bear heavy shackles."

"I am certain!"

Wang Ping’s words were resolute.

Wan Zhi Daoist’s expression didn’t change. Perhaps she had seen too many cultivators like him. After observing him for a few breaths, she said, "This is a special time. The older generation of Fourth Realm Cultivators have more or less completed their missions, and most have reached the end of their lifespans. It has now been a thousand years since a new Fourth Realm Cultivator has emerged..."

The words were heavy. The Fourth Realm did not grant immortality, so its cultivators were fated to be unable to escape the erosion of time.

"It’s been over five thousand years since the rise of the Human Dao, and the world has been at peace for just as long. In the blink of an eye, nearly two hundred years have passed since Xiao Shan made his move for the Fifth Realm..."

"He tore a small crack in the existing rules, creating immense uncertainty for the future. If you are determined to advance to the Fourth Realm at this time, the pressure you will face will be immense. Perhaps what is to come will be even more brutal than our war with the Demon Race during the rise of the Human Dao!"

Perhaps because Wang Ping was now the only hope for Xiao Shan’s lineage, Wan Zhi Daoist spoke at greater length. "Let me be more direct. Your advancement will require the coordination of many people. After you advance, you will have to face the bill they present. Do you understand what I’m saying?"

"I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Senior. However, even if we hide and wait for this period to pass, the future will still be uncertain."

Wang Ping’s resolve grew even firmer.

Wan Zhi Daoist looked at him and sighed. "You don’t truly understand. Since we’ve already come this far, I might as well be blunt. We, the older generation of Fourth Realm Cultivators, have already settled our karmic debts. The karmic debts of the future must be borne by you!"

Wang Ping froze. He looked up at Wan Zhi Daoist, met her gaze for several breaths, then lowered his head again. "I want to try!"

Upon hearing this, Wan Zhi Daoist’s expression became cold and impassive. She waved a hand dismissively. "In that case, the slot for your lineage is yours from this moment on. But the true competition is only just beginning. You no longer need to concern yourself with interference from the upper echelons, but you must handle your own matters yourself!"