Chapter 185: Heart of the Realm

It was the end of the Xu hour.

At this time, cultivators who went to bed early were already resting, but many cultivators were just beginning their night life. However, ordinary laborers could forget about it; the sect's monthly allotment of spirit stones wasn't even enough for cultivation.

Only after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage can cultivators earn extra income through skills or quests, making their pockets a bit looser. Therefore, those strolling the night market are basically disciples of Foundation Establishment or higher, including inner‑door disciples, direct‑line disciples, stewards, elders, and the female cultivators of Mysterious Maiden Peak.

The Bailian Business Alliance, a commercial giant of the Southern Polar Sea, arrived and simultaneously attracted countless merchants to the Cloud Hidden Sect to open markets.

The Cloud Hidden Sect has a vein of spirit stones, and spirit stones are extremely scarce among wandering cultivators and sects, let alone in the mortal world; a low‑grade spirit stone pendant can strengthen the body. Thus, merchants who come to the Cloud Hidden Sect profit, which draws even more merchants.

As the commercial district of Guest‑Arriving Peak becomes more prosperous, Cloud Hidden Sect cultivators increasingly enjoy spending there; consequently, not only has Flowing Cloud Pavilion's tavern and eatery extended its hours, but the various shops of Listening Wind Pavilion are copying the practice.

After the daytime hustle, people are more willing to buy things at night.

Mei Xuan still hasn't returned.

Wei Yuning didn't know Uncle Hong Le's schedule; since he planned to consult him, he needed some sincerity, so inviting him to a meal would also serve to strengthen their bond.

Soon after Wei Yuning sent a messenger bird, a bird returned.

"Star‑Plucking Pavilion is treating? I'm on my way!" Hong Le's reply was crisp and decisive.

Leaving Wind Lotus Garden, Wei Yuning hurried to Star‑Plucking Pavilion; as the host, he couldn't be later than his guest. From Hong Le's tone, he seemed eager to eat right away.

At the first‑floor desk of Wind Lotus Garden, the attendant at the front desk actually recognized him.

"Young Master Yuning, are you alone or with friends?" the attendant asked warmly.

"Two people; the other will arrive soon!"

"Room No. 3 is currently empty, with a view for moon‑gazing; would you like to reserve it?" the attendant suggested, noting that he knew Young Master Yuning had good relations with a group of direct‑line disciples of the Cloud Hidden Sect and was not short of money.

"Fine, Room No. 3. Bring out a serving of each signature dish!" Wei Yuning instructed.

"Got it, Young Master, please go upstairs to Room No. 3!" the attendant called.

"Later a guest will arrive—Steward Hong Le from the Pill Room; send him straight to Room No. 3 to find me!" Wei Yuning said.

"Understood, Young Master! What a coincidence—Room No. 1 is being visited now by Elder Xu Chen of the Pill Room!" the attendant said.

"…Oh, got it!" Wei Yuning replied.

For a moment he thought about leaving for another restaurant, but upon reconsideration realized there was nothing he couldn't tolerate, so there was no reason to avoid it.

Reaching the top floor, the door to Room No. 1 was tightly shut, Room No. 2 the same, while Room No. 3, unoccupied, had its door ajar.

Wei Yuning entered Room No. 3. Indeed, the view was far poorer than that of Room No. 1; only a third of the windows faced the night‑shrouded sea of clouds.

Room No. 3, like the others, had simple defensive and sound‑proof formations, preventing the neighboring rooms from hearing.

Half‑closing the door, Wei Yuning went to the window, gazing at the distant scenery, his mind a whirl of thoughts.

However, what occupied his thoughts most were Qiu Hu and Ye Ying; since their departure he had constantly worried about their safety, and now that he knows they are both fine, the weight pressing on his heart finally lifts.

After entering this world, Qiu Hu was his first girl who confessed to him; although the ending was not ideal, the thrill of first seeing her true form still lingers deep in his heart.

The Ten‑Thousand‑Age Immortal City—what a wondrous place! Though its celestial palace holds the same status as those of the Realm, one need not become an immortal to live there. Besides the cultivation lineage, there are mortals, beast cultivators, demon cultivators, and even devil cultivators coexisting peacefully; it's astonishing to imagine.

If not for his meager strength and the unresolved people and matters in the Cloud Hidden Sect, he truly wishes to leave the sect and roam the mortal world.

But such a thought can only remain a thought.

At present his only reliance is a single return‑journey celestial talisman; upon reaching the Immortal City, if he cannot enter it, he must live in Wei City, where he would have to find a new livelihood and constantly worry about safety.

In the end, his strength is far insufficient for inter‑realm travel; using the return talisman to reach the Immortal City is merely moving from one cage to another. It would be better to stay in the Cloud Hidden Sect cage and diligently improve his power.

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door.

"Young Master, the dishes are ready; shall we serve them now?"

"Bring them all out!" Wei Yuning said.

"Alright! Young Master, please wait a moment!"

The attendant left.

In no time the door opened, and three attendants entered, each carrying a massive tray laden with exquisite dishes.

After the attendants left, while Wei Yuning was curious why Hong Le hadn't arrived yet, a hearty laugh came from outside. He pushed the door open, and Hong Le and Man Niu arrived together.

He closed the door, and the three took their seats.

"Uncle, don't laugh so loudly; Elder Xu Chen is in Room No. 1!" Wei Yuning reminded.

"Ah!? Sigh!" Hong Le expressed his displeasure in two words.

Man Niu, who had been cheerful, frowned upon hearing that.

"Eat then, ignore him!" Wei Yuning poured a cup of spirit fruit wine for Hong Le, then said to Man Niu, "Brother Niu, help yourself; I won't attend to you!"

"Senior brother, you're too overbearing; you invited Master for a meal but didn't include me. I don't need your hospitality; I'll serve myself!" Man Niu brusquely placed a huge platter of lamb before himself.

Hong Le, seeing the brotherly bond between Wei Yuning and Man Niu, nodded and smiled.

The three clinked cups and began to eat and drink.

Although the taste couldn't match Wei Yuning's own cooking, the atmosphere was far better than eating at home alone.

"Qing Mo, what's the matter today?" after three rounds of wine and five flavors of dishes, Hong Le asked the business.

"Uncle, I've cast the Thick Earth Realm spell, but the situation differs slightly from yours!" Wei Yuning said.

"What? So fast?" Hong Le wore an expression of disbelief.

"Uncle, it's not about speed; it's about it being different!" Wei Yuning emphasized.

"Oh, then show me!" Hong Le's expression remained shocked; he wondered why Qing Mo could deploy the Thick Earth Realm defensive formation so quickly, knowing how difficult it is.

Wei Yuning began to describe in detail the process of casting the Thick Earth Realm.

"Brilliant! Replacing earth‑type comprehension with a wood‑type spell, excellent!" Hearing Wei Yuning explain using hollow plants to carry lake mud, Hong Le slammed the table and exclaimed loudly.

"Ancestor of the Dao above, you have even grasped a spatial spell!"

"Moonlight Stone, what is this? If it truly originates from a living body, its effect would certainly surpass fluorite; sigh, why didn't I think of using something like this!"

Throughout the whole process, Hong Le kept praising him.

Man Niu, standing nearby, looked at Hong Le with a plaintive expression, thinking, "Master, I am your true disciple; have you forgotten?"

When Wei Yuning raised the center of the Thick Earth Realm and another Thick Earth Realm appeared, Hong Le's complexion changed; this time, he remained silent for a long while before slowly saying, "Dao Ancestor above, this seems to be the realm core!"