Cultivating immortality relies on spatial abilities; defying fate to become the protagonist.

Chapter 169 Demonized Beast
Gu Shihan looked at Bai Li with a puzzled expression and said respectfully, "Senior Xie, this is the Heavenly Water Secret Realm. I really don't understand why you would appear here. Is it merely to stop that terrifying demonic shadow from escaping this place?"

Bai Li gently shook his head, his snow-white hair fluttering in the wind, making him appear even more ethereal and otherworldly.

He slowly spoke, "That's not the case! To tell you the truth, I was tricked and put into a deep sleep in this secret realm. I was only able to awaken a few years ago, and that demonic figure was just a jailer responsible for guarding me."

Upon hearing this, Gu Shihan was taken aback. She wondered what kind of predicament this senior had encountered, and quickly asked, "May I ask, senior, what is the reason you are trapped here?"

Bai Li sighed deeply, as if recalling that unbearable past. His voice was slightly low as he said, "It's a long story. A thousand years ago, our clan unfortunately offended a powerful being. That powerful being's strength was unfathomable, and his methods were all-powerful."

Ultimately, as the representative of my clan, I was subjected to severe punishment and sealed away in this desolate and uninhabited Tianshui Secret Realm. If it weren't for the fortunate encounter with you young friends today, who stumbled upon this place by chance, I would likely have continued to endure this long and arduous imprisonment, not knowing when I would regain my freedom.

Standing to the side, Yu Tong could no longer contain her curiosity. She blinked her bright eyes and asked impatiently, "Then, senior, do you know who that powerful being is? How could he possess such terrifying strength!"

Upon hearing this, Bai Li's expression changed slightly, and his eyes dimmed instantly, as if he harbored some fear of that powerful figure.

After hesitating for a moment, he shook his head and replied solemnly, "This is a secret of heaven and cannot be easily revealed. In short, the power of that great being is beyond your imagination. Although I have managed to escape by chance, my strength has not yet fully recovered and I still need some time to recuperate."

Just as everyone was lost in thought, Xingbai, who had been listening quietly, suddenly broke the silence and asked with a serious expression, "In that case, may I ask, senior, are there any other unknown dangers hidden within this Heavenly Water Secret Realm? After all, we entered this place to seek the legendary opportunities and fortunes."

Bai Li looked at Xing Bai, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and asked, "Can't you transform into human form yet?"

Xingbai spun around, and a cute little boy of about five or six years old appeared before everyone, proudly saying, "Sure! Why not?! I just like having Hanhan hold me."

A smile flashed across Bai Li's face. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "I only know of a spiritual spring, but it is surrounded by restrictions, making it difficult for you to approach with your current abilities. However, considering that you saved me, I can give you a protective talisman that can ensure your safe passage through the restrictions once. How much opportunity you gain depends on your luck."

Gu Shihan and the others exchanged glances, their faces showing surprise and delight. "Thank you for your help, senior." Gu Shihan accepted the talisman.

Bai Li looked at Xing Bai and said gently, "Well, now that the demonic shadow has been eliminated, it's time for me to return to heaven. Young friend, I'll take you there now. Farewell!"

Guided by Bai Li, they headed towards the Spirit Spring. Although there were still some minor obstacles along the way, they successfully arrived at the Spirit Spring thanks to their previous experience and Bai Li's protection.

The spiritual spring emitted a misty vapor, and the surrounding spiritual energy was so dense it was almost tangible. "Such dense spiritual energy!"

Bai Li waved his hand, and his figure disappeared. Xing Bai jumped down excitedly and ran happily towards the spirit spring.

Gu Shihan and Yu Tong also couldn't wait to get closer to the Spirit Spring Pool.

Just as they were about to touch the spiritual spring, it suddenly shone brightly, and an ancient voice rang out: "To obtain the power of the spiritual spring, you must solve my riddle." Then, a string of shimmering runes appeared in the air.

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. Xingbai scratched his fox head and asked, "What should we do?"

Gu Shihan carefully observed the runes and tried to decipher their meaning. After some deep thought, her eyes suddenly lit up. She reached out and touched the runes, adjusting their order according to her own understanding.

As the last rune returned to its place, the restriction on the spiritual spring disappeared.

With a cheer, everyone rushed towards the spiritual spring to cultivate and absorb its power. Xingbai felt its spiritual energy becoming purer and deeper, with faint signs of a breakthrough. In a flash, it disappeared and returned to its spatial dimension.

Gu Shihan sensed the abundance of spiritual energy. With a wave of her hand, Xiao Hei was also taken outside. She hoped that Xiao Hei could also improve from this place.

Yu Tong transformed into a little fire phoenix, her entire small body soaking in the spiritual spring. Three days later, she returned to her space to advance her cultivation level.

As time passed, Gu Shihan's cultivation level broke through to the late stage of the tenth level of the Golden Core realm. She seemed to have reached a bottleneck and realized that there would be no benefit in continuing to cultivate, so she stopped.

Xiao Hei also gained a lot. Suddenly, the secret realm shook. Gu Shihan took out the Tianshui Secret Realm Token and knew that the secret realm had opened.

Gu Shihan gripped the token tightly and said to Xiao Hei, "Let's go."

Little Black gave a low growl in agreement. They flew swiftly towards the depths of the secret realm.

On their journey, they encountered a group of demonized beasts with bloodshot eyes, exuding a strong aura of malevolence.

Gu Shihan frowned, drew her Seven Star Silk Sound Sword, and prepared for battle.

Little Black charged forward first, its agile movements and each pounce carrying immense power.

Gu Shihan then cast spells, sending streaks of spiritual sword energy towards the demonic beasts, but the demonic beasts were numerous and gradually surrounded them.

Just then, Gu Shihan remembered that she had not yet fully utilized the mysterious power she had obtained at the spiritual spring.

Yes, this spiritual spring cultivation has awakened the hidden spiritual root in my body—the light spiritual root.

The light spirit power awakened. Calming his mind, he guided that power to flow throughout his body, then formed hand seals and chanted incantations.

A dazzling white light burst forth from her body, and the demonic beasts that encountered this light screamed and retreated.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Gu Shihan and Xiao Hei quickly broke out of the encirclement and flew into the depths of the secret realm.

Xingbai successfully broke through and couldn't wait to leave the space, happily exclaiming, "Hanhan, look how tall I've grown!"

"Xingbai, congratulations! You've grown so tall, that's wonderful!" Gu Shihan said with a smile.

Xingbai's figure flickered, transforming back into the form of a little fox. He frowned and said, "Hanhan, the Heavenly Water Secret Realm has opened, and cultivators have entered, but why do I sense an extra trace of demonic energy? Your senior brother and Brother Shi should have entered as well, right? Should we contact them?"

Gu Shihan looked around and said calmly, "No rush. Let's look around and find the source of the demonic energy. We recently encountered a group of demonized beasts. I just don't know if anyone has been demonized. I have a feeling of unease about it!"

(End of this chapter)