He fell off a cliff but unexpectedly gained a cultivation inheritance.

The Sky-Piercing Dragon Boat hovered slowly above the sea of ​​clouds. Zhang Bufan and the others looked down, and the full view of the entrance to the Kunlun Secret Realm gradually became clear. This place was completely different from the Huashan Secret Realm. The Huashan Secret Realm was hidden in a scenic area in the heart of China, with a constant stream of tourists. Every time they entered or left, they had to be careful to conceal their tracks, for fear of revealing the existence of the cultivation world. The Kunlun Secret Realm, on the other hand, was located in the deepest uninhabited area of ​​the Kunlun Mountains. As far as the eye could see, the mountains were covered with snow that never melted, with jade-like branches and trees, and towering ice peaks. The biting cold wind howled through the valleys, carrying snowflakes. The world was vast and desolate, and even the traces of birds and beasts were hard to find.

The mountain peak where the entrance to the secret realm was located was shrouded in a pale blue light curtain, densely engraved with ancient runes. These runes flowed and emitted a rich spiritual energy, serving both to conceal the secret realm and to form a solid protective barrier. Occasionally, flashes of spiritual light appeared at the edges of the curtain, revealing winding paths and indistinct pavilions within the mountain, clearly indicating that the secret realm held a different world within. Yue Buwei withdrew his gaze and said in a deep voice, "The Kunlun Secret Realm has a long history, being one of the earliest formed secret realms in the Pangu World. Its internal space is vast, and the concentration of spiritual energy far surpasses that of the outside world. The fact that this gathering can be held here is a great opportunity for all of you."

Half an hour remained before the secret realm opened, and numerous sects had already gathered on the snowfield below and in the low sky. Hundreds of cultivators were divided into small, independent groups, ranging in size from three to five to more than a dozen, scattered around the outer edge of the light barrier. Some sects chose to land on the flat snowfield, their disciples standing in neat rows with their hands at their sides, while their patriarchs and elders stood in front, their expressions dignified. Others hovered in the air on magical artifacts or rode on various flying boats. These flying boats were diverse in style, including wooden boats shaped like a blue phoenix, warships made of black iron, and jade boats that shimmered with crystal, showcasing the profound resources of each sect.

Zhang Bufan gazed intently and discovered that each sect had at least one Nascent Soul cultivator in charge, the vast majority at the early Nascent Soul stage, their auras refined and steady. A few, however, possessed even more powerful auras, clearly mid-Nascent Soul cultivators, who should be the core fighting force of their respective sects. The familiar Nascent Soul cultivators exchanged greetings from a distance, their words tinged with anticipation for the gathering. Occasionally, they mentioned resource exchanges and disciple competitions, their tone relaxed yet subtly probing. Behind them, the disciples remained silent, their posture upright, eyes lowered, even their breathing deliberately subdued, daring not to overstep any boundaries. Only their eyes held a deep curiosity and longing for this ten-year grand event.

Just then, the oppressive aura emanating from the Void-Transforming Dragon Ship slowly spread out, its powerful aura, comparable to that of a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, sweeping down like a tidal wave. The previously noisy crowd below instantly stirred. The lower-level disciples turned pale, their bodies unsteady, and many Qi Refining disciples even felt their legs go weak, nearly collapsing to the ground. Seeing this, the patriarchs of each clan hurriedly activated their spiritual domains simultaneously, a pale light barrier enveloping their disciples, barely resisting the dragon ship's oppressive aura. Their expressions all revealed undisguised shock and envy.

"What kind of magical artifact is that? It can emanate such a powerful aura!" "Judging from the shape and aura of that ship, could it be a Heaven-rank magical artifact?" Whispers spread among the disciples of various sects, and everyone's eyes were focused on the golden dragon ship that was over a hundred meters long, their eyes filled with astonishment. This was precisely the purpose of the Immortal Sword Sect's use of the Void-Transfer Ship. No need for many words; a single Heaven-rank magical artifact was enough to demonstrate the sect's foundation that had been passed down for tens of thousands of years, giving them the lead among many hidden sects.

Seeing this, Yue Buwei slightly raised his hand, manipulating the dragon ship formation to suppress the leaking pressure. The hundreds of low-level cultivators below immediately breathed a sigh of relief, panting heavily, their faces showing relief at surviving a disaster. However, when their gazes fell on the golden dragon ship floating in the sea of ​​clouds, they still felt a strong sense of oppression—the hundred-meter-long hull was like a golden mountain stretching across the sky, and the spiritual light flowing between the carved beams and painted rafters all demonstrated the nobility of this top-tier magical artifact.

Several Nascent Soul cultivators, not well acquainted with Yue, were the first to ride their magical artifacts forward. Leading them was the patriarch of the Qingyun Sect, a lean old man in a green robe, whose cultivation had reached the mid-Nascent Soul stage. He cupped his hands in greeting to the dragon boat and said with a smile, "Brother Yue, it's been many years! The Immortal Sword Sect actually possesses such a treasure. Seeing it today is truly an eye-opener!" Following closely behind was the patriarch of the Divine Weapon Valley, dressed in a red robe, his aura fiery, who said heartily, "Brother Yue certainly knows how to keep things to himself. Such a Heavenly Rank dragon boat—I doubt you could find many like it in the entire Pangu World!"

Yue Buwei stood at the bow of the boat, cupping his hands in return. His tone was humble yet confident: "You two are too kind. It's just a magical artifact left behind by the previous ancestor. It's rarely used. Today, I'm just showing my disciples the sights." With that, he waved his hand, and the railing on one side of the dragon boat's deck slowly retracted, forming a gentle step. "If you don't mind, you may come aboard and rest for a while. We can go together when the secret realm opens."

The deck of the Sky-Piercing Ship was wide and flat, easily accommodating a hundred people, and furnished with numerous chairs made of spirit wood. Several Nascent Soul cultivators exchanged smiles, thanked Yue Buwei, and led their core disciples aboard the dragon ship. The disciples of the Immortal Sword Sect rose to make way, and Zhang Bufan took the opportunity to observe the cultivators from other sects. He noticed that the disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect were mostly skilled in wood-based techniques, their bodies surrounded by a faint aura of plant and wood spirit energy; while the disciples of the Divine Weapon Valley were mostly of fire spirit roots, their auras blazing, and all wore specially made hammer accessories at their waists, presumably indicating that weapon crafting was their sect's specialty.

Just as everyone was exchanging pleasantries, a loud crane cry suddenly came from the eastern sky. The clear and melodious sound pierced through the cold wind and sea of ​​clouds, resounding throughout the entire entrance to the secret realm. The previously noisy crowd instantly fell silent, and everyone turned to look, their gazes all converging on the eastern horizon.

A crimson sun was slowly rising, its golden rays bathing the heavens and earth. A white figure, enveloped in a faint purple aura, sped forth from the light. It was a lithe crane, hundreds of meters long, its feathers as white as snow, a touch of crimson on its head, and a beak as smooth as jade. When its wings were spread, the tips shimmered with wisps of spiritual light. Behind it trailed a long trail of purple mist, which, together with the rising sun, created a breathtakingly beautiful celestial scene of "Purple Aura Coming from the East." The crane flew with incredible speed, and in just a few breaths, it approached the entrance to the secret realm, stopping steadily high in the sky not far from the Sky-Piercing Dragon Ship, level with it.

Zhang Bufan looked closely and saw that a dozen or so cultivators dressed in moon-white Daoist robes were sitting on the back of the crane. They were all tall and upright, with an otherworldly air. The leader was an old man in white robes with white hair and a youthful face. His face was gentle and his eyes were bright and piercing. Although his hair and beard were all white, his complexion was rosy and delicate, like that of a newborn baby. A faint white light surrounded him, and a faint medicinal fragrance wafted in with the wind. It was clear and mellow. When he inhaled it, he felt his meridians were soothed and even his spiritual energy flowed more smoothly.

The old man sat serenely on a jade couch atop a crane, his expression serene yet exuding an aura that inspired awe. Upon seeing this, all the Nascent Soul cultivators present quickly composed themselves, stepped forward, and bowed respectfully towards the crane. The Immortal Sword Sect's patriarch spoke first: "Greetings, True Person Wenshi!" The other cultivators echoed in unison, shouting, "Greetings, True Person Wenshi!" Their voices were unified and resounded through the heavens.

Zhang Bufan's heart stirred. It turned out this old man was none other than the current patriarch of Lao Jun Mountain, the Wen Shi Zhenren, Zhang Daoling. He had vaguely learned of this alchemy master's name from the inherited memories of Xuan Qing Dao Ren, and seeing him today, it was indeed well-deserved. Elder Liu beside him lowered his voice and briefly introduced him to the disciples: "The Wen Shi Zhenren is nearly two thousand years old. He is the highest-ranking alchemist currently existing in the Pangu World, with a cultivation level reaching the late Nascent Soul stage. It is rumored that he has refined top-grade Heaven-rank pills, making him the foremost alchemist in the entire cultivation world."

A hint of emotion flickered across Liu Yan'er's usually cold face as she whispered, "It's rumored that although Master Wenshi isn't skilled in combat, his status far surpasses that of ordinary late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators. This is because he possesses both virtue and talent, and he will always grant the requests of any cultivator who is righteous and genuinely needs pills. More than half of the Nascent Soul cultivators present have had him refine pills." Xie Ding also sighed, "To have Master Wenshi refine pills is an immense opportunity. Many cultivators are willing to wait outside Lao Jun Mountain for months or even years just for a single pill."

Zhang Bufan carefully examined the crane, clearly sensing the immense demonic energy emanating from it; the level of its refined aura was comparable to that of a Nascent Soul cultivator in the early stages. Elder Liu seemed to read his mind and added, "That crane is the guardian beast of Lao Jun Mountain, named Lingyun. It is a fourth-tier early-stage demon king. Although it cannot transform into human form, its supernatural powers are vast. Not only is its flight speed extremely fast, but it can also manipulate innate purple energy, making its defensive capabilities astonishing."

At this moment, Master Wenshi slowly raised his hand, his voice gentle and mellow, like a spring breeze, reaching everyone's ears: "There is no need for formalities. We have gathered in Kunlun today for this ten-year agreement, so there is no need to be so polite." Although his voice was not loud, it carried a special power, which made the awe in everyone's hearts lessen, and they felt as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.

Yue Buwei stepped forward, cupped his hands, and smiled, "Fellow Daoist Zhang, it's been many years, and you still retain your former charm. It's truly a pleasure to see you here." Master Wenshi's gaze fell on Yue Buwei, and a gentle smile appeared on his face: "Brother Yue, you're too kind. The Immortal Sword Sect's use of the Void-Transfer Ship this time has certainly broadened my horizons. Such a Heaven-Rank magic weapon is a rare sight indeed."

"These are just old relics, nothing compared to the profound heritage of Lao Jun Mountain," Yue Buwei said with a modest smile. He then stepped aside and invited, "Brother Zhang, why don't you take your disciples aboard and rest for a while? The secret realm will open in half an hour, so we can catch up." Master Wenshi nodded, gently patted the crane's neck, and the crane, understanding his meaning, flapped its wings and flew to the side of the dragon boat, landing slowly. Then, Master Wenshi's figure flickered, and he landed on the deck with several core disciples. The remaining disciples, along with the crane, hovered respectfully in the air outside the dragon boat.

The cultivators on the deck quickly made way, their gazes fixed on Master Wenshi with awe and curiosity. Zhang Bufan also quietly circulated his spiritual power, attempting to sense Master Wenshi's aura, only to find that the other's aura was like a bottomless abyss, seemingly gentle but actually incredibly profound. Even though his spiritual power far surpassed that of his peers, he could hardly fathom its depths.

Master Wenshi's gaze slowly swept over the disciples on the deck. When it landed on Zhang Bufan, he paused for a moment, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. Then he smiled at Yue Buwei and said, "Brother Yue, this disciple has exceptional talent, especially his spiritual power, which far surpasses that of his peers. Could he be one of your best disciples in recent years?"

Yue Buwei was startled, not expecting that Master Wenshi could see through Zhang Bufan's background at a glance. He then smiled and said, "It is indeed my disciple Zhang Bufan. By chance, I obtained some inheritance and have some talent in alchemy." Master Wenshi nodded, his gaze falling on Zhang Bufan, and said gently, "Young man, alchemy requires meticulousness, composure, and accurate identification of herbs. Since you have talent, you must cherish it and not waste this opportunity."

Zhang Bufan quickly bowed and respectfully said, "Thank you for your guidance, Master. I will keep it in mind." Upon closer contact with this master of alchemy, he felt the medicinal fragrance emanating from the other man grow even stronger, and his spiritual energy stirred slightly, as if nourished by the fragrance, circulating more smoothly. He secretly resolved that if he had the opportunity in the future, he would definitely seek guidance from Master Wenshi on alchemy.

At this moment, Nascent Soul cultivators from other sects also stepped forward to exchange pleasantries with Master Wenshi. Some mentioned the kindness shown to them in seeking elixirs in the past, and Master Wenshi patiently responded to each one, speaking in a gentle and unpretentious manner. The atmosphere on the deck gradually became more lively, and the tense inter-sect exchanges that had been brewing between sects eased considerably due to Master Wenshi's arrival.

Yue Ling'er, holding Ye Qingxue's hand, quietly hid behind Zhang Bufan, curiously observing Wen Shi Zhenren and the crane, and whispered, "Sister Qingxue, Wen Shi Zhenren looks so approachable, not at all like the dignified figure in the legends. And that crane, it's so beautiful, its feathers are like snow." Ye Qingxue smiled and nodded, "Wen Shi Zhenren is highly respected and always approachable. That spirit crane is an ancient and rare species; to have it recognize you as its master shows the profound heritage of Lao Jun Mountain."

Xie Ding and Liu Yan'er stood to the side, looking at Master Wenshi with respectful expressions and longing in their eyes. Xie Ding said in a low voice, "If we could receive even a single word of guidance from Master Wenshi, it would greatly benefit our cultivation." Liu Yan'er nodded slightly, "Although Master Wenshi doesn't show himself often, every time he does, he brings many opportunities to the cultivation world. Perhaps some unexpected divine pills and elixirs will be revealed at this gathering."

After exchanging pleasantries with everyone for a while, Master Wenshi looked down at the light screen at the entrance to the secret realm and said in a deep voice, "There is still a quarter of an hour before the secret realm opens. Everyone should prepare yourselves. In addition to resource exchange and disciple competitions, it is said that the Wanfa Sect has also specially prepared an alchemy auction for this secret realm gathering, which includes many thousand-year-old spiritual herbs and ancient pill formulas. It is definitely worth looking forward to."

Upon hearing this, everyone's spirits lifted. Millennium-old spiritual herbs and ancient pill formulas were top-tier opportunities for any cultivator, especially for an alchemist like Zhang Bufan, who found them irresistibly attractive. He secretly planned to bid on some rare medicinal herbs and pill formulas at this gathering, hoping to improve his alchemy skills and accumulate resources for his future breakthrough to the Core Formation stage.

At this moment, the light screen at the entrance to the secret realm below suddenly lit up, the ancient runes swirled more rapidly, and the spiritual energy between heaven and earth began to fluctuate violently. Yue Buwei and Master Wenshi exchanged a glance, then simultaneously moved, landing at the bow of the dragon boat, their gazes fixed on the light screen. The cultivators from other sects also returned to their respective groups, solemnly preparing.

The once-a-decade sect gathering in the Kunlun Secret Realm is about to begin. The arrival of Master Wenshi not only adds weight to this grand event but also fills Zhang Bufan with anticipation for the upcoming alchemy exchange and auction. He knows this gathering will be an excellent opportunity for him to improve his alchemy skills and accumulate resources, and it will undoubtedly be the start of a fierce competition.