69 – The Mysterious Forbidden Land

“Brother Wang, we meet again… No, it seems I should now call you Senior.”

Just then, a playful voice sounded.

Wang Ping turned his head and saw Xia Yuan, still dressed as a man, walking towards him with the Old Woman.

“I didn’t expect you to come to me first.”

Wang Ping smiled faintly.

“Hehe, after all, I am most familiar with you, Senior.”

Xia Yuan chuckled lightly.

“Senior, you are not familiar with the Imperial City, are you? How about I show you around? What do you think?”

Paused for a moment, Xia Yuan invited again.

“Alright.”

Wang Ping nodded.

Next, the two wandered around the Imperial City.

“Senior, may I ask what brings you to the Imperial City this time? It shouldn’t be just for sightseeing, right?”

After a while, Xia Yuan asked.

“Your Great Xia has the appearance of a dynasty in decline. The reason it’s barely maintaining stability is that the Old Ancestor has not yet passed away.” Wang Ping said calmly. “I’m here to enter the Royal Forbidden Land. In exchange, I can refine a Yang Rejuvenation Pill for Elder Xia Wencheng, extending his life by twenty years.”

“Is what you’re saying true, Senior?”

Upon hearing Wang Ping’s words, Xia Yuan was initially stunned, then wore a full face of joy.

She didn’t mind that Wang Ping knew about the forbidden land.

After all, it wasn’t a secret among top-tier forces.

The Old Woman beside her also had a face full of joy and was extremely excited.

After all, the issue they were most concerned about now was Elder Xia Wencheng, a Spirit Origin Realm peak expert, nearing his end.

Although they had tried everything to prolong his life, it was to no avail, only delaying his aging and decline in combat power, but not extending his life.

Because life-extending precious herbs were extremely rare, one might not see a single one for hundreds of years. Even the Great Xia Royal Family couldn’t find one.

“Of course, it’s true. I already have the Yang Rejuvenation Grass in my hands. As long as you provide the other precious herbs, I can refine a Yang Rejuvenation Pill for him.” Wang Ping said breezily.

“!!!”

Xia Yuan and the Old Woman exchanged a glance and were overjoyed.

The Yang Rejuvenation Pill, a fourth-grade elixir that could extend life.

Not only was it difficult to refine, the most important part was that Yang Rejuvenation Grass was hard to find.

Now, Wang Ping said he had the Yang Rejuvenation Grass, how could they not be happy?

“If Senior can truly refine a Yang Rejuvenation Pill for the Elder, I believe he will surely allow you to enter and leave the forbidden land as you wish.” Xia Yuan said earnestly.

She, and the Great Xia Royal Family, currently lacked this elixir.

As long as the Elder remains strong after she inherits the throne, she could carry out extensive reforms.

Perhaps, this elixir could really stabilize the Great Xia dynasty for several hundred more years.

Therefore, regardless of the cost, the Great Xia Royal Family must obtain this Yang Rejuvenation Pill.

“Then lead the way.” Wang Ping nodded, saying no more.

In response, Xia Yuan and the Old Woman exchanged a glance and quickly led Wang Ping to the palace.

With Xia Yuan and the Old Woman around, entering the depths of the palace was as smooth as it could be.

Soon, Wang Ping met the Great Xia’s Ancestor Xia Wencheng.

He was an elderly person with white hair and beard, showing clear signs of aging.

However, despite his old age, his face still held remnants of his youthful majesty.

“Seeing you is better than hearing your name… Friend, you’re hiding quite deep, with a peak Spirit Origin Realm cultivation, yet you walked the world with a first-level Spirit Origin Realm status. The Sword Spirit Sect truly has immense fortune.”

While Wang Ping was observing the old man, he was also observing Wang Ping, his somewhat cloudy old eyes widened and filled with amazement and envy.

Only cultivators at the same level or higher can discern someone’s true level of cultivation.

Thus, the Great Xia Elder Xia Wencheng saw through Wang Ping’s true cultivation.

Of course, this was also because Wang Ping hadn’t practiced any aura-concealing secret techniques.

Otherwise, Xia Wencheng wouldn’t have been able to see through him.

“What? Senior is at the peak of the Spirit Origin Realm!?”

Xia Yuan looked at Wang Ping with a face full of shock, finding it hard to believe.

The Old Woman beside her also took a deep breath.

Wang Ping looked so young yet possessed the cultivation of the peak Spirit Origin Realm… it was terrifying.

Such talent could be considered rare in the world.

“I was indeed too arrogant back then…”
Following that, Xia Yuan let out another bitter laugh.

In the past, she thought Wang Ping’s talent was not as good as hers or Bai Tianhong’s.

She was confident that she could reach the Spirit Origin Realm by the age of forty or fifty.

But now, how old is Wang Ping… and he has already reached the Great Perfection of the Spirit Origin Realm.

The Great Perfection of the Spirit Origin Realm, in Great Xia, is synonymous with invincibility.

The reason Great Xia is stable today is because the patriarch has not yet passed away.

Even though the patriarch is old and near death, no one dares to act rashly.

That’s the intimidating power of a strong person at the Great Perfection of the Spirit Origin Realm.

“It seems necessary to cultivate a concealment type secret technique. That way, others won’t be able to see through my real strength, and it’ll be safer.”

Seeing that the Great Xia Patriarch Xia Wencheng could see through his cultivation level, Wang Ping pondered this thought.

“I’ve come this time to make a deal with you, Daoist friend.” Wang Ping then went straight to the point: “I will refine a Yang Rejuvenation Pill for you in exchange for the qualification to enter the Forbidden Area.”

“Actually, there’s no need to use a Yang Rejuvenation Pill for the exchange. There’s another method that would allow you to freely enter and exit the Forbidden Area.” Great Xia Patriarch Xia Wencheng shook his head and said meaningfully.

“Patriarch?” Hearing Xia Wencheng say this, Xia Yuan became anxious, not knowing what the patriarch was thinking.

The Old Woman by the side did not speak. Seasoned and wise as she was, she naturally knew what Xia Wencheng was scheming.

“Oh? What method?” Wang Ping looked playfully at the old man, seeing through his intentions.

“Ahem, Daoist friend, why not withdraw from the Sword Spirit Sect and marry Yuan’er? That way, Great Xia would be your kingdom as well… wouldn’t that be delightful?”

Great Xia Patriarch Xia Wencheng coughed lightly and said with a smile.

Such a young person at the Great Perfection of the Spirit Origin Realm, and also a fourth-grade alchemist, joining the Sword Spirit Sect, made people extremely envious.

For this reason, he had to find a way to bring him over.

After all, Wang Ping had just joined the Sword Spirit Sect for a short time. How much attachment could he possibly have?

“Patriarch!”

Hearing the patriarch directly sell her out, Xia Yuan’s face turned bright red. She gritted her teeth and glared at him.

To be honest, the patriarch’s words were not without attraction.

After all, Wang Ping, at such a young age, already had such cultivation. He could be considered one of the few men who could match her.

If they could bring him over to the Great Xia Royal Family, Great Xia would be secure.

But, being sold out like this, she was still dissatisfied with the patriarch…

He hadn’t considered her thoughts at all.

“Sorry, I’m not interested…”

Wang Ping glanced at Xia Yuan and spoke casually.

Although Xia Yuan was quite good, with noble status, stunning looks, and decent talent, he didn’t want to step into that trap.

In the Life Simulator, the law of dying upon marriage stumped him several times.

Not to mention that he would eventually leave the Black Tortoise Continent… marriage was even more unnecessary.

“Oh, that’s a real pity…”

Great Xia Patriarch sighed with regret on his face.

What a wonderful person, but it’s a pity you can’t bring him into the Great Xia Royal Family.

On the side, seeing Wang Ping reject her so calmly and without a trace of interest, Xia Yuan felt a bit disappointed.

Was she really that unattractive?

She had to admit, a woman’s mind is a complex thing.

“Daoist friend, I still say the same thing. The Yang Rejuvenation Pill in exchange… you can choose again.” Wang Ping shook his head and spoke again.

“Alright then, please refine a Yang Rejuvenation Pill for me. I will have someone swiftly gather the necessary precious herbs.”

Great Xia Patriarch Xia Wencheng could only nod helplessly.

“When can the Forbidden Area be opened?” Wang Ping asked again.

“Are you in a hurry to enter the Forbidden Area?” Xia Wencheng was surprised, then spoke with a serious tone: “That place, while it does have opportunities, in the five hundred years since Great Xia was founded, no one has ever completed the trial. Even I barely escaped death in there.”

“Oh? Is it that dangerous? What is the trial in the Forbidden Area?” Wang Ping frowned slightly and asked.

“The trial is not complicated… it simply tests the strength of your combat ability at the same level.” Xia Wencheng sighed.

“When I entered the Forbidden Area, I was besieged by five shadows of the same level and almost died. I barely hung on until the trial time ended, but that was merely delaying… not passing the test.”

“A test of combat ability at the same level? That sounds simple.” Wang Ping mused.

No wonder in the Life Simulator he so easily obtained the spiritual artifact.

After all, among his peers, his combat ability was definitely among the top in the Black Tortoise Continent.
Even Xia Yuan could barely survive the trial, so it’s normal for him to pass easily.

“Uh…”

Hearing Wang Ping’s calm response, Xia Wencheng, Xia Yuan, and the Old Woman were left speechless.

One must know, if Wang Ping enters, he would at least face the siege of five Spirit Origin Realm Peak experts. This is extremely dangerous.

The higher the cultivation, the more dangerous the battle.

After all, when one is weak, they can easily kill several of the same level with powerful techniques and martial arts. But reaching the Spirit Origin Realm Peak, that’s much more difficult.

However, with Wang Ping being a prodigy who reached the Spirit Origin Realm Peak at such a young age, they couldn’t say much more.

“You can enter the forbidden grounds anytime, if you wish to do so now, that’s also fine. However, I hope you can first refine the pills and prepare a letter before entering. It’s not that I fear you will not honor your word, it’s just a precaution against unforeseen circumstances.”

Xia Wencheng stroked his beard and spoke calmly, with a clear meaning.

He wasn’t worried about Wang Ping reneging on his word. A rare genius like Wang Ping, at such a young age, was always someone who kept their promises and wouldn’t go back on his word.

But he feared Wang Ping might die inside.

If Wang Ping dies, it would be a huge problem.

There would be no Revival Pill, and it could also provoke the wrath of the Sword Spirit Sect.

In that case, even the Great Xia Royal Family would have no place to cry, and they would have to swallow the bitter pill.

“Hehe, of course.”

Wang Ping had no intentions of blaming Xia Wencheng for this. It was human nature.

Moreover, although he indeed needed the spiritual sword, it wasn’t to the extent that he couldn’t wait a little longer.

“In that case, you can start refining the pills now. In fact, our Great Xia Royal Family has been searching for precious medicines all these years, but we have never found Revival Grass.”

Xia Wencheng nodded with a smile, stood up, and spoke.

“I see.” Wang Ping was a bit surprised, but not entirely unexpected.

After all, the Great Xia would have undoubtedly tried every means for someone like Xia Wencheng, so naturally, collecting herbs wouldn’t be overlooked.

“I wonder, does the royal family have any surplus fire-attribute treasured herbs, or do you know of the whereabouts of such herbs?”

At this moment, Wang Ping seemed to remember something and asked.

To nurture Crimson Flame Spirit Fire, it requires many fire attribute spiritual items from heaven and earth.

Fire Spirit Flower is one such item, but just one Fire Spirit Flower wouldn’t be enough to make it transform.

To cultivate Crimson Flame Spirit Fire, at least a fifth-grade fire attribute heavenly item plus a large amount of fourth-grade items are needed for a hope of success.

Fifth-grade items are precious treasures even for those in the Transcendent Realm and are not easily obtained.

However, fourth-grade items might be found in the Profound Turtle Continent.

Anyway, better to collect them first. In the future, whether for nurturing Crimson Flame Spirit Fire or using them to refine pills, they would all be useful.

“Fourth-grade precious herbs are rare, and if they are specific to fire attributes, even our Great Xia Royal Family doesn’t have any.”

Xia Wencheng replied with a bitter smile.

“Alright.” Wang Ping shook his head, not disappointed.

Fourth-grade precious herbs are indeed rare in the Profound Turtle Continent. It was understandable that the Great Xia Royal Family didn’t have any.

Of course, they might have had some in the past but used them up.

It just goes to show that the Profound Turtle Continent is too small with too few treasures from heaven and earth.

Soon, Xia Wencheng and Wang Ping arrived at a certain alchemy room.

As for Xia Yuan and the Old Woman, they did not come here and left instead.

After all, the next activity was of no significance to them, and they wouldn’t have any say.

“Old lady, this is Daoist Wang Ping. He has brought Revival Grass and will refine Revival Pills for us, so we came to get some herbs from you.”

After entering the alchemy room, Xia Wencheng spoke to an equally white-haired female cultivator inside.

This female cultivator was a fourth-grade alchemist of the Great Xia Royal Family and also Xia Wencheng’s Dao partner, renowned in Great Xia.

“Wang Ping? The recently famous fourth-grade alchemist of Sword Spirit Sect? You have the Revival Grass?”

Xia Wencheng’s Dao partner was first stunned, then immediately flashed to Wang Ping’s side, full of surprise.

“Yes.” Wang Ping nodded, taking out the Revival Grass from his storage ring.

“It’s really Revival Grass! That’s quite surprising.” With bright eyes and a cheerful expression, Xia Wencheng’s Dao partner reached out to grab the Revival Grass.

Seeing this, Wang Ping frowned slightly, dodging her hand.

“What do you mean by this?” she asked, dissatisfied.

“This is my Revival Grass. I said I would refine the Revival Pills, not give it to you for refining,” Wang Ping said indifferently, “Of course, if you want to refine it, that’s okay too, but if you fail, it’s none of my business.”

“I’ve been refining pills for over two hundred years and became a fourth-grade alchemist a hundred years ago. If I fail, how could you succeed?” Xia Wencheng’s Dao partner snorted coldly, displeased at Wang Ping’s underestimation of her.

“Old lady, he is a Spirit Origin Realm Peak expert.” Seeing his Dao partner wanted to say more, Xia Wencheng smiled bitterly, pulling her back and reminding her.

His Dao partner had many good qualities, but she was overly passionate about alchemy and did not care about external matters. Even though she was now over two hundred years old, she still didn’t understand much about worldly affairs and acted too straightforwardly.

Just now, directly reaching out to take the herb was obviously impolite.
‘Spirit Origin Realm Great Perfection?’ The Old Woman was taken aback, her eyes widening in disbelief as she looked at Wang Ping.

So young, yet already at the Great Perfection of the Spirit Origin Realm?
It truly was astonishing.

Her own cultivation was merely at the first level of the Spirit Origin Realm. She had initially thought that Wang Ping, though stronger than her, couldn’t be much higher. But she had never expected something so terrifying.

Although she really wanted to say that higher cultivation didn’t necessarily mean higher alchemical skills…

However, she ultimately realized what offending Wang Ping meant and could only remain silent.

Though she didn’t understand the intricacies of social interactions, it didn’t mean she was foolish.

‘Daoist friend, my wife meant no harm, I hope you can forgive her.’

Xia Wencheng addressed Wang Ping.

‘It was my fault,’ the Old Woman apologized, seeing Xia Wencheng apologize. ‘Daoist friend, please proceed with the alchemy.’

At this moment, the Old Woman finally realized the gravity of the situation and knew she had made a big mistake.

Letting Wang Ping handle the alchemy was more reasonable.

Even the strongest fourth-grade alchemist couldn’t guarantee a 100% success rate in refining the Returning Yang Pill, right?
If it failed, it would be a huge issue.

After all, if Wang Ping failed, it wouldn’t be the fault of the Great Xia Royal Family.

At that time, if Wang Ping couldn’t fulfill his promise, he would owe the Great Xia Royal Family a favor, which could be very useful in the future.

This realization made the Old Woman truly fearful, and she obediently apologized.

Wang Ping nodded and calmly said, ‘Since you don’t dare to refine the pill, make way then.’

Feeling awkward, the Old Woman could only step aside and, along with Xia Wencheng, left the alchemy room to wait outside.

Two hours later, a mesmerizing fragrance of pills wafted out, causing the two to feel a jolt in their hearts.

Then, the door opened, and Wang Ping tossed a jade bottle containing the pills to Xia Wencheng, smiling, ‘Here is your Returning Yang Pill. Next, Daoist friend, you can lead the way.’

Xia Wencheng took the jade bottle, opened it, and his face lit up with joy.
It really was the Returning Yang Pill.

And the Old Woman beside him was also full of shock.

It was actually successfully refined, and the quality was quite good.
Wang Ping’s alchemical skills were definitely not inferior to hers, possibly even superior.

What kind of monster was this… not only so young with Great Perfection of the Spirit Origin Realm cultivation but also with such terrifying alchemical skills!

In an instant, the Old Woman’s gaze towards Wang Ping changed, becoming one of reverence.

Before, she had backed down because of Wang Ping’s cultivation; now, it was genuine respect.

Xia Wencheng, with a beaming smile, took Wang Ping and left for the location of the forbidden ground.

The entrance to the forbidden ground was located underground.

As soon as Wang Ping entered the underground passage, he sensed a dangerous aura emanating from below, making his heart palpitate.

This caused Wang Ping to narrow his eyes.

Although he had known many times from the Life Simulator that this forbidden ground wasn’t simple, personally experiencing it was vastly different.

‘I wonder, what exactly is hidden in this forbidden ground? Why does it present such a trial, and why use precious spiritual artifacts as rewards?’

Wang Ping murmured in his heart.

A spiritual artifact… that was a treasure only those in the Transcendent Realm were qualified to possess.

For a faction without anyone in the Transcendent Realm to have a spiritual artifact, either they had stumbled upon one by luck or their ancestors had been in the Transcendent Realm and passed it down after their death.

The Sword Spirit Sect was the former, having produced a Transcendent Realm expert a thousand years ago.

However, no one in this world can be immortal; that Transcendent Realm expert of the Sword Spirit Sect also passed away.

Furthermore, the Sword Spirit Sect, like the Chi Clan, once faced the threat of annihilation, causing many legacies to be lost to history.

Otherwise, the Sword Spirit Sect would not be without the secret method to expand the dantian.

History can bury many things; many skills and secret arts have either been completely lost or can’t be found.

In the Life Simulator, those who had fortuitous encounters and found legacies often rose to fame.

Like the demonic cultivator Mo Fan or those Spirit Origin Realm Great Perfection geniuses, they were all like this.

As thoughts surged through Wang Ping’s mind, he followed Xia Wencheng to the depths of the passage and saw a door engraved with a ghostly image.

Wang Ping stared at the ghostly image on the door, a chilling aura emanating from it sent shivers down his spine, and his temples throbbed uncontrollably.

In that instant, Wang Ping had a feeling that something ominous was definitely inside this forbidden ground.

‘Don’t stare at this ghostly image; it will affect your mind. In the past, someone stared too long and developed inner demons. Additionally, to open the forbidden ground and enter for the trial, it requires 50,000 low-grade spiritual stones and a wait of half an hour.’

Xia Wencheng, seeing Wang Ping staring at the ghostly image, solemnly reminded him.

‘Whew.’ Wang Ping snapped back to reality and nodded.

Although uneasy, Wang Ping remembered that nothing had gone wrong in the many simulations, so his mood calmed again, and he quietly waited.