The secret realm was discovered by the Jiang clan, and is currently controlled by them, making it inaccessible to outsiders.
The Jiang clan requires Xiao Fei to become their guest elder and enforcer before they agree to let him enter the secret realm.
Following this incident, the Jiang clan fully recognized Xiao Fei's importance.
In the face of a secret realm filled with unknown dangers, an excellent alchemist could at least be worth several lives.
Therefore, whenever an opportunity arises, they must try to win Xiao Fei over to the clan.
Xiao Fei readily agreed to the conditions set by the Jiang clan.
This kind of guest elder position is merely a cooperative relationship, offering considerable freedom and benefiting both parties.
"Fellow Daoist Xiao, you are now a guest elder of our Jiang clan. From now on, all the alchemical matters of the entire clan will depend on you!"
"This person beside me is Jiang Qi. The two of us have been assigned by the clan, not only to guide you but also to specifically protect your safety."
After Xiao Fei agreed to become a Jiang clan enforcer, Jiang Xian found another Nascent Soul cultivator to accompany Xiao Fei as they flew towards the secret realm.
Xiao Fei was surprised to learn that the secret realm was located within the West Sea.
It was also quite remote, situated on the outskirts of human territory. A little further west would be the territory of the West Sea demon race.
Jiang Xian, using the stars overhead to determine their location in the vast expanse of the sea, led Xiao Fei into the water.
This area of the sea was very deep. Jiang Xian had prepared a water-repelling artifact, allowing them to move as freely as fish in the water.
As for Xiao Fei, he knew the Five Elements Evasion technique, which allowed him to move freely in water without any hindrance.
His flying fish companion was even more at home in the water; he did not release it.
After descending for an unknown depth, they finally saw a dark cluster of rocks on the seabed.
This location was hidden, and the Jiang clan had only discovered the secret realm by chance.
To prevent others from finding it, they had deliberately not stationed anyone here, nor had they set up any formations.
Leaving behind any traces of formations would only serve as a beacon in the darkness, attracting more attention.
Jiang Xian led Xiao Fei into a cluster of rocks, within which were numerous holes.
The holes varied in size, from several feet across to as small as a needle's eye, forming a complex and seemingly chaotic labyrinth.
A stranger arriving here would indeed find it very difficult to locate the entrance to the secret realm.
"Fellow Daoist Xiao, stay close to me!"
Jiang Xian and Jiang Qi led the way, guiding Xiao Fei into a hole that was just over a foot wide.
Xiao Fei took out a puppet and casually placed it into a nearby hole before following them.
This hole was long and winding, turning countless times before they finally saw a glimmer of light ahead.
"Alright, we've arrived!"
Jiang Xian, looking at a light screen ahead, took out a jade disk from his embrace and cast dozens of incantations onto it.
"This place is a secret realm formed by a natural formation. After discovering it, our Jiang clan spent a great deal of effort to find a way to open the entrance."
As he cast the incantations, the jade disk emitted a hazy white glow, shining towards the light screen ahead.
As the light from the jade disk illuminated it, the light screen gradually dissolved, finally revealing an entrance.
The moment the entrance's light screen was opened, Xiao Fei smelled a sweet aroma that was incredibly refreshing.
However, he quickly realized something was amiss. The scent was too pleasant, making one want to lower their guard and fall asleep. In the cultivation world, such a situation often concealed hidden dangers.
"Fellow Daoist Xiao, be careful. This scent contains a trace of poison that will slowly corrode the primordial spirit if inhaled."
Jiang Xian reminded him at the opportune moment.
"The toxicity at the entrance is not too strong yet. The deeper you go, the stronger the poison will become.
When this secret realm was first opened, our clan lost quite a few skilled individuals because of it."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Fei immediately held his breath and sealed all his pores.
"Let's go!"
Jiang Xian and Jiang Qi still led the way. The Jiang clan had discovered this place centuries ago, so they were more familiar with it.
The interior of the secret realm was not as harsh as Xiao Fei had initially imagined; instead, the scenery was beautiful.
Despite being located underwater, there was no water here. It was similar to the surface, with wild flowers blooming everywhere. Beneath the wild flowers lay scattered bones.
Xiao Fei extended his divine sense, but found no valuable spiritual items along the way.
He was not disappointed, as the Jiang clan had been exploring here for centuries, and any valuable items would have long been taken.
As they ventured deeper into the center, he could still feel the poison gradually infiltrating his body.
The poison did not cause discomfort upon entering the body; instead, it brought a warm, comfortable sensation that made one feel addicted and unable to extricate themselves.
Xiao Fei now truly understood the insidious nature of this poison.
Its most malicious aspect was its ability to make people unknowingly lower their defenses, relax their vigilance, and actively inhale the poison.
At this moment, Jiang Xian and Jiang Qi had already conjured a thick defensive shield around their bodies using their spiritual power.
However, judging by their expressions of comfort, the effect was not significant.
These defensive measures were ineffective.
"Fellow Daoist Xiao, are you looking for some spiritual item? Further ahead, we will be unable to resist the poison's encroachment."
Jiang Xian stopped and tried to persuade Xiao Fei to turn back.
The Jiang clan could only venture this far each time. Beyond this point, they would be poisoned and require a Tai Xu Di Hun Pill to treat it.
Therefore, each exploration could only reach this point; going further would mean risking their lives.
"I wish to find the source of this poison."
Xiao Fei had come for no other treasure but the poisonous substances within this place.
Jiang Xian and Jiang Qi looked troubled, as they were responsible for Xiao Fei's safety and wished to dissuade him.
"I appreciate your kind intentions, but you two should stop here.
Please rest assured, I am not a reckless person. If I find myself unable to cope, I will return the way I came."
Xiao Fei left the two to wait where they were and proceeded alone.
As he ventured deeper into the secret realm, he deeply felt the terror of this poison.
Even when he activated his spiritual treasure, the bronze bowl, for defense, he could not prevent the poison from seeping into him.
His primordial spirit had begun to corrode, yet he felt no pain at all. Instead, he felt incredibly good.
This feeling was too pleasant, a craving from the depths of his soul, wishing only to sink into it.
Even if his primordial spirit were to become riddled with holes due to corrosion, he would not hesitate.
At this moment, it was not just an invasion of the physical body and primordial spirit, but also a test of one's willpower.
Gradually, Xiao Fei's eyes became hazy, and a thought arose in his mind.
"Perhaps I should slumber here forever!"
Cultivation was too tiring. What was the point of working hard for thousands of years?
It would be better to just lie down here.
However, just as he was about to sit down, he saw a skeleton at his feet amidst the flowers, and his heart jolted.
"Hahaha... Hahaha..."
Every time he burst into laughter, some of the negative states of his body and mind would disappear.
This time was no exception. When he regained clarity, he was drenched in a cold sweat.
Looking inward at his primordial spirit, he saw that many areas had been corroded by the poison.
He quickly took out a mid-grade Tai Xu Di Hun Pill and swallowed it.
The Tai Xu Di Hun Pill dissolved in his stomach, transforming into a warm energy that slowly repaired his primordial spirit.
Fortunately, his alchemy skills were excellent. Over the years, he had refined many mid and high-grade Tai Xu Di Hun Pills. He was reluctant to sell them, so he had a considerable stockpile.