Chapter 598

Chapter 598: Uncle Jiu

The secret vault is the cornerstone of a cultivation family’s heritage.

Under normal circumstances, only the most core members of the clan are granted access.

For a prominent family like the Yin family, the treasures within their secret vault are undoubtedly of immense value, with some items serving as crucial assets for recovery after a major crisis.

They would never allow outsiders to lay a finger on them!

Now, the Yin family has chosen to fully open their secret vault to Wang Chen, permitting him to select treasures from within. The depth of their trust and gratitude is unmistakable.

Wang Chen paused for a moment, then cautiously inquired, "Senior sister, how much do you know about the upper realm?"

"The upper realm?"

Yin Sùlán was momentarily stunned. "Are you referring to the Haotian Realm?"

Wang Chen nodded.

The upper realm of the Mountain-Sea Realm is known as the Haotian Realm, one of the nine celestial domains, and is a true celestial realm.

Wang Chen’s knowledge of the Haotian Realm primarily comes from the tales shared by Formless.

However, this Eminent Monk did not divulge much useful information to Wang Chen, leaving the upper realm veiled in mystery for him.

He yearned to learn more and even hoped to discover a Path to Heaven through the Yin family!

In comparison, the treasures within the Yin family’s secret vault seemed insignificant.

"I know very little about the Haotian Realm," Yin Sùlán admitted. "But my Uncle Jiu has been to the upper realm. I can take you to meet him."

Wang Chen was astounded. "A member of your family has been to the upper realm?"

He could scarcely believe his ears!

For cultivators from the lower realm to reach the upper realm is not unheard of, and there are multiple paths to achieve it.

The most legitimate method is, without question, ascending.

When a cultivator reaches the pinnacle of their cultivation level in this realm, they are rejected by the consciousness of heaven and earth, and they can ascend after enduring the heavenly tribulation.

Other options include guidance and smuggling.

Wang Chen’s situation is unique; neither ascending nor guidance is feasible for him, leaving smuggling as his sole option.

He never imagined that someone could return after ascending.

Could they even go for a visit?

"Yes," Yin Sùlán explained. "It was the village elder who guided him up, but for some reason, he was sent back. Uncle Jiu never discusses the upper realm with us younger generation."

"But since you saved my brother, he would surely be willing to make an exception for you."

Wang Chen immediately bowed and said, "Then I must trouble you, senior sister!"

Wang Chen’s eagerness caught Yin Sùlán off guard, but she had no intention of reneging. Without delay, she sent out a letter symbol.

According to Yin Sùlán, Uncle Jiu holds a special status in the Yin family, so she cannot directly take Wang Chen to meet him.

They first need to seek approval from the family elders.

After about half an hour, Yin Sùlán received a reply.

After reading it, she was very pleased. "Wang Shidi, Uncle Jiu has agreed to see you. Let’s go!"

Like other powerful cultivation families, the Yin family owns a complete island at West Sea Lake, which is very close to the main island.

The two left the Xiaoyao Pavilion and flew on their swords for just half a tea time before reaching this island.

Yin Island.

Yin Island is not very large; it pales in comparison not only to the West Sea’s main island but also to Changhe Island.

However, its proximity to the main island is its greatest advantage, and after long-term development by the Yin family, this medium-sized island is breathtakingly beautiful, with pavilions and towers nestled among unique flowers and trees, resembling a fairyland from afar.

Yin Sùlán landed with Wang Chen in a large residence.

"Sùlán elder sister!"

As soon as they landed, a handsome young boy with red lips and white teeth rushed over excitedly, shouting, "Did you come to see me? What gifts did you bring?"

"Go away!"

Yin Sùlán said with disdain. "I have important matters to attend to; I don’t have any gifts."

The boy rolled his eyes and pretended to understand. "I get it, you brought your sweetheart to meet Uncle Jiu, hoping he’ll support you two, right?"

He looked at Wang Chen and muttered, "He seems pretty ordinary."

"That’s nonsense!"

Yin Sùlán’s brows furrowed in anger, and she reached out toward the mischievous child. "Come here!"

However, the boy was very quick, dodging into the inner courtyard while shouting, "Uncle Jiu, Uncle Jiu, help! Sùlán elder sister wants to kill to silence me for her sweetheart!"

Yin Sùlán felt both shy and anxious, ready to chase him down for a painful lesson, when they heard an elderly voice say, "Little Sùlán has a sweetheart?"

The voice carried a hint of playful laughter.

A gentle breeze filled the courtyard, stirring up four or five flower petals, and a figure appeared!

Yin Sùlán hurriedly bowed, "Greetings, Uncle Jiu."

She then introduced Wang Chen beside her, "Uncle Jiu, this is my Shidi, Wang Chen."

Wang Chen also bowed, "Junior disciple Wang Chen, greetings to you, Senior Yin."

The old man who appeared was white-haired, leaning on an ancient-looking cane, with kind brows and clear eyes that exuded a warm smile, resembling an elderly man who has retired to the countryside.

But Wang Chen dared not underestimate him.

On the surface, Yin Sùlán’s Uncle Jiu seemed ordinary, without anything unusual.

However, Wang Chen could not discern the cultivation level of the old man.

He looked like an ordinary person.

This, of course, was impossible; the only explanation is that the elderly man’s strength had reached the state of returning to simplicity.

Earlier, Yin Sùlán had not mentioned whether her Uncle Jiu was from the Purple Palace or a Golden Core true master.

But Wang Chen can be certain now that he is indeed a true master, perhaps even having reached the ninth level peak!

"Please sit."

Uncle Jiu said with a smile, "Our Yin family does not like to owe favors. You saved Yin Mingcheng’s life, so feel free to ask me for anything you want."

Wang Chen hesitated to speak.

Uncle Jiu glanced at Yin Sùlán, "Sùlán, go prepare a pot of spiritual tea. It must be misty spiritual tea, and use water from the Thousand Echo Spring, the water must be freshly collected."

Yin Sùlán, understanding her uncle’s intentions, quickly accepted the task and left.

After she left, Uncle Jiu’s smile faded.

The elder of the Yin family stared at Wang Chen and asked sternly, "Kid, you want to know about the upper realm? Do you know that there are rules in the sect that disciples must not discuss matters of the upper realm privately?"

Wang Chen truly did not know this rule. He looked directly at the Golden Core true master in front of him and said, "Junior disciple wishes to go to the upper realm. Senior, do you have any guidance for me?"

"You want to go to the upper realm?"

Uncle Jiu’s expression became strange. "Kid, you have to take things one step at a time. If you go too fast, you might hurt yourself!"

It was just short of directly saying that Wang Chen was unaware of the dangers!

Wang Chen could not reveal the truth yet and could only bring up the excuse he had prepared in advance. "A great monk helped me predict my future and said that I must leave the Mountain-Sea Realm by the age of forty-four, or I will face a deadly calamity!"

Uncle Jiu looked skeptical. "Which great monk? I don’t think you’re cursed!"

Wang Chen replied, "At Lanta Temple, Master Formless."

Uncle Jiu’s expression immediately changed.