Chapter 361 Void Realm

The conversation with Mu Yunshu left a deep impression on Chen Fei.

First, he finally understood why Su Yan had chosen to leave — and why her final words had been so cryptic. But now, with the Void Heaven Cauldron in his possession, Chen Fei firmly believed he would meet her again.

Second, the entire concept of the Great Calamity gave him an ominous feeling — as if it were an artificial cycle meant to repeatedly cull the strongest cultivators across the Xuanhuang Continent until there were none left who could transcend.

Third — beyond the Heaven Dao Realm, there existed a higher realm: the Void Realm.

Perhaps only by stepping into the Void Realm could he uncover the truth behind everything.

Chen Fei raised his head and let out a slow breath.

“This world… is full of wonders.”

Nightfall.

Chen Fei and the others were camped outside Jumo City, resting in the wilderness. Compared to the city’s eerie atmosphere, the wild plains brought some comfort.

“I never imagined Junior Brother Chen would progress so fast.”

Liu Li turned to look at Chen Fei, his tone filled with sincere awe.

Back in the Tianqing Sacred Land, Chen Fei had just been a uniquely gifted nobody — an outsider in many eyes. But here in the Dongting Kingdom, he had shone brilliantly, shocking everyone.

Once, when he competed for the Saint Son position, many had scoffed.

Now? People were beginning to see him as a true contender.

Of course, the path to becoming Saint Son was still long — full of towering obstacles.

Chen Fei smiled.

“Just lucky. By the way, has anyone seen Senior Brother Mingyuan lately?”

“Mingyuan? No, haven’t seen him.”

“Did he leave seclusion?”

Clearly, no one present knew about the fight between Tuo Mingzi and Mingyuan.

Only Barbarian Brother did, but he remained silent.

Chen Fei nodded, not pressing the issue. After all, Mingyuan had only mentioned going down the mountain — not where. Maybe he wasn’t in Dongting at all.

Elsewhere — on Dongting’s border…

A volcanic crater spewing toxic smoke. Even cultivators rarely dared approach it.

But today, a shadowy figure stood by the rim.

If Chen Fei had been there, he would’ve gasped in shock — it was Mingyuan.

His robes were tattered, burned with holes, and he looked miserable.

But his eyes were bright with determination.

“It’s here! It must be here!”

Staring at the swirling smoke, Mingyuan stepped forward without hesitation.

Neither the poison nor the heat slowed him. He quickly reached the cliff’s edge.

Below — a roiling sea of lava. Lifeless.

But he narrowed his eyes and searched carefully.

Finally, he noticed a peculiar trail nearby.

Following it, he discovered a hidden cave — black and near invisible.

Had he not been meticulous, he would’ve missed it entirely.

Without pause, Mingyuan entered…

After a brief rest, Chen Fei and the others returned to Tianqing Sacred Land.

“The Ghost King’s Hall may open soon,”

said Wu Ji Zi, breaking the silence.

Perhaps their recent battle had warmed them up — conversation flowed more easily now.

Chen Fei, already aware of this, showed no surprise. After all, he possessed the Ghost King’s Token — nothing to worry about.

Barbarian Brother narrowed his eyes and glanced at Chen Fei.

“This time’s Ghost King Token battle won’t be ordinary. If you plan to compete… best prepare early.”

Everyone fell silent, frowning.

They were considered talented — even prodigies. But compared to the true monsters out there, they still felt distant.

Among them, only Chen Fei and Barbarian Brother stood a real chance. Even Wu Ji Zi wasn’t confident — his expertise in talismans worked better against spirits, not people.

Though Dongting’s affair had been full of twists and turns, it had ended well.

Chen Fei had even received a 300,000 merit point reward.

100,000 for completing the mission, and 200,000 for breaking the Blood Ghost Formation.

It was a big relief — he still owed 800,000 merit points, and even with his absurd earning speed, that debt weighed on him.

“No need to rush repaying it,”

Mu Yunshu reminded him.

“Like I said — the Ghost King Token battle is imminent. Why not save 100,000 points and upgrade yourself?”

Chen Fei shook his head.

“What I need now is enlightenment. Resources won’t help me much.”

He wasn’t exaggerating. The Void Heaven Cauldron had a picky appetite. Most materials didn’t interest it.

And for Chen Fei, ascending further required clarity of path, not raw power.

Mu Yunshu didn’t press him. Chen Fei returned to Mount Shaocui.

Recently, Tianqing Sacred Land had grown lively — perhaps to hype up the upcoming token battle, or to boost morale. Many disciples had returned.

Though Miao Yue and others were still on missions, Chen Fei didn’t feel lonely.

Barbarian Brother, a heavy drinker, only drank with those he respected.

“Water Gate’s disciple Shi Yi has been performing well. He’s reached Peak Human Dao Realm, one step from Earth Dao. Caused quite a stir!”

Knowing Chen Fei was often isolated from news, Barbarian Brother shared the latest rising stars.

They could be his future rivals.

“Senior Brother Barbarian, I want to know more about Tuo Mingzi,”

Chen Fei said, handing over a wine flask with a smile.

Barbarian Brother glanced at him.

“There are five Ghost King Tokens in the Sacred Land.”

“But surely you’ve realized,”

Chen Fei replied calmly,

“there won’t be five anymore.”

“You mean…?”

Barbarian Brother frowned, watching him closely.

Chen Fei nodded.

“Evil cultivators and demon races… none of them will miss this opportunity.”

Barbarian Brother was different from Chen Fei. Raised in the sect, Tianqing Sacred Land’s pride was in his bones.

But Chen Fei had seen the helplessness and vulnerability behind the sect’s glory.

Now that the Ghost King’s Hall was about to emerge, these five tokens had become a burden. In the past, Tianqing Sacred Land could monopolize them — not anymore.

Just as Barbarian Brother was about to respond, he suddenly turned toward the door.

Chen Fei smiled and stood.

“Looks like Senior Brother Tuo Mingzi couldn’t wait. He’s been wanting to challenge me since the moment I returned.”

A cold glint flashed in Barbarian Brother’s eyes.

“You’re gaining momentum, Brother Chen. Some people won’t like that.”

He had already warned Tuo Mingzi before. The man was known for being paranoid, irritable, and arrogant — convinced the title of Saint Son belonged to him.

But now, Chen Fei’s rapid rise in strength and fame had made him feel threatened. A confrontation was inevitable.

What Barbarian Brother disliked most was that Tuo Mingzi always acted from the shadows, manipulating others instead of facing things head-on.

Powerful? Sure.

But cowardly. Unworthy of respect.