Chen Ming and his companion traveled swiftly, journeying day and night. When the horse was exhausted, they continued on foot, which was even faster than riding.

Two days later, Xiazhou City was already in sight. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Both of them breathed a sigh of relief as they looked at the large city in the distance. They hurried on because they were worried someone might pursue them.

Like Xia Shaowen, or Liang Zongcheng.

Now near Xiazhou City, they finally felt safe.

Chen Ming slowed down and asked Jiang Wushuang, who remained spotless beside him, "Brother Jiang, do you know about the Secret Realm?"

Perhaps it’s because handsome people unconsciously pay more attention to their appearance. Jiang Wushuang, after two days and nights of travel, had clothes as new as ever.

This meant he had used some extra Gang Yuan to ensure he remained dust-free.

Chen Ming didn’t have such concerns; if his clothes were dirty, he would just replace them later.

Jiang Wushuang looked serious, contemplating something. Hearing the question, he hesitated and replied with a hint of doubt, "Brother Gu should know this better than me."

The two had compared their ages, and Gu Xianyu was two months older than Jiang Wushuang.

Chen Ming said, "To be honest, I am an illegitimate child. It was only because I showed some talent that I was included in the Gu Family genealogy. My father has always been indifferent to me, never discussing this matter. As for the others, let’s not even mention them."

Jiang Wushuang was somewhat moved, "I didn’t expect Brother Gu to be treated so coldly by the Gu Family despite your exceptional talent."

He found it hard to imagine, considering Gu Xianyu’s extraordinary talent, that even if the Gu Father was indifferent, the elders of the family would have paid immense attention.

He suddenly paused and changed the subject to the Secret Realm, "There are many theories about the origin of the Secret Realm. Some say it’s naturally formed by heaven and earth, while others believe it’s created by ancient great beings, leaving it behind. This is difficult to verify.

"Within the Secret Realm, each has its own mystical realm with unique laws. Only by obtaining the corresponding token can one enter.

"The capacity of the Secret Realm varies. Some can hold only one person, others three to five people, and the maximum can hold ten people. Moreover, if the number of people is insufficient, the Secret Realm cannot be opened..."

Chen Ming found it increasingly strange.

This Secret Realm requires both cultivation level and number of people. It really feels like it’s been manually set up.

Goodness, am I actually in a game world?

No wonder killing monsters leads to level-ups.

Jiang Wushuang continued, "It’s said that all Secret Realms require at least First Grade cultivation to be opened. Moreover, only by entering the Secret Realm can one obtain the divine item to unlock the human body’s God Realm.

"Some have speculated that perhaps the highest level in the world was originally First Grade. The Secret Realm might be the Heavenly Ascension Ladder left to us."

Chen Ming’s mouth twitched upon hearing this.

So, this big world is equivalent to the novice village, and the Secret Realm is akin to a dungeon. To change classes, one has to perform tasks in the dungeon and complete them to change classes...

No, this feels too real.

He sighed, "No wonder the worldly families and sects have such long histories, lasting hundreds or even thousands of years. It’s because they have mastered the Heavenly Ascension Ladder."

For wild Martial Artists, breaking through to the God Realm is too difficult.

The same would be true for him in the future!

If it really is as he thinks, and a class transition task must be completed to advance to the Divine Treasure Realm, then he can only complete the task.

"Luckily, I’ve just forged a good bond."

Chen Ming thought of Wu Qiuyue, hoping she would fulfill her promise and secure a slot for him after she breaks through to the Divine Treasure Realm.

Jiang Wushuang said, "Brother Gu need not worry. With your talent, even if the Gu Family treats you coldly, reaching First Grade will ensure they secure the appropriate slots for you. Opening all five Divine Treasures is not difficult."

There are actually five Divine Treasures?

Chen Ming was shocked; does this mean he needs to acquire five slots?

He’s not really Gu Xianyu, so he dares not go to the Gu Family. If detected by the Divine Treasure Realm experts, he’ll surely die.

...

Xiazhou City’s walls are high and deep, with ten-zhang high walls built from massive stones several feet in width, still showing traces of war.

This is an ancient city with a long history, a place of strategic military importance.

The style of this city differs completely from Jiangzhou City, imparting a heavier sense of history.

Chen Ming used the waist badge of the Six Gates Patrol Envoy to lead Jiang Wushuang smoothly into the city.

While observing the people and buildings inside the city, Jiang Wushuang asked, "Does Brother Gu have a place to stay in Xiazhou City?"

"No, I don’t."

"Would you like to stay with me temporarily?"

"As long as you don’t mind the inconvenience."

So, Chen Ming followed Jiang Wushuang to his house, or rather, the property he had in Xiazhou City.

Families like the Jiang Family always procure properties in Xiazhou City so they have a place to stay when they come here for matters.

This is normal, and the families in Jiangzhou do the same.

Jiang Wushuang’s house appeared ordinary from the outside. Upon entering, it revealed a hidden world—a tasteful garden where every plant and tree was uniquely placed, likely arranged by a master.

The very layout of the house indicated that Jiang Wushuang is someone with refined taste.

Chen Ming was allocated a guest room in the side courtyard, which was very quiet and distant from the main courtyard, offering great privacy.

Satisfied with the environment, he bathed, changed into new clothes, then sent everyone away. Afterwards, he took out the visualization map given by Xia Shaowen and hung it on the wall.