Chapter 13: Mountain and Sea Illusion Realm

This night felt particularly long. Perhaps it was due to Yun Jing, for he dreamed of the Mountain and Sea Realm during its glorious era. He also saw the Little Qilin. In the dream, it was gigantic, just as described—shaped like a deer, with horns on its head, covered in scales, and with a tail like a bull's, looking mighty indeed. Despite that, he still recognized it as the same adorable, mischievous little glutton. At this moment, it was galloping across the boundless grassland. Suddenly, it sensed something, looking toward Ruan Xingwen, lifting its head proudly as if to say, "Aren't I dashing!" Ruan Xingwen couldn't help but laugh, his eyes forming crescents. In his dream, he also saw some animals he hadn't seen before, which must be the other Divine Beasts and Fierce Beasts Yun Jing spoke of. They were leisurely wandering or dozing on the lush green grass, while some cubs playfully tussled, making for a lively scene. "I didn't expect you'd enter the Void Realm of the Mountain and Sea Realm so soon in a dream." Yun Jing's voice echoed by his ear. To say it was Yun Jing's voice wasn't quite right; it ought to be the voice of Yun Jing's true form. "Hmm? I don't quite understand what you mean. Wasn't it you who made me dream of this?" Ruan Xingwen asked with a hint of doubt. Yun Jing's voice carried a rare hint of mirth, "I was dozing in the Qilin's Divine Sense before; thanks to you, my reckless antics didn't result in me being asleep for a month." "And this time, you consumed a lot of your Spiritual Energy, so you'll often feel quite fatigued; you'll recover once your Spiritual Energy is replenished. Thank you for that." His voice brimmed with gratitude. Ruan Xingwen waved his hand, not very bothered by it, "As long as you're alright, I was weak to begin with, so this doesn't change much." "By the way, did you mean I entered the Void Realm on my own? Didn't you lead me in?" Yun Jing patiently explained, "Yes, after all, this is but a Void Realm. I never expected you to voluntarily expend your Spiritual Energy to save me, thus gaining the Mountain and Sea Realm's approval, but given your insufficient Spiritual Energy, it chose to bring you into the Void Realm." It's worth noting that prior Mountain and Sea Realm's masters faced three trials to gain its recognition. The Mountain and Sea Realm has existed for tens of thousands of years. Yun Jing is the Realm Spirit born from the cycles of the Mountain and Sea Realm's evolution, akin to a precious jade naturally formed over time into a Jade Spirit. During the Mountain and Sea Realm's prime, it could freely enter the real world with its true form, rather than relying on another's Divine Sense as a soul body. After the Mountain and Sea Realm's destruction and desolation, it fell into a long slumber. Upon awakening, it was sealed within a card, seeking the next Mountain and Sea Realm master in such an unreliable manner. Thankfully, it encountered Ruan Xingwen, seemingly a candidate tailor-made by Nuwa for the Mountain and Sea Realm. The Mountain and Sea Realm itself also possesses autonomous consciousness, mutually dependent on Yun Jing. While it establishes rules, Yun Jing enforces them, issuing tasks to restore the Mountain and Sea Realm. Ruan Xingwen first voluntarily saved the Little Qilin and brought it home, then proactively consumed Spiritual Energy to save Yun Jing. After previous masters' failures, the Mountain and Sea Realm now values human nature over sheer strength. Ruan Xingwen's innate kindness became the key unlocking the Mountain and Sea Realm's doors. Yun Jing joked with Ruan Xingwen, "Rarely does it open the door for you on its own; take a good look around. Here, your Spiritual Energy will recover faster, or you won't be able to get out of bed tomorrow." ...Don't think I can't hear the innuendo in your words. Ruan Xingwen shot Yun Jing a glance, a bit helpless. "I'm serious; I'm unsure why your Divine Sense is so fragile. The previous consumption of Spiritual Energy will weaken you. Rest with me over there." Listening to Yun Jing's explanation, he still didn't think it was a big deal. Yet, this mindset would lead him to regret it the next day! He looked toward the direction Yun Jing indicated; it was a dwelling. "Come in and sit; this is my home, though it's nothing special. Try this fruit; it tastes quite nice." Yun Jing opened the door, casually found a small chair, and sat by the table. Picking a slightly familiar fruit from a plate, he handed it to Ruan Xingwen, hinting for him to try. When Ruan Xingwen took a bite, his eyes widened, and the corners of his slightly downturned eyes lifted a bit. He exclaimed in surprise, "Mmm, so sweet! This tastes like a plum, but much sweeter and juicier!" This plum was exceedingly sweet but retained its signature tartness. Juicy with each bite, it far surpassed the plums of the real world, and after consuming it, Ruan Xingwen felt noticeably more vibrant and clear-headed. At this moment, Yun Jing aptly spoke, "Do you feel it? Isn't there something special beyond just the taste? The fruit here can replenish Spiritual Energy." Before he could respond, Yun Jing continued, "This is why anyone familiar with the Mountain and Sea Realm vies to become its master. Here, even the air is imbued with Spiritual Energy, which enhances the health of ordinary people. For those already mentally strong, Spiritual Energy makes them stronger, bringing more wealth and fame. This is also what caused the Mountain and Sea Realm's downfall." At the end, a hint of melancholy and resentment appeared on Yun Jing's otherwise calm face. The reason he chose Ruan Xingwen as the next master of the Mountain and Sea Realm wasn't his looks, but his soul—a profoundly pure and untainted soul. He hopes that this choice will help him restore the Mountain and Sea Realm's glory, and wishes for Ruan Xingwen to maintain his purity and principles, unclouded by money and fame. Ruan Xingwen was also pondering. Yun Jing told him the secret of the Mountain and Sea Realm, and he found it undeniable. He had little interest in ideas like "world domination" or being "the world's richest," having always wanted a simple, peaceful life. He didn't fully believe in becoming stronger through Spiritual Energy, always feeling that one's success depends on vision and experience. The achievements derived from Spiritual Energy couldn't be entirely refuted but remained external, unable to enrich one's soul. Thus, Ruan Xingwen's focus now was on the reward for the second task. "Yun Jing, did you say the reward for the second task is the land and trees now visible in the Void Realm?" "Yes. After you complete the task, the reward will appear automatically in your estate, unnoticed by others, and the Spiritual Energy will merge directly into your Divine Sense." Ruan Xingwen felt a bit nostalgic, knowing the path ahead was long and daunting, and upon waking, he'd need to work hard to earn money, as Yun Jing the little cutie and the Little Qilin still need him for salvation!