The appearance of the weak point lasted only for an instant. Yun Jin and the three little ones had no time to say anything more.
At the moment Di Xiao forcefully opened the barrier, the three little ones rushed inside.
In that fleeting moment as the barrier opened, Yun Jin faintly saw an unimaginably vast world.
The three little ones only had enough time to glance at Yun Jin one last time before the barrier closed again. No one knew what kind of world it was. After they entered, Yun Jin felt their bond sever completely. She could no longer sense their existence.
"This is much like the Wushuang Sect secret realm. The spirit beast secret realm too is an extra-dimensional space. But this space is countless times larger than the Wushuang Sect's secret realm. Perhaps it is not even a secret realm at all, but a true separate world. We merely found a chance path to enter." Di Xiao said slowly.
A separate world? Yun Jin's gaze flickered.
This universe was said to have three thousand small worlds. The number was figurative, not literal.
In truth, the small worlds were far more numerous.
The outer-realm demon race's world was one such small world, stronger than this one.
The world where her Senior Brother had come from was also a small world, though one that followed a path of technology.
This spirit beast world clearly had its own style. Since only spirit beasts could enter, then was this a world without humans or demons, but only endless spirit beasts?
A world ruled by spirit beasts!
And in a world ruled by spirit beasts, methods of growth would naturally surpass those in this realm, with a much higher ceiling of power.
Perhaps the three little ones could achieve true growth there.
"Senior, if that really is a true world," Yun Jin suddenly asked, "why has no spirit beast ever perished within?"
If it were real, accidents and death should have been inevitable.
Di Xiao frowned, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes. After leaving the secret realm, he had forgotten everything he experienced inside.
With Yun Jin asking this now, he had no ready answer.
He finally said, "There have been spirit beasts injured, but indeed, no cases of death have been heard of. Moreover, from my observation, those with great potential rarely even suffer injury. The super beasts that entered never sustained any damage at all."
Yun Jin nodded. Whatever the truth, only the three little ones could explore it themselves.
"The time flows differently between the two realms. Barring accident, they will spend thirty years in the secret realm, which in this world will only be three years. After three years, you may return here to fetch them." Di Xiao explained.
Three years.
For cultivators, that was but the blink of an eye.
Yun Jin nodded.
With matters concluded, Di Xiao looked at her. "I have made arrangements for your spirit beasts. The favor I owe you…"
"Wiped clean, wiped clean." Yun Jin waved dismissively.
Di Xiao's face hardened. "I am not so shameless! You saved my sister, and further exposed the demon race's plot. Such a small matter cannot cancel that!"
He handed Yun Jin three golden feathers. "If you face a life-and-death crisis, ignite one. I will rush to you at once. I will save you three times. After three times, our debt will be settled."
Yun Jin didn't take them. Smiling, she said, "Senior, if I'm already in a life-and-death crisis, by the time you arrive, the flowers on my grave would have long withered."
Di Xiao's expression shifted. "I have my own way!"
Yun Jin chuckled. "And what if, before you finish repaying this debt, you end up owing me another one?"
Di Xiao frowned, arrogance flashing in his eyes. "This king commands countless spirit beasts. What matter could possibly make me beg for your help? I tell you, in the years to come, only you will come seeking me, never the reverse!"
Did Yun Jin take him for some weakling?
Yun Jin gazed at him, still smiling, and said softly, "Palace Pearl."
Di Xiao's arrogant expression froze instantly.
He stared at her in disbelief.
What did this human just say?
Palace Pearl?
She knew of the Palace Pearl's whereabouts?!
"You… do you know what you are saying?" Di Xiao fixed his gaze on Yun Jin.
Yun Jin remained calm. "Eighty percent certainty. It depends on whether Senior wishes to know."
Eighty percent certainty.
Di Xiao's pupils shrank sharply.
Before, he had sought control of the divine palace to save his sister.
Now that Di Ying was safe, he no longer needed the palace for that.
But the palace itself represented supreme power.
On the path of cultivation, one either advanced or fell behind. Who would not covet greater strength?
His breathing grew heavier. "The Palace Pearl… where is it?"
He stared fixedly at Yun Jin.
Yun Jin smiled. "No need to be so anxious, Senior. Why not first discuss the question of ownership?"
Di Xiao frowned. "The divine palace fell in the spirit beast forest. The Palace Pearl is its core, and thus naturally belongs to the spirit beast forest."
Yun Jin shook her head. "A mere landing site does not prove ownership. You have spent thousands of years on this palace without true progress. That proves fate has not yet favored you. But I, having cultivated just over a year, stumbled upon the Palace Pearl's whereabouts. Is that not fate?"
She smiled sweetly as she spoke.
Di Xiao looked at her. "What are you getting at?"
Yun Jin replied without hesitation, "Since it is a treasure, it belongs to the fated. I can take you to it, but possession is not for the strongest to decide. It depends on destiny. I have only one condition. If the Palace Pearl chooses me, Senior must not obstruct but instead aid me in refining the divine palace.
Likewise, if the Palace Pearl chooses you, I will say no more."
Yun Jin's expression remained calm.
The situation was no longer what it had been. Back then, when the palace seemed Di Xiao's only hope to save Di Ying, Yun Jin might have yielded, since gaining his life-debt was as valuable as any immortal artifact.
But things had changed. Di Ying was already saved. Her existence bound Yun Jin and Di Xiao into reluctant allies. With Di Ying present, cooperation was possible. How could Yun Jin give up such a great opportunity for nothing?
The path of cultivation was about fighting for every chance.
And this was the divine palace!
If she could contract it, she would have another card to play against Qingxiao Pavilion. Alone, she might not obtain the Palace Pearl, nor could she refine the palace in the spirit beast forest without Di Xiao noticing. Without his cooperation, this immortal artifact would be hard to secure.
Since that was the case, then let it be…
Fair competition!