At a time when most people didn't even own a proper magic treasure, and those who did usually had no more than one…
Klee's current equipment could only be described as extravagant.
Perched on her hat was a delicate four-leaf clover—Bi Luo Linglong, a high-grade artifact.
Around her neck hung a pendant—Flying Phoenix in Misty Clouds, another high-grade artifact.
On her finger was a simple-looking ring. It wasn't an artifact, but rather a spatial ring Jiang Yan had refined for her—unremarkable at first glance, yet able to hold over ten thousand cubic meters.
In addition, Jiang Yan had inscribed upon it several of the Eight Great Divine Spells, such as the Golden Light and Clear Heart charms.
At her waist was a small gleaming orb—the Qiantian Fire Pearl, a top-grade artifact.
Beneath her clothes, she wore a suit of Purple-Gold Scale Armor, also a top-grade defensive artifact.
But the most striking of all was the bell tied to her wrist.
That bell was no ordinary artifact—
—it was a genuine Low-Grade Spirit Tool, the Taiyi Five-Smoke Net.
With Klee's current cultivation, she could not possibly control such a Spirit Tool.
But Jiang Yan had specially refined it for her.
If Klee ever encountered a crisis she could not overcome, the bell would immediately release its Five-Colored Smoke Net.
Its corrosive power was terrifying. Even a late-stage Qi-Refining cultivator, if tainted by it, would have their body corroded.
A mid-stage Qi-Refining cultivator caught within its net would surely perish.
At the same time, the Five-Smoke Net would teleport Klee to the nearest safe zone.
Seeing all the treasures Klee was armed with, everyone could not help but sigh inwardly.
So this was the privilege of being the sect master's personal disciple—the most exceptional of all disciples.
Klee had been armed to the teeth by Jiang Yan.
It was enough to stir envy in anyone.
Ningguang's gaze lingered on Klee's spatial ring. She couldn't help but wonder how many pills were stored inside.
That ring alone was worth at least ten thousand contribution points.
With the divine spells inscribed upon it, its true value was hard to estimate.
"Hiya!"
Klee leapt off Jiang Yan's flying sword, brimming with excitement.
Before she could hit the ground, the Qiantian Fire Pearl at her waist bloomed into a cloud of fire, carrying her gently down.
"Mommy!"
Klee threw herself into Alice's arms.
"Master said Klee gets to go exploring in another world together with Mommy and everyone!"
Alice stroked her daughter's head, her heart softening. Smiling gently, she asked:
"Other worlds are dangerous. Klee isn't afraid?"
"I'm not afraid!"
Klee raised her hand high, her little face all stern as she declared with utmost seriousness:
"Master said cultivators must face difficulties head-on! We can't fear danger!"
"Master said Klee is going to be a super great powerhouse one day, so I can't shrink back!"
"And besides…"
Klee giggled, spreading out her hands to show off her spatial ring.
"Master gave me lots and lots of treasures! Klee will protect herself, promise!"
Her lively antics eased much of the tension in the group. The looming dread of the Nine Nether Secret Realm lightened considerably.
Jiang Yan and Ganyu landed quietly after her.
Ningguang and the others stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Master."
Jiang Yan smiled softly, glanced at Ningguang, and said:
"It seems you've parted with quite a bit of wealth."
Ningguang replied calmly:
"It's nothing. Master once said that Mount Shu disciples must stand as one against outside foes.
"This trip into the Nine Nether Secret Realm carries no small risk. If I have the means to provide resources, I cannot simply stand by.
"Besides, spending some contribution points now may help everyone reap greater rewards within the Nine Nether Secret Realm .
"That benefits the sect as a whole, while also allowing each of us to accumulate more cultivation resources.
"In truth, it's only a loan of points—I will hardly lose out."
Jiang Yan nodded in satisfaction, his tone warm:
"That is indeed the best mindset.
"To help, not to indulge; to support, not to patronize.
"A cultivator must preserve their own dignity, and must also respect the dignity of others.
"If one loses their backbone, they will accomplish nothing."
Hearing this, the crowd nodded solemnly.
To walk the immortal path was to go against the heavens. A spine of unyielding pride was the foundation of such a road.
If treasures were thrust upon them without reason, their spirit would be crushed.
And in the future, how could such a person face the heavenly tribulation with pride?
As for Klee being fully armed by Jiang Yan—
That was different. A sect master's true disciple was akin to family.
A master passing down treasures to their disciple was inheritance, not charity.
The meaning was utterly distinct.
The sect master's heir apparent… might one day succeed the mantle itself.
"Enough," Jiang Yan said at last. "Since you are ready, and the time is upon us, it is time to begin your first exploration of the Nine Nether Secret Realm ."
He did not burden them with more long-winded lessons.
There was no need. In time, as they cultivated, they would naturally come to understand.
The urgent matter now—was the Nine Nether Secret Realm itself.
From that secret realm, they could obtain spirit herbs, materials, and treasures to fill Mount Shu's vaults—resources utterly absent in Teyvat.
Though spirit fields could cultivate Teyvat's native plants, who knew how long such trials would take, or what effects the herbs would have?
As for crafting materials, those were even harder to come by.
The only ones Jiang Yan had been using for artifact refinement were those Alice had gathered from outside—precious, but ultimately limited and non-renewable.
They could not rely on her alone forever.
Most importantly, many of Jiang Yan's questions could only be answered within the Nine Nether Secret Realm.
"Come. To the Nine Nether Secret Realm."
He wasted no more time, leading the group swiftly to the secret realm's entrance.
Before long, they stood beneath the towering gate.
They had studied it from afar many times before—but now, they were to step inside.
This secret realm might be but a fragment of a shattered world of demons and monsters.
But for these disciples, it was their first true taste of the vastness of the cultivation world.
The swirling black vortex of the gate exuded an oppressive dread, as though countless fiends waited within.
That sense was not wrong. The Nine Nether Secret Realm truly was crawling with monstrous abominations.
Standing before the gate, Jiang Yan turned to the eager yet anxious faces of his disciples.
After a moment, he spoke quietly:
"In this exploration, I will only accompany you with my divine sense. Your actions will follow Senior Zhongli's command.
"Elders and seat-holders, guard the disciples well. Avoid the great demons whenever possible.
"If you encounter a peak Qi-Refining cultivator, do not assume numbers will win.
Escape at once. Your current strength cannot handle them.
"If you are gravely injured and sent back to the entrance, do not go back in again. Return to the sect.
Secret realms can be entered again—but life is only once. Do you understand?"
Zhongli bowed deeply.
"Rest assured, Master. I will protect every disciple with my life."
Jiang Yan nodded. His divine sense flowed outward and settled upon Ganyu.
"My divine sense is now attached to Ganyu. Once inside, I can communicate with you.
"But beware—there are special regions where even my divine sense may be cut off. In such areas, you will receive no guidance.
"I can only advise you. The actual path you walk is your own to decide.
Above all—survival is what matters most.
"Even if you cannot defeat beasts of your own level, do not lose heart. You have cultivated but a short time, no matter how gifted.
The monsters of this realm have honed themselves for centuries.
"If you cannot win—flee. There is no shame. You can always return."
His words filled their hearts with warmth.
Only Ganyu seemed distracted, her cheeks faintly pink.
(So Master's divine sense… is on me.
Does that mean… we are one in heart and spirit?)
Jiang Yan's voice grew stern again:
"This realm, though broken, is still vaster than Teyvat.
Once inside, always remember where the entrance lies.
The initial entry point will be safe, but will shift with each entry.
Do not forget—direction is survival.
And most crucially—there are no humans in the Nine Nether Secret Realm! None!
Any human figure you see is no human, but demon or ghost.
At minimum, they will be at the Spirit Transformation stage—able to take human form.
If you encounter one, avoid them if you can. If not, gauge their strength before anything else.
And do not recklessly fly through the skies. That will draw death upon you.
Fight when you must—but only within your limits. That is the proper way for you at this stage."
Having finished his warnings, Jiang Yan finally waved a hand.
"That is all. If something arises inside, I will inform you through divine sense."
He crouched down, gently ruffled Klee's hair, and said softly:
"Klee, once inside, you must stay close to your mother. Do not run off on your own.
And do not throw bombs carelessly.
They will not harm these foes. You must use the techniques I've taught you."
Klee's little face turned solemn as she nodded firmly.
"Klee remembers, Master! Klee will listen to Mommy!"
Jiang Yan chuckled and said no more.
"Then—let us begin.
He straightened, his gaze sweeping over each disciple. After a long moment, his voice rang with quiet solemnity:
"Heaven and earth vast, the Way shall ever rise. May fortune and valor be with you all!"
The disciples bowed in unison, their voices resounding:
"We take our leave, Master!"
And then, without hesitation, they turned and strode into the swirling gate of the Nine Nether Secret Realm.
Mount Shu, once again, fell silent. Only Jiang Yan remained.
He gazed at the gate for a long while, a sigh in his heart.
If all went well, when these disciples emerged—
Their realms might not leap forward, but their skills and combat experience would be immeasurably enriched.
Most crucially, they would learn, through true battle, the way cultivators fought.
Only then would their immortal path be considered properly begun.
And perhaps…
His system's task might also advance.
Smiling with quiet satisfaction, Jiang Yan sat cross-legged before the gate, and began to meditate in peace.
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