Chapter 8: Hanxue Realm
After Wu Qianzhi finished his meal, they navigated the crowded market in search of winter coats. The summer season currently prevailed in the cultivation world, and as such, all the shops so far only displayed summer robes. However, their luck turned when they discovered a small vendor tucked away, offering a selection of winter coats.
Wu Qianzhi remarked to Li Xianwei, "Finally! Winter coats."
Li Xianwei nodded, "Indeed, I was starting to think we'd have to fashion our own coats from summer robes."
As they approached the small vendor, the vendor, a middle-aged woman, noticed their interest and smiled, "Looking for something warm, aren't you? You've come to the right place. These coats are lined with a fire rune to keep you cozy in the chill of the Hanxue Realm."
Wu Qianzhi examined a coat and inquired, "How much for this one?" The vendor named a reasonable price. Li Xianwei, finding the coat he desired, engaged in a bit of haggling. After reaching a fair deal, both secured their winter coats. Now fully prepared, Li Xianwei and Wu Qianzhi were ready for the expedition to the Hanxue Realm.
As Li Xianwei and Wu Qianzhi continued strolling through the bustling market, the ring on Li Xianwei's middle finger, embedded with a sound transmission array, vibrated. It had received a message: "Come to the Main Hall of the sect. I'll be waiting for you." The sender was none other than Wei Jiansheng.
Upon reaching the Main Hall, they found Wei Jiansheng holding a paper. After exchanging greetings, Wei Jiansheng shared, "This is a notice from two inner disciples seeking at least two companions to join them on an expedition to the Hanxue Realm. With our addition, we'll form a group of five, an ideal number for a realm expedition."
As they navigated through the hall toward the reception desk, Wei Jiansheng smoothly passed the paper through a small opening in the window and inquired, "Inform them that three enthusiastic individuals are eager to join their expedition. Kindly ask them to make their way to the Main Hall of the sect, as we'll be waiting for them."
The lady behind the desk, adorned with a friendly smile, promptly reviewed the notice that Wei Jiansheng had slipped through. Swiftly, she reached for a sound transmission talisman, activating it to relay their interest to the two cultivators. After a brief moment, she conveyed, "Expect their arrival within 10 to 20 minutes."
After a quarter of an hour passed, two cultivators adorned in resplendent robes briskly entered the hall, their determined strides leading them directly to the lady at the desk. Following a brief exchange, during which the lady pointed towards Wei Jiansheng, Li Xianwei, and Wu Qianzhi, the cultivators altered their course, making their way towards the waiting trio.
"Hello, I'm Mei Ling," one of them introduced herself.
The other chimed in, "And I'm Xin Hui."
The trio reciprocated the greetings.
Mei Ling spoke next, "For about a week, we've been eagerly awaiting a response to our notice. We're thrilled to have you join our team."
Wei Jiansheng, who had also been anticipating the chance to join such an expedition, reciprocated their enthusiasm. He then added, "Well then, ladies, are you two prepared for the expedition to the Hanxue Realm? I was thinking that we should set out right about now if you two aren't occupied."
As Wei Jiansheng entered their view, the first thing that caught their attention was his imposing physique—his robust stature surprising them. Mei Ling couldn't help but think, 'Such bulging muscles.' With a nod, she assured, "We have everything prepared for the expedition."
Xin Hui then took out three sound transmission talismans from her storage band, noticeably expensive. She explained, "We will be communicating through these."
The trio took one each.
The talismans can float and move on their own, ensuring seamless communication without the need for the cultivators to physically handle them. This autonomy makes them a practical choice, especially in dynamic situations where disciples might need both hands free for other tasks.
However, the higher cost of 2 spiritual stones made them a luxury beyond the reach of outer disciples like Li Xianwei and Wu Qianzhi, who typically relied on more affordable rings.
As evening settled in, Wei Jiansheng took the lead as they ventured into the Hanxue Realm. As they approached the shiny membrane layer, he turned to the others, "Remember, once we cross this barrier, it will be as if it's always daytime in there, even when the sun has set in the outside world."
Mei Ling nodded, "I've heard about the perpetual daylight in the Hanxue Realm. It's quite fascinating."
Wei Jiansheng then continued, "For now, let's don our winter coats. The temperature difference can be quite drastic. And get ready to cross the membrane layer".
The five then gathered their Qi, weaving it into a protective sphere that enveloped them as they prepared to enter the Hanxue Realm. The membrane surrounding mystical realms were known to be corrosive, making even the slightest touch hazardous.
Enveloped in the magical glow, the group stepped through the membrane. The transition from the external world's dusk to the Hanxue Realm's perpetual daylight was striking.
Li Xianwei observed, "It's impressive how the temperature changes so suddenly here."
Mei Ling then mentioned "I have some wood for a fire if we need it in my storage band. It can get chilly, especially during the night."
Wu Qianzhi, adjusting his coat, couldn't help but rethink his day; he had just bought the coat, and now he was already in a realm. "A warm fire will be a welcome companion on our journey," he remarked.
As they ventured into the enchanting Hanxue Realm, each member of the group retrieved their sound transmission talismans, ensuring seamless communication. The two girls, Mei Ling and Xin Hui, gracefully took out the talismans from their storage bands, while Wu Qianzhi and Li Xianwei did so from their storage rings. They all anticipated the wonders that awaited them in this mystical realm.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone