The next day, in the morning.
After breakfast with Chen Yuran, Li Jing went to the Management Bureau to submit a formal written leave request to Dai Hong; he asked for a long leave of one month.
A Big Secret Realm is not like a Small Secret Realm.
Once the Spatial Passage opens, it could remain stable for at least half a month or more.
Currently, the Spatial Passage has not formally opened, so there would be no harm in taking a conservative approach by asking for a monthâs leave.
After asking for leave, Chen Yuran went to a spiritual object market, saying he wanted to prepare some potential recovery elixirs and items created with the Talisman Method.
Li Jing didnât rely much on external objects, so he didnât have any such demand and didnât join him.
After parting ways with Chen Yuran, Li Jing decided to go to the Agricultural Market.
He had always been interested in a refined lifestyle.
Despite being a cultivator at the Fifth Boundary, who can majorly depend on non-corporeal sustenance and doesnât really need to eat much.
How did the saying go?
There is a difference between needing to eat and wanting to eat.
Moreover, on this occasion, Chen Yuran would be joining him. If he didnât eat himself, heâd still have to make arrangements for the former, right?
After buying some fresh ingredients at the Agricultural Market, Li Jing went to the hotpot restaurant and got Ji Qing to his house. He left the house key with her before heading out to the second phase of the Closed Moon Flower Garden.
This trip would involve dealings with other nations and certain forces, but more importantly, theyâd be seeking discoveries within the Secret Realm.
Bringing Jiu Li and Yulian, without a doubt, was a good choice.
After a month, Yulian had also entered the Six Realm.
One pair of Fox Demons.
One at the early phase of the Sixth Realm, and another at its latter phase.
Should the need arise, not only can their power crush other forces, they would be extremely convenient when needing to "ask" others about things.
Moreover, both Jiu Li and Yulian are Fox Demons.
Even if they are not included as a force or in dealings with others, having them in the Secret Realm would undoubtedly be highly beneficial.
Foxes are infamous in nature for their cunning.
Simultaneously, they are exceptional hunters.
Their sense of smell and hearing are remarkably sharp, good at locating prey.
This was crucial for Li Jing.
What he needed fundamentally were not Secret Realms, but prey with a Health Bar.
Knocking on Jiu Liâs front door, Li Jing raised his hand and knocked.
The door had barely made a sound when Jiu Liâs voice was heard from inside the house.
"Heâs here."
In a moment, the door opened.
Jiu Li appeared at the door with a paintbrush in her hand. Seeing Li Jing standing outside, she looked somewhat surprised.
"Why are you here?"
"I have something to discuss with you." Li Jing replied, glancing inside the house, before questioning, "Did Yulian not come over today?"
Over the last month, Yulian and Jiu Li had gotten along quite well.
Jiu Liâs new venture started more than half a month ago.
When there was nothing to do at the company, Yulian often came over to cook for Jiu Li, share a meal with her, and keep tabs on her work progress.
Dragging stories out was a natural habit for an author.
As someone who worked in this field, Yulian knew this better than anyone else.
Therefore, whenever she had spare time, she would come over.
Even during her own cultivation, she would sit with Yulian to monitor her work progress closely.
Seeing someone mention Yulian as soon as they met, Jiu Li couldnât hide her displeasure.
However, it wasnât out of jealousy or anything.
The key was that she had been having a hard time under Yulianâs constant supervision over the past half month.
She had been working on her manuscript 24 hours a day, even being denied sleep.
A workhorse wasnât even subjected to such treatment...
However, as Yulian put it...
"Youâre a Great Demon at the later stage of the Six Realm, you wonât die if you donât sleep. Just finish the whole manuscript, and you can sleep as long as you want."
This greatly upset Jiu Li.
But Yulian was currently her benefactor who also provided her with an unusually large sum of money, a lot more than what she used to earn from her regular drawings.
If it had been before, she might have only dreamed of such earnings...
Since her benefactor had given her the rule, she had no other choice but to bear it out.
Thinking about the gloomy half month she had spent without seeing daylight, Jiu Li sighed and said, "Yulian had a meeting at the company today. It looks like part of the adapted script has already been completed, enough for more than ten episodes, so theyâre preparing to start shooting on the TV series side."
As she spoke, she frowned slightly.
"You said youâre looking for me, why ask about Yulian first..."
Before she could finish her sentence, a sports car zoomed into the villa garden and came to a halt precisely in front of Jiu Liâs house after a gorgeous drift.
Immediately afterward...
The car door opened, and Yulian, wearing sunglasses and holding a stack of drawings, stepped out of the car.
Seeing such a scene, Jiu Liâs face fell.
Yulian bringing back the drawings she took with her indicated only one possibility.
She wanted Jiu Li to revise the drawings...
Seeing Yulian, Li Jing just smiled lightly and raised his hand as a greeting.
Outside the courtyard, as Yulian got out of the car and spotted him at the door, she removed her sunglasses, beaming back in response.
Shutting the car door and walking into the courtyard, Yulian asked as she approached, "Didnât expect to see you here today, Li Jing. Arenât you busy with the Sixth Investigations Department?"
"I came to discuss something with you and Brother Jiu." Li Jing replied, then explained without hesitation his plan about going into the Great Secret Realm and his hope that both of them could accompany him.
Jiu Liâs eyes lit up upon hearing Li Jingâs words.
Sheâd been in Jianghai for a whole month, without anything exciting happening. She was stuck at home all day, being pressed by Yulian to draft, and it was finally something fun to do!
The Big Secret Realm!
It was dangerous and unknown, but at the same time, it was filled with opportunities and resources.
In the past, as a demon beast, she could only watch from the sidelines.
The Secret Realm was usually managed by the Management Bureau.
Even if they needed the assistance of civilian exploration teams, it wouldnât have anything to do with demon beasts.
But now, by tagging along with Li Jing, she could get a glimpse of the Secret Realm!
How could she miss such an opportunity?
More importantly.
If she went to the Secret Realm, she wouldnât have to draw drafts!
Just as she was about to speak, Yulianâs brows furrowed slightly.
"I have no problem with it, but a month seems too long for Jiu Li. I just confirmed in the meeting this morning that the series adapted from her drafts will start filming tomorrow. The episodes would be enough for a month, but she would have to stop drawing for a month..."
Before Yulian could finish, Li Jing spoke indifferently.
"Itâs not a big problem, she can draw in the Secret Realm."
"..."
Jiu Li.
Yulian, sitting next to her, blinked her beautiful eyes a couple of times, and then said thoughtfully.
"That is a good suggestion. After all, we will be accompanying the Heavenly King Group, rather than going alone. When thereâs nothing to do, Jiu Li can draw drafts in the camp."
"Thatâs not all."
Li Jing continued, speaking confidently.
"The Secret Realm usually has landscapes completely different from the real world, and there might even be Alien Species. Such landscapes might give Brother Jiu a lot of inspiration. She could even use them as a setting for her comic, making her artworks more story-like."
Yulianâs eyes sparkled even more at his words.
"That sounds great!"
"If you think itâs workable, then itâs settled."
Li Jing responded happily.
"..."
Jiu Li.
These two were simply devils!
No way!
She couldnât let them dictate everything!
Otherwise, sheâd still have to draw drafts in the Secret Realm, in addition to thinking up new stories!
Just as she was about to speak out, Li Jing started speaking.
"Usually, the Secret Realm may not contain Alien Species, but there are likely to be demon beasts. Considering the situation at North Cityâs 107th Small Secret Realm that appeared previously, I can promise you in advance that if there are no demon beasts in the Secret Realm, upon returning, I can purchase some flesh of the Six Realm Great Demons as your remuneration."
"Recently, the domestic crackdown on the Demon Beast Union has resulted in many Five and Six Realm Great Demons being killed by the Management Bureau. Their flesh is stored in the national treasury. After returning from the Secret Realm, I can exchange merits for them. How much I will give you depends on how much help you can provide me in the Secret Realm."
After saying these two sentences, Li Jing looked at both of them, and said.
"The overseas fleet will depart in the evening, so thereâs still some time now. The two of you should go and buy a monthâs supply of appearance-changing talismans, or think of another way to change your appearances."
Continuing, he said.
"I can bring the two of you into the Secret Realm as external members of my team. Any personal gains you may find inside the Secret Realm, you can take them yourselves. As long as your true identities are not exposed, you donât need to hide your demon beast identities deliberately. Just act when necessary."
Upon hearing Li Jingâs explanation, Jiu Li quietly swallowed the objections she had been about to voice.
The remuneration has been guaranteed in advance.
She and Yulian didnât need to hide their demon beast identities, they could act when necessary.
Furthermore, as external members of the Management Bureau, they could proudly take their personal gains.
How many demons would be envious if they knew such good news?
Object?
Object to what?!
What if they become unhappy and refuse to let her join in what theyâre doing?
After listening to Li Jingâs words, Yulian furrowed her brows slightly, and hesitated before asking.
"If we donât hide our demon beast identities, will you get into trouble afterwards?"
"Well, I might, and I might not. But I donât care."
Li Jing smiled, and said.
"Things in the Secret Realm are different from those outside. You demon beasts are reluctant to reveal your identities primarily because the tolerance for demons in the current society is low, and people generally fear demon beasts. Those who have the chance to enter the Secret Realm have at least achieved certain levels in their Cultivation, and donât have such strong prejudices. Even if they do, it doesnât matter. The Heavenly King Group is made up of my people, and you two are assistants I invited to help. If someone in the group makes unnecessary comments, Iâll kick them out. I donât need people in my team who lack foresight."
Then, he calmly said.
"In short, you donât need to worry about this. Just make sure your human identities are not discovered, so as not to affect your future lives. As for foreign forces or other Management Bureau teams, you donât need to worry about them. Iâll take responsibility for any problems."
Facing Li Jingâs strong words, a strange light flashed in Yulianâs eyes. She responded with a slight âhmmâ and didnât ask any further.â
Jiu Li glanced at Yulian, who had been treating her like a demon for the past half-month, acting so gentle and caring in front of him, looking back and forth between them.
She was a rather carefree type.
To be precise, she was rather shrewd.
If there was a benefit, she would join in.
Li Jingâs statement was a bit handsome indeed.
Quite domineering, right?
But she wasnât tempted by it.
Yulian, on the other hand, seemed to be...
Thinking that it had nothing to do with her, Jiu Li chose to pretend she hadnât seen it and said,
"Changing appearances is simple. Iâve been hiding the truth from you until now. My main talent ability is Thousand Faces, so changing faces is a piece of cake. I can help Yulian change her appearance later without preparing a monthâs worth of appearance-changing talismans. As long as she doesnât want to change back, she wonât change back."
Upon hearing this, Li Jing raised his eyebrows.
So, the primary talent Jiu Li has is the Thousand Faces?
Thousand Faces, like Dragon Transformation talent of snake demons, was a unique talent of fox demons.
Only fox demons could awaken the Thousand Faces talent.
Compared with Dragon Transformation ability, the Thousand Faces talent didnât have such strong explosive power.
But in terms of combat power, it was no less than the Dragon Transformation talent.
The fox demon that awakened the Thousand Faces talent is referred to by people as the Thousand-faced Demon Fox.
They can not only transform themselves in countless ways but also easily change their appearance. Each transformation brings them random talents comparable to the Thousand Faces talent.
The Thousand Faces talent itself does not directly enhance combat power.
But its mechanism is like drawing from a deck of cards, thus, this special talent has extraordinary potential.
Every time they change their appearance, they can temporarily acquire random talents and anything could be drawn.
If they are lucky, they might even draw special talents specific to a group that requires awakening, such as the Dragon Transformation talent.
Itâs worth mentioning that.
The fox demons that awaken the Thousand Faces talent, like dragon horned snake monsters that awaken Dragon Transformation talent, show similar special physiological signs.
Their physical sign is multiple tails.
Three tails, six tails, nine tails.
These representative fox demons in folklore are actually Thousand-faced Demon Foxes, not common physical traits of the fox demon group.
How many tails a Thousand-faced Demon Fox has
Not only symbolizes the strength of the Thousand Faces Talent, but each tail also serves as a container, storing the useful talent that the Thousand-faced Demon Fox thinks it could use after transformation, allowing for changes when necessary.
At this moment, knowing that Jiu Liâs main talent is Thousand Faces, Li Jing was a bit surprised.
The talent of Thousand Faces can indeed change body shape and even gender.
But he never considered this possibility.
Because to be able to change even gender, Jiu Li must be of at least eight-tailed level, and she would just one tail short of reaching the peak.
This level is normally not achievable by a six-realm fox demon.
Just like how Mister Longâs Dragon Transformation looks very incomplete, although his Dragon Transformation talent serves as a main cultivation direction, he is actually only half-baked.
If Jiu Li refined the talent of Thousand Faces to the eight-tailed level during the late six realms, it could only mean one thing - She is exceptionally talented as a fox demon.
Looking closely at Jiu Li, Li Jing narrowed his eyes.
Since Jiu Liâs talent is Thousand Faces, there should be no so-called three-month restriction.
She can change if she wants to, or choose not to if she doesnât.
This damned fox demon had deceived him when she was in North City...
Meeting Li Jingâs narrowed eyes, Jiu Li blinked, grinning sweetly.
Upon seeing this, Li Jing sighed.
Accusing Jiu Li would be unnecessary.
It was his fault for blindly believing a cunning fox demon.
Not to mention they had just met.
Even now, Li Jing canât fully trust this fox demonâs words.
As the saying goes.
The prettier the woman, the more deceptive she is.
Jiu Li isnât human at all, but a vixen!
Who dares to fully trust a vixenâs words?
Not only Jiu Li, Yulian standing nearby is also the same.
However, in terms of personality, Yulian isnât as sneaky as Jiu Li, and wouldnât confuse others with her words.
If Yulian was more cunning, there would be trouble.
Her Charm talent isnât as special as Jiu Liâs Thousand Faces, but she doesnât need to deceive people with her mind. With a glance, she can make anyone a lovestruck fool.
Having said everything that needed to be said, Li Jing looked at the two fox demons before him and said,
"The fleet departs at six in the evening. Iâll come to pick you up at five. Get ready for anything you might need. Also, tell me your clothing sizes. Iâll go to the Management Bureau later to get two sets of uniforms for you and prepare temporary passes. They will make it easier for you to move around in the Secret Realm."
Upon hearing this, Jiu Li promptly reported her measurements and clothing size.
Yulian also didnât procrastinate, noting down her sizes.
As a rugged man, Li Jing didnât have a clear concept of these measurements.
But having Jiu Liâs measurements for comparison first, it caused him to look at Yulian twice.
Visibly, there wasnât much difference between Jiu Li and Yulian, only that the latter had a more captivating figure.
However, when the data spoke, the "wealth gap" was immediately apparent.
Silently moving his gaze away from Yulian, Li Jing signaled to the two of them, took out a Spirit Soldier vehicle and rose up into the sky.
Jiu Li and Yulian stood in place, watching him go farther and farther away.
After he disappeared into the vast sky, Jiu Li switched her gaze to Yulian, snorted lightly, and chuckled,
"Xiaoyu, tell me honestly; do you have a crush on Xiaolizi?"
Yulian turned her head upon hearing this.
In her sight, Jiu Li was giving her suggestive glances.
Perplexed, she stated matter-of-factly,
"Isnât it normal to have a crush? We are monsters, itâs already hard enough to find a place to live. If thereâs a man with high cultivation level and great potential, who would treat monsters like humans, wouldnât it be strange to not have a crush?"
"Ah, this..."
Jiu Li was speechless.
She only intended to tease. She didnât expect Yulian to be so straightforward.
Most importantly, she was right.
Jiu Li glanced back in the direction of Li Jingâs departure, paused for a moment, coughed to break the awkward silence and uttered,
"Since you have a crush on him, donât you plan to try harder? With your conditions..."
"Donât be silly, he already has a wife. How could I destroy his familyâs harmony?"
Yulian chuckled and continued,
"Besides, based on his character, if I were in trouble, he would surely help. Thereâs really no need for me to take that step, right?"
After finishing, she continued,
"Besides, finding a serious boyfriend costs something. Being a wife brings responsibilities. Sometimes, I do envy you, Jiu Li. You play and have fun in the world of humans without worrying about anything, as if the worldâs ailments have nothing to do with you."
"..."
Jiu Li.
She didnât quite understand the philosophies Yulian mentioned.
But one thing, Yulian got it right.
As per her personality, she will never consider being burdened with responsibilities and just live as she pleases.
Just as he was unsure of how to respond, Yulian, with a smile at the corner of her mouth, handed over the drawings she had in her arms.
"Thereâs no rush to alter your appearance, we have plenty of time till evening. You need to revise these drafts and aim to be done before nightfall."
"..."
Jiu Li.
...
Soon, evening arrived.
After meeting Yulian and Jiu Li in the morning, Li Jing asked for their clothing sizes from Chen Yuran and went to the Management Bureau to get uniforms and temporary credentials for the three of them. He spent the afternoon purchasing various items from the markets.
He brought everything that he assumed they would need.
Even if they donât need it, it can be stored in a storage space. Itâs always better to be prepared.
Just as it was about time to meet Yulian and Jiu Li, Li Jing returned home to leave a letter for Liu Sisi and briefed Ji Qing, who was gaming in the guest room. He then went with Chen Yuran, who was waiting at home, to the Closed Moon Flower Garden Phase II complex.
Not long after Jiu Li arrived in North City, Li Jing had already introduced her to Chen Yuran.
However, since Jiu Li is quite reclusive and usually stays at home to work on her drafts, Chen Yuran had simply exchanged contact information with her.
When Li Jing and Chen Yuran arrived, Yulian and Jiu Li had already changed their appearances.
Handing each person and demon their uniform, credentials, and communicators, he instructed them to change into their uniforms. Then, Li Jing selected a Spirit Soldier flying sword spacious enough to accommodate the three of them and set off.
At around half past five in the evening, they arrived at the eastern sea area of North City.
The fleet that was about to set off was already waiting in the deep sea beyond the coastline of the eastern part of the North City.
The members of Heavenly King Group, as well as the researchers accompanying them from the Jianghai Science and Research Institute, were already present.
Above the sea, twelve warships from the Management Bureau and two exploration ships from the Research Institute are quietly docked.
Seeing the fleet from afar, a twitch appeared at the corner of Li Jingâs mouth.
What bothered him the most were the flags flying on the twelve warships.
The blood-red flags fluttered in the wind.
On the flags was a golden pagoda that looked similar to the Linglong Tower, with the words "Heavenly King" in golden calligraphy on its sides.
This flag...
Who TF designed it?
Li Jing got an awful feeling and quickly thought of Liu Sisi, who was preparing for the breakthrough at home.
Why was he sure that Liu Sisi was responsible?
The reason is simple.
Of the twelve thousand members in the Heavenly King Group, only Liu Sisi knew what the Linglong Tower looked like.
Seeing the flags in the distance, all three of them, Chen Yuran included, burst into laughter.
Although they didnât know who had designed the flag, they really appreciated the humor directed at Li Jingâs existence.
Without uttering a word, Li Jing rolled his eyes at their cheerful faces and guided the Spirit Soldier to the foremost warship of the fleet.
Hoisted on this ship was only half a team led by Tong Gaojie and Jiang Wenqian, the other half was on a neighboring ship.
After months of training, this team, composed entirely of new members, is finally taking shape.
Seeing Li Jing bringing Chen Yuran and the others aboard, the members who were busy working on the deck immediately stood at attention and saluted.
Seeing this, Li Jing waved his hand to signal them to continue and then turned to look at the five sturdy cannon mounts on the warship.
In this world, aircraft carriers are little brothers.
The warships that were once unrivaled on the open seas but fell out of favor in the world from which he came are the real big brothers here.
A single warship.
Five cannon mounts, in total fifteen Spirit Energy Cannons, exude a certain masculine romanticism.
Li Jing was seeing a warship for the first time since arriving in this world.
However, he had some knowledge about them.
The warships in this world are equipped with Spirit Energy Cannons, each capable of blasting a Fifth Boundary cultivator to death.
The drawback is that the range is not very far, hence it does not pose a big threat to those at the Fifth Boundary level.
If they canât do any damage, their opponents can still easily dodge them.
But no one at the Fifth Boundary level dares to get anywhere close to a warship.
As there are high-level defense formations on the warship capable of withstanding attacks from the Sixth Boundary, anyone at the Fifth boundary getting close is purely a moving target, and even a Sixth Boundary cultivator would be fired upon if they approach.
One salvo from a fleet and even a Sixth Boundary cultivator without proper capabilities would be crushed under consecutive concentrated fire.
The warships of this world only respect one law - in their range, might is right.
If it werenât for the many subordinates from the Heavenly King Group on the surrounding decks, Li Jing really wanted to touch the robust cannon barrel.
Retrieving his communication headset from the Management Bureau, Li Jing connected to the leaders of each group and team and asked them to gather.
The first one on the scene was Tong Gaojie who was already aboard this warship, followed by the leaders of the rest from the other ships.
Aside from Tong Gaojie and Jiang Wenqian, the leaders only knew Li Jing, their acting military strategist, by name and didnât really know him well.
In comparison, they were more familiar with Liu Sisi.
However, facing Li Jing now, they all showed a sense of utmost respect.
As part of the Management Bureau, their greatest hope is to explore unknown Secret Realms.
But such opportunities do not come to everyone.
For example, this time.
Among the ten units comprising ten thousand people each under Jianghai Management Bureau, only the Heavenly King Group, a single unit, has the chance to participate in the initial exploration of the Big Secret Realm.
Despite how risky initial exploration can be.
Risk equates to opportunity.
If they can withstand the pressure, the rewards could be unimaginable.
All the team leaders present understood this.
Although Li Jing was a laissez-faire style manager who hardly ever interfered, his influence was undeniable.
That the Heavenly King Group, instead of any other unit, was chosen for this task was solely because of him.
Seeing that the team leaders were slightly fanatical when looking at him, Li Jing felt a bit strange and said,
"I didnât call you here for any specific reason. I just wanted to introduce some people to you."
Saying this, Li Jing introduced them to the three.
"This is Chen Yuran, my colleague from the Inspection Bureau. She will be assisting the exploration effort as an external personnel. The other two, the one on the left is Ayu, and the one on the right is Ajiu. Both of them are great demons of the Sixth Realm who I invited to assist in this exploration."
"..."
The team leaders and squad leaders of the Heavenly King Group were all stunned.