Chapter 30: Starry Mountains

Ben nodded.

"What is it?"

"The Starry Mountains may be a Bronze-Rank Secret Realm, but its environment can still be dangerous."

"Some Starry Beasts are much stronger than their cultivation level suggests because of their control over star energy."

Ben listened carefully.

"You also shouldn’t spend all twenty-four hours fighting. If you find a Starry Heart, secure it immediately and avoid unnecessary battles."

Ben nodded.

"Understood."

Amanda pointed toward the Star Stream sword.

"Keep this sword with you at all times. Its ability to detect star energy will make finding Starry Beasts much easier."

Ben held the sword firmly.

"Got it."

Maya then asked, "When can he enter the secret realm?"

Amanda checked the time.

"We can arrange his entry for tomorrow."

Ben’s eyes lit up.

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes. That gives you the rest of today to recover and familiarize yourself with Star Stream."

Ben nodded enthusiastically.

"That works for me."

Amanda stood up.

"Then that’s settled. Today, you’ll continue your cultivation training and learn the basics of celestial energy manipulation."

"Tomorrow, you’ll enter the Starry Mountains."

Ben looked at the Star Stream sword and smiled.

"I’ll make sure to come back with a Starry Heart."

Amanda nodded.

"That’s the goal."

She then looked toward Maya.

"Take him to his room and let him rest for a while. After that, we’ll begin his celestial energy training."

Maya nodded.

"Alright."

Ben followed Maya toward the exit, carrying Star Stream with him.

As soon as they left the room, Maya led Ben toward another private training room.

Ben looked at her curiously as she closed the door behind them.

"Why are we here?"

Maya smiled and stepped closer.

"Because I’ve been missing you."

She gently caressed his cheek and leaned closer.

Ben smiled and held her hand.

"Can’t you wait until we get back to the room?"

Maya shook her head playfully.

"Don’t worry. All the private rooms here are soundproof."

She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him.

Ben returned the kiss, pulling her closer.

Maya smiled against his lips before resting her forehead against his.

"I also booked this room for the entire day."

Ben raised an eyebrow.

"The entire day?"

"Yes."

She smiled.

"So we have plenty of time."

Ben chuckled.

"Well then, as you wish, my queen."

Maya laughed softly and kissed him again.

As Ben grabbed her by the waist and pulled her closer, he gently pulled the strings of her dress, undressing her. Soon, Ben started doing a different kind of exercise, one he didn’t mind doing with Maya anytime.

The whole training room was completely soundproof, and there were no fire-type users nearby, yet the atmosphere inside soon became heated.

The Next Day

Ben arrived at the Solar Association early in the morning and headed toward the secret realm hall.

He presented his ticket to the staff and was granted permission to enter.

Before stepping through the entrance, he turned toward Maya and gave her a quick kiss goodbye.

"I’ll be back soon," he said.

"Be careful," Maya replied. "And don’t forget why you’re going there."

"Find a Starry Heart. I remember."

Maya nodded.

Ben then stepped through the entrance.

The moment he passed through the portal, his surroundings changed completely.

He found himself standing in the middle of a vast grassy plain surrounded by towering mountains.

The scenery was far more beautiful than he had expected.

"Hmm, it’s beautiful," Ben murmured as he looked around.

Streams of glowing star energy flowed through the landscape like rivers of liquid light. In the distance, he could already see several strange creatures moving across the plains.

Ben immediately put on his White Ruination Knight Armor and drew Star Stream.

The moment he raised the sword, the blade began reacting to the star energy in the surroundings.

Ben slowly turned it in different directions, watching for its reaction.

After a few moments, the sword pointed firmly toward one particular direction.

"Looks like we found something."

Ben immediately started moving toward the indicated location.

A moment later, Morbius emerged from the storage ring with Lumi sitting comfortably on his back.

Morbius looked around the secret realm.

"Hmm. The Starry Mountains. Not bad. There should be plenty of useful resources here."

He flew alongside Ben while Lumi curiously observed the unfamiliar surroundings.

Ben glanced at him.

"I heard star power is extremely versatile."

Morbius nodded.

"That’s true. Star power is considered one of the most adaptable forms of energy."

"It can be used for attacking, defense, healing, purification, and even certain curse techniques."

Ben nodded thoughtfully.

"Then Lumi should be able to digest it easily."

Lumi immediately made a happy sound from Morbius’s back.

Morbius glanced at the little white slime.

"Hmm. I suppose she probably can."

Lumi continued looking around curiously as they moved deeper into the Starry Mountains.

Ben continued following the direction indicated by Star Stream.

The farther they traveled, the stronger the reaction from the sword became.

"This thing really is useful," Ben said as he looked at the blade.

Morbius nodded.

"Star Stream was made specifically for places like this. As long as the target contains enough star energy, the sword should be able to detect it."

Ben continued walking while keeping his attention on the surroundings.

The grassy plains slowly changed into a rocky area. Strange plants grew between the rocks, and small streams of glowing energy flowed through the ground.

Lumi suddenly raised her head.

"Hmm?"

Morbius stopped.

"What is it?"

Lumi pointed toward a nearby patch of glowing grass.

Ben looked in the same direction.

"Do you see something?"

Morbius flew closer and examined the area.

"There is a concentration of star energy underground."

Ben immediately walked over.

He used his celestial energy to move the loose soil aside and found several small crystals buried beneath it.

"Are these Star Crystals?"

Morbius nodded.

"Yes. They aren’t particularly valuable, but they’re useful for cultivation."

"But more importantly, when did she learn to sense these things?" Morbius asked, looking at Lumi.

The little white slime was simply sitting on his head, happily munching on the crystal Ben had given her.

Ben patted the little slime gently.

"Maybe she was just hungry and was looking for energy rich resources," he said.

Morbius glanced at Lumi for a moment before nodding.

"Perhaps."