Master Gu Tianming's private workshop occupied the Jade Harmony Teahouse's entire fifth floor, its chambers lined with spatial formation arrays that created pocket dimensions for testing interdimensional techniques. The elderly formation specialist had indeed proven more accommodating after witnessing Wei Liang's consumption of Sword Wutian and his followers.
"The portal to Azure Dragon Realm requires specific resonance keys," Gu Tianming explained nervously, his hands trembling slightly as he adjusted the formation components. "The dimensional barriers between realms are naturally hostile to unauthorized crossing. Without proper authentication, travelers are ejected into the void between worlds."
Wei Liang observed the formation setup with enhanced perception, memorizing every detail of the portal construction process. The knowledge would prove valuable for future interdimensional travel, potentially eliminating his dependence on formation specialists entirely.
Spatial manipulation at this level requires considerable expertise, he noted, studying the intricate pattern of energy flows. However, the underlying principles seem learnable through proper study and practice. Eventually I'll be able to create my own portals for conquest purposes.
Zhang Wuji consulted his research notes, cross-referencing portal requirements with ancient texts about the Four Divine Beast Realms. "According to historical records, the Azure Dragon Realm specializes in body refinement techniques that enhance physical capabilities beyond normal cultivation limits. Many legendary body cultivation methods originated there."
Perfect for demonic body advancement, Wei Liang realized. The Azure Dragon Realm should contain techniques specifically designed for constitutional transformation. Conquering it systematically will provide excellent foundation for higher rankings.
"The authentication keys you provided appear genuine," Gu Tianming said, examining the jade tokens Zhang Wuji had produced from his research collection. "However, I must warn you that the Azure Dragon Realm operates under different rules than our world. Physical strength matters more than spiritual cultivation, and conflict resolution tends toward direct combat rather than negotiation."
Exactly my preferred environment, Wei Liang thought with predatory satisfaction. A realm where strength determines everything will make conquest considerably more straightforward.
The portal formation began activating as Gu Tianming input the final authentication sequences. Dimensional energy crackled through the array, creating a viewing window that showed glimpses of the destination realm. Wei Liang observed massive mountain ranges where cultivators practiced body refinement techniques that would be considered impossible in normal realms.
"The portal will remain stable for exactly one hour," Gu Tianming explained. "After that, the dimensional barriers naturally reassert themselves. If you haven't returned by then, you'll need to find alternative methods for crossing back."
Unnecessary concern, Wei Liang concluded. I have no intention of returning to this realm once the Azure Dragon Realm falls under my control. Forward conquest is the only direction that matters.
"Master Gu's expertise is invaluable," Wei Liang said politely, though his tone carried subtle threat. "I trust you'll maintain discretion about this transaction? Interdimensional travel attracts unwanted attention from certain authorities."
Gu Tianming nodded frantically. "Complete discretion, naturally! The Jade Harmony Teahouse has maintained its reputation for centuries through absolute client confidentiality!"
Good, Wei Liang thought. Though it won't matter once I've established interdimensional dominance. This realm will serve as a resource base for conquering others, making individual discretion irrelevant.
The portal reached full stability, its surface showing clear images of the Azure Dragon Realm's entry point—a massive plaza surrounded by cultivation academies where body refinement specialists trained in techniques that defied normal physical laws.
"Ready, Scholar Zhang?" Wei Liang asked, stepping toward the dimensional gateway.
Zhang Wuji gathered his research materials with nervous excitement. "The opportunity to study body refinement techniques in their original realm... yes, I'm prepared for whatever we might encounter."
You're prepared to serve as my guide until your usefulness ends, Wei Liang corrected silently. Then you'll join my collection of consumed knowledge like every other tool I've outgrown.
They stepped through the portal together, dimensional energy washing over them as the Crimson Void Realm faded behind them. The transition was remarkably smooth, suggesting Gu Tianming's expertise was genuine despite his obvious terror.
The Azure Dragon Realm's entry plaza was bustling with activity as body refinement cultivators demonstrated their techniques for potential students and trading partners. Wei Liang's enhanced senses immediately detected the fundamental differences in this realm's cultivation environment—physical enhancement techniques that relied on different principles than spiritual qi manipulation.
Fascinating variation, he observed, studying the cultivators around them. Body refinement that enhances strength, speed, and durability through methods that bypass traditional meridian networks. These techniques would integrate excellently with demonic body cultivation.
A young woman approached them with professional courtesy, her movements demonstrating the fluid grace of advanced body refinement. "Welcome to Azure Dragon Realm, travelers. I am Lin Xuefei of the Iron Body Academy. Are you seeking training, trade opportunities, or passage to other regions?"
Lin Xuefei, Wei Liang noted, his predatory instincts immediately classifying her as a potential target. Her cultivation showed the distinctive signatures of high-level body refinement, making her knowledge valuable for integration purposes.
"We seek knowledge about advanced body refinement techniques," Wei Liang replied politely. "Scholar Zhang here specializes in ancient cultivation methods, while I'm interested in practical applications."
Lin Xuefei's expression brightened with professional interest. "Excellent! The Azure Dragon Realm contains the most comprehensive body refinement resources in known dimensions. Which specific techniques interest you most?"
All of them, Wei Liang thought. Every technique, every practitioner, every accumulated tradition in this entire realm. But patience serves conquest better than haste.
"We're particularly interested in constitutional transformation methods," Zhang Wuji said, consulting his notes. "Techniques that alter fundamental physical properties rather than just enhancing existing capabilities."
"Ah, you seek the legendary Hundred Divine Bodies cultivation!" Lin Xuefei exclaimed. "Such methods are taught only in the most prestigious academies, and mastery requires decades of dedicated practice. However, I could arrange introductions if you're serious students."
Perfect, Wei Liang realized. She's offering to guide us directly to the most valuable targets. This realm's conquest should proceed very efficiently indeed.
"We would be honored by such introductions," Wei Liang said, his smile carrying predatory undertones that Lin Xuefei interpreted as scholarly enthusiasm.
As they left the entry plaza, Wei Liang began planning his systematic consumption of the Azure Dragon Realm's accumulated body refinement knowledge. Each academy would provide concentrated targets, their students and masters representing centuries of accumulated technique development.
Time to make the name Death echo across another dimension, he thought as Lin Xuefei led them toward the first cultivation academy. The Azure Dragon Realm's body refinement specialists will soon learn why physical strength means nothing against conceptual consumption.