{"id":7366,"date":"2025-08-07T09:38:30","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T07:38:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/?p=7366"},"modified":"2025-08-07T09:38:30","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T07:38:30","slug":"the-second-male-lead-fled-on-the-spot-chapter-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/2025\/08\/07\/the-second-male-lead-fled-on-the-spot-chapter-16\/","title":{"rendered":"The Second Male Lead\u00a0Fled On The Spot &#8211; Chapter 16"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">The secret realm opened at dusk.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">After Chu Xinghui and Cheng Yu finished eating and rested for a while, they arrived at the entrance of the secret realm just before it opened.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">The entrance was packed with low-level cultivators preparing to enter.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Cheng Yu, being short, tiptoed and strained to look over the crowd. His eyes suddenly noticed the sword in Chu Xinghui\u2019s hand: &#8220;Hey, you changed your spirit sword?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">He remembered his poor friend had always used a pretty worn-out sword before\u2014when did he become so well-off?<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Seeing that Cheng Yu had noticed, Chu Xinghui generously showed it off: &#8220;Does it look good?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Cheng Yu inspected it and commented: &#8220;You know, it really does. The material looks solid, way better than your old one.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Chu Xinghui nodded modestly and put the sword away: &#8220;It\u2019s mine.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Cheng Yu didn\u2019t understand why he suddenly sounded so proud, so he chalked it up to the eccentric habits of sword cultivators.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">They were just like his senior brother and sister with their obsession over their alchemy furnaces.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">After a while, members of the Beiyue Sword Sect arrived.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Ming Xiao, seeing the two standing up front, loudly cleared his throat.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">But Chu Xinghui and Cheng Yu didn\u2019t notice and kept their attention on the secret realm.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">After waiting a long time with no response, Ming Xiao finally clenched his teeth and greeted them first: &#8220;We meet again.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Only then did Cheng Yu notice someone familiar behind them. He warmly greeted him: &#8220;Fellow Cultivator Ming, you\u2019re here too?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Ming Xiao glanced at Chu Xinghui and said: &#8220;Since it\u2019s our second time meeting, let\u2019s exchange names.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Cheng Yu was puzzled: &#8220;I\u2019m Cheng Yu. My master took me to Beiyue Sword Sect before\u2014you should know my name.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Ming Xiao was momentarily stunned: &#8220;Who asked you?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Cheng Yu became even more confused: &#8220;Didn\u2019t you just say \u2018let\u2019s exchange names\u2019? I\u2019m part of the \u2018we\u2019 too.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Ming Xiao: \u201c\u2026\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">He gave up on Cheng Yu and walked straight to Chu Xinghui, raising his chin: &#8220;Hey, the one surnamed Xie, did you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Chu Xinghui, hugging his sword and observing the area, turned around at the sound: &#8220;Were you talking to me? I\u2019m not surnamed Xie.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Just as Ming Xiao was about to blow up, Chu Xinghui added: &#8220;Chu Xinghui. That\u2019s my name.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Ming Xiao was barely satisfied but didn\u2019t want to look too pleased. So he stared at him for a while and finally muttered: &#8220;I didn\u2019t come just to ask your name.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Chu Xinghui wasn\u2019t sure why he emphasized that and politely nodded: &#8220;Oh.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Ming Xiao, in a good mood, didn\u2019t want to argue and huffed proudly: &#8220;Lots of people want to be friends with me. You should feel lucky I\u2019m even offering to exchange names.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">This time, many young cultivators from major sects had come to the secret realm. They were the darlings of their sects, so even the outer security had been upgraded.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">As the opening approached, several high-level cultivators arrived to monitor the entrance for any accidents.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Chu Xinghui let Ming Xiao\u2019s words go in one ear and out the other, his gaze caught by a familiar figure at the end of the group.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">That person wore an unremarkable face and mingled with the crowd like he was only here for the stipend, looking quite carefree.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">As if sensing his gaze, the man turned back and winked at him through the crowd.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Chu Xinghui\u2019s eyes lit up involuntarily.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Ming Xiao had been rambling, but when he noticed Chu Xinghui zoning out, he got annoyed: &#8220;Hey, I\u2019m talking to you. At least look at me, will you?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Cheng Yu, feeling left out, chimed in: &#8220;And me. I\u2019m here too. If you\u2019re going to argue, at least look at me while doing it.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Hearing this, Ming Xiao turned and snapped at him: &#8220;Shut up. Is that something to be proud of?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Cheng Yu protested, trying to defend his right to join the argument: &#8220;That\u2019s not fair. I was the first to say your temper is bad. Why can\u2019t I be part of the fight?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">His logic was flawless. Ming Xiao couldn\u2019t think of a comeback and could only stubbornly say: &#8220;My cultivation is higher than yours. If I say you can\u2019t, then you can\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Meanwhile, the familiar figure disappeared into the crowd, and Chu Xinghui finally looked away.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">He heard the two still bickering beside him and quietly took a step back, wanting to distance himself.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Getting mistaken for being part of their group would be horrible for his reputation.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Just as he debated changing spots, a stir ran through the crowd ahead.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">A surge of spiritual energy burst from the entrance, and a black hole with an unclear interior appeared in its place.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">The secret realm had opened.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Chu Xinghui pressed down on the two still arguing and dragged them toward the entrance.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><br \/><br \/><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">*<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><br \/><br \/><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">After the secret realm opened, cultivators entered one after another, and the entrance area gradually cleared out.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Shang Ling held a map, discussing the surrounding spiritual fields with other cultivators who had come to help.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Someone noticed a stranger standing beside him and asked: &#8220;This fellow Cultivator looks a bit unfamiliar. May I ask your name?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Xie Liufeng casually made one up: &#8220;My surname is Chu.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">The person thought for a while but couldn\u2019t recall any famous cultivator surnamed Chu. Assuming Shang Ling brought him, he politely nodded and ignored him.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">After a long discussion, the group finalized their investigation plans and dispersed.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Seeing that most had left, Shang Ling elbowed the silent man beside him: &#8220;Any thoughts?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">But Xie Liufeng wasn\u2019t even looking at the map. Instead, he gazed toward a distant mountain: &#8220;What\u2019s over there?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Shang Ling followed his gaze but couldn\u2019t recall anything special: &#8220;Just ordinary hills. I remember people from Lingxiang Sect camped there yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Lingxiang Sect again?<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">That sect had been a little too present lately.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Xie Liufeng pondered for a moment: &#8220;Find someone skilled in formations. I\u2019ll go check it out.\u201d<br \/>Shang Ling was about to ask why, but when he turned back, the man had already disappeared.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">He cursed under his breath but trusted that Xie Liufeng wouldn\u2019t act without reason and went to find help.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><br \/><br \/><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">*<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><br \/><br \/><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">The disorienting sensation of spatial transmission still lingered in Chu Xinghui\u2019s mind.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Before he opened his eyes, he heard a strange rustling.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">His sword shot out instantly and slashed the source of the sound.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Opening his eyes, he found himself in an unfamiliar forest, next to the corpse of a Qi Refining stage Purple Venom Spider.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">So that was the source of the sound.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">The forest was full of mist and the sky overcast\u2014it didn\u2019t seem like a safe place.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">The fog concealed movement, and far off atop a mountain, a building loomed through the haze.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Looking around, Chu Xinghui noticed Cheng Yu wasn\u2019t nearby.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Many secret realms had randomized teleportation. They had prepared for this by buying artifacts that could track each other\u2019s positions.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Right now, Cheng Yu\u2019s location appeared on the device.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Luckily, they weren\u2019t too far apart\u2014at most an hour\u2019s journey at a fast pace.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Considering Cheng Yu\u2019s limited self-defense skills and their pending business transaction, he needed to reunite with him quickly.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Having decided, Chu Xinghui confirmed the direction and set off.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">As he walked, he collected some low-level herbs, but then noticed trampled grass ahead.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Someone had been here.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">In secret realms, strangers could be just as dangerous as beasts. Chu Xinghui slowed down and stayed cautious.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Eventually, he spotted the figure\u2014it was Qin Yuwen from Lingxiang Sect.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">The moment he saw him, Chu Xinghui turned and started walking the other way.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">He had a strong feeling this guy was bad news. The best way to handle trouble was to avoid it entirely.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">But Qin Yuwen had already spotted him: &#8220;Fellow Cultivator Xie.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Chu Xinghui had no choice but to stop and replied from a distance: &#8220;Do you need something?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Qin Yuwen gave a soft smile: &#8220;I twisted my ankle. You don\u2019t mind lending a hand, do you?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">His looks weren\u2019t stunning, but his features were pleasant. When he furrowed his brow, it brought out a natural urge to protect.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Few could refuse him under such circumstances, especially someone upright like a Heavenly Dao Child. He was confident.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Chu Xinghui frowned.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">He was puzzled: &#8220;Don\u2019t you have spiritual energy?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Qin Yuwen had already built his foundation. An ankle twist was nothing\u2014a little spiritual energy or a healing pill would fix it.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">He didn\u2019t look like someone who lacked money for pills either.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">So why was he keeping an injury in a dangerous secret realm?<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Qin Yuwen froze for a second.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Chu Xinghui waited a bit, then turned to leave.<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Seeing that he was about to go, Qin Yuwen quickly called out: &#8220;Wait!\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Chu Xinghui, a little annoyed, stopped again: &#8220;What is it exactly?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">Qin Yuwen\u2019s temple twitched as he forced a gentle smile: &#8220;There\u2019s a formation around this forest. You won\u2019t get out easily. I have some understanding of such things. Why not travel together for a bit?\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Support translation:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/bePatron?u=25191841\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"217\" height=\"51\" class=\"wp-image-338 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/become_a_patron_button.png?resize=217%2C51\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 217px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 217\/51;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/lajnaa\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/kofi3-3.png?resize=185%2C47\" alt=\"This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is kofi3-3.png\" width=\"185\" height=\"47\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 185px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 185\/47;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n<p><!--EndFragment--><\/p>\r\n<p><!--EndFragment--><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The secret realm opened at dusk. After Chu Xinghui and Cheng Yu finished eating and rested for a while, they arrived at the entrance of the secret realm just before it opened. The entrance was packed with low-level cultivators preparing to enter. Cheng Yu, being short, tiptoed and strained to look over the crowd. His [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7174,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[109],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7366","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-second-male-lead-fled-on-the-spot","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/TheSecondMale.png?fit=300%2C419&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7366","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7366"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7366\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7368,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7366\/revisions\/7368"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7174"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7366"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7366"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7366"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}