The Vitality Liquid instantly transformed into an incomparably majestic Life Force, surging into Huang Tianhu's limbs, bones, and Dantian.
A faint emerald-green fluorescent light began to flicker across the surface of his body.
His shattered internal organs and meridians were healing at an unimaginable speed.
When it came to healing, Xu Chuan's mastery of the Vitality Liquid was comparable to a Tier 3 Wound-Healing Pill.
However, it only had miraculous effects on flesh wounds. If it were a wound to the Divine sense, the Vitality Liquid would be incapable of curing it.
Xu Chuan's head of black hair once again turned entirely gray. "Not having a Medicine Garden is truly troublesome. Relying purely on myself to recover will probably take at least ten days to half a month."
An hour or two later.
Estimating that Huang Tianhu was about to wake up, he had Ye Fan come in and bring the man to the main hall.
Seeing Xu Chuan's appearance, Huang Tianba was instantly shocked. "Family Head Xu, what happened to you?"
Xu Deyue and Ye Fan were naturally accustomed to this sight and remained silently standing to the side.
By this time, Huang Tianxiong had also awakened. He stood up and cupped his hands, saying, "Thank you for saving our lives, Family Head Xu."
"From now on, you three brothers will be considered Guest elders of our Xu Family. As long as you remain loyal to us, the Xu Family will naturally not treat you poorly."
Saying this, Xu Chuan looked toward Ye Fan. "You handle the rest of the matters. I need to rest and recuperate for a period of time."
"Yes, Honored Master."
Not long after.
Huang Tianhu woke up. Upon learning that Huang Tianba had made a promise on behalf of him and his second brother to join the Xu Family, he did not say much in protest.
Ye Fan then began to go through the formalities.
The first step was to swear a Spirit Soul Oath, ensuring that even if they ever left the Xu Family in the future, they could never leak any of its secrets.
The second step was the distribution of benefits.
Since the three Huang brothers were classified as Guest elders of the Xu Family, their benefits were not quite as extensive as those of a Vassal Family.
"Brother Tianba, Brother Tianxiong, and Brother Tianhu, you three will each have your respective benefits, such as pills for cultivation. However, our Xu Family also possesses some truly precious pills.
I suggest that you three brothers exchange for a High-Grade Foundation Establishment Pill. It can increase Brother Tianhu's probability of breaking through to Foundation Establishment.
In addition, we have the Jade Marrow Pill. While its efficacy is not as profound as the Foundation Establishment Pill, a high-grade Jade Marrow Pill can still raise the chances of Foundation Establishment by twenty percent, and its effects can be stacked with a Foundation Establishment Pill.
If you make contributions to our Xu Family in the future, you will be able to exchange for them.
With these two types of pills, I imagine Brother Tianhu will also be able to step into the Foundation Establishment Stage."
Hearing this, Huang Tianba trembled in shock. "A High-Grade Foundation Establishment Pill? A Jade Marrow Pill that increases the Foundation Establishment chance by twenty percent?!"
"Rest assured, since I have mentioned them, I can naturally produce them. Our Xu Family doesn't put certain pills up for public sale for fear of attracting too much unwanted attention. We primarily only trade them to our own internal members."
Saying this, Ye Fan took out a small Porcelain Bottle containing a High-Grade Foundation Establishment Pill. "You can exchange for it now, or you can wait and exchange for it together with the Jade Marrow Pill in the future."
The three Huang brothers communicated via sound transmission for a moment, ultimately deciding to exchange for the High-Grade Foundation Establishment Pill first.
Huang Tianhu said, "My eldest sister-in-law is currently at Peak Qi Condensation. We want to let her break through first.
She has True Spiritual Root aptitude. Although her Spirit Root Purity is relatively low, with the High-Grade Foundation Establishment Pill and by borrowing the cultivation rooms of the Yuan, Fang, and Hua families, she will definitely be able to break through.
It's fine if I take my time!"
"That works," Ye Fan smiled faintly. "In that case, take my Token and go to the Hua Clan. If you use the quiet cultivation rooms they built over the Spirit Vein, you should be able to get a fifty percent discount."
"Thank you," the three men cupped their fists in unison.
Although the Xu Family was developing rapidly, the Tier 2 Spirit Vein was jointly occupied by the Yuan, Hua, and Fang families. Even if the Hua Clan intended to lean toward the Xu Family, unless they could persuade another family, the Xu Family would still not be able to obtain the rights to use the Spirit Vein.
The only other remaining method was forceful occupation.
However, this method would only work if they completely overpowered the combined strength of all three families.
When it came to matters regarding the Spirit Vein, the three families advanced and retreated together.
Over ten days later.
Xu Chuan emerged from seclusion; he had already fully recovered.
"Honored Master, regarding the matter with the Yuan Clan, should we retaliate?" Ye Fan asked, a hint of crimson light flashing in his eyes.
"Not yet. The Heavenly Azure Secret Realm will open in a little over a month, and both Deling and I will be entering it. We don't have the time to bother with them right now."
"You are right, Honored Master," Ye Fan replied, cupping his fists.
"Of course, tell our Xu Family members and our allied demon-hunting teams to be careful so they don't fall into another trap. Everything else can wait until we come out of the Secret Realm."
At this very moment.
The seven cities were all engaging in battles to contest for spots to enter the Secret Realm.
Foundation Establishment aristocratic families from various towns, as well as Rogue Cultivators, were also participating.
However, those who actually dared to go were all at Foundation Establishment Perfection.
If one lacked even this level of strength, they would likely be beaten half to death the moment they stepped onto the arena.
With cultivation realms being equal, the deciding factor became one's underlying foundation and resources.
This included the cultivation methods they practiced, whether they had mastered powerful techniques, Secret Arts, Dharma Tools, Talisman Treasures, and the like.
Although Xu Chuan didn't go to watch the fights, he did send people to investigate and see exactly who from the seven cities would be entering.
Those entering the Secret Realm were predominantly still from the Heavenly Azure Sect, accounting for a full thirty-six people. Next were the Green Wood Sect and the other two sects, with nine people from each.
In the blink of an eye, the time to enter the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm arrived.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud arrived with Xu Deling in tow.
"Senior, you're here," Xu Chuan smiled faintly.
"Daoist Friend Xu, your capabilities are truly nothing to scoff at," Perfected Person Fire Cloud said, stroking his beard as he looked at Xu Chuan. "Snatching a spot from the hands of the Three Sects requires a much heavier price than competing in the seven Heavenly Azure cities."
"It was merely luck."
Although Xu Chuan brushed it off lightly, Perfected Person Fire Cloud knew that the items given in exchange must have been of immense value, and moreover, they had to be things that a Golden Core Perfected Being would find appealing.
"Let this old man see your Heavenly Azure Token."
Xu Chuan nodded and took it out of his Storage Pouch.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud held it in his palm, flipping it over a couple of times before saying, "It is indeed a Secret Realm token. These tokens are all uniformly issued by the Heavenly Azure Sect, and the back features the ancient character 'Cang'."
Saying this, he returned the Token.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud did this because he was afraid Xu Chuan might have been scammed.
"Let's go. Follow me to the Heavenly Azure Sect."
With that said, the three of them soared into the sky.
On the way, Xu Chuan asked curiously, "Senior, is there a limit on the number of people who can enter the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm?"
"There are only restrictions regarding cultivation realm and the number of entries. For example, some Heavenly Azure Sect disciples might enter as early as Early Foundation Establishment, but people like you wait until Foundation Establishment Perfection. Do you know why?"
Hearing this, Xu Chuan pondered for a moment before replying, "Virtually no one dares to casually provoke Heavenly Azure Sect disciples, so even if they are only at Early Foundation Establishment, they still have a certain degree of safety.
But as for us, having neither power nor influence, if we enter without sufficient strength, we would just become cannon fodder."
He was indeed incredibly clear-headed.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud nodded in satisfaction. "It's good that you understand. Unless absolutely necessary, do not easily provoke the Heavenly Azure Sect disciples. Many of those who enter possess massive backing.
Not all Golden Core cultivators in the sect merely take on disciples; some also have Dao companions and develop their own aristocratic families.
As far as I know, there are nearly twenty Golden Core Aristocratic Families within the Heavenly Azure Sect, and many of these families boast Late-Stage Golden Core immortal cultivators.
While some families rise and fall, there are ancient families that are just as old as the Heavenly Azure Sect itself, having been established for over two thousand years.
The foundation of just one such aristocratic family is comparable to an entire sect like the Green Wood Sect."
"This junior understands."
"If you are fortunate enough to obtain an Opportunity, like some sort of Inheritance, you can make a Rubbing of it and submit it to the Heavenly Azure Sect in exchange for their rewards and protection.
If you do so, at least during the period of their protection, even if you offend the Three Sects, they wouldn't dare to openly go too far against your Xu Family."
Perfected Person Fire Cloud concluded, "That is all this old man has to say. You should know what to do."
"Thank you, Senior," Xu Chuan said, well aware that Perfected Person Fire Cloud was only advising him so extensively for Xu Deling's sake.
The Heavenly Azure Mountain Range resembled a colossal dragon, winding and coiling across the land.
Its width alone spanned hundreds of miles, and its length stretched for tens of thousands of miles. The Heavenly Azure Sect was located right at the Dragon Head of this enormous dragon.
The Green Wood Sect, Jiaocang Sect, and Qingcang Sect were merely established in the middle and rear sections of the mountain range.
In terms of Spiritual Qi density, they simply couldn't compare to this place.
The Heavenly Azure Sect was shrouded by a massive grand array.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud led the two to the Heavenly Azure Sect's mountain gate.
If it were a Golden Core Perfected Being belonging to the Heavenly Azure Sect, they could directly fly into the array, but as outsiders, they had no choice but to obediently enter through the mountain gate.
"Who goes there?" a mountain-guarding disciple asked.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud replied, "I am Perfected Person Fire Cloud. I bring my beloved disciple and a friend here for the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm."
"You two, take out your Secret Realm Tokens."
Xu Chuan and Xu Deling immediately complied.
Seeing the tokens, the two mountain-guarding disciples no longer dared to act arrogantly. Cupping their fists, they said, "So it is Perfected Person Fire Cloud. Please forgive us Fellow Brothers for our poor eyesight. We will open the entrance for you, Senior, right away."
Both of them merely had Qi Refining strength, so they were likely just Outer Sect Disciples.
Within the Heavenly Azure Sect, those below Late-Stage Qi Condensation were all Handyman Disciples, those at Late-Stage Qi Condensation were Outer Sect Disciples, and only those at the Foundation Establishment Stage could become Inner Sect Disciples.
Among them, those with excellent Innate Aptitude would be taken in as disciples by the Golden Core elders of the various peaks, thereby becoming True Disciples with the potential to reach the Golden Core stage in the future.
Those with ordinary aptitude who managed to reach the mid-to-late Foundation Establishment Stage could serve as deacons on the various peaks, holding a considerable amount of actual authority.
Therefore, the competition was quite intense.
Upon entering the grand array, they stood amid the clouds and looked down at the area below.
The entire Heavenly Azure Sect spanned hundreds of miles, and its most prominent features were the Seven Peaks.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud said, "There are Seven Peaks within the Heavenly Azure Sect, corresponding to the seven Heavenly Azure cities. They are Jiaomu Peak, Kangjin Peak, Ditu Peak, Fangri Peak, Xinyue Peak, Weihuo Peak, and Jishui Peak.
Rumor has it that the grand array we just passed through is built upon the foundation of these Seven Peaks. It is an exceptionally powerful Tier 4 mid-grade formation."
Xu Chuan looked over and saw that although all Seven Peaks were shrouded in spiritual mist, each possessed its own distinct characteristics.
For example, Jiaomu Peak had the most abundant wood-attribute energy, the Spiritual Qi surrounding Kangjin Peak held a sharp edge, and Fangri Peak was wreathed in intense heat.
"Screech~"
Suddenly, a red-crowned, white-feathered immortal crane flapped its wings, slicing through the mist with a clear, resonant cry that pierced the clouds.
White clouds drifted lazily around the waists of the mountains, gathering and dispersing. Cultivators could periodically be seen flying on their swords, streaking through the mist like bolts of azure light and purple lightning, their flowing robes making them look like true immortals.
There were many serene lakes nestled between the peaks, flanked by lush Spirit Fields.
However, the people toiling in the fields were mostly Handyman Disciples.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud brought the two of them to a massive plaza measuring over three thousand feet across. The mountain peak it sat upon was not even half the height of the Seven Peaks.
A series of stone pillars surrounded the plaza.
Various designs were carved into the pillars, depicting flowers, birds, insects, fish, mountains, rivers, and even ancient Demonic Beasts.
"Fire Cloud, I heard you got a spot for your little disciple. I knew you would definitely show up."
Just as they arrived, someone stepped forward with a laugh to greet Perfected Person Fire Cloud.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud introduced the man, "This is Elder Chihuo of the Heavenly Azure Sect's Fangri Peak. He is also a Grandmaster Smith."
"Greetings, Senior Chihuo," Xu Chuan and Xu Deling bowed simultaneously.
"Eh? Why are there two? This girl should be your disciple, but what about this kid?"
"He is my disciple's grandfather. He somehow managed to obtain a Secret Realm spot on his own, so I brought him along to save him the trouble of finding the way."
"I see." Perfected Person Chihuo scrutinized Xu Chuan. "For a Foundation Establishment family to secure two spots is a feat not even the Golden Core Aristocratic Families in the seven Heavenly Azure cities could achieve."
"Alright, stop spouting this nonsense. Tell me why you're looking for me. Don't tell me you want to be completely crushed by me again?"
Elder Chihuo glared, his beard blowing with indignation. "Bullshit! I've beaten you before too."
"This is my disciple, Yan Yue, hailing from the Yan Clan of House Constellation City. Disciple, come greet Perfected Person Fire Cloud."
Yan Yue was a burly young man with short, stiff reddish-brown hair. His left shoulder was bare, while his right was covered by a dark blue tunic.
His exposed muscles were chiseled and robust, coiling like the roots of an ancient pine tree, and gleamed with a bronze luster beneath the sunlight.
Faint fire markings could be seen on his chest, tracing a path of crimson flames that slithered from his collarbone all the way down to his navel. The intricate patterns seemed to flow with an inherent rhythm.
"This junior pays respects to Perfected Person Fire Cloud," Yan Yue said, cupping his fists.
"I've heard that a Yang Fire Spirit Physique appears among the members of the Yan Clan every few generations." Perfected Person Fire Cloud stroked his beard as he stared at Yan Yue, a gleam rippling within his crimson pupils.
"Exactly. This disciple of mine possesses the Yang Fire Physique and top-tier Earth Spiritual Root aptitude. He has quite a bit of talent in the Dao of Artifacts."
Elder Chihuo flashed a smug smile. "The reason I sought you out this time is because I want to make a bet with you."
"A bet?"
"After your disciple comes out of the Secret Realm, she will compete with my disciple in Artificing. If my disciple wins, you will teach him your exclusive refining techniques. If your disciple wins, I will give you the Crimson Sun Crystal.
Haven't you been searching for it recently?"
Hearing the mention of the Crimson Sun Crystal, Perfected Person Fire Cloud's pupils contracted.
He didn't need this material for himself; rather, it was for Xu Deling.
When cultivating the "Fire Emperor's True Pupil" Divine Ability, the assistance of the Crimson Sun Crystal could slightly increase the chances of successfully mastering it.
"You old fogey. You can't beat me in refining artifacts, so you're trying to reclaim some dignity through my disciple."
"Just tell me if you accept or not."
"You think I'm scared of you? Once my little Ling'er comes out, she will compete against your disciple!"
"Alright, it's a deal," Elder Chihuo guffawed loudly, looking very much like a man whose scheme had just succeeded.
As time passed, the number of people in the plaza steadily grew.
Members from the aristocratic families of the seven Heavenly Azure cities, disciples from the Three Sects, and disciples of the Heavenly Azure Sect all arrived one after another.
Most were accompanied by members of their own clans or their Honored Masters.
Very few came alone.
Suddenly, Xu Chuan caught sight of someone, which quite surprised him.
It was a disciple who had just joined the Green Wood Sect a few months ago. Astonishingly, he was already at the Foundation Establishment Stage and had managed to secure a spot to enter the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm.
To the Heavenly Azure Sect and some disciples of the Three Sects, the spots to enter the Secret Realm weren't considered exceedingly precious.
After all, once reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage, advancing to the Golden Core couldn't be done in a short period of time. Moreover, a single person could enter the realm up to three times. Because of this, some would deliberately trade away their entry spots.
'That person's surname seems to be Dong. Dong Zhuo? That doesn't seem right...'
After pondering for a moment, Xu Chuan's eyes lit up. 'Right, his name is Dong Zuo.'
'Rushing to enter the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm at the Early Foundation Establishment stage... Could he be the spy from the Demonic Dao sect?'
Within the Heavenly South, there were some sects that had originally evolved from the Demonic Dao, but the mainstream remained Righteous Path sects. This was quite unlike the Blackwater Region, where the vast majority of sects followed the Demonic Dao.
This phenomenon seemed to be deeply intertwined with the dominant overlord forces of each respective region.
The supreme aristocratic families of the Southern Heaven Region didn't care about the distinction between righteous and demonic, which allowed both paths to coexist.
On the other hand, the ruling family of the Blackwater Region was undeniably a true Demonic Dao sect, thus causing the demonic arts to flourish there.
However, Xu Chuan did not know exactly which demonic sect was involved here.
If this Dong Zuo truly was a spy, he definitely had some ulterior motive for entering the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm.
'There is truly no rest at all!'
Just as he was silently sighing in his heart, Chen Changge walked over. The man's temples were gray, and the sharp aura entirely restrained, much like a sword securely tucked away in its sheath.
Yet, it gave people the distinct impression that the moment the sword was unsheathed, it would unleash an earth-shattering tempest.
"Daoist Friend Xu."
"Daoist Friend Chen."
The two exchanged greetings.
Xu Chuan said, "I heard that Daoist Friend Chen was also going to enter this time. I didn't expect it to be true."
"Although I've entered twice before, I never managed to secure any Opportunities. Having successfully extended my lifespan this time, and since the Secret Realm just happened to be opening, I figured I'd go in one more time to test my luck."
"I feel the same way. By the way, Daoist Friend Chen, since you have entered twice, I wonder if you could share a bit about the situation inside?"
Chen Changge smiled. "Of course, I don't mind."
"Entries into the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm are entirely randomized teleports. The environment inside is somewhat similar to the Heavenly Azure Mountain Range—a continuous expanse of mountains interspersed with complex terrain.
There are swamps, miasma-filled hazardous lands, lakes, Stone Forests, deep valleys, and more.
A vast number of Demonic Beasts inhabit the realm. Many of them possess ancient bloodlines, granting them immense strength.
Aside from that, there are Opportunities and Inheritances.
Sometimes an ancient tree, a boulder, or even an entire lake might harbor an Inheritance. However, anyone attempting to claim an Inheritance will always be subjected to some form of Trial."
"Inheritance Trials?" Xu Chuan was a bit puzzled.
"This information comes from the journals left behind by my ancestors. One of them passed a Trial and secured the Pill Recipe for the Spirit-Nourishing Pill, along with other Opportunities. It was only thanks to this that he managed to smoothly advance to the Golden Core stage."
"I see." Xu Chuan cupped his hands. "Thank you for the information. I do have one more question, however. If someone has tamed Demonic Beasts, can they bring them inside?
If the beast's strength far exceeds the cultivator's own, would the Secret Realm reject it?"
"Ah, about that. As long as the creature is bound to you by a Spiritual Contract, even a Tier 3 Demonic Beast can enter. Otherwise, any beast Tier 3 or above will be expelled by the Secret Realm upon entry.
After all, being able to gain the loyalty of a Tier 3 Demonic Beast is considered part of your own personal Opportunity. It indicates that you possess tremendous Providence or that your family possesses profound reserves of power."
"That's good. I was genuinely afraid someone might bring in a Tier 3 Demonic Beast and go on a slaughterfest inside. That would be far too dangerous."
Inside the Spirit Beast Pouch, Moyue sneezed and woke up.
"Tier 3 Demonic Beasts aren't that easy to tame. Most people capable of subduing one are immortal cultivators at the Late-Stage Golden Core or higher.
Demonic Beasts are incredibly prideful. They almost never submit to anyone weaker than themselves."
"That seems perfectly logical."
Hearing this, Moyue scoffed inwardly. 'What a pity that the person standing right in front of you relied on nothing but his silver tongue to force me—a peak Tier 3 flood dragon—to become his spirit pet!'
'One false step truly led to eternal regret!'
Hearing Moyue's voice echo in his mind, Xu Chuan replied, 'Since you are so reluctant, Moyue, then you can just slowly recover on your own.
'Twenty or thirty years should be enough for you to reach your peak condition again.'
'Xu Chuan, I was just joking! Entering into a Spiritual Contract with you is the most correct choice I have ever made in my entire life!'
He was practically oozing with the desire to survive!
After spending decades with the Xu Family, Moyue had completely lost the inherent pride of a flood dragon.
He had become as slick and sly as a human!
Xu Chuan instructed, 'Once we enter the Secret Realm, just act like you are a local Demonic Beast. Search for a Tier 3 water-attribute Demonic Beast as quickly as possible. When you find one, notify me, and we will work together to hunt it down.
'After that, we'll go fetch the Heavenly God Fruit and then search for Opportunities within the realm.'
'I will follow your arrangements.'
Moyue's eyes gleamed with brilliant light. As long as this operation succeeded, he could restore his strength to its peak in a few months at most.
With over a century left to live, he might actually have a chance to find an Opportunity to step into Tier 4 and become a Shapeshifting Great Demon!
"Greetings, Perfected Person Fire Cloud," Chen Changge then turned to greet the older man. "Thank you for Speaking Out for Justice last time."
"This old man was merely Speaking the Truth. Being on good terms with your Chen Family is indeed highly beneficial for the Xu Family," Perfected Person Fire Cloud replied indifferently.
Half an incense stick of time later.
A voice suddenly boomed over the plaza.
"All those holding Secret Realm Tokens, gather in the center of the plaza. Everyone else, step aside. Once verifications are complete, our sect will open the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm."
Xu Chuan, Xu Deling, and Chen Changge swiftly made their way to the center of the plaza.
Unbeknownst to them, six elderly men clad in crimson Dharma Robes had already appeared there. Intricate azure dragon patterns were embroidered onto their cuffs.
"Take out your tokens," the elder in the center said evenly.
Everyone followed the instruction.
The elder's gaze swept across the crowd, verifying each token in an instant. Stroking his beard, he declared loudly, "Elders, join this old man in opening the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm!"
With a flick of his Sleeve Robe, a black iron token flew out. It was roughly three inches wide and five inches long. The words "Azure Dragon" were carved onto the front, while the back bore a faint star map of the Azure Dragon constellation. It was warm to the touch and seemed to pulse with flowing light.
The other five elders nodded and took three steps backward.
Instantly, six streams of Late-Stage Golden Core Spirit Power merged together like intersecting silver rainbows, flowing from their fingertips straight into the token.
Suspended midair, the token began to vibrate faintly as the azure dragon pattern grew increasingly clear.
Suddenly, a burst of spiritual light erupted. Halos of red, azure, and yellow orbited the token, casting a luminous glow upon the robes of the six elders.
A short while later.
Spatial ripples manifested in a certain spot high above the plaza.
They seemed to be resonating with the token.
"Lock onto the Secret Realm's coordinates!" another elder shouted deeply. The six elders concentrated simultaneously, intensifying their influx of Mana.
"Break!"
The six elders roared in unison, their Mana pouring into the token like rushing rivers feeding into the sea.
The token emitted a thunderous hum. The spiritual light coalesced into a ten-foot phantom of an azure dragon, which raised its head, thrashed its tail, and crashed directly into the empty space to the southeast.
A soft crack echoed through the air. The surrounding space rippled violently like disturbed water, and spiderweb-like fissures gradually formed across it.
A purplish-gold light seeped through the cracks. As more Spirit Power poured in, the opening expanded into a ten-foot-wide portal of light.
The six elders withdrew their power and stood upright. Faint traces of sweat dotted their brows as they stared at the radiant portal with grave expressions.
The central elder retracted the token and announced, "The entrance to the Secret Realm has been opened. Those who enter will be automatically teleported back to this exact location in one month."
Sweeping his gaze over the crowd once more, he added, "Let this old man say one last thing: the Secret Realm is rife with lethal dangers. Do not obsessively force any Opportunity; otherwise, you bear full responsibility for your own life and death."
"Go forth."
With that said, the Heavenly Azure Sect disciples were the first to fly toward the glowing portal. The Three Sects quickly followed, leaving Xu Chuan and the others to bring up the rear.
"Daoist Friend Xu, let us hope fate allows us to meet again within the Secret Realm."
After cupping his fists toward Xu Chuan, Chen Changge soared into the light portal as well.
Xu Chuan returned the gesture. Turning to Xu Deling beside him, he instructed, "Let's head in as well. Once we're inside, cast the Bloodline Traction Secret Technique first and regroup with me.
If we end up too far apart, I'll come find you. Before that happens, act carefully on your own."
"Yes, Grandfather."
Following that, the two of them flew straight into the Secret Realm.
The world spun in a dizzying blur.
When Xu Chuan reappeared, he found himself amidst a dense forest filled with towering ancient trees. The density of the Spiritual Qi here was not the slightest bit inferior to that within the Heavenly Azure Sect.
His first reaction was to extend his Divine sense, probing the surrounding dozens of miles.
After executing the Bloodline Traction Secret Technique, he sensed that Xu Deling was at least a thousand miles away.
If there were no dangers present, flying at maximum speed wouldn't take very long.
However, the Secret Realm was swarming with Demonic Beasts, many of which possessed potent ancient bloodlines. If he acted too ostentatiously, he'd likely be killed before he even knew what hit him.
'A thousand miles... Moyue, give me a ride!'
'Aren't you afraid of being discovered?'
'I can just hide within your mane. If you release your Pressure while flying, the entrants at least shouldn't dare to snoop on us. And if they do, we'll just kill them in passing.'
'Exactly what I had in mind.'
Moyue immediately transformed into a flood dragon hundreds of feet long. His flowing, azure-blue mane perfectly concealed Xu Chuan's figure. Soaring into the sky, he unleashed an earth-shattering dragon roar and rapidly flew in the direction Xu Chuan guided him.
At the exact same moment.
Countless entrants throughout the Secret Realm heard the deafening roar of the flood dragon.
"What an astonishing dragon roar! It's at least at the middle stage of Tier 3 or higher. As expected of the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm; it's practically overflowing with danger."
"The flood dragon is heading that way. I'd better change my direction."
"What horrible luck. I've only just arrived, and I've already run into a flood dragon! Let's hope it hasn't noticed me!"
Aside from the immortal cultivators, numerous Demonic Beasts also raised their heads to look at the sky.
Among them were quite a few Tier 3 Demonic Beasts.
"A flood dragon exerting late-stage Tier 3 Pressure?! What a pity. Being trapped in this place, it's ultimately nothing more than a prisoner."
The journey was completely unimpeded.
Xu Chuan quickly arrived near Xu Deling's location.
Feeling the intense Pressure of a Tier 3 Demonic Beast, she was momentarily startled. However, realizing the Pressure felt somewhat familiar, she wondered if it was Moyue.
Then, not long after.
Xu Chuan appeared in the sky directly above her.
"Grandfather," Xu Deling flew over joyfully.
Xu Chuan smiled faintly. Turning to Moyue, he instructed, "Go on ahead. Once you find our target, come notify the two of us."
Moyue nodded slightly, then twisted his massive body and slithered away through the sky.
Xu Chuan then explained his plan to Xu Deling.
Naturally, she obeyed his arrangements without question.
However, before Moyue managed to find their target for the hunt, the two of them began scouring the surrounding area for rare Spirit Grass.
Xu Chuan didn't forget to take out his potted plants, carefully watering the seedlings with Vitality Liquid.
The Vitality Liquid he coalesced for this task obviously didn't drain him nearly as much as the time he saved Huang Tianhu. He only expended one percent of his own Life Force, meaning it caused absolutely no real harm to his body.
Relying on Xu Chuan's Golden Core level Divine sense for scouting, the pair avoided numerous troubles.
Securing entry into the Secret Realm was no easy feat. Engaging in bloody battles with Demonic Beasts or clashing with cultivators backed by profound forces was just a total waste of effort if completely unnecessary, and it would only draw unwarranted disasters onto themselves.
In just two short days, they harvested several extremely rare, thousand-year-old Spirit Grasses in that area alone.
Soon after, Moyue followed their Divine sense link to track down Xu Chuan.
"Found a target?" Xu Chuan asked with a smile.
There should be quite a few Golden Core Demonic Beasts inside the Secret Realm, but locating a water-attribute one that was specifically at the early Tier 3 stage was bound to take a fair bit of effort.
'It was mostly just good luck,' Moyue relayed. 'I encountered a Tier 3 fire barbaric bull with a trace of flood dragon bloodline. From it, I learned the location of an early-stage Tier 3 water-attribute Demonic Beast.
The two of them seemed to be hostile towards one another.'
"Be careful not to be used as someone else's weapon."
Moyue guffawed. 'There's no need to worry about that. Demonic Beasts don't have all those convoluted, scheming thoughts like humans do. Besides, they've spent their entire lives shut inside this closed-off Secret Realm. They're incredibly sheltered and ignorant.'
'Let's go. I'll take you over there. The beast lives in a lake roughly three thousand miles from here.'
Xu Chuan shook his head with a slight smile. He and Xu Deling quickly mounted Moyue's back, concealing their figures just like before.
And with a mighty howl, they shot off into the distance.
"Why is it that flood dragon again?"
"Since when were the Tier 3 Demonic Beasts in the Secret Realm this active?"
"Why is it that no matter which direction I go, it follows me? Is this overgrown worm deliberately targeting this young master?!"
Numerous immortal cultivators complained bitterly in their hearts.
Yet, terrified of being noticed by Moyue, they scrambled to hide carefully and quickly altered their paths.
It was highly likely that in the entire history of the Secret Realm, no one had ever strolled through it with the casual, carefree ease of Xu Chuan and his group.
Half an incense stick of time later.
They arrived in the sky directly above the lake.
It was surrounded by countless exotic flowers and extraordinary herbs. Crimson calyxes gathered the morning dew, while verdant stems supported blooms radiant as the sunrise. As the wind brushed past, petals trembled gently, scattering over the lake's surface where they drifted like fragments of broken dawn.
The lake water was as clear and green as pure glass, completely untainted by impurities. Sunlight pierced easily through the rippling surface.
Schools of swimming fish darted about like silver shuttles. The trails left by their moving tail fins and the rhythmic opening and closing of their gills were displayed in perfect clarity amidst the shimmering water.
Xu Chuan swept his gaze over the area.
"Underwater, Deling and I can only offer limited help. Therefore, I will first set up a formation on the shore to the northwest. Suppress your true strength and lure it into the formation.
Once that's done, we'll be Catching a Turtle in a Jar."
'Heheh, I couldn't possibly be any more familiar with this exact routine!'
Xu Chuan chuckled softly. A white glow faintly flashed across the Storage Ring on his hand, and Six Formation Flags shot out, dividing into six harmonious directions before disappearing into the surrounding environment.
After deploying the Six Harmonies Absolute Sealing Formation.
Xu Chuan and Xu Deling Suppress Cultivation Realm, concealed their auras, and merged seamlessly into the surrounding vegetation.
Afterward.
Moyue charged straight into the lake.
The lakebed Grotto-heaven was immensely vast—far wider than what it appeared to be from above. The terrain was incredibly complex, featuring jagged Stone Forests, thickets of aquatic plants, sprawling coral reefs, and deep trenches spanning over half a meter wide.
Massive shoals of Spirit Fish roamed and darted through the underwater maze.
Moyue released the Pressure of an early-stage Tier 3 Demonic Beast as he prowled across the lake floor.
A short while later.
Within a cavernous opening in the submerged rock wall, an enormous toad opened its eyes.
Its body was built like a ten-foot-wide disc and was entirely covered in blue-and-white frost scales. Intricate webbings of ice veins pulsed lightly between the scales with every breath it took.
The toad possessed three emerald eyes: one centered atop its skull and two on its cheeks.
The vertical pupil on its forehead was about the length of a finger joint and as green as frigid jade, with pale wisps of Cold Qi swirling within the iris.
The horizontal eyes on its left and right cheeks were perfectly round like copper bells. They were slightly lighter in color but appeared to harbor shards of broken ice. Whenever it glanced around, chilling light shot outward in all directions.
When all three eyes opened simultaneously, the surrounding ripples of water instantly froze into thin ice. As it breathed, a faint white mist seeped out from beneath its frost scales, vividly complementing the icy patterns on its body.
Three legs extended from its back, each as thick as a bucket. The ends split into five distinct claws gleaming with an icy blue hue, looking sharp enough to effortlessly rend stone and shatter ice. Its belly was shielded by a layer of snow-white, flexible armor faintly inscribed with hexagonal frost patterns.
Demonic Beasts valued their Territory immensely above all else.
This entire lake was the toad's domain. Naturally, it wasn't about to be polite when an outsider dared to trespass. It immediately rocketed out of its cave.
Only to find itself staring down a flood dragon over two hundred feet long.
The flood dragon bloodline was incredibly potent. Although the toad prided itself as an exotic, variant Demonic Beast, it was still deeply wary of such a formidable species within the beast kingdom. All three of its emerald eyes narrowed slightly.
"Flood dragon, what are you doing in my Territory?!"
'A Green-Eyed Frost Toad. It actually grew a third, vertical eye. No wonder that barbaric bull, despite being at the peak of early Tier 3 and possessing both partial flood dragon and ancient bull bloodlines, still lacked the confidence to defeat it.'
Moyue pondered internally for a moment before declaring arrogantly, "I've taken a liking to this lake. If you know what's good for you, hurry up and surrender it. Otherwise, I will devour your Demonic Core and turn you into my rations."
"So what if you're a flood dragon? Do you think I'd be afraid of you?!"
Before the toad's voice even faded, the vertical eye at the center of its forehead abruptly fired a beam of icy light straight toward Moyue.
Moyue could vividly sense the incredibly terrifying, extreme yin and absolute cold power contained within that beam. It was so potent that it actually instilled a thick sense of lethal crisis within him.
He instantly opened his maw and fired a beam of icy light of his own, violently twisting his body away to evade at maximum speed.
'This Green-Eyed Frost Toad must have acquired a massive Opportunity. Otherwise, no matter how powerful that vertical pupil's attack was, it shouldn't have given me such a profound feeling of crisis.'
"Where do you think you're going!" The Green-Eyed Frost Toad immediately launched itself in pursuit.
Splash! Splash! Splash!
Thousands of massive waves instantly surged across the lake's surface.
Moyue fled rapidly toward the northwest, with the Green-Eyed Frost Toad furiously giving chase right on his heels.
In an instant.
An azure Light Screen rose from the surroundings, sealing off an area of several miles like a gigantic overturned bowl.