Three days later at dawn, in front of Qingxi Sect's mountain gate.
Twenty carefully chosen disciples stood in neat formation, each with a solemn expression, though excitement and anticipation sparkled in their eyes.
The Fusang Secret Realm only opened once every five years. Its countless opportunities made it a dream destination for every Foundation Establishment-stage cultivator.
Xie Zhaolin stood at the front of the line, her tall figure accentuated by her teal robes. Her gaze casually swept over the crowd, and when it landed on a familiar figure, she raised an eyebrow slightly.
Wei Qingwu was also in the lineup. Six months had passed, and her cultivation had barely reached Qi Refining Eighth Layer—not remarkable among the Inner Sect disciples. But as a Qi Refining cultivator who had just entered the Inner Sect, securing this precious spot in the secret realm meant Elder Wei must've pulled a lot of strings behind the scenes.
Wei Qingwu noticed the gaze and turned, locking eyes with Xie Zhaolin. A flicker of resentment flashed in her eyes before she returned to calm.
A trace of amusement crossed Xie Zhaolin's eyes. Wei Qingwu had clearly improved over her confinement, making this secret realm trip likely to be very interesting.
At that moment, Liu Feng slid up to Xie Zhaolin's side along with Chen Xingmo and Liu Ziye, moving so subtly it left no trace. Over the past six months, their standing with Elder Liu had risen significantly. Plus, all three were Elder Liu's disciples. A little extra reward was thrown in, and the other two were also included.
From a distance, commotion arose as Mo Yan and Elder Liu walked side by side toward them.
"This secret realm journey holds both peril and opportunity," Mo Yan's voice was icy. "Remember your limits. Don't be greedy or reckless."
After the short lecture, he flicked his sleeve, and the teleportation array blazed brilliantly.
In a dizzying flash, everyone arrived at the teleportation point closest to the Fusang Secret Realm. The entrance was already packed, disciples from all sects gathered in groups, their attire varied and colorful.
Most eye-catching was the Hehuan Sect's group.
Yu Xiaotang stood in the center, surrounded like the moon among stars. As the intel described, her cultivation had reached the Middle Foundation Establishment stage, and the spiritual energy radiating from her seemed almost unnatural.
Xie Zhaolin cast a brief glance and withdrew her gaze. Yu Xiaotang's secrets were still hidden, and her cultivation progress was too suspicious. Until she figured out exactly what "Xitong" was, it was better to steer clear.
As she pondered this, Yu Xiaotang moved lightly toward the Xuanyang Sword Sect's group. She wore a flowing pale pink fairy dress, the hem swaying gracefully with each step, making her look especially elegant and charming.
"Senior Brother Yuan, long time no see," Yu Xiaotang said warmly as she stopped in front of Yuan Yingqi, the Young Sect Master of Xuanyang Sword Sect.
Yuan Yingqi turned at her voice, his normally stern features softening slightly. "Junior Sister Yu? Six months… your cultivation…" He examined her carefully, eyes widening. "Middle Foundation Establishment peak already? That speed… it's astonishing."
"You flatter me, Senior Brother Yuan," Yu Xiaotang lowered her gaze modestly. "It's just some luck with opportunities. This trip to the secret realm is to seek a breakthrough toward Late Foundation Establishment."
Admiration deepened in Yuan Yingqi's eyes. "Junior Sister Yu, you're too modest. Your talent rivals even that of Shi Yue Zhēnjūn in her prime. She was truly wasted before."
At the mention of Shi Yue Zhēnjūn, a flicker of darkness passed in Yu Xiaotang's eyes, though her face showed only a trace of sorrow.
"Senior Brother Yuan, please don't compare me to Senior Sister… she's a prodigy. How could I dare compare?" she said softly, a hint of sadness in her tone. "It's just… a pity about her…"
Seeing this, Yuan Yingqi's voice softened. "The past is past. Don't be overly sorrowful. With your current progress, your future achievements may not fall short. The Hehuan Sect's future relies on disciples like you."
Yu Xiaotang lifted her head, eyes showing just the right amount of gratitude. "Thank you for your encouragement, Senior Brother. Speaking of which… the secret realm is perilous. How about our sects travel together?"
Yuan Yingqi frowned slightly. "Junior Sister Yu, exploration in the secret realm has always relied on one's own skill. Xuanyang Sword Sect and Hehuan Sect have some ties, but…"
"You misunderstand, Senior Brother," Yu Xiaotang hurriedly explained. "The Demon Clan will enter through their own portal. These years, human and demon conflicts have been frequent. If we encounter them inside…"
Yuan Yingqi's expression darkened. "Indeed. The Demon Clan always opposes human cultivators. If we meet in the secret realm, a fierce battle is inevitable."
"Exactly," Yu Xiaotang sighed softly. "Most of our sect's disciples aren't skilled fighters. If they encounter a demon team alone, it could be disastrous. Xuanyang Sword Sect excels in swordsmanship, so if we…"
He understood immediately. "You want the disciples of both sects to watch out for each other inside the secret realm."
"Senior Brother understands," Yu Xiaotang said sincerely. "Not a formal alliance, just mutual support if we cross paths. Facing the Demon Clan, human cultivators should stand together."
Yuan Yingqi thought for a moment. "What you say is reasonable. The Demon Clan is vicious; if encountered, teamwork is necessary. But…" he shifted his tone, "the secret realm is vast. Whether we meet depends on fate."
"Of course," Yu Xiaotang said, producing a pair of communication jade talismans. "My Master gave me these. They can detect each other's location within a hundred miles. If Senior Brother doesn't mind…"
Yuan Yingqi examined them carefully, then nodded. "Good. If we sense each other, we'll watch out for one another."
"Thank you, Senior Brother," Yu Xiaotang bowed lightly. "May disciples of both sects return safely."
As she turned, a shadow flickered in her eyes, and she thought silently:
"System, what's Yuan Yingqi's affection level?"
[Target Affection 26, please continue efforts.]
Xie Xiaotang frowned slightly at the response. Yuan Yingqi was difficult. Half a year, and she'd only raised his affection to 26. Compared to disciples from the Medicine King Valley, this progress was painfully slow.
[Emotional fluctuation detected.]
[Reminder: Affection above 50 makes the target more receptive to cooperation.]
Yu Xiaotang chuckled coldly in her mind. Of course she knew that.
She rubbed her brow in frustration. "System, can I activate the positioning function yet?"
[Current points insufficient. Suggested: collect rare spirit plants in the secret realm to exchange for points.]
She immediately rejected the suggestion. Points could wait; rare spirit plants weren't everywhere.
Just as she was about to ask something else, a commotion erupted in the distance. The light screen at the secret realm entrance began violently fluctuating, multicolored rays shooting into the sky, bathing everything in brilliant light.
Elders from each sect rose, their expressions serious, walking to the entrance. They simultaneously cast spells, and the portal slowly opened.
"The secret realm is open. Disciples enter in order! Remember, the realm closes in one month. Return on time!
Life and death are fated, fortune is in heaven. Take care of yourselves!"