Chapter 23: The Opening of the Secret Realm

"The secret realm has appeared!"

"It's the Domain of Yi Li Supreme, Yi Li Supreme's Daoist secret realm!"

"Legend has it that Yi Li Supreme once came here seeking the path to immortality, but in the end, no one ever heard of him leaving this land."

"Does that mean if one inherits the legacy of Yi Li Supreme's secret realm, it's as good as stepping onto the path of immortality?"

...

The crowd buzzed with speculation and excitement.

Above this land, the sky was filled with countless flying vessels.

Treasure ships seemed to flood the skies over the Nanling Mountains, with innumerable people waiting for the secret realm to open.

The Fire Moon Sect had also brought its followers to this very place.

"Sect Master, Ancestor, this secret realm must have been left behind by Yi Li Supreme. The moment I arrived, I felt a mysterious pull, as if something invisible was calling to me," An Yue'er carefully described her feelings.

Yu Qiushui stood at the forefront of the crowd, his keen eyes taking in every detail around him.

His expression was grave, saying nothing, the atmosphere heavy.

"The royal clans of Anluan and Qifeng are here!"

"There’s more than one power of the Sun-level!"

"Heavens, another super sect rivaling the Black Dragon Sect!"

Yu Qiushui named them one by one, each revelation sending a shock through the crowd.

In mid-air, two groups faced off, drawing all eyes.

The Fire Moon Sect watched them closely.

One group was the Black Dragon Sect, which had just left the Fire Moon Sect.

The other, however, was a mystery.

Their treasure ship was shrouded in celestial mist and silk veils, with the sound of immortal music drifting continually from within.

A procession of handmaidens, graceful and dignified, carried various musical instruments.

Whenever the music reached the Fire Moon Sect, it refreshed and delighted them.

"Celestial Pavilion!" An Yue'er's gaze was complex as she looked at the ethereal treasure ship.

"One of the three major powers of our Heavenly Martial Realm, I didn’t expect them to come to the Nanling Mountains today."

The atmosphere around the Fire Moon Sect grew even more tense.

The appearance of Yi Li Supreme's secret realm had attracted an unprecedented gathering of elites.

All eyes were fierce, waiting to see who would claim the prize.

...

At that moment, on the Celestial Pavilion’s treasure ship, a guqin rested casually on its stand.

Its body was intricately and beautifully carved, each string distinct.

Behind it, a young maiden sat upright.

Her presence was ethereal, carrying a unique charm.

A white veil covered her face, revealing only a pair of exquisitely shaped eyes, as if she had stepped out of a painting.

Her slender jade fingers plucked at the strings.

The Celestial Pavilion’s treasure ship was cool and pleasant, a stark contrast to the scorching heat below.

As the music faded, a man of tall stature gazed intently at the lady in white beside him.

"Your Highness, the Black Dragon Sect’s Saintess, Long Ziyan, has gone to Anluan and joined forces with two princes. Their ancestor once served Yi Li Supreme. I fear they may seize this opportunity before us."

The maiden lightly plucked the final note.

As the music settled, she spoke calmly.

"It matters not. Yi Li Supreme’s treasures are not so easily acquired. If we obtain them, it is our destiny; if not, we remain without regret."

"The Saintess speaks wisely!" The man applauded, his voice full of admiration. "No wonder you are the Saintess of Music—your words are profound!"

Yin Luo placed her hands on her knees and nodded slowly. "Participation is what matters. Our Holy Land has come primarily to verify certain matters; the rest depends on fate."

...

On the other side, aboard the Black Dragon Vessel.

An Wenxuan and An Fei’er were present.

An Wenxuan was particularly exhilarated, "This secret realm is extraordinary—I feel my blood boiling!"

"I can sense it—this place is perfect for our cultivation; we’ll achieve twice the results with half the effort!"

An Fei’er too felt her inner spiritual energy surging as if it had found its kin.

"Since both of you feel this way, once we enter the secret realm, it will be up to your abilities!" Long Ziyan glanced down, her tone indifferent.

The crowd still waited; the secret realm had not yet fully opened.

Soon, the earth trembled, fissures deepened, and the heat waves grew fiercer, like a beast ready to tear everything apart.

Immense power raged across the land, and everyone frowned with anxiety.

All was ready, only the final trigger awaited.

Just then, a wave of scorching wind shot straight from the ground into the sky, fiery red patterns gradually appearing.

Like the blood vessels of the earth.

Yi Li Secret Realm.

Manifested.

The veins on the ground were unmistakably the array carved by Yi Li Supreme to protect the secret realm.

...

At this moment, everyone erupted in excitement, eager to seize the opportunity.

The earth thundered, a deafening roar filling their ears.

"What is that?!"

"A coffin! It’s Yi Li Supreme’s coffin!"

"So the secret realm is actually Yi Li Supreme’s tomb—could his body be inside?"

"Heavens! Are all his techniques and treasures here as well?"

"Hahaha, whoever gets this will ascend instantly!"

...

The air was thick with clamor.

Eyes red with desire, everyone stared at the scene before them.

Supreme power, the path to immortality, all lay within reach.

Now it was only a matter of who would claim it.

Previously, many suspected this secret realm was related to Yi Li Supreme, but none imagined his body would be buried here. The secret realm’s allure had grown even stronger.

"Return at once and summon the Ancestor!"

"We may be too late—damn!"

Countless were feverish with greed, countless more with regret!

"The secret realm is open. All present may enter. Do your best, but do not force fate!"

A voice rang out, announcing the beginning of the contest for the secret realm.

Everyone surged forward toward Yi Li Supreme’s secret realm.

Now, to enter, one had to break the array left by Yi Li Supreme.

The Black Dragon Sect and Celestial Pavilion raced to the front.

They were supreme sects, and had come fully prepared, with experts to break the array.

Standing at its edge, they could feel the array’s power.

They also knew where entry would be easiest.

Everyone marshaled their strength, quickly occupying the weak points in the array.

Only after the major powers had secured their territories did the Fire Moon Sect take its place.

Yu Qiushui and his party had some strength, but knew nothing about arrays.

"Princess Yue, which direction do you think we should take?"