Chapter 6481 - 6490

The closer they got to the depths of the corridor, the stronger Gui Yuanzi’s unease grew.

The surrounding spiritual energy fluctuations became increasingly strange, and a faint, pungent smell of blood permeated the air. Though faint, he keenly detected it.

The smell was old, not recent; it had clearly been there for a long time, yet it still sent a chill down his spine.

This made him even more certain that this corridor was definitely not simple, and the place Wu Heng had brought him to was certainly not a safe place.

He subconsciously tightened his grip on the jade bottle in his hand, his fingertips lightly brushing the bottle’s surface, as if sending a signal to his young master, or perhaps encouraging himself.

He silently vowed that no matter what danger they encountered, he would protect his young master’s soul, even at the cost of his own life, he would never allow his young master to suffer the slightest harm.

After walking for about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, a stone door finally appeared ahead.

The stone door was entirely black, three zhang high and about two zhang wide, covered with complex and mysterious runes.

The runes shimmered with a pale golden light, radiating an ancient and powerful aura, completely different from the runes on either side of the corridor, appearing more majestic and eerie.

The surface of the stone door was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the figures of the two people, inspiring a sense of awe in those who saw it.

Wu Heng stopped, turned around, looked at Gui Yuanzi, and said with a gentle smile, “Sect Master Gui Yuan, my secret chamber is just ahead. Let’s discuss this in detail inside.”

With that, he took out a black token from his robes. The token was entirely black, engraved with the character “Shang,” its runes flowing and emitting faint fluctuations of spiritual energy.

He gently placed the token against the stone door. The instant the token touched the door, the runes on the door lit up, the pale golden light becoming even more dazzling, almost blinding.

A

low rumble resounded, and the stone door slowly opened inwards. A faint fragrance wafted from the crack.

The fragrance was gentle and mellow, carrying a hint of spiritual energy that invigorated the mind.

However, Gui Yuanzi remained vigilant, knowing that the safest place was often the most dangerous.

Once the stone door was fully opened, a secret chamber was revealed.

The chamber was small, only a few feet in diameter, but exquisitely furnished.

Several landscape paintings hung on the walls, their frames made of precious sandalwood, intricately carved.

The mountains and rivers in the paintings were lifelike, shrouded in mist, appearing as if they were real scenes, making the viewer feel as if they were immersed in the landscape, dispelling much of their anxiety and unease. Even

more peculiar was that the landscape in the paintings subtly changed with the viewer’s gaze, as if it possessed a life of its own—clearly an ancient painting imbued with spiritual energy.

In the center of the chamber sat a stone table, crafted from warm, dark jade, its surface as smooth as a mirror.

A set of exquisite tea utensils sat on the table. The teapot and teacups were made of white porcelain, decorated with delicate orchid patterns, elegant and refined.

Steam rose from the teapot, the subtle aroma of tea mingling with the previously smelled fragrance, filling the entire secret chamber, soothing and refreshing.

Clearly, Wu Heng had prepared all of this long ago, obviously premeditated.

On either side of the stone table stood a stone chair, covered with soft animal hides, likely very comfortable.

In a corner of the chamber was a small bookshelf, holding several books with antique covers, all seemingly ancient texts, exuding a faint scent of ink.

The entire secret chamber was quiet and elegant, a stark contrast to the imposing and heavy atmosphere outside.

“Sect Master Guiyuan, please sit,”

Wu Heng said, walking to the stone table and taking the seat of honor. He then picked up the teapot and slowly poured two cups of tea.

The tea was pale green, clear and transparent, emitting a faint fragrance. A thin layer of spiritual mist floated on the surface, clearly indicating it was no ordinary tea, but brewed from precious spiritual leaves. It not only tasted excellent but also nourished spiritual energy.

Gui Yuanzi didn’t sit; he remained standing opposite the stone table, his eyes warily fixed on Wu Heng, showing no sign of relaxation.

He could sense that although this secret room appeared quiet and elegant, it was actually protected by restrictions. If a conflict broke out, escaping would likely be difficult.

“President Wu, there’s no need for formalities between us,”

Gui Yuanzi’s voice was low and icy. “I know you wouldn’t tell me about the substitute without reason, nor would you invite me here without reason.”

“Speak frankly. What is the substitute? Where is it? What conditions are required?”

He didn’t want to waste time or beat around the bush with Wu Heng. What he cared about most now was the news of the substitute—whether it could allow the young master to rebuild his physical body.

As for Wu Heng’s conditions, although he didn’t know what they were, he was mentally prepared. As long as they weren’t too unreasonable and he could get a substitute, he was willing to agree.

Wu Heng picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and the tea was warm and sweet. A faint spiritual energy instantly flowed into his body, nourishing his meridians.

He put down the teacup, leaned back in his chair, and squinted at Gui Yuanzi, his eyes complex, carrying a hint of calculation and scrutiny.

His gaze lingered on Gui Yuanzi for a long time, from his disheveled robes to his swollen eyes, then to his hand tightly gripping the sword hilt, finally settling on the jade bottle in Gui Yuanzi’s arms. A barely perceptible smile curved his lips, and a glint of greed flashed in his eyes.

He could tell that this jade bottle was no ordinary item; it must contain something important.

Moreover, Gui Yuanzi cherished this jade bottle immensely, always holding it in his hands and close to his chest. Clearly, what was inside the jade bottle was of paramount importance to him.

Although he didn’t know what was inside the jade bottle, he could sense a faint yet exceptionally pure aura of divine soul within it. This aura, though weak, carried an extraordinary depth, clearly indicating that the owner of the divine soul within the bottle was no ordinary person.

However, he didn’t reveal this, but instead spoke slowly, his voice low and hoarse: “Sect Master Guiyuan, I won’t hide it from you. The Primordial Divine Water was indeed taken by Venerable Tianji. This is something I cannot change, nor would I dare to easily offend Venerable Tianji.”

“However, I possess an item called ‘Chaotic Spirit Liquid’.”
Upon hearing the words “Chaotic Elixir,” Wu Heng’s tone became more solemn, and his eyes turned serious: “This substance has similar effects to the Primordial Divine Water, capable of reshaping the physical body and nourishing the soul. In some aspects, it even surpasses the Primordial Divine Water.” ”

While the Primordial Divine Water is miraculous, it can only reshape ordinary physical bodies. The Chaotic Elixir, however, contains the power of chaos, capable of reshaping a physical body imbued with chaotic energy. This physical body’s strength far exceeds that of an ordinary body, and it may even break through limitations to reach a higher realm.”

“Furthermore, the Chaotic Elixir’s nourishment of the soul is gentler and more effective than the Primordial Divine Water. Even a severely damaged soul can slowly recover under the nourishment of the Chaotic Elixir, and may even become stronger.”

Gui Yuanzi’s breathing quickened instantly, a look of disbelief flashing in his eyes, and he involuntarily took a step forward.

Chaotic Elixir?

Superior to the Primordial Divine Water?

Capable of reshaping a physical body imbued with chaotic energy?

It could better nourish the young master’s soul?

This was undoubtedly fantastic news for him, even better than the Primordial Divine Water.

The young master’s soul was severely damaged, and his physical body was destroyed. To rebuild his body, he needed not only a treasure capable of rebuilding the body but also a treasure capable of nourishing the soul.

And this Chaos Spiritual Liquid actually possessed both of these effects simultaneously, even surpassing the Primordial Divine Water. It was practically a treasure tailor-made for the young master!

“Chaos Spiritual Liquid? Are you sure?”

Gui Yuanzi’s voice trembled slightly, filled with urgency and disbelief.

He craved such a treasure so much that he couldn’t believe his ears.

He was afraid—afraid that this was just a trap set by Wu Heng, afraid that Wu Heng was deceiving him, afraid that his newly ignited hope would be shattered in an instant.

Wu Heng nodded, a confident smile on his face: “Sect Master Guiyuan, rest assured. I’ve worked in the Void Merchant Guild for so many years, I’ve seen more treasures than you’ve eaten meals. I’ve personally appraised the Chaos Spirit Liquid; it’s absolutely genuine.”

“Moreover, I do indeed have a small bottle of Chaos Spirit Liquid in my possession. If you don’t believe me, I can show it to you.”

He then reached for the Chaos Spirit Liquid in his robes.

Guiyuanzi quickly waved his hand, urgently saying, “No need, no need. Guild Master Wu, I trust you.”

He was now eager to obtain the Chaos Spirit Liquid and had no reason to doubt Wu Heng’s words.

Even if it was a trap, he was willing to take the gamble; for his young master, he had no other choice.

He suppressed his excitement, took a deep breath, and tried to calm himself down before asking in a deep voice, “President Wu, where is the Chaos Elixir? How many spirit stones do you need?

As long as I can provide it, I will definitely give it to you. Even if I can’t provide it now, I will find a way to gather it and will never owe President Wu a single penny.”

In his view, since Wu Heng was a businessman, all he wanted was spirit stones.

He had already gathered eight million spirit stones. Although he hadn’t won the Primordial Divine Water, these spirit stones should be enough to buy a bottle of Chaos Elixir, right?

Even if it wasn’t enough, he could find another way. Even if he had to sell the last of Guiyuan Sect’s possessions, he would gather the spirit stones to buy the Chaos Elixir for the young master.

Unexpectedly, Wu Heng shook his head, his smile deepening and becoming even more enigmatic: “Sect Master Guiyuan, this old man does not want spirit stones.”

“Doesn’t want spirit stones?”

Guiyuanzi’s brows furrowed instantly, a flicker of doubt and wariness in his eyes. “Then what do you want? Guild Master Wu, please speak frankly. As long as I can do it, as long as it doesn’t violate my principles, I can agree to anything.”

He knew that if Wu Heng didn’t want spirit stones, what he desired must be far more precious and dangerous.

But he had no way out; for the sake of his young master, no matter how dangerous, he had to agree.

Wu Heng stood up, hands behind his back, and walked to the wall. Looking at the landscape painting on it, his gaze became distant, and his voice deepened: “What I need is for you to do one thing for me. One thing only you can do.”

Gui Yuanzi was silent for a moment, his vigilance growing stronger, but he still asked in a deep voice, “What is it?”

Wu Heng turned around, looking at Gui Yuanzi, his eyes becoming serious, and his tone more solemn: “In the vast mountains of the eastern Northern Region, there is an ancient ruin called the ‘Chaos Secret Realm.'”

“It is a Daoist temple left behind by a powerful Chaos expert in ancient times. It contains incomparably precious natural treasures, including Chaos Spiritual Liquid, countless ancient cultivation techniques, magical artifacts, spiritual materials, and even possibly the secrets to breaking through realms.”

He paused, then continued, a hint of helplessness in his voice: “I once sent people in. Those I sent were all cultivators of considerable strength, including many Golden Immortal level experts, but after they went in, none of them came out alive.”

“This old man suspects that they either encountered the restrictions within the secret realm, or its guardians, or were lured by its rare treasures and killed each other, ultimately perishing.”

Gui Yuanzi’s expression changed slightly.

Ancient ruins?

A chaotic secret realm?

He had never heard of such a place before.

Moreover, none of the Golden Immortal cultivators sent there returned alive, demonstrating just how dangerous and terrifying this secret realm was.

He had a vague premonition that what Wu Heng had asked him to do was probably related to this chaotic secret realm.

Sure enough, Wu Heng’s next words confirmed his guess.

“The Chaos Elixir was taken from that secret realm.”

Wu Heng’s voice carried a hint of greed. “I only have a small bottle of Chaos Elixir in my possession. That was brought back from the outer perimeter of the secret realm by the people I sent earlier, who risked their last breath. It’s not enough to reshape a complete physical body.”

“If you want the complete Chaos Elixir, enough for your young master to reshape his body, you must personally enter the depths of the secret realm and retrieve the pool of elixir at its core.”

Gui Yuanzi’s face instantly turned deathly pale, a look of shock and disbelief flashing in his eyes: “You want me to venture into the Chaos Secret Realm?”

He finally understood why Wu Heng didn’t want spirit stones, why he helped him.

Wu Heng wanted to use him, to exploit his eagerness for the Chaos Elixir, to make him venture into that perilous Chaos Secret Realm to retrieve more Chaos Elixir, or even other rare and precious materials within the secret realm.

Wu Heng didn’t want his own people to die, so he found this gullible fool, eager for a substitute, to sacrifice himself.

The Chaos Realm is so dangerous; none of the Golden Immortal cultivators sent there returned alive. If he goes, will he come back alive?

It doesn’t matter if he dies, but what will happen to the young master’s soul?

What will happen to the Guiyuan Sect?

His heart was filled with hesitation and struggle. On one side was the hope of the young master rebuilding his physical body, and on the other was the perilous danger of near-death.

He didn’t know what to choose.

If he didn’t go, the young master would never be able to rebuild his physical body, and could only eke out a living as a soul, eventually slowly dissipating;

if he went, he would likely die in the secret realm. In that case, the young master would not only fail to obtain the Chaos Elixir, but would also lose him as his guardian, making his situation even more dangerous.
Wu Heng seemed to sense his hesitation and said with a smile, “Sect Master Guiyuan, you don’t need to worry too much. You won’t be going alone.”

“I can provide a map of the secret realm and some information, tell you about the restrictions and dangers on the outer perimeter, and I will also send two Golden Immortal cultivators to accompany you. With the three of you working together, your strength will greatly increase, and you should have a chance to come out alive and obtain the Chaos Elixir.”

“Send two Golden Immortal cultivators to accompany me?” Guiyuanzi’s brows furrowed even more deeply.

He knew that the cultivators Wu Heng sent were nominally accompanying him, but in reality, they were probably monitoring him. Once he obtained the Chaos Elixir, or discovered other treasures in the secret realm, those people would likely immediately seize the treasures, or even kill him to silence him.

He remained silent for a long time, his inner struggle growing increasingly intense.

He looked at the jade bottle in his hand, as if he saw the young master’s faint soul, as if he heard the young master’s expectations.

He remembered his vow, the expectations of the entire Guiyuan Sect, and everything he had sacrificed.

He had no choice. He truly had no choice.

The Primordial Divine Water had been taken by the Celestial Venerable; it was his only hope, the only hope that could allow the young master to rebuild his physical body.

Even if it meant facing an abyss, even if it meant certain death, he had to go. He couldn’t afford to gamble, and he couldn’t afford to lose.

Just as he hesitated, Kai’s voice slowly emanated from the jade bottle, still calm and firm: “Promise him.”

The voice was soft, yet it carried an undeniable power, instantly dispelling Gui Yuanzi’s hesitation and struggle.

He raised his head, looked at Wu Heng, took a deep breath, his eyes hardening, and said, word by word, “Alright. I agree. Where is the Chaos Secret Realm? When do we depart?”

Seeing Gui Yuanzi agree, Wu Heng’s smile instantly brightened, a hint of smugness and calculation flashing in his eyes: “No rush, no rush. Sect Master Gui Yuan, you’ve traveled a long way and suffered a considerable blow;

you’re exhausted, both physically and mentally.” “Rest at the Merchant Guild for the night and recuperate. Tomorrow morning, I’ll send someone to take you to the entrance of the secret realm. I’ve prepared a map and supplies, and two Golden Immortal cultivators will accompany you.”

Gui Yuanzi nodded without speaking.

He knew Wu Heng wouldn’t harm him, at least not now.

Wu Heng still needed him to retrieve the spiritual liquid from the secret realm, still needed him to risk his life for him, so until he obtained the Chaos Spiritual Liquid, Wu Heng would ensure his safety.

He was still somewhat uneasy and asked in a deep voice, “Who are those two Golden Immortal cultivators? What is their cultivation level? What are their specialties?”

He needed to understand these two cultivators clearly in order to prepare for any eventuality and avoid being outmaneuvered by them.

Wu Heng smiled and slowly said, “They are both guest elders of the Void Merchant Guild, both at the first rank of Golden Immortal, and their strength is not weak.”

“The man is skilled in concealment and assassination, with rich experience, and is quite well-known in the Northern Region; the woman is skilled in formations and healing, and can provide assistance and ensure your safety in dangerous situations. With them by your side, your success rate in venturing into the secret realm will be much higher.”

Gui Yuanzi nodded, his vigilance not relaxing at all.

A first-rank Golden Immortal, skilled in concealment, assassination, formations, and healing—such a combination is indeed very practical, capable of both offense and defense, as well as healing injuries.

But it was precisely because of this that he was even more worried; these two were probably not simple characters, and dealing with them would likely not be easy.

“Alright, I understand,”

Gui Yuanzi said in a deep voice. “I’ll rest at the guild for the night and set off for the Chaos Secret Realm early tomorrow morning.”

Wu Heng nodded and said with a gentle smile, “Good. I’ll arrange for someone to take you to your room to rest. I’ll have someone call you early tomorrow morning.”

After speaking, he called out to the outside of the secret room, and the two armored cultivators who had been at the entrance of the corridor immediately entered and bowed, “Guild Master.”

“Take Sect Master Gui Yuan to your room to rest, treat him well, and do not neglect him,” Wu Heng instructed.

“Yes, Guild Master,”

the two armored cultivators replied in unison, then turned around and gestured for Gui Yuanzi to come with them. “Sect Master Gui Yuan, please come with us.”

Gui Yuanzi glanced at Wu Heng, said nothing, and turned to follow the two armored cultivators out of the secret room.

He knew that from the moment he agreed to Wu Heng’s request, he had embarked on a path fraught with peril.

But he had no regrets. For the young master, for the Guiyuan Sect, no matter how dangerous, he would go forward without hesitation.

Watching Guiyuanzi’s departing figure, the smile on Wu Heng’s face gradually disappeared, replaced by a cold calculation.

He walked to the stone table, picked up a teacup, took a small sip, his gaze distant, and murmured to himself, “Guiyuanzi, I hope you won’t disappoint this old man. The treasures in the Chaos Secret Realm are not so easy to obtain.”

“You’d better come back alive and bring back the Chaos Spirit Liquid and the other treasures in the secret realm for this old man. Otherwise, neither you nor that little remnant soul in your arms will leave alive.”

In the secret chamber, only he remained. The faint fragrance of tea and the aura of spiritual energy intertwined, creating an exceptionally eerie atmosphere. At dawn the next day, the night had not yet completely faded, and a thick, inky darkness still hung heavily over Tianque City.

On the far horizon, a faint sliver of pale light broke through the thin, almost imperceptible glow of dawn, like a cicada’s wing, unable to penetrate the heavy night.

A cool morning mist permeated the entire city, the white fog swirling around the eaves and cobblestone streets, carrying the lingering chill of deep winter, a fine, icy touch against the skin.

The entire city of Tianque was still fast asleep. The once bustling streets, teeming with people and carriages, were now completely devoid of their usual vibrancy; the cobblestone pavement, damp with the morning mist, gleamed with a cool, watery sheen.

Shops lining the streets stood with their doors and windows tightly shut, banners hanging limply. Only the occasional clear, melodious birdsong drifted through the woods, piercing the tranquil morning mist and gently breaking the silence of the ancient city, only to vanish in an instant, making the cold peace seem even more profound.

Inside a guest room on the top floor of the stone tower, Gui Yuanzi had already risen.

No candles were lit, only a sliver of sunlight filtering through the window, barely illuminating the simple room.

The wooden table and chairs were simply furnished, without any luxurious decorations, and the air still held a faint scent of sandalwood and the cool aroma of spirit stones.

Gui Yuanzi stood by the window, his plain undergarment clean and elegant, his figure slender and upright, his back ramrod straight, only his eyes revealing an undisguised weariness and solemnity.

He hadn’t slept all night.

It wasn’t that the guest room was simple or the rest was uncomfortable, but rather that a thousand thoughts tangled in his mind, like a jumbled mess, leaving him utterly unable to sleep.

Last night, sitting quietly on his couch, he closed his eyes and concentrated, repeatedly replaying every detail of his journey to the Chaos Realm in his mind.

Wu Heng’s hidden, unpredictable schemes, the perilous rumors circulating about the Chaos Realm, the unpredictable unknown dangers within, and the fragile divine soul within the jade bottle in his arms—countless thoughts piled up, weighing heavily on his heart, keeping him restless all night.

He knew better than anyone that stepping into the vast mountains and venturing into the Chaos Realm was tantamount to risking his life.

That realm, known as a death trap, had seen countless cultivators enter over the centuries, most perishing without a trace, with very few surviving—a near-death experience was no exaggeration.

But he had no choice. For his young master Kai, for that Chaos Elixir that could reshape his body, even if the road ahead was fraught with peril, he had to forge ahead without hesitation.

He had to be fully prepared, eliminating any oversights or hidden dangers. Only in this way could he have even the slightest chance of escaping the secret realm alive, and personally bring back the Chaos Spirit Liquid to help the young master rebuild his physical body and return to his peak.

Gui Yuanzi withdrew his gaze from the distance and slowly raised his hand to straighten his robes.

He walked to the copper basin of clear water in the room, dipped his fingertips in the cool water, and wiped his face and wrists.

The cool water flowed over his skin, dispelling some of the drowsiness from a sleepless night, and barely calming his chaotic mind.

After washing up, he took out a brand-new blue Daoist robe from his storage ring.

The robe was made of simple, unadorned fabric, without intricate embroidery or precious spiritual silk; it was merely the most ordinary Daoist clothing, yet it was washed clean and crisp.

The soft fabric clung to his figure, making him appear even thinner and more upright, surrounded by a detached and otherworldly Daoist aura.

After changing his robes, Gui Yuanzi’s movements became cautious and solemn.

He reached into his robes and took out a warm, translucent white jade bottle.

The bottle was pure white, with a delicate texture. A faint layer of cyan spiritual energy was sealed at the mouth of the bottle, isolating it from internal and external auras. Inside the bottle, Kai’s remaining soul was quietly sealed.

The soul was weak and fleeting, like a candle in the wind, and would completely dissipate at the slightest carelessness.

He gently stroked the cool bottle with his fingertips, a resolute yet tender glint in his eyes, before pressing the jade bottle tightly against his chest and wrapping it securely with his robes.

The warmth of his skin against the jade bottle allowed him to constantly sense the faint fluctuations of the soul within, confirming that his young master was safe and sound. In the event of sudden danger, he could also protect his heart immediately, preserving this only hope.

After properly placing the jade bottle, Gui Yuanzi raised his hand and touched an ancient black storage ring on the ring finger of his left hand.

Spiritual energy slowly flowed into the ring, and the items within appeared clearly in his mind.

Eight million high-grade spirit stones were neatly stacked, providing the foundation for this trip’s consumption, emergencies, and the purchase of supplies;

dozens of smooth, round, white healing pills, rich in medicinal properties, could quickly repair damaged meridians and heal external injuries;

more than ten talismans with restrained radiance, divided into offensive and defensive categories—defensive talismans could create barriers to defend against enemies, while offensive talismans contained explosive spiritual energy, serving as a life-saving trump card in dire situations.

Finally, a clear blue light flowed from the storage ring, and a long sword silently hovered before him.

The Azure Edge Sword, with its slender and long blade, clear as autumn water, gleaming coldly, and its scabbard engraved with simple cloud patterns, was ancient and understated.

This was Gui Yuanzi’s natal magic weapon, accompanying him in his cultivation for hundreds of years, venturing into countless perilous places, slaying demons and monsters, breaking formations and killing enemies, experiencing countless bloody battles, and long since becoming one with his spiritual power and mind.

Within the sword’s blade, Gui Yuanzi’s pure Daoist spiritual power constantly lingered, achieving perfect harmony between man and sword, mind and will, making it his most trusted and reliable reliance. He

lightly flicked the blade with his fingertips, a crisp, ringing sound slowly echoing in the quiet room, its lingering resonance long and deep.

Gui Yuanzi gazed at the sword, his eyes resolute, then with a slight flick of his wrist, sheathed the Qingfeng sword and slung it diagonally at his waist.

Having thoroughly checked all his belongings, finding nothing amiss,

Gui Yuanzi took a deep breath of the cool mist, suppressing the surging unease in his heart, and pushed open the wooden door to the guest room.

The wooden door creaked slightly as it opened and closed, the morning mist outside even thicker than inside.

Within the greyish-white mist, two figures stood silently, motionless, their auras drastically different yet equally imposing, exuding an aloofness that kept strangers at bay.

These two were the Golden Immortal cultivators whom Wu Heng had arranged beforehand to accompany Gui Yuanzi to the Chaos Secret Realm.

The man on the left was exceptionally robust and tall, over seven feet in height, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his physique firm and powerful.

He possessed sharply defined features, his jawline cold and sharp, devoid of any gentleness.

His skin was a cold white, formed from years of wandering in perilous places and accumulating malevolent energy. His eyebrows were thick, black, and sharp, slanting upwards towards his temples.

Most chilling were his eyes, pitch black and deep, devoid of any light, as if sculpted from millennia of ice. There was no emotion in his eyes, only cold emptiness; a mere glance from them was enough to send chills down one’s spine.

He wore a tight-fitting, all-black outfit that clung to his skin, perfectly outlining his smooth, muscular lines, revealing strong bones and hidden explosive power.

Two short swords hung at his waist, their sheaths entirely black, their surfaces engraved with intricate, twisted dark patterns. Deep within these patterns, a cold glint flickered, radiating a chilling, malevolent aura—clearly no ordinary weapon. The man didn’t deliberately release any pressure, yet the refined, pure, and intensely piercing killing intent couldn’t be completely concealed.

It was the culmination of countless life-or-death battles and the slaughter of countless lives—cold, violent, and ruthless. Anyone who approached him would instinctively feel fear and dare not easily speak to him.

This man was named Dark Blade, a specialist in close-quarters assassination, his methods ruthless and decisive. He was a trusted assassin under Wu Heng.

The woman on the right was a stark contrast to Dark Blade.

She was petite and slender, no more than five feet tall, with a graceful and gentle figure.

Her skin was fair and delicate, like the finest white jade. Her eyebrows and eyes were delicate and gentle, with slightly upturned corners. Her almond-shaped eyes were clear and bright, as warm as water, without a trace of ferocity.

A pure white flowing dress draped her body, its wide, swaying hem moving like clouds in the wind. Embroidered with delicate white lotus patterns, the dress exuded elegance and refinement, adding a touch of ethereal beauty.

In her hand, she lightly held a white jade whisk, its handle carved from millennia-old warm jade, smooth and lustrous to the touch.

The whisk’s threads were snow-white, fine, supple, and smooth, their surface shimmering with a faint, gentle white light—a high-grade auxiliary magical artifact.

The woman’s aura was mellow and soft, her spiritual power gentle and restrained, devoid of any aggression, causing one to instinctively lower their guard and feel a sense of closeness.

This woman was named Ling Yue, proficient in array formations, barriers, defense, and healing, skilled in support and balance; her strength was not to be underestimated.

The two noticed the door opening and simultaneously looked up at Gui Yuanzi.

Their gazes fell on Gui Yuanzi, indifferent and unresponsive, devoid of any respect or friendliness.

There were no pleasantries, no formalities, only pure businesslike conduct, cold and distant.

Gui Yuanzi understood.

These two hadn’t come voluntarily; they were merely under Wu Heng’s orders, forced to accompany him into the secret realm.

In their eyes, he was nothing more than a mission target to be escorted and guarded, regardless of status or sentiment, so naturally they wouldn’t show any extra courtesy.

Gui Yuanzi didn’t initiate a conversation, but calmly raised his eyes to observe the two.

His divine sense quietly spread out, carefully probing their auras, memorizing their physical characteristics, spiritual energy fluctuations, and aura attributes.

His refined divine sense swept over them, clearly sensing that both An Dao and Ling Yue were Golden Immortals of the first rank, their auras steady and refined, their foundations solid, without the slightest hint of superficiality—truly top-tier cultivators.

Dark Blade’s spiritual energy is dark and cold, its aura violent and sharp, shrouded in murderous intent. It excels at close-quarters attacks, assassinations, and breaking through defenses, its methods ruthless and decisive.

Spirit Moon’s spiritual energy is warm and mellow, gentle and enduring, its fluctuations calm and restrained, leaning towards defense, formation, and healing, a combination of offense, defense, and support.

The two, one offensive and one supportive, one hard and one soft, complement each other perfectly, exactly as Wu Heng had previously told them.

After a brief silent standoff, Dark Blade broke the silence first.

His thin lips parted slightly, his voice cold and flat, devoid of any emotional fluctuation, like an ice bead striking a cold stone, piercingly chilling.

“Let’s go.”

With that one word, he said nothing more, showing no intention of waiting. He turned and strode directly out of the stone tower.

His steps were steady and swift, his black figure blending into the white morning mist, decisive and indifferent.

Lingyue pursed her lips slightly, giving Guiyuanzi a gentle nod, her movements soft and understated, still remaining silent. Her

slender white fingers lightly gripped a whisk, which hung at her side as she followed Andao, walking slowly forward. Her pure white skirt swept across the thin mist on the ground, leaving not a speck of dust.

Guiyuanzi stood still, watching the two figures walk away, his chest pressed against the jade bottle, clearly sensing a faint, warm aura of divine soul within.

He slowly exhaled a breath of pent-up energy, suppressing the surging vigilance and unease in his heart, concealing the complex emotions in his eyes, and followed their steps.

The three walked in silence, not exchanging a single word.

The morning mist enveloped the three figures—one in black, one in white, and one in blue—their colors distinct, the atmosphere heavy and oppressive. The bluestone pavement beneath their feet was cool and damp, their footsteps soft and slow, dissolving into the morning stillness.

The three followed the empty street, heading towards the southern gate of Tianque City.

Upon reaching the stone tower gate, an exquisite flying artifact awaited on the empty stone platform.

It was a flying boat propelled by spirit birds, crafted entirely from thousand-year-old spirit wood, its exterior as white as jade. The hull was sleek and simple, devoid of elaborate carvings, its surface engraved with dense, silver runes.

The runes were hidden within the wood grain, their spiritual light restrained, swirling with faint, luminous fluctuations of spiritual energy.

Two snow-white, long-winged spirit birds were tethered to the bow of the flying boat. Their eyes were clear and full of intelligence, their bodies surrounded by a faint wind-elemental spiritual energy, crucial for controlling the boat and propelling it through the air.

This boat possessed extremely high speed and stable flight, capable of withstanding the fierce winds of high altitudes, making it a superior flying artifact for long journeys.

Dark Blade was the first to leap onto the flying boat, landing silently, his body as steady as a rock.

He went straight to the control position at the bow, sat cross-legged, and rapidly formed hand seals, channeling his own spiritual energy into the runes of the flying boat.

Lingyue followed closely behind, her figure light and graceful, like a falling flower landing quietly in the corner of the stern of the flying boat.

She settled down, her whisk resting lightly on her knees, her eyes closed, focused and at peace. Guiyuanzi was the last to board the flying boat, his blue Daoist robe fluttering slightly in the morning breeze.

He deliberately chose to sit on the edge of the boat, leaning against the cool railing, his gaze fixed on the hazy outline of the city in the distance. The jade bottle at his heart remained warm, a constant reminder of his mission.

The next instant, a faint white light shone from the runes on the flying boat, and gentle spiritual energy lifted the boat, slowly lifting it off the ground.

Two cloud-feathered spirit birds flapped their wings and soared into the air, emitting two clear chirps, before pulling the flying boat steadily towards the gates of Tianque City. The

flying boat passed through the tall city gates, completely leaving the jurisdiction of Tianque City.

Outside the city, the wilderness was covered in frost, white mist filled the air, and few people were visible.

An Dao’s eyes turned cold, his fingertips abruptly changing their hand seals, and his spiritual power output surged dramatically.

*Whoosh—*

The runes on the boat’s hull suddenly brightened, a blinding silver light flashing and disappearing in

an instant. The flying boat, like an arrow released from a bow, tore through the white mist, cleaved through the high-altitude air currents, and sped towards the vast mountains of the eastern Northern Region .

The sound of air being torn apart was low and short, instantly dissipating in the high-altitude gale.

Ten thousand miles above, a biting wind howled, and clouds churned.

The flying boat continued eastward, traversing layers of clouds.

Below, the mountains and rivers receded rapidly, verdant peaks, winding rivers, villages, and cities all becoming blurred patches of color, quickly passing by.

The air currents whistled and pounded against the hull, but were completely blocked by the surface spiritual energy barrier, keeping the interior peaceful and undisturbed.

The atmosphere on board remained deathly silent and oppressive; no one spoke.An Dao sat alone at the bow of the boat, his back straight, his hands constantly forming a hand seal. His dark eyes stared straight ahead, his face expressionless, his hard jawline unwavering.

The surrounding scenery seemed utterly irrelevant to him; his world consisted solely of his journey.

Ling Yue sat quietly in the corner, her posture upright, eyes closed, long eyelashes casting soft shadows on her fair cheeks.

Her hands rested on her knees, her fingertips lightly pinching the threads of a whisk. A faint white aura surrounded her, whether she was quietly cultivating her spiritual energy or pondering the pros and cons of her journey was unclear.

Occasionally, she would slowly open her eyes, her clear gaze sweeping over Gui Yuanzi beside her, a hint of scrutiny and doubt hidden in her eyes.

She couldn’t understand this seemingly ordinary Daoist cultivator.

Gui Yuanzi’s cultivation was only at the early stage of the third rank of Golden Immortal, not considered top-tier among cultivators, yet he willingly risked his life to venture into the treacherous Chaos Secret Realm.

What intrigued her even more was the white jade bottle he always kept close to his heart. Its seal was tight, and its inner aura was obscure, as if it held a secret unknown to others.

Each time her gaze swept over it, her doubts deepened, but she never rashly investigated, adhering to propriety and boundaries.

Gui Yuanzi was aware of this but didn’t take it to heart.

He knew Ling Yue meant no harm, merely a curious observer; the most important thing now was to remain vigilant and guard against any potential dangers.

He lightly gripped the boat railing, gazing at the rapidly swirling sea of ​​clouds outside the window, his heart pounding, his thoughts racing.

The Chaos Secret Realm was located deep within the vast mountains of the eastern Northern Region, thousands of miles away from Tianque City.

This spirit bird flying boat was far faster than ordinary flying magical artifacts, able to traverse thousands of mountains and rivers in an instant. Even so, it would still take a full day to reach the outer edge of the Cangmang Mountains.

The journey seemed calm and uneventful, but Guiyuanzi dared not relax his guard in the slightest.

Human hearts were unpredictable, and the road ahead was uncertain.

He couldn’t determine whether the cunning Wu Heng would harbor murderous intent along the way, secretly deploying men to intercept and kill him, eliminating any potential threats;

he also knew that the bloodthirsty and obsessive Tianji Venerable had never given up on seizing the soul of the young master Kai. The Venerable’s cultivators were scattered throughout the Northern Region, and it was highly likely they had detected their movements and were pursuing them relentlessly.

The road ahead was fraught with countless dangers, both open and hidden, impossible to guard against.

With this thought in mind, Guiyuanzi subconsciously raised his hand and gently pressed it against the white jade bottle on his chest.

The cool jade bottle rested against his warm palm. The faint fluctuations of his divine soul within were clearly perceptible; this faint aura was all his obsession and strength.

He lowered his gaze to his palm, his lips moving slightly as he murmured in a low voice, audible only to the two of them.

“Young Master, we’re setting off.”

“This time, I will definitely obtain the Chaos Elixir, sparing no expense to help you rebuild your physical body.”

“Rest assured, I will risk my life to protect you.”

Within the tranquil jade bottle, a thin, transparent wisp of divine soul slowly floated.

Kai’s remaining divine soul was extremely weak, almost transparent, as if it would dissipate into the world at any moment.

Hearing Gui Yuanzi’s deep, solemn words, his divine soul trembled slightly, rippling with a faint spiritual light.

A weak, hoarse, yet gentle and clear voice slowly emanated from the jade bottle, clearly reaching Gui Yuanzi’s ears.

“Guiyuanzi, be careful in everything.”

“Wu Heng is extremely cunning and unpredictable; never trust him. These two accompanying cultivators are his loyal henchmen; be wary of their every word and action, and never let them scheme against you.” ”

Besides, Venerable Tianji is deeply obsessed and will never easily abandon my soul. His spies are all over the Northern Region; our whereabouts are easily exposed. We must be on guard at all times during the journey to prevent pursuit.”

Kai’s tone was calm and composed. Even in dire straits and with his soul wavering, he maintained a clear mind, accurately analyzing the crisis before him.

“Your subordinate will remember your instructions, Young Master.” Guiyuanzi nodded slightly, his gaze growing increasingly solemn, his vigilance rising once more. “Your subordinate will be cautious at every step, not missing any abnormalities, and protecting both myself and the Young Master’s soul.”

Their secret conversation ended in an instant, and silence returned.

The flying boat continued its eastward journey, passing through layer after layer of thick clouds.

Along the way, the sky occasionally revealed flying artifacts piloted by other cultivators: spirit birds with wingspans reaching thousands of miles, exquisitely carved jade chariots, and simple wooden boats.

Cultivators came and went in an endless stream, all traveling to various parts of the Northern Region.

An Dao focused intently on controlling the flying boat, his divine sense spreading wide, keenly detecting the surrounding activity.

Whenever he sensed a high-level cultivator approaching, or a flying artifact with a strange aura, he would subtly change course and quietly give way, unwilling to create unnecessary trouble before reaching the secret realm.

Ling Yue would occasionally open her eyes, her clear gaze sweeping over the rapidly passing mountains and rivers below, her expression calm and undisturbed.

After a brief observation, she would close her eyes again, immersing herself in her own world.

Her occasional glances at Gui Yuanzi still carried a hint of scrutiny and doubt, yet she remained silent, never uttering a single question.

Gui Yuanzi, while secretly guarding his surroundings, secretly circulated the Daoist spiritual energy within his body.

The long, pure spiritual energy flowed slowly through his meridians, cleansing his weary body and nourishing his depleted spirit.

He hadn’t slept all night, and his spirit was severely exhausted. He needed to take advantage of the safe passage to quietly recuperate and maintain peak condition.

He knew that once he entered the Chaotic Secret Realm, there would be no more opportunities for rest and recuperation. Only by maintaining his best combat strength could he fight for a sliver of survival in this perilous situation.

Time slowly passed, the sunlight shifted from east to west, the bright daylight quietly faded, and the dusky twilight slowly painted the sky.

After a full day of high-altitude flight, the flying boat finally slowed down.

In the distance, a vast, undulating, dark mountain range came into view.

The mountain range stretched endlessly between heaven and earth, its peaks intertwined, layer upon layer, seemingly without end.

The Cangmang Mountains, a renowned ancient mountain range in the eastern part of the Northern Region, spans tens of thousands of miles. Its terrain is precipitous and rugged, with numerous towering peaks.

Ancient trees reach for the sky, their dense foliage blocking out most of the sunlight, leaving the forests perpetually dark and gloomy.

This place is perpetually shrouded in a thick, viscous, greyish-white fog, which lingers and carries an eerie, mysterious aura.

The spiritual energy here far surpasses that of other cities and plains in the Northern Region, pure and abundant, ideal for cultivators.

However, this spiritual energy is mixed with a large amount of decaying, cold, and dark energy; it is a murky and impure mixture.

Once you step into the mountainous region, the chilling cold seeps into your skin and bones through your pores, making you feel cold all over and restless. The flying boat descended slowly, landing smoothly on a spacious stone platform on the outskirts of the mountains.

The platform was exposed, its surface covered with a layer of damp moss, and the soil beneath its feet was soft, mixed with decaying leaves, emitting a faint, pungent, and damp odor.

An Dao raised his hand and formed a hand seal, a flash of black spiritual energy disappearing from his fingertips.

The pure white flying boat instantly transformed into a streak of shimmering white light, shrinking several times its original size, and was precisely stored in an ancient-looking storage jade pendant at his waist.

The two cloud-feathered spirit birds also transformed into two streaks of white light, concealed within the jade pendant, lying dormant quietly.

The three of them landed, and the cool, damp mountain air instantly enveloped them, chilling them to the bone.

The damp mist seeped into their flesh through the gaps in their clothing, mingling with the acrid smell of decaying leaves, rotten wood, and damp earth, assaulting their senses and causing a slight nausea in their stomachs.

An Dao’s expression remained unchanged, his cold and stern face still indifferent, as if the surrounding frigid environment had no effect on him whatsoever.

He rapidly formed a probing hand seal with his fingertips, a wisp of dark, ghostly spiritual energy swirling around him and spreading rapidly through the surrounding mountains and forests like ripples.

The energy swept across the grass, trees, and rocks, meticulously probing for lurking demonic beasts, restrictions, and deadly intent.

A moment later, the dark energy returned, flowing back into his meridians.

The probing revealed nothing unusual; there were no high-level demonic beasts lurking nearby, nor any hidden killing restrictions.

“This is the outer edge of the Cangmang Mountains, a miasma forest.”

An Dao finally spoke again, his clear, cold voice breaking the silence of the forest. His icy tone carried a rare hint of warning. “The forest is teeming with low-level poisonous beasts, and the vegetation harbors a mesmerizing miasma. Numerous natural barriers exist.

Once inside, do not speak loudly, do not touch unfamiliar plants, and do not stray from the group.”

He pointed towards the depths of the mountains, his gaze sharp and icy: “According to the map of the secret realm provided by the guild leader, we need to traverse this miasma forest and reach the cliffs at the back of the mountain to set up camp and rest.

At dawn tomorrow, proceed to the entrance of the secret realm to begin the challenge.”

Ling Yue slowly opened her eyes, her clear gaze sweeping over the thick, grayish-white miasma around her.

Her slender, white fingers gently brushed the snow-white threads of her jade whisk, warm, pure spiritual energy flowing slowly from her fingertips, perfectly counteracting the poisonous miasma of the mountains.

With a soft hum, a nearly transparent circular light shield rapidly expanded from the three of them.

The shield was thin and light, its radiance delicate and gentle, like a thin layer of glass, enveloping them completely.

The surrounding murky, grayish-white miasma and cold, gloomy aura collided with the shield and were instantly shut out, unable to get any closer.

“I’ve set up a dust-free barrier to isolate the miasma and resist the cold, turbid aura,”

Lingyue’s voice was soft and melodious, a stark contrast to Andao’s cold, hoarse tone, yet equally detached and indifferent. “The barrier’s spiritual energy is stable and can last for twelve hours. Do not forcibly break through the barrier, otherwise the spiritual energy will become disordered, the barrier will shatter, and the miasma will invade your body.”

Guiyuanzi nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the thick, persistent mist around him, his heart growing increasingly cautious.

He tightened his collar, ensuring the white jade bottle against his chest remained securely against his skin and wouldn’t shift due to the commotion.

The three didn’t linger, stepping into the dark and deep miasma forest before dusk completely enveloped the mountains.

The grayish-white mist, thick as cotton, hovered in mid-air, obscuring vision and blocking divine sense.

The visible range was only three zhang (approximately 10 meters); beyond that, all was a vast expanse of white mist, concealing trees, strange rocks, and ravines, making them indistinct and difficult to discern.

The forest was dimly lit; the ancient trees’ branches intertwined, blocking out the sunlight. A cold, damp wind rustled through the gaps in the leaves, creating a chilling and eerie atmosphere, accompanied by the faint roars of beasts and chirps of insects in the distance.

Although the spiritual energy here was rich, it was mixed with a large number of violent and disordered fragments of Golden Immortal Laws. These

fragments were hidden within the mist, invisible to the naked eye, yet sharp and piercing.

If an ordinary cultivator were to attempt flight without the protection of abundant spiritual energy, the fragments would violently tear through their meridians, causing internal injuries that are difficult to heal.

Even for a Golden Immortal cultivator, flying in this place would require a significant amount of spiritual energy to construct protective barriers, making it a losing proposition.

Therefore, the three unanimously chose to walk, taking solid ground and proceeding steadily.

After nightfall, the temperature in the forest plummeted, the fog thickened, and visibility decreased further.

Gui Yuanzi took the initiative to walk at the head of the group, his blue Daoist robe standing out conspicuously in the dim forest.

He was fully alert, constantly vigilant about his surroundings, each step steady and cautious, avoiding hidden ditches and poisonous plants on the ground.

The white jade bottle on his chest remained pressed tightly against his heart, radiating warmth continuously. Kai’s soul lay dormant, occasionally releasing a faint wisp of divine sense to resonate with Gui Yuanzi, jointly probing for potential dangers in the surroundings.

An Dao moved to the right side of the group, his body shimmering with dark light,

his murderous aura subtly concealed. His cold eyes gleamed faintly in the darkness, keenly detecting the slightest movement within the mist. Any poisonous insects or low-level demonic beasts that approached would be deterred and sent fleeing without a fight, his chilling killing intent alone enough to scare them away.

Ling Yue walked on the left side of the group, her whisk gently swaying. The dust-free barrier remained stable, its soft white light isolating all poisonous and turbid air.

Her gaze was calm as she silently observed her surroundings, while secretly watching Gui Yuanzi’s every move, her doubts never fading.

The three formed a triangular formation, maintaining a distance of no more than ten zhang between each other—neither too close nor too far, enough to support each other while ensuring sufficient safety.

No one spoke throughout; only the soft crunch of footsteps on decaying leaves echoed slowly in the silent, eerie forest.

The long night passed, and no one rested.

Relying on their powerful cultivator physiques, the three traveled day and night, constantly traversing the miasma forests, secluded valleys, and rocky plains.

Along the way, they avoided dozens of natural illusionary barriers, bypassed three high-level demonic beast lairs, and slew several venomous beasts that launched surprise attacks.

Dark Blade struck ruthlessly, killing with a single blow; Spirit Moon reinforced the barrier in time, dispelling the miasma’s corrosive effects; Gui Yuanzi stabilized his mind, breaking through the illusions’ allure.

The three cooperated seamlessly, each fulfilling their role without exchanging words, steadily advancing.

Night slowly faded, and a faint glimmer of dawn appeared once more

on the eastern horizon. The cool morning light pierced through the thick fog, illuminating the depths of the vast mountains.

After a grueling night’s journey, the three finally traversed layers of mist and arrived at the entrance to the Chaotic Secret Realm.

The entrance to the Chaotic Secret Realm was situated halfway up a towering peak.

The mountain was majestic and steep, its smooth, jagged cliffs piercing the clouds.

Halfway up the mountain, a huge, flat rock face recesses inward, naturally forming a spacious rock platform.

In the center of the platform stands a magnificent, ancient, and dark stone gate.The stone gate, approximately ten zhang high and five zhang wide, was carved entirely from jet-black Xuan Tie divine stone. Heavy and imposing, its surface devoid of superfluous decoration, except for a dense array of ancient runes of varying depths covering the gate panels.

The runes were twisted and obscure, their forms ancient and strange, belonging to no common script of the time, exuding a sense of a barbaric and ancient era.

The morning light spilled onto the stone gate, causing the obscure runes to slowly shift, gleaming with a chilling blue light.

The blue light flickered, and an ancient and powerful mysterious aura emanated from the stone gate—heavy, vast, and violent, as if from the primordial chaos of antiquity, inspiring instinctive awe and deterring approach.

On either side of the stone gate stood two colossal humanoid stone statues

, symmetrically carved from dark blue-green rock. They wore heavy, ancient armor, the armor plates clearly defined, and gripped long, sharp spears, the tips pointing diagonally to the ground, their postures imposing and menacing.

The stone statue’s face was exquisitely carved, with strong eyebrows and distinct features, except for its empty, black eyes, devoid of pupils, yet exuding an indifferent and majestic aura that looked down upon all living beings.

Like an ancient guardian deity, it silently guarded the entrance to the secret realm, indifferently watching every creature that dared to trespass.

A mountain breeze stirred, causing the surrounding mist to shift slowly, the blue light of the stone gate flickering, and the statue’s shadow twisting and elongating on the ground,

creating a somber and solemn atmosphere. An Dao stepped forward first, his steady footsteps landing crisply on the hard rock.

He stood directly in front of the dark stone gate, raising his well-defined right hand, his fingertips gently tracing the uneven ancient runes on the door panel.

The cold, hard black iron stone door felt slightly cool to the touch, and the runes concealed ancient restrictive power.

After a moment of examination, he withdrew his right hand, turned to look at Gui Yuanzi behind him, his tone still cold and concise, without any unnecessary embellishment.

“The sealing power of this gate is extremely strong; a single person’s spiritual power cannot break it. The entrance restriction requires three Golden Immortal cultivators to simultaneously inject their spiritual power. Only when the three forces merge can the seal be unlocked and the gate to the secret realm opened.”

Gui Yuanzi raised his eyes and gazed at the magnificent and ancient stone gate before him. The jade bottle in his heart trembled slightly, and Kai’s soul seemed to be sensing the ancient chaotic aura outside the gate as well.

He suppressed the fluctuations in his heart and nodded solemnly: “Understood.”

After speaking, Gui Yuanzi slowly stepped forward and stood in the center of the stone gate, raising his hand and placing his palm flat against the cold black iron door panel.

His cyan Daoist robe fluttered in the wind, and a faint cyan spiritual power slowly flowed around him, ready to be unleashed.

An Dao moved to the right side of the stone gate, his black bodysuit clinging to his body. His palm was pressed tightly against the door panel, and dark, cold black spiritual power surged in his palm, his murderous aura restrained, ready to be unleashed.

Lingyue stood to the left of the stone gate, dressed in pristine white, her movements graceful and light. Her fair palm gently covered the stone gate, and a warm, pure white spiritual energy flowed slowly and gently.

The three of them formed a triangle, their palms pressed against the heavy stone gate simultaneously, their auras instantly converging, their minds highly focused.

“Make your move,” Andao commanded in a low, deep voice.

The next instant, three distinct streams of spiritual energy surged forth from their palms simultaneously.

Guiyuanzi’s azure Daoist spiritual energy was pure and continuous, warm and profound, carrying a righteous and righteous aura;

Andao’s black killing spiritual energy was dark and cold, sharp and violent, carrying a chilling killing intent;

Lingyue’s white healing spiritual energy was gentle and pure, warm and refined, possessing its own purifying power.

The three-colored spiritual energy flowed continuously into the stone gate along the obscure rune patterns.

The previously dim runes suddenly illuminated, their eerie blue light rapidly surging, transforming from light blue to a deep, icy blue, dazzlingly bright and illuminating the entire rock platform.

The runes flowed and swirled along fixed paths, slowly prying open the ancient sealing power, causing a heavy spatial tremor to emanate from the stone door’s surface.

Boom!

A deep, muffled rumble exploded from within the stone door, shaking heaven and earth and echoing through the empty mountains.

The hard, heavy black iron stone door slowly slid inward along the central crack, gradually widening into a dark, deep crevice.

The instant the crevice opened, a vast, ancient, and chaotic aura rushed out.

The airflow was turbid and heavy, carrying countless fragments of chaotic laws, its impact extremely powerful.

Gui Yuanzi’s flowing azure spiritual energy suddenly stagnated, his meridians slightly numb, the speed of his internal spiritual energy flow involuntarily slowing, and an instinctive feeling of oppression and discomfort arising within him.

He frowned slightly, took a deep breath, and forcibly suppressed the unease surging in his heart. He tightened the jade bottle in his chest and gripped the Qingfeng sword at his waist.

The cool hilt of the sword brought him a sense of security, and his gaze was firm, without the slightest hesitation.

“Enter.”

With a single, brief word, Guiyuanzi moved, taking the lead and stepping into the dark, deep crevice of the stone door.

His azure figure was instantly swallowed by the chaotic mist and disappeared into the light outside the door.

Andao and Lingyue followed closely behind, one in black and one in white, stepping into the stone door one after another. All three figures disappeared within the entrance to the secret realm.

After the three stepped in, the heavy stone door rumbled again, the crevice slowly closed, the blue light gradually dimmed, and finally returned to its original tightly closed state, as if it had never been opened.

The two stone statues still stood on either side, their empty eyes gazing indifferently, silently guarding this ancient secret realm.

The moment he stepped through the stone gate, the surrounding light vanished abruptly, cutting off all sounds of the wind, birdsong, and air currents.

Within the secret realm, there was no sky, no earth, no mountains, no vegetation, and no sun, moon, or stars.

As far as the eye could see, there was only an endless expanse of gray mist.

The mist was thick and murky, its color dark, resembling a primordial space before the creation of chaos and heaven and earth—desolate, lifeless, and vast.

Countless tiny, transparent fragments of chaotic laws floated in the air, varying in size and shape, drifting, colliding, and annihilating randomly.

Compared to the fragments of Golden Immortal laws in the mountains outside, the chaotic fragments here were far more violent, more primal, and sharper.

Each fragment contained the purest and most domineering chaotic power, tearing and slicing apart any living being that dared to enter.

A layer of azure spiritual energy barrier spontaneously enveloped Gui Yuanzi, its protective aura flowing faintly.

However, this barrier proved exceptionally fragile before the raging fragments of chaos.

The fragments collided and rubbed against the spiritual energy barrier, emitting sharp, crackling sounds, and the spiritual light dimmed and dissipated at a visible rate. His spiritual

energy was rapidly draining away, his meridians throbbed slightly, and a strong sense of exhaustion swept over him.

Gui Yuanzi knew this place was not safe to linger; he had to find the Chaos Elixir as soon as possible to complete his mission.

He suppressed the discomfort caused by the depletion of his spiritual energy and continued forward steadily, not daring to pause for even a moment.
Dark Blade led the way, clearing the path.

A dark, swirling light enveloped him, his tight-fitting clothes covered in a layer of condensed, dark spiritual energy that shielded him from the surrounding chaotic mist.

His steps were steady, his gaze sharp, his black eyes piercing the gray fog, precisely surveying the path ahead and avoiding hidden spatial rifts and chaotic vortexes. An

aura of killing intent surrounded him, intimidating any unknown creatures lurking within the secret realm.

Lingyue brought up the rear, her white robes standing out starkly against the gray mist.

She gently waved her white jade whisk, the snow-white threads tracing soft arcs in the air, spreading out rays of shimmering white light that formed a second, delicate protective shield around the three of them.

The pure white spiritual energy was gentle yet resilient, actively intercepting numerous fragments of chaotic laws, reducing the spiritual energy consumption of the other two.

Her expression was calm, her breathing even, silently guarding the rear of the group, wary of any potential attacks from behind.

Gui Yuanzi walked in the center of the group, the white jade bottle pressed tightly against his skin, its warmth constant and clear.

Within the sealed jade bottle, Kai’s senses were amplified, allowing him to perceive the raging chaotic power, the shattered laws, and the spiritual energy of the three individuals.

He could clearly sense Gui Yuanzi’s rapidly depleting spiritual energy, his meridians enduring a constant tearing pain, and a wave of worry washed over his weakened soul.

“Gui Yuanzi,”

Kai’s deep voice softly emanated from the jade bottle, avoiding the other two’s detection, audible only to Gui Yuanzi, “The chaotic power is too violent, the laws here are disordered, and your spiritual energy is being consumed far faster than in ordinary places. Do not force yourself to endure it. If your spiritual energy is exhausted, retreat immediately to rest. Do not be stubborn.”

Gui Yuanzi’s steps did not falter, his back remained straight, his tone firm and steady, without the slightest wavering.

“Young Master, rest assured, I can still hold on.”

“This loss of spiritual energy is nothing to fear. As long as we can find the Chaos Spiritual Liquid, this pain and consumption are insignificant.”

He had already prepared to pay the price. To reshape Kai’s physical body, even if it meant exhausting his spiritual energy and suffering serious injuries, he would never give up halfway.

The three continued to venture deeper into the secret realm. The surrounding fog grew increasingly thick, the dark fog almost turning black, compressing the visible range to within two zhang.

There was no clear path beneath their feet; the ground was formed from soft, condensed chaotic energy, soft and weak to the touch, slightly sticky. Each step required extra spiritual energy to maintain their form.

The surroundings were deathly silent, without wind, without beast roars, without any sound of living beings. The extreme silence was oppressive, instilling fear in their hearts.

Only the faint crackling sound of fragments of law colliding with the barrier, monotonous and repetitive, constantly pounded on their minds.

This silent and tedious journey continued for a full half hour.

Just as the three maintained their usual pace, a blurry figure slowly emerged from the thick gray fog ahead.

The figure was tall and slender, with an elegant and upright posture; one could vaguely discern that it was an elderly man dressed in a loose white robe.

The old man stood with his hands behind his back, his spine straight, surrounded by a faint halo of chaotic spiritual light. His aura was vast and profound, as deep as the sea, making it impossible to accurately determine his cultivation level.

He lightly held a whisk in his hand; the whisk was snow-white and smooth, its threads floating gently in the turbid fog, radiating a warm and pure white light, particularly conspicuous in the dark and desolate secret realm.

This man stood silently in the center of the fog, motionless and unmoving, yet possessing an aura of detachment and indifference that seemed to look down upon all living beings.

The raging chaotic fog around him would automatically disperse and avoid him if it approached within a ten-foot radius.

Gui Yuanzi suddenly stopped, his azure spiritual energy instantly tensing, his mind highly focused.

He subconsciously spread his divine sense, attempting to probe the old man’s cultivation level, origin, and aura.

But the instant his invisible divine sense touched the old man’s surrounding spiritual light, it vanished without a

trace, like a mud ox sinking into the sea. There was no leakage of spiritual energy from the old man, no heartbeat, no breath, no trace of any living being’s aura—like a phantom image formed out of thin air, not existing in this world.

“Dark Blade, what’s ahead?” Gui Yuanzi lowered his voice, his tone grave, and softly asked Dark Blade beside him.

Dark Blade’s dark eyes were fixed on the white mist figure, his brows furrowed tightly, and for the first time, a clear seriousness appeared on his usually cold face.

His black spiritual energy stirred slightly, and his killing intent quietly condensed, ready to strike at any moment.

“I don’t know.”

Dark Blade’s tone was low, carrying a rare hint of caution. “The map of the secret realm provided by the guild leader never marked this place as having a humanoid phantom.

It’s most likely a guardian spirit naturally born in the secret realm, or the remnant soul of a cultivator who perished here in ancient times. Do not approach rashly; beware of hidden dangers.”

Lingyue also stopped, her clear gaze falling on the white-robed elder. She slightly tightened her grip on her whisk, and the pure white protective shield subtly thickened.

Her spiritual energy circulated smoothly, her spiritual light contained, silently observing the phantom’s every move, ready to assist in the defense at any moment.

The three maintained a vigilant posture, exchanged glances, and then tacitly moved forward slowly.

One zhang, five zhang, ten zhang…

When the three were exactly ten zhang away from the white-robed elder, the phantom, which had remained motionless and silent, suddenly spoke.

An aged, hoarse, gentle voice, carrying a trace of ancient vicissitudes, rang out from nowhere in the deathly silence of the mist, precisely reaching Guiyuanzi’s ears.

The tone was calm, yet it seemed to transcend endless ages and the cycle of life and death.

“Guiyuanzi, you’ve finally arrived.”

Seven simple words, devoid of sharp killing intent or oppressive force, yet they caused Guiyuanzi to stiffen abruptly, his blood nearly freezing.

His pupils contracted sharply, his heart clenched, and a storm raged within him.

An overwhelming sense of shock and bewilderment instantly engulfed his thoughts.

Did this person know him?

Guiyuanzi clearly remembered that this was the first time in his life he had stepped into the Chaos Secret Realm; he had never set foot on this land before, nor had he ever seen this white-robed elder.

Yet, the other not only recognized him but also accurately called him by name, his tone familiar, as if he had been waiting for him for a long time.

Countless questions surged into his mind, tangled together in a chaotic mess. Guiyuanzi suppressed his inner turmoil and asked in a tense voice, “Who are you?”

The white-robed figure did not answer immediately.

His movements were slow and elegant, as he slowly turned his body.

The wide white robe swayed gently with the movement, its hem brushing against the murky mist without a speck of dust.

An old, ancient face slowly came into view of the three.

The old man’s brows and eyes were covered with fine wrinkles, his forehead was deeply furrowed, and his white hair was casually tied back. His face was unfamiliar, and Gui Yuanzi was certain he had never seen this person before.

Yet, for some reason, gazing at this aged face, he felt a strange sense of familiarity, both warm and bewildering. In his moment of confusion, Gui Yuanzi’s gaze suddenly fixed on the whisk in the old man’s hand.

In that instant, his entire body trembled violently, his pupils contracted sharply, his breath caught in his throat, and a tidal wave of emotion surged within him.

That whisk was etched into his very being, unforgettable for a lifetime.

Inside the ancestral hall of the Guiyuan Sect, portraits of past patriarchs hung.

Among them, the portrait of the founding patriarch, the ancient ancestor who laid the foundation for the Guiyuan Sect’s thousand-year lineage, held tightly in his hand this very same white jade whisk, identical in style, texture, and luster.

This object was the founding patriarch’s natal magic weapon, vanished a thousand years after his patriarch’s death. How could it appear in this chaotic secret realm, held by a strange, ethereal figure?

Shock, bewilderment, disbelief—countless emotions intertwined and clashed, assaulting Gui Yuanzi’s mind.

His lips trembled slightly, his voice dry and trembling, filled with undisguised astonishment and awe.

“You…you are the founder of the Guiyuan Sect?”

The white-robed elder’s expression was calm, neither explicitly affirming nor outright denying.

He merely raised the corners of his lips, revealing a distant and enigmatic smile, gentle yet carrying a world-weary air.

The next instant, the elder slowly raised his right hand, his withered, slender fingertips flicking gently.

A ball of soft, pure white light rapidly condensed from his palm, instantly transforming into a gigantic white palm of light.

The palm of light had a clear outline, its spiritual light warm and gentle, lacking any violent killing intent, yet it carried a heavy, oppressive force, tearing through the murky mist, and crashing directly towards Guiyuanzi’s position.

The white light descended with incredible speed, approaching him in an instant, giving Guiyuanzi no time to think or hesitate.

Instinctive alertness erupted instantly, Guiyuanzi’s pupils contracted sharply, and his azure spiritual energy surged forth without reservation.

He swiftly gripped the hilt of his sword at his waist with his right hand, his wrist snapping with a sharp, resonant clang that echoed through the mist. The Qingfeng sword was drawn, its cold light gleaming as it sliced ​​through the murky gray fog.

“Hah!”

A low shout dispersed the surrounding air currents, pure Daoist spiritual energy flowing into the sword, instantly causing a thick, azure light

to emanate from its clear blade. This light condensed into a sharp sword beam, carrying an unstoppable, resolute momentum, and slashed straight towards the white giant hand.

Boom—!

The azure light and white light collided violently, the two drastically different forces exploding outwards.

A blinding wave of light swept across the surroundings, forcibly dispersing the murky fog, and a transparent shockwave radiated outwards from the point of impact.

A deafening roar echoed through the deathly silent secret realm, lingering for a long time.

The violent impact traveled back along the sword, striking Guiyuanzi’s body directly.

The muddy ground beneath his feet instantly collapsed, and his legs slid backward involuntarily under the immense force of the impact.

One step, two steps, three steps…

he stumbled back more than ten steps before barely managing to regain his footing.

His tiger’s mouth was split open from the shock, and fine blood trickled down the hilt of his sword, the warm blood staining the ancient cloud patterns and leaving glaring red marks on the cyan blade.

His face turned deathly pale, his blood surged, and a sweet taste rose in his throat, which he forcibly suppressed.

His back muscles tensed, his arms trembled slightly, his spiritual energy was disordered, and his meridians throbbed with pain.

Looking up at the white-clad phantom in the distance, Gui Yuanzi’s eyes were filled with disbelief and shock.

With just a casual palm strike, without any build-up or killing move, the seemingly ordinary force had injured and defeated this early-stage Golden Immortal Rank 3 cultivator.

The true cultivation level of this illusory figure far surpassed his own, reaching the peak of the third rank of Golden Immortal and infinitely approaching the fourth rank.

The difference was enormous and obvious.

“Attack!”

An Dao’s cold shout suddenly rang out.

The instant Gui Yuanzi retreated, An Dao had already moved.

The black baleful aura around him suddenly surged, his black bodysuit billowed slightly in the airflow, and his figure suddenly became ethereal, turning into a black afterimage that completely merged into the gray mist.

The speed was so fast that the naked eye could not even catch the trajectory.

The next second, the black figure suddenly appeared three feet behind the white-robed old man. A

flash of cold light, and two black short swords at his waist were simultaneously drawn, their blades gleaming with a dark, cold light, their sharp edges piercing to the bone, carrying a concentrated killing power, slashing fiercely towards the old man’s vital point on the back of his neck.

At the same moment, Ling Yue also made her move.

With a slight flick of her fair wrist, the white jade whisk in her hand suddenly burst into a dazzling white light.

The snow-white threads instantly lengthened and thinned, like countless silver threads weaving into a dense net, wrapping around the white-robed elder’s limbs and torso from all directions, attempting to imprison his movements and restrict his space to attack.

One assassinated, the other restrained; their coordination was impeccable, combining offense and defense.

Both were first-grade Golden Immortals, attacking without holding back, suppressing the unknown phantom with all their might.

Yet the white-robed elder remained calm and composed.

Facing the sudden attack from behind, he merely raised his left hand, palm facing outward, and calmly unleashed a soft white light.

The white light was not fast, but it was incredibly precise, striking the dark blade squarely in the chest.

Thud…

A dull impact rang out.

The dark blade’s condensed black aura barrier shattered instantly, and his powerful body flew backward uncontrollably like a kite with a broken string.

He gritted his teeth, his face icy, enduring the blow head-on. He staggered two steps after landing, barely managing to regain his footing. His chest heaved slightly, his breathing visibly erratic, and for the first time, a deep sense of apprehension surfaced in his usually cold and stern eyes.

Then, the old man’s gaze swept across the room, and he casually flicked his finger.

A thin beam of white spiritual light shot out, precisely striking the countless interwoven white threads

in the sky. A series of crisp snapping sounds rang out as the incredibly strong threads of the whisk, capable of binding even Golden Immortals, broke like fragile cotton thread, dissipating into countless tiny white specks of light that vanished into the murky mist.

Lingyue’s wrist went slightly numb, her spiritual energy momentarily stagnant. She staggered back two steps, her clear eyes filled with astonishment.

In just two moves, he had easily shattered the combined attack of two Golden Immortal cultivators.

The white-robed elder remained standing, his robes impeccable, his hair perfectly styled, his aura calm and gentle, his presence completely still, as if the previous exchange had been nothing more than a casual brush away of dust, effortless.

His gaze returned to the pale-faced Gui Yuanzi, his tone calm and gentle, yet carrying an undeniable resolve.

“Gui Yuanzi, you are no match for me.”

“Leave now, exit the secret realm. The Chaos Elixir is not something you can covet in your current state.”

A simple sentence, devoid of mockery or contempt, yet carrying an indifferent acceptance of fate, directly shattered Gui Yuanzi’s obsession with this journey.

Gui Yuanzi’s right hand, hanging by his side, gripped the sword hilt tightly.

Blood from the wound on his palm soaked the hilt, sticky and warm.

He lowered his head slightly, his disheveled hair obscuring his eyes, making it impossible for others to see his expression.

After a moment of silence, he slowly raised his head, his once gentle eyes now dark and resolute, revealing a stubborn determination.

“I cannot leave.”

His voice was hoarse, yet each word was firm and unwavering. “The young master is still waiting for the Chaos Elixir to reshape his body. If I leave, the young master’s body cannot recover.”

“Young master?” The white-robed elder looked puzzled.

“Yes, young master, our Daoist sect’s young master. The young master possesses the Great Luo Golden Scripture, a relic of the Daoist sect’s ancestor,” Gui Yuanzi said.

The white-robed elder’s eyes widened in shock.

The young master of the Daoist sect?

He was merely the patriarch of the Guiyuan Sect, one of countless sects within the Daoist realm. Compared

to the entire Daoist sect’s young masters, his status as the Guiyuan Sect patriarch was utterly insignificant.