Chapter 67: Opening of the Secret Realm

After wrapping up their business, Gu Qingyi and his sister returned to the Gu family to report their safety to Shen Yue. They also shared that both of them had joined Tianwu Academy, then quickly took their leave.

Shen Yue’s voice held worry. “Since that’s settled, have a safe journey and be careful on the road.”

“Mother, we’ll be off now.” The siblings offered their farewells before departing.

Before long, they arrived at Tianwu Academy.

Inside the academy, Nangong Wentian stood atop the grand dais in the martial training grounds. Around him, the disciples had already gathered.

Nangong Wentian swept a lazy gaze over the crowd. Sensing it was time, he cleared his throat, then passionately addressed the group. “Disciples of Tianwu Academy.”

“I’ve called everyone here today to make an important announcement.” His voice thundered like a bell. “The Longyang Secret Realm is about to open. It’s filled with lucky opportunities and daunting challenges.”

“Other powerful sects across the continent will be there too.” Nangong Wentian glanced at his disciples with a hint of amusement. “I know you’re all so pleased with your current cultivation levels.”

“But if you’ve never tasted setback, how will you grow? If you never weather storms, how will you ever see the rainbow?” Nangong Wentian fixed the crowd with a meaningful look. “Without hardship, you can never become tall and strong. Without being tempered a hundred times, there’s no way to become truly formidable.”

“Once inside, your lives and deaths are left to fate.” Turning his back to the crowd, Nangong Wentian added, “This is the first step to making Tianwu Academy’s name resound across the land.”

“Whether you stay or go is your choice. Do you have the courage?” Nangong Wentian shouted.

“We do! We do!” The disciples below erupted, their excitement and anticipation filling the air as they shouted at the tops of their lungs. Each face shone with eagerness for the coming trial.

“Since that’s the case, your senior brother and senior sister will lead you on this journey.” With the wild energy among the disciples, Nangong Wentian couldn’t help but smile.

One by one, swirling vortexes began to open before them.

“I’m entrusting this trial to you all—keep everyone safe,” Nangong Wentian said, glancing at Gu Qingyi, Nangong Lin, and the others.

“Don’t worry, Headmaster. With us leading them, nothing can go wrong.” After giving their word, they led the disciples forward.

In no time, over a hundred people entered the vortex. Only once the last one stepped through did the swirling gateway slowly close.

“Who knows what dangers await them this time? But sheltering them forever is no different than protecting a baby in swaddling clothes. They’ll never grow up that way.” With the martial training ground now empty, Nangong Wentian couldn’t help but worry. He shook his head and slowly walked away with a sigh.

……………..

The top sects across the continent had long learned the Secret Realm was opening. Their disciples had already assembled. Each wanted to be the first to arrive and claim their share of the treasures.

“Master, I volunteer to lead this operation. I’ll make sure our disciples return safely!” Zhi Yin stepped forward, kneeling on one knee. “Zhi Yin of Sky Sword Sect is willing to lead the Outer Sect disciples into this Secret Realm.” The promise was certainly made, firm and unwavering.

“Very good, very good. It’s rare you’re so self-motivated. You’ll lead this operation, but remember—safety comes first. The treasures inside mean little compared to the trial itself.” Eyeing Zhi Yin’s confidence, the sect master broke into a pleased grin.

“As you command, Sect Master!” After a nod, Zhi Yin joined his fellow disciples and boarded a flying boat bound for the Longyang Secret Realm.

“I wonder—how much stronger will our Outer Sect disciples be after this trip to the Secret Realm?” Several elders stroked their goatees, watching the flying boat disappear, unable to suppress their delight. Laughter rang out all around.

……………..

Longyang Secret Realm.

Located on the edge of a secondary major city, it lay in a distant spot neglected for years. Tall grass and dense woodland had taken over, and rare spirit herbs grew everywhere. On a huge mountain, a giant barrier loomed—this was the entrance.

That mountain was called Jade Pool Mountain.

The entire slope was covered in spiritual plants and medicines, but it also hid countless unknown dangers. Many fierce beasts lurked here, rarely seen by outsiders.

It hadn’t even been a few hours since word spread about the opening, yet there were already people lurking around.

Even rogue cultivators were eager to get a piece of the action.

After about half a stick of incense, Gu Qingyi and the others finally arrived via the portal. All of them stopped, stunned by the sight before them since they’d been inside the academy for so long.

Everyone thought the wonders of the academy had already dazzled their eyes. But the sight of Jade Pool Mountain nearly made their eyeballs pop out. Countless rare spirit plants glowed with brilliant light all over the mountainside.

The place was flooded with rare treasures, as if the mountain itself was inviting them to harvest as much as they pleased.

Nearby, others who had already arrived took one look at the newcomers’ academy robes and immediately sneered, “Which tiny little sect are you from? A bunch of nobodies, right? You get lost if you know what’s good for you—don’t dream of taking anything from Longyang Secret Realm!”

“Just giving you a friendly warning—scram now. Once the door opens, you’ll be cannon fodder.”

A female disciple from Tianwu Academy could barely contain herself, furious at the insult to her sect. She stepped forward, ready to argue.

But Nangong Lin raised a hand to stop her, shaking her head and quietly explained, “The Secret Realm entrance is about to open. This isn’t the time to start trouble. Save it for when we’re inside.” The girl could only sigh and step back.

……………..

In about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea—

The great old sects—Sky Sword Sect, Frost Palace, Ten Thousand Beast Sect, Vast Sea Sect, Azure Profound Sect, and the Heavenfire Gate—all arrived one after another.

Even among the most seasoned, well-provided sects, the sight of Jade Pool Mountain took their breath away. The mountain was overflowing with rare and potent spirit herbs, enough to tempt anyone no matter how wealthy their sect.

If the mountain outside the Secret Realm was already like this, what wonders lay within?

Many secretly wondered what would happen if they hauled everything back—would their entire sect skyrocket in strength?

As everyone pondered and marveled—

“The Secret Realm entrance is open! Hahaha, treasures, here I come!” Suddenly, a figure raced for the gate with wild excitement but in less than a second, a barrier flashed and he was instantly reduced to dust. Not even a scream escaped.

Everyone else stared, chilled to the bone. Thank goodness they hadn’t tried to be first, or they’d be dead instead.

While they marveled at their narrow escape, the crowd soon noticed something odd.

Each time the barrier activated, its power weakened slightly. It didn’t take long for someone to work out what this meant—throw enough lives at it, and you could force the gate to open.

The crowd became tense and predatory, everyone sizing up the competition. Someone had to be the sacrifice.

“Since none of you want to lose out,” Zhi Yin stepped forward, his voice dripping with disdain as he sized up his opponents.

“As the representative of Sky Sword Sect, let me say a few words. None of your elders seem to care about this trial, right? After all, this is just an ordinary Secret Realm, so we’re all sending Outer Sect disciples.” He glanced at the others. “How about we each offer up five people to break the barrier, so it’s fair for everyone?”

“I’ll set the example. We’ll start with Sky Sword Sect.” Zhi Yin grabbed five of his weaker disciples as though with a giant invisible hand and held them aloft, struggling in mid-air.

“Senior Brother, please, don’t do this! We don’t want to die!” The five pleaded in terror, fighting desperately.

“For Sky Sword Sect, your sacrifice won’t be forgotten, fellow disciples.” Zhi Yin shook his head, ignoring their begging and smiling coldly.

The condemned erupted in curses. “Zhi Yin, damn you, we’ll haunt you from the grave!”

Moments later, they were tossed into the barrier. Five streaks of power lashed out—within an instant, they were gone, erased from existence.

The other sects watched in terror, dreading that their turn would come next.

“It’s so beautiful. The most fleeting things are always the loveliest.” Zhi Yin watched the scene with a twisted smile, slowly turning his head. “Sky Sword Sect has led the way. Who’s next—or shall I pick for you?”

Suddenly Zhi Yin’s aura exploded, revealing cultivation at the fourth level of the Sword Emperor Realm.

The sheer pressure of his strength froze everyone on the spot—their strongest only led at the sixth level of the Sword King Realm.

The whole point was to give their Outer Sect disciples a test, so they hadn’t sent anyone truly powerful. No one expected Sky Sword Sect to play dirty.

As for the rogue cultivators hoping for some treasures? They immediately tried to make a run for it.

But Zhi Yin smiled slyly. “Looks like we’ve got some rats. Don’t think running will save you—how about you make the sacrifice instead?”

With a casual gesture, he snatched up several who’d tried to escape.

Hopeless, the rogues could only curse, “You’re ruthless! Heaven will judge you. Just wait—we’ll see you in the afterlife!” But Zhi Yin’s invisible grip held them tight. In the next moment they couldn’t move at all.

“You’ll be going ahead of us, then. As for me, no one here dares touch the strongest.” Watching their powerless fury, Zhi Yin only grinned, lips curling into a wicked smile. With boisterous laughter, he tossed them into the barrier as well.

……………….

“Forgive us, junior brothers and sisters.” The other sects had no choice but to make their own sacrifices—after all, strength ruled here. Each sect selected their weakest to throw to the barrier, grit teeth and all.

Cries of despair rang out as more than forty lives were snuffed out.

Eventually, the barrier could hold no longer. It shattered into pieces, revealing a swirling portal.

The crowd whooped and cheered. The Secret Realm entrance was finally open, and all the riches inside might soon be theirs.

In a flash, they all rushed inside.

“The entrance is open. Let’s go!” Gu Qingyi and his group quickly followed after.

Zhi Yin never even noticed Gu Qingyi was here—after all, no one pays attention to a brand new sect.

【Cultivation Ranks of Sword Qi Continent: Ordinary Person, Sword Practitioner Realm, Sword Qi Realm, Sword Sea Realm, Sword King Realm, Sword Emperor Realm, Sword Saint Realm, (Demi-God Realm), Sword God Realm】

【The Demi-God Realm has never existed in this world, so most forgot about it entirely. It’s also called the False God Realm. The Ancient Inheritance Scrolls make clear mention of it.】