Chapter 72: Nangong Wentian’s Astonishment

Five days had passed since the Longyang Secret Realm opened. Across the Sword Qi Continent, the major sects and factions were all eagerly awaiting news, hoping to see their disciples shine in this much-anticipated trial.

But in a twist no one could have predicted, the disciples they had so painstakingly cultivated had all perished within the Longyang Secret Realm.

Many sect elders still waited anxiously at their sect gates, unable to accept such a harsh reality. This new generation entering the secret realm represented their sects’ future hope.

In the Northern Territory, Beixun Prefecture, in the grand city of Tian Gu City, a massive mountain soared up into the clouds. This was Yunhai Mountain—the sacred peak of Tian Gu City and the very foundation of the Sky Sword Sect.

Year-round, Yunhai Mountain was shrouded in mist, pulsing with abundant spiritual power. Its breathtaking scenery made it an ideal place for cultivation.

The Sky Sword Sect was surrounded by awe-inspiring protective arrays, shrouding it completely so that no outsiders could even approach.

Right now, Li Xun, the Sect Master of the Sky Sword Sect, led the elders outside their grand sect gate, the crowd fidgeting and waiting anxiously.

Unease gnawed at Li Xun and his elders’ hearts. Why had the disciples not returned from such a minor secret realm after so long? Had something gone wrong inside?

They paced restlessly, worry flickering in their eyes as they each mulled over the same thought.

But soon, that unreasonable suspicion was tossed aside.

“That’s just not possible. Our core disciple Zhi Yin is leading the team this time—he’s already attained the fourth level of the Sword Emperor Realm. With him in charge, nothing can go wrong.” Li Xun shook his head and let out a sigh as he addressed the others. “Maybe something just happened along the way. They were delayed and will be back in a day or two.”

“So there’s really no need for the elders to worry so much!”

After all, before the disciples left, Li Xun had firmly reminded them to prioritize safety above all else. The treasures weren’t important since the Sky Sword Sect was already well-stocked.

“The Sect Master is right. With Zhi Yin leading them, the Longyang Secret Realm really shouldn’t pose any threat.” The elders relaxed a bit, convinced by Li Xun’s logic.

“I bet they’re just goofing off somewhere. Once they’re back, I’m giving them a good talking to!” A burly elder growled, earning laughter and nods from the others, who all thought he made a fair point.

“Old Yan, using brute force isn’t the best way to teach disciples. You should learn from me—lead with love instead!” A beautiful, vivacious woman among the elders shot him a playful smile as the courtyard buzzed with laughter and light-hearted banter.

…………………………………………..

At Tianwu Academy, Nangong Wentian wandered the vast school courtyard, his hands clasped behind his back, eyes fixed anxiously on the swirling vortex before him.

“It’s been so long with no sign of movement—I’m a nervous wreck over here. Please don’t let anything happen,” he muttered inwardly, worrying about his precious daughter and the academy’s disciples. If something went wrong on this trip, losing them would be a heavy blow to the fledgling Tianwu Academy.

Not far away, Murong Qingxue was keeping pace with her recently reclusive family members, strolling lazily through the academy grounds.

Spotting Nangong Wentian by the central square, Murong Qingxue hurried her group over to greet him.

“Dean, your face looks troubled. What weighs so heavily on your mind?” Murong Qingxue asked casually as she took in Nangong Wentian’s obvious worry.

“Ah, so it’s you, Senior! Here’s the situation: it’s been five days since our academy disciples left for the secret realm. I can’t help but worry something’s happened in there. Nobody knows what dangers lurk in that place,” he replied quickly, raising his head at the sound of her voice.

“Dean, what’s this secret realm called?” Murong Qingxue’s curiosity was clearly piqued.

“Senior, it’s called the Longyang Secret Realm. Have you heard of it?” Nangong Wentian paused, a hopeful look in his eyes.

“I haven’t kept up with the outside world in ages, so I know nothing about this secret realm. Did it just appear out of nowhere? I’ve never heard a word about it before,” Murong Qingxue replied, resting her chin on her hand and sighing.

“So even you haven’t heard of it, Senior… You’re right—it did appear a hundred years ago out of thin air, and no one’s ever explored it. Everyone always assumed it was just some small secret realm, so we never gave it much thought,” Nangong Wentian said, his face falling as he dropped his gaze.

“Senior, do you think something happened in there? My disciples still haven’t returned,” he pressed as he stared at the unresponsive vortex, his worry mounting with each passing moment.

“You’re too anxious, Dean. With the Gu siblings leading the way, nothing ordinary in that secret realm can trouble them. Don’t worry. They’ll come back safe and sound,” Murong Qingxue replied with a calm smile.

“I have to accompany my family’s disciples, so I won’t stay any longer,” she added before briskly leading her group away.

“You know, she has a point,” Nangong Wentian thought as he watched Murong Qingxue’s graceful figure disappear into the distance. Feeling a bit better, he decided not to let his worries get the best of him and turned to leave as well.

…………….

Suddenly, the vortex behind him stirred. A moment later, groups of Tianwu Academy disciples emerged, arms full of bags and packages, all safe and sound.

“You’re finally back! I’ve been worried sick.” Nangong Wentian’s heart leapt as he heard the noise, turning just in time to see everyone return in one piece. His weary face split in a beaming smile.

“Dad, we’re back! Sorry for making you worry. And you won’t believe it—our haul this time is incredible!” Nangong Lin threw herself at Nangong Wentian, chattering excitedly about their adventures and all the treasures they’d found.

“She’s right, Senior Sister isn’t exaggerating. Words can’t even capture just how much we gained this time!” The others quickly piled their spoils in the center of the courtyard.

Within moments, the courtyard was filled to the brim with rare herbs and glittering treasures. It looked like a mountain of precious items, dazzling the eye and leaving everyone speechless.

“Dad, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Honestly, we were afraid there wouldn’t be space for everything, so we didn’t even bring it all back!” Nangong Lin grinned at her father, who could hardly believe his eyes.

“Wha… What did you just say, Lian’er?” Nangong Wentian was completely stunned, struggling to believe this bombshell. He almost thought he was dreaming.

“Dad, the truth is, we found a Purification Tree in the secret realm, and it had ten thousand Marrow-Cleansing Fruits growing on it!” Nangong Lin leaned in and whispered, “That’s right, Dad—ten thousand of them! You heard me right—ten thousand Marrow-Cleansing Fruits!”

“Are you sure, my daughter? The legendary Marrow-Cleansing Fruit? Tell me you’re not joking!” Nangong Wentian was so floored he thought he’d misheard, and asked again to be sure.

Nangong Lin nodded firmly. “Yes, Dad—the very same Marrow-Cleansing Fruit from the legends. They can help ordinary people shed their limitations, gain new bodies, and step onto the path of cultivation, all with no side effects!”

“Amazing, daughter! With these Marrow-Cleansing Fruits, even the academy’s ordinary laborers have a chance to start cultivating. A full ten thousand fruits! That will completely change our academy’s future!” Nangong Wentian couldn’t hold back his excitement as he swept Nangong Lin into his arms, grinning wildly and lifting her overhead. “You really are my lucky star! Tell me what you want—I’ll reward you with anything!”

“Actually, Dad, we brought the Purification Tree back too. I just didn’t tell you because I thought you’d faint from excitement!” Nangong Lin blushed, a little sheepish over how shocked her father was, and avoided his eyes.

“Honestly, we owe it all to Brother Gu. If not for him, we’d be lucky to make it out alive—let alone come back with a mountain of treasures!” She pointed to Gu Qingyi, her smile full of gratitude.

“Except for Tianwu Academy, every other group that entered the Longyang Secret Realm died inside.” Her cheerful face grew a little somber, and she let out a helpless sigh.

“Daughter, what exactly happened in the Longyang Secret Realm? How could things have gone so wrong?” Nangong Wentian was stunned speechless by her words.

…………….

“Dad, if we were the only ones who made it out, won’t the other sects suspect us? What if they think we killed everyone and show up to attack us? I’m scared!” Nangong Lin finally revealed her worries, laying out the full chain of events.

A chill flickered through Nangong Wentian’s eyes at her question. He growled, “If they dare attack Tianwu Academy, I’ll see to it they never walk out again! If they come here without knowing the real story and just look for trouble, they’ll find out I’m not someone to mess with!”

“If they want a fight, then a fight they’ll get! I, Nangong Wentian, fear no one! Especially with the senior expert backing us—what are a few rabble to people like that?” Nangong Wentian clenched his fists, knuckles crackling with the force of it, as a terrifying aura erupted from him.