Chapter 520: Entering the Secret Realm, Protecting Thunder!

Purple Cloud Gorge.

The entire gorge stretches for over 100 miles, flanked by towering mountains and sheer cliffs.

The steep walls, illuminated in mottled light, seemed to be cloaked in flowing purple veils, like mist swirling around.

As the Purple Secrets Realm opened, figures could occasionally be seen inside the gorge.

These were all cultivators, either walking, riding Artifacts, or on spirit beasts.

Only a select few traveled in groups of three to five, aboard Spirit Boats.

“Roar! Roar! Roar!”

At that moment, a low rumbling sound, like muffled thunder, arose.

Three terrifying black figures, with a dark glow flowing around them, appeared, pulling a massive azure Spirit Boat through the sky.

“Hiss! Those are three Second-Tier Great Demons!”

“What kind of force is this to travel so arrogantly!”

“Speak quietly! If someone hears us, we might offend them.”

“Three Flood Dragons? What a grand display!”

“A Lu? Which Lu Family is this?”

Cultivators traveling along the way were horrified at the sight, stopping cautiously, fearing to provoke them.

Especially those flying on Artifacts or riding spirit beasts, they quickly landed on the side to avoid being intimidated by the powerful aura of the Second-Tier Great Demons.

“This is Purple Cloud Gorge. Once we pass through, it leads to the Purple Secrets Realm.”

Aboard the Spirit Boat pulled by the three Black Water Flood Dragons, Lu Ping’an turned to Lu Qingxian and the other Lu Family disciples, saying.

After speaking, he looked down at the Black Water Flood Dragons, sternly commanding, “Behave yourselves, and don’t scare people.”

At Lu Ping’an’s words, the three Black Water Flood Dragons let out a howl, and the terrifying aura around them immediately lessened. Surrounded by mist, they roared towards the Purple Secrets Realm.

Not long after, the three Black Water Flood Dragons passed through the gorge, arriving at the altar at the end.

At this time, the area around the altar was densely packed with scattered cultivators, nearly 1,000 in total.

“So many people.”

“Purple Secrets Realm.”

“Not everyone is here yet. Many forces haven’t arrived.”

Aboard the Spirit Boat, Lu Qingxian, Lu Qingyan, and the other Lu Family disciples of Qingzhu Mountain were all shocked by the scene before them.

Even though they knew the Purple Secrets Realm would be bustling,

They had never seen so many Late-Stage Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators gathered at once.

“Three Second-Tier Great Demons! What force is this?”

“Lu Family? Which Lu Family?”

“This person is only a Foundation Establishment cultivator, how can they have such a grand display?”

“This looks like the Flood Dragons that the Xu Family Elder of Bihu Mountain had when he married!”

Meanwhile, the cultivators around the altar looked up at the three Black Water Flood Dragons in the sky, their expressions filled with surprise and suspicion.

Although the Purple Secrets Realm attracted nearly all the forces of the Jiang Kingdom,

Apart from a few Golden Core level forces, most other Foundation Establishment families, and even pseudo-Golden Core families, had modest displays and didn’t flaunt.

If Lu Ping’an were a pseudo-Golden Core cultivator, they would see this as normal and completely appropriate.

But for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to have such an extravagant display, it seemed a bit undeserved.

“This is Lu Ping’an, the eldest son of Bihu Mountain’s Lu Family. Although he is only at mid-stage Foundation Establishment, his body tempering has reached a quasi-Third-Tier level, comparable to a pseudo-Golden Core cultivator!”

“What? He’s the one who suppressed Sima Tong, the Xu Family Elder, and became famous in one battle!”

“I heard this guy has extraordinary talent. He’s not even 100 years old, yet his body tempering has already reached the quasi-Third-Tier level. Such a talent in body tempering will most likely make him a Third-Tier Body Tempering cultivator in the future!”

“Who would have thought that Bihu Mountain would place such importance on the Purple Secrets Realm, sending him here personally.”

“It’s Bihu Mountain’s first time participating in the Purple Secrets Realm, so naturally, they would take it seriously.”

There were quite a few cultivators from the Qingyun Region, including Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Seeing Lu Ping’an on the Spirit Boat, they recognized him immediately and began discussing in low voices.

Many others who hadn’t seen Lu Ping’an before but had heard of his name also curiously observed him.

“Friend Lu, there’s a spot here.”

A faction noticed Lu Ping’an seemed to be looking for a place and immediately called out to invite him.

Even outside the realm, the location has its considerations.

A good spot that is more noticeable can make it easier to recruit cultivators or purchase spiritual herbs and Natural Treasures later.

Seeing this, Lu Ping’an noticed a familiar Foundation Establishment cultivator, smiled and nodded, signaling the Black Water Flood Dragon to descend.

The surrounding cultivators, seeing this, immediately showed respect, clearing out a large space.

“I am Li Yunjie from Baiya Mountain. Greetings to Friend Lu.”

Someone immediately stepped forward to greet Lu Ping’an with polite pleasantries.

“These must be the heroes of Bihu Mountain. Indeed, each one is outstanding. We should look out for each other when we enter the realm.”

“Greetings, Friend Lu. I’ve heard of your name for a long time, and meeting you today, I see that you truly live up to your reputation!”

Not only the forces allied with Bihu Mountain,

But even many who had never interacted with Lu Family forces stepped forward to exchange a few polite words.

After all, with no animosity between their families, this was a good opportunity to make acquaintances.

Moreover, meeting with Lu Family disciples now would reduce the likelihood of deadly encounters or even lead to cooperation inside the realm.

However, there were also some forces who coldly observed the Lu Family group.

“Hmph!”

Lu Qingyan, dressed in silver armor with a beautiful appearance, noticed an unfriendly gaze in their direction and immediately snorted, not showing any weakness.

This force was the Sima Family of Xuanwu Ridge.

The enmity between the two families was almost impossible to resolve.

It was certain that once inside the realm, if they encountered each other, they’d surely clash to the death.

“Sister Yan, be careful when you enter. The Sima Family, Jin Family, Yuan Family, and even the Beast Taming Xu Family might all target us.”

Lu Qingxian warned in a low voice.

Although only the Sima Family of Xuanwu Ridge and Jin Family of Jinlong Ridge deeply resented the Lu Family,

But as the saying goes, the bigger the tree, the more it catches the wind.

Bihu Mountain’s rapid rise had already threatened the interests of many families.

If given the chance, any of these forces could act against the Lu Family.

After all, Late-Stage Qi Refining cultivators are the backbone of any family. If one dies, it’s a significant loss.

“Don’t worry.”

“We understand.”

Lu Qingyan nodded to Lu Chensha, Lu Yunfei, and the others.

There was no need for Lu Qingxian to elaborate; they were all aware.

In fact, if they encountered the Jin or Sima Families or forces allied with them, they’d strike first.

The battles between family forces in the Purple Secrets Realm had already become an unwritten rule.

After some more pleasantries, Lu Qingxian placed a prepared sign in front,

Stating that Bihu Mountain’s Lu Family was recruiting guest experts with special skills and purchasing spiritual herbs and Natural Treasures at high prices.

With the imposing presence of the three Black Water Flood Dragons, many rogue cultivators inquired about the requirements.

Lu Qingxian replied to each one with grace, explaining the Lu Family’s conditions.

Time passed slowly.

Most of the cultivators arriving now were from large family forces, with only a few rogue cultivators.

Only large family forces could time their arrival perfectly.

At this moment, three Top-Tier Second-Tier Lin Horses were pulling a radiant carriage across the sky, attracting a lot of attention.

“The Five Elements Wang Family! It’s said that the Wang Family is in decline, and their elder has little time left, but this display shows no sign of that.”

“Of course, even a dying camel is bigger than a horse. A family like the Wang Family can be sustained for several generations even if their Golden Core lineage ends.”

“However, if the Wang Family Elder dies, whether they can keep control of Five Elements Mountain is another story.”

Many people began to discuss.

Lu Qingxian, Lu Qingyan, Lu Chensha, and the others all looked at the Wang Family with infinite longing in their eyes.

Golden Core Family!

The ultimate goal for every family force!

Once promoted to a Golden Core family, they would be like regional lords, independent and no longer needing to pay tribute to the Spirit Sect!

In places like the Purple Secrets Realm, they could sit high above others, looking down on everyone.

Before long, the Beast Taming Xu Family arrived.

The Xu Family’s presence was even more overwhelming than the Wang Family’s. As the mist rolled, a terrifying purple beast radiated a horrifying aura, pulling a radiant divine boat.

The aura released by this beast made countless people in the crowd tremble.

Even the Black Water Flood Dragons of Lu Ping’an were shivering.

This was a quasi-Third-Tier demon beast.

Just one step away from ascending to become a Third-Tier Demon King!

“The Beast Taming Xu Family is incredibly domineering!”

“But they have the right to be. The Xu Family Elder once destroyed the Five Elements Wang Family’s mountain gate with a single slap, and the Wang Family didn’t dare to say a word.”

“The Xu Family not only possesses several clan-guarding holy beasts but also controls Water Serpent Dao Soldiers and Fire Crow Dao Soldiers, maintaining their family’s foundation. They are indisputably the number one family in the Jiang Kingdom!”

“But I’ve heard that the Xu Family recently lost two pseudo-Golden Core cultivators…”

As the Beast Taming Xu Family arrived, others whispered about Xu Family’s gossip.

“Roar! Roar! Roar!”

In the sky, the Three Lin Horses of the Wang Family roared furiously, challenging the Xu Family’s fierce beast, causing layers of radiant light to surge.

“Screech!”

The fierce beast of the Xu Family was not intimidated, and the two sides engaged in a fierce confrontation.

“Xu Family brat, if you want to fight, let’s do it right now!”

An elder of the Wang Family, a pseudo-Golden Core cultivator, took a step forward, his powerful magical energy surging as he spoke coldly.

Although the Wang Family was not as strong as the Xu Family,

They wouldn’t let themselves be looked down upon.

Years ago, their family lost face because of the Xu Family Elder, becoming a laughingstock.

If they retreated again now, they would be even more ridiculed!

“Why get so angry, Wang Elder?”

The Xu Family’s pseudo-Golden Core cultivator replied calmly, standing with his hands behind his back.

Although he had just broken through to the pseudo-Golden Core stage and wasn’t as powerful as the Wang Family elder,

He had the quasi-Third-Tier demon beast from his clan, giving him no fear.

Still, he couldn’t fight here, so he signaled the fierce beast to withdraw its aura.

“Hmph!”

The Wang Family elder snorted coldly but didn’t push further.

The Xu Family Elder stood on the divine boat, his eyes like a sharp hawk, surveying the forces below.

When he saw Lu Ping’an, his eyes narrowed, then turned to the Black Water Flood Dragons.

“Dao Soldiers! So the Bihu Mountain Lu Family truly has a method of cultivating Dao Soldiers!”

Xu Yinglong, from the Beast Taming Xu Family, who was well-versed in training Dao Soldiers,

Instantly recognized from the similar temperament of the three Black Water Flood Dragons, that they had been trained using a certain Dao Soldier method.

And this method was quite extraordinary,

Not inferior to his family’s Water Serpent Dao Soldiers or Fire Crow Dao Soldiers.

It might even be slightly better.

“The Bihu Mountain Lu Family is really overestimating themselves. A family without any foundation dares to try to cultivate this level of Dao Soldiers without considering their capability.”

“Yet, this Dao Soldier method has some similarities to our family’s Water Serpent Dao Soldiers…”

After sneering and mocking in his heart, Xu Yinglong considered finding a chance to take this Dao Soldier cultivation method.

After all, the Xu Family was renowned worldwide for Beast Taming as their foundation.

This Dao Soldier method could not only be used to cultivate Dao Soldiers to strengthen the clan but also provide important insights.

“Hmm?”

Lu Ping’an suddenly sensed something and looked up at Xu Yinglong in the sky.

Seeing him gaze at the Black Water Flood Dragons, Lu Ping’an’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Heh!”

Xu Yinglong nonchalantly met Lu Ping’an’s gaze before looking away.

Although Lu Ping’an had a record of suppressing the Xu Family Elder, Sima Tong, and a near-Third-Tier body tempering,

In Xu Yinglong’s eyes, a quasi-Third-Tier body tempering was just equivalent to his spirit beast’s strength.

The two were not on the same level.

“Sister Yan, Chensha, Yunfei… be careful of the Beast Taming Xu Family later.”

From Xu Yinglong’s gaze, Lu Ping’an could see that he wasn’t friendly, so he advised Lu Qingyan and the others.

He also told Lu Qingxian to be vigilant against the Beast Taming Xu Family in the future.

“Don’t worry, Big Brother, we know.”

They all nodded, understanding that their family’s rise had caught the attention of the Xu Family.

The Xu Family, being a Golden Core family in the Qingyun Region, would definitely not want to see another Golden Core family rise!

Before long, the Shangguan Family, Danxia Mountain, and Phantom Sound Gate all arrived.

Regarding these forces, Lu Qingxian and the others had only heard of them but never had the chance to see them up close.

Today, they finally got a better understanding.

After a while, the Azure Cloud Sect, Spirit Control Sect, Sunset Glow Sect, and Heavenly Sword Sect arrived one after another.

When the Four Great Immortal Sects arrived, their presence and the spirits of their disciples were extraordinary, far surpassing the other forces.

“Buzz—”

The Golden Core cultivators of the Four Great Immortal Sects chatted briefly, then held out their tokens and ascended the purple altar.

As the purple light surged and talismans intertwined, a massive ancient-looking portal slowly emerged, filled with an ancient and distant aura.

“So this is the Purple Secrets Realm?”

Lu Qingxian, Lu Qingyan, Lu Chensha, and the other Lu Family disciples were incredibly shocked as they looked at the portal that resembled a swirling black hole.

“The Purple Secrets Realm lasts for a month.”

“All of you may enter the realm, but you must follow these rules.”

The Golden Core cultivator from the Heavenly Sword Sect spoke indifferently, throwing out a giant yellow banner that hovered in mid-air, displaying the rules of the realm.

“Once you’re inside, be extremely careful, and try to meet up quickly. Don’t act alone.”

“If you encounter danger, abandon the spiritual herbs immediately. There’s no need to risk your life.”

Lu Ping’an advised them again.

As the eldest brother,

At this moment, he deeply understood the heavy feelings his father must have had when his father watched him and Lu Quanzhen enter the Purple Secrets Realm years ago.

“Don’t worry, Big Brother, we understand.”

Lu Qingyan and the others respectfully replied, showing great respect for their eldest brother, Lu Ping’an.

Even though they felt a bit pressured, they still smiled, acting carefree, their eyes burning with battle intent.

“Big Brother, we’re going in.”

“Elder, we’re going in.”

After most of the other factions had entered, the six of them, along with the four from Qingzhu Mountain, turned to Lu Ping’an.

“Mm, be careful.”

Lu Ping’an replied sternly.

“Sister Yan, Brother Chensha, Brother Yunfei, Brother Qingze, Brother Mingfeng, Sister Ziyun, I’ll be waiting for you to return victorious.”

Lu Qingxian earnestly bowed to them.

He then cupped his fists to the four from Qingzhu Mountain and bid them farewell.

Nodding silently,

The ten of them mounted their flying Artifacts and rushed into the portal.

“Don’t worry, Big Brother. Sister Yan, Brother Chensha, and the others are all incredibly strong. They’ll definitely be fine and return victorious.”

Lu Qingxian sensed his elder brother’s concern and tried to comfort him.

His words held some truth.

Apart from a few with poor talent, most of the Lu Family disciples cultivated advanced techniques, even higher-level techniques.

In terms of foundation and combat strength, they were no weaker than any other faction.

They were on par with Golden Core level forces or disciples of the Spirit Sect.

Moreover, each of the six carried Second-Tier talismans and puppets.

Unless they encountered the absolute top elite, they should be able to handle anything one-on-one.

“Mm.”

Lu Ping’an nodded and said nothing more.

Having previously entered the Purple Secrets Realm, he knew the realm tested not only individual combat strength but also adaptability and luck.

If luck was terribly bad and they encountered a powerful demon beast or an ambush from others, it would be hard to survive, no matter how strong they were.

Bihu Mountain.

Hundred Refinements Peak, Pill Refining Room.

“Whoosh… Whoosh…”

Lu Changsheng was guiding Li Xingruo and his son, Lu Xingchen, in pill refining.

Lu Xingchen was fully focused on the dark golden alchemy furnace before him, his hands constantly forming seals, using the Fire Control Technique to manage the Earth Fire.

As soon as he noticed the spiritual mist spreading within the furnace and the faint scent of herbs, he immediately cast several more seals into the alchemy furnace.

Then, with a firm voice, he performed the furnace-opening seal, “Open!”

“Buzz!”

The lid of the furnace exploded open, thick steam rising as radiant light filled the room.

“Collect!”

Lu Xingchen, seeing the rising steam, quickly gathered the nine pills into his palm, a look of joy in his eyes.

“Congratulations to the host’s first offspring for becoming a Second-Tier pill refiner. You’ve received one lottery chance!”

At the same time, a system notification rang in Lu Changsheng’s mind.

“Xingchen, congratulations. From now on, you’re a Second-Tier pill refiner.”

Lu Changsheng smiled at his son.

His son had a decent talent for alchemy.

But in earlier years, his time and energy had been spent on cultivation, so he had only barely started in alchemy.

However, after breaking through to Foundation Establishment and developing Divine Sense, learning alchemy became much more efficient.

“It’s all thanks to Father and Auntie’s guidance.”

Lu Xingchen bowed, his tired face unable to hide his happiness.

A Second-Tier pill refiner held an esteemed status, respected wherever they went.

And now, as the first Lu Family disciple other than Lu Changsheng and Li Xingruo to achieve Second-Tier status, he was naturally elated.

“Heh. Take a good rest now and spend more time with Jingyi and Xuanqian in the coming days.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled, telling him to rest for now, then turned to continue observing Li Xingruo’s pill refining.

“By now, the Purple Secrets Realm should have opened, right?”

Watching Lu Xingchen leave, Lu Changsheng suddenly thought of his children who had gone to the Purple Secrets Realm.

For each of his six children, he had given them three Second-Tier talismans and a Top-Tier First-Tier puppet.

It wasn’t that he was unwilling to give more,

He just thought that since they chose to temper themselves, if everyone had a Second-Tier puppet, it wouldn’t serve its purpose.

“System, draw.”

Lu Changsheng took a deep breath and mentally commanded.

“Ding! Congratulations on receiving the Third-Tier thunder seed: Exorcism Golden Thunder!”

“The reward has been deposited into the system space. The host may check it anytime.”

“Exorcism Golden Thunder!”