Chapter 522: Fierce Struggle in the Secret Realm! Blessings Within Disasters!

Purple Secrets Realm.

A mountain cliff.

“You said the people from Bihu Mountain are not simple? They killed one of your Jin Family members?”

A few men and women dressed in luxurious clothing looked at the Jin Family cultivator before them with some disdain.

Although the Jin Family and their Sima Family are both among False Core clans,

the Sima Family, as an old-established clan, has a richer foundation.

Whether it’s in techniques or Artifacts and talismans, they are a notch above the Jin Family.

“Hmm, one of them is named Lu Chensha. He has a type of flying ant that seems to be the Ironfire Ant listed on the rare insect list. It’s immune to blades and fire, truly hard to deal with.”

The leading Jin Family youth spoke in a deep voice, his expression grim.

In the previous fight, if not for the Ironfire Ant catching them off guard, they wouldn’t have lost one of their own.

Knowing this, they’re aware that if they face Lu Family cultivators again, they’re likely to be outmatched.

“Ironfire Ant? That’s a flying insect from the rare insect list. How could a mere Lu Family Qi Refining cultivator possess such a thing? You must have seen it wrong.”

“Previously, Brother Ling and I met a Lu Family cultivator. He wasn’t very strong. If it weren’t for the Second-Tier talisman he had, he couldn’t have escaped.”

A cold, aloof woman spoke disdainfully.

She was one of the Sima Family cultivators who had previously chased Lu Qingze.

If it hadn’t been for the talisman Lu Qingze carried, she’d have been confident in killing him then.

A nearby Sima Family cultivator raised his hand, signaling the woman not to say more.

Then he looked at the Jin Family cultivator and said, “If you want to cooperate, that’s fine, but we must first discuss the distribution.”

Although many clan forces are familiar within the Purple Secrets Realm, they rarely team up.

The reason is simple.

If a team forms, it’s hard to distribute the loot.

For example, many clans’ goal may be a single Celestial Spirit Fruit.

Once they obtain the fruit, they immediately find a place to hide until the secret realm closes.

If they team up with other forces, rare spiritual fruits like the Celestial Spirit Fruit would never reach them.

Even factions at the same level can’t agree on terms or stay trustworthy.

Sometimes, these clans even split up to get more loot.

“Your main goal this time is to hunt down Lu Family cultivators. Cooperation should benefit us both, not just make my Jin Family dependent on you.”

The Jin Family youth, seeking advantage, spoke up, not willing to be too passive.

To them, the Sima Family’s desire to kill the Lu Family was even stronger than theirs.

After a brief discussion, the two sides couldn’t agree on how to split the spoils.

They only exchanged Communication Talismans to inform each other immediately if they encountered Lu Family cultivators.

“Brother Kunyu, the Sima Family has been crushed by the Lu Family in recent years. Even their elders and patriarch were subdued by Lu Wangshu, yet they’re still so arrogant.”

After the two groups parted, a Jin Family youth spoke with some resentment.

During the conversation, they could feel the Sima Family’s contempt toward them.

“The person leading them was Sima Yulin, one of the Sima Family’s geniuses. He was on the verge of breaking through to Foundation Establishment.

The others weren’t simple either.”

The leading Jin Family cultivator spoke in a deep voice.

They came this time with orders from their clan to ambush the Lu Family, but their primary goal is still to gain something.

After all, over the years, the Jin Family has learned that the Lu Family’s foundation is far from ordinary.

No matter the cultivation, Artifact, talisman, or puppetry, those from the Lu Family are top-notch among their peers.

So, if there’s a chance, they’ll kill a few, but if not, they’ll let it go.

Now, the Jin Family wants to develop quickly, not engage in a death feud with the Lu Family.

Especially since, in the last Purple Secrets Realm, their entire force was wiped out, causing major setbacks. They don’t want that to happen again.

Elsewhere, Lu Qingyan, Lu Chensha, and the others were unaware that the Jin Family and the Sima Family were plotting against them.

But even if they knew, they wouldn’t care.

If these two families had grievances, a fight would surely erupt should they meet.

At this moment, Lu Qingyan and the others were heading toward the central area.

Along the way, if they encountered any suspicious cultivators, they showed no mercy, striking them down immediately.

At that moment, they received a call for assistance from a Communication Talisman. A Qingzhu Mountain Lu Family member had been found.

This Qingzhu Mountain cultivator was in a dire state.

He reported that his group had encountered Spirit Control Sect cultivators.

The other side had completely cleared the area, killing them, leaving one of them dead. He had escaped and the others were scattered.

“Spirit Control Sect disciples.”

Hearing this, Lu Qingyan and the others’ expressions darkened.

Among the Four Great Immortal Sects, Spirit Control Sect disciples are the most ruthless.

The other three sects might be undergoing normal training,

but to the Spirit Control Sect, this is just a trial ground.

According to rumors, in every Purple Secrets Realm, it’s the Spirit Control Sect disciples who kill the most independent cultivators and clan members.

“Given that, Chengliang, do you want to travel with us?”

Lu Qingyan looked at the Qingzhu Mountain cultivator and asked.

Their two families were close.

Given what had happened, they were naturally willing to lend a hand.

Moreover, after encountering the Jin Family’s cultivators earlier, they knew that just the five of them weren’t enough to wipe out the Jin Family or Sima Family cultivators.

Traveling with Qingzhu Mountain would also give them extra combat strength.

Additionally, they trusted Qingzhu Mountain more than other clan forces.

“I’m willing.”

The Qingzhu Mountain cultivator replied without hesitation.

Soon after, they went to find the other two Qingzhu Mountain members.

After some time, they found the other two members.

However, they also encountered Spirit Control Sect cultivators clearing the area.

The two sides exchanged a few blows but ended it there.

“The Lu Family from Bihu Mountain is interesting.”

Three Spirit Control Sect cultivators glanced at Lu Chensha and his Thousand-Legged Centipede, then turned and left.

They were arrogant and domineering but not foolish.

If they continued fighting, they might even lose.

With no grudges between them, there was no need for a life-and-death struggle.

Lu Qingyan and Lu Chensha watched them leave without taking action.

When fighting disciples from these sects, one must ensure all loose ends are tied up.

If it’s not clean, the consequences are endless.

After a brief rest, they resumed their journey toward Purple Secrets Mountain.

Meanwhile, within a cave on Purple Secrets Mountain.

“They say blessings come after surviving great calamities.”

Lu Yunfei looked at the sparkling, crystalline stalactite in front of him, then at the ethereal herbs and Celestial Spirit Flower on another stone wall, his face full of joy.

Although he was surrounded by wolves when he first entered the secret realm,

the Avatar Talisman had transported him directly to the core area of Purple Secrets Mountain.

Using the map his family gave him, he had taken the initiative and gained plenty.

Lu Yunfei didn’t immediately stuff the herbs.

Instead, he cautiously observed his surroundings.

Then he looked toward the base of the stone wall, where a lynx was sleeping.

Though there were many spiritual herbs in the core area of Purple Secrets Realm, there were also just as many beasts.

Rare spiritual herbs were usually guarded by beasts.

Although his strength was decent, standing out among the Ninth Level of Qi Refining,

previous fights had used up most of his pills and talismans. He couldn’t afford to waste more.

Hiding his breath, Lu Yunfei carefully gripped his flying sword, then sent his puppet forward.

“Roar!!!”

As the puppet approached, the lynx immediately woke up, snarling and exposing a maw of sharp teeth as it lunged at the puppet, emitting a foul stench.

“Bang!!!”

The puppet, designed for offense and defense, raised its black-gold shield against the attack, causing sparks to fly as it clashed with the lynx’s claws.

“Now!”

Lu Yunfei instantly shot his flying sword in a silver flash like a dragon’s roar, its cold light piercing forward.

However, after penetrating only a few inches into the lynx’s stomach, the sword couldn’t go any further.

“Roar! Roar! Roar—”

The lynx roared, fully enraged, and charged at Lu Yunfei like a mad beast.

“Splash!”

But the puppet quickly slashed at the lynx, cutting a bloody gash into its body.

Lu Yunfei, while retreating, formed hand seals, conjuring water arrows to continue attacking the lynx.

In this manner, with the puppet holding it back, Lu Yunfei’s flying sword finally tore through the lynx’s stomach, gutting its internal organs. The lynx howled miserably and collapsed with a thud.

“Whew, I feel like after another two rounds, this puppet will be completely destroyed.”

Exhausted, Lu Yunfei took a deep breath as he examined the puppet.

Not only were its shield and sword damaged, but its body also had several cracks.

He skillfully opened the puppet’s protective cover and removed the exhausted Spirit Stones, then replaced them with fresh ones.

Afterward, he dissected the lynx, cleaning up the blood to avoid attracting other beasts.

Once he was done, he went deeper into the cave, gleefully picking the spiritual herbs and placing them into his Storage Bag.

Then he hurried out and found a place to sit cross-legged, holding two Spirit Stones to recover.

“This Purple Secrets Mountain interferes with the token’s connection. I wonder when Sister Yan and the others will arrive.”

Lu Yunfei murmured, planning to wait here for Lu Qingyan and the others.

He had already gained quite a bit this time, including three Celestial Spirit Fruits.

If he continued searching, once his puppet and final few talismans were exhausted, he’d lose his ability to handle risks.

If he encounters a beast or another cultivator, all his efforts could be taken by someone else.

“Clang!”

Lu Qingyan, clad in silver armor, clashed head-on with a giant bear.

Meanwhile, Lu Chensha and Lu Qingze controlled their flying swords and cast techniques to strike the bear.

Moments later, the giant bear crashed to the ground.

After processing the bear, they continued forward.

“Ahead is Purple Secrets Mountain.”

After a while, Lu Qingze looked at the towering ring-shaped mountain peak, shrouded in rolling purple mist, and spoke with a relieved expression.

It’s true that the outer area of the Purple Secrets Realm might have some Celestial Spirit Fruits,

but ninety percent of these fruits are on Purple Secrets Mountain.

And besides the Celestial Spirit Fruits, most of the Natural Treasures and rare spiritual herbs are also on this mountain.

“This Purple Secrets Mountain is sealed in fog, blocking all senses and affecting our spiritual awareness, so be careful,”

Lu Chensha spoke as he let the Thousand-Legged Centipede lead the way with Lu Qingyan.

“Yes.”

Everyone nodded seriously.

The fog on Purple Secrets Mountain was so thick that even a cultivator’s range of sight was limited.

Sudden danger could emerge without warning.

After a long time, they finally reached the foot of the mountain.

At this time, a five-man team appeared in the distance.

Lu Qingyan’s eyes narrowed slightly, recognizing them as members of the Xie Family from Lingxi.

The relationship between their families was decent, with several business collaborations. Previously, Xie Family cultivators had even greeted Lu Ping’an warmly.

But now, the two parties merely nodded and clasped their fists before heading up the mountain without further conversation.

“The Xie Family is probably here to ambush independent cultivators or those who are isolated,”

Lu Mingfeng whispered.

“In any case, it’s none of our concern.”

Lu Qingze gently shook his head.

After entering Purple Secrets Mountain, the purple mist floated around, hazy and obscuring distant vision.

“I wonder if the Filthy Spirit Insect’s soul perception still works here?”

Lu Chensha thought to himself as he connected with his Filthy Spirit Insect in his consciousness.

The next moment, the Filthy Spirit Insect’s soul perception merged into him, and he entered a profound and ethereal state.

In his mind, it felt as though a web had spread out in all directions; the slightest movement, even the sound of insects crawling, could be perceived.

“The Filthy Spirit Insect’s soul sense is unaffected by the mist on Purple Secrets Mountain!”

Lu Chensha was both surprised and delighted.

Here, with the mist so thick he could barely see three or four zhang ahead,

further out, it became extremely blurry.

But the Filthy Spirit Insect’s soul perception was entirely uninhibited, extending thirteen zhang in all directions.

“Doesn’t that mean I can use the Filthy Spirit Insect’s soul perception to see what others can’t, while remaining hidden myself? Then I could launch direct attacks with the Ironfire Ant!”

Lu Chensha considered this as he thought about a perfect battle strategy.

However, he only thought about it in passing.

The Filthy Spirit Insect was still in its larval stage.

Prolonged connection of its soul perception would burden them both.

Besides, it wasn’t possible for him to act alone.

Holding a map, the group headed towards several marked locations in search of spiritual herbs.

Along the way, they occasionally encountered other cultivators.

But upon seeing the size of the group, no one took any action, each side retreating cautiously.

After exploring for several days and gathering many spiritual herbs, Lu Qingyan and the others suddenly felt something.

Holding her family’s Identity Token, she looked in a particular direction.

“It’s Yunfei!”

“It’s Brother Yunfei!”

Delight sparked on their faces.

For so long, they hadn’t heard any news from Lu Yunfei, and it was impossible not to worry.

The six of them had entered the secret realm together. If they lost one, they wouldn’t know how to face their oldest brother or father afterward.

Seeing now that Lu Yunfei was unharmed, their anxious hearts naturally eased.

“It seems Brother Yunfei was directly sent to Purple Secrets Mountain and then affected, causing the token’s connection to be blocked.”

Lu Mingfeng smiled.

The six of them hadn’t been that close in the past,

but over the last half year of trials, they had built strong bonds.

“This Purple Secrets Mountain is full of dangers. Yunfei is likely to encounter trouble alone. Let’s go meet up with him first.”

Lu Qingyan said decisively.

Among the six, she was the oldest.

So, most of the time on this journey, they followed her lead.

“Alright, yes.”

The others had no objections and used the token’s connection to head in Lu Yunfei’s direction.

“Damn it!”

Lu Yunfei didn’t expect to be so unlucky.

After waiting so long, he finally sensed Lu Qingyan and the others’ connection and was about to join them.

But he encountered the Sima Family’s cultivators first.

Fortunately, he wasn’t hiding in his cave.

Otherwise, he would’ve been trapped like a turtle in a jar.

“Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh—”

Lu Yunfei, dressed in a disheveled white robe, with a layer of waterlight around him, ran frantically.

“Boom!”

At that moment, a burly man over two meters tall brandished a dark long staff, leaping up and smashing down toward Lu Yunfei.

Although the attack hit his protective aura, causing him to vomit blood and stagger back,

Lu Yunfei quickly threw his last two talismans out, then used all his strength to flee towards Lu Qingyan and the others.

Through the token’s connection, he knew Lu Qingyan and the others were nearby.

As long as he met them, he wouldn’t fear the Sima Family cultivators.

“Don’t let him escape!”

An aloof woman shouted.

She had regretted letting Lu Qingze escape before.

Now that she had encountered Lu Yunfei, she wouldn’t let him go.

Meanwhile,

as Lu Qingyan and the others headed toward Lu Yunfei, they suddenly felt something wrong.

Lu Yunfei’s token began moving rapidly, a speed that was far from normal.

Their tokens trembled slightly, emitting a red glow.

“Not good, Yunfei is in danger!”

“Let’s go!”

The group exchanged glances and, without hesitation, sped toward Lu Yunfei.

“Am I really going to die here today?”

Lu Yunfei felt great reluctance.

He was already at the peak of Qi Refining, with the family preparing a Foundation Establishment Pill for him.

This time, as long as he returned, he could prepare to break through to Foundation Establishment.

And he had even acquired three Celestial Spirit Fruits and many spiritual herbs in the secret realm.

Even if he failed to break through, these things would give him a second chance!

In short, Foundation Establishment seemed almost certain.

“Hmm?”

At that moment, Lu Yunfei suddenly sensed two token signals rapidly closing in on him.

He knew they were from Lu Qingyan’s group, and two of them were arriving ahead of the others.

He glanced back at the three pursuers and then pushed his cultivation to its limit, suppressing his injuries and using all his spiritual power to activate a evasion technique.

He rocketed forward like a water arrow.

But the three remained hot on his trail.

Time passed bit by bit.

“Cough!”

When the burly man closed in on Lu Yunfei again, smashing him with a staff, a tall, silver-clad woman and a terrifying giant centipede suddenly appeared.

“Clang!”

Lu Qingyan dashed out, her silver spear clashing with the burly man’s dark staff, sending sparks flying.

“Hiss hiss hiss—”

The Thousand-Legged Centipede furiously filled the air with layers of toxic fog.

The black mist merged with the surrounding purple fog, making it hard to see.

Meanwhile, a cloud of black sand appeared silently.