Chapter 324: Entering the Secret Realm
Chapter 324: Entering the Secret Realm
"Of course, of course. We'll help each other once we're inside the secret realm." Shi Zhong said with a smile.
Just as Lu Chen was about to join Shi Zhong, a rough voice interrupted them.
"This fellow Daoist seems unfamiliar. Is this your first time outside the secret realm? May I ask your name?"
A burly middle-aged cultivator with a faint murderous aura, at the mid-Qi Refining stage, emerged from the crowd and sized Lu Chen up.
"I am Lu Chen, an inner sect disciple of Celestial Sword Sect stationed on Kongming Island. How may I address you, fellow Daoist?" Lu Chen replied calmly and respectfully.
"So, you're a disciple of a major sect. No wonder you act so boldly," the middle-aged cultivator sneered. "I'm just an unnamed vagrant cultivator, worlds apart from your status as a disciple of a major sect."
"However, fellow Daoist Lu, wanting to enter the secret realm directly is against the rules. The rest of us have worked tirelessly for over half a month to decipher the array and restrictions, while you intend to reap the benefits of our labor. Your actions are a bit too domineering."
As the middle-aged cultivator finished speaking, Lu Chen sensed a hint of hostility in the glances cast his way by the surrounding cultivators.
Just as he was about to refute, Shi Zhong swiftly flew over and glared at the burly man.
"We notified him as soon as the secret realm appeared and agreed to explore it together. Lu Daoist has been in seclusion and only emerged today." Shi Zhong looked up slightly arrogantly, the pride of a major sect cultivator facing a vagrant cultivator evident in his eyes. "During the array breaking process, Zhou Daoist and I contributed more than any ten of you combined, including Lu Daoist's share. Does anyone disagree?"
The crowd fell silent. The cultivators on the archipelago were well aware of Shi Zhong, Lu Chen, and the others' backgrounds. Their forces often interacted with Lu Chen's group and their respective sects, so naturally, no one spoke up to refute Shi Zhong.
During this, Ning Deshan's eyes flickered as if he wanted to object, but in the end, he remained silent, implicitly agreeing with Shi Zhong's statement. He held a significant grudge against Lu Chen but dared not openly provoke him. Increasing the bids at the auction to spite Lu Chen was the extent of his boldness.
"Brother Han, the disciples of the sect are arrogant. It's better to take a step back for now and settle the score with them after we enter the secret realm."
"There are too many people here for a fight, and arguing won't accomplish anything. Once we're in the secret realm, it will be a true test of our abilities."
"I heard from the island's cultivators that although this disciple of the Celestial Sword Sect has a prominent identity, he usually cultivates spirit herbs. His cultivation technique, treasures, and other possessions are probably average. Adding him and Shi Zhong won't make much difference."
Suddenly, a voice as fine as a mosquito's buzz entered the burly middle-aged man's ear, and he subtly nodded to indicate his understanding. The minor disturbance was thus averted.
Lu Chen joined Shi Zhong. "Thank you, Shi Daoist, for your righteous words, and also for Zhou Daoist's support and help." He expressed his gratitude.
"It's nothing. That mid-Qi Refining vagrant cultivator only bullies the weak. If he really understood reason, he wouldn't suppress those minor family cultivators who arrived at the secret realm first." Shi Zhong scoffed.
When he had first learned about Lu Chen, he had looked down on him for his focus on spirit herb cultivation. However, as they had similar identities, he gradually grew more accepting after getting to know him. The invitation to go sea fishing with Lu Chen had been the pinnacle, and he only regretted not having met Lu Chen earlier to learn from his fishing experience.
"There are cultivators proficient in the Way of Formations studying how to break the restrictions on the water wall, so we don't need to distract ourselves elsewhere." The sharp-featured Zhou Bingyu said indifferently.
"Alright," Lu Chen readily agreed.
He channeled his spiritual power into his eyes, and a layer of mist-like substance appeared on the surface of his pupils.
With his gaze fixed on the flowing spiritual power of the water wall, he could see everything clearly, including the formation's spiritual energy nodes and even a vague sense of the formation's eye.
"The Eye Technique of Breaking Illusions is truly extraordinary. I only have a rudimentary understanding of formations, but with the help of this eye technique, I can directly see through the spiritual energy meridians of the formation. If I were to cultivate some formation breaking techniques, perhaps I could become a formation master in a short time." Lu Chen retracted his gaze and marveled inwardly.
...
A dragon's roar echoed, and an enormous illusory flood dragon shot out from the water wall like lightning.
Lu Chen remained unmoved, and the Purple Electric Sword in his hand whistled out, carrying a violent sword intent as it struck the dragon's head.
Beside him, Shi Zhong brandished a silver ruler that shone with radiant light, instantly enlarging dozens of times in size, with runes flowing along its surface as it followed Lu Chen's Purple Electric Sword.
Zhou Bingyu, silent as always, held a pure white spear that exuded a chilling aura. Her figure flashed, and she appeared out of thin air in front of the illusory flood dragon.
With the combined efforts of the three, the illusory flood dragon was easily dealt with in a single exchange.
"I didn't expect Fellow Daoist Lu's swordsmanship to be so exquisite. Indeed, you are from the Celestial Sword Sect," Shi Zhong praised as he retracted his silver ruler.
"My swordsmanship is only mediocre within the sect, far inferior to those sword geniuses," Lu Chen humbly replied.
"The water wall restriction is about to break," Zhou Bingyu said quietly as she gazed at the massive water wall, its spiritual energy becoming stagnant.
As soon as she finished speaking, a thick column of light rose not far away and landed directly on the center of the formation, creating a loud rustling sound. A huge opening appeared on the water wall.
Through the opening, one could catch a glimpse of a corner of the mysterious palace inside.
"The restriction has been broken!"
A stir ran through the crowd.
"Fellow Daoists Lu and Zhou, after entering the secret realm, let's work together and help each other. If we must compete for treasures, then let our skills decide it, but remember not to use lethal force."
"Agreed," Lu Chen and Zhou Bingyu nodded together.
The three exchanged glances and followed a group of Foundation Establishment cultivators into the secret realm.
Passing through the water wall, the cultivators spread out, each on guard against the others.
Lu Chen followed closely behind Shi Zhong, with the Roaring Sea Sword Talisman and the Great Sun Sword Talisman ready to be activated at any moment.
What came into his line of sight was a deep black body of water, its waves undulating, hiding unknown dangers beneath.
At the center of the water was a barren island, devoid of any signs of cultivator activity.
On the island stood a massive palace, its architectural style suggesting that it had been built many years ago.
Lu Chen had little experience exploring secret realms, but he knew that while they often held numerous treasures and opportunities, they also harbored powerful demons and evil spirits, and one had to remain vigilant.
Just as he was cautiously moving forward, a lone Foundation Establishment cultivator riding a sword light had already rushed ahead impatiently toward the barren island.
(End of Chapter)
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