Chapter 392 ·The Five Element Dead Zones

At ‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍the foot of the immortal mountain.

Outside ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍the towering heavenly gate, cultivators continued arriving without end.

For ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍the first time, Lin Chang’an truly experienced what it meant to stand among a gathering of Nascent Soul cultivators while Core Formation cultivators were treated like ants.

“It's ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍the Sixteen Sea Guardian Sects!”

“Quick, ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍stay back. Don't offend the seniors by looking directly at them.”

A ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍commotion broke out among the crowd as many rogue cultivators hurriedly retreated to the side. Meanwhile, streak after streak of light descended upon the jade platform as groups of cultivators continued to arrive.

“So it's Bihai Palace. I wonder how many of your people will die during this Secret Realm expedition.”

“Heh, heh! Old ghost, your disciples killed mine. How are you going to settle that debt?”

Watching the so-called Sixteen Sea Guardian Sects, Lin Chang’an secretly marveled.

Even within the Sixteen Sea Guardian Sects, conflicts existed among themselves. Because they occupied different regions of the sea, their customs varied greatly, and even their styles of dress were noticeably different.

“Across the entire Beast Sea Region, Bihai Palace openly possesses two Late Nascent Soul Grand Cultivators, while the Sixteen Sea Guardian Sects have three. There are also two Late Nascent Soul rogue cultivators in the Outer Sea.”

According to everything he knew, there were seven Late Nascent Soul Grand Cultivators publicly acknowledged throughout the Beast Sea Region.

The conflicts among them had existed since ancient times.

From the rumors he had heard, during the last great disturbance in the Beast Sea Region, the two Palace Masters of Bihai Palace had once joined forces to repel three Late Nascent Soul experts.

“Old Ghost Jin! You robbed the Spirit Stones from my island. Today, you'd better give me an explanation.”

“Hahaha! Surnamed Pei, have you cultivated yourself stupid? Even a three-year-old child speaks more sensibly than you. Since when has the cultivation world ever cared about explanations? If you've got the guts, come and take them!”

Watching the Nascent Soul experts confronting one another with countless old grudges between them, the rogue cultivators could only obediently remain to one side with lowered heads, not daring to utter a word.

This was far beyond anything they could involve themselves in.

At the same time, Lin Chang’an quietly noticed something.

Besides the Sixteen Sea Guardian Sects and Bihai Palace, there were also quite a few neutral and rogue Nascent Soul cultivators present.

Their strength was by no means insignificant.

“The Beast Sea Region really is chaotic. No wonder Bihai Palace, despite possessing two Palace Masters reputed to be the strongest beneath the Divine Transformation Realm, has still failed to unify the region.”

From today's gathering alone, one could already see how chaotic the Beast Sea Region truly was.

Not to mention that many rogue and neutral Nascent Soul cultivators had not even come.

After all, not every Nascent Soul cultivator was willing to risk entering this place.

Those who came here either possessed great confidence in their own strength, had nearly exhausted their lifespan, or had reached a bottleneck in cultivation and sought one final chance.

Many secluded cultivators—or those responsible for protecting their sects—would never bring everyone here at once.

Even Bihai Palace had only publicly dispatched three Nascent Soul Elders.

At the same time, the Great Elder of Bihai Palace had also arrived.

Lin Chang’an could vaguely sense the subtle atmosphere surrounding everyone.

Although the cultivators had formed into groups, nearly every one of them harbored faint hostility toward Bihai Palace.

At present, the situation could be described as follows:

The Sixteen Sea Guardian Sects opposed Bihai Palace.

Meanwhile, the rogue cultivators and neutral factions secretly wished for both sides to beat each other senseless.

Each side restrained the others.

Yet any alliance would become utterly fragile when faced with truly valuable treasures.

“It seems the situation ahead may not be favorable.”

Standing among the crowd, Lin Chang’an silently pondered.

At that moment, he recalled the maze map left by the Sinister Soul Sect, which recorded quite a bit of information regarding the Secret Realm.

Just then—

The gate of the Secret Realm suddenly trembled.

“Look! The Secret Realm is opening!”

As someone cried out in surprise, the towering heavenly gate shimmered with flowing light.

Only the faintest trace of aura leaked from within.

Yet that single thread instantly drew countless cries of astonishment.

Even Lin Chang’an's expression changed dramatically.

Pure heaven and earth spiritual energy surged outward like a tidal wave.

“This is merely a tiny leak...

“I can't imagine how abundant the spiritual energy inside the Secret Realm must be.”

As Lin Chang’an marveled inwardly, the Sixth Elder of Bihai Palace took a deep breath before appearing directly in front of everyone.

“With the Secret Realm fragment, you'll be able to pass through the gate.

“However, everyone's destination will be randomly teleported.

“The restrictions inside this Secret Realm are extremely powerful.

“All Nascent Soul cultivators will be directly transported to the deeper regions.

“The good news is that, apart from the dangers within the Secret Realm itself, your opponents will all be cultivators of the same realm.

“The bad news is...

“I won't be able to help any of you.”

Besides Bihai Palace's own cultivators, the Sixth Elder had gathered no fewer than nine High-grade Third-rank Formation Grandmasters.

Lin Chang’an naturally understood.

Of the nine High-grade Third-rank Formation Grandmasters...

As long as five managed to reach the final destination, that would already be sufficient.

“Whether you survive until the end depends upon your own fortune.”

The Sixth Elder calmly raised his hand.

Each of them received two Quasi Fourth-rank Talismans.

Lin Chang’an and everyone else immediately cupped their fists in gratitude.

“Many thanks, Sixth Elder.”

After receiving the gifts, Lin Chang’an secretly transmitted his voice to the Sword Attendant.

“You'll take the Sinister Spirit Two-headed Tiger.

“And these three Yin Fiend Corpse Puppets…”

Although the Sword Attendant's strength rivaled ordinary Late Core Formation cultivators, everyone entering this place possessed at least Core Formation cultivation.

Every one of them had come prepared to risk their lives.

He absolutely did not want the Sword Attendant to suffer because of his own negligence.

“Yes, Master.”

Pills...

Talismans...

Magical Artifacts...

Even Spirit Pets...

The Sword Attendant was now fully equipped.

“The Secret Realm has opened!

“Enter immediately!”

“Heh...

“This old man has nearly reached the end of his lifespan.

“I ask for nothing else.

“I merely wish to witness the Beast Sea Region's greatest Secret Realm before I die.”

Some cultivators who had spent their entire lives unable to break through to the Nascent Soul Realm entered the gate without hesitation, carrying only the resolve to die.

Streaks of light flashed continuously as cultivators were transported into the Secret Realm.

Watching one figure after another disappear, Lin Chang’an secretly marveled.

Just how powerful must the ancient cultivators who established this Secret Realm have been?

Among the streams of light entering the Secret Realm, he spotted Yun Yao following behind the Mystic Yin Ancestor.

He also saw Huang Tianxiao.

Among the rogue cultivators, he likewise sensed the concealed aura of Fairy Nishang.

With so many Nascent Soul cultivators gathered here, none of them dared exchange even the slightest secret transmission.

One careless mistake could expose everything.

“I only hope I can obtain treasures related to forming the Nascent Soul.”

Standing before the towering heavenly gate, Lin Chang’an once again felt as insignificant as an ant.

The instant he stepped through the gate—

White light flashed.

As soon as any cultivator passed through the entrance, they were immediately teleported into the Secret Realm.

...

After a dizzying flash of white light, Lin Chang’an appeared within a dense forest.

The moment he landed, he immediately released the Azure-Horned Ox to stand guard.

Only after confirming no one else was nearby did he secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

“I've long heard that this Secret Realm is an independent paradise, even larger than Sea Abyss City.

“That's why it's exceedingly rare for two cultivators to be teleported to the same location.”

“Moo! Moo!”

The Azure-Horned Ox stamped the ground with its four hooves.

Apparently sensing something, it widened its enormous eyes and mooed repeatedly.

Dense mist drifted throughout the forest.

Not only did it block Divine Sense...

It also carried a strangely familiar aura.

“This is poisonous mist...

“Or rather, poisonous miasma.”

Neither he nor the Azure-Horned Ox could have been more familiar with this.

Back in the Cloud Mist Mountain Range, hadn't they wandered through poisonous miasma all the time?

After carefully surveying the surroundings with his Spirit Eyes, Lin Chang’an released the Wind-Chirp Bird as well.

“Master, you finally decided to let me out.”

After emerging, the Wind-Chirp Bird circled overhead once before landing upon Lin Chang’an's shoulder.

Its eyes immediately sparkled as it surveyed the surroundings.

Naturally, poisonous miasma regions contained countless venomous insects.

Those happened to be among the Wind-Chirp Bird's favorite delicacies.

“Enough fooling around.

“This Secret Realm contains numerous restrictions.

“Most importantly, flight is forbidden.

“Neither spells, Divine Abilities, nor Magical Artifacts can be used to fly.”

Looking up at the bizarre Secret Realm, Lin Chang’an couldn't help feeling amazed.

Only moments ago he had stood outside the heavenly gate.

Now it was as though he had entered a mountain range somewhere else entirely.

“According to both the Sinister Soul Sect and Bihai Palace's records...

“The Secret Realm is circular.

“Its outermost region contains five great Dead Zones corresponding to the mutual generation of the Five Elements.

“The poisonous miasma here marks the Wood Dead Zone.”

Taking out the Secret Realm jade slip, Lin Chang’an's expression became solemn.

Then he seemed to think of something.

He put on a black hooded robe, concealing his appearance.

“I should hide my identity first.

“There are simply too many cultivators hostile toward Bihai Palace.

“Although directly attacking someone leaves traces of spiritual power...

“There are countless ways to kill people inside this Secret Realm.”

This was one disadvantage of being backed by Bihai Palace.

After disguising himself, Lin Chang’an also put away the Azure-Horned Ox.

“Let's go.

“Each of the Five Element Dead Zones has a time limit.

“If you fail to leave before time runs out...

“You'll remain trapped there forever.”

“Master, leave this place to me.”

Within the poisonous miasma forest, Lin Chang’an felt as though he had returned home.

The poisonous fog that terrified countless cultivators...

For him, every breath felt incomparably refreshing.

There wasn't the slightest discomfort.

Meanwhile, throughout the vast poisonous forest, countless venomous snakes, insects, and poisonous creatures emerged.

Many cultivators perished in this very first trial.

For most cultivators...

Poison drained their resources far too rapidly.

Combined with the flight prohibition, everyone could only advance on foot.

With Divine Sense heavily restricted, every step required extreme caution.

...

Half a month later.

Holding a Five Element Direction Compass, Lin Chang’an advanced swiftly through the forest.

Unlike other cultivators whose Divine Sense remained restricted, his Spirit Eyes allowed him to see through mist and stone alike.

Many venomous insects could be discovered long before they approached.

Even the rolling poisonous miasma—those sudden outbreaks of highly concentrated toxic fog feared by everyone else—posed no obstacle whatsoever.

“The poison immunity granted by the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine really is incredibly useful.”

Standing before a damaged skeleton, Lin Chang’an inspected it before shaking his head.

What a pity.

The bones had long been corroded by poisonous miasma and possessed no remaining value.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have been left abandoned in the wilderness.

Judging from the traces, they most likely belonged to a cultivator from the previous Secret Realm opening three hundred years ago.

“Even the Storage Pouch has rotted apart.

“The spiritual items inside were probably eaten long ago by the snakes, insects, and rodents living here.”

“Master!”

A golden streak flashed by.

The Wind-Chirp Bird returned excitedly, clutching a venomous insect in its claws.

Right in front of Lin Chang’an, it pecked out the Demon Core before swallowing both it and the corpse whole.

Over the past half month...

This place had truly become paradise for the Wind-Chirp Bird.

It was like arriving at an all-you-can-eat banquet.

“Enough.

“Don't waste the valuable materials.

“As for the Demon Cores...

“You can eat all the Early Third-rank ones you want.

“But leave the higher-grade ones for me.”

“Don't worry, Master.”

Normally greedy, the Wind-Chirp Bird now proudly puffed out its chest with its wings.

Every so often it even let out a satisfied burp.

Lin Chang’an could only stare speechlessly.

It had obviously eaten far too much.

Otherwise, it would never have agreed so readily today.

The Wind-Chirp Bird happily hunted everything along the way.

Meanwhile, Lin Chang’an headed straight for the nests of poisonous insects, collecting whatever useful materials he found.

“As expected...

“Highly poisonous lands are rich in Spirit Herbs.”

After harvesting another batch of rare herbs from a nest, Lin Chang’an smiled with satisfaction.

The Cloud Mist Mountain Range had already endured thousands upon thousands of years of harvesting by cultivators.

How could it compare with this place?

The Secret Realm only opened once every three hundred years.

Moreover, every time it opened, cultivators rushed deeper inside.

Naturally, the outer regions remained rich in Spirit Herbs and rare Spirit Fruits.

“The poisonous miasma here is remarkably similar to that in the Cloud Mist Mountain Range.

“It's just considerably more concentrated.”

The familiar sensation caused Lin Chang’an to secretly speculate.

If the two truly shared a connection...

Then the only possibility was demonic energy.

However, such matters were far beyond his current ability to investigate.

His priority remained completing this mission.

“The fire marker on the Five Element Compass is becoming increasingly active.

“At this rate, I should reach the next Dead Zone within a few days.”

The Fire Element symbol upon the compass glowed brightly.

It indicated that he was gradually leaving the Wood Dead Zone and approaching the Fire Dead Zone.

Among the Five Elements...

Wood generates Fire.

“Master!

“There's an enormous cloud of poisonous miasma ahead.”

The Wind-Chirp Bird suddenly flew back, pointing excitedly ahead with one wing.

Lin Chang’an leaped upward through the forest before landing atop a towering tree.

Using his Spirit Eyes, he naturally spotted the vast region of dense poisonous miasma ahead.

“We're avoiding it.

“Let's leave immediately.”

“Oh, come on, Master.

“There are only two Late Third-rank poisonous insects over there.

“I won't need much time.”

The greedy Wind-Chirp Bird clearly couldn't bear to give up prey that was practically in its beak.

Lin Chang’an could only shake his head helplessly.

“Enough.

“Don't waste time here.

“This Secret Realm is far too strange.

“It's better to preserve our strength.”

Ultimately, despite its obvious reluctance, the Wind-Chirp Bird had no choice but to abandon its delicious prey.

Although Lin Chang’an's journey had been extraordinarily smooth...

That was only because he had prepared thoroughly beforehand.

His immunity to poisonous miasma alone already surpassed ninety-nine percent of all cultivators.

Most cultivators could endure the poisonous mist for a short while.

However, as time passed—and after exhausting spiritual power battling poisonous insects—the poisonous miasma would gradually invade their bodies.

Furthermore...

He possessed intelligence from both Bihai Palace and the Sinister Soul Sect.

Not to mention the memories of the Blood Fiend True Lord and the Blood Fiend Master, both of whom had personally entered the Secret Realm three hundred years ago.

“With preparation this complete...

“If I still struggle here...

“Wouldn't more than ninety percent of the other cultivators be completely doomed?”

Thinking this, Lin Chang’an shook his head.

The Secret Realm was certainly dangerous.

But almost everyone who entered had prepared extensively.

The Five Element Dead Zones merely served to separate the strong from the weak.

“Master...

“It seems avoiding them is no longer an option.”

While hurrying onward, the Wind-Chirp Bird suddenly laughed excitedly.

Looking ahead with his Spirit Eyes, Lin Chang’an also saw it.

A dense black swarm of poisonous insects surged toward them.

Ahead, two cultivators fled in utter panic.

“Why do I feel like you're actually happy about this?”

Lin Chang’an shot the Wind-Chirp Bird an exasperated glance.

The Wind-Chirp Bird hurriedly shook its head.

How could that be?

They were the ones who ran into us.

They dragged us into this.

...

“Damn it!

“Who told you to provoke those poisonous insects?”

“You think I wanted to?

“Divine Sense is heavily restricted here.

“How was I supposed to know such a swarm was hiding nearby?”

The two Core Formation cultivators shouted angrily at each other.

Unable to fly due to the restrictions, they could only continuously activate talismans to defend themselves.

It wasn't that they didn't wish to use their Magical Artifacts.

Rather, the insects behind them spewed terrifying black mist capable of corroding Magical Artifacts.

“This can't continue.

“If this keeps up...

“Neither of us will survive.”

A cold light flashed through the eyes of the middle-aged cultivator in front.

With a flick of his hand, his Magical Artifact—a wooden staff—suddenly shot backward.

Yet at the very same instant...

A cold flash attacked from behind him as well.

Both men immediately revealed shocked and furious expressions.

“No!”

The roar of Magical Artifacts echoed through the forest.

The cultivator in front launched a sneak attack.

The one behind had long anticipated betrayal.

Since death seemed inevitable...

Then they would die together.

Any Core Formation cultivator capable of entering the Secret Realm naturally possessed their own hidden methods.

Neither could be seriously wounded so easily.

However...

Their simultaneous betrayal caused both to pause for just a moment.

That single hesitation provided the poisonous insects with their opportunity.

Hidden among the trees, Lin Chang’an perfectly blended into the surrounding forest using the advantages of his cultivation method.

He silently observed everything.

“Fight!”

The swarm of insects blotted out the sky.

Driven into despair, the two cultivators finally stopped holding back.

Both unleashed their Magical Artifacts with everything they had.

At this point they understood that remaining together would only lead to further betrayal.

Each sought to escape in a different direction.

“Die!”

Magical Artifacts erupted with terrifying power alongside countless fire techniques.

Watching from concealment, Lin Chang’an clearly recognized the insects.

“So they're Black Hidden-Wing Insects!”

This species possessed incredibly potent poison and always acted in swarms.

Through his Spirit Eyes, Lin Chang’an clearly watched as countless insects died.

Yet the poisonous blood splattering onto the cultivators' protective barriers and Magical Artifacts immediately produced sharp sizzling sounds.

The spiritual light dimmed.

The barriers cracked.

“These insects possess venom capable of corroding Magical Artifacts and protective barriers.

“Moreover...

“When their poisonous blood evaporates, it releases another highly toxic poison that slows a cultivator's spiritual power circulation...”

Sure enough.

Moments later, anguished screams rang out.

The protective barriers shattered.

To their horror, the two cultivators discovered their spiritual power had become sluggish and nearly impossible to control.

One moment of carelessness...

And poisonous insects immediately covered their bodies.

Venom rapidly corroded flesh.

White bone soon became visible upon their faces.

Lin Chang’an had never considered rescuing them.

Anyone entering the Secret Realm should already have prepared themselves for death.

The instant both men died screaming, Lin Chang’an finished examining the surroundings.

After confirming there were no hidden dangers—

A deep bird cry suddenly echoed throughout the forest.

“Haha!

“Into my belly, all of you!”

The Wind-Chirp Bird abruptly soared into the sky.

Its body expanded into a colossal bird nearly one hundred and fifty meters long.

Terrifying flames surged around it.

The next moment—

Its enormous beak opened.

A gigantic golden net descended from above.

Accompanied by an overwhelming suction force, it enveloped the countless poisonous insects below before dragging them wholesale into its mouth.

Watching this scene, Lin Chang’an couldn't help feeling speechless.

The Wind-Chirp Bird was truly greedy.

To ensure not a single insect escaped, it had actually used its Magical Artifact.

The golden net had been personally refined by Lin Chang’an for the Wind-Chirp Bird.

Although it usually served as its nest...

Its true function was an incredibly powerful restraining Magical Artifact.

“Where do you think you're going?!”

After swallowing the massive swarm whole, the Wind-Chirp Bird happily let out another burp.

Yet it still wasn't satisfied.

Transforming into a streak of golden light, it shot toward the distance.

It was pursuing the two Late Third-rank poisonous insects.

The surviving swarm fled in terror as though encountering their natural predator.

Meanwhile, Lin Chang’an appeared beside the two pitted corpses.

“These Five Element Dead Zones truly are extraordinary.

“I wonder what method they use.

“The poisonous insects raised here possess even fiercer venom.

“They can easily corrode even Third-rank robes.”

Using his Object Manipulation Technique, he searched both corpses.

Everything inside their Storage Pouches was taken out.

“I'll consider these the payment for burying the two of you.”

Even the damaged Magical Artifacts corroded by venom were collected without hesitation.

With a wave of his hand, the earth rolled aside.

The two corpses slowly sank nearly three meters underground.

At least they could rest in peace.

“Another profit.

“As expected of Core Formation cultivators.

“The materials inside their Storage Pouches are all quite valuable.

“No wonder so many cultivators end up becoming robber cultivators.”

After counting the spoils, Lin Chang’an smiled with satisfaction.

Neither cultivator had been weak.

Unfortunately...

This poisonous region happened to perfectly counter them.

Combined with their mutual distrust...

They ultimately perished.

Otherwise, they might actually have escaped.

In the distance, the Wind-Chirp Bird displayed overwhelming dominance.

Completely suppressing its natural prey, it swiftly killed the two Third-rank poisonous insects.

Lin Chang’an soon arrived beside their corpses.

Placing his palm upon them to investigate, he indeed discovered something unusual.

“There are rumors that this Secret Realm seals the Demon Abyss.

“After every opening, leaking demonic energy causes many demonic beasts and cultivators outside to become demonized.

“Yet the demonic beasts living inside the Secret Realm haven't become demonized.

“It seems the key lies in the restrictions governing these Five Element Dead Zones.”

The condition within the two poisonous insects gave him a strangely familiar feeling.

He had sensed something similar before...

Within the Azure-Horned Ox.

“It should be the Secret Realm's unique formation restrictions.

“Combined with the gradual purification performed by each of the Five Element Dead Zones...

“It serves as a kind of purification process.

“Thus, after every Secret Realm opening...

“The purified demonic energy instead promotes the evolution of the poisonous insects and demonic beasts living here.”

Having tempered his body with demonic energy for many years, Lin Chang’an understood its effects better than most.

“Master!

“Two Third-rank Demon Cores.”

The Wind-Chirp Bird happily presented the Demon Cores.

Lin Chang’an immediately began dismantling the corpses.

Useful materials were carefully preserved.

Everything worthless naturally became the Wind-Chirp Bird's meal.

Finally, he entered the insects' nest and thoroughly cleaned it out.

Even the larvae were carefully sealed away.

Once taken outside, they would fetch excellent prices.

“We made too much noise here.

“Let's leave quickly.”

After cleaning up the battlefield, Lin Chang’an departed swiftly with the Wind-Chirp Bird.

He hadn't forgotten the true purpose of this journey.

...

Several days later.

At last, he emerged from the poisonous miasma mountains of the Wood Dead Zone.

Replacing them was a world of blazing heat.

Blinding crimson light.

Scorching temperatures.

Occasional waves of burning wind.

Even with his Late Core Formation cultivation, Lin Chang’an could clearly feel the heat.

“With my Mid Third-rank body refinement...

“I can still feel this temperature.

“Ordinary cultivators of the same realm will likely suffer even more.”

Crimson earth stretched endlessly.

Mountains rose and fell across the landscape.

It resembled an entire world forged from fire.

“What a wonderful feeling.”

The Wind-Chirp Bird shrank its body before diving directly into the ground.

Allowing the scorching earth to wash over its feathers, it wore an expression of complete bliss.

However—

A series of faint scraping sounds soon reached Lin Chang’an's ears.

He crouched down and picked up a handful of crimson sand.

“This is Crimson Flame Sand!”

Every grain possessed razor-sharp edges.

While they left not the slightest mark upon the Wind-Chirp Bird's feathers...

Lin Chang’an's Third-rank boots had already accumulated deep scratches after walking only a short distance.

Each grain of sand was as sharp as a blade.

“No wonder they're called the Five Element Dead Zones.

“This Secret Realm truly is dangerous.

“Without preparation...

“I can't imagine what the very first cultivators who entered this place must have endured.”

His expression turned solemn as he slowly unfolded the Secret Realm map obtained from the Sinister Soul Sect.

Although it mainly described the underground palace, it also recorded routes through the Five Element Dead Zones.

“It seems the Sword Attendant, Yun Yao, and Fellow Daoist Nishang were all teleported in somewhat different directions.

“I only hope we meet somewhere along the way.”

Before entering the Secret Realm, they had secretly coordinated their routes.

If their initial teleportation points were close enough...

The deeper they traveled, the greater their chances of reuniting.

Unfortunately...

They had failed to meet within the outer Wood Dead Zone.

“As for Yun Yao...

“With the preparations made by the Mystic Yin Ancestor, she'll be fine.

“Fellow Daoist Nishang has likewise prepared for many years.”

Finally, Lin Chang’an thought of the Sword Attendant.

He secretly felt fortunate.

Thankfully, before entering the Secret Realm, he had already transferred a considerable amount of Xuantian spiritual power into her body.

Combined with her demon bloodline...

Her poison resistance far exceeded that of ordinary cultivators.

She also possessed three Yin Fiend Corpse Puppets and the Sinister Spirit Two-headed Tiger.

Passing through the Wood Dead Zone shouldn't be too difficult.

However...

Within this second Fire Dead Zone...

Both the Spirit Pets and Corpse Puppets would lose much of their usefulness.

“With preparations this complete...

“And without Nascent Soul cultivators interfering...

“Even if I encounter a troublesome opponent...

“I should still be able to escape.”

Thinking this, Lin Chang’an put away the map.

He casually cast a Water Barrier around himself.

Although he wasn't truly affected by the heat...

He still needed to maintain appearances.

Then, accompanied by the Wind-Chirp Bird, he continued deeper into the Secret Realm.

Under the restrictions...

Not only was flight prohibited...

Even Voice-transmission Talismans had become useless.

If they wished to reunite...

The only option was relying upon their knowledge of the Secret Realm and hoping their paths crossed somewhere along the predetermined routes.

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