Silence!

A secret realm is a small world opened by powerful cultivators for various reasons. Some are filled with treasures, while others are dead secret realms with nothing inside. These worlds cannot be opened even by Nascent Soul True Monarchs and can only be opened by those above Nascent Soul True Monarchs.

Wu Jin was taken aback to learn that his sect, the Heavenly Sword Sect, owned a secret realm.

This surprise was from the fact that the Heavenly Sword Sect was relatively weak compared to the Ice Lotus Sect.

While the Heavenly Sword Sect only had three Nascent Soul True Monarchs, the Ice Lotus Sect has eleven. Additionally, the Ice Lotus Sect appointed Nascent Soul True Monarchs as Elders, while the Heavenly Sword Sect selected Gold Core Perfected Beings.

Yet, despite these differences in strength and hierarchy, the Ice Lotus Sect had only two secret realms, both of which were acquired through force and at great cost.

That's why Wu Jin couldn't understand how the Heavenly Sword Sect managed to seize and retain control of the secret realm.

Because there were many other powerful sects nearby, and if they found out that a sect weaker than them like Heavenly Sword Sect had a secret realm, they would likely have waged the war to seize it regardless of how small or how little benefits it could provide, as secret realms are considered long-term treasure troves.

Seeing Wu Jin's expression of shock and confusion, Meng Hua explained, "It is said that our sect was once a formidable power. However, due to various circumstances, it declined over time. During its prime, Heavenly sword sect possessed four secret realms. Unfortunately, when our sect weakened, these realms were seized by other powerful sects. As for why this secret realm wasn't seized, I'm not sure."

"Let's not dwell on this matter anymore and get prepared. It will open in two months," Meng Hua said soothingly as she took Wu Jin's hand and led him to the bed.

…

"Sigh! It's good to have a Dao companion," Su Han murmured bitterly as he watched the scene unfold before him.

"Well, whatever. Once I become a powerful cultivator, I'll have any woman I want. There's no need to envy anyone," Su Han remarked dismissively. "Hmm, now that Wu Jin will enter this secret realm, I hope he'll increase his strength," he added, glancing towards the golden words before him.

…

Like this, two months passed.

Somewhere in the Heavenly sword sect, a large platform bustled with activity as disciples gathered and chatted among themselves. While many were eligible to enter the secret realm, there were also numerous disciples who were not. However, this didn't stop them from joining in on the excitement.

At that instant, a voice echoed, "Silence!" accompanied by a vast aura that enveloped the entire platform, instantly silencing the disciples.

Following these words, an elderly man with flowing white hair and adorned in the robes of a sect deacon materialized at the center of the platform. He flew on a sword—a clear sign of his status as a cultivator of the Foundation Establishment Realm.

Only those in the Foundation Establishment Realm could fly using a sword, while Gold Core Perfected Beings had the ability to fly on their own. Qi Gathering Realm cultivators, on the other hand, were limited to walking on foot.

"Since everyone is here, let's begin. But first, let me tell you the situation and rules," the old man spoke, his voice light yet reaching every corner of the platform.

"The secret realm opens every 50 years and will remain open for 7 days. When you enter the secret realm, you will be sent randomly and separately from other disciples. After 7 days, you will be automatically sent out from the secret realm," explained the old man.

"Inside, you'll find opportunities of herbs ranging from Rank 1 low grade to Rank 1 high grade. However, along with these opportunities come dangers; the realm is filled with many beasts, and some herbs are guarded by these creatures. So, be careful and don't be greedy for herbs that are beyond your power."

"As for the rules: Firstly, killing fellow disciples is strictly prohibited within the secret realm. Secondly, the opportunities discovered inside will be shared with the sect. The sect will claim 70% of the herbs, while you may retain 30%. Third, you will leave your original space bag behind and will be given a space bag from the sect, which you will use throughout the secret realm." he concluded, maintaining his composed demeanor.

After hearing about the sect claiming 70% of the harvest, no one raised any objections. This practice was commonplace across all sects, as it was necessary to sustain the sect. Without such measures, the sect wouldn't be able to function in the long run.

Additionally, while the sect could easily harvest the secret realm resources themselves by simply sending a Nascent Soul True Monarch or even a Gold Core Perfected Being, they allowed disciples to participate to aid in their training even granting them 30% of the harvest, which was already generous.

After mentioning several other rules, the old man continued, "That's it. Now let's not waste any more time."

As the old man said, he waved his hand and a token appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Upon seeing this, envy-filled glances were cast by the disciples as they whispered, "Space ring."

A space ring was an incredibly luxurious item, far superior and more convenient than space bags. It was a thing that only cultivators of the Foundation Establishment Realm could afford, and even then, some poorer Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators might not possess one. It was no wonder that envy filled the hearts of those who saw it.

Ignoring the envious glances, the old man channeled Qi into the token. Eventually, the token left the old man's palm. Seeing this, the old man distanced himself from the token, allowing it to float in the center of the platform for more than two minutes.

Gradually, the space around the token began to shake and tear bit by bit.

It took two hours before this process was completed, and what emerged was a wormhole-type gate. As for the token, it had long disappeared.

…

A large expanse of land came into view, adorned with tall trees and greenery. A thick mist obscured the surroundings, but after some time, it dissipated, revealing a figure with a poker face, gazing blankly ahead before collapsing to the ground.

After the figure fell, another man appeared not far away, behind a tree. He wore a fox mask, concealing his face, and his loose black robe made it impossible to discern whether he was male, female, thin, fat, or healthy.

And it was Wu Jin.