Path-Enlightenment City.
Ling Xiao returned to the tavern and sat alone at a table.
Behind him, Xiao Tu and Fu Yunao both looked at the young man before them with faces full of awe.
After today's battle, Ling Xiao's fearsome reputation had thoroughly resounded throughout the Eastern Jiang.
Whether it was him slapping down Xia Chen with one palm or killing the old Han Bi in the late Breakthrough Realm with two fists, everyone witnessed the peerless demeanor of a young overlord.
Although he was severely injured in the fight with Divine Maiden Nian, losing probably three liters of blood, it was clear the Young Master was wounded by love, willingly stabbed.
The infatuated Young Master Ling, who became famous in one battle.
Instantly, the reservations countless proud young women originally held in their hearts regarding Ling Xiao's fearsome reputation were swept away.
Such a fierce, domineering, yet devoted and peerless young master was simply the standard for a dream lover.
Especially since... Young Master Ling Xiao, as the Ling Clan heir, clearly had the momentum to claim the title of the top young master in the Eastern Jiang.
Even if the Tai Xuan Dao Sect truly went to war with the Ling Clan, they probably couldn't win.
After all, the Ling Clan's three emperors and ten kings weren't just for show. Random punches killing a master was a common occurrence on the path of cultivation.
Although this Young Master Ling Xiao was known as a player and a heartbreaker.
For some inexplicable reason... you just want to be played by him!
"How are your injuries?"
Ling Xiao looked up at Xiao Tu, his expression always calm.
"It's fine, thank you, Young Master."
Xiao Tu bowed respectfully, his attitude humble.
If Ling Xiao hadn't intervened today, he would have definitely died by Xia Chen's hand.
But even so, the pain of broken bones throughout his body still left his aura somewhat feeble.
"Once we enter the secret realm, you and Senior Sister Yunao can explore the periphery. There's no need for you to fight for the opportunities inside."
Ling Xiao nodded.
Xiao Tu had some luck, but the gap between him and Xia Chen was clearly huge.
Moreover, among those entering the Land of Fallen Emperors this time, there were four Sons of Fate alone.
Most of the opportunities within the relics were likely prepared for them.
Ling Xiao only needed to closely monitor the movements of Lin Xi, Xia Chen, and Su Yan, and harvest the leeks when the time was ripe.
As for Nian Qingyun...
Her Dao Heart was shattered, so her cultivation would surely be affected. When the opportunity arose for a heroic rescue, Ling Xiao could probably completely win her over.
Even if there was no opportunity, they could always create one.
"Yes! Young Master!"
Fu Yunao and Xiao Tu nodded in agreement, and Ling Xiao's figure vanished from the spot.
In a dark corner of Path-Enlightenment City.
Shui Yue'er looked at the young man before her with terror, her beautiful eyes filled with confusion.
"Did Xia Chen become suspicious of you?"
"No, Master. Xia Chen now trusts me completely and promised to share the opportunities he gains with me once we enter the secret realm."
There wasn't the slightest expression on Shui Yue'er's face, as if she were a walking corpse.
"Gain opportunities? Does he know what kind of opportunities are hidden within the Land of Fallen Emperors?"
"No. From what I gathered, it seems Lin Xi knows something. So he plans to have me seduce Lin Xi and act as a hidden agent."
"Oh? This Xia Chen is truly sinister. But he's right. Once we enter the secret realm, find a way to get close to Lin Xi. Stay by his side and await my commands at all times. As for Xia Chen... heh."
Ling Xiao let out a sinister laugh. It was Shui Yue'er who led Lin Xi to witness Xia Chen harassing Nian Qingyun that day.
Therefore, that fire-playing youth should hold a trace of gratitude towards this Yin Fan Divine Maiden.
Having her follow Lin Xi could save Ling Xiao some effort.
After all, his goal for this trip wasn't just to harvest these few leeks.
A blood-drinking demon had appeared within the secret realm of the Tai Xuan Dao Sect.
Leaving a few survivors appropriately to witness the Dao Son transforming into a demon with their own eyes...
Should be enough to keep the Tai Xuan Dao Sect busy for a while.
How the Holy Church ultimately decided wasn't something Ling Xiao needed to consider.
What he had to do was create a solid alibi for himself!
Then, find an opportunity to crush the Tai Xuan Dao Son... in his hand.
Dead men tell no tales—that was always the highest level of framing.
You say you aren't? Did I say you were?
I just think the Tai Xuan Dao Sect is too mysterious and has no reason to exist anymore.
That's roughly how the Holy Church operates.
Meanwhile, deep in the mountains, a thin figure sat cross-legged in a cave, flames seemingly dancing around him.
"Spirit Venerable... tomorrow is the day the secret realm opens."
A gloomy look filled Lin Xi's eyes, especially after witnessing Ling Xiao kill Han Bi with two fists today, which made a trace of doubt arise uncontrollably in his heart.
Even after fusing with the second spirit flame, can I really defeat him?
Should I endure a bit longer, wait until the Flame Sutra reaches Major Achievement, and then wash away the shame?
"Mn, I still remember the general location of that Ancient Emperor's relic. Don't worry, Xi'er. I'm the only one who can break the barrier there. To open the relic, we need to use..."
Spirit Venerable's words stopped halfway.
For a moment, Lin Xi thought the old thing had kicked the bucket.
Dammit!
No way, Spirit Venerable?
Don't fail me at the critical moment.
"Spirit... Venerable?"
"Xi'er, I just remembered. Back then, to be safe, when I set up that barrier, I used the Green Demon Ancient Cauldron as the formation's eye. If I were at my peak..."
Dammit!!!
Lin Xi's expression froze, and he nearly cursed out loud.
You wretched old man! Still claim you aren't colluding with Ling Xiao?
You've practically delivered the key to the secret realm right into his hands!!
"Then... Spirit Venerable, what should we do?"
No matter how angry he was inside, Lin Xi didn't dare truly fall out with Spirit Venerable.
After all, with the secret realm opening soon, he still needed the old thing to guide him.
Without Grandpa, forget Ling Xiao, he probably couldn't even defeat that Shui Yue'er!
"Don't panic, Xi'er. The relic is guarded by a remnant tribe. Even if Ling Xiao gets in, he might not gain an advantage. We can fish in troubled waters then. Of course, as a last resort, I can still open the relic, but... I'm afraid I would have to leave you then."
Spirit Venerable's voice sounded weary, and Lin Xi could only nod, saying nothing more.
It seemed they could only take one step at a time now.
The night passed in the blink of an eye.
At dawn the next day, a spiritual wind suddenly swept over Path-Enlightenment City.
Countless figures turned into streaks of light, heading towards the Tai Xuan Dao Sect.
At the same time, atop the mountain peak, a vortex of spiritual power seemed to evolve from the void, with immortal light faintly spreading, indescribably mysterious and terrifying.
Ling Xiao stood at the front of the crowd. Beside him, Fu Yunao and Xiao Tu's faces were filled with joy.
The number one secret realm of the Eastern Jiang was about to open today.
Although the vast majority of prodigies present knew the opportunities inside likely wouldn't fall to them,
the path of immortality was itself a journey of experience. Having this extra experience would greatly benefit the tempering of their Dao Heart and cultivation.
Moreover, for many prodigal geniuses, merely having the qualification to enter the secret realm was an immense honor.
"Let me remind you once more. If anyone tries their luck, bringing a powerful expert into the secret realm with cultivation reaching the Divine Marquis level or above, they will inevitably be detected by the remnant tribes inside. When that happens, regardless of your status, I'm afraid none of you will walk out of there alive."
The figure of the Tai Xuan Dao Master materialized beside the spiritual vortex. His gaze was authoritative as he looked at the prodigies from the ancient sects and clans, speaking coldly.
"If there are no issues, you may enter."
As he finished speaking, he waved his hand violently. The spiritual vortex instantly churned and spun, like the mansion of reincarnation, radiating endless divine splendor.
At the same time, an aura, as if from antiquity, quietly permeated the air, aweing countless hearts.