Chapter 43: Mission Accomplished, Trial Begins!
In general, secret realms don't require keys.
As long as the entrance is open, anyone can enter it, and once the maximum capacity is reached, the entrance will automatically close.
This is the concept of "opportunity."
Therefore, many large secret realms go through a brutal battle before opening.
The winners set up various formations to prevent others from taking advantage.
However, this time, not many people knew about the secret realm, so the process was relatively harmonious.
Even though two people were forced to leave, there was no bloodshed.
As they gazed at the dazzling halo of light, everyone's hearts were filled with anticipation, but no one dared to take the first step.
All eyes were on Li Ran, who stood still, exerting his intimidating presence.
Li Ran said, "Follow closely."
"Okay," Xiao Qingge nodded.
She followed him into the radiant light.
Song Qingsong watched her retreating figure, his brow slightly furrowed. "This figure... why does it feel somewhat familiar?"
But he didn't have much time to think further and entered the secret realm right after her.
The others hurriedly followed suit.
Only Yue Jianli didn't rush and casually took the last position in line.
As she entered, the stone door closed with a resounding thud, merging back into the rocky wall.
...
The group was enveloped by white light, passing through a dark tunnel.
When they opened their eyes again, they found themselves in a primitive and vast forest.
Towering ancient trees, some requiring the combined hug of four or five people, surrounded them.
Some tree roots twisted and exposed on the ground, while the colossal canopies blocked out the sun.
Precious immortal materials were scattered everywhere, and the air was filled with a refreshing fragrance.
"What a remarkable little world!"
"The spiritual energy here is extremely active. One year of cultivation here is equivalent to three years outside!"
"It's a shame that the secret realm has a time limit; otherwise, I'd be willing to go into seclusion here!"
"My goodness, is this a Thousand-Year White Vine?"
"And purple-blue vines, ghostly soul grass... Is this place the Immortal Emperor's secret garden?"
Everyone's eyes sparkled with wonder and greed as they took in the scene.
The immortal materials here, which are considered precious in the outside world, are abundant!
Even these disciples from various sects and schools of cultivation found it hard to remain calm.
They received such a grand gift as soon as they entered the secret realm; could there be even greater surprises waiting for them ahead?
Could it possibly be... the legacy of an Immortal Emperor?
Song Qingsong's breathing quickened at the thought.
Just then, ripples appeared in the air, and powerful characters materialized, arranging themselves in the sky: "Seeking immortality and enlightenment, contending with the heavens, bones piled high, sins rampant... Trial, the first stage, hunting..."
The content of the text was lengthy, but the gist was clear: this secret realm did indeed contain the legacy of a mighty figure.
This was the first stage of the secret realm, and to proceed further, they had to complete a trial, which involved hunting and collecting "demonic bones."
The top eight individuals who collected the most demonic bones would qualify to enter the next stage, while the remaining two would be expelled from the secret realm.
"This trial is quite straightforward and brutal," Li Ran chuckled. "But I like it."
After reading the mission, everyone quickly flew into the depths of the forest, where the cries of demonic beasts echoed incessantly.
Being exceptional talents of their respective sects, their strengths were formidable, and now it was a race to see who could act the fastest!
Li Ran, on the other hand, wasn't in a hurry.
He summoned the system in his mind, intending to claim the mission rewards first.
[Mission completed]
[Mission completion rate: Perfect.]
[Obtained a super treasure chest.]
"Dear lord, it's a super treasure chest!" Li Ran exclaimed.
He opened the chest and found an incredible skill:
[Congratulations, host, for obtaining the Divine Skill: Golden Light Thunderous Wrath.]
[This Divine Skill could command the nine heavens' divine thunder and deliver devastating blows to enemies. The higher the cultivation level, the stronger the divine thunder it could summon. When used by a powerful individual, its destructive force was comparable to a heavenly calamity, capable of wiping out an entire city with ease.]
"This thing is good!" Li Ran expressed his extreme satisfaction.
Aside from the Dragon-Elephant Harmonizing the Sky, he now had another super trump card.
"Let's go, time to hunt!"
After closing the system, he prepared to head into the dense forest for the hunt.
However, he suddenly noticed that Xiao Qingge's face had turned pale.
"Oh, I forgot, you're just a mortal..."
Li Ran scratched his head. "You risked everything to enter the secret realm, but you can't even complete the first round of the trial. What's the point?"
Xiao Qingge bit her lip.
She had long been mentally prepared for all of this.
"Senior, bringing me here alone has already fulfilled our agreement," Xiao Qingge bowed and said, "Opportunities like this in the world of cultivation are fleeting. Please don't waste any more time because of me. Go ahead and hunt those demonic beasts. I wish you success in obtaining the ultimate inheritance."
"Oh, alright," Li Ran nodded and turned away without any hesitation.
Xiao Qingge was left in a moment of bewilderment, then she couldn't help but smile wryly. "This guy is really straightforward..."
"Life Fruit, I must find the Life Fruit! This is my only chance to rise again!"
"Of course, the prerequisite is for me to survive..."
Li Ran disappeared into the dense forest.
His intuition told him that Xiao Qingge had a great secret.
However, in this day and age, who would want to admit they didn't have any secrets?
So, he wasn't particularly interested.
During the dozen or so days they had spent together, Li Ran found Xiao Qingge's personality to be quite compatible with his own.
Her character suited his temperament well.
Li Ran was different from those arrogant "cultivators."
He didn't care about titles or status; if someone's personality clicked with him, even if they were a mere mortal, he would treat them like a friend.
So, when he left, he secretly placed a talisman on Xiao Qingge.
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