The Secret Realm Gate Opens

At the entrance of the secret realm, a dazzling flash of spiritual light erupted as several figures staggered out. Leading the group was Shen Gu of Xuanshao Sect, his face dark and his robes tattered, though his eyes still burned with a cold intensity, and his aura hinted at a powerful spiritual pressure. Following Shen Gu, more disciples of Xuanshao Sect emerged, each looking weary yet unable to hide the slight satisfaction in their expressions.

Leng Qingzi, the Jindan Elder of Xuanshao Sect, approached with an almost imperceptible smile. In a low voice, he asked, "Shen Gu, did you gain anything of worth?"

Shen Gu nodded slightly, lowering his voice as he replied, "Elder, I am fortunate to have acquired the Nascent Soul treasure, the Mountain King Cauldron."

Leng Qingzi's eyes lit up, unable to mask his joy and excitement. A treasure of such legend would undoubtedly give Xuanshao Sect a significant edge in the ongoing rivalry between the three sects. He nodded approvingly, saying, "Well done, Shen Gu. This journey to the secret realm has indeed proven worthwhile. Since we now hold the treasure, there's no need to linger. Let us return to the sect immediately."

With a nod, Shen Gu turned to glance at the other disciples, a hint of cold disdain in his gaze. Though Cloudsky and Skyvault Sects had sent their own elites into the secret realm, Xuanshao Sect had ultimately seized victory, claiming the Nascent Soul treasure for themselves.

Shortly thereafter, the Xuanshao Sect party embarked on their airship, discreetly departing from the secret realm's entrance, heading back to their mountain stronghold. Though Leng Qingzi remained expressionless, he was inwardly elated, his eyes gleaming with calculation. He knew that news of their acquisition of the Mountain King Cauldron would intensify tensions among the three sects. Yet, with such a treasure now in their possession, Xuanshao Sect would be well-prepared for any ensuing turbulence.

Moments later, the entrance to the secret realm fluctuated once more, and disciples from Cloudsky and Skyvault Sects emerged, each looking exhausted and with tattered robes—clear signs of the many dangers they had encountered. As more disciples gathered, Baimei Daoren of Cloudsky Sect looked on with growing concern. Once they had regrouped, he addressed Zhang Qiu in a low voice, "Did you discover anything noteworthy within the secret realm?"

Zhang Qiu's brow furrowed, his face marked by a serious expression. After a brief pause, he replied quietly, "Elder, there was indeed a Nascent Soul treasure within the realm—the Mountain King Cauldron, a relic capable of moving mountains. Regrettably, the cauldron was ultimately seized by Shen Gu of Xuanshao Sect. Even though we joined forces with Wu Heng from Skyvault Sect, we were unable to reclaim it."

At his words, Baimei Daoren's gaze darkened, his eyes flashing with a barely contained mix of disappointment and anger. A Nascent Soul treasure was a rarity, and had it fallen into Cloudsky Sect's hands, it would have solidified their advantage in the coming disputes. Now that Xuanshao Sect had claimed it, it seemed inevitable that this would ignite further conflicts between the three sects.

Upon hearing this, Skyvault Sect's Elder, Yuan Dou, turned pale with fury, his expression tinged with rage as he spoke coldly, "Xuanshao Sect is indeed insidious, claiming such a treasure for themselves! Our three sects entered the secret realm to divide its resources evenly, yet Xuanshao Sect's actions are nothing short of domineering."

Wu Heng of Skyvault Sect stepped forward, his face ashen and his injuries unhealed, and he bit out bitterly, "Elder, Xuanshao Sect did indeed claim the Mountain King Cauldron and repeatedly struck at us with deadly intent. The losses our sect suffered in this secret realm were immense."

Yuan Dou's eyes blazed with anger at this news, and he spoke in a steely voice, "Xuanshao Sect's actions are intolerable! If they continue down this path, we won't hold back!"

Baimei Daoren sighed and, after a brief pause, spoke gravely to mediate. "Fellow Elders, Xuanshao Sect is indeed at fault. However, direct conflict now would benefit none of us. The Mountain King Cauldron is a matter of great consequence, and if news of it spreads beyond our sects, other forces may take an interest, making this even harder to contain."

Though Yuan Dou's face remained dark with anger, he recognized the truth in Baimei Daoren's words. Though friction existed between the three sects, open war at this time would weaken them all to no advantage.

"Hmph! Xuanshao Sect has grown too arrogant. Were it not for the threat of external foes, Skyvault Sect would have already settled this matter with them," Yuan Dou muttered, his face still stormy. Though he seethed with anger, he kept it in check, biding his time.

Baimei Daoren gave a faint sigh and turned back to his disciples. "Though we did not acquire the Mountain King Cauldron, you have all faced life-and-death trials in this realm. Upon our return, enter seclusion to consolidate your cultivation."

Zhang Qiu nodded in acknowledgment, still feeling a heavy frustration. Behind him, Li Cang and You stood with grave expressions. Though they felt similarly bitter, they understood their inability to change the outcome.

Finally, Baimei Daoren turned to Yuan Dou, his gaze serious. "Brother Yuan Dou, let us hold off on further action for now and plan carefully upon our return. Should Xuanshao Sect act rashly, we will take suitable measures."

Yuan Dou gave a curt nod. Though his anger had not fully abated, he recognized that the present was not the right time for confrontation. Taking a deep breath, he suppressed his rage before turning back toward Skyvault Sect's airship.

The two sects' disciples boarded their respective vessels in succession, each returning to their home with their own frustrations and regrets in their hearts.