Chapter 35: The Secret Realm Opens

Dawn broke with a sharp cry of spirit cranes slicing across the orange-streaked sky. Qingye Sect's outer mountain was alive with tension. Disciples, elders, and envoys from allied clans had all gathered near the Celestial Mirror Platform — a massive array etched into white jade, carved with symbols that pulsed faintly with spiritual light.

The lower secret realm was about to open.

Lin Ho stood at the edge of the crowd, wearing the fresh black robes of an inner disciple. He felt the shift in atmosphere — not just anticipation, but caution. The elders' auras were tight. Controlled. Some were masked too well, but the unease was there.

Elder Qiu appeared on the central platform, flanked by three other peak masters. His voice boomed out with spiritual amplification.

> "Disciples of Qingye, today we send our chosen into the Clear Wind Secret Realm — a fragment world sealed for over eighty years. This is a test, a trial, and an opportunity."

He raised his hand, revealing a green jade token that shimmered with runes.

> "This will be the anchor. Once the formation is stabilized, the realm will open for one week. Within, you will face beasts, puzzles, opportunities, and danger. Some of you will return stronger. Some… will not return."

The silence that followed was heavy.

Lin Ho stepped forward when called, along with fourteen other disciples. They ranged from late Meridian Forging to early Core Vein, each brimming with confidence or arrogance — or both. Only Lin Ho appeared calm, his Chaos Qi gently circulating beneath the surface.

From the back, a few eyes still watched him warily. Rumors had started to spread. Whispers of his spiritual root test breaking the crystal. His display of dominance during combat trials. His strange aura.

> "He's hiding something."

> "Even Elder Qiu has been watching him too closely…"

But Lin Ho ignored it all.

He had no time for their curiosity.

---

As the formation activated, the platform glowed. One by one, the chosen disciples stepped into the swirling gate of mist and jade light.

Lin Ho was the last.

As he entered, he felt a tug — not of space, but of will.

Something within the secret realm… recognized him.

---

Inside the Clear Wind Secret Realm

Lush forests stretched endlessly beneath turquoise skies. Floating stones hovered gently in the air, defying gravity. The Qi density was three times that of the outside world.

Lin Ho landed softly, taking in a deep breath.

Then, far off in the distance, a monstrous roar echoed. Trees bent. Birds scattered.

The trial had begun.

But deep underground, hidden from all but fate, something stirred.

Something older than the realm itself.

And it whispered:

> "The seed returns…"

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End of Chapter 35