39: Chapter 39 The Blood Shadow Pavilion's Conspiracy, Master-Level Encirclement

On the way back to Jiangcheng, Lin Zhou and his two companions rode in a military hover-car, the atmosphere inside relaxed and lively.

Su Ye was excitedly testing the surging spiritual energy he gained after reaching the Legendary Intermediate Rank, occasionally swinging his Mountain-Opening Axe, causing the cabin to tremble; Qin Yue sat with her eyes closed, regulating her breath to consolidate her cultivation as she neared a Breakthrough to the Legendary High Rank; Lin Zhou focused his attention on the System panel in his mind.

[Host: Lin Zhou] [Profession: Dawn Sharpshooter (Divine-Grade)] [Rank: Lv.38 (Legendary Intermediate Peak)] [Talents: Sure-Hit (Divine-Grade), Precision Lock (Epic), Celestial Fox Physique (50% Awakening, pseudo-king Rank), Concept of Archery - Sun-Shooting (Legendary), Domain Rending Sky Arrow (Secondary Fusion, Legendary)] [Skills: Cloud-Piercing Arrow Technique (Legendary), Space Jump Arrow (Epic), Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin (Introductory, King Rank)] [Points: 85,000 (Slaying Black Wind Demon Bear 50,000 + Military Commendation 10,000 + Previous Remaining 25,000)] [System Functions: Talent Fusion (Triple authorization unlocked), Rogue-lite Dungeon, Point Exchange, Item Purification]

Looking at the information on the panel, Lin Zhou's gaze fell on "Triple Talent Fusion." The previous two Fusions had allowed his strength to leap forward twice. Now that the triple Fusion was unlocked, he had to choose his talent combination carefully, striving to create a killer move capable of crossing Ranks.

"System, what are the rules for triple talent Fusion?" Lin Zhou asked in his mind.

[Ding! Triple talent Fusion requires selecting three unlocked core talents. After Fusion, a brand-new composite talent will be born, with power equivalent to a pseudo-king Rank skill, and it can be used in conjunction with existing skills. Fusion cost: 50,000 points.]

50,000 points!

Lin Zhou felt a slight stir in his heart; this cost was not low, but it was absolutely worth it. His gaze swept over his existing talents, and he finally locked onto three cores: "Domain Rending Sky Arrow" (Secondary Fusion talent, possessing both splitting and penetration), "Precision Lock" (Epic talent, locks onto targets ignoring evasion), and "Concept of Archery - Sun-Shooting" (Legendary talent, with added scorching and armor-breaking effects).

These three talents corresponded to the three cores of range, precision, and power, respectively. Fusing them would inevitably lead to a qualitative change.

"System, confirm Fusion of 'Domain Rending Sky Arrow', 'Precision Lock', and 'Concept of Archery - Sun-Shooting'!"

[Ding! Consuming 50,000 points, triple talent Fusion initiated... Fusion successful!]

[Congratulations to the host for obtaining the composite talent — Ten Thousand Arrows Rending the Sky and Piercing Clouds (pseudo-king Rank)!]

[Talent Effects: 1. Lock onto up to ten targets within range, ignoring Intermediate Domain evasion; 2. After the arrow is shot, it splits into a hundred, each carrying penetration and scorching effects; 3. Can be stacked with the "Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin" Concept to form an arrow rain Domain, suppressing enemy strength by 30%.]

Feeling the brand-new insights pouring into his mind, the spiritual energy within Lin Zhou instantly boiled over. He subconsciously raised his hand in a phantom grasp, and the blazing sun sniper bow automatically appeared, its crimson patterns interwoven with golden Celestial Fox power to form a dazzling band of light. With just a thought, he could trigger the terrifying power of a hundred arrows fired simultaneously, locking onto enemies and breaking defenses.

"Too strong!" Lin Zhou was ecstatic. With this talent, even if he faced a pseudo-king Peak powerhouse, he would have the confidence to go head-to-head!

Just then, the hover-car jolted violently, and Colonel Wang's grave voice came from the driver's seat: "Mr. Lin Zhou, abnormal energy fluctuations have appeared ahead, suspected to be people from the Blood Shadow Pavilion!"

Lin Zhou and his two companions were instantly alert. Su Ye stood up abruptly, pointing his Mountain-Opening Axe out the window: "They're finally here! I've been wanting to settle the score with them!"

Qin Yue also opened her eyes, her Clear Frost Sword unsheathed, and cyan Sword Intent filled the cabin: "The Blood Shadow Pavilion's stronghold has always been hidden around Jiangcheng. It seems they are targeting us."

Lin Zhou's eyes turned cold, and he pushed his Celestial Fox Physique to the limit, spreading his perception. In an abandoned factory three kilometers ahead, a dense, evil spiritual energy was radiating, mixed with the smell of blood and the violent aura of Yao Beasts. There were at least five Legendary-level auras, two of which had reached the Legendary High Rank!

"It's the Blood Shadow Pavilion's Jiangcheng stronghold!" Lin Zhou said in a deep voice. "They are indeed collecting Yao Beast blood essence. There are at least three captured Legendary-level Yao Beasts in the factory, and their blood essence is being extracted!"

Colonel Wang's expression changed: "These evil cultists! How dare they commit such evils under the nose of Jiangcheng! Mr. Lin Zhou, the military has already mobilized nearby Legendary-level powerhouses for support, expected to arrive in ten minutes!"

"No need to wait!" Lin Zhou said decisively. "The Blood Shadow Pavilion acts with secrecy; if we delay, they will likely destroy the evidence or flee. Sun-Shooting Squad, follow me to attack!"

"Understood!" Su Ye and Qin Yue replied in unison.

The hover-car stopped outside the factory, and the trio jumped down, sneaking toward the abandoned factory. The factory was dilapidated, its walls covered in bullet holes and claw marks. The air was filled with a pungent smell of blood and sulfur, and one could vaguely hear the mournful cries of Yao Beasts and the wild laughter of the evil cultists.

"Hehehe... With the blood essence of these Legendary-level Yao Beasts, plus the inner core of the Black Wind Demon Bear (Note: The inner core was missing when the Black Wind Demon Bear's corpse was found, and the Blood Shadow Pavilion misjudged it as having been confiscated by the military), our lord will be able to break through to the pseudo-king Peak!"

"And that Lin Zhou, he killed our Blood Shadow Pavilion's peripheral members and ruined Young Master Zhang Hao's plans. When our lord breaks through, we will definitely tear him into pieces!"

"Shut up! Focus on the work! If the military finds out, we will all die!"

In the gloomy factory, several evil cultists wearing black robes and blood-colored masks were operating a bizarre magic array. In the center of the array, three dying Legendary-level Yao Beasts were imprisoned, their blood essence being extracted through tubes into a huge black cauldron. Gurgling sounds came from the cauldron, emitting a nauseating stench.

Around the factory, dozens of Elite-level evil cultists were patrolling, and five Legendary-level Protectors were guarding the five positions of Southeast, Northwest, and Center. Two of them had powerful auras and were indeed Legendary High Rank powerhouses.

"The layout is very tight." Qin Yue lay behind the ruins and said in a low voice, "On the left is the Legendary High Rank Blood Shadow Protector, on the right is the Shadow Protector who excels in stealth and assassination, and in the front are three Legendary Intermediate Rank ordinary Protectors."

Su Ye licked his lips, a bloodthirsty light flashing in his eyes: "Whatever Protectors, I'll take them out one axe at a time!"

"Don't be impatient." Lin Zhou held Su Ye back. "Our goal is to destroy the cauldron, rescue the Yao Beasts, and slay all the evil cultists. The tactics remain the same: Su Ye charges the front to draw fire; Qin Yue contains the High Rank Protectors on the sides; I am responsible for long-range clearing and prioritizing the destruction of the cauldron."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Zhou stood up abruptly, drawing his blazing sun sniper bow to the full, and golden spiritual energy was injected into the arrow. It was none other than the newly fused "Ten Thousand Arrows Rending the Sky and Piercing Clouds"!

"Blood Shadow Pavilion scum, die!"

Lin Zhou gave a low shout, and the arrow shot through the air, instantly splitting into a rain of golden-red arrows, accurately locking onto the twenty evil cultists around the array and the black cauldron!

"Not good! Enemies invading!"

The Blood Shadow Protectors' expressions changed drastically. The Blood Shadow Protector on the left roared, and thick blood mist rose around him, forming a blood-colored barrier to block the arrow rain.

"Petty tricks!"

Lin Zhou's eyes narrowed, and he triggered the introductory Concept of "Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin." The arrow rain instantly formed a golden Domain of Archery, and the blood-colored barrier dimmed instantly under the suppression of the Domain. A hundred arrows pierced through the barrier like it was thin paper, hitting their targets accurately!

"Puff! Puff! Puff!"

The twenty evil cultists were instantly shot into sieves, and the black cauldron was also hit by dozens of arrows. The cauldron exploded with a boom, hot blood essence sprayed out, and the array collapsed instantly.

"Roar —!"

The three imprisoned Legendary-level Yao Beasts regained their freedom. Although weak, they still let out angry roars at the evil cultists.

"Court death!"

The Blood Shadow Protector was furious, the blood mist around him surged, turning into a huge blood blade, and slashed toward Lin Zhou. The Shadow Protector on the right flickered and disappeared from the spot, clearly intending to sneak attack Lin Zhou.

"Your opponent is me!"

Qin Yue moved like lightning, her Clear Frost Sword turning into a cyan streak of light, blocking the attack of the blood blade. The sword light collided with the blood blade, erupting with a harsh metallic screech. Qin Yue borrowed the force to retreat half a step, a hint of gravity flashing in her eyes: "Legendary High Rank, indeed has some strength!"

"The Berserker is here! Who dares to be presumptuous!"

Su Ye roared, his mysterious iron armor erupted with red light, and his Berserker Bloodline was fully activated. His figure surged to three meters tall, and his Mountain-Opening Axe, carrying raging flames, charged toward the three Legendary Intermediate Rank Protectors in front.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

The axe collided with the evil cultists' weapons. The three Legendary Intermediate Rank Protectors were actually forced back by Su Ye's axe, their tiger mouths split, and looks of disbelief appeared on their faces. After reaching the Legendary Intermediate Rank, Su Ye's strength surged again. Combined with the Berserker's explosive talent, ordinary Legendary Intermediate Rankers were simply no match for him!

Lin Zhou focused on dealing with the Shadow Protector's sneak attack. His Celestial Fox Physique's perception had long locked onto the other's trail. Just as the Shadow Protector's dagger was about to pierce his heart, Lin Zhou flickered, the Concept of Space Jump Arrow activated, and he instantly appeared behind the Shadow Protector, pressing the blazing sun sniper bow against the back of his head.

"Game over."

Lin Zhou's voice was cold, and his fingertips moved slightly, shooting an explosive arrow into the Shadow Protector's body.

"Boom!"

A violent explosion sounded, and the Shadow Protector's body was blown into pieces. A Legendary High Rank powerhouse had not even been able to take a single move from Lin Zhou!

This scene stunned all the evil cultists, including the Blood Shadow Protector who was fighting fiercely with Qin Yue. They could never have imagined that Lin Zhou's strength had actually reached such a level!

"Impossible! You are clearly only at the Legendary Intermediate Peak!" The Blood Shadow Protector roared in disbelief, his heart filled with fear.

Lin Zhou ignored his shock and drew the blazing sun sniper bow to the full again. Ten Thousand Arrows Rending the Sky and Piercing Clouds activated again, this time locking onto the remaining four Legendary-level Protectors!

A hundred-arrow rain whistled down, carrying the dual power of penetration and scorching. Under the suppression of the Domain of Archery, the four Protectors' evasion and defense were greatly reduced.

"Blood Shadow Great Array!"

The Blood Shadow Protector roared, wanting to unite with the other three Protectors to set up a defensive array, but it was too late. The golden-red arrow rain instantly pierced through their defenses. The three Legendary Intermediate Rank Protectors were shot through their vital points on the spot and fell to the ground dead. Although the Blood Shadow Protector barely avoided his vital points, his left arm was severed by the arrow, blood sprayed out, and his strength dropped sharply.

"Run!"

The Blood Shadow Protector felt fear and turned to run.

"Want to leave?" Qin Yue's eyes turned cold, and her Clear Frost Sword turned into a cyan rainbow, with Legendary High Rank Sword Intent lingering on the sword, "Azure Cloud Sword Technique · One Sword Seals the Throat!"

The sword light flashed, the Blood Shadow Protector's head flew high, and his body fell heavily to the ground, dead.

With all the Legendary-level Protectors dealt with, the remaining Elite-level evil cultists were like lambs waiting to be slaughtered. Su Ye waved his Mountain-Opening Axe, like a tiger entering a flock of sheep. Wherever the axe passed, evil cultists fell one after another, and screams rose one after another. Lin Zhou used ordinary arrows to clear the field, his arrows never missing, and each arrow accurately hit the evil cultists' brows.

In less than five minutes, all the evil cultists in the factory were wiped out.

Lin Zhou walked to the three weak Legendary-level Yao Beasts, took out three Spirit Pills, and handed them to them: "These Medicinal Pills can help you recover from your injuries, leave here quickly."

The Yao Beasts looked at Lin Zhou gratefully, swallowed the Spirit Pills, and stumbled out of the factory.

Just then, the roar of a military hover-car came from afar, and Colonel Wang arrived with the military's Legendary-level powerhouses. Seeing the tragic situation in the factory and the corpses of evil cultists all over the ground, Colonel Wang looked shocked: "Mr. Lin Zhou, you... actually already solved all the evil cultists?"

"Just a small effort." Lin Zhou smiled faintly. "This stronghold of the Blood Shadow Pavilion has been destroyed, and the cauldron has also been damaged, but some of the Yao Beast blood essence they collected may have already been transported away."

Colonel Wang nodded, his expression grave: "We will immediately trace the whereabouts of the blood essence. Mr. Lin Zhou, this time your Sun-Shooting Squad has made a great contribution again, the military will apply for a commendation for you again!"

Lin Zhou waved his hand: "No need for commendations, we just hope to eradicate the Blood Shadow Pavilion as soon as possible and return peace to Jiangcheng."

Just then, the System's notification sound rang in Lin Zhou's mind.

[part:gemini-3.0-flash]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for leading the Sun-Shooting Squad to wipe out the Blood Shadow Pavilion's Jiangcheng stronghold (Evil Path stronghold 1/3)!]

[Ding! Slain 2 high-Rank legend evil cultists, 3 mid-Rank legend evil cultists, and 56 elite-grade evil cultists. Gained 68,000 points!]

[Ding! Host level increased to Lv.40, successfully breaking through to high-Rank legend!]

[Ding! Insight into the "Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin" Concept has deepened, promoted to the Minor Achievement Realm!]

A series of notification sounds filled Lin Zhou's heart with joy. Not only had he completed a portion of the System mission, with his points skyrocketing to 103,000, but his level had also broken through to high-Rank legend, and "Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin" had even reached Minor Achievement!

Feeling the even more majestic spiritual power within his body and the conceptual improvement brought by "Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin," Lin Zhou's gaze became sharper. With the strength of a high-Rank legend combined with his pseudo-king Rank composite talent, he was now fully confident in slaying even a pseudo-king early-Rank powerhouse!

Su Ye and Qin Yue also sensed the change in Lin Zhou's aura, and looks of pleasant surprise appeared on their faces.

"Lin Zhou, you've broken through to high-Rank legend?" Qin Yue asked in surprise.

Lin Zhou nodded. "It was just a stroke of luck."

Su Ye laughed heartily. "Great! Our Sun-Shooting Squad now has two high-Rank legends and one mid-Rank legend. Our strength has reached a whole new level!"

Colonel Wang looked at Lin Zhou, his eyes filled with awe. A high-Rank legend powerhouse under twenty years old—this was absolutely unprecedented in the history of Huaxia's martial arts!

"Mr. Lin Zhou," Colonel Wang said solemnly, "according to our intelligence, the Blood Shadow Pavilion has over a dozen strongholds nationwide. Their core stronghold is located at Blood Shadow Mountain in North China, personally overseen by the Blood Shadow Old Monster. The military plans to unite the nation's top powerhouses to launch a general offensive against the Blood Shadow Pavilion. I wonder if the Sun-Shooting Squad is willing to participate?"

The Blood Shadow Old Monster!

A cold light flashed in Lin Zhou's eyes. According to previous intelligence, the Blood Shadow Old Monster was a Peak pseudo-king powerhouse, Zhang Hao's backer, and the second-in-command of the Blood Shadow Pavilion. Slaying him would not only complete a System mission but also thoroughly resolve the threat from Zhang Hao's Family!

"We accept!" Lin Zhou said in a low voice. "The Blood Shadow Pavilion has committed countless atrocities and harmed many lives. Our Sun-Shooting Squad will surely slay this villain!"

"Good!" Colonel Wang was overjoyed. "The general offensive is set for one month from now at Blood Shadow Mountain. Before then, you can take a good rest or use the opportunity of the national-level Secret Realm to further enhance your strength."

Lin Zhou nodded. He naturally wouldn't miss a national-level Secret Realm. Not only were there powerful exotic beasts and precious treasures, but it was also a perfect opportunity to break through in strength.

"By the way, Colonel Wang," Lin Zhou remembered something and asked, "when will the national-level Secret Realm open?"

"It opens in seven days at the Kunlun Secret Realm in central Huaxia. This is one of Huaxia's top Secret Realms. Not only does it contain ancient legacies, but you might also encounter King-Rank exotic beast cubs or even fragments of ancient Divine Artifacts!" Colonel Wang explained. "However, the Secret Realm is extremely dangerous. The exotic beasts inside are at least legend-Rank, and there are various bizarre traps and Secret Realm guardians. Even Peak legend powerhouses wouldn't dare to let their guard down."

The Kunlun Secret Realm!

Lin Zhou's heart was filled with anticipation. That place would surely be the perfect stage for him to enhance his strength!

"We will participate on time," Lin Zhou said.

Afterward, Lin Zhou and the other two bid farewell to Colonel Wang and took a hovercar back to Jiangcheng Martial Arts University.

Returning to his dormitory, Lin Zhou immediately closed the door and entered the Roguelike Dungeon. He now had 103,000 points, which was just enough to exchange for some precious items to prepare for the Kunlun Secret Realm and the general offensive on Blood Shadow Mountain.

[Points Exchange Mall:]

[1. pseudo-king Rank armor-piercing arrows ×10 (Requires 50,000 points)]

[2. Celestial Fox Physique Awakening Fluid (Increases Awakening degree by 10%, requires 40,000 points)]

[3. legend-Rank Defense Talismans ×5 (Can block a full-power strike from an early-Rank pseudo-king, requires 30,000 points)]

[4. Secret Realm Map (Kunlun Secret Realm Core Area, requires 20,000 points)]

Lin Zhou did not hesitate and directly exchanged for 10 pseudo-king Rank armor-piercing arrows, the Celestial Fox Physique Awakening Fluid, and the Kunlun Secret Realm core map. 90,000 points were instantly consumed, leaving 13,000 points.

He took out the Celestial Fox Physique Awakening Fluid—a bottle of silver-white liquid radiating a rich aura of life. Lin Zhou tilted his head and drank it. The Awakening fluid flowed down his throat and into his body, transforming into a gentle energy that merged into his limbs and bones.

[Ding! Detected host using Celestial Fox Physique Awakening Fluid. Celestial Fox Physique Awakening degree increased to 60%!]

[Talent effects enhanced: Speed boost increased to 80%, perception increased to pseudo-king Rank, and gained passive skill—Celestial Fox Charm (can briefly intimidate targets below pseudo-king Rank)!]

Feeling his speed and perception skyrocket once again, Lin Zhou nodded with satisfaction. A 60% Celestial Fox Physique had already raised his survivability to a new level, and with the newly acquired "Celestial Fox Charm," he now had an extra trump card for group battles.

Over the next seven days, while Lin Zhou polished the Minor Achievement Concept of "Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin" and familiarized himself with the triple-fused talent "Ten Thousand Arrows Rending the Sky and Piercing Clouds," Su Ye and Qin Yue were also seizing the time to Cultivate and improve their strength.

Seven days later, the day the Kunlun Secret Realm opened.

On the plaza of Jiangcheng Martial Arts University, Lin Zhou and his companions met with other Martial Artists who had qualified for the Secret Realm. Among them were many top geniuses from across the country, and even several Peak legend powerhouses. Everyone had a steady aura, their eyes filled with both anticipation and vigilance toward the Secret Realm.

"Mr. Lin Zhou, I didn't expect you to come as well!"

A familiar voice called out. Lin Zhou turned to look and saw Zhao Lie, the Personal Disciple of the Archery God and a Peak legend archer, walking toward him with a friendly smile.

"Senior Brother Zhao," Lin Zhou nodded slightly.

Zhao Lie patted Lin Zhou's shoulder. "I've heard all about your exploits. Reaching high-Rank legend at such a young age and even slaying a pseudo-king Rank exotic beast—truly, a hero emerges from the youth! For this Kunlun Secret Realm trip, we can travel together and look out for one another."

Lin Zhou smiled. "I'd be honored."

With a Peak legend powerhouse like Zhao Lie as a companion, the journey through the Kunlun Secret Realm would undoubtedly be much safer.

Just then, a discordant voice came from the distance.

"Hmph, some people just got lucky and killed a newly promoted pseudo-king Rank exotic beast, and now they really think they're invincible? The Kunlun Secret Realm isn't some small place like Black Wind Ridge. Be careful not to die in there!"

Lin Zhou looked toward the sound and saw a group of Martial Artists in luxurious clothing approaching. At their head was an arrogant young man with deep disdain in his eyes.

"It's Zhang Feng from the Jingdu Zhang Family! He's at Peak legend strength and is Zhang Hao's cousin!" Su Ye whispered. "He's definitely here to cause trouble over what happened to Zhang Hao!"

Lin Zhou's eyes turned cold. Zhang Hao's Family really hadn't given up yet!

Zhang Feng walked up to Lin Zhou and looked down at him. "Lin Zhou, you'd better give me an explanation for what happened to my cousin Zhang Hao! Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless to you in the Secret Realm!"

A mocking smile played on Lin Zhou's lips. "Zhang Hao colluded with the Blood Shadow Pavilion and committed many evils; his death was well-deserved. If you want to avenge him, feel free to try. But let me remind you, in the Secret Realm, life and death are up to fate. Don't blame me for being merciless when the time comes!"

"You're looking for death!"

Zhang Feng's face flushed with rage, and his Peak legend aura instantly erupted, pressing down toward Lin Zhou.

Lin Zhou was not afraid at all. His high-Rank legend aura also erupted, and with his Celestial Fox Physique active, his 60% Awakening degree allowed him to stubbornly withstand Zhang Feng's pressure, even showing signs of a counterattack.

"Hmm?" A flash of surprise crossed Zhang Feng's eyes. He hadn't expected Lin Zhou's strength to have already reached such a level that he could remain completely unscathed under the pressure of a Peak legend!

"Alright, the Secret Realm is about to open. Stop this infighting!" Zhao Lie frowned and stepped between the two. His Peak legend aura spread out, neutralizing the pressure from both sides. "The Kunlun Secret Realm is full of dangers. We should work together instead of trying to kill each other!"

Zhang Feng snorted coldly and gave Lin Zhou a fierce glare. "Consider yourself lucky! See you in the Secret Realm!"

With that, he turned and left with his subordinates.

Lin Zhou watched his retreating back, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. He knew Zhang Feng would definitely look for an opportunity to ambush him in the Secret Realm. However, he didn't care; even against a Peak legend powerhouse, he now had the strength to put up a fight!

"Ignore him," Zhao Lie said. "The Zhang Family may be powerful, but in the Kunlun Secret Realm, strength is everything. As long as you are strong enough, he won't dare to touch you easily."

Lin Zhou nodded. "Thank you for the warning, Senior Brother Zhao."

Just then, a massive spatial rift appeared in the distant sky. A dense ancient Spiritual Qi radiated from the crack, and the mountains and rivers inside the Secret Realm could be faintly seen.

"The Kunlun Secret Realm has opened!"

Someone shouted, and all the Martial Artists grew excited, flying toward the spatial rift one after another.

"Let's go too!"

Lin Zhou gave a low shout and, leading Su Ye and Qin Yue, followed closely behind Zhao Lie, flying toward the Kunlun Secret Realm.

Passing through the spatial rift, a wave of Spiritual Qi so dense it was almost tangible washed over them, refreshing their spirits. Before them lay a vast, boundless primeval forest with towering ancient trees and swirling Spiritual Qi. Distant mountain Peaks rose into the clouds, radiating an ancient aura.

"So this is the Kunlun Secret Realm!" Su Ye said excitedly. "The Spiritual Qi is more than ten times denser than outside! Cultivating here for one day is equivalent to ten days outside!"

Qin Yue also nodded. "And the vegetation and exotic beasts here are all ancient species not seen outside, possessing immense value."

Lin Zhou opened the core map he had exchanged. The map clearly marked various regions of the Secret Realm: the Yao Beast Forest, Ancient Ruins, the Source of the Spiritual Vein, the Secret Realm Core...

"Our targets are the Source of the Spiritual Vein and the Ancient Ruins," Lin Zhou said. "The Source of the Spiritual Vein has the purest Spiritual Qi, suitable for breaking through in cultivation; the Ancient Ruins might contain ancient legacies and Divine Artifact fragments."

Zhao Lie nodded. "I was thinking the same thing. However, both the Source of the Spiritual Vein and the Ancient Ruins have powerful Secret Realm guardians. We need to proceed with caution."

Just then, Lin Zhou's Celestial Fox Physique suddenly gave a warning. He sensed intense energy fluctuations not far ahead, mixed with the screams of Martial Artists.

"There's danger ahead!" Lin Zhou said solemnly.

The four exchanged glances and immediately flew toward the direction of the energy fluctuations.

Soon, they witnessed a shocking scene.

In the valley ahead, a group of black-robed evil cultists was besieging several Martial Artists. Their leader was none other than a Protector of the Blood Shadow Pavilion, whose strength had actually reached early-Rank pseudo-king!

Among the besieged Martial Artists were actually Zhang Feng and his subordinates!

At this moment, Zhang Feng's subordinates had already suffered heavy casualties. He himself had been severely wounded by the early-Rank pseudo-king Blood Shadow Protector, blood streaming from the corner of his mouth, and it looked like he was about to lose his life on the spot.

Seeing this, a hint of hesitation flashed in Lin Zhou's eyes. He had a grudge against Zhang Feng, but he felt somewhat reluctant to just stand by and watch him be killed by the Blood Shadow Pavilion.

"The Blood Shadow Pavilion's people have actually entered the Kunlun Secret Realm as well!" Zhao Lie said with a grave expression. "They must be here for the ancient legacies and exotic beast essence blood within the Secret Realm!"

"Regardless of who it is, the people from the Blood Shadow Pavilion must die!" Lin Zhou's eyes turned cold as he made his decision.

He raised his blazing sun sniper bow and aimed at the early-Rank pseudo-king Blood Shadow Protector. His spiritual power surged wildly, and the talent "Ten Thousand Arrows Rending the Sky and Piercing Clouds" was instantly activated!

A golden rain of arrows condensed, carrying the power of a pseudo-king Rank, and shot toward the Blood Shadow Protector!

A new battle had officially begun within the Kunlun Secret Realm!