200: plotting in secret

These seven individuals, like seven of the most dazzling stars,

hung high above the top 100 list, representing the Peak combat power of the current generation of Yin Yang Sect Disciples!

Their names triggered a mountain-shaking tsunami of discussion and awe.

“Senior Brother Lei! Senior Sister Liu! Senior Brother Zhao! As expected, they are still the strongest!”

“Senior Brother Shi's defense is said to be unshakable even by those at the Early Nascent Soul Stage!”

“Senior Brother Yao! So fierce! Even Zhao Wuhen, who was ranked seventh last time, was no match for him!”

“Third Prince Xiao Chen... this man hides his strength well!”

“Senior Sister Mu's metal-attribute Dao arts will definitely be a killing machine in the Secret Realm!”

Countless gazes focused on these seven people, filled with awe, worship, and expectation.

They were the Peak existences most likely to compete for the final top ten, or even the top three, in the upcoming 'Secret Realm Battle Royale'!

The Disciples who managed to enter the top 100 were all beaming with excitement and anticipation, rubbing their hands together,

ready to show off their skills in the soon-to-open 'Secret Realm Battle Royale' to compete for higher rankings and more generous rewards.

As for those who failed to advance, they could only leave the stage dejectedly, filled with regret and unwillingness, hoping to fight again next year.

When the list for the third group was announced, the appearance of one name surprised many—Meng Bi, tenth place in the third group!

“Eh? Meng Bi actually advanced too?”

“Aside from the two seeded players, the strength of others in the third group was indeed a bit weaker...”

“Hmph, it's just good luck! But being able to enter the top 100 shows he has some skill.”

Listening to the surrounding discussions, Meng Bi's face burned,

feeling both the relief of advancing and the humiliation of being looked down upon.

He indeed had good luck; the overall strength of the third group was relatively weak, and he himself was no fool.

Relying on the top-tier Cultivation Techniques and resources provided by the Marquis Residence, he managed to squeeze into the top ten.

On the other side of the preparation area, Yao Delong's gaze also fell on Meng Bi's name.

The corner of his mouth curled into a meaningful arc, his eyes calm but carrying a hint of cold amusement.

“Tenth place? That saves me a lot of trouble.

Netherworld Secret Realm... I hope you can hold on a bit longer so I can arrange a 'good ranking' for you.”

As if sensing something, Meng Bi suddenly looked up and met Yao Delong's half-smiling gaze.

That gaze was calm and rippleless, yet it seemed to carry an invisible pressure that made his heart turn cold,

and an ominous premonition instantly enveloped him, causing cold sweat to break out on his back.

He subconsciously avoided the gaze, not daring to look again.

Not far away, Third Prince Xiao Chen took all of this in.

The habitual sinister smile on his face froze for a moment the instant Yao Delong defeated Yan Wu.

His narrow eyes squinted, cold light flashing within them.

The strength Yao Delong displayed, especially those two Earth Rank Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills, far exceeded his previous estimations!

Even Zhao Wuhen, who was seventh last time, was defeated so decisively. This boy... his strength cannot be underestimated!

‘In a one-on-one, this Prince naturally has nothing to fear.’

Xiao Chen snorted coldly in his heart, the pride of a royal Prodigy rising. ‘But this Netherworld Secret Realm Battle Royale is a hundred-person free-for-all!

Rules? Hmph, rules are meant to be broken!’

His gaze swept over those below the stage who were looking at Yao Delong with either awe or greed,

and the corner of his mouth curled back into that arc of total control. With his status as the Third Prince and the promises he could make,

gathering a group of Disciples who were wary of Yao Delong or coveted his Opportunity would be as easy as turning over his hand!

On the high platform, Grand Elder Venerable Ziyang waited for the list to finish being announced before his voice rang out again:

“Congratulations to the above one hundred Disciples for successfully advancing to the second round!”

“The second round of assessment is the 'Secret Realm Elimination Tournament'! The location—Netherworld Secret Realm!”

“Two days from now, at the hour of Chen, gather at the Martial Arts Arena to open the Secret Realm teleportation!”

“I hope all Disciples prepare well and strive for the top!”

As the Grand Elder's voice fell, some were happy while others were sad.

The crowd began to disperse, and the clamor gradually died down. But invisible undercurrents were surging beneath the calm surface.

The night was as dark as ink, shrouding the continuous mountain range of the Yin Yang Sect.

Deep within Spirit Plant Peak, inside a magnificent Immortal Cave shrouded by a Formation and filled with Spiritual Qi, the lights were brightly lit.

“Hahaha, congratulations Brother Xiao! Four victories in four battles, a powerful advancement, your style is even better than before!”

Meng Bi's voice arrived before he did, his face covered in a deliberately fawning smile as he strode into the hall.

Behind him, the cold-auraed Scarface followed like a shadow, along with the seemingly honest but shifty-eyed Meng Lang.

Xiao Chen sat in the main seat, toying with a warm jade cup in his hand.

Hearing this, he only lifted his eyelids, a faint, mocking smile on his lips:

“Brother Meng is too polite. On the contrary, for Brother Meng to be able to fight into the top ten of the talent-filled third group,”

“this 'luck' is also something to be admired.” He deliberately emphasized the word “luck.”

The smile on Meng Bi's face stiffened, a flash of humiliation appearing, but he quickly suppressed it and got straight to the point:

“Brother Xiao, for the Secret Realm Battle Royale in two days, I wonder if you have a plan? That Yao Delong...”

He glanced at Scarface beside him, the meaning self-evident.

Xiao Chen's gaze lingered on Scarface for a moment,

sensing that deliberately restrained but still heart-palpitating cold Evil Qi, and understood perfectly.

He smiled slightly, a gentle smile, but his eyes were ice cold:

“Brother Meng, rest assured, we are close friends and should naturally look out for each other.

After entering the Secret Realm, Brother Meng can quickly come and meet with me. At that time, I will certainly let you obtain a 'good ranking'.”

Suddenly, a cold light appeared in Xiao Chen's eyes,

“If we unfortunately 'encounter' him during the Battle Royale stage, we will use thunderous methods to 'invite' him out of the game!

Even with the Sect's jade talisman protection, it will be enough to leave him heavily injured and difficult to heal, with his Foundation damaged!

If he is lucky... and really manages to break into the top ten...”

Xiao Chen deliberately paused, looking at the sudden light of hope in Meng Bi's eyes,

then changed the subject, saying slowly: “However...”

Meng Bi understood and immediately patted his chest to show his loyalty:

“Brother Xiao, rest assured! As long as we can eliminate the scourge that is Yao Delong and avenge my Zhenyuan Marquis Residence,”

“when Your Highness the Third Prince competes for the position of Crown Prince in the future, my Zhenyuan Marquis Residence will surely give our all and follow Your Highness's lead!”

“My father's influence in the military will definitely add a heavy weight to Your Highness's side!”

“Oh?”

A sharp light flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes, and the smile on his face finally became a bit more sincere.

Nowadays, several princes were fighting openly and secretly; winning over important court officials and local power factions was key.

The Zhenyuan Marquis Residence possessed a powerful army in the Eastern Territory and had a deep Foundation in the military. If he could get their support,

it would be no small help in his Struggle for the Throne! This deal was worth it!

“Good! Brother Meng is indeed straightforward!”

Xiao Chen was in a great mood and laughed loudly,

“Since Brother Meng is so sincere, this Prince will also give you some news.”

He lowered his voice, carrying a hint of mystery.

“The opening of the Burial God Abyss this time is not exclusive to my Yin Yang Sect; it is to be explored jointly with the ‘Moyang Sect’!”

Hearing this, the eyes of both Meng Bi and Scarface narrowed. Both Sects exploring together?

This meant the competition would be even more brutal, but it also meant... more opportunities to fish in troubled waters!

Xiao Chen continued: “My mother also has trusted subordinates arranged within the Moyang Sect. When the time comes in the Burial God Abyss, there will be support.

If Yao Delong really can enter the top ten...”

He looked at Meng Bi and Scarface, his smile carrying a cold killing intent,

“This Prince can give you two extra spots, allowing you and this Senior Scarface to enter the Burial God Abyss together!”

“In that true ancient forbidden land, he will... have no escape even if he had wings!”

“Really?!”

Meng Bi was overjoyed, his voice trembling with excitement.

With Uncle Scarface, a Mid Nascent Soul Stage expert, protecting him closely, plus the Third Prince's internal support in the Moyang Sect... even if Yao Delong had heaven-defying abilities, he would surely die!

He could almost see the scene of Yao Delong wailing in despair in the Burial God Abyss.

“Thank you, Your Highness! Your Highness's great kindness is something I, Meng Bi, will never forget!” Meng Bi bowed deeply, adopting a very low posture.

Beside him, Meng Lang kept his head low, his eyes flickering with sharp light as he firmly memorized all of this conversation.

‘Burial God Abyss... joint exploration by two Sects... the Third Prince's mother has influence in the Moyang Sect... this is incredible information!’