173: Chapter 173: First Encounter of the Secret Realm

Cloud Spirit Secret Realm.

Plains.

All around were lush green grasses and blooming flowers, with a crystal-clear stream flowing nearby, truly like a paradise hidden from the world.

Suddenly, the previously calm space warped, and a white passage immediately emerged.

A whooshing sound came from the white passage, and then figures leaped out, appearing directly in this Cloud Spirit Secret Realm filled with flowers.

Soon, within about ten breaths, all the Green-Robed Disciples from Dynasty Academy had arrived in the Cloud Spirit Secret Realm via the teleportation passage.

Several Disciples entering the Cloud Spirit Secret Realm for the first time were instantly captivated by the sight before them, curiously examining the flower-filled area, even occasionally bending down to gently pick a few vibrant flowers, almost forgetting the warnings given by Dean Chu Ming and others, completely without any vigilance.

However, in contrast, all the senior Disciples of the Academy wore solemn expressions, cautiously surveying their surroundings.

Looking at the few Academy Disciples who lacked any vigilance and were entering the Cloud Spirit Secret Realm for the first time, the leading senior Disciple couldn't help but shake his head, then kindly advised them.

"The Cloud Spirit Secret Realm is not as beautiful as you see it; do not be deceived by this exquisite scenery and environment."

After speaking, he didn't wait for any response from the new Disciples, immediately nodded to the few people beside him, then his figure flashed, and he sped towards the west.

In just a few breaths, their figures had already sped far away.

At this moment, the few who had been completely unwary earlier, after hearing the advice from the senior Disciple who had left first, couldn't help but put away their casual attitude, and a hint of solemnity appeared between their brows.

At the same time, everyone who had entered the Cloud Spirit Secret Realm also formed small groups, in twos and threes, huddling together for warmth, traveling in company, and began to explore in all directions.

Soon, only about ten people remained in place, including Ling Yong, Ling Zhong, and three others.

"Yong-ge, most people have left. Should we also set off? Otherwise, all the good things will be snatched up by other teams."

Ling Zhong, who was beside Ling Yong, was the first to speak to Ling Yong, who seemed like the leader among the five.

At the same time, Ling Jun also chimed in.

"Zhong-ge is right. If we can't achieve good results in this trip to the Cloud Spirit Secret Realm, I'll be too embarrassed to go back and face the Family Head."

"Hmm."

Hearing their words, Ling Yong first pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke.

"We know nothing about the Cloud Spirit Secret Realm, so all our actions must be extremely cautious. We must maximize our gains while ensuring our safety. Otherwise, let alone bringing glory to the Family, it would be quite good if we don't disgrace the Family."

"Additionally, Ling Zhong and I will be responsible for scouting ahead later, Ling Jun will secure the left, Ling Fei will secure the right, and Ling Jie will cover the rear. If anything happens, be sure to give a warning immediately."

"Okay, Yong-ge."

Ling Zhong, Ling Jun, and the other three immediately agreed after hearing Ling Yong's instructions, indicating their understanding.

Hearing this, Ling Yong said no more. After confirming a direction of travel, the five figures flashed and sped towards the distance.

If anyone observed carefully, they would notice that even while moving, the five maintained the formation he had just described, so that no matter what sudden situation occurred, the others could react immediately... As Ling Yong and the other four left, only two small teams, each consisting of one or two of the weakest members, remained in place.

A moment later.

After some discussion, the remaining two small teams decided to merge into one temporary team for safety, hoping they could go further together.

Having made their decision, the last few people who had entered the Cloud Spirit Secret Realm also embarked on their journey to explore the Cloud Spirit Secret Realm, cautiously heading deeper into the Cloud Spirit Secret Realm...

At the same time.

Lingyun City.

Inner City.

Blazing Flame Battle Riders Army Garrison.

At this moment, on the vast training ground, middle-aged men, bare-chested and exceptionally strong, sat cross-legged on the ground. Looking around, the training ground was densely packed with people, almost twenty thousand of them.

However, despite such a large gathering of people, the entire training ground was incredibly quiet, with no one making even the slightest noise, which demonstrated the strictness of their military discipline.

"Thump-thump... Thump-thump..."

A series of footsteps echoed across the vast training ground. Following the sound, Ling Lie, dressed in a fiery red elite battle armor, was seen slowly ascending the high platform at the front of the training ground, step by step. During this process, Ling Lie couldn't help but scan the crowd sitting cross-legged on the training ground with his gaze.

"Soldiers, after this period of selection, you are the most elite members of my Blazing Flame Battle Riders Army's reserve camp. At the same time, you should also be glad that you are able to become the most elite members of the Blazing Flame Battle Riders Army's reserve camp, because an Opportunity awaits you. Of course, Opportunity also means risk."

"After today, you will be true members of my Blazing Flame Battle Riders Army."

As his words fell, all the reserve camp soldiers on the entire training ground looked at Ling Lie on the high platform with burning eyes.

Seeing this, Ling Lie wasted no more words and immediately shouted loudly.

"Zhan Yi!"

"Your subordinate is here."

Hearing his general's command, Zhan Yi immediately flashed and appeared before Ling Lie, respectfully cupping his fists and bowing before responding.

"Secure the training ground, and the personal guard camp, be on alert!"

"Yes, General."

Hearing Ling Lie's command, Zhan Yi immediately took the order and left.

After Zhan Yi departed, Ling Lie waved his hand, and a blood-red token appeared in his palm.

Then, Ling Lie immediately tossed the blood-red token in his hand into the air above the training ground, and immediately after, he sent out a spiritual force that merged into the blood-red token above the training ground.

In an instant.

The blood-red token suddenly shone brightly, and streaks of blood-colored light shot out from the token, continuously merging into the foreheads of the reserve camp soldiers sitting cross-legged below...