13: Chapter 13 The Secret Realm is About to Open

Autumn grew stronger, and the spiritual trees on Tianjian Peak were draped in gold and deep red.

In the courtyard of Qingyun Cottage, the last batch of flowers from the spiritual osmanthus trees had withered, leaving only a lingering fragrance throughout the yard.

Over a month had passed since Senior Sister Qin Hongyu's visit.

Lin Wan's life remained orderly on the surface: cultivating, studying the Mind Splitting Technique, consolidating his Five Elements Foundation, tending to Liu Ruyan's pregnancy, guiding Xiao Yun in martial arts, and accompanying Qing Yao as she grew—everything was methodical.

But deep down, the string in his heart remained taut.

The day the "Small Five Elements Secret Realm" would open drew near, and the prying eyes in the shadows became increasingly obvious.

Around Qingyun Cottage, strange Divine Sense would occasionally sweep past; although they vanished in a flash, Lin Wan, having reached the Foundation Establishment Stage, possessed keen perception and naturally noticed them.

Once, he even discovered traces of an extremely concealed "Tracking Talisman" secretly placed near the spirit fields behind the mountain; had his Divine Sense not been powerful, and had he not also cultivated the Mind Splitting Technique, he likely would not have discovered it.

This was clearly someone wanting to track his movements in preparation for the Secret Realm trip.

Lin Wan remained calm and secretly strengthened the defenses of Qingyun Cottage.

He spent contribution points to exchange for an upgraded Formation Plate for the "Yi Wood Green Origin Formation" from the Tiangong Pavilion, raising the Formation's defensive, concealment, and warning capabilities to the Second Grade level, sufficient to withstand short-term attacks from Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators and block most prying eyes.

At the same time, using his own essence blood as a guide, he refined a few "Parent-Child Sensing Talismans," giving the parent Talisman to Liu Ruyan and keeping the child Talisman with him.

If Qingyun Cottage were attacked and the parent Talisman shattered, he would immediately sense it and could use the child Talisman to temporarily construct a small teleportation Formation to rush back—this was a life-saving contingency he had devised by referencing some of Zhao Yuan's insights on Formations and combining them with his own rudimentary understanding of spatial fluctuations (from Floating Light Sweeping Shadow); although the teleportation distance was limited and it could only be used once, it might save lives at a critical moment.

The fetus in Liu Ruyan's womb was already five months old, and her abdomen was visibly rounded.

The baby's life aura was even more vibrant than Qing Yao's had been, and its attributes seemed somewhat peculiar; it responded to all Five Elements Spiritual Qi, yet they were mixed and unclear, leaving Lin Wan uncertain about its Aptitude.

But regardless, it was his own flesh and blood, so he cared for it meticulously, using gentle Five Elements Spiritual Qi to nourish it daily and ensure its healthy development.

Qing Yao was also nearly a year old, growing up to be adorable and fair-skinned; she could already clearly call out "Daddy" and "Mommy," was more sensitive to Spiritual Qi, and could occasionally unconsciously draw upon a wisp of Wood or Water Spiritual Qi, stimulating the growth of flowers and plants in the courtyard or causing ripples in the pond.

Lin Wan had already turned the incantations of the Qi Refining chapter of the Three Talents Spirit Nourishing Art into a simple nursery rhyme to teach her; the little one could actually babble along, and though she didn't understand the meaning, her pronunciation was clear, showing great spiritual Aptitude.

Xiao Yun's progress in martial arts was rapid; after achieving Major Achievement in the Turtle-Crane Longevity Technique, the blood and Qi in her body were like mercury, she could lift heavy tripods, and her movement techniques were as fast as lightning.

The basic sword techniques Lin Wan taught her were now executed with skill; although she lacked Sword Qi, every move was sharp and carried the ruthlessness of battlefield combat, so ordinary Qi Refining fifth or sixth-level Cultivators who were not skilled in close-quarters combat would not fare well if she got close to them.

Lin Wan planned to help her attempt the Innate stage once he returned from the Secret Realm.

One day, Lin Wan was in the quiet room attempting to Cultivate the Divine Ability "Li Fire Golden Eyes" from the Foundation Establishment chapter of the Great Five Elements Sword Art.

This Divine Ability required Fire element as the base and Metal element as the edge to condense into the eyes; it could pierce through falsehoods, see through illusions, and even shoot golden light from the eyes to injure others, possessing the dual effects of dispelling evil and scorching souls.

His Five Elements Foundation was already formed, and his Fire and Metal element Sword Qi were condensed enough, but the difficulty of manipulating and fusing two completely different types of Spiritual Qi so precisely into his fragile eyes was immense.

After attempting it several times and feeling his eyes sting with endless tears, he had to temporarily give up.

"It seems I still need to further my control over the Five Elements Spiritual Qi, or perhaps I need some special spiritual item to assist in tempering my eyes," Lin Wan thought to himself as he rubbed his aching eyes.

Just then, the True Disciple token at his waist grew slightly warm, and the voice transmission of his Fourth Senior Brother, Xu Feng, came through: "Junior Brother, come to Lingyun Hall quickly. Revered Master has important matters to discuss regarding the Secret Realm."

It was time! Lin Wan's spirits lifted; he composed himself, gave a word to Liu Ruyan, then rose on his sword, turning into a streak of five-colored light and heading straight for Tianjian Peak.

After the Foundation Establishment, the speed of flying on a sword far exceeded riding the wind, and it was much more flexible and energy-efficient.

The Flowing Light Sword under his feet was as obedient as an extension of his own arm; wherever the sword light passed, it left a faint five-colored trail in the air, causing the Disciples along the way to cast glances.

Before long, he arrived at Lingyun Hall.

Inside the hall, besides Peak Master Yue Lingyun and Xu Feng, two others were standing there.

One was the tall and sturdy Third Senior Brother Lei Meng with a full beard; he was at the Early Stage of the Foundation Establishment and exuded a wild aura. Seeing Lin Wan, he grinned, revealing two rows of white teeth.

The other was a tall, thin young man with a cold expression, carrying a wide, heavy sword on his back; this was the Second Senior Brother Han Lingtian, at the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment, whose aura was like an abyss. He merely nodded slightly at Lin Wan, which counted as a greeting.

"Disciple greets Revered Master, and greets Second Senior Brother, Third Senior Brother, and Fourth Senior Brother." Lin Wan stepped forward and saluted.

"Hmm, you're here." Peak Master Yue Lingyun nodded, his gaze sweeping over the four of them. "The opening of the Small Five Elements Secret Realm is imminent. As per custom, Tianjian Peak has four spots. You four will go."

As expected! Lin Wan felt resolute.

Secret Realm spots were precious; obtaining one was an Opportunity.

"The Secret Realm is located deep within the 'Five Elements Mountain Range,' three thousand miles southeast of the Sect. It opens once every thirty years and lasts for one month. Only Disciples at the Early Stage of the Foundation Establishment and below are allowed to enter.

The Spiritual Qi of the Five Elements within is chaotic, space is unstable, and there are many dangerous areas, but it also nurtures a large amount of Five Elements spiritual items, and there may even be Immortal Caves and Legacies left behind by ancient Cultivators," Peak Master Yue Lingyun said in a deep voice. "For you, Lin Wan, this Secret Realm is all the more crucial.

You have completed your Five Elements Foundation Establishment, and your Foundation is set, but you need a large amount of Five Elements spiritual items to consolidate your Dao Foundation and Cultivate Divine Abilities. If you can find treasures like 'Five Elements Spirit Marrow' or 'Origin Crystals,' it will be of immense benefit for your future condensation of the Golden Core."

"Disciple understands and will certainly do my best," Lin Wan said solemnly.

"However, Opportunity is often accompanied by risk." Peak Master Yue Lingyun changed the subject, his expression serious. "For this Secret Realm trip, every Peak will send elite Disciples, and the competition will inevitably be fierce.

More importantly, according to reliable information, the Demonic Path 'Yin Kui Sect' seems to have also learned of the Secret Realm's opening and may send Disciples to infiltrate or set ambushes on the periphery.

You must be extra careful; not only must you guard against the Yao Beasts and Restrictions within the Secret Realm, but you must also be wary of Disciples from other Sects, and especially... your own people."

He deliberately emphasized the words "your own people" and looked at Lin Wan with a gaze that seemed to carry deep meaning.

Lin Wan felt a jolt in his heart, knowing that his Revered Master was implying something and had likely heard some rumors.

"Revered Master, rest assured. Whoever dares to stab our Tianjian Peak people in the back, I, Old Lei, will be the first to twist off his head!" Third Senior Brother Lei Meng patted his chest, his voice booming like a bell.

Han Lingtian remained expressionless, but a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

Xu Feng frowned and said: "Revered Master, if the Demonic Path interferes, I fear this trip to the Secret Realm will be twice as dangerous. Should we join forces with other Peaks?"

"Join forces?" Peak Master Yue Lingyun sneered. "Those fellows in the Inner Sect would be doing well just not to stab us in the back.

Once you four enter, try to act together and look out for one another. But if you encounter irresistible danger or are forced to separate, then fight on your own and prioritize survival.

Remember, you only have a future if you return alive. The Sect will take thirty percent of what is obtained in the Secret Realm, and the rest belongs to the individual. If you can bring back special treasures or Legacies, the Sect will provide additional rewards."

"Yes!" the four replied in unison.

"This is the map of the Secret Realm and the token of entry." Peak Master Yue Lingyun waved his hand, and four Jade Slips and four five-colored tokens flew toward the four of them. "The map is a rough sketch drawn by past Disciples after their explorations, marking some known safe areas, dangerous zones, and locations where spiritual items might be produced, but the internal environment of the Secret Realm changes, so do not trust it completely.

The token is the proof of entry into the Secret Realm and also the teleportation anchor point for leaving; you must keep it safe. If it is lost, you may be trapped inside."

Lin Wan took the Jade Slip and the token.

The token felt warm and smooth to the touch, neither metal nor wood; the front was engraved with the characters "Five Elements," and the back featured complex cloud patterns.

Inside the Jade Slip was dense information comprising maps and written descriptions.

"The Secret Realm will officially open in three days, and the entrance is located at the 'Five-Colored Valley' in the Five Elements Mountain Range. You will set off tomorrow to arrive early and familiarize yourselves with the environment. Remember, act low-key and do not be ostentatious," Peak Master Yue Lingyun instructed finally. "Go and prepare yourselves."

"Disciple takes leave."

After exiting Lingyun Hall, the four did not separate immediately.

"Junior Brother, is this your first time entering a Secret Realm? Are you nervous?" Third Senior Brother Lei Meng put an arm around Lin Wan's shoulder and chuckled, "Don't worry, with Third Senior Brother here, I guarantee you'll be fine! If anyone dares to bully you, I'll flatten them with a hammer!"

He specialized in Body Refining, and his life-bound Magical Artifact was a pair of octagonal golden melon hammers with fierce power.

"Thank you, Third Senior Brother," Lin Wan said with a smile.

Third Senior Brother Lei Meng had a straightforward personality, had no ulterior motives, and was worth befriending.

"Junior Brother has a Five Elements Foundation Establishment and is not weak in strength, so self-preservation should be no problem," Xu Feng said gently. "However, in the Secret Realm, people's hearts are unpredictable, so you need to be more vigilant. Especially be careful of Formation traps; that bastard Zhao Yuan is most skilled in this."

"Fourth Senior Brother's warning is well-taken," Lin Wan nodded.

Han Lingtian, who had been silent, suddenly spoke, his voice cold: "In the Secret Realm, it is survival of the fittest. Do not be soft-hearted toward enemies. Kill when you should, to eliminate future trouble."

A chilling intent to kill was in his eyes; he was clearly a decisive person who did not hesitate to kill.

"I will respectfully follow Second Senior Brother's instruction." Lin Wan felt a jolt; this Second Senior Brother had likely stained his hands with quite a bit of blood.

The four exchanged a few more words, agreed on the time to meet at the mountain gate tomorrow, and then went their separate ways.

Upon returning to Qingyun Cottage, Lin Wan informed Liu Ruyan and Xiao Yun about the Secret Realm.

Although Liu Ruyan was worried, she knew this was a path Lin Wan had to take; she only softly instructed him to be careful in all things and stuffed a few bottles of healing and Qi-restoring Medicinal Pills she had recently refined into his hands.

Xiao Yun silently packed his luggage, preparing his change of clothes, dry rations, clean water, spare Talismans, and other items.

That night, Lin Wan did not Cultivate.

He accompanied Liu Ruyan, gently stroking her rounded abdomen, feeling the rhythm of the little life inside.

"Senior Brother, you must come back safely," Liu Ruyan leaned into his arms and whispered, "Qing Yao, this child, and I are all waiting for you."

"Rest assured, I will definitely come back," Lin Wan kissed her forehead and promised solemnly, "For the sake of you all, I will never let anything happen to me."

He went to check on the sleeping Qing Yao.

The little girl was sleeping soundly, her pink, tender mouth slightly open, emitting a steady breathing sound.

Lin Wan tucked the corner of the quilt for her, injected a wisp of pure Five Elements Spiritual Qi into her body, and quietly reinforced the Restriction on the protective spiritual jade she wore.

Finally, he called Nanny Zhao and Wang Tiezhu over and once again instructed them to take good care of the house; if there was an emergency, they were to immediately activate the Formation and seek help from Fourth Senior Brother Xu Feng or the Deacon Hall.

He also gave the secondary token to control the Formation and a portion of Spirit Stones to Liu Ruyan, just in case.

Everything was arranged properly, and it was already late at night.

Lin Wan sat alone in the quiet room, adjusting his state to the best.

He took out the Secret Realm Jade Slip and carefully studied the map and descriptions.

The Small Five Elements Secret Realm was said to be a place in ancient times where the Five Elements Spiritual Qi intersected; due to a great battle, space shattered, forming an unstable subsidiary small space.

Inside, the Five Elements Spiritual Qi was dense but unevenly distributed, and natural disasters such as Five Elements storms, volcanic eruptions, and Weak Water floods frequently erupted.

Many Five Elements attribute Spiritual Plants and minerals rare to the outside world grew there, and a large number of Yao Beasts that had adapted to the chaotic Five Elements environment also inhabited it, among which there were many Second Grade (equivalent to Foundation Establishment Stage) existences.

The map marked several relatively safe areas, such as "Gold Spirit Valley" (rich in Metal attribute Spiritual Qi, producing various Metal attribute spiritual minerals), "Wood Spirit Plain" (abundant in Wood attribute Spiritual Qi, many Spiritual Plants), "Water Spirit Lake," "Fire Spirit Mountain," "Earth Spirit Abyss," and so on.

There were also some dangerous zones, such as the "Five Elements Turbulent Zone" (unstable space, violent Five Elements Spiritual Qi), "Poisonous Miasma Swamp," "Earth Fire Lava River," etc., marked with skull icons.

There were even a few places suspected to be ancient ruins or Immortal Caves, but most were marked as "Unexplored" or "Extremely Dangerous."

"My goal is to find Five Elements spiritual items to consolidate my Dao Foundation and Cultivate Divine Abilities. The 'Geng Metal Essence' in Gold Spirit Valley, the 'heart of wood' in Wood Spirit Plain, the 'Kuei Water Spirit' in Water Spirit Lake, the 'Li Fire Crystal' in Fire Spirit Mountain, and the 'wu earth marrow' in Earth Spirit Abyss are all excellent choices. But these things will inevitably be targets for others to fight over," Lin Wan thought. "Perhaps I can try my luck at the 'Five Elements Intersection' first. That is a place where the Five Elements Spiritual Qi is balanced; although there are no top-grade spiritual items of specific attributes, it might nurture 'Five Elements Spirit Marrow,' a supreme treasure that balances the Five Elements and consolidates the Dao Foundation. However, that place is often the center of storms and is the most dangerous."

"In addition, I must be wary of others. Elder Li and Zhao Yuan might collude with people from Spirit Beast Mountain and Heavenly Array Peak to take action against me in the Secret Realm. I must be extra careful of the 'Formation Fanatic' Zhou Yiming, whom Senior Sister Qin Hongyu warned me about. The Demonic Path Yin Kui Sect is skilled in refining and controlling Puppets, which is hard to guard against..."

The potential dangers and opponents he might encounter flashed through Lin Wan's mind.

He silently deduced countermeasures for various situations and placed a few life-saving items in the most accessible positions: the remaining half-potency of the Perfect Foundation Establishment Pill (which could provide a temporary burst of power), the Sword Talisman gifted by Deacon Li Changfeng (containing three Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Sword Qi attacks), the protective spiritual jade (which he had given to Qing Yao, though he still had a few ordinary defensive Magical Artifacts), as well as a few Second Grade Escape Talismans and one-time attack Talismans exchanged from the System.

"System, bring up the currently exchangeable items that would be helpful for the Secret Realm trip," Lin Wan thought silently.

He had 10,000 Fortune Points left; he should use them when needed.

The System store refreshed and listed several items.

[Second Grade Low Grade Formation "Five Elements Bewildering Formation" (Formation Plate): Can trap enemies and bewilder, and interferes with Five Elements Spiritual Qi. Requires 2,000 Fortune Points.]

[Second Grade Low Grade Talisman "Five Elements Restriction Breaking Talisman" × 3: Can break most Restrictions and Formations below the Second Grade. Requires 1,500 Fortune Points.]

[Special Item "Void Tempering Eye" (one-time use): After use, it can see through most illusions, concealment, and Formation nodes; lasts for one stick of incense. Requires 2,500 Fortune Points.]

[Second Grade Medicinal Pill "Five Elements Heaven Returning Pill" × 1: Can quickly restore Five Elements Spiritual Qi and treat internal injuries caused by Five Elements attributes. Requires 1,000 Fortune Points.]

[Spirit Beast "Treasure Seeking Mouse" (cub): Has a special sensitivity to Five Elements spiritual items and is skilled at finding Heaven And Earth Treasure. Requires 3,000 Fortune Points.]

Lin Wan weighed his options for a moment and exchanged for the "Five Elements Bewildering Formation" Formation Plate, three "Five Elements Restriction Breaking Talismans," one "Void Tempering Eye," and one "Five Elements Heaven Returning Pill."

A total of 7,000 points were consumed, leaving 3,000 points for backup.

Although the Treasure Seeking Mouse was good, it took time to raise, and the environment in the Secret Realm was complex; carrying a cub would be a burden instead.

Four items in hand. The Formation Plate is palm-sized, pentagonal, and covered in runes. The "Five Elements Breaking Restriction Talisman" consists of three Talismans of different colors. The "Void Tempering Eye" is a transparent crystal the size of a dragon's eye, containing strange light. The "Five Elements Heaven Returning Pill" is a pill with five-colored light circulating.

Fully prepared, Lin Wan felt slightly relieved. He sat cross-legged to regulate his breathing, adjusting his spirit and energy to the Peak.

The next morning, the sky was slightly bright.

Lin Wan bid farewell to Liu Ruyan, Xiao Yun, and Qing Yao. The little girl seemed to know her father was going on a long journey, hugging Lin Wan's neck and refusing to let go, babbling incomprehensible words. Lin Wan coaxed her for a long time before handing her to Liu Ruyan.

"Wait for me to return." Lin Wan glanced at his wife and daughter one last time, turned around, flew on his sword, and transformed into a stream of light, flying towards the mountain gate.

At the Tianjian Peak mountain gate, Han Lingtian, Third Senior Brother Lei Meng, and Xu Feng had already arrived. Han Lingtian was still in his cold, stern manner, standing with his hands behind his back. Third Senior Brother Lei Meng was carrying two golden melon hammers, looking around. Xu Feng smiled and nodded at Lin Wan.

Besides the four of them, there were other Disciples from various Peaks gathered outside the mountain gate, about twenty or thirty people, all Foundation Establishment Stage Early Stage Cultivators who had obtained spots for the Secret Realm. Each had condensed aura and different expressions, some standing quietly alone, others whispering in small groups. Lin Wan could feel many gazes falling on him, some curious, some examining, and some with undisguised hostility.

He saw a few "acquaintances" in the crowd.

In the direction of Spirit Beast Mountain, a youth in brocade robes with an eagle-eyed and wolf-guarded look was chatting with a few people beside him, his gaze occasionally glancing towards the Tianjian Peak side, carrying a hint of amusement. A small, fiery-red, squirrel-like Spirit Beast was squatting on his shoulder, its eyes rolling around, full of Spiritual Qi. This person should be a true Disciple of Spirit Beast Mountain, a Disciple of Elder Sun.

Over at Heavenly Array Peak, a thin youth with an ordinary face but exceptionally bright eyes was carving something on a blue stone alone, ignoring everything around him. His fingertips flickered with Spiritual Qi, and the runes he carved were complex and profound, faintly inducing the surrounding Spiritual Qi. It was exactly "Array Fanatic" Zhou Yiming.

There were also Disciples from Danxia Peak, Divine Weapon Peak, Spirit Sound Peak, and other lineages. Although Lin Wan didn't know them, he could feel that there were many experts among them.

"Everyone is here, let's go." Han Lingtian said lightly, taking the lead to fly on his sword and heading southeast. Third Senior Brother Lei Meng, Xu Feng, and Lin Wan followed closely behind.

Disciples from other Peaks also moved one after another. For a time, twenty or thirty sword lights and escape lights of various colors shot into the sky, streaking across the horizon like a meteor shower, which was quite spectacular.

The Five Elements Mountain Range was three thousand miles away from the Qingyun Sect. For Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators, they could arrive in half a day if they traveled at full speed. However, to save Spiritual Qi to deal with the Secret Realm, they did not fly at full speed but maintained a relatively steady speed.

Along the way, Disciples from various Peaks were distinct, with little communication. The atmosphere was heavy and oppressive, like the calm before a storm. Everyone knew that once they entered the Secret Realm, their current fellow Disciples might become opponents fighting for their lives.

While flying, Lin Wan silently observed the people and terrain around him. He found that the Disciples of Spirit Beast Mountain and Heavenly Array Peak had a tendency to approach, and they often cast their gazes towards the Tianjian Peak side, especially at him. And that "Array Fanatic" Zhou Yiming looked at him many times, his eyes calm, yet it made Lin Wan feel a trace of inexplicable chill.

"I have really been targeted." Lin Wan sneered inwardly, secretly vigilant.

After flying for about four hours, a continuous, colorful mountain range appeared on the horizon ahead. Above the mountain range, the Five Elements Spiritual Qi was chaotic, forming streaks of colorful rays of light that intertwined and changed, which was a spectacular sight. It was exactly the Five Elements Mountain Range.

In the center of the mountain range, there was a huge valley, and the valley was filled with thick five-colored mist, which was the entrance to the Secret Realm — the Five-Colored Valley.

Everyone lowered their altitude and landed on a relatively flat open space at the entrance of the valley. At this time, more than a hundred people had gathered at the entrance. Besides the Qingyun Sect Disciples, there were also Cultivators from other Sects and Families, and even some people dressed as Loose Cultivators. Although the Small Five Elements Secret Realm was mainly controlled by the Qingyun Sect (the entrance was within the territory of the Qingyun Sect), each opening would release a small number of spots to friendly forces or outstanding Loose Cultivators in exchange for resources or favors.

The atmosphere at the entrance of the valley was even more tense. The various forces were guarding against each other, and a faint smell of gunpowder filled the air.

"At the noon hour, the Five Elements storm at the entrance of the Secret Realm is the weakest, which is the best time to enter." Xu Feng said to Lin Wan in a low voice, "There is still half an hour. Let's rest a bit and recover our Spiritual Qi."

The four found a relatively quiet corner to sit and meditate. Lin Wan took a Qi Returning Medicinal Pill to quickly recover the Spiritual Qi consumed during the flight, while releasing his Divine Sense to be vigilant about the movements around him.

He could feel at least four or five malicious Divine Senses sweeping over him. One of them was cold and obscure, carrying a faint Death Qi, which was probably from the Demonic Path Yin Kui Sect. There were two others, one hot and violent (Spirit Beast Mountain), and one dense and precise (Heavenly Array Peak).

"It seems that there are many people thinking about me." Lin Wan sneered inwardly, pretending not to know, and closed his eyes to rest.

Time passed bit by bit.

The five-colored mist in the valley rolled more violently, and there were faint sounds of wind and thunder. The sunlight at noon refracted a psychedelic color through the mist.

When the time came, the mist in the valley suddenly contracted inward, revealing a five-colored vortex with a diameter of about three zhang that was constantly rotating! Inside the vortex, it was bizarre, with faint phantoms of mountains, rivers, birds, and beasts visible, but it was extremely unstable, sometimes twisting, sometimes collapsing.

The entrance to the Secret Realm had opened!

"The entrance is open, those with tokens, enter quickly!" A Golden Core Elder of the Qingyun Sect floated in the air, his voice like thunder, spreading throughout the valley, "Remember, after one month, the entrance will open again for a moment. If you are late and do not return, you will be trapped inside and die, and you will bear the consequences yourself!"

As soon as the voice fell, the Cultivators who had been waiting for a long time immediately turned into streams of light, rushing into the five-colored vortex, and their figures disappeared instantly.

"Go!" Han Lingtian shouted in a low voice, and the four stood up at the same time, turning into sword lights, shooting towards the vortex.

At the moment of entering the vortex, Lin Wan felt that at least three sharp auras had locked onto him tightly. He snorted coldly in his heart, the Five Elements Foundation Establishment in his body circulated, and the five-colored Spiritual Qi flashed slightly, shaking off those auras, and then he plunged into the vortex.

The world spun, and time and space were twisted.

It was as if he had passed through a bizarre tunnel, countless fragments of scenes flashed before his eyes and disappeared quickly. After about ten breaths, his feet landed on solid ground.

Lin Wan immediately stabilized his figure and looked around vigilantly.

Before his eyes was a strange world. The sky was a strange five-colored color, like an overturned palette, constantly flowing and changing. The ground was a deep brownish-yellow, covered with cracked traces, and the air was filled with thick and chaotic Five Elements Spiritual Qi, sometimes hot, sometimes wet and cold, sometimes sharp, sometimes heavy, making people extremely uncomfortable.

Where he was seemed to be a wilderness, with no end in sight. In the distance, he could faintly see the shadows of mountains, forests, and lakes of different colors, but they were all shrouded in a faint mist and could not be seen clearly.

Han Lingtian, Third Senior Brother Lei Meng, and Xu Feng were not by his side. When entering the Secret Realm, the spatial teleportation was random. Unless there was a special positioning Magical Artifact or a pre-arranged meeting point, it was difficult to appear in the same location.

Lin Wan was not surprised. He took out the Secret Realm map Jade Slip, his Divine Sense sank into it, trying to determine his location. However, the internal environment of the Secret Realm seemed to be quite different from the records on the map. He looked at it for a long time, and could only roughly judge that he might be located in the western part of the Secret Realm, near the edge of the "Earth Spirit Abyss" and the "Five Elements Turbulent Area".

"Leave here first, find a relatively safe place, and then make plans." Lin Wan put away the Jade Slip, chose a direction, and performed "Floating Light Sweeping Shadow", his figure sweeping out like light smoke. He did not fly on his sword. The Five Elements Spiritual Qi above the Secret Realm was chaotic, and there were unknown dangers, so walking on foot was safer.

After walking for about ten miles, a sparse forest of dead trees appeared in front. The trees in the forest had strange shapes, and their bodies were scorched black, as if they had been burned by thunder and fire, but they were growing stubbornly, their branches twisted like ghost claws.

Lin Wan was about to go around, when suddenly a warning sign arose in his heart! He didn't even think about it, and his figure retreated rapidly!

"Boom!"

A yellow earth spike as thick as a water bucket broke out of the ground without warning where he had just stood! The earth spike was sharp, exuding heavy and condensed earth-type Spiritual Qi. If he was pierced, even with the protective Spiritual Qi of the Foundation Establishment Stage, he would be injured.

Immediately afterwards, the surrounding ground surged violently, and dozens of earth spikes emerged like bamboo shoots after rain, forming a simple trapping Formation, surrounding Lin Wan! At the same time, three gray figures walked out from behind three dead trees, forming a triangular position, surrounding him in the center.

All three were Foundation Establishment Stage Early Stage Cultivators, wearing uniform gray tight-fitting suits, with a ferocious ghost face pattern embroidered on their chests, their eyes were empty, their faces were stiff, and their bodies exuded a faint Death Qi and the unique Spiritual Qi fluctuations of a Puppet.

Yin Kui Sect! And three Foundation Establishment Stage combat Puppets!

"Found me so quickly?" Lin Wan's eyes were cold. It seemed that as soon as he entered the Secret Realm, he was located by some people using special means. Being able to drive three Foundation Establishment Puppets to ambush here, the handwriting was not small.

"Kill." One of the Puppets made a stiff syllable in its mouth.

The three Puppets moved at the same time! One pressed its hands on the ground, the ground shook again, countless gravel flew up, turning into stone spears and shooting! One opened its mouth to spray a stream of foul green poisonous mist, which permeated and corroded the Spiritual Qi! The last one flashed, approached like a ghost, its fingernails grew three feet long, black and shiny, carrying highly poisonous and corpse evil Qi, digging directly at Lin Wan's heart!

The cooperation was tacit, attacking and defending as one, obviously it was a killing Puppet that had been specially refined.

However, was Lin Wan an easy person to deal with? After his Foundation Establishment, his strength skyrocketed, and he just wanted to find someone to try his hand.

"Looking for death!"

He gave a low drink, not retreating but advancing, facing the Puppet that came close, and punched out! The punch came out, without wind or sound, but on the surface of the fist, five-colored light circulated, with the heavy, mountain-like earth-type Spiritual Qi as the main, the sharp, unparalleled metal-type Spiritual Qi as the edge, and the softness of water, the vitality of wood, and the explosiveness of fire contained within!

Five Elements Fist!

"Clang — —!!!"

The fist collided with the black sharp claws, making a huge sound of gold and iron! The sharp claws of that Puppet were actually bent and cracked by one punch! The Puppet's body shook violently, flew backwards, its chest collapsed in a large piece, and the red light in its eyes dimmed.

At the same time, Lin Wan pinched the formula with his left hand and whispered: "Gui Water, Vortex!"

A light blue water-type Spiritual Qi gushed out, turning into a rapidly rotating water vortex around him. The stone spears that shot in entered the water vortex, as if falling into a quagmire, their speed dropped sharply, their direction deviated, and they flew past Lin Wan's body. The green poisonous mist was also stirred and diluted by the water vortex, unable to get close to his body.

"Geng Metal, Sword Rain!"

Lin Wan's right hand sword finger guided, the Flowing Light Sword came out of its sheath, and instantly divided into dozens of light golden Sword Qi, shooting towards the other two Puppets and the surrounding earth spike Formation like a rainstorm!

The Sword Qi was unparalleled in sharpness, containing the true meaning of the metal element. Wherever it passed, the earth spikes broke one after another, and the two Puppets were also forced to retreat by the Sword Qi, leaving traces of sword marks on their bodies. Although not deep, the operation of Spiritual Qi had already become sluggish.

"Five Elements Confusion, Rise!"

Taking this Opportunity, Lin Wan threw out the "Five Elements Confusion Formation" Formation Plate that he had already held in his hand, and the Spiritual Qi was stimulated! The Formation Plate landed, expanded instantly, and turned into a five-colored mist with a radius of thirty zhang, covering the three Puppets and the surrounding area! In the mist, the Five Elements Spiritual Qi was chaotic, the direction was lost, and the Divine Sense was blocked.

The three Puppets were suddenly like headless flies, wandering around in the Formation, and their attacks lost their targets.

Lin Wan's figure merged into the mist, like a ghost. He appeared behind the Puppet with the collapsed chest, the Flowing Light Sword flashed, the sword body covered with crimson fire, a simple "Fire Cloud Piercing Heart", pierced in from the back of its head, and pierced out from the forehead! The Sword Qi erupted, instantly destroying the control core inside its head!

The red light in the Puppet's eyes went out, it stood still, and then turned into a pile of parts and scattered.

The other two Puppets seemed to have sensed it, made angry roars, and rushed towards the direction where Lin Wan was. But Lin Wan had already changed his position, appeared on the flank of one of them, handed the sword to his left hand, opened his right hand's five fingers, and the five-colored light condensed and compressed in his palm, turning into a five-colored light ball the size of a fist.

"Five Elements Explosion!"

The light ball left his hand, hit the Puppet's chest like lightning, and exploded with a bang! Gold, wood, water, fire, and earth, the Five Elements Spiritual Qi erupted instantly, generating and restraining each other, producing destructive power far exceeding single-attribute Spells! A big hole was blown in the Puppet's chest, parts splashed, it stumbled a few steps, and fell to the ground.

The last Puppet saw that the situation was not good and turned to flee. But how could Lin Wan let it go? His figure flickered, "Floating Light Sweeping Shadow" was performed to the extreme, he arrived first after starting later, blocking in front of the Puppet, the Flowing Light Sword drew an obscure arc, and the five-colored Sword Qi intertwined, which was the killing move of the initial Fusion of the five elements sword Qi — — Five Elements Returning Origin Slash!

The sword light swept past, and the last Puppet was neatly split into two from head to toe, the cut was smooth, and the Spiritual Qi was exhausted.

From being attacked to the end, it took less than ten breaths. Three Foundation Establishment Stage Early Stage Yin Kui Sect killing Puppets were all executed.

Lin Wan stood with his sword, his face as usual, but his breath was slightly panting. He quickly checked the battlefield, found three control cores and a few Mid-Grade Spirit Stones (the power source of the Puppets) from the remains of the Puppets, and put them away. He carefully sensed the surroundings again to confirm that there were no other ambushes.

"Yin Kui Sect... It seems that there is indeed more than just the Qingyun Sect people in the Secret Realm. And they seem to have a way to track me." Lin Wan's eyes were cold, "Is it Zhao Yuan? Or Spirit Beast Mountain? Or... both?"

He did not stay any longer, quickly left this place, and accelerated away in the direction he had chosen before.

First entering the Secret Realm, he was attacked and killed.

This trip to the Secret Realm was indeed full of murderous intent at every step.

However, it also quietly ignited Lin Wan's Battle Intent.

The first battle after the Five Elements Foundation Establishment was clean and neat.

This Secret Realm will become a trial ground for him to hone his edge and seize the Opportunity.

And those enemies hiding in the dark will also become souls under his sword, or... stepping stones.