10: Inner Sect Trial Qualification, Secret Realm Opening

The moonlight at the hour of Chou was like frost, scattering over the Outer Sect Disciple dormitory area of Tianling Academy. It was so quiet that only the rustling of wind through the leaves could be heard. Inside Lu Chen's dormitory, candlelight flickered as he sat cross-legged on the bed, his fingertips glowing with a faint Spiritual Qi, immersed in the Cultivation of the Swift Wind Sword Manual. The compatibility between the sword manual and the Lightning Movement Technique far exceeded expectations. In just a few hours, he had already initially mastered three basic sword forms, his spiritual power circulated more smoothly, and his Qi Refining Second Layer cultivation showed faint signs of a Breakthrough.

"Thump, thump, thump—" A gentle knock on the door broke the silence.

Lu Chen withdrew his Cultivation and got up, opening the door to see Elder Li Ping's personal Disciple standing outside, holding an ancient wooden box in his hands: "Senior Brother Lu, the Elder asked me to deliver the Inner Sect Trial token and supplies. He wants you to gather at the mountain gate on time tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, Junior Brother." Lu Chen took the wooden box and cupped his hands in thanks.

The wooden box opened, revealing a pitch-black token lying quietly inside. The front was engraved with the four characters "Inner Sect Trial," and the back had intricate Formation patterns, emitting faint Spiritual Qi fluctuations. Beside it were three High Grade Detoxification Pills, two Defense Talisman, and a folded silk map, which was a detailed route map of the Black Wind Valley Secret Realm.

What interested Lu Chen the most was a jade pendant at the bottom of the wooden box—the jade pendant was greenish-blue, warm to the touch, and carved with a lotus flower. It was precisely the defensive jade pendant Elder Li Ping had mentioned. He picked up the jade pendant, and as his fingertips touched it, the jade pendant emitted a faint green light, resonating mysteriously with the Incomplete Runic Record in his embrace. Some ancient runes on the Runic Record even lit up, subtly echoing the patterns on the jade pendant.

"This jade pendant is actually related to the Runic Record?" Lu Chen's heart stirred, and he remembered Elder Li Ping's admonition that "the core Formation of the Secret Realm cannot be broken by brute force." He instantly understood. This jade pendant was definitely not an ordinary Magical Artifact for defense; it was probably the key to breaking the core Formation of the Secret Realm, and the runes on the Incomplete Runic Record might be the key to interpreting the Formation.

He carefully put away the jade pendant close to his body and his gaze fell on the Secret Realm map. The trial area marked on the map was deep within Black Wind Valley, roughly overlapping with the markings on the last page of the Lightning Movement Technique. The location of the "Thunder Eye" was marked as the core of the Secret Realm, with a red note next to it saying "Surrounded by Formations, enter with caution."

"It seems this Thunder Eye is not only a place coveted by the Blood Shadow Sect but also the core of the Secret Realm." Lu Chen mused, putting away the map. He could sense that this Inner Sect Trial would not be peaceful. The Evil Cultivators of the Blood Shadow Sect, the malicious Zhang Hao, and the dangers of the Secret Realm itself would all be huge tests.

Just then, a faint rustle of footsteps came from outside the door, followed by Lin Xiaoya's slightly shy voice: "Senior Brother Lu, are you asleep?"

Lu Chen opened the door to see Lin Xiaoya holding a lantern, standing under the moonlight, with a hint of apprehension on her face: "I... I also qualified for the Inner Sect Trial. I wanted to ask if you could team up with me tomorrow? I know you're strong, and I won't hold you back; I can even help you with some chores."

Looking at the anticipation and unease in her eyes, Lu Chen remembered Lin Xiaoya's kindness and resilience from previous missions and smiled, nodding: "Of course. With Junior Sister Lin accompanying me, I'll feel more at ease too."

Hearing this, Lin Xiaoya's face instantly bloomed into a joyful smile, as captivating as a flower under the moonlight: "That's great! Then I'll wait for you at the mountain gate tomorrow morning."

After seeing Lin Xiaoya off, Lu Chen returned to his room and picked up the defensive jade pendant and the Incomplete Runic Record again. As the jade pendant drew closer to the Runic Record, more runes lit up, subtly forming a simple Formation trajectory. He tried to circulate Spiritual Qi to activate the jade pendant, and the runes on the Runic Record actually transformed into streaks of light, condensing into a tiny rune mark on his fingertips. When it touched the jade pendant, the jade pendant's defensive light instantly intensified several times over.

"So that's how it is. The runes and the jade pendant complement each other, enhancing defense and deciphering Formations." Lu Chen was overjoyed, his confidence in the Secret Realm's core Formation growing. He put away the Runic Record and the jade pendant together, sat cross-legged again, and circulated the Breathing Technique to consolidate his Cultivation, preparing for tomorrow's trial.

As the night deepened, in another corner of the dormitory area, Zhang Hao's room was brightly lit, and the atmosphere was oppressive. He sat at the table, his face gloomy, staring at the sound transmission Jade Slip in his hand, his fingertips white from gripping it tightly.

"The Blood Shadow Sect people have agreed to cooperate and ambush Lu Chen in the Secret Realm," Zhang Hao's follower whispered. "They will set an ambush near the Thunder Eye. As long as Lu Chen enters the core area, he's dead for sure."

"Very good." Zhang Hao's lips curled into a cruel smile, and a crazy light flashed in his eyes. "Lu Chen, you ruined my reputation, stole my Opportunity. Tomorrow will be your death day! The position of Inner Sect Core Disciple will ultimately be mine!"

He gripped a black token tightly, which was the contact token given by the Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators. The skull and blood shadow pattern on it looked particularly sinister under the candlelight.

The next morning, at the first hint of dawn, more than twenty Outer Sect Disciple who had qualified for the Inner Sect Trial had already gathered at the Tianling Academy mountain gate. Elder Li Ping stood at the front, sternly admonishing: "Within the Secret Realm, Yao Beast, traps, and Evil Cultivators may all appear. Your goal is to obtain the 'thunder spirit fruit' at the core of the Secret Realm, and at the same time, investigate the traces of the Blood Shadow Sect. Remember, life is paramount. If you encounter an insurmountable danger, you can crush the trial token for emergency teleportation to leave."

Lu Chen and Lin Xiaoya stood in the crowd, their gazes sweeping over the other Disciple, finding that Wang Hao and Zhao Kai were also among them. When the two saw Lu Chen, they quickly came forward to greet him, agreeing to look out for each other in the Secret Realm. Zhang Hao, on the other hand, stood at the other end of the crowd with two followers, his eyes filled with gloom and unconcealed killing intent as he looked at Lu Chen.

Lu Chen understood that Zhang Hao must have set up a conspiracy in the Secret Realm, but he was not afraid. Now he had the three great Cultivation Technique of Lightning Movement Technique, Swift Wind Sword Manual, and Hard Strength Introduction, as well as the defensive jade pendant and the Incomplete Runic Record for enhancement. His strength was no longer what it used to be; even if he encountered Zhang Hao and the Blood Shadow Sect's combined forces, he would still have the power to fight.

"Depart!" Elder Li Ping commanded, waving his hand to activate the teleportation Formation at the mountain gate. The teleportation Formation glowed brightly, enveloping the more than twenty Disciple. Lu Chen only felt the world spin, his body seemingly pulled by an invisible force, instantly Transmitting through space.

When he stood firm again, he was already at the entrance of the Black Wind Valley Secret Realm. Unlike the pervasive poisonous miasma outside the valley, the Spiritual Qi inside the Secret Realm was exceptionally dense, with lush vegetation and blooming flowers, and the air carried a faint, clear fragrance of spiritual power. Distant mountains were shrouded in mist, and a faint flash of lightning could be seen in the clouds, which was the direction of the Thunder Eye.

"Such dense Spiritual Qi!" Lin Xiaoya couldn't help but exclaim, taking a deep breath, feeling her body's spiritual power become active.

The other Disciple also showed expressions of pleasant surprise, eager to delve deeper into the Secret Realm to seek Opportunity. Only Lu Chen remained vigilant; he could feel that this seemingly peaceful Secret Realm harbored unknown dangers. Besides Spiritual Qi, the air also contained a faint, almost imperceptible scent of blood, indicating that a Cultivator had met with misfortune here.

"Everyone be careful, disperse and act, and remember to maintain contact." A Disciple at the Peak of Qi Refining Level Three said loudly, taking the lead and walking towards the depths of the Secret Realm. The other Disciple also scattered, forming their own teams to search for the thunder spirit fruit.

"Senior Brother Lu, which way should we go?" Lin Xiaoya asked.

Lu Chen looked in the direction of the Thunder Eye and said solemnly: "Let's head directly to the core of the Secret Realm. The thunder spirit fruit is most likely there, and I suspect the Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators are also active nearby, so we can investigate them at the same time."

Wang Hao and Zhao Kai exchanged glances and nodded: "We'll listen to Senior Brother Lu and go to the core area together."

Soon after the four set off, they heard sounds of fighting not far away. Lu Chen signaled for everyone to conceal themselves and quietly approached to investigate. They saw three Outer Sect Disciple being attacked by a second-tier Yao Beast, a "Thunderfang Wild Boar." The Yao Beast was enormous, its tusks flashing with lightning, and its charge was extremely powerful. The three Disciple gradually faltered, their lives hanging by a thread.

"Should we help?" Lin Xiaoya asked worriedly.

"Fellow Disciples are in trouble, we should help." Before Lu Chen finished speaking, his figure shot out like lightning. The Lightning Movement Technique operated at its maximum, and he instantly appeared behind the Thunderfang Wild Boar. Without a longsword in hand, he channeled the Spiritual Qi of the Swift Wind Sword Manual, his fingertips condensing into an invisible sword energy, and fiercely stabbed at the Yao Beast's weak point—its eye.

"Owoo!" The Thunderfang Wild Boar cried out in pain, letting out a roar, and turned to pounce on Lu Chen. Lu Chen calmly dodged, while shouting: "Three Junior Brothers, attack its abdomen!"

The three Disciple, as if waking from a dream, quickly circulated Spiritual Qi to attack the Yao Beast's abdomen. Wang Hao and Zhao Kai also stepped forward to assist. With the combined efforts of the five, the Thunderfang Wild Boar was slain not long after.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Lu, for saving us!" The three Disciple cupped their hands in gratitude, their faces full of thanks.

"No need to be polite." Lu Chen waved his hand, his gaze falling on the Thunderfang Wild Boar's corpse. He noticed that its tusks contained pure lightning power, which was an excellent Material for Cultivating the Swift Wind Sword Manual. He put away the tusks and said to everyone: "The Secret Realm is dangerous. How about we travel together to look out for each other?"

The three Disciple readily agreed, expanding the team to The seven people, who steadily advanced towards the core of the Secret Realm. Along the way, they encountered many low-level Yao Beast. Lu Chen, relying on his exquisite movement technique and sword moves, always charged at the forefront, slaying Yao Beast and protecting his companions, earning everyone's respect.

Not far behind the team, Zhang Hao watched from a distance with his followers, a sinister glint in his eyes: "Fools, still wasting time saving people. Once you enter the core area, I'll make sure all of you are buried here!" He turned and instructed his follower, "Send a message to the Blood Shadow Sect people, tell them to prepare near the Thunder Eye. Lu Chen will be there soon."

The follower nodded, took out a sound transmission Jade Slip, and sent the message. A black spiritual light flew out from the Jade Slip and disappeared into the depths of the Secret Realm.

Lu Chen keenly noticed the commotion behind him. When he looked back, he only saw a dense forest, with nothing unusual. He sneered inwardly, knowing that Zhang Hao was secretly monitoring him, but did not expose it—he had long been prepared, just waiting for Zhang Hao and the Blood Shadow Sect people to fall into his trap.

As they continued deeper, the Spiritual Qi in the Secret Realm became denser, and the aura of lightning in the air grew stronger. The distant mountains gradually became clear, and a huge canyon appeared before their eyes. In the center of the canyon was a towering stone platform, surrounded by complex Formation patterns—this was the core of the Secret Realm. At the top of the stone platform, several fruits glowing with lightning could vaguely be seen, which were the thunder spirit fruit.

"That's the Thunder Eye!" Lin Xiaoya pointed at the stone platform, her eyes filled with surprise.

Lu Chen, however, looked solemn. He could feel that the Formation patterns contained powerful spiritual power, echoing the aura of the defensive jade pendant. And in the air around the Formation, there was a faint scent of blood and an evil spiritual energy fluctuation—the Blood Shadow Sect people had arrived.

He gripped the defensive jade pendant and the Incomplete Runic Record in his embrace and said to everyone: "Everyone be careful. The Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators are nearby, and the Formation is also very dangerous. Everything listen to my command."

Just then, several dark figures suddenly rushed out from the mountain forests on both sides of the canyon. Leading them were the two Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators encountered earlier in Black Wind Valley, followed by four black-clothed Cultivator, all at Qi Refining Level Three cultivation, with skull and blood shadow tokens hanging from their waists.

"Lu Chen, we meet again!" The Evil Cultivator on the left spoke coldly, his eyes full of killing intent. "I didn't expect you to dare come to the core of the Secret Realm. Today, you will come but not return!"

Zhang Hao's voice also came from the shadows. He slowly walked out, a sinister smile on his face: "Lu Chen, do you think you're very clever? Little do you know, you've already fallen into my trap!"

Lu Chen looked at the situation before him. Instead of panicking, he revealed a smile: "Zhang Hao, Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators, do you think with these people, you can stop me? Today, I will catch all of you in one fell swoop!"

His spiritual power instantly erupted, and the Lightning Movement Technique was pushed to its limit. His figure shot out like lightning, and the sword energy of the Swift Wind Sword Manual condensed in his hand, striking directly at the leading Evil Cultivator. A great battle revolving around the thunder spirit fruit and the core of the Secret Realm thus began. And the defensive jade pendant and the Incomplete Runic Record in Lu Chen's hand were about to play a crucial role, breaking the core Formation of the Secret Realm and uncovering the ultimate secret of the Thunder Eye.