187: The Myriad Immortals' Secret Realm, where the Five Elements Gather

The entrance to the Myriad Immortals Secret Realm at midnight stood amidst the continuous ancient mountain ranges. The entrance was a massive stone gate, dozens of zhang high, carved from a single piece of Ancient Blackstone. The stone gate was covered with Five Elements Runes, where the patterns of the five attributes—Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—intertwined with each other, forming a complex ancient Restriction that exuded a majestic and ancient aura. In front of the stone gate was a wide platform covered in cracks, clearly the result of erosion over ten thousand years and the struggles of countless Cultivators.

When Lu Chen's group of five arrived, two groups of people had already gathered on the platform. One group consisted of three Lingxiao Sect Disciples, led by a young man in red Daoist robes with an arrogant Face and sharp eyes. Hanging from his waist was a Crimson Spirit Key; he was the holder of the Fire Key—Lingxiao Sect Inner Sect Disciple Chi Yan. His cultivation was at the Peak Soul Transformation Stage, and the two Disciples beside him were both in the Late Stage Soul Transformation, their auras condensed and clearly elites of the Lingxiao Sect.

The other group was a middle-aged Cultivator in gray linen clothes, alone, carrying a giant axe on his back. Hanging from his waist was a Yellow Spirit Key; he was the holder of the Earth Key—Loose Cultivator Stone Firm. His cultivation was also at the Peak Soul Transformation Stage, his aura as steady as a mountain, and his eyes held a hint of vigilance, clearly a powerful Loose Cultivator who had trained alone for many years.

"I didn't expect anyone else to find spirit keys besides us." When Chi Yan saw Lu Chen's group, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes, which then turned into disdain. "Just a few Ascended Cultivators and a Yaochi Saintess, yet you also want to lay hands on the opportunities of the Myriad Immortals Secret Realm?"

Stone Firm, however, observed the five people with a solemn gaze. Especially when he saw the holy spirit token at Lu Chen's waist and the jade pendant in the Immortal of Luo Water's hand, a strange look flashed in his eyes, but he said nothing.

Lu Chen stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "I am Lu Chen, here with my four Dao Companions, holding the three spirit keys of Gold, Wood, and Water. The opportunities of the Secret Realm are for those destined to find them; why bother distinguishing between high and low status?"

"For those destined?" Chi Yan sneered. "The Myriad Immortals Secret Realm is of such importance; how can we allow you Ascended Cultivators of unknown origin to lay hands on it? If you know what's good for you, leave the spirit keys and depart quickly, otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite!"

As he spoke, Chi Yan circulated the Fire Spirit Power within his body. Crimson spiritual power surged around him, and the fire-attribute runes on the stone gate seemed to sense it, flickering slightly. The two Lingxiao Sect Disciples beside him also moved at the same time, their spiritual power locking onto Lu Chen's group, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.

"Are the Disciples of the Lingxiao Sect always this way, bullying others with their power?" A flash of anger appeared in Yu Lan's eyes as she quietly circulated her Wood-attribute Spiritual Power. "The Restriction at the Secret Realm entrance requires the simultaneous resonance of the Five Elements spirit keys to open. Even if you forcibly take our spirit keys, you might not be able to enter the Secret Realm."

The Sea Cultivation Saintess also said in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist Chi Yan, as fellow Righteous Path Cultivators, we should support each other rather than kill each other. The Myriad Immortals Secret Realm is full of dangers. Only by working together can we seize the opportunities; otherwise, we will only let others reap the benefits."

Stone Firm also spoke up, "Fellow Daoist Chi Yan, this young lady is right. Opportunities and dangers coexist within the Secret Realm. It is difficult to reach the end by relying on one's own strength alone. Why don't we join forces and enter the Secret Realm together? The opportunities obtained will be distributed according to contribution. How about it?"

Chi Yan's expression changed, as he clearly understood that not a single one of the Five Elements spirit keys could be missing. He snorted coldly and withdrew his spiritual power. "Since Fellow Daoist Stone has spoken, I will give you Face. But after entering the Secret Realm, if we encounter treasures, my Lingxiao Sect must have the first pick, otherwise, don't blame me for turning hostile!"

Lu Chen sneered inwardly but did not argue. He knew that now was not the time for disputes; getting into the Secret Realm was the priority.

At that moment, the Immortal of Luo Water suddenly spoke: "My Yaochi has a secret technique that can sense the aura of the spirit keys and the opportunities within the Secret Realm. I have just sensed that the mechanism corresponding to the Wood Key is behind the stone wall on the left side of the gate. It requires Miss Yu Lan and me to join forces to crack it."

Everyone followed the Immortal of Luo Water's gaze and saw a blurred wood-attribute rune carved on the stone wall to the left of the gate, faintly echoing the patterns on the Wood Key.

"There's no time to lose. Let's first crack the mechanism and open the Secret Realm entrance," Lu Chen said.

The Immortal of Luo Water and Yu Lan nodded and walked to the stone wall together. The Immortal of Luo Water circulated her Yaochi Immortal Power, and a soft white light enveloped the runes on the stone wall; Yu Lan then urged her Wood Origin Power, and green spiritual power flowed along the runes. The two powers intertwined, creating a strong resonance with the Wood Key, and the runes on the stone wall instantly erupted with a dazzling green light.

"Kacha!"

The stone wall slowly cracked open, revealing a slot. Yu Lan placed the Wood Key into the slot, which instantly lit up. A green pillar of light shot into the sky, echoing the wood-attribute runes on the stone gate.

Next, Chi Yan embedded the Fire Key into the fire-attribute slot on the right side of the stone gate, and a crimson pillar of light lit up. Stone Firm embedded the Earth Key into the earth-attribute slot at the bottom of the stone gate, and a yellow pillar of light lit up. The Sea Cultivation Saintess embedded the water key into the water-attribute slot at the top of the stone gate, and a blue pillar of light lit up. The Immortal of Luo Water embedded the Gold Key into the gold-attribute slot in the center of the stone gate, and a golden pillar of light lit up.

The five pillars of light lit up simultaneously, intertwining to form a five-colored light screen that enveloped the entire stone gate. The Five Elements Runes on the stone gate flowed violently, and the ancient Restriction was activated, making a buzzing sound. The platform began to tremble violently as countless amounts of Spiritual Qi surged from underground, converging onto the stone gate.

"Five Elements Spirit Keys, resonate as one! Open the Secret Realm, reach the Myriad Immortals!" Lu Chen gave a low shout, and the five of them simultaneously circulated their spiritual power, injecting it into the light screen.

The brilliance of the five-colored light screen became increasingly intense, and the stone gate slowly opened, revealing a deep passage. The Spiritual Qi inside the passage was so thick it almost had substance, exuding the aura of an ancient Legacy. Faint spiritual light could be seen flickering deep within the passage, clearly the scene inside the Secret Realm.

Just as the stone gate opened, a golden stream of light flew out of the passage and landed in Lu Chen's hand, turning into an ancient and simple booklet. It was the Secret Realm Treasure Seeking Art. The booklet recorded methods on how to sense the aura of treasures in the Secret Realm, crack ancient mechanisms, and avoid dangerous areas, making it extremely practical.

"Great! The Secret Realm is open!" Yu Lan's eyes were full of joy.

Chi Yan was impatient to enter the passage, but Lu Chen stopped him. "Fellow Daoist Chi Yan, the Secret Realm is full of dangers. We should form an alliance to look out for each other. If we encounter Heavenly Demon Valley or other evil sect Cultivators, we can deal with them together."

A flash of hesitation appeared in Chi Yan's eyes. Although he looked down on Lu Chen and the others, he also knew the dangers within the Secret Realm. He pondered for a moment and nodded, "We can form an alliance, but if we encounter treasures, my Lingxiao Sect must have priority in picking."

"Distribution according to contribution is only fair," Stone Firm said. "Fellow Daoist Lu Chen has extraordinary strength, the Immortal of Luo Water is proficient in secret techniques, and the other ladies also have their own divine abilities. If it weren't for you all, the stone gate might not have opened so smoothly. Treasure distribution should be based on strength and contribution."

Lu Chen smiled and said, "What Fellow Daoist Stone said is exactly right. Why don't we agree that treasures found in the Secret Realm will first be picked by the discoverer? If they are seized together, they will be split equally or through negotiation. If we encounter danger, we will support each other and must not abandon our allies without permission."

The Immortal of Luo Water, Yu Lan, and the other two women nodded one after another, and Stone Firm also agreed. Although Chi Yan was dissatisfied, he knew his side only had three people. If they didn't form an alliance, they might not gain any advantage, so he could only reluctantly agree.

The five of them, plus the two Lingxiao Sect Disciples and Stone Firm, formed a team of The seven people and walked towards the Secret Realm passage. The light inside the passage was dim, and the stone walls on both sides were covered with ancient murals, depicting the creators of the Myriad Immortals Secret Realm fighting ancient Yao Beasts, cultivating, and searching for treasures, filled with a sense of mystery.

As Lu Chen walked, he circulated the Secret Realm Treasure Seeking Art, sensing the aura of nearby treasures. He could clearly feel that there were several spots deep in the passage with thick Spiritual Qi fluctuations, clearly hiding many rare immortal Materials. At the same time, he also detected a faint blood fiend qi, as if remnants of the Heavenly Demon Valley were lurking within the Secret Realm.

"Everyone be careful, there are people from the Heavenly Demon Valley lurking in this passage," Lu Chen warned, a hint of vigilance flashing in his eyes.

Hearing this, everyone raised their vigilance and circulated their spiritual power, guarding against their surroundings. Chi Yan snorted coldly, "The rats of the Heavenly Demon Valley dare to join the fun in the Myriad Immortals Secret Realm? If I encounter them, I will certainly cut them into ten thousand pieces!"

The Immortal of Luo Water walked to Lu Chen's side and whispered, "I also sensed the blood fiend qi; it seems to be in the hidden compartment on the right side of the passage. We need to act carefully and not startle the snake by beating the grass."

Lu Chen nodded, quite appreciative of the Immortal of Luo Water's attentiveness. He could feel that as their time together increased, the tacit understanding between him and the Immortal of Luo Water was growing deeper, and his feelings were quietly warming up.

At that moment, a soft sound suddenly came from the hidden compartment on the right side of the passage, and a dark figure pounced towards Chi Yan like lightning. The dark figure was dressed in a black tight-fitting suit, wearing a mask, and holding an evil blade that exuded thick blood fiend qi. It was a lurker from the Heavenly Demon Valley.

"You're looking for death!" Chi Yan reacted extremely quickly, circulating his Fire Spirit Power to condense a flame longsword and slashing at the dark figure.

The dark figure was agile, dodging the flame longsword and thrusting a blade back towards Chi Yan's chest. Chi Yan dodged to the side but was wounded on the arm by the dark figure's evil blade. Blood flowed instantly, and a black toxic mist rose from the wound; the evil blade was clearly quenched with potent poison.

"It's poisonous!" Chi Yan's Face changed, and he quickly circulated his spiritual power to force out the poison.

Seeing this, Lu Chen immediately acted. He circulated his Holy Spirit Power, condensing gold and black spiritual light in his palm and striking at the dark figure. The dark figure felt the threat of the Holy Spirit Power, a flash of fear appeared in his eyes, and he tried to dodge but was locked onto by the Immortal of Luo Water's Jade Pool Immortal Light.

"Yaochi Secret Art: Purification!" The Immortal of Luo Water shouted, and a soft white light enveloped the dark figure. The blood fiend qi dissipated rapidly, and the dark figure's movements became sluggish.

Yu Lan took the Opportunity to perform the Sacred Word Art, her golden sound waves impacting the dark figure's Divine Soul; the Sea Cultivation Saintess drew upon water vapor to bind the dark figure's limbs; the Ice Clan Saintess froze the dark figure's feet; and Stone Firm swung his giant axe, a yellow axe light slashing towards the dark figure.

Under the combined attack of the five, the dark figure had no power to resist. He was struck by Stone Firm's axe, and his body turned into a wisp of black smoke, dissipating in the passage. Only a black token remained, engraved with the Heavenly Demon Valley totem.

"It seems the Heavenly Demon Valley is indeed determined to get the Myriad Immortals Secret Realm, having sent people to lurk inside in advance," Stone Firm said with a solemn Face as he picked up the token.

Chi Yan circulated his spiritual power to force the toxins out of his body. Looking at Lu Chen's group, the disdain in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a hint of recognition. "Thank you, Fellow Daoists, for your assistance."

"Allies should look out for each other," Lu Chen smiled. "There may be many more similar lurkers in the Secret Realm; we must be even more careful."

The group continued forward. The Spiritual Qi in the passage became thicker, and the murals became clearer. Through the Secret Realm Treasure Seeking Art, Lu Chen sensed that the aura of a treasure not far ahead was extremely thick; it seemed to be a Thousand-Year Immortal Ganoderma.

"There's a treasure ahead; let's go take a look," Lu Chen said.

The group quickened their pace and came to a fork in the passage. In the left fork, a golden ganoderma was indeed growing, exuding thick Spiritual Qi. It was a thousand-year golden ganoderma, a rare material for refining High Grade Medicinal Pills.

"It's a thousand-year golden ganoderma!" A flash of greed appeared in Chi Yan's eyes, and he wanted to step forward to pluck it.

"This gold ganoderma was sensed by Fellow Daoist Lu Chen; it should belong to him," Stone Firm spoke up, stopping Chi Yan.

Chi Yan's Face darkened. "It's just an immortal ganoderma; why be so serious?"

"The agreed-upon distribution according to contribution must naturally be followed," the Immortal of Luo Water said. "If even this rule isn't followed, what's the point of an alliance?"

Chi Yan was dissatisfied but knew he was in the wrong, so he could only retreat to the side resentfully. Lu Chen smiled as he put the thousand-year golden ganoderma into his Storage Pouch and said to everyone, "Thank you, everyone. I'll take this gold ganoderma and will certainly repay you if there's an Opportunity in the future."

The group continued forward, and the end of the passage gradually widened, revealing a dense forest—the outer region of the Myriad Immortals Secret Realm. The Spiritual Qi in the forest was thick, and thousand-year immortal Materials could be seen everywhere. Occasionally, the roars of Yao Beasts could be heard, filling the air with both Opportunity and danger.

Lu Chen looked at the forest ahead, his eyes full of expectation. The Five Elements spirit keys were all gathered, and the Secret Realm was open. Next would be exploring the opportunities within the Secret Realm, searching for immortal source dew, and uncovering those hidden secrets. The lurkers from the Heavenly Demon Valley undoubtedly added more variables and danger to this journey through the Secret Realm.

He turned to look at the four women beside him: the Immortal of Luo Water's gentleness, Yu Lan's tenderness, the Sea Cultivation Saintess's steadiness, and the Ice Clan Saintess's determination. His heart was full of warmth. With them by his side, no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, he would be fearless.

The seven-person team stepped into the forest, and the exploration of the Myriad Immortals Secret Realm officially began. Deep in the forest, more rare treasures, powerful Yao Beasts, ancient Restrictions, and the Heavenly Demon Valley's schemes were waiting for them to explore, Face, and crack.