Chapter 71

Chapter 71

The three sects arrived at the entrance of the Demon Sealing Mystic Realm one after another, with no more than a quarter of an hour separating their arrivals. It seemed as if they had coordinated their schedules beforehand.

Before the arrival of the three sects, disciples from the remaining four sects and five clans had already gathered. Various flying vehicles hovered in mid-air, with disciples from each faction standing beneath them.

Sheng Zhenhai led his Scarlet Heaven Sect disciples down from their flying vehicle.

The leaders of the Unity Sect and the Qingyun Sect also descended with their respective disciples, each choosing a spot to stand.

Upon seeing the three sects, the representatives from other factions approached to greet them. Despite being on equal footing in terms of cultivation, they showed no arrogance before the heads of the three sects, instead being modest and courteous.

Sheng Zhenhai smiled and greeted the leaders of the Unity Sect and the Qingyun Sect. "Comrade Cheng, Comrade Ding, it's been a while. You both still radiate your unique charm."

"Comrade Sheng is not to be outdone. I heard that your son was poisoned by a demonic cultivator a few years ago. How is he doing now?"

"Thanks to good fortune, he has recovered."

"Why isn't Fellow Daoist Liu here?"

"My wife is in seclusion, so she won't be joining us this time."

...

The three Sect Leaders exchanged pleasantries and compliments while subtly conveying their intentions through veiled words. To an outsider, they appeared to have a deep bond, as befitting the three major sects that were tightly intertwined. It would not be easy to bypass them.

The disciples of the three sects stood by, listening to their respective leaders interacting with the others. They discreetly observed the disciples from the other two sects, knowing these individuals would be their competitors in the contest for the Demon Spirit Beads and resources within the Sealed Demon Realm. They sized up each other, mentally assessing their own chances of victory.

The atmosphere seemed amicable overall.

The same was true for the disciples of the four schools and five clans. Although they couldn't match the collective strength of the three sects, who wouldn't want to secure a ranking in the Sealed Demon Realm's trial? Even if they couldn't get first place, second or third would also do wonders. Not only would it bring glory to their respective factions, but they would also receive generous rewards and gain fame across the Holy Martial Continent. It was a win-win situation.

In previous years, the top three positions were always occupied by the three sects, with the first place usually going to the Crimson Heaven Sect, whose disciples were known for their battle frenzy. The second and third spots sometimes went to the other two sects, and at other times, they were claimed by other factions. There was no fixed pattern.

To summarize, while the Crimson Heaven Sect was guaranteed one spot in the top three, the remaining two spots could go to any of the other sects or even a dark horse from the four schools or five clans, depending on who emerged unexpectedly.

The disciples of the three sects followed closely behind their leaders, forming a triangular formation. The disciples of the Qingyun Sect happened to be directly opposite those of the Crimson Heaven Sect.

As the youngest junior sister participating in the trial, Wen Qiao was protected by her fellow senior martial brothers and sisters. She immediately spotted Mu Shan, another junior sister from the Qingyun Sect, who was similarly sheltered in the center by her peers.

Perhaps enemies have a unique sense of each other, for Mu Shan was the first to spot Wen Qiao.

Her entire being erupted with a mix of shock, fear, and hatred as she glared at Wen Qiao, who stood among the disciples of Crimson Sky Sect. Her body was tense, her teeth gritting audibly.

This was an unconscious response, a clear indication that the shadow Wen Qiao had cast upon her during their battle in Cangwu Town had deeply ingrained itself in her heart. It had unknowingly become one of her inner demons, potentially posing a terrifying obstacle in her future cultivation.

"Junior Sister?" Mu Ziming placed a hand on her shoulder, also noticing Wen Qiao and Ning Yuzhou.

His eyes darkened slightly. Seeing them here, he knew they had become disciples of Crimson Sky Sect, sharing the same standing. If his junior sister were to confront them again, she would have no chance of victory.

With a pale face and clenched jaws, Mu Shan slapped away his hand and walked towards her father, who was conversing with cultivators from other factions.

Mu Ziming hurried after her, reaching his master's side.

Dao Yan, the real-life cultivator, was engaged in small talk with a familiar weapon craftsman from Unity Sect. Upon seeing his daughter and senior disciple approach, a smile graced his face. However, upon hearing what his daughter had to say, Dao Yan's smile faded slightly. He politely apologized to the craftsman before leading his daughter and disciple towards the Crimson Sky Sect members.

"Venerable Master Sheng, I've heard that you took on two more personal disciples two years ago?" Dao Yan announced in a clear voice.

Upon hearing Dao Yan's words, those present couldn't help but recall the news from two years prior.

The three sects had similar recruitment periods, opening their gates for new disciples every twenty years. There were still ten years left until their next intake when news suddenly spread that Sheng Yunshen had taken on two personal disciples. At the time, everyone speculated about what kind of prodigious talent could have compelled Sheng Yunshen to break the rules and suddenly take on disciples, especially personal ones.

In the cultivation world, ordinary disciples were different from personal ones. Ordinary disciples merely carried the sect's name, much like the inner disciples of Heavenly Cloud Peak. Only personal disciples were true inheritors, with a bond closer than blood relatives between master and disciple.

Thus, any cultivator would be cautious when taking on a personal disciple, not taking such a decision lightly.

Sheng Zhenhai laughed heartily, summoning Wen Qiao and Ning Yuzhou from the crowd. He introduced them, "These are the disciples I took in two years ago – Yuzhou and Ah Chu. Haven't you both met the seniors here?"

The eyes of the thousands present fell upon the pair.

Ning Yuzhou and Wen Qiao stepped forward to pay their respects, then stood quietly beside Sheng Zhenhai, calmly accepting the scrutiny.

Ding, the head of Unity Sect, was known for his amiability and maintained good relations with the other two sects. He promptly said, "As expected, they're both remarkable talents. Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Sheng."

The others also offered their congratulations, keeping their thoughts to themselves.

Only Daoist Yan made a tepid remark, "I had imagined that someone extraordinary must have prompted Sect Master Sheng to make an exception, but it turns out to be these two children."

As the leader of a sect, Sheng Zhenhai possessed great tolerance, but he wouldn't allow someone to belittle his disciples on his own doorstep. Besides, there was no need to brag about the abilities of his young disciples to outsiders. Once they entered the Demon Sealing Mystic Realm, their true worth would eventually be revealed.

He replied coolly, "Companion Daoist Mu, why do you say such things? It's my sect's business to take in disciples. You're overstepping your bounds, aren't you?"

Real Master Dao Yan, who had been ridiculed for meddling, flew into a rage. He said coldly, " Sect Leader Sheng, your two disciples and my daughter Mu Shan could be said to have met through a clash."

"Is that so? I didn't expect them to have such a connection. When they enter the Fiend Sealing Mystic Realm later, perhaps they can look out for each other."

"..."

Those aware of the animosity between the two couldn't help but smirk discreetly.

Looking out for each other? By then, it was uncertain whether Mu Shan would end up being taken care of by a demonic fiend.

Proud and arrogant, Real Master Dao Yan was no match for the shameless Sect Leader of Crimson Sky Sect. He immediately wanted to roll up his sleeves and argue with him. The Qingyun Sect's Sect Leader, of course, wouldn't let his disciple lose face. Knowing that Sheng Zhenhai was a cunning fox, he hurriedly sent Dao Yan away.

Wen Qiao and Ning Yuzhou returned to the Crimson Sky Sect disciples.

Sheng Yunshen looked at the departing Dao Yan with disdain. After setting up a barrier around them, he whispered slyly, "My father has never lost when it comes to being shameless. Dao Yan clearly knows he's no match for my father, yet he keeps coming here to humiliate himself. No wonder he raised a daughter like Mu Shan."

"That's right. Our Sect Leader has always been swift and decisive when dealing with romantic rivals," agreed an elder brother.

"Rival in love?" Wen Qiao looked at the fellow disciple who had echoed her question with curious, sparkling black eyes. The adorable Wen Tuzi, perched on her shoulder, also gazed at him adoringly.

The combination of the young girl and her bunny easily tugged at everyone's heartstrings. The senior disciples present found it hard to resist their charm.

If not for the fact that their respective spouses were watching, they might have been tempted to embrace the girl and her pet in a warm hug.

Thus, without her having to ask, those around who knew the story began to share bits and pieces of the tale.

It was actually a quadrangle love affair.

Sheng Zhenhai and Liu Ruozhu, as well as Dao Yan and Liu Yunzhen, were all celebrated prodigies of their generation. All four were core disciples of their respective sects, and often participated in the same trials and missions organized by the three sects. As a result, they frequently found themselves paired up during these competitions.

Through countless experiences and years, rumors emerged that Dao Yan had developed feelings for Liu Ruozhu, while Liu Yunzhen had a crush on Sheng Zhenhai. However, to everyone's surprise, Sheng Zhenhai and Liu Ruozhu ended up together. Perhaps to retaliate, Dao Yan and Liu Yunzhen, both heartbroken, chose to become dao partners.

It was said that the dual cultivation ceremonies of the two couples were held in quick succession, and even the timing of Liu Ruozhu and Liu Yunzhen's pregnancies were not too far apart. Sheng Yunshen was only a few years older than Mu Shan.

Despite being equals in cultivation back then, the passage of time saw Sheng Zhenhai and Liu Ruozhu ascending to the rank of Yuan Huang Realm cultivators one after another. Sheng Zhenhai even took over as the Sect Leader of Crimson Heaven Sect. Meanwhile, Dao Yan and Liu Yunzhen remained stuck at the late-stage Yuan Zong Realm, reportedly for several hundred years.

Though all four had since established their own families and had children, anyone familiar with their past love affair knew of Dao Yan's resentment towards his rival, Sheng Zhenhai. Whenever they met, a verbal clash would ensue. Unfortunately, due to the significant difference in their realms, Dao Yan's provocations always ended in defeat, fueled by his anger.

After hearing the elders' love square story, Wen Qiao sincerely commented, "So that's how it is. Impressive."

Everyone was puzzled. "Little Junior Sister, who are you talking about being impressive?"

"Of course, it's Master and Lady Master! But Dao Yan Immortal is pretty impressive too. Knowing he's no match for Master, he still went over to get slapped in the face. His perseverance is commendable. If he put that determination into his cultivation, he might have already reached the Emperor Realm." Wen Qiao analyzed calmly and rationally.

Everyone: "...."

Indeed, her words made sense, but somehow, they didn't sit well with them.

They glanced at the Qingyun Sect's side, genuinely grateful for the barriers that prevented their gossip from being overheard. Otherwise, wouldn't Dao Yan Immortal be driven to rage by Little Junior Sister's straightforward honesty?

Sheng Yunshen said, "Little Junior Sister, just share such straightforward truths with us from now on. Don't say them to unrelated people." He was worried that if Little Junior Sister were too honest, someone might fly into a rage and strike her down out of embarrassment.

Others shared this concern. Why was Little Junior Sister so endearing?

Wen Qiao nodded and said earnestly, "I'm not stupid. I wouldn't say things like that casually, right, husband?"

Ning Yuzhou smiled gently and replied, "Certainly. My Ah Chuo is so obedient. Anyone who would dislike her must have issues with their temperament."

Everyone: "..."

Enough already, can't this young couple stop showing off about each other?

The senior disciples of Crimson Heaven Sect rolled their eyes discreetly. If there was anything they could criticize about their junior sister, it would be that she married too early and was always boasting about her husband.

Ning Yuzhou looked at them with a bright smile. Seeing Wen Qiao glance over, he reached out to pat her head, then handed a storage bag to Yi Xuan. "Second Senior Brother, distribute these spirit pills among our fellow senior brothers and sisters."

Upon hearing this, Yi Xuan reflexively asked, "Are those the ones from Junior Uncle Fei?"

"There are also some spirit recovery pills I refined myself," Ning Yuzhou replied.

Recalling Ning Yuzhou's exceptional skill in refining only top-grade spirit pills, Yi Xuan gave him a quiet look. Together with Feng Rujian, the senior disciple of Tianjian Peak, they began distributing the spirit pills to the disciples who had participated in the training session.

Everyone was thrilled.

No one would ever complain about having too many spirit pills. Due to Crimson Heaven Sect's limited number of alchemists and their inferior alchemy skills compared to the other two sects, the amount of spirit pills they could receive during regular cultivation was the least generous among the three sects. Thus, they had to strive harder and complete more missions to earn more spirit pills.

Now, with a generous junior brother who was not only an alchemist but also on good terms with Junior Uncle Fei, who controlled their supply of spirit pills, they could simply ask Junior Brother Ning for more in the future. Would they still have to worry about lacking spirit pills?

Upon obtaining the spirit pills, everyone carefully stowed them away, their expressions filled with gratitude.

Not far away, disciples from the Qingyun Sect and the Unity Sect watched them with disdain. With Crimson Heaven Sect's alchemy skills, how many spirit pills could they possibly receive? It truly was pitiful.

With the gossip shared and the spirit pills distributed, most of those who were supposed to come had arrived. Elders from the three sects, four clans, and five tribes then took charge of initiating the opening of the Demon Sealing Mystic Realm.

The elders of each faction distributed the jade talismans they had crafted to their disciples, solemnly instructing them, "This talisman is a teleportation array. If you encounter a life-threatening peril, you must crush it to leave immediately. However, once you depart, it will be considered abandonment of your training, and you will not be included in the rankings or receive any rewards. Do you understand?"

"I see now."

The disciples stowed away their tokens and stood at a distance, observing the opening of the Demon Sealing Mystic Realm.

Led by the three sect leaders, ten cultivators at the Sovereign Emperor Realm joined forces to unlock the mystic realm.

A slow rift of blackness tore through the air as if an invisible hand had ripped through space itself. A dark and malevolent mist seeped from the fissure but was promptly contained within fifty paces by the barriers set up by the prepared cultivators.

As the crack widened into a portal spanning nearly thirty yards, the ten Sovereign Emperor cultivators ceased their efforts and addressed their disciples, "Hear me, all disciples. The passage will close within fifteen minutes. You must all enter within that time."

Following the lead of the three sects, the disciples entered the Demon Sealing Mystic Realm one after another.

Wen Qiao and Ning Yuzhou followed Yi Xuan and Sheng Yunshen, entering the Demon Sealing Mystic Realm alongside the Crimson Heaven Sect's disciples in the first instance.

Upon breaching the fifty-zhang barrier preceding the mystic realm, a faint demonic aura brushed against their faces, instilling an uncomfortable sensation that crept across their skin, causing them to shiver involuntarily. Those with weaker willpower almost couldn't resist the urge to retreat from this ominous place.

However, all who had come to participate in the Demon Sealing Mystic Realm training competition were elite disciples from various factions. After a brief pause, they quickly suppressed their unease and pressed on.

Fifteen minutes later, every disciple participating in the training had entered the mystic realm, and its entrance gradually faded away.

Inside the realm, a more concentrated demonic aura assaulted them, intertwined with a subtle hint of deathly aura. This deathly aura was colder and more sinister than the demonic, relentlessly draining the vitality of all living beings. The discomfort grew more intense.

The cultivators swiftly coated themselves with a layer of Essence Spirit Energy, isolating themselves from the demonic and deathly auras in the air. Although this action depleted their Essence Spirit Energy rapidly, it was the most basic form of defense.

Within the Demon Sealing Mystic Realm, the omnipresent demonic and deathly auras would corrode both the cultivators' bodies and minds. In combat, they not only needed to protect themselves but also avoid absorbing these auras, testing the limits of their instincts and willpower.

Here, in the outskirts of the mystic realm, the density of the auras wasn't high, creating a grayish haze. Amidst this murkiness, a few points of spiritual light twinkled in the distance, resembling stars in the night sky, captivating all who saw them.

Spotting these beacons, the group of cultivators wasted no time, dashing towards them.