Chapter 175 - The Secret Realm in the Tomb
“Secret realm?”
Dong Yuan and the others stood in astonishment, but upon witnessing Su's white fingers embed into the wall, they acknowledged her correctness.
Within the Martial Emperor Tomb, a place that zealously repelled intruders with Spiritual Energy, another hidden realm materialized suddenly. Remarkably, it appeared to be exceedingly covert and secure.
Despite the apparent ease of discovery, this locale couldn't be dismissed as common knowledge.
The initial factor stemmed from Su's seemingly inexplicable method, possibly owing to her potent tracking abilities, which swiftly led them here. Moreover, their objective was crystal clear, swiftly identifying this as a hidden realm.
Ordinarily, groups would scatter like aimless wanderers. They'd encountered numerous dead ends before, falling prey to their preconceptions. Typically, they'd retreat disappointed upon encountering another impasse.
Why did he bother to inspect this wall for anomalies?
This sort of reverse logic, “the safest place is the most dangerous,” while not particularly ingenious, invoked a sense of astonishment.
Among those present, had Su not examined the wall, none would have conjectured it concealed a hidden realm.
Secondly, this realm appeared exceptionally stable. Su's fingers sinking into the wall indicated a direct passage without any irregularities.
Everyone present understood the arduous task of establishing a spatial hidden realm.
Natural hidden realms were a subset, known for their instability. Typically, they underwent cycles of rapid creation and dissolution, harboring obscure natural treasures.
Unclaimed natural mystical realms were coveted by Immortal Cultivators.
In numerous clashes, some realms vanished once their treasures were plundered. Others consumed greedy intruders, while those rich in spiritual energy sealed themselves, awaiting rejuvenation.
The remaining realms were seized by the most powerful cultivators, fortified with barriers and formations, serving as secure bases for sects.
The first scenario was common, while the latter was deemed fortunate.
Such realms were inherently volatile, constantly shifting, with fissures prone to appearing, claiming many unwary explorers.
Hence, many realms were accessed sporadically, spanning decades or even centuries.
Frequent openings depleted the spatial stability, fostering cracks. Ultimately, the interiors collapsed, engulfing inhabitants.
Remarkably, this hidden realm exhibited exceptional stability without spatial enchantments, concealing any imperfections.
There was only one possibility.
Crafted by an individual hailing from the Martial Monarch Cave, this concealed realm unfolded its mysteries.
Among these cultivators, the notion prevailed that this locale likely housed the legacy of the Martial Sovereign.
Pann Xiaoying and Dong Yuan exchanged glances, swiftly discerning mutual astonishment.
Their countenances then hardened with resolve.
The revelation of this hidden expanse signaled a stride closer to the Martial Sovereign's bequest. While ostensibly a boon, the recent unearthing of the Martial Emperor's sepulcher by the Snowflake Mansion had stirred a clandestine tempest. Hence, the Soul Haunt Ship dispatched them to reconnoiter this path.
Essentially, they stood as the vanguard, the premier explorers of this domain. These two astute foxes, novices to the tomb's depths, stumbled upon this find through their adept tracking skills…
The residual tracking aura bespoke human presence.
In essence, this secret realm had already entertained visitors.
The assembly ahead remained an enigma: were they affiliates of the Snowflake Mansion, or were other interlopers vying for a share of the spoils?
The trailing contingent wore expressions of gravity akin to their forebears'.
Seasoned veterans of the Soul Haunt Ship, they possessed abundant experience. In locales like the Martial Emperor's tomb, peril intertwined with opportunity. No one could foresee the perils that lay ahead, where their very essence might dissipate.
Yet, should they lay hands on the Martial Monarch's legacy, the ambitious among them would… If they could assimilate its power, fortifying their own, even amidst the Soul Haunt Ship's pursuit, they could safeguard themselves. They might even garner support from other factions, altering their fate irreversibly.
Throughout the Upper Central Realm, moments abounded wherein destinies pivoted. Success hinged upon seizing these opportunities.
The pigtailed fox-child ventured forth, probing the ethereal barrier. Though it seemed insubstantial, her touch implied a barrier breached. Confirming her suspicion, she affirmed, “Indeed, a secret realm.”
Si Mi wagged his tail, impressed by the youngster's entry into the Martial Emperor's tomb, deeming him a trailblazer. His progress eclipsed that of the heavily armed group. Truly, he warranted admiration.
Dong Yuan stood guard, cautioning, “Remain vigilant. This realm harbors mysteries. Some of you shall pursue the Snowflake Mansion's agents, while others will accompany me into the depths.”
With this proclamation, he produced a jade slip.
“This communication artifact bears scant energy reserves, affording only three usages. Employ it judiciously.”
Distributing the jade slips, Dong Yuan tasked his companions with tracking the Snowflake Mansion's operatives. These individuals comprehended their role; lacking the cultivational prowess of their peers, they deemed venturing into the secret realm perilous, opting instead for silent enrichment beyond its confines.
Not everyone possessed the audacity to undertake excessive risks.
The team fragmented swiftly. The vanguard remained unchanged. Upon breaching the mystic realm's boundary, their surroundings expanded abruptly.
Beyond the barrier lay an unexpected sight: a verdant hillside.
It wasn't merely grassland; it sprawled with dense foliage.
Before they could register their astonishment, an unusual sensation gripped them.
“Hold on… What's happening?” Dong Yuan exclaimed, sensing an inexplicable force tugging at his body.
Gravity!
The Daoist-robed cultivator comprehended swiftly. It seemed as though Spiritual Energy remained barred from entry. This mystic realm imposed its own “personality,” augmenting gravitational forces.
“Remain composed! This gravity poses no threat! Adjust gradually!” Dong Yuan reassured calmly, garnering agreement from those behind him.
“Whew… This is quite challenging.” Pann Xiaoying remarked, taken aback. She endeavored to acclimate to the sudden environmental shift. With a bitter smile, she added, “The prior constraints on Spiritual Energy seem not to have dissipated but intensified. A significant portion of body cultivators' prowess has been nullified. What distinguishes a cultivator from a mortal… This exemplifies a Martial Emperor who achieved Dao through mortal means. If mortals wield no influence here, then this signifies true parity.”
The two fox cubs, originally demons in their natural forms, found adaptation less arduous. Nonetheless, they furrowed their brows, sensing something amiss.
In that instant, a resounding noise emanated from behind.
They couldn't resist glancing back. The erstwhile wall had transformed into an arching stone doorway embedded in the mountain. Within the rough-hewn stone door sat a pitch-black barrier.
Simultaneously, the stones flanking the barrier closed, sealing the door shut.
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