Chapter 530: Chapter 530: Raging like Thunder
Located in the Cangmang Ridge mountain range north of Xiu Town.
This is territory under the jurisdiction of the Divine Sword Sect, but many fear it for the ambush and murders of Immortals, as well as the raging beasts that reside there.
The area is bustling today!
Occasionally, groups of cultivators would fly across the sky, landing on massive ridges, waiting in the center.
Because today marks the once-in-fifty-years opening of the secret realm!
To the cultivators of the Northern Region, this secret realm is the most renowned place.
Although no one knows exactly who first uncovered this mystery or when, it is said to house countless opportunities, which is the fundamental reason why the clans in the Northern Region have endured for so long.
But to enter this mysterious land, there is a strict rule: only those under fifty years old may enter.
If it weren’t for this stringent restriction, those young disciples would likely not have the chance to venture inside!
After all, for cultivators without much experience, fifty years of age is still exceedingly young. Even core disciples like Ouyang Xu and Jiang Feng, who perished at the hands of Yang Tian, were around a hundred years old.
In the Northern Region, apart from the unique Divine Sword Sect, the landscape of clan rivalries is highly intricate.
Thus, though the secret realm has yet to open, those arriving early at its entrance now are surely among the fortunate, as they will secure many advantages!
Rashamon Sect is, of course, among them!
Mr. Liu led the team this time, as Mr. Xu has only recently assumed Porter’s position and has many responsibilities that require his attention.
Behind Mr. Liu stood three men, two women, and five younger disciples.
But curiously, among the five men and two women of Rashamon’s younger generation, two are well-recognized as exceptionally talented disciples. Yet, there was one black-clad, black-haired youth with a visage unfamiliar to all, shrouded in mystery!
In this competitive gathering where disciples from all over the Northern Region vie against one another, such an unfamiliar presence immediately raised the eyebrows of other clan elders, prompting suspicion about whether this youth might be Rashamon’s hidden ace for this expedition into the secret realm.
After all, every major sect and clan has hidden disciples kept out of sight. They usually lie dormant, only emerging during critical opportunities like exploring a secret realm to act as a trump card.
Nearby the Rashamon group, a clan elder unrelated to them surveyed for a while before walking over with a smile, saying, "Mr. Liu, it’s been a long time since we’ve crossed paths. In the past, Elder Xu would lead your team. Why has it fallen to you this time?"
"What? Is it unacceptable for Ben Eld to come?"
Mr. Liu had been avoiding disputes with other clan leaders during recent days, refraining from engaging Elder Xu. Hearing the elder’s words now, Liu’s expression darkened at once.
Faced with Liu Dacheng’s sharp retort, the elder of the Wuxiang Sect’s expression turned sullen instantly.
Yet his true intent was to uncover the identity and strength of the unfamiliar youth behind Liu, so he suppressed his anger, breaking into a forced smile. "Ah, it seems Mr. Liu is in a rather poor mood today. Could it be that you’re unsure whether Rashamon’s disciples are strong enough this time, and thus feeling uneasy about obtaining a great harvest in the secret realm?"
"Weakness?"
Mr. Liu snorted coldly upon hearing it. "We shall see who’s truly stronger. These disciples standing behind me, I fear if bloodlines are set aside, they may give others quite a shock!"
"Convenient? That wouldn’t be my impression. Jin Ze, Zhu Zheng, and Ji Fu are all Elder Xu’s most promising disciples. Naturally, I am aware of them. As for Wei Rong, who spent some time under your tutelage, I know him too! Are they not slightly inferior compared to my disciples?" the Elder of the Wuxiang Sect sneered.
However, his gaze eventually shifted slowly to the black-clad, black-haired youth standing at the end of the group.
Seeing the elder’s intent stare, Liu immediately understood his motives. This elder was keen on identifying the mysterious youth’s identity and ability.
But Liu knew well that the disciples of Rashamon standing behind him were also fixated on this matter. If identities were exposed, it might jeopardize their chances or even draw unwanted retaliation from Yang Tian.
Thus, Mr. Liu wouldn’t dare reveal the youth’s true identity.
Furthermore, considering Yang Tian’s strength, Mr. Liu shuddered at the mere thought!
However, he was keenly aware that before entering the secret realm, Yang Tian’s identity must remain concealed. So he immediately stiffened his face, replying in an unassuming tone, "This young man is a new disciple under my tutelage. His name is Yi Mu."
"Yi Mu? Haha, what a peculiar name!"
Hearing Liu’s words, a rustle swept through the gathered crowd.
When people raised their gazes, the intense pressure of sword qi in the sky became increasingly palpable.
Moments later, six radiant swords descended at an immense speed, landing before everyone.
Among the six swords, the foremost radiated intensely, exuding an aura of sheer ferocity and flames.
With the blaze dissipating, a middle-aged man with a rugged beard and fierce eyes emerged.
"This time... it’s truly incredible... It’s *him*!?"
The elders of various clans expressed shock at the sight of this man, only for their faces to soon be overtaken by an undeniable fear.
Even Mr. Liu was no exception!
For they all recognized this venerable figure of the Shenjian Gate—Lu Shen, the Fire Sword Master!
Lu Shen, famed for his fiery appearance!
A master of the Fire Sword Technique, known for his short temper and wielding the Yanyang Sword, he had spilled the blood of countless adversaries unfortunate enough to provoke him!
His strength was tremendous, merely one step away from reaching the Half-step Tribulation realm, narrowly missing ascension to the higher echelons of power!
Among the many prominent elders present, his prowess stood out remarkably, leaving others in the shadows.
Mr. Liu had originally expected another swordsman, Murong Yan’s mentor, to attend from the Shenjian Sect. Never did he imagine this figure would appear instead.
For a moment, he couldn’t help but glance at Yang Tian with trepidation, fearing that Lu Shen might uncover Yang Tian’s identity and bring disaster upon them!
But clearly, his worry was unfounded!
With Yang Tian’s cultivation level, even under the suppression of the mortal world’s laws, what could Lu Shen possibly discern?
Lu Shen’s fiery gaze scanned the gathered crowd like a torch before he slowly announced, "The secret realm, overseen by this sect, has once again opened after fifty years. The number of disciples allowed to train within it has already been allocated. As you venture into the secret realm, I expect you to follow the Divine Sword Sect’s commands. Should any mistake arise, do not blame the old swordsman for being ruthless!"
"Moreover, there are countless opportunities hidden within this enigmatic realm, and fortune will favor those destined for it. Once inside, your lives and deaths are yours to bear; there’s no need for further elaboration from me now, is there?"
"We obey the command of the Divine Sword Sect!"
Everyone present nodded solemnly in response to Lu Shen’s words, making no complaints.
They all understood the unspoken warning in Lu Shen’s message: once their disciples entered the secret realm, the Divine Sword Sect’s swordsmen would not protect them.
Otherwise, should any disciple perish within, the sect would only turn a blind eye to the loss.
As for whether the disciples of Shenjian Gate might crumble within the mysterious land, Lu Shen harbored no concerns.
Shenjian Gate’s disciples were protégés of the Northern Country King, blessed with unmatched natural talent and strength.
Moreover, who would dare kill Shenjian Gate’s disciples?
Doing so would amount to declaring an inability to ever roam freely in the Northern Region—or perhaps within any cultivation domain altogether!
Lu Shen nodded in satisfaction upon seeing the crowd’s comprehension. Then, a sudden surge of immense sword energy exploded within his grasp.
Ka-ka-ka!