themonasnovels Chapter 18 The turmoil has not yet subsided, and the secret realm is about to open.
Chapter 18 The turmoil has not yet subsided, and the secret realm is about to open.
In the battle at the Elders' Hall, Qin Zhan single-handedly debated with the elders, nipping Zhao Canghai's lineage's attempt to launch an attack in the bud. The news spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the three peaks of the Qingyun Sect within half a day.
The outer disciples regarded Qin Zhan as a living god who had turned the tables and dared to walk with their backs straight; the inner disciples were completely devoted to him, and the whispers of doubt that had once dared to circulate disappeared overnight; the core disciples were all in danger, especially those who had attached themselves to the Zhao family, who were all as if they had lost their parents, fearing that they would be the next ones to be used as a warning to others.
The elders who had initially remained neutral now looked at Qin Zhan with completely different expressions.
It's no longer about watching a genius who becomes rich overnight, but about watching a future leader who can support the destiny of an entire nation.
Only Zhao Canghai, after returning to his Changfeng Palace, locked himself in and smashed three complete sets of spirit jade teaware, his face so gloomy it could drip water.
He sat in the head seat, his fingers gripping the armrests tightly until his knuckles turned white, his mind in turmoil:
"Qin Zhan must not be allowed to live! His combat strength is terrifying, his mind is profound, and he is also favored by the Grand Elder and the Holy Maiden. If we give him another six months, he will surely uproot the Zhao family's century-old foundation in the Qingyun Sect! In open combat, I have already fallen behind; if I don't resort to underhanded tactics now, I will never have another chance!"
Beside him, a pale-faced, beardless, effeminate butler stood bowing and whispered:
"Elder, the Spirit Ruins Secret Realm will open tomorrow. The God-Eroding Mist in the depths of that place never dissipates, suppressing divine sense and causing spiritual energy to become chaotic. Even ordinary King Realm cultivators have to be extremely careful when entering. It is the perfect place to make a move."
Zhao Canghai's eyes flashed with murderous intent:
"Make the arrangements: Zhou Liang will lead ten men inside first, under the pretense of hunting, to force Qin Zhan deep into the poisonous fog area. I will personally follow them, and once the time is right, I will strike directly, using the pretext of 'maintaining order in the secret realm and eliminating disciples who violate the rules,' and kill him on the spot! Afterwards, say that he accidentally entered a dangerous place, was corrupted by the poisonous fog and went mad, and that I had no choice but to suppress him. With no one to testify, no one can find fault!"
A cold glint flashed in the deacon's eyes:
"Understood, Your Majesty. In addition, Your Majesty has prepared the 'Heart-Eating Powder'. This poison can be mixed in with the God-Eating Mist. It is colorless and odorless, and even with ordinary anti-poison treasures, it is difficult to detect. It will disintegrate upon contact."
"Alright." Zhao Canghai stood up, his black robes fluttering in the wind. "This time, a series of kills. Even if Qin Zhan possesses extraordinary abilities, he will be buried deep within the Spirit Ruins Secret Realm!"
Meanwhile, in the inner gate's main hall.
Qin Zhan gently stroked the small jade bottle containing the Qingxuan Poison-Avoiding Pill given to him by Su Qingyuan. Warm spiritual energy seeped into his body, cleansing away any trace of impurity. He chuckled inwardly.
That old bastard Zhao Canghai is a typical sore loser. He lost to his grandson in the martial arts arena, lost face in the Elder Hall, and now he wants to lose his life in the secret realm. Does he really think I'm the kind of reckless fool who only knows how to fight head-on? He wants to play, so I'll put on a show for him, a dramatic survival battle and an incredible comeback.
Su Qingyuan sat to the side, gently stirring a cup of spiritual tea with her slender hands, a hint of worry in her eyes:
"I've been to the Spirit Ruins Secret Realm once. The Corrosive Mist deep within is extremely domineering; it not only erodes spiritual energy but also disrupts divine consciousness. Even ordinary elders dare not linger there. Zhao Canghai will definitely personally intervene. Before you enter the secret realm, take the Clear Profound Poison Avoidance Pill and do not recklessly venture deeper."
Qin Zhan looked up at her, his eyes filled with a gentle smile:
"Qingyuan, do you think I'm the kind of person who would willingly throw my life away?"
"It doesn't seem like it." Su Qingyuan shook her head gently. "But the more unpredictable you are, the crazier Zhao Canghai will become. This time, he really wants you dead."
Qin Zhan stood up, stretched, and his bones cracked with a series of crisp popping sounds.
"Many people want me dead, who does he think he is? Don't worry, not only will I not die, but I will also seize a huge opportunity in the secret realm, and by the way... personally remove this cancerous tumor, Zhao Canghai."
He had already planned it all out in his mind:
Should I go head-to-head with Zhao Canghai? I'm only at the Spirit Sea Realm right now. Even with a strong foundation, I might not be a match for an elder who has been in the field for many years. A direct confrontation would be certain death.
but--
The secret realm is filled with poisonous fog, unique terrain, unknown opportunities, and information asymmetry.
I possess the Qingxuan Poison-Avoiding Pill, which prevents me from being disturbed by the fog; Zhao Canghai thought I was a sitting duck, but in reality, he was the prey caught in the trap.
Fighting and retreating simultaneously, feigning weakness to lure the enemy deeper, and then using the power of the secret realm to launch a counterattack—this is the safest strategy.
Second day
Early in the morning, three synchronized footsteps echoed outside the palace gates.
"The First Seat!"
"The First Seat!"
Qin Zhan turned his head and a slight smile appeared on his lips. The newcomer was Su Qingyuan, along with four of his trusted confidants whom he had deliberately promoted recently:
Lin Feng is agile, skilled in reconnaissance and tracking, meticulous, and reliable in his work.
Wen Hao has a solid foundation, cultivates diligently, has a calm personality, and excels in defense;
Shi Hu was tall and strong, with immense strength, a straightforward personality, and fearless of death.
Lin Xiaotian, formerly the top disciple of the inner sect, has now completely submitted to the sect. He possesses outstanding combat strength and considerable prestige.
These four are Qin Zhan's sharpest daggers planted within the inner sect, and also the foundation he will build for his future expansion beyond the sect and his conquest of the counties and kingdoms.
Lin Feng stepped forward and bowed, saying:
"Master, the secret realm plaza is ready. The Grand Elder has instructed us to come and invite you to depart. In addition, we have contacted twenty reliable disciples to enter together, sticking together to prevent the Zhao family disciples from plotting against us."
Wenhao added:
"We have roughly figured out the distribution of spiritual herbs and stones in the outer area. As long as we don't go deep into the poisonous fog zone, we are safe."
Shi Hu thumped his chest in a deep, resonant voice:
"Sir, if anyone dares to cause you trouble, I'll be the first to rush up and smash them to pieces!"
Lin Xiaotian then said in a deep voice:
"Zhou Liang and the others have already gathered in the square, each one exuding murderous intent, clearly they came prepared. Chief, once we enter the secret realm, the four of us will protect you with our lives."
Qin Zhan looked at the four people, a warm feeling welling up in his heart.
He was once lonely and bullied, with no one to talk to; but after awakening his Chaos Battle Soul, he not only gained extraordinary cultivation, but also a group of brothers willing to risk their lives for him.
He nodded, his tone solemn:
"Once we enter the secret realm, the four of you don't need to risk your lives with me. There are plenty of opportunities in the outer and middle areas, so stick together and try your best to improve your strength. Remember, your becoming stronger is the greatest help you can give me. As for the trouble with Zhao Canghai's lineage, I'll handle that myself."
Lin Feng said urgently:
"Your Excellency, that's too dangerous!"
Qin Zhan waved his hand, leaving no room for argument:
"Do as I say. That's an order."
The four exchanged a glance and could only bow in agreement.
"yes!"
They both thought to themselves at the same time:
The leader must have his own plans. We just need to become stronger as soon as possible so that we can truly keep up with the leader and share his burdens in the future!
Qin Zhan turned to look at Su Qingyuan:
"Let's go see this grand show, and see who's putting on the show for whom."
Su Qingyuan nodded gently, stood up and walked alongside him.
Dressed in white, he exuded an extraordinary air.
Behind the two, Lin Feng, Wen Hao, Shi Hu, and Lin Xiaotian followed closely behind, their demeanor composed.
The group of six walked towards the Secret Realm Plaza.