Nine Nether Forbidden Ground.
Yin souls wailed, banners fluttered.
Within a desolate stretch of barren mountains, several black-robed cultivators wearing masks had gathered.
"Is everything ready?"
Cao Dongjun, hall master of the Seven Kill Sect, asked.
Several cultivators above Foundation Establishment beside him answered in unison.
"Rest assured, Hall Master Cao."
"Everything is prepared. The fish will definitely take the bait."
"Mm."
Cao Dongjun nodded slightly. "This disturbance in the secret realm has drawn many sect disciples. Don't make too much noise, lest it draw excessive attention."
"Understood."
"However..."
"Should we keep an eye on the Han Court's people? Last time, they risked everything for resources and tried to rob our auction. They'll surely come to the Nine Nether Forbidden Ground this time as well."
"Don't create trouble out of thin air. Those pitiful wretches from that barren land will naturally be dealt with by the so-called Prestigious Sect people. Once the seal is broken in a few years, not a single one of them will escape."
"Hall Master is right."
Outside the forbidden ground.
"Your servants pay respects to His Majesty!"
"Your Majesty, all forty-nine commandants of Tianyong City are here, awaiting Your Majesty's orders!"
Amid the mountain forest, forty-nine cultivators disguised in various fashions bowed in unison.
"Rise."
With his hands clasped behind his back, Chen Sanshi looked at the crowd and spoke calmly. "Little Bamboo, tell them what to do."
"Listen carefully."
Dongfang Jingxing conveyed the verbal decree. "The forbidden ground has opened. Everyone will enter in batches, with seven people forming each squad. Once inside, your primary task is to search for resources. Act with utmost caution. If you need to assemble, someone will notify you with a contact signal. Remember: the forbidden ground trial is no child's play. Once you step inside, life and death