More than ten days later.
Early that morning, a low rumble suddenly rose from deep within the lake.
The white mist scattered across the water swiftly gathered and surged into the sky, gradually forming a sea of clouds that stretched for miles. Deep within the mist, several peaks flickered in and out of sight, as though another world lay beyond it.
The martial artists waiting nearby rose to their feet.
"The Cloudsea Secret Realm is opening!"
Some could no longer contain themselves and flew toward the white mist. Before they drew close, a powerful spatial fluctuation swept toward them, frightening them into hastily retreating.
"The entrance hasn't stabilized yet. Are you in such a hurry to throw your lives away?"
An old man in yellow spoke coldly.
His cheeks were gaunt, his cheekbones prominent, and an ebony staff rested in his hand. Recognizing him, the others immediately abandoned any thought of arguing.
Withered Wood Old Man!
He had long since reached the Bridge Linking Realm. His wood-based martial arts were exceptionally troublesome, and he had a fearsome reputation throughout the nearby provinces.
Those who had come to the Cloudsea Secret Realm included not only young experts from the various sects, but also many half-step venerables who had been famous for years. Having remained trapped at their current cultivation levels for so long, they craved the opportunities within the secret realm even more than the younger generation did.
In the distance, flying boats came streaking through the air.
As word reached Lakeview City, the martial artists who had waited for days set out one after another. Soon, crowds filled the once-empty skies above the lake.
On the Black-Feathered Giant Eagle's back, Yue Zhong gazed at the sea of clouds ahead, his eyes brimming with excitement.
"It's finally open. Any longer,