Secret realm rules and unknown races

"Third Senior Sister!" Everyone inside and outside the pavilion greeted her in unison.

"Oh, everyone's here?" Thousand Illusions's voice carried her unique languidness and liveliness. She moved with light, seemingly slow steps, yet arrived at the pavilion in one stride. "Long time no see, fellow disciples."

Her gaze swept over Cang Ming. "Ninth Brother, welcome back. You just resurrected and you're already at the gathering? You're in good spirits."

Cang Ming laughed, "With Third Senior Sister here, what's a little bit of energy on my part? But you, Senior Sister, are even more radiant than before."

Thousand Illusions waved her hand, her smile bright, then turned her gaze to Lin Yi, her smile widening, "Junior Brother, I didn't expect you to give me such a big surprise, you've even outshone your senior sister!"

Lin Yi quickly bowed and said, "Third Senior Sister, you flatter me. I wouldn't be where I am today without your guidance and support back then. By the way, Senior Sister, I heard that you were ambushed by the alien race and seriously injured, and you've been recuperating ever since. I wonder how your injuries are healing now?"

When the injuries were mentioned, Thousand Illusions's smile faded slightly, but there was no sign of heaviness; instead, there was a hint of helplessness.

"The old man didn't want me to miss the Secret Realm One." She pouted, her tone sounding like a complaint, but there was a hint of tenderness in her eyes. "And considering that the war has now ended, and Source Law level can't enter the Secret Realm One, his pressure is less, so he used some of his essence to forcibly stabilize my injuries and accelerate the recovery process. Now, there's no problem at all."

Lin Yi suddenly understood upon hearing this.

It turns out that it was Xuan Yan made the move.

Furthermore, considering that the Time Lords have been reviving their own clan's powerful members one after another, it seems that although the Time Lords cannot enter the Secret Realm One, they are all contributing to their clans in different ways. Perhaps other Time Lords will also take action.

"Your Excellency has gone to great lengths," Lin Yi said. "It's good that Senior Sister is alright."

Thousand Illusions looked at him, her beautiful eyes sparkling with a strange light, as if she had discovered something extremely interesting.

"Junior brother," she said slowly, "Let's not talk about me, the senior sister who was forced to withdraw as soon as the battle started. As for you, at this speed, it looks like it won't be long before you surpass me."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the pavilion fell silent.

Although Lieyang, Cang Ming, and the others were also shocked by Lin Yi's progress, the weight of these words carried entirely different weight when they came from Thousand Illusions.

Lin Yi smiled and said, "Senior Sister has mastered five laws and is close to being a high-level god. I, Junior Brother, am far from that level. I only have a bit of luck and the external power of the Fearless War God."

That's the truth.

Thousand Illusions's achievements are the result of a long period of accumulation. His mastery of the five laws, especially the Illusory Law, a special law that can simulate all laws, makes his true combat power and foundation far beyond what he can currently match.

Furthermore, Senior Sister Thousand Illusions is the Xuan Yan, and the secret techniques and treasures she possesses are beyond his imagination.

Upon hearing this, Thousand Illusions was about to say something when the space in the courtyard suddenly froze for a moment without warning.

In the center of the pavilion, a figure silently materialized.

He wore a simple, dark black robe, his long hair was casually draped over his shoulders, and his face seemed ordinary, but his eyes were as deep as the ancient starry sky.

It was none other than the eldest brother, Prison Suppressor.

"Senior Brother!" Everyone present, including Thousand Illusions, immediately straightened up and greeted him in unison.

Prison Suppressor's gaze swept calmly over the crowd, pausing briefly on Cang Ming before he nodded. "Ninth Brother, it's good that you're back."

Cang Ming bowed solemnly again. "Thank you, Senior Brother! I will Cang Ming remember your kindness in bringing me back to life."

Prison Suppressor waved his hand, "Fellow disciples, there's no need for such formalities. Your return is a blessing for our sect."

He nodded slightly, said no more, and then walked to the main seat in the pavilion and sat down.

As soon as Prison Suppressor took his seat, the atmosphere of the entire gathering naturally became formal.

"The main reason I've gathered everyone here today is because the Secret Realm One Prison Suppressor is about to open. Based on the selection criteria circulating among the various races, and considering the strength and cultivation levels of everyone present, we will all be entering the Secret Realm One, barring any unforeseen circumstances."

His gaze swept over the crowd. "And I, I just received some news about the secret realm."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression turned solemn.

"According to reports from the advance legion of the Spirit Race and the limited information revealed by various high-ranking officials, the situation inside the secret realm, while the rules differ slightly each time, remains largely consistent across different levels," Prison Suppressor continued. "The most crucial point is that the secret realm is not a single entity, but rather hierarchical."

"Divided into levels?" Cang Ming couldn't help but ask, "Senior Brother, do you mean the secret realm will have many levels?"

"Yes," Prison Suppressor affirmed. "This secret realm seems to appear only once every extremely long period of time. After the initial verification by the Spirit Race's vanguard legion, its basic rules have been largely clarified. Although there hasn't been an official announcement yet, the high-ranking officials of various races, as well as those of us who are confirmed to enter as high-ranking gods, have already received the specific details of the secret realm's rules."

He paused, then explained, "The higher-ups haven't explicitly ordered a restriction on the spread of the news, presumably because they believe that allowing qualified geniuses to learn in advance and make targeted preparations is beneficial to the overall exploration. So the news will spread quickly. I've gathered everyone here to inform you of the known rules; it's good to be able to prepare a little earlier."

Upon hearing this, everyone's spirits lifted, and they all showed expressions of gratitude.

"Thank you, Senior Brother!" everyone said in unison.

Knowing the core rules of the secret realm in advance is undoubtedly a huge advantage.

Prison Suppressor slightly raised his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet, and then slowly spoke.

"First, regarding the nature of this secret realm. Although the high-ranking officials of each race haven't explicitly stated it, in my view, this secret realm isn't a naturally formed cosmic wonder, but rather something clearly created by powerful beings."

"Created?" Lieyang raised an eyebrow. "What kind of being could create a secret realm that could cause the three top races to Time Stop hostilities and fight over it?"

This is also the biggest question in everyone's mind.

Prison Suppressor shook his head. "Who exactly it is is currently unknown. The lords seem to know something, but haven't said anything. Perhaps, this is itself part of the secrets of the secret realm, something that those who enter must explore on their own."

He then shifted his focus to the most crucial part. "This created secret realm is divided into 99 levels."

99 floors!

Lin Yi was shocked; the information revealed by Xuan Yan had been confirmed by his senior brother.

"Upon entering the secret realm," Prison Suppressor continued, "You will first enter a special void space. This space is not a true layer of the secret realm, but rather a transit station for testing and allocation. It will test the entrant in two aspects: first, their talent and potential, and second, their overall strength, including equipment and arcane arts."

"Based on the test results," Prison Suppressor's gaze deepened, "This void space will determine the initial entry level for each entrant. In other words, which level you begin your exploration of the secret realm from is determined by your own abilities."

Everyone held their breath, for this rule was unheard of.

In the past, most explorations of secret realms involved a unified entrance, where individuals would explore on their own, with stronger individuals naturally able to venture deeper.

This model of directly allocating the starting layer based on detection is obviously more sophisticated, and it also means that the competition is layered from the very beginning.

Based on feedback from the Spirit Race vanguard members regarding their initial entry levels, the current correlation is roughly as follows:

"Levels 1-7 correspond to the Star Core level."

"Floors 10-16 correspond to the Star Vortex level."

"Levels 20-25 correspond to the Star Domain level."

"Levels 30-33 correspond to the World Derivation level."

"Floors 40-44 correspond to the god-level."

The pavilion was completely silent, with only the calm voice of the Prison Suppressor echoing through it.

Each level range clearly corresponds to a major realm.

This means that the secret realm naturally separates Explorer of different levels. Star Core level geniuses are almost impossible to encounter opponents of the evolutionary realm or even the god level in the early stages. This provides protection to a certain extent, but it also means that in order to obtain resources of higher levels, one must first reach the corresponding level or possess amazing strength that transcends levels.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi was filled with a storm of emotions.

Do floors 40-44 correspond to the god-level?

The 50th floor that Xuan Yan me to reach, doesn't that mean... it represents the Source Law level?!

The thought flashed through his mind like lightning, instantly making him understand the complex meaning behind the words of the Xuan Yan, as well as the warning, "Knowing too much now will not do you any good."

The 50th floor is a realm that requires strength comparable to a Venerable Lord or some other qualification to reach.

Just then, the silence was broken by the gruff voice of the fourth senior brother Lieyang.

He frowned, puzzled, and asked, "Senior Brother, these levels... why are they all scattered intervals? If levels 30-33 correspond to the combat power of the World Derivation level, and levels 40 and above correspond to the Divine Realm, then what about levels 34 to 39 that are sandwiched in between? Are they empty? Or is there some other explanation?"

Lieyang's question voiced the doubts in everyone's minds.

Upon hearing this, Prison Suppressor remained calm and explained, "Levels 34 to 39 should also fall within the realm of the World Derivation level. It's highly likely that only those with exceptional talent, potential, and overall strength far exceeding that of ordinary Transcendent Realm experts can directly access these levels."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone. "I should add something. The reason we say levels 30-33 are the World Derivation level is because, according to information relayed by the Spirit Race's vanguard legion, the highest level their 'World Derivation level' members initially entered was level 33."

Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged bewildered glances.

Lieyang clicked his tongue and exclaimed, "Good heavens, even the vanguard legion's World Derivation level can only start at level 33."

"... This secret realm has quite a discerning eye."

Cang Ming also seemed to be deep in thought, "In this way, even though they are both at the World Derivation level, their starting points may differ by several levels, which means that the difficulty and speed of acquiring resources in the early stages will be completely different. A quick start leads to a quick finish, so this initial assessment is crucial."

Prison Suppressor nodded, affirming Cang Ming's statement. Then, his tone became more serious. "Besides the hierarchical rules, there are several core mechanisms concerning the internal operation of the secret realm. You must pay special attention to these, as they relate to your survival, growth, and ultimate gains within the secret realm."

Everyone immediately focused their attention and listened intently.

"First, let's talk about the Secret Realm Points," Prison Suppressor said slowly. "There's an independent Points system within the Secret Realm. All the resources, treasures, materials, equipment, and so on that you obtain within the Secret Realm can be directly exchanged for the Secret Realm itself, in exchange for corresponding Secret Realm Points."

"At the same time, there is a kind of exchange list or resource pool inside the secret realm. You can use your Points at any time to exchange for the items you need, which may be cultivation resources, weapons and equipment, or certain special permissions or information."

This mechanism caught everyone's attention.

This means that resources acquired in the secret realm now have a direct channel for monetization and circulation, and can be instantly converted into capital to enhance strength without having to wait until leaving.

But Prison Suppressor's next words made the atmosphere suddenly become heavy.

"Furthermore," he added, his voice deepening, "Killing others within the secret realm—or more precisely, driving them out of the secret realm—not only grants you access to all their resources and treasures, but also half of their current Points."

The temperature inside the pavilion seemed to drop several degrees instantly.

Defeat the enemy, all treasures will drop, and half of the Points will be taken!

This means that the interior of the secret realm is not only a competition of exploration and treasure hunting, but also a brutal battle for Points.

This will undoubtedly intensify the competition and bloodshed within the secret realm.

It is foreseeable that fierce competition will be inevitable in order to Points and improve quickly.

Lin Yi felt a chill run down his spine. This rule vaguely corresponded to what Xuan Yan had mentioned before. "Killing or driving away an opponent will earn you a high amount of battle merits," but it was more direct and cruel.

Prison Suppressor continued, "Besides being the currency for internal transactions and plundering, Secret Realm Points have another crucial function: they are the only condition, aside from the initial assessment upon entry, that allows one to advance to a higher level."

"To advance to a higher level from your initial entry point, you must meet the Points for that level. Only by accumulating a certain number of Points will you gain the qualification, or rather, the key, to proceed to the next level. If your Points are insufficient, even if you find the path to the next level, you will be unable to enter."

This rule completely eliminates the possibility of entering higher levels purely through luck or trickery.

To climb the ranks, one must earn Points, and the fastest way to earn Points... that cruel option involuntarily flashed through everyone's minds.

"Finally, regarding leaving the secret realm," Prison Suppressor's tone became exceptionally solemn. "Within the secret realm, you can't simply leave whenever you want. If you wish to take out any items or resources you've acquired but haven't consumed or exchanged within the secret realm, you must find an exit point that randomly appears within it."

"Only at the departure point can you safely bring your gains out of the secret realm and return to reality. If you choose to leave the secret realm elsewhere, or forcibly leave through other abnormal means..." Prison Suppressor slowly said, "Then, apart from the enhancements from the treasures you've already consumed, and the cultivation insights you gained in the secret realm, not only will you lose half your Points, but all your physical resources, equipment, unused treasures... will all be lost and cannot be taken out."

"What?!"

"This...

Even the most experienced senior brothers and sisters couldn't help but be moved at this moment, letting out soft gasps of surprise.

This rule pushes the cost of risk to the extreme.

This means that if you can't find an escape point to bring out the precious resources you painstakingly obtain in the secret realm, you can only take out a maximum of half of the Points.

This tests not only ability and luck, but also human nature.

"Such ruthless rules..." Lieyang murmured, "Isn't this forcing people to fight desperately inside, while also having to carefully find a way out? Any gains that can't be brought out are essentially worthless. This secret realm... is practically a giant gladiatorial arena and a sieve."

Cang Ming took a deep breath and looked at Prison Suppressor: "Senior Brother, the God-level only starts from the 40th floor, but the entire secret realm has 99 floors... What will those fifty-plus floors be like? Setting such rules and constructing such a level of secret realm... I'm afraid even a Supreme Being might not be able to create it easily, right?"

His words expressed the sentiments of everyone.

Such a sophisticated, brutal, and infinitely possible training ground has exceeded their understanding of the "secret realm."

Prison Suppressor remained silent for a moment, then slowly said, "The realm of a Supreme Being is beyond our comprehension. But a secret realm of this scale is truly unprecedented. Perhaps it is precisely because of this that it was able to make the three peak races, who were bloodthirsty and had formed a blood feud, simultaneously lay down their arms and sign a ceasefire agreement."

Everyone fell silent.

"However, it's too early to think about that now." Prison Suppressor brought the topic back to reality. "For us, before entering the secret realm, the goal is clear: to improve our strength by everything we can and strive to enter a higher level in the initial assessment. The higher the initial level, the fewer competitors there may be at the same level, and the more abundant the starting resources will be, making it a higher starting point for climbing to higher levels and obtaining greater opportunities."

Everyone nodded in agreement; this was the most practical goal.

"Also, there's another situation. The vanguard of the Spirit Race Picker Clan encountered something in the secret realm and reported it back; you need to pay close attention to that."

The atmosphere inside the pavilion became tense again.

Clearly, the situation that the senior brother mentioned so seriously was no ordinary matter.

"According to reports from some members of the vanguard legion," Prison Suppressor said in a deep voice, "They encountered a first-level alien race in the first level of the secret realm."

"Hmm?" Cang Ming. "Another race? Master means to choose... the other two races?"

"No." Prison Suppressor directly denied, his voice carrying an unusual solemnity. "Not any race within our Pan-Spirit Alliance, nor any known race within the Abyss Race or the Devouring Race camps, not even neutral races, but... unknown races."

"What?"

"Unknown race?"

"Was there originally native inhabitant in this secret realm? Or...?"

Lin Yi was also taken aback.

Not picking any known races?

There are two possibilities.

First, this secret realm is not completely closed; a certain original civilization or race already exists within it.

Secondly... other forces from the "unknown lands" also entered this secret realm!

Whichever option you choose, it adds an even more eerie and dangerous layer to this already mysterious and unpredictable Secret Realm One.

Sixth Master Gong Xuanshu frowned and muttered, "Could it be that we're choosing to reject other secret realms, the Divine Kingdom of powerful cultivators?"

"Can races within small universes also connect to enter the Secret Realm One?"

Prison Suppressor shook his head and said in a deep voice, "We shouldn't pick them up. The lords seem to know what to refuse, but they're all vague about it. However, they've made one thing clear: in the secret realm, anyone who doesn't choose our faction, regardless of their origin, will be treated as an enemy."

Upon hearing this, everyone seemed to be deep in thought.

All were treated as enemies.

This instruction is simple and direct, yet it carries a hint of cruelty.

This means that upon entering the secret realm, in addition to facing the threats of the Abyss Race, the Devouring Race, and their affiliated races, one must also be wary of this unknown "alien race."

"In short, the waters of this Secret Realm One run very deep, and there's not much we can delve into," Prison Suppressor's voice regained its composure. "Just as Master said, without becoming a Venerable Lord, one can only end up... nothing more."

He didn't say everything, but the implication that "without reaching that level, knowledge is useless and only adds to troubles" was clearly conveyed to everyone.

"Let's not talk about that for now," Prison Suppressor steered the conversation back on track. "For us, the most important thing right now is to seize this opportunity and improve our strength. There are definitely many other minor rules and regulations regarding the Secret Realm One; we'll have to rely on the information we receive after entering the realm."

He glanced at everyone and said, "Time is short. If you have any questions about the rules of the secret realm or how to improve your strength, you can bring them up for discussion now. Let's start with the junior disciples."

Prison Suppressor directly named Lin Yi.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi pondered for a moment.

He had originally planned to consult Jianlang about the cultivation of the Law of Death on Jukai, and now that Master Gong had let him ask the question first, it was just right.

He pondered for a moment, organized his thoughts, and then began, "I would like to ask you all, senior sisters, about the precautions for acquiring treasures, the selection of cultivation sites, and... any special treasures that are not on the clan's regular treasure list but may be even more effective." (He looked at the crowd.)

His question was very specific, directly addressing his most pressing need.

Rapidly improve your understanding of the Laws of Death, aiming to fully master them before entering the Secret Realm One.

However, as soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the pavilion showed expressions of surprise.

Including Prison Suppressor, all the senior sisters looked at Lin Yi with obvious surprise.

Prison Suppressor asked in confusion, "Little Master, if I remember correctly, you should have just come out of the Spirit Race's Supreme Sacred Tree Secret Realm not long ago."

"You're now inquiring about the laws of death... Do you feel that the cultivation resources regarding the Life Law you obtained in the Sacred Tree Secret Realm are sufficient?"

The Prison Suppressor's question was quite natural.

Lin Yi had just emerged from the Sacred Tree Secret Realm, a treasure trove for the Life Law. He should have been digesting the gains from the Life Law of Life Law and seeking resources for further enhancement.

His sudden question about the opposing law of death seemed like a leap of faith.

When asked this question by the master, Lin Yi glanced at the questioning looks from his fellow female disciples, subconsciously scratched his head, and then confessed, "Well... I have completely mastered the Life Law, so I'm preparing to begin comprehending the Law of Death."