Yan Ning stood atop the main hall of Sky Dome Palace, his black hair hanging loose. His Three Vertical Pupils looked down upon the three servants standing respectfully below: Sky Dome Palace Master, Crimson Flame Venerable, and Mystic Abyss Venerable.
"Master."
The three bowed, their eyes full of reverence.
Yan Ning nodded slightly, his voice indifferent yet carrying unquestionable authority:
"Next, I'll go into seclusion to cultivate. I don't know how long it will take—at least a thousand years, perhaps as long as ten thousand."
"While I'm away, there are three things you must do."
"The secret realm's opening is inevitable and cannot be stopped. However, it will still take some time for those outside to discover it."
"Although I've already taken control of the Secret Realm Core, you must still stay vigilant in case powerful outsiders force their way in."
"Sky Dome Palace Master, you'll be in charge of this."
Sky Dome Palace Master immediately bowed. "Yes, Master!"
"Xuanming, Chi Yan, you'll monitor the movements of the various forces in the universe. I permit you to leave the secret realm. If anyone approaches, deal with them as you see fit."
"If a Universe Master approaches, notify me immediately through our soul connection."
Mystic Abyss Venerable nodded solemnly. "Understood, Master!"
Yan Ning's gaze swept over the three, his tone icy. "Remember: if anyone trespasses in the secret realm, kill them if you can. If you can't, retreat and wait for me to emerge."
"Yes!" the three answered in unison.
After giving his orders, Yan Ning's figure blurred, and he went straight to the deepest part of Sky Dome Palace.
"Let's begin."
He sat cross-legged in midair, the Chaos Bell floating above his head and cascading billions of strands of divine law-light.
"System, activate the highest cultivation mode."
"Cosmic Origin Mark,