Toward the Stars and the Abyss

Upon entering the Adventurers' Guild, they found it as packed with adventurers as ever, shoulder to shoulder. It was clear that the Adventurers' Guild was truly popular.

"Adventurers need to make a living too. The income from hunting low-tier magical beasts alone is definitely not enough for them."

"The commissions posted by the Adventurers' Guild can provide adventurers with additional income, so everyone is happy to come to the guild and accept commissions suited to them."

Blue Lotus explained.

Gu Xin nodded. He could understand that. Clients came to the Adventurers' Guild to post commissions, adventurers accepted and completed them, while the guild acted as an intermediary.

That was how the Adventurers' Guild had risen, and by now, its presence had spread across the entire world.

Even empires that dominated entire regions did not dare to openly offend the Adventurers' Guild.

Moreover, there had never really been any conflict of interest. The emergence of the Adventurers' Guild had simply followed the tides of the times, making the adventurer ecosystem all the more prosperous.

"Besides, the empire cooperates with the Adventurers' Guild. Most secret realms can only be entered through the portals constructed by the guild."

That was right. It was also why Wang Quan had brought them to the Adventurers' Guild.

The Adventurers' Guild controlled the portal to that secret realm. Whenever a new secret realm appeared, either the empire's officials or the Adventurers' Guild would first send people inside to assess its danger.

Afterward, they would construct a safe and stable portal for adventurers to enter and explore.

Looks like Old Wang got some insider information, Gu Xin thought.

Wang Quan had clearly received insider news that traces of demons existed within this newly discovered second-tier secret realm. That was why he wanted to form a team and explore it.

Wang Quan then found a staff member. He had reserved VIP tickets in advance, so there was no need to queue.

Well, that was the charm of money.

"First, if you experience any discomfort during spatial transmission, do not panic. This is normal."

"Second, after entering the secret realm, do not indiscriminately slaughter its inhabitants. The humans within the secret realm are likewise protected by law. Should we discover that you have massacred innocents, we will issue warrants for your arrest."

The staff member solemnly explained the secret realm regulations to the four people already standing on the magic array.

Gu Xin understood. He had seen all of this online before.

Secret realm worlds were pocket dimensions attached to the main world, and the humans inside them were living, breathing people as well.

But human nature was impossible to predict. Many adventurers simply did not regard the humans of secret realm worlds as people. Or perhaps because those worlds were not part of the main world—

They completely unleashed their instincts, wantonly stirring up bloody chaos in the secret realms. Some even indulged their beastly desires, massacring village after village, city after city!

Such horrifying acts had happened more than once or twice, so the Adventurers' Guild and the major empires had issued prohibitions on humanitarian grounds.

"Third, after entering the secret realm, keep your one-use teleportation talismans safe. If you encounter danger, you may activate them, and they will teleport you back."

Gu Xin glanced at the one-use teleportation talisman handed over by the staff member.

It was a single-use spatial spell that could only function within a secret realm. It had been specially made to ensure adventurers' safety.

Could this thing be used for card crafting?

Gu Xin fell into thought. Though it was a limited, small-scale teleportation spell, it was still a spatial spell. He wondered whether it could add some spatial properties to a magic card.

"Finally, toward the stars and the abyss. May your journey be worthwhile."

The staff member gave a slight bow, then took several steps back and activated the magic teleportation array.

The runes of the magic array slowly lit up. Within the intense white radiance, Gu Xin's mind blanked out for an instant, followed by a powerful sensation of weightlessness.

When he came back to his senses, everything before him had changed.

A lush green expanse stretched before them. Ahead lay a vast forest, while behind them stood a mountain. They were currently in the central region.

"Even though I've experienced it once before, teleportation really does feel awful."

Blue Lotus rubbed her brow. She was still feeling a little dizzy.

"Hahaha, Blue Lotus! As strong men, we must remain calm and mentally composed in the face of adversity at all times. It seems you still have a long way to go."

"What the hell are you even talking about?"

Blue Lotus held her head and stared incredulously at Meng Xiu, who was swaying back and forth.

I'm a woman, damn it—and a nun at that. Is something wrong with your brain?

She had long heard that the people from the Knight Academy were muscle-brained idiots. This time, Blue Lotus was completely convinced.

He could not even tell men from women. Had his head been caught in a door or something?

And you've got some nerve criticizing me. You're practically rolling your eyes into the back of your head. You're obviously dizzier than I am, aren't you?

Blue Lotus ranted inwardly.

"Old Wang, where do we go next?" Gu Xin asked Wang Quan, rubbing his temples.

"Let me check the map first."

Wang Quan took out a map from his spatial ring and unfolded it.

"Where did you get a map? Old Wang, isn't this cheating a little too blatantly? Damn capitalists." Gu Xin was stunned.

This guy had actually managed to get a map of the secret realm world?

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Old Wang's mouth twitched.

"I bought this from the Adventurers' Guild. It cost me quite a bit," Wang Quan explained.

The Adventurers' Guild even sold stuff like this? Damn.

It was Gu Xin's first time hearing of it. No wonder the Adventurers' Guild had grown so large—they even turned secret realm maps into a source of profit.

Awesome.

"Let's head to the royal city first. Going through the forest ahead would mean taking a long detour, so we'll go through the mine behind us."

After examining it carefully, Wang Quan called to Gu Xin and the other two and led them toward the mountain behind them.

Before long, the four found the so-called mine, but it was clearly abandoned. Mine carts and pickaxes had been tossed haphazardly all around.

"Doesn't look too peaceful."

Gu Xin narrowed his eyes slightly as he stared at the pitch-black cave entrance ahead. He decisively stepped back two paces, placing Wang Quan and Meng Xiu in front of him and leaving Blue Lotus to bring up the rear.

"I can smell monsters!" Blue Lotus said with a grave expression.

"Also... Gu Xin, as a man, shouldn't you be standing behind me instead?"

Blue Lotus really couldn't take it anymore. With a smile that didn't reach her eyes, she spoke to Gu Xin.

What kind of teammate makes the healer bring up the rear? Aren't you afraid those monsters will just take me out?

"Oh."

Reluctantly, Gu Xin moved behind Blue Lotus, then fell into deep thought as he looked at her perky backside.

"Don't be afraid, brothers! With me here, you definitely won't be in any danger."

Meng Xiu pulled out a massive shield and braced it before himself. Turning around, he flashed Gu Xin and the others a broad, sunny smile and gave them a thumbs-up.

To be fair, his bear-like build and utterly confident words really did inspire a strong sense of security.

"Hmph, let's go. They're just a few monsters—my magic is already itching for a fight!"