Three Heavens (2)

"The secret realm entrance?! It appeared so suddenly!" The others snapped back to their senses as well, cries of shock rising one after another.

Second Senior Brother had prepared for this long ago. The Profound Heaven Sect disciples marveled inwardly, utterly impressed by Shen Yuxi's ability to foresee the future.

"He can even predict the appearance of a secret realm?" True Person Yu Qing frowned slightly and sank into deep thought, his curiosity and awe toward Shen Yuxi's unfathomable nature growing by several degrees.

He had indeed come to the Flower-Appreciation Gathering intending to test Shen Yuxi's precognitive ability, but from the looks of it, the power of this Heaven-Peeking Treasure far surpassed his expectations.

The sudden news of the secret realm instantly stirred up a wave of panic among the crowd. Cries of alarm and murmured discussion rose and fell like a buzzing swarm of bees, turning the atmosphere within the cave tense and chaotic. It gave Gu Yinchen quite a headache.

The timing of this secret realm's appearance was truly terrible. It had not appeared early or late, but had chosen this exact moment to reveal itself. It was not that Gu Yinchen wanted to monopolize every rare secret realm he encountered; he was not such a narrow-minded man. Medicine King Valley was filled with medical cultivators, and even if they claimed it, they might not gain much from it.

Yet this Flower-Appreciation Gathering had been organized under the banner of appreciating flowers, and many sects had sent young juniors to attend. These young cultivators were mostly vibrant and full of curiosity and desire to explore the unknown. If he openly declared that everyone was welcome to enter the secret realm, those newborn calves unafraid of tigers would truly dare to charge inside.

But what if they encountered some mishap within the secret realm? This secret realm had appeared out of nowhere, without the slightest warning. There were no prior records to consult, and everything within it—its level of danger, distribution of resources, hidden opportunities, and challenges—was entirely unknown.

Under such circumstances, if they did not first conduct a thorough and meticulous investigation, who would dare casually let these young juniors take such a risk? Every young cultivator was the future and hope of their sect, bearing countless expectations and painstaking efforts. If anything happened to them, it would be an enormous loss.

Now that people from every faction had already come, telling them to simply return and wait would seem improper no matter how one looked at it. Not only would it make Medicine King Valley seem inhospitable and lacking in courtesy, it might also arouse suspicion and cause unnecessary trouble.

Medicine King Valley had always focused on the study of medicinal principles. They were highly experienced and skilled in pill refinement, medicine-making, and treating injuries and illnesses. But when it came to exploring secret realms, they had little experience or expertise. They had neither deeply studied the characteristics and patterns of various secret realms nor possessed effective means to deal with the complex dangers within them.

This unexpected turn of events was undoubtedly a thorny problem for Medicine King Valley, leaving Gu Yinchen caught between a rock and a hard place.

Fortunately, Gu Yueyao was the one in charge at this moment. She swiftly calmed herself, her mind racing as she made a decision.

She first raised both hands and gently pressed them downward toward the panicked crowd, signaling everyone to remain calm. Then, in a steady and firm voice that resounded through every corner of the cave like a great bell, she soothed the crowd. "Fellow Daoists, please remain calm! The matter of this secret realm arose suddenly. We will certainly handle it properly and give everyone a satisfactory answer."

The previously noisy crowd gradually quieted at her words, waiting for what she would say next.

Gu Yueyao made her decision without hesitation. With light, graceful steps, she approached the Profound Heaven Sect group. She bent slightly and respectfully bowed to True Person Yu Qing.

She lifted her head, her eyes clear and bright, filled with sincerity. In a soft voice, she said, "True Person, the sudden appearance of this secret realm has truly caught everyone off guard. Regarding matters related to secret realms, a great sect with deep foundations like the Profound Heaven Sect has accumulated far more experience than small sects like ours. The advice you offer will surely be much more reliable.

"I hope True Person will not hesitate to enlighten us. Yueyao would be endlessly grateful."

Indeed, in the cultivation world, great sects like the Profound Heaven Sect had accumulated vast experience in exploring secret realms over countless years. They not only possessed extensive records in their ancient texts, but their disciples had also trained in all manner of secret realms, granting them profound knowledge of their characteristics and potential dangers. They stood worlds apart from ordinary small sects.

Gu Yueyao's actions were, on one hand, a sincere attempt to obtain a way to deal with the situation from the Profound Heaven Sect. On the other hand, she was cleverly using this opportunity to remind everyone present—the Profound Heaven Sect's sect master was here, so how this secret realm should be arranged was not something small sects like theirs could decide on their own.

This reminder seemed subtle, yet it carried invisible intimidation. Amidst the chaos, it allowed everyone to swiftly understand the propriety and rules appropriate to such an occasion, preventing them from acting rashly and causing needless disputes.

Everyone present understood as well that, in such circumstances, no one was more qualified to make the decision than the Profound Heaven Sect's sect master.

Seeing that he truly could not shirk this responsibility, True Person Yu Qing sighed softly and stepped forward with a solemn expression. His hands formed seals as he circulated spiritual power. His vast, majestic spiritual energy extended slowly from around him like a surging flood, yet also like countless fine spider threads, quietly probing toward the secret realm entrance.

After investigating for some time, he arrived at a preliminary conclusion. The secret realm entrance was in an extremely unstable state. Under such circumstances, it would not remain open for long—by rough estimate, only around a few days.

From the information relayed by his spiritual power, the secret realm had restrictions. Cultivators above the Nascent Soul Realm would be unable to enter. However, as for the actual level of danger within, it was still impossible to predict.

Exploring a secret realm had never been simple. The information one could obtain merely through spiritual probing was extremely limited. Even a great sect master with profound cultivation like True Person Yu Qing could not grasp the full picture of the secret realm in such a short span of time.

But True Person Yu Qing's ignorance did not mean Shen Yuxi was ignorant! He was very self-aware in his role as a walking Baidu. "The secret realm will open for three days. When the flowers wither, it will close. As long as you don't court death, you won't die. There are no enemies inside, only demon beasts.

"I don't know about anyone else, but Eldest Senior Brother, who is in the Nascent Soul Realm, will definitely be able to move freely within it, like a fish in water.

"There's no earth-shattering inheritance that can send someone soaring to the heavens in a single step. The greatest gain will just be encountering some rare spirit beasts and spirit plants. Whether you can obtain them depends entirely on your own luck and ability. Over."

Then he mused inwardly, Speaking of which, this Valley Master Gu is incredibly lucky. He merely obtained a Three-Heavens Vine, yet it happened to carry a fragment of the Three-Heavens Secret Realm. He really hit the jackpot and made a killing.

The complete Three-Heavens Secret Realm was originally located in the Sky Ruins Illusory Domain, and it was incredibly dangerous. Even the powerful local forces of the Illusory Domain would weigh the matter again and again whenever it opened, hesitating for a long time over whether to enter and explore.

But a secret realm formed from such a tiny fragment... is nothing to fear.

In the end, after combining the intelligence he had "heard" from Shen Yuxi, True Person Yu Qing slowly lifted his head after a long while. His gaze was firm and composed as he gave a fair assessment. "The entrance to this secret realm is unstable and will remain open for only three days. It also restricts entry to cultivators below the Spirit Transformation Realm. If the young talents present have sufficient confidence in their strength, you may give it a try.

"However, what dangers lie within remain unknown. You must all weigh the matter carefully for yourselves. Do not act rashly."

Gu Yueyao listened quietly to True Person Yu Qing's words. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and after pondering for a moment, she walked with graceful steps to the center of the cave.

Her gaze swept over every cultivator present before she spoke in a clear yet steady voice. "Medicine King Valley is willing to open this secret realm. Fellow Daoists may choose for yourselves whether to enter.

"However, this secret realm appeared suddenly, and we know very little about it at present. Therefore, if any Fellow Daoist wishes to enter, you must first report the matter to your respective sects. Only after receiving approval from your elders may you enter the secret realm."

At this point, Gu Yueyao paused briefly, then continued with an earnest gaze. "Rest assured, everything obtained within the secret realm belongs entirely to you. Medicine King Valley will not interfere in the slightest.

"However, let us make the ugly words clear first. The secret realm is full of peril. Should any Fellow Daoist meet with misfortune inside, please do not blame Medicine King Valley.

"We are opening the secret realm in hopes of offering everyone an equal opportunity to seize their chance. We do not intend to place anyone in danger. I hope everyone can understand."

Gu Yueyao's voice echoed through the cave, reaching every ear clearly. Upon hearing her words, the crowd wore differing expressions. Some hesitated, while others were eager to give it a try.

Afterward, everyone sent voice transmissions to their sects, reporting the situation here in detail to their elders.

For sects led by elders, the elders' expressions became serious as well. What lay before them appeared to be an opportunity, but the hidden risks could not be underestimated. The elders quickly gathered together and discussed the matter in low voices, making their decisions based on their abundant experience and understanding of their disciples' abilities.

The Profound Heaven Sect group made their decision immediately and without hesitation—they would enter the secret realm.

Hadn't Second Senior Brother said so? This was a secret realm from another domain. They had traveled the path of cultivation for so long, yet had never seen what an other-domain secret realm was like. How could they let such a rare opportunity slip by? They had to go broaden their horizons.

This time, even Chu Shihan, who had always acted cautiously, voiced no objection. As cultivators, they ought to possess such courage and passion for exploring the unknown. Besides, judging from Shen Yuxi's confident attitude, this secret realm was likely not an exceedingly dangerous place.

Since that was the case, missing this opportunity and failing to witness the wonders of an other-domain secret realm would feel like suffering a tremendous loss.

As the host, Gu Yueyao decisively chose to enter the secret realm alongside everyone as Medicine King Valley's representative, hoping to prevent the various factions from harboring unnecessary suspicions toward Medicine King Valley and to silence the many tongues.

She understood that only by doing so could she demonstrate Medicine King Valley's sincerity and ensure that this disturbance caused by the secret realm passed smoothly.

Seeing this, Gu Xiaoyue also volunteered to enter.

Before him lay an unparalleled opportunity that came once in a thousand years. Gu Yueyao was a pure medical cultivator whose cultivation focused on the medical path, leaving her relatively lacking in offensive means.

If he could look after her within the secret realm, he might not only change Gu Yueyao's attitude toward him from indifference to favor, but also use this opportunity to make his master, Gu Yinchen, look at him anew. Perhaps his master's impression of him would gradually warm again, restoring the regard he had once held for him.

Moreover, secret realms had always been dangerous places, filled with hidden dangers and peril at every turn. Any accident, even casualties, would be entirely normal within them. Certain matters would also be easier to carry out.

At that thought, a flash of viciousness suddenly passed through Gu Xiaoyue's eyes.

During the previous competition, Tan Yin had made him lose all face. Worse still, Li Huai, that obscure little disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, had actually had the audacity to openly reveal his desire for Gu Yueyao. Whenever Gu Xiaoyue thought of these things, the rage in his heart surged like an uncontrollable tide.

He secretly gritted his teeth, having already made up his mind. If he did not show them some color in this secret realm and let them know how formidable he was, would they truly think Gu Xiaoyue was someone they could bully?

Gu Yinchen stood at the edge of the crowd, his gaze never leaving his daughter. Gu Yueyao was packing with several fellow disciples. Sensing his steady gaze upon her, she looked up and offered her father a faint smile, signaling that she would be fine.

But how could Gu Yinchen rest easy? His daughter had always focused on the medical path, and her ability to protect herself in a perilous secret realm was worrying.

Gu Yinchen truly could not feel at ease about Gu Yueyao entering the secret realm alone.

His gaze shifted slightly toward Gu Xiaoyue in the distance. The other man stood with his arms folded, a vague smile lingering at the corners of his lips, as though he were plotting something again.

Gu Xiaoyue's desire for his daughter was obvious for all to see. Entrusting his daughter to him would be like sending a sheep into a tiger's jaws—the consequences would be unthinkable.

He took a deep breath and searched through the crowd with his eyes. After considering the matter over and over, his gaze finally landed on the Profound Heaven Sect group, on the only female disciple among them—Lin Mumu.

Among the Profound Heaven Sect disciples who had come this time, Lin Mumu appeared to be the kindest and likely the easiest to speak with.

She was lowering her head to inspect her sword, her expression focused. Her hair bun had been completely undone and retied into a neat ponytail that fell over her shoulder, making her look exceptionally valiant.

Gu Yinchen steadied himself and slowly approached under cover of the crowd.

"Miss Lin," he said in a low voice, just loud enough for her to hear.

Lin Mumu glanced sideways. Seeing that it was the Valley Master of Medicine King Valley, she gave a slight nod. "Does Valley Master Gu need something?"

"My daughter is entering a secret realm for the first time and lacks experience. We medical cultivators are insufficient in self-defense. If she encounters danger, I hope Miss Lin can look after her a little."

As he spoke, Gu Yinchen carefully avoided everyone's gaze. Seemingly casually, he raised a hand, and with a slight movement of his sleeve, a small storage ring slid into his palm. Under the guise of straightening his cuff, he quietly tried to slip it into Lin Mumu's hand.

Lin Mumu was a disciple of True Person Yulan, the seventh elder of the Profound Heaven Sect. She possessed exceptional talent and extraordinary strength.

Two years ago, at the request of local villagers, she had gone to Blackwind Gorge intending to capture the Blackwind Fourteen Bandits. Yet she had inadvertently fallen into a trap set by the fourteen bandits and been surrounded. In the face of danger, she remained unruffled. Alone and with a single sword, she used her masterful Silver Bamboo Sword Technique to slay all fourteen bandits.

After that battle, she became famous for a time and rose among the most outstanding members of the younger generation in the cultivation world.

Her cultivation was naturally beyond question, and since they were both women, they could better look after one another within the secret realm.

Besides—although Lin Mumu was only at the Foundation Establishment stage for now, one must not forget that the Profound Heaven Sect had brought three Golden Core stage experts and one Nascent Soul Realm expert. If he could truly establish a connection through Lin Mumu, then should Gu Yueyao encounter danger in the secret realm, he would not need to worry about the others from the Profound Heaven Sect standing by and watching her die.

Lin Mumu did not particularly mind looking after Gu Yueyao a little when it was within her power. After all, Gu Yueyao might one day become her senior sister-in-law. Still, it was merely out of curiosity; there was no harm in caring for her on a whim. Whether she helped or not, no one else had the right to criticize her.

However, once she accepted the other party's gift, the nature of the matter would become entirely different. What had originally been care out of kindness would transform into a heavy responsibility.

A secret realm was a place of danger at every turn. Even someone with exceptional strength would never dare boast that they could emerge alive with absolute certainty, let alone promise to protect someone else completely.

At the very least, Lin Mumu did not dare make such a promise.

Lin Mumu's gaze shifted as she glanced at Gu Yueyao in the distance, then withdrew her eyes. She did not reach out to accept the ring, merely saying softly, "Valley Master, rest assured. If we are fortunate enough to encounter Senior Sister Gu in the secret realm, we will naturally look after one another. There is no need to be so courteous."

Seeing this, Gu Yinchen offered the storage ring once more, but Lin Mumu firmly refused to accept it. If they continued this stalemate, it would likely draw others' attention.

Left with no choice, Gu Yinchen could only give up. His fingertips paused for a moment before he nodded. "With Miss Lin's words, this old man can feel somewhat more at ease."

Though he had obtained only a verbal promise, it was still better than nothing—far better than having no hope at all.

A little scene:

Lingshu Heaven Domain: This flower is treasure from root to tip! It's unbelievably rare!

Sky Ruins Illusory Domain: ? Isn't this just fodder for spirit beasts? Our back mountains are covered in it. You don't even need to wash it; just feed it straight to the spirit beasts to chew on. It's great for raising beasts.

Lingshu Heaven Domain: Shut up!

Cloudwave Spirit Domain: ? I think the Illusory Domain has a point? What do you think?

Secluded World Domain: No problem with it. Why are you acting like you've never seen the world? Aren't you the heart of the Nine Domains? This is our heart?

Lingshu Heaven Domain: ...All you spirit-herb-producing places, shut up. I'm muting you! All of you, muted!

Illusory/Spirit/Secluded: Oh, some domain has had its defenses broken. We won't say who.