First Steps into the Secret Realm

The instant they stepped into the secret realm, the sounds of the plaza outside were completely cut off.

Ancient trees towered all around them, layer upon layer, their enormous canopies blotting out most of the sky. Only scattered, mottled sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves and spilled across the forest floor. The air was damp, filled with the scent of grass, wood, and earth. From the depths of the endless forest in the distance came the occasional low roar of demonic beasts.

The transmission at the secret realm entrance used a random dispersal pattern.

Disciples entering in the same batch would not arrive at the same location. Shen Yuan and Wang Dong had fairly good luck. Their landing points were only a little over ten zhang apart, and both landed in an ancient broadleaf forest.

"Whew... We finally made it in." Wang Dong let out a long breath, hurriedly pulled the hand-drawn map from his robes, and spread it out to compare it with the surrounding terrain. "Our current location corresponds to the outer forest region on the map. The outer region mostly has first- and second-rank demonic beasts, so it's relatively safe. The deeper we go into the secret realm, the stronger the demonic beasts become. There are even Ancient Puppets."

Shen Yuan scanned his surroundings, his expression intensely vigilant. True qi at the Late Meridian Opening Realm silently circulated within him. He gripped the Azure-Steel Longsword in his hand, his gaze sweeping over the bushes, vines, and shadows around them.

"Don't let your guard down. Demonic beasts in the secret realm are skilled at lying in ambush and launching sneak attacks. Xiao Wuji might be nearby as well. He could be following us in secret," Shen Yuan warned in a low voice.

No sooner had he spoken