The moment her words fell, Ye Qingluan, seated in the place of honor, slowly curled the long fingers resting on the arm of her chair into a tight fist.
A dark look gathered between her brows, and the atmosphere around her instantly sank. The relaxed air of reviewing and discussing theories vanished from the room.
After a moment of silence, Ye Qingluan finally spoke in a grave, restrained voice:
"This trial secret realm is called—the Hunting Secret Realm."
"From its name alone, you should understand its dangers. It is one of the Immortal Cultivation Realm's foremost killing trial secret realms, created specifically to temper cultivators' ability to adapt on the spot, sense danger, and survive desperate situations."
Her gaze swept over every disciple present, each word solemn and clear as it rang through the private room:
"This secret realm permits all cultivators below the Spirit Transformation stage to enter, with no preferential treatment based on cultivation. The moment you step into the secret realm's territory, the trial begins. Countless hidden killing intents lurk within, and all manner of sudden assault challenges are impossible to guard against. They may descend at any time, in any place."
"But great danger always brings great fortune."
Ye Qingluan shifted the subject, her tone growing more solemn:
"The Hunting Secret Realm is strewn with resources and countless opportunities. Every time you successfully evade one of the secret realm's hunts, you will receive a corresponding gift from the secret realm. Fortune is born amid danger, and opportunities are won through life and death—such are this secret realm's rules."
"And the sole core reason the elders insisted on choosing this secret realm for the trial—is the Stellar Stone."
As those three words fell, every disciple in the room jolted inwardly and held their breath.
"The Stellar Stone