"Young Master Situ, your status is noble, so you may not fully understand the circumstances of ordinary disciples like us below. The higher-ups of the divine sects and those top experts may advance and retreat together for the greater good, but among low-ranking disciples like us and the younger generation from all sides, competition has always been extremely fierce."
He paused and lowered his voice.
"Take this secret realm exploration, for example. Although there are strict orders from above forbidding anyone from harming Young Master Situ or the senior by your side, there are no rules requiring disciples of our various divine sects to live in harmony.
"To compete for heavenly treasures and cultivation inheritances within the secret realm, stabbing each other in the back and tripping one another up are commonplace. Sometimes... those above simply turn a blind eye and tacitly permit a certain amount of 'casualties.' After all, resources are limited. Survival of the fittest."
"This is practically an open secret among the Seventy-two Divine Sects."
Gu Sheng understood instantly.
It was like raising venomous insects—allowing disciples to compete and slaughter one another, with the survivors naturally becoming the elites. It seemed the survival rules of the Southern Border Divine Cult were even more cruel and direct than he had imagined.
Situ Qingfeng also showed a look of understanding. His eyes shifted, and a gentle smile appeared on his face as he invited the three Purple Cloud Divine Sect disciples.
"So that is how it is. You have all worked hard. Since we have met here, it is fate."
"This secret realm is filled with dangers. Acting alone inevitably leaves one short-handed. Why not travel together? With Mister Yun and me here, your safety will have a few more guarantees. Should we encounter any ordinary opportunities or treasures