After the conflict between Taiyi Academy and Starfall Academy, the entire plaza within the Sealing Emperor Formation fell completely silent. Even hushed conversations had become much rarer.
The disciples of every major faction held their breath and quietly waited for the secret realm passage to be opened.
Time passed second by second. The last disciple holding a secret realm Token hurried into the plaza after being checked by an Azure Dragon Lord, then found a corner and silently stood there.
Almost the instant he came to a stop, the outer passage resembling a seven-colored spirit serpent abruptly closed. The flowing light faded away, leaving behind only faint spatial ripples.
"The passage is sealed. Unauthorized persons are forbidden from entering!" an Azure Dragon Lord responsible for guarding the area loudly announced, his voice spreading throughout the formation.
At the same time, the azure phantom suspended above the Heavenly Palace Secret Realm Passage slowly moved.
The Jupiter Tower Master's tightly shut eyes suddenly opened. Two brilliant rays of starlight shot from his gaze and swept across the thousands of people in the plaza as though tangible. Vast and majestic Emperor's might swept through the entire area, causing all cultivators below the Emperor Realm to instinctively bow. None of them even dared breathe too loudly.
"All trial-takers, listen closely."
The Jupiter Tower Master's voice was like a great bell, echoing through every corner of the Sealing Emperor Formation. "The Heavenly Palace Secret Realm opens once every hundred thousand years. Opportunities and dangers coexist within it. I shall now announce the rules of the secret realm. Those who violate them may seek their own fortunes."
As his words fell, the plaza became utterly silent.
"First, within the secret realm, life and death are determined by fate, while opportunities depend on heaven. Life-and-Death Duels are