Outside Lu Hai Changling.
Above the boundless wilderness.
A figure in plain robes sped along on a flying sword, fatigue and pallor showing on her face.
It was Pei You'an, the Sword Pavilion Founder.
She had paid a considerable price to escape Kong Chunqiu's palm strike back then.
The relentless pursuit of a mighty Heaven Seizing cultivator was no trivial matter.
Despite her many life-saving measures, she had been forced to endure a host of hidden injuries.
That had delayed her considerably, and only today had she finally reached the territory of [Lu Hai Changling].
...There was no helping it.
Pei You'an sighed inwardly.
It was not that she had been unwilling to come sooner.
After all, the [Azure Current Secret Realm] lay right beside [Lu Hai Changling], which was controlled by the Kong and Wang Families.
No one could say whether those two families would send representatives to investigate the place.
She first had to ensure that her strength had recovered enough to defend herself.
That way, even if something unexpected did happen, she would be prepared rather than helplessly surrender.
Almost there at last.
The secret realm ahead, its radiance subdued and its form hidden among the mountains, was now less than a thousand miles away.
Only then did Pei You'an's anxious heart ease a little.
She immediately slowed her flying sword and began approaching cautiously.
But she had barely drawn closer.
The sight before her made her pause.
At least ten thousand unaffiliated cultivators had gathered in a dense crowd on the wilderness outside the secret realm!
Every one of them craned their neck, gazing eagerly at the tranquil secret realm in the distance, their faces filled with urgent anticipation.
Yet, strangely, not one dared take even half a step closer.
Strange... What are they doing?
Pei