Entering the Spirit Realm!

Zhao Tong and the other two clan heads bowed in greeting, but when they sensed the aura emanating from Lin An, their hearts filled with shock.

They had already speculated about the young city lord's cultivation, assuming he was at most Bronze Fifth Grade, or Bronze Seventh Grade if they stretched their imaginations.

But they had never imagined that he had already reached Bronze Ninth Grade.

He had been an ordinary person just two months ago.

What terrifying talent would it take to raise his cultivation to Bronze Ninth Grade in two months?

"No need to stand on ceremony."

Seated on his horse, Lin An asked, "How much longer until the spirit realm opens?"

"Reporting to the young city lord, about half an hour," Zhao Tong hurried forward and replied.

Lin An nodded, and everyone then dismounted.

"Clan heads, you were the ones who discovered this spirit realm. Please forgive me for suddenly involving myself this time," Lin An said with a smile.

"You are too kind, Young City Lord. The only reason our three clans have a safe place to survive in this world overrun by Sin Beasts is the city lord's protection."

"Although our three clans discovered this spirit realm, we would be powerless to explore it without the city lord's protection. If you are willing, all three of our teams entering the spirit realm would gladly follow your lead."

"You possess heaven-sent talent, Young City Lord. In the future, we will still have to live under your protection. When that time comes, please do not turn us away."

The three clan heads spoke in turn, adopting very humble attitudes.

"The three great clans have contributed a great deal to Shenglin City over the years. My father and I will certainly not forget that."

Lin An smiled and said, "As for entering the spirit realm this time, your three clans can explore freely. I certainly won't rob others of their opportunities."

While Lin An spoke, the three clan heads watched his expression. They could tell that he truly had no intention of making their people work for nothing once they entered.

However, even knowing Lin An's intentions, they would still offer up everything they obtained from the spirit realm once it was over.

They had originally planned to split their gains fifty-fifty with the City Lord's Manor, but after witnessing the young city lord Lin An's monstrous talent firsthand, they immediately changed their minds.

They had to cling tightly to such a thick thigh, even if it meant taking a loss.

With this thought, Zhao Tong was the first to speak.

"You are benevolent, Young City Lord. However, the spirit realm is dangerous. If you encounter any trouble within, my Zhao Family will certainly offer its full support."

As he spoke, Zhao Tong looked at someone behind him. "Zhao Tao, hurry over and pay your respects to the young city lord."

"Zhao Tao pays his respects to the young city lord."

The young man approached Lin An and bowed in greeting.

"Young City Lord, this is my eldest son, Zhao Tao. He is at Bronze Eighth Grade and will lead our Zhao Family's team this time."

Zhao Tong said, "Once you enter the spirit realm, if you need anything, he is yours to command."

Lin An looked at Zhao Tao, who was about the same age as him.

Although he bowed respectfully, he had failed to conceal a trace of defiance.

Lin An was not surprised. After all, Zhao Tao ranked among the top three of Shenglin City's younger generation, so naturally he had a young man's pride.

Watching this, the Zhang and Wang clan heads inwardly cursed Zhao Tong for being spineless, then beckoned their own young talents over.

"Young City Lord, this is Zhang Yun of our Zhang Clan..."

"Young City Lord, this is Wang Qi of our Wang Clan..."

Lin An looked at the other two clans' geniuses. Both were at Bronze Eighth Grade.

"Since all three clan heads have said so, I certainly won't stand on ceremony once we enter the spirit realm," Lin An said with a chuckle.

Then Lin An glanced at the spirit realm.

A spatial vortex had appeared not far away, but an invisible layer of power still covered it, preventing outsiders from entering.

Afterward, Lin An also learned about the teams the three great clans were sending into the spirit realm.

Each clan was sending fifty people, for a total of one hundred and fifty.

Even the weakest among them was at Bronze Seventh Grade, and around thirty were at Bronze Ninth Grade.

With the treasures each of the three great clans had prepared as well, there was no need to worry even if they encountered Silver Fifth or Sixth Grade Sin Beasts.

Half an hour soon passed.

Hum...

Suddenly, as a surge of energy spread outward, the spirit realm's entrance began to distort, and the invisible power covering it rapidly dissipated.

"The spirit realm has opened. Young City Lord, our three clans will go in first to scout the way for you," Zhao Tong said.

Lin An nodded without speaking. Since someone was willing to scout ahead, that was naturally ideal.

Then one person stepped forward from each of the three great clans. All were at Bronze Ninth Grade, and they entered the spirit realm together.

About a minute later, ripples spread across the spirit realm's entrance, and all three walked out together.

"Reporting to the young city lord and clan heads, the spirit realm's entrance leads to a wilderness. We found no signs of Sin Beasts within a thousand meters," the three reported.

"Mm. In that case, let's head straight in."

Lin An nodded to Ji Yuan, then led his ten personal guards straight into the spirit realm.

After Lin An and his men entered, the members of the three great clans began entering as well.

The spirit realm's entrance would remain open for only two hours, after which it would close automatically.

Each spirit realm would exist for only seven days after opening. After seven days, it would automatically teleport everyone who had entered back out.

After passing through the vortex, Lin An found himself in a wilderness when his vision returned.

He looked around and, sure enough, found no signs of Sin Beasts.

The members of the three great clans followed them in.

"Young City Lord, our fathers said we were to follow all your instructions once we entered."

Zhao Tao, Zhang Yun, and Wang Qi approached Lin An and spoke.

Although the three were somewhat reluctant, these were their fathers' orders, and they dared not disobey.

"No need. Just explore on your own."

Lin An shook his head. "We'll go that way."

With that, Lin An darted away, and his ten personal guards hurried after him.

Zhao Tao and the other two exchanged glances, but did not try to keep him. After all, they did not really want to follow Lin An's orders either.

"Then shall we explore on our own?" Zhao Tao asked.

Wang Qi and Zhang Yun nodded, then each chose a direction and departed with their teams.