The Lord God is kneeling on the washboard again

Before they knew it, they had entered the depths of the secret realm, where the scenery became increasingly bizarre and eerie. A thick, almost impenetrable fog filled the air, like a heavy veil, shrouding everything in a mysterious atmosphere.

Ancient trees towered, their twisted branches crisscrossing like the serpentine serpents of giant pythons. Lush leaves intertwined, almost completely obscuring the sky, with only occasional faint rays of light filtering through the gaps. The ground was covered in thick moss, and the first step was a slippery, soft sensation, as if it threatened to sink into it at any moment.

The air was filled with the scent of stale decay, mixed with the aroma of unknown herbs and the faint scent of danger. From time to time, a low roar could be heard, as if a great beast from ancient times had awakened from its slumber. But when everyone listened closely, the sound disappeared without a trace, leaving only a heart-wrenching silence.

Everyone's expressions grew increasingly solemn, each step they took cautiously, their weapons gripped tighter. They knew full well that in this secret realm, any negligence could have fatal consequences.

Xing Xuanli suddenly stopped and everyone was puzzled. A disciple from the Sun and Moon Palace asked, "What's the matter, Palace Master?" There was a hint of anxiety and worry in his voice.

Xing Xuanli frowned slightly, a hint of vigilance in her eyes. She pricked up her ears, as if listening for some subtle movement. After a moment, she slowly spoke, "I sense an unusual aura here. Everyone, be careful."

Upon hearing this, everyone's nerves tensed, and they observed their surroundings more cautiously. The disciple who had asked the question swallowed nervously and asked again, "Palace Master, what should we do then?"

Xing Xuanli pondered for a moment and said, "Don't act rashly. Let me investigate carefully." She closed her eyes gently and tried to feel the source of the mysterious and dangerous aura around her.

The other disciples didn't dare to breathe and surrounded Xing Xuanli tightly, holding their weapons tighter, their eyes filled with fear and anxiety about the unknown danger.

On the Lingxiao Sect side, Luo Lingshan and others were engaged in a fierce battle. They were working together to deal with an extremely ferocious ninth-level beast.

The beast was massive, like a small hill, its hard scales gleaming coldly in the dim light. Its bloody mouth held sharp fangs, and every roar seemed to shatter a human soul.

Luo Lingshan, sword in hand, leaped and nimble around the beast, her eyes filled with determination and resolve. Sweat streamed down her forehead, soaking her hair, but her fatigue didn't slow her movements in the slightest.

The fellow disciples beside him also used their unique skills. Some brandished long whips, trying to restrain the beast's movements; others continuously released spells, sending beams of light towards the beast. However, this ninth-level beast was extremely powerful, and each of its attacks carried an overwhelming force, making it difficult for the Lingxiao Sect to resist.

Luo Lingshan shouted, "Everyone, concentrate your strength and attack its weak points!" Her voice was a little hoarse from the intense battle, but it was full of power. Upon hearing this, everyone adjusted their tactics and coordinated more closely, engaging in a desperate struggle with the powerful beast.

Luo Lingshan gradually lost her strength in the fierce battle with the ninth-rank beast. Her breathing became disordered, and the sword in her hand became heavier. Each time she resisted the beast's attack, it became extremely difficult.

"Damn it! This beast is so powerful!" Luo Lingshan groaned inwardly, beads of sweat rolling down her forehead. She realized she was no match for this ninth-tier beast, and she felt extremely anxious.

"System, system, help me!" Luo Lingshan called out to the system with her inner voice, hoping for assistance. However, all she received was silence, as if the system had fallen into a deep sleep, without any response.

Luo Lingshan's eyes flashed with despair, but she refused to be defeated by the beast. She gritted her teeth, raised her sword again, and attacked the beast with all her might. Even if her chances were slim, she would fight to the bitter end.

Finally, when Luo Lingshan and the Lingxiao Sect were struggling to hold on and were on the verge of collapse, disciples from other sects stepped in. However, their presence wasn't to save the Lingxiao Sect from their predicament, but rather out of greed, they wanted to seize the spirit core of the ninth-rank beast.

You know, this beast is only one step away from becoming a spirit beast, and the powerful power and precious value contained in its spirit core are self-evident. These disciples' eyes gleamed with greed, completely disregarding the lives of the Lingxiao Sect members, and only thinking about how to take this precious spirit core for themselves.

They quickly joined the battle, but instead of engaging the beast head-on, they secretly sought opportunities, attempting to strike when the beast was at its weakest, thereby reaping the greatest benefit at the lowest cost. The members of the Lingxiao Sect were both furious and helpless in this sudden turn of events. They struggled on the brink of life and death, yet had to be wary of these opportunists.

Under the siege of the crowd, the beast finally succumbed to exhaustion. Its massive body collapsed with a thunderous thud, shaking the ground and raising a cloud of dust. Its once fierce eyes lost their luster, and its ferocious face became lifeless.

The din of battle abruptly ceased, the air thick with the scent of blood and exhaustion. Everyone gazed upon the dead beast, their hearts awash with mixed emotions. For the disciples of the Lingxiao Sect, this battle had been incredibly difficult, and they had paid a heavy price. Many bore wounds of varying severity.

As for the disciples from other sects who were trying to snatch the spirit core, their eyes were filled with excitement and greed, and they couldn't wait to step forward and get the treasures they had dreamed of.

Disciples from other sects rushed forward like wolves, eager to snatch the precious spirit core. Seeing this, the Lingxiao disciples were furious and roared, "What do you want? This spirit core belongs to us, the Lingxiao sect!" Their voices were filled with anger and determination, and every face was filled with the determination to defend their achievements.

A senior brother from the Lingxiao Sect stepped forward, holding his sword in front of the beast. His eyes widened as he glared at the uninvited guests, shouting, "We fought this beast to the death, going through great hardships to slay it. You didn't contribute a single bit, yet now you dare to openly snatch our spoils! How shameless!"

Another junior sister from Lingxiao Sect also said angrily: "This is what we earned with our blood and sweat, don't even think about getting your hands on it!" Her pretty face flushed red with anger, and she held the magic weapon tightly in her hand, ready to fight the invading enemy at any time.

The disciples of the Lingxiao Sect gathered around, forming a solid defensive line, protecting the beast's corpse and spirit core behind them. Their eyes burned with rage as they fiercely confronted the greedy disciples. The atmosphere was extremely tense.

Upon hearing this, the disciples from other sects not only did not feel the slightest bit of guilt, but instead mocked them, "Hmph, if it weren't for our eldest brother's intervention, you would have already been in the belly of that ferocious beast! Even if we give you this spirit core, can you keep it? Don't overestimate your abilities!" Their faces were full of contempt and disdain, and their arrogant demeanor seemed as if they had already regarded the spirit core as their own possession.

One of the sharp-nosed and monkey-faced disciples jumped out, pointed at the Lingxiao Sect's noses, and said sarcastically, "With your meager abilities, if it weren't for our eldest brother's mercy, you would all be a pile of bones by now! Giving you this spirit core is simply a waste of a gift from heaven!"

Another burly disciple crossed his arms over his chest and said arrogantly, "If you know what's good for you, get out of the way and don't force us to take action! Otherwise, don't blame us for being rude!" They relied on their large numbers and did not take the anger of the Lingxiao Sect disciples seriously at all. They only wanted to seize the spirit core.

Bai Yize took a step forward and said to Li Feng, the eldest senior brother of Qingmu Sect: "Li Fengjue, do you really not take Lingxiao Sect seriously? Although Lingxiao Sect is not a top sect, it will not tolerate your bullying like this! If you don't give a reasonable explanation for what happened today, don't even think about letting it go easily!" Bai Yize's eyes were burning and his tone was firm. He was not afraid of Li Fengjue's identity at all.

"We fought desperately with the ferocious beast and suffered heavy casualties, but you tried to reap the benefits and snatch the spirit core at the critical moment. This despicable behavior will make Qingmu Sect the target of public criticism if it gets out. As the eldest brother, are you so short-sighted that you don't care about the reputation of the sect?" Bai Yize became more and more excited as he spoke, his voice echoing in the air, shocking everyone present.

Li Feng sneered, "In this secret realm, whoever grabs it first owns it! This is a world where the strong prey on the weak, and the strong are respected. If you, the Lingxiao Sect, are not strong enough, don't even think about keeping this spirit core!" His face was full of arrogance and domineering, and his eyes revealed contempt for everyone in the Lingxiao Sect.

"My Qingmu Sect has always spoken with strength. Today, we are determined to take this spirit core! If you know what's good for you, just move aside and avoid physical pain. Otherwise, don't blame us for being rude!" Li Feng crossed his arms across his chest, looking confident of victory. The Qingmu Sect disciples behind him also followed suit and approached the Lingxiao Sect members aggressively.

Li Fengjue continued, "In the past, with Nangong Han here, we didn't dare to do anything to your Lingxiao Sect. But now, Nangong Han has long severed ties with the Lingxiao Sect. Tell me, if I, the young master, take care of all of you in the secret realm, what can I do? What can the people outside do to me?" His eyes flashed with viciousness and complacency, as if he had already seen the scene of the people of Lingxiao Sect begging for mercy in front of him.

"Don't think I don't know that your Lingxiao Sect is not as strong as before. Without the big tree like Nangong Han, you are just a group of rabble. You are not qualified to possess this spirit core!" Li Fengjue raised his voice, his words full of threats and oppression.

At this time, the disciples of Qingmu Sect also joined in the commotion, shouting, "That's right, if you know what's good for you, get out of here quickly, or you'll suffer!" Their faces were full of arrogance, and they surrounded the people of Lingxiao Sect, and the atmosphere became increasingly tense.

Li Fengjue spotted Luo Lingshan, dressed in yellow, among the crowd, and a flicker of surprise and greed flashed across his eyes. He looked her up and down impudently, a malicious smile curling his lips as he said, "Oh, isn't this the beauty from the Lingxiao Sect? Why are you here to suffer in this secret realm today?"

Luo Lingshan felt his unruly gaze, her brows furrowed, her eyes filled with disgust, and she shouted angrily, "How dare you! Stop being so rude!"

Li Fengjue didn't care, instead he smiled even more complacently and said, "Don't be angry, beauty. As long as you follow me obediently, there may be room for negotiation on the matter of the spirit core." As he spoke, he took a few steps closer to Luo Lingshan. His frivolous look was disgusting.

The disciples of Lingxiao Sect glared at him angrily, protecting Luo Lingshan behind them and shouting in unison: "Shameless scoundrel, don't even think about it!"

Li Fengjue smiled and said, "After the secret realm is over, how about I let my father come to propose marriage? A beauty like you should follow me. I will ensure that you will eat and drink the best food and drink, and enjoy all the glory and wealth. In my Qingmu Sect, I will never let you suffer any grievances." As he spoke, he showed an expression of determination, as if Luo Lingshan was already in his pocket.

Luo Lingshan was so angry that her face turned pale, and she said angrily: "Don't even think about it! Even if I, Luo Lingshan, die, I will never marry a shameless person like you!" Her eyes were burning with anger, and her delicate body was trembling slightly with anger.

The disciples of Lingxiao Sect also scolded him, "You despicable villain, you actually said such frivolous words, you are so shameless!"

However, Li Fengjue didn't care about their anger at all, and continued arrogantly: "Humph, this is not up to you. In this world, there is nothing that this young master cannot obtain, including you!

In the team on the side, the people from Baihua Palace were trapped in the formation at this moment, extremely anxious but unable to get out.

They found themselves in a hazy mist, the surrounding scenery unreal and blurry. The seemingly ordinary flowers, plants and trees seemed to have come alive, constantly shifting positions, forming a confusing obstacle.

The eldest senior sister of Baihua Palace frowned and called out in a delicate voice: "Sisters, don't panic, let's work together to find the flaws in the formation!" Upon hearing this, the disciples forced themselves to calm down and cast their own spells to try to break this strange formation.

A young disciple said anxiously, "Palace Master, this formation is extremely powerful. We have tried many methods, but we still cannot get out."

Another older disciple also looked worried: "The formation in this secret realm is mysterious and unpredictable. I'm afraid it won't be easy for us to escape."

The people in Baihua Palace rushed around in the formation, but could not find a way out. The atmosphere became increasingly tense and depressing.

Just when everyone in Baihua Palace was in dire straits and at a loss for what to do, Xing Xuanli stepped forward to offer a helping hand. With light steps, like a fairy descending from the earth, she stepped into the maze with a calm and composed expression.

Xing Xuanli's gaze was as sharp as a torch, as she carefully observed the changing patterns of the formation. She muttered to herself, her hands constantly forming seals, casting one mysterious spell after another. A soft light emanated from her body, as if she were engaged in an invisible battle with the formation.

The disciples of Baihua Palace nervously watched Xing Xuanli's every move, their hearts filled with anticipation and hope.

As time went by, beads of sweat gradually appeared on Xing Xuanli's forehead, but her eyes became more and more determined. Finally, after a flash of light, the formation showed a slight loosening.

Xing Xuanli took the opportunity to increase her magic power output and shouted, "Break!" The formation that originally trapped everyone in Baihua Palace collapsed in an instant, the smoke dissipated, and the scene returned to normal.

The disciples of Baihua Palace felt like they had been reborn, their faces filled with gratitude and joy. The eldest sister of Baihua Palace even stepped forward, cupped her hands, bowed slightly, and said, "Thank you, Palace Master Xing, for your help. We at Baihua Palace will always remember this kindness." The disciples also bowed in gratitude.

Xing Xuanli waved her hand gently and said with a smile, "We are all practitioners together, so it's only natural for us to help each other. There's no need to be so polite."