I have the face of a great demon.

Liu Xingchen and Tie Zhu were deeply shocked as they listened to Hua Laodao's story.

They never imagined that such a thrilling story was hidden behind this barren mountain.

The villain's ruthlessness and madness made them gasp in horror.

He's really ruthless; there's practically nothing he wouldn't dare to do.

The two reminisced about the past as Hua Laodao descended upon this desolate mountain in his gourd.

They stepped down from the gourd and onto this barren land.

Walking through the desolate valley, where not a blade of grass grows and pebbles are scattered everywhere, every step seems to tell the story of this land's vicissitudes.

The wind howled through the valley, carrying a touch of desolation, as if mourning the tragedy that had once occurred on this land.

“Look, there are still cracks in the mountain wall over there,” Tie Zhu said, pointing to the mountain wall not far away.

Liu Xingchen looked in the direction he was pointing and indeed saw deep cracks on the mountain wall, like wounds torn apart by a tremendous force, a shocking sight.

"These cracks are all traces left by the bombardment of the array." Hua Laodao's voice was tinged with heaviness.

They continued on, each step cautious, as if afraid to disturb the tranquility of the land. The pebbles in the valley creaked and crunched beneath their feet, as if telling ancient stories.

"This place was once the location of the spiritual vein of the Wuhua Sect, where spiritual energy was abundant and all things grew."

"But now it's turned out like this." Liu Xingchen sighed, his voice tinged with regret.

"Yes, the actions of the great demon are truly heartbreaking," Tie Zhu echoed.

Their footsteps echoed through the valley, as if they were having a silent dialogue with the land.

They knew that this desolate land was once the pride of the Wuhua Sect and the source of their strength.

Now, however, it has become a desolate ruin.

After passing through a crossroads, Old Hua led them to a mountain wall.

This cliff face is different from others; it doesn't have the cracks that appear elsewhere, making it appear relatively intact.

Here is a huge stone wall, covered with the marks of time and intricate runes.

These runes shimmered with an eerie light in the dark valley, as if they were gateways to another world.

Hua Laodao stood in front of the stone wall, took a deep breath, and took out an ancient jade pendant from his pocket. The jade pendant was engraved with patterns similar to the runes on the stone wall and emitted a faint light.

"This is the key left by Wu Huazi. The secret realm used to open automatically. But after I received Wu Huazi's inheritance, I sealed the gate to the secret realm. Only this key can open it," Hua Laodao explained.

Hua Laodao raised the jade pendant high, chanting incantations. As he chanted, the jade pendant's light grew brighter and brighter, eventually transforming into a beam of light that shot towards the runes on the stone wall.

The runes seemed to be activated, slowly rotating and emitting a low rumble.

The cracks in the stone wall began to widen, and the stone slabs slowly moved aside, revealing a deep cave entrance.

Inside the cave entrance, an ancient and mysterious aura wafted out, inspiring awe in all who beheld it.

"Let's go, disciples." Hua Laodao's voice was tinged with excitement as he stepped into the cave first.

Liu Xingchen and Tie Zhu followed closely behind. The moment they stepped into the cave entrance, the stone wall behind them slowly closed, isolating them from the outside world.

Inside the cave was a winding passage, with glowing crystals embedded in the walls on both sides, illuminating the path ahead.

At the end of the passage, there was a hazy light; that was the secret realm of the Wuhua Gate.

Upon entering the secret realm, you'll see five entrances leading to different places.

Hua Laodao said, "You two wait here. I will go in first and take control of the entire secret realm before I call you in."

Tie Zhu said, "Master, is it dangerous for you to go in like this? Why don't we go together and help you?"

"No need. Although my cultivation was insufficient back then, I received the inheritance of the Wuhua Sect, which allowed me to walk safely in the secret realm. However, I was not capable of controlling the secret realm."

"Now that I have successfully established my foundation, I can go and give it a try."

"Once I gain control of the entire secret realm, I can grant you both recognition within it, allowing you to move freely within it."

Since that's the case, Liu Xingchen and the other man stopped trying to persuade him and said in unison, "Please be careful, Master."

"Okay, I'll go now."

After saying that, Hua Laodao chose the middle path and strode in. Soon his figure disappeared into the long passage.

Hua Laodao's figure disappeared into the passage of the secret realm. Liu Xingchen and Tie Zhu stood in front of the cave entrance, their hearts filled with anticipation and worry.

The five entrances to the secret realm each exude a different aura, as if leading to different worlds.

Liu Xingchen stared at the opening in the middle of the cave, thinking to himself, "I wonder what Master will encounter when he goes in this time. The secret realm is full of traps and mechanisms. Although Master has successfully established his foundation, he cannot let his guard down."

Tie Zhu clenched his fists. Although he was worried about his master's safety, he also understood that this was an opportunity for his master.

Time ticked by, and the two waited quietly at the cave entrance. The surrounding air seemed to freeze, with only the occasional breeze blowing from the cave entrance bringing a touch of coolness.

"Xingchen, do you think Master might encounter any trouble?" Tiezhu couldn't help but ask.

Liu Xingchen shook his head: "Since Master said so, we should believe him. Besides, since Master has obtained the inheritance of the Wuhua Sect, he must also know something about the mechanisms in the secret realm."

"You're right, let's wait patiently." Tie Zhu nodded. Although he was still a little uneasy, he knew that all they could do now was wait.

Just as the two were anxiously waiting, suddenly, the entire secret realm trembled violently, and then a powerful aura surged out from the cave entrance.

"It seems Master has already begun his actions," Liu Xingchen said in a low voice.

"I hope Master can successfully control the secret realm." Tie Zhu clenched his fist, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Before long, Hua Laodao's voice finally came: "Xingchen, Tiezhu, you can come in now. Take the middle path."

Upon hearing this, the two immediately became excited, knowing that their master had successfully taken control of the secret realm.

They quickly entered the cave and proceeded along the passage.

At the end of the passage was a wide open space, where Hua Laodao stood in the center, surrounded by five-colored light, making him appear exceptionally solemn.

"Master, have you taken control of the secret realm?"

"That's right, I have gained control of the secret realm. You can come here without worry, nothing will happen."

Hua Laodao's words reassured the two. Since their master had taken control of the secret realm, there was no danger. Reassured, the two headed towards their master's location.

After taking only two steps, Liu Xingchen felt the scenery in front of him change, turning into a gray, foggy expanse.

Oh no, I've fallen into a hallucination.