Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Inside Qingyun Mountain, the first to notice the changes in the outside world was Zhao Qingyan, who was sitting at the core of the formation and whose divine sense was constantly connected to the outer formation.

"Sect Leader, Senior Brother!" Zhao Qingyan's voice, tinged with surprise, rang out within the Enlightenment Cave. "The spiritual energy fluctuations of the Xuan Yin Sect outside the mountain are unusual! Their encirclement seems to be tightening, and their alert level has decreased! That late-stage Foundation Establishment pressure locking onto the mountain gate... has also weakened considerably!"

On the futon, Shen Mo slowly opened his eyes, his gaze calm and undisturbed, as if he had expected it all along. With a slight movement of his divine sense, he swept across the mountain gate array like mercury flowing across the ground, clearly perceiving the changes in the outside world.

"Yes, I understand." Shen Mo's voice was calm and even. "Maintain the formation at full capacity without any slackening. Inform Elder Han and Junior Sister Su that the sect's alert level remains unchanged, and the disciples' duty shifts will continue as before."

"Yes!" Although Zhao Qingyan was somewhat puzzled as to why the sect leader was so calm, she still carried out the order without hesitation.

The news spread quickly, easing the oppressive atmosphere within the sect. Many disciples showed relief at surviving the ordeal. However, higher-ups like Su Xiao, Shi Tie, and Han Lin knew that the crisis was far from over; it was merely a temporary relocation. The sect leader undoubtedly had other plans.

Sure enough, the next morning, after the sect bell rang as usual, Shen Mo's voice was clearly transmitted to the ears of every inner disciple through the formation.

"All Qi Refining late-stage disciples, immediately proceed to the entrance of the Flowing Cloud Secret Realm to assemble."

The command was brief, yet it invigorated all the eligible inner disciples! The Flowing Cloud Secret Realm! The sect's most mysterious training ground, rarely opened on ordinary days, and each entry required a large amount of contribution points. Now, the sect leader had actually ordered everyone to assemble?

Beneath the white jade archway at the entrance to the secret realm, more than thirty disciples quickly gathered, all with cultivation levels at least at the seventh level of Qi Refining. Elite figures such as Sun Hao, Xiong Meng, and Zhang Daniu were among them. Everyone wore expressions of excitement and curiosity, conversing in hushed tones.

"Why did our sect leader suddenly summon us to the secret realm?"

"Could it be that some treasure has appeared in the secret realm?"

"I don't think so. I guess they're going to increase the intensity of the training! Although those brats from the Xuan Yin Sect outside have quieted down, who knows if they might come back again?"

Just then, Shen Mo appeared silently before the archway, accompanied by Su Xiao and Shi Tie. The noise instantly subsided, and all the disciples straightened their backs, their eyes burning with fervor as they looked at their sect leader.

Shen Mo's gaze swept over the crowd as he slowly spoke, his voice not loud, yet carrying an undeniable authority: "The external turmoil has temporarily subsided, but powerful enemies surround us, and the crisis remains. Our Qingyun Sect, if we wish to establish ourselves in this chaotic world, must strive relentlessly! From today onwards, the 'Gale' and 'Raging Waves' difficulty levels of the Flowing Cloud Secret Realm will be open to all late-stage Qi Refining disciples! Unlimited attempts, no contribution points required!"

A suppressed gasp rippled through the crowd! Unlimited attempts! No contribution points required! This is an incredible benefit! You see, while the secret realm trials offer immense benefits, the contribution points consumed are staggering. Normally, everyone has to save up for a long time before they're willing to go in even once.

"However," Shen Mo's tone shifted, becoming serious, "opportunity comes with danger. The 'Gale' and 'Raging Waves' levels feature stronger illusions, more ferocious monsters, and harsher environments, even posing a risk of damage to one's divine consciousness and a shaken foundation! They are far more difficult than the previous 'Light Clouds' level!"

His gaze, sharp as lightning, swept across the young, spirited faces: "Those who are afraid of death can withdraw now. Those who choose to stay must be prepared to suffer greatly! I will not intervene in the secret realm; life and death are left to fate! Do you dare to accept this trial?"

After a brief silence, a deafening roar erupted from the crowd:

"dare!"

"Sect Leader! We are not afraid!"

"Even if my head falls off, the scar will be as big as a bowl! I'll risk it!"

Sun Hao, Xiong Meng, and the others were so excited that their faces turned red and their fists clenched.

"Alright!" Shen Mo nodded. "Junior Sister Su, Junior Brother Tie, you two will lead the team into the 'Raging Waves' difficulty area. You will be responsible for guiding and supporting the team. Unless it is a matter of life and death, you must not interfere with the disciples' training."

"Yes! Senior Brother Sect Leader!" Su Xiao and Shi Tie solemnly responded.

"Enter the secret realm!" Shen Mo waved his sleeve, and the white jade archway shone brightly, forming a swirling vortex of clouds and mist.

Led by Su Xiao and Shi Tie, more than thirty late-stage Qi Refining disciples, filled with excitement and determination, stepped into the vortex one by one, their figures disappearing from sight. They would undergo a frenzied life-or-death ordeal in this perilous secret realm where time flowed differently from the outside world.

Meanwhile, the side peak where the alchemy room was located was enveloped in an intensely rich medicinal fragrance. The door to the Earth Fire Chamber was tightly closed, but the faint light shining through the cracks and the subtle vibrations of spiritual energy indicated busy activity inside.

Li Xiaocao, dressed in a dress stained with various colors of medicine, with a speck of ash on the tip of her delicate nose, was intently controlling a half-person-high bronze alchemy furnace before her. A roaring fire blazed beneath the furnace, runes swirled on its surface, radiating intense heat.

Her fingertips, imbued with spiritual energy, moved like the finest embroidery needles, constantly adjusting the heat and occasionally adding rare medicinal herbs from the jade box beside her into the furnace.

"Yunlin Flower, three qian, remove its dryness and retain its warmth... Earth Core Fire Lotus Petals, need to be simmered over a low flame to extract pure yang essence... A drop of Cold Jade Marrow, to be added at the crucial moment to harmonize yin and yang..." She muttered to herself, her forehead covered with fine beads of sweat, but her eyes shone with an astonishing brightness.

Beside her, several capable disciples of the Pill Hall were each tending a smaller pill furnace, refining basic pills such as "Qi Recovery Pills" and "Wound Healing Pills." However, their gazes were involuntarily drawn to Li Xiaocao's work. This time, Senior Sister Xiaocao was refining the "Cloud Condensation Pill," a treasure even Foundation Establishment cultivators considered a precious gem! And judging by her efforts, its quality was definitely not low!

"Senior Sister Xiaocao is truly amazing! Her fire control technique is even better than that of the alchemists at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion!"

"Shh! Keep your voice down! Don't disturb Senior Sister! Can't you see she's at the most crucial moment?"

One disciple had just begun to praise in a low voice when he was interrupted by his companion.

As expected, Li Xiaocao's expression grew increasingly solemn. The alchemy furnace began to vibrate slightly, and wisps of rosy light peeked through the cracks in the lid, making the medicinal fragrance even more intense and enticing. She formed a hand seal and shouted, "Condense!"

hum!

The alchemy furnace emitted a clear and melodious hum, and the furnace lid soared into the sky. Three milky white streams of light flew out of the furnace as if they were sentient, carrying a refreshing fragrance, and were about to scatter and disappear!

"Where do you think you're going!" Li Xiaocao was prepared. With a wave of her hand, three jade bottles that had been prepared beforehand flew out. The mouths of the bottles generated a suction force, accurately drawing the three streams of light into them.

She strode forward, picked up the jade bottle, and poured out three white pills, each the size of a longan, round and flawless, with cloud-like patterns flowing on their surface. A tired but satisfied smile appeared on her face.

"A top-grade Cloud Condensation Pill! Successful!"

"Congratulations, Senior Sister, on your great success in alchemy!" The disciples of the Pill Hall surrounded her to offer their congratulations, their eyes burning with excitement as they gazed at the three spiritual pills. High-grade Cloud Condensation Pills! These were treasures capable of rapidly restoring a Foundation Establishment cultivator's spiritual energy, and even aiding in breaking through minor bottlenecks!

Li Xiaocao carefully put away the pills, wiped her sweat, and said to everyone, "You've all worked hard. But it's not enough! Although the Xuan Yin Sect has temporarily retreated, their wolfish ambitions remain! Every pill we refine gives our fellow disciples a better chance of survival on the battlefield! Let's continue! Next, we'll try making the 'Exploding Yuan Pill'!"

"Yes, Senior Sister!" the disciples responded in unison, full of enthusiasm. The entire alchemy room was once again filled with the blazing earth fire and the rich aroma of medicinal herbs.