I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.

For the past seven days, Lu Zhao has stayed indoors, locking himself in the quiet room of the Pill Hall to fully adjust his state, consolidate his cultivation, digest what he gained from the battle with Qin Wuyai, hone his newly comprehended dragon-shaped sword energy, and carefully study the pills, talismans, and information about the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm given to him by Su Yuanshan.

He knew that the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm was no safe place. It was the place where ancient sword masters passed away, a place where opportunities and dangers coexisted. It contained not only powerful demonic beasts and strange restrictions, but also infighting among fellow disciples, and... the murderous intent secretly laid by the Qin family.

He had to be fully prepared. Any oversight could be fatal.

These past seven days have also been anything but peaceful for the Qingyun Sect. The news of Ye Qingyi's serious injury swept through the entire sect like a hurricane, causing a huge uproar. Countless disciples were filled with righteous indignation, condemning Li Jue's ruthlessness and the Qin family's despicable behavior. Li Jue, however, had vanished without a trace on the day of the incident, as if he had evaporated into thin air. The Enforcement Hall issued an arrest warrant, but no one knew his whereabouts.

The Qin family remained silent on this matter, refusing to utter a word. However, their clandestine activities became increasingly frequent. Rumors circulated that the Qin family was secretly mobilizing experts and contacting some desperate individuals, seemingly making some kind of preparation for their trip to the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm.

Sect Master Lei Wanjun, in a rare move, summoned the heads of the Pill Hall, Weapon Hall, Talisman Hall, and Array Hall, as well as several powerful elders, for a lengthy discussion. Afterwards, the sect issued a new rule: fratricide is strictly prohibited, and violators will be severely punished. At the same time, security at the entrance to the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm was strengthened, prohibiting any unauthorized personnel from approaching.

Many viewed this new rule as a warning from the sect leader to the Qin family, and also as a form of protection for Lu Zhao. However, its effectiveness remained unknown. After all, the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm was a self-contained world, and what happened within it was difficult for outsiders to know.

The seven-day period will soon be over.

As dawn broke, the inner training grounds of the Qingyun Sect were already bustling with activity. Thirty-two disciples who had qualified for the True Inheritance Trial had gathered there. Their expressions varied: some were excited, some nervous, some solemn, and some uneasy. The Heavenly Sword Secret Realm was both an opportunity and a calamity for them.

Lu Zhao, dressed in a blue robe, stood tall and upright at the edge of the crowd. His aura was restrained, and his gaze was calm, like a deep pool of water, its depths unfathomable. But a careful observer could detect a subtle yet sharp aura surrounding him, like a drawn sword, hidden yet chilling.

After seven days of seclusion, Lu Zhao not only thoroughly consolidated his cultivation at the peak of the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, but also deepened his understanding of the third level of the "Nine Dragons Controlling Qi Technique," "Dragon Qi Tempering." The annihilating dragon qi within his body became more refined and condensed, further enhancing his physical strength. More importantly, he integrated the insights gained from his life-or-death battle with Qin Wuyai, making his annihilating sword intent even more refined, and he had also initially mastered the dragon-shaped sword qi, its power far exceeding that of before.

"Junior Brother Lu." Zhao Yan and Li Yue walked to Lu Zhao's side, their expressions solemn. The two of them had also obtained the qualification for the True Disciple Trial. Zhao Yan was at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment, and Li Yue was at the peak of the seventh level of Foundation Establishment. Among the thirty-two people, their strength was in the middle range.

"Senior Brother Zhao, Senior Brother Li." Lu Zhao nodded in greeting, his gaze sweeping across the crowd. He saw many familiar faces, including Qin Ming and Qin Wen from the Qin family, as well as other disciples who were on good terms with the Qin family. Their gazes toward Lu Zhao were filled with undisguised hostility and murderous intent.

Lu Zhao remained calm, meeting his gaze steadily without the slightest fear.

"Be careful once you enter the secret realm," Zhao Yan said in a deep voice. "The Qin family will definitely stop at nothing to deal with you. Li Yue and I will try our best to reunite with you, but the teleportation within the secret realm is random, so whether we can reunite depends on luck."

"I understand." Lu Zhao nodded. "You two senior brothers should also be careful. The Qin family might also target you."

"Hmph! I'm not afraid of them!" Zhao Yan sneered, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit. "Let them come if they want! I, Zhao Yan, am not someone to be trifled with!"

Li Yue didn't speak, but clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with cold light.

"quiet!"

A deep, majestic shout echoed throughout the training ground. Lei Wanjun, leading several elders, appeared on the high platform. His gaze, sharp as lightning, swept over the thirty-two disciples below, finally lingering briefly on Lu Zhao, a subtle, complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

"Today is the day the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm opens." Lei Wanjun's voice was loud and clear, reaching everyone's ears. "The Heavenly Sword Secret Realm was left behind by our Qingyun Sect's ancestors. It is a place of opportunity and a place of tempering. Those of you who have qualified are the best of our Qingyun Sect and the future of our sect."

"Within this secret realm lies countless opportunities, but also peril. There are demonic beasts, restrictions, traps, and the wickedness of human nature. Entering this realm, life and death are left to fate. The sect will not, and cannot, interfere. You can only rely on yourselves and your fellow disciples."

"Remember, fellow disciples must not kill each other. Anyone found violating this rule will have their cultivation revoked and be expelled from the sect! Those with serious offenses will be executed without exception!"

Lei Wanjun's voice suddenly turned stern, carrying an undeniable air of authority. His gaze swept over Qin Ming, Qin Wen, and the others, a warning lurking beneath the surface.

Qin Ming, Qin Wen, and the others' expressions changed slightly, but they quickly returned to normal and bowed their heads in agreement.

"The secret realm will be open for three months. After three months, the exit will automatically open. You must exit before the exit closes, otherwise you will be trapped inside, waiting for the next opening, or... forever." Lei Wanjun said in a deep voice, "Now, prepare to enter the secret realm!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Lei Wanjun and the other elders simultaneously formed hand seals, unleashing a series of profound magical hand gestures. In the center of the training ground, a blinding light suddenly shone, and a massive teleportation array slowly emerged. The array's runes flowed, radiating ancient and powerful spatial fluctuations.

"Enter!"

Lei Wanjun gave the order.

"Walk!"

"Opportunity has arrived!"

"Be careful!"

"Take care of yourself!"

The thirty-two disciples set off, transforming into streaks of light as they plunged into the massive teleportation array.

Lu Zhao took a deep breath and glanced one last time in the direction of the Pill Hall. Ye Qingyi was still asleep, and he didn't know when she would wake up. He silently vowed in his heart: Qingyi, wait for me. I will definitely find the Dragon Blood Creation Grass and heal you! I will!

"Junior Brother Lu, let's go!" Zhao Yan urged.

Lu Zhao withdrew his gaze, the last trace of softness in his eyes fading, replaced by a cold resolve and determination. He took a step forward, his figure transforming into a streak of azure light, and plunged into the teleportation array.

"Buzz—!"

The teleportation array shone brightly, engulfing the figures of all thirty-two disciples. Then, the light gradually dimmed, the array slowly disappeared, and the training ground returned to calm.

On the high platform, Lei Wanjun stared at the vanished teleportation array, his gaze deep, remaining silent for a long time.

"Sect Master, do you think... Lu Zhao will come out alive?" an elder with white hair asked in a low voice.

"In the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm, life and death are left to fate," Lei Wanjun said slowly. "It is a blessing for our Qingyun Sect that he can come out alive. If he cannot..." He paused, a trace of regret flashing in his eyes, "then we can only say that it was his fate."

"The Qin family..." another elder hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

"The Qin family..." A cold glint flashed in Lei Wanjun's eyes. "As long as they don't openly violate the sect rules or endanger the foundation of the sect, I can't touch them for the time being. But if they dare to do anything too outrageous in the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm... Hmph, I don't mind teaching them a lesson."

Upon hearing this, the elders exchanged glances and remained silent. They knew that the sect leader had long harbored resentment towards the Qin family. This trip to the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm was likely not only a trial for the disciples but also, to some extent, a contest between the sect leader and the Qin family.

Meanwhile, outside the Qingyun Sect, in a desolate mountain thousands of miles away.

A figure shrouded in black robes, obscuring their face, stood silently before a dilapidated ancient altar. A thick stench of blood and malevolent energy permeated the air around the altar; scattered bones lay on the ground, and faint, mournful wails drifted through the air.

"Lord Blood Shadow, this is the deposit." A black-clad steward from the Qin family respectfully handed over a storage bag filled with a mountain of spirit stones and treasures.

The black-robed figure known as Blood Shadow extended a pale, withered hand, took the storage bag, scanned it with his divine sense, and let out a hoarse laugh like that of a night owl: "The Qin family is indeed very generous. Speak, who is the target?"

"Lu Zhao. A disciple of the Qingyun Sect, at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, skilled in swordsmanship, and suspected of having cultivated some profound technique, his combat power far surpasses that of his peers. This is his image and detailed information." The black-clad steward handed over another jade slip.

Blood Shadow took the jade slip, probed it with his divine sense, and after a moment, chuckled strangely, "Interesting. A mere Foundation Establishment cultivator is worth such a high price from the Qin family. It seems this kid is no ordinary person."

"Lord Blood Shadow, just focus on killing. There's no need to ask about anything else," the black-clad steward said in a deep voice.

"Don't worry, I'll take their money and do their bidding." Blood Shadow put away the jade slip, his voice cold. "Lu Zhao...heh heh, that name sounds familiar. I heard he killed some members of the Blood Fiend Cult? Perfect, I can settle both old and new scores at once. Heavenly Sword Secret Realm...hehe, what a great place. It's perfect for killing someone, covering up the crime, and destroying all evidence."

"Then I'll leave it to Lord Blood Shadow," the black-clad steward said, bowing. "There will be a generous reward after the matter is accomplished."

"Hehehe..." Blood Shadow chuckled, his figure flickered, and he transformed into a streak of blood-red light, disappearing into the dilapidated ancient altar.

The black-clad steward stared in the direction the bloody figure had vanished, a cold glint in his eyes: "Lu Zhao, this time, let's see how you escape! The Heavenly Sword Secret Realm will be your burial ground!"

In the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm, in a dimly lit valley.

"Buzz—!"

The space rippled, and Lu Zhao's figure appeared out of thin air. He steadied himself and warily surveyed his surroundings.

This is a long, narrow valley, flanked by towering, black cliffs, barren of any vegetation. A thin, gray mist hangs in the air, reducing visibility to a minimum. The air is thick with the nauseating stench of decay and blood. Scattered on the ground are bones, some human, some of demonic beasts, lying there for who knows how many years.

"Is this the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm?" Lu Zhao frowned slightly. This valley was deathly silent and oppressive, giving people a very uncomfortable feeling. Moreover, he could sense that the spiritual energy here was extremely thin, mixed with a cold and violent aura, completely different from the spiritual energy outside.

"It seems that not every secret realm is a paradise; there are also treacherous places like this." Lu Zhao's vigilance intensified. He spread his divine sense, carefully examining the surrounding situation. This valley seemed peaceful, but he had a faint sense of danger about it.

"Let's get out of here first." Lu Zhao made up his mind and moved to head towards the valley exit.

However, just as he set off, a sudden change occurred!

"roar--!"

A deep, violent roar echoed from the depths of the valley. Immediately afterwards, the earth trembled, and thunderous footsteps, like muffled thunder, rapidly approached!

Lu Zhao's expression changed, and he stopped abruptly, his gaze fixed on the direction from which the sound came. The gray mist churned violently, and a massive black shadow, as large as a small mountain, burst forth from it!

It was a ferocious beast over three zhang tall, covered in black scales, shaped like a lizard, and with a single horn on its head! The beast's eyes were bloodshot, saliva dripped from its mouth, and it exuded a cruel and violent aura, staring intently at Lu Zhao as if it had spotted delicious prey.

"An Earth Dragon Beast? No, it's a mutated Earth Dragon Beast!" Lu Zhao's pupils contracted as he recognized the beast's origin. Earth Dragon Beasts are usually second-tier demonic beasts, equivalent to the Foundation Establishment stage in humans. But this Earth Dragon Beast's aura was far stronger than that of ordinary second-tier demonic beasts, reaching the third tier, equivalent to the Golden Core stage in humans! Moreover, its entire body was covered in black scales that emitted a metallic luster, and its single horn shimmered with an eerie light, clearly indicating that it had undergone some kind of mutation and was now much stronger!

"A third-tier mutated earth dragon beast!" Lu Zhao's heart sank. He had only just entered the secret realm and had already encountered such a powerful demonic beast. His luck was simply too "good"!

"roar--!"

The mutated earth dragon beast didn't care what Lu Zhao was thinking. Its scarlet eyes locked onto Lu Zhao, and its thick hind legs slammed into the ground. Its massive body, like a heavy tank, roared towards Lu Zhao and opened its blood-red maw to bite down hard!

A foul stench filled the air! An overwhelming pressure descended!

Lu Zhao dared not be negligent. The Annihilation Dragon Qi within his body surged instantly, and his figure blurred, turning into a blur as he narrowly avoided the Earth Dragon Beast's attack.

"boom--!"

The earth dragon beast crashed heavily into the spot where Lu Zhao had just been standing, creating a huge crater in the ground and sending debris flying everywhere!

"Such formidable power!" Lu Zhao's eyes narrowed. This mutated earth dragon beast was not only terrifyingly powerful, but also extremely formidable in its defense. He had just sensed it, and the hardness of its scales was probably no less than that of a high-grade magic weapon!

"We can't fight them head-on!" Lu Zhao made the decision instantly. He moved like a ghost around the earth dragon beast, searching for an opening.

The earth dragon beast missed its target and became even more enraged. Its thick tail, like a steel whip, lashed out at Lu Zhao with a whistling sound!

Lu Zhao's eyes flashed with fierce light. Instead of retreating, he advanced, and the Annihilation Dragon Qi within his body surged wildly into his right fist, unleashing a powerful punch!

"boom--!"

The gray-gold dragon-shaped fist imprint slammed into the earth dragon beast's tail! A dull, resounding boom echoed through the valley! A shockwave rippled through the air, sending sand and stones flying!

Lu Zhao felt a terrifying force coming from him, and his body was involuntarily sent flying backward, crashing heavily into the cliff. He felt a sweet taste in his throat and almost spat out a mouthful of blood!

The earth dragon beast was also forced back several steps by the punch, and several scales on its tail shattered, revealing the flesh and blood underneath.

"Such strong defense!" Lu Zhao was secretly shocked. His punch just now was enough to kill an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator at the peak of their cultivation, yet it only caused minor injuries to this earth dragon beast! This defense is too abnormal!

"roar--!"

The wounded earth dragon beast became even more ferocious, its scarlet eyes fixed on Lu Zhao. It opened its mouth wide, and a jet-black beam of light shot out, tearing through the air and slamming fiercely towards Lu Zhao!

"Dragon Flame Breath?" Lu Zhao's expression changed. This dark pillar of light contained a terrifying aura of corrosion and destruction, and was definitely not an ordinary attack!

"Don't take it head-on!" Lu Zhao retreated again, his hands rapidly forming hand seals, and the Annihilation Dragon Qi within his body surged wildly.

"Nine Dragons Controlling Qi—Transforming Qi into Dragons!"

"roar--!"

A solid, gray-gold dragon-shaped sword aura burst forth from Lu Zhao's fingertips, swelling against the wind and transforming into a divine dragon several meters long, baring its fangs and roaring as it charged toward the dark pillar of light!

"Boom—!"

The dragon-shaped sword energy and the jet-black pillar of light collided violently! A deafening roar erupted! A violent energy storm swept in all directions, tearing the gray mist in the valley to shreds!

Lu Zhao groaned, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, and his body retreated again. The earth dragon beast was also shaken back by the energy storm, letting out painful roars.

"Now!" A cold glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes. Seizing the moment when the Earth Dragon Beast was knocked back, its old power exhausted and its new power yet to be generated, he moved as close as a ghost. His right hand was held together like a sword, and the gray-gold light at the tip of his finger was condensed to the extreme. He thrust the sword towards the base of the Earth Dragon Beast's injured tail!

"laugh--!"

The sword energy of annihilation was invincible! It instantly pierced through the scales at the base of the earth dragon beast's tail and penetrated into its flesh! The dragon energy of annihilation surged in wildly, wantonly destroying the earth dragon beast's life force!

"roar--!"

The earth dragon beast let out a shrill scream, its massive body twisting wildly, trying to shake off Lu Zhao. But Lu Zhao clung to the earth dragon beast like a leech, his annihilating sword energy relentlessly piercing its body, destroying its internal organs!

"die!"

Lu Zhao let out a low shout, and all the Annihilation Dragon Qi in his body erupted, flowing into the Earth Dragon Beast's body along with the sword energy!

"Bang—!"

Inside the earth dragon beast's body, it exploded as if a bomb had been detonated! Blood and flesh flew everywhere, and a stench filled the air!

"Boom—!"

The earth dragon's massive body crashed to the ground, shaking the earth and kicking up clouds of dust. Its scarlet eyes gradually lost their luster, and it breathed its last.

Lu Zhao was panting heavily, his face slightly pale. Killing this third-tier mutated earth dragon beast had expended a considerable amount of his energy, nearly thirty percent of which was depleted. Moreover, the earth dragon beast's defense was indeed formidable; if he hadn't seized an opening and attacked from a single point, killing it would have been no easy task.

"This Heavenly Sword Secret Realm is indeed dangerous. I encountered a third-tier demonic beast as soon as I entered." Lu Zhao was still shaken. He quickly took out a Qi-restoring pill, swallowed it, and rapidly recovered his depleted spiritual energy.

He walked to the corpse of the earth dragon beast and examined it. This earth dragon beast was a treasure trove; its scales, horn, blood, and demon core were all valuable materials for refining weapons and pills. Especially the demon core, a third-tier demon beast's core, was extremely valuable.

Lu Zhao took out a dagger and carefully dissected the head of the earth dragon beast, extracting a fist-sized, jet-black demon core that exuded a strong demonic aura. He then collected the valuable parts of the earth dragon beast, such as its scales, horn, and blood, and put them into his storage bag.

Having done all this, Lu Zhao didn't linger and quickly left the valley. The battle just now had been quite loud and would likely attract other demonic beasts, or... people with ill intentions.

Sure enough, shortly after Lu Zhao left, several figures silently appeared in the valley. They looked at the corpse of the earth dragon beast on the ground, their eyes flashing with surprise.

"A third-tier mutated earth dragon beast was actually killed? Judging from the wound, it's a sword wound, a fatal blow. What ruthless swordsmanship!" An old man dressed in black robes with a sinister face squatted down to examine the earth dragon beast's wound, a look of seriousness flashing in his eyes.

"Is it Lu Zhao?" another burly man with a scar on his face asked in a deep voice.

"Most likely." The black-robed elder stood up, his gaze fixed on the direction Lu Zhao had left, a glint of greed and killing intent in his eyes. "This boy is indeed extraordinary. To be able to kill a third-tier mutated earth dragon beast single-handedly, his combat strength is probably no weaker than an ordinary Golden Core cultivator. This deal with the Qin family won't be easy."

"What's there to be afraid of!" The scarred man sneered. "No matter how strong he is, he's only at the Foundation Establishment stage. The three of us are all at the peak of Foundation Establishment, and we're skilled in combined attacks. If we join forces, we might even be able to fight someone at the early Golden Core stage. Besides, Lord Blood Shadow will also intervene. Lu Zhao is doomed!"

"Go, chase after him!" A murderous glint flashed in the black-robed elder's eyes. The three of them blurred into three black shadows and silently pursued the direction Lu Zhao had left in.

At that moment, Lu Zhao was moving quickly through a dense forest. His brows furrowed slightly, and a sense of unease rose within him. It seemed that something was watching him from the shadows.

"The Qin family has come looking for us so quickly?" A cold glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes. He knew the Qin family would not let this go and would definitely deal with him in the secret realm. He just didn't expect them to come so soon.

"Since you want to play, then I'll play with you to your heart's content." A cold smile curled at the corner of Lu Zhao's lips. With a swift movement, he increased his speed and sped towards the depths of the dense forest. He wanted to find a suitable place to teach these pursuers an unforgettable lesson.

The hunt and counter-hunting in the Heavenly Sword Secret Realm has officially begun.