Gate?!

A heavy, metallic gate with sculptures of divine creatures was engraved across its front. The gate stood tall in the sky, almost reaching the clouds. Long Chen, Xu Mo, and the others were left astonished when something so extraordinary appeared before them—so far beyond the ordinary that it defied explanation.

Was the rumor true?

That was the question on everyone's mind as they beheld the magnificent gate. But it was still too soon to jump to conclusions.

Long Chen, as the strongest cultivator within the Secret Realm, was the only one capable of causing such a phenomenon. He was also the only one qualified to claim the inheritance left behind by the founder. While others speculated, Long Chen was silent, listening to the voice of his master echoing within his consciousness.

[Could it be him who rescued us from the tomb? But why would someone go so far for a person they barely know? Disciple, be careful. Nothing in this world comes without a price. He may ask something from you in return.]

"Don't worry, Master," Long Chen replied inwardly. "If he needs something from me, then it means he has no better option. That alone gives me some leverage—as long as I understand what he wants. The harder the task, the more time and flexibility I'll have. You know how lucky I am."

[Still… Someone capable of shattering the void within a secret realm and saving us right under the nose of the Moon Burial Warden is certainly no ordinary figure. And don't forget—he was also able to transfer the Warden into the secret realm without the Warden even realizing it.]

Long Chen nodded as he took a step forward. Now that he had entered the Golden Core Realm, he could fly through the air without relying on external Qi. This realm was also known as the "Infant Immortal Realm"—so named because it marked the true beginning of one's journey toward immortality. The core formed within was called the "Seed of Immortality," and flight was only one of many privileges that came with stepping into this realm.

Gurr...

A massive white ape, nearly five meters tall, appeared before the gate, gripping an enormous axe twice its size and resting it on his broad shoulder.

"Defeat me, and you may claim the inheritance of the Master of the Secret Realm," the beast growled. This was no ordinary creature. It was a Noble Stage Beast—the Giant White Ape. Having reached the Golden Core Realm, it had gained both speech and intelligence on par with humans.

"Who are you to stop me from entering?" Long Chen said with a cold smirk. "Stand aside, or I'll cut you down. Don't beg for mercy afterward." Despite his bold words, even he felt a flicker of unease at the beast's intimidating presence.

[Let Long Chen enter. You are to stand guard and prevent anyone else from stepping inside.]

The Giant White Ape froze, startled by a voice that resounded in his mind—a voice he hadn't heard in thousands of years. It was his master's voice, unmistakable and firm.

Why would the master ask this person to enter? Why not summon him directly?

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

In truth, the ape wasn't merely a Noble Stage Beast. His cultivation was far higher—concealed by a special method his master had used to mask his true strength. He had never feared any Golden Core cultivator because he was leagues above them. In reality, he was as powerful as the elders of his master's sect.

"Go," the Giant White Ape said, lowering his axe and stepping aside. His massive form had completely blocked the gate, but now it parted like a mountain splitting open.

Long Chen looked at him warily, unsure if the beast might attack the moment his guard dropped. At such close range, defending himself would be difficult.

[Disciple, I sense no malice. Perhaps he is the one allowing you to pass.]

"But, Master... is he—the one who saved me—actually the creator of this Secret Realm?"

[That's something you'll have to discover for yourself.]

The glow on Long Chen's ring dimmed as his master fell silent. In their battle against the Moon Burial Warden, his master had burned his soul to help him power up temporarily. But the cost had been steep—his master's soul was now little more than a flickering silhouette. Without close inspection, he could barely be seen. His strength had diminished, and he would need powerful backing soon.

But Long Chen had no doubts. As a Golden Core cultivator with an exceptionally rare Eighth-Grade Core, he was certain that the Verdant Sky Hall—a true Supreme Sect—would take him in. There, even outer disciples had status rivaling Jin Meiyu, the Saintess of the Hidden Dragon Sect. And he? He would certainly be accepted as a direct disciple of a powerful elder.

With such backing, crushing sects like the Hidden Dragon Sect would be effortless—and he'd face no consequences for doing so.

Long Chen stepped forward into the gate—and vanished.

Clang—

The gate closed behind him with a deafening clang, its sound echoing through the secret realm like a divine proclamation.

Back on the ground...

"Mei Xueyin, you're like a sister to me. I could even take a Great Dao Oath to prove it—if you don't believe me," Xu Mo said hastily. Now that things had returned to normal, he had no intention of being pounded into the ground again. Clearly, Mei Xueyin still had no control over her newfound power.

[Name: Mei Xueyin Cultivation: Foundation Building, First Level Talent: ??? Physique: None Bloodline: 1% Dragon, 99% Human Luck: ??? Description: Forced to swallow Dragon Lord's Blood Essence.]

"Then take the oath," Mei Xueyin replied coldly.

Wei Rong tried to intervene, but one look from Mei Xueyin silenced him completely.

"I, Xu Mo, hereby take this oath with the Great Dao as my witness to prove my innocence," Xu Mo began solemnly. "I consider Mei Xueyin my sister. I have never attempted to harm her in the past, nor will I in the future. If I ever break this vow, I leave my fate to the judgment of the Great Dao."

The moment he finished, both of them felt an invisible force binding them. As the one who made the vow, Xu Mo felt it most—an ominous sense that if he ever violated the oath, his cultivation path would be crippled.

"Now, apologize," Mei Xueyin demanded.

"No," Xu Mo replied, expression firm. "I've done nothing wrong. I'm not your lover or your boyfriend. Remember your place. I am the True Successor of the Hidden Dragon Sect. Taking this oath publicly should be more than enough."

He hadn't realized before just how arrogant Mei Xueyin could be. She used to flirt with him so much that her stubborn nature had gone unnoticed. He was glad he'd never fallen for her.

Stay strong, my brother, Xu Mo thought inwardly, sparing a glance at Wei Rong. You really can't judge people too quickly. He was disappointed in Mei Xueyin, and now that she had become a Daughter of Destiny, their relationship would only become more strained over time.

His system's name, Destined Adversary, meant exactly what it said—a fated enemy. Someone destined to oppose him, written into the will of the heavens themselves.

He couldn't afford to form ties with such people. Xue Lingxi was the same. Xu Mo could only hope he found a proper villainess soon—otherwise, he might not even realize how he died, surrounded by so many protagonists.

Jiang Ren had already vanished. Xu Mo had no doubt he'd be the first to seek revenge.

Still, he mused, this is a joyful moment. At least one more protagonist had left the sect.

He was, of course, referring to Long Chen. Based on his analysis, Xu Mo was certain Long Chen would abandon the Hidden Dragon Sect the moment he returned from the secret realm. And his next destination? No secret at all.

With the inheritance of the Founder now in hand, Long Chen would surely be taken in by the Sect Master of the Verdant Sky Hall—and groomed to inherit it.

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