The group rested for a while, gradually recovering from their dazed state.As they regained their senses, they noticed their surroundings—a vast expanse of interconnected mountain ranges."Sir Tyler, take a good look around. Have you ever heard of a place like this? We seem to have emerged from a spatial tunnel within the formation," Adrian said thoughtfully.Tyler's eyes widened in confusion as he surveyed the area. He had no idea what had happened or where they were. After carefully examining the surroundings, he shook his head."Sir Adrian, I've never seen or heard of this place before. I have no clue where we are," Tyler replied, uncertainty coloring his voice.Despite being a native of Ciawales, Tyler was unfamiliar with this location.The area was vast, and being within a secret realm, its mysteries were known to only a few.Adrian frowned. "Alright, let's first get a sense of where we are and figure out what's going on here. There's something unusual about this place."H
Adrian said firmly, "I have no use for this. Even if I absorbed it, it wouldn't significantly improve my strength. You should absorb it instead—it might help you break through to a higher stage."Tyler hesitated, realizing Adrian wasn't joking. Refusing now would be an act of disrespect."Thank you, Sir Adrian. If that's the case, I will accept it," Tyler said, taking the core."Good. Absorb it now. I'll stand guard," Adrian instructed as he sat beside Tyler.The group was momentarily stunned by Adrian's decisiveness.Tyler quickly sat cross-legged and began refining the beast core.Beast cores were highly beneficial for warriors, nourishing the body and enhancing levels. Those at lower stages often relied on such cores to advance.Adrian closed his eyes and rested.Meanwhile, the others surveyed their surroundings curiously.For most of them, this was their first—and likely last—time in such a secret realm. Entering one without sufficient strength often meant certain death.
Adrian was no stranger to situations like this.A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as strategies and countermeasures quickly formed in his mind.The influx of various factions into this realm didn't faze him. For Adrian, eliminating the Divine Clouds group was a trivial matter.What truly occupied his thoughts was the question of what kind of treasure or artifact could attract so many factions there. Surely, something extraordinarily powerful lay hidden here.Gazing into the distance, Adrian spoke in a calm, firm tone. "Since we've entered this place, this is your best chance to elevate your cultivation. Don't slack off or grow complacent. Seize this opportunity to improve yourselves."The group was visibly moved by his words. "Thank you for your trust, Sir Adrian. We will work hard to strengthen ourselves!"Suddenly, a sharp sound cut through the air from afar.Adrian's gaze turned steely, and the group tensed.A mocking voice echoed. "Well, well, there seem to be some ants her
The three companions quickly pulled the young man back, retreating behind the middle-aged man. They clearly feared provoking Adrian's anger.Adrian looked at the middle-aged man calmly and said, "No harm done. Ignorance is no sin, but you'd best discipline your apprentice. His behavior could cause trouble someday."The middle-aged man frowned slightly. "You have a point."It was clear he wasn't one to seek unnecessary conflict. Though his level exceeded Adrian's, he hadn't expected such boldness from him.What he didn't realize was that even if this man had reached the later stage of the Void Stage, Adrian would have shown no deference.To Adrian, politeness had no place in such situations.The middle-aged man curiously observed Adrian with his large group."You must have entered this secret realm by mistake," the man remarked. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have brought so many people."Adrian smiled faintly and replied, "That's correct. Do you know how to leave this place?"The mi
Adrian's gaze turned icy as he listened.To him, Divine Shadow was no ordinary force, and the youths were likely apprentices sent for training.The arrogance in the young man's words grated on him, but soon, the middle-aged man led the group away.Before they left, the young man erupted in frustration. "Master, why did you stop me? You're being far too cautious!"The middle-aged man's expression darkened. "Zerk, do you really need me to explain? How many times have I taught you to act with humility and caution? Recklessness only leads to disaster."Your actions just now—one wrong move, and you could have lost your life. That young man may be at the early Void Stage, but even I can't see through his true strength."His tone remained calm, as if discussing something trivial, yet his words stunned the surrounding youths. None had expected Adrian to be so formidable.Meanwhile, Adrian's sharp gaze scanned the distance, his mind focused entirely on finding opportunities for spiritual
Adrian's tone was calm as he studied the young man before him. The young man was a level above Adrian.The young man smiled slightly and introduced himself. "I'm Andy, a lone warrior. I noticed you leading such a large group, and my curiosity got the better of me. Which faction do you belong to?"Andy's curiosity was striking, almost childlike in its persistence. His inquisitive nature made him seem harmless, though it surprised those around him.Adrian maintained a sharp gaze as he replied, "We belong to no faction. If you have something to say, get to the point."This blunt response caught Andy off guard."Haha, fair enough," Andy said. "I simply wish to propose traveling together. As a lone warrior, venturing further without faction backing will only lead to oppression."If your group accepts me, I'll gladly share any treasures I find. What do you think?"The group eyed Andy with suspicion. A stranger offering such an arrangement seemed unlikely to have pure motives.Adrian'
Adrian was momentarily taken aback by the words. His suspicions had been correct—an unseen force had been manipulating him all along.The claim that people from all five regions—East, South, West, North, and Central—had entered this realm was clearly a ploy to sow doubt.In reality, it seemed only his group had stumbled in accidentally.This secret realm appeared to be dominated solely by the forces of Central Wasteland. Otherwise, it would have been too much of a coincidence that Adrian had encountered only people from that region."I see," Adrian said, his sharp gaze fixed on Andy. "Do you know the location of the Divine Clouds in Central Wasteland?"Andy chuckled softly. "Divine Clouds? They're a second-rate faction at best. Their leader is at the Great Ascension Stage and is rumored to be one step away from the Tribulation Stage."Then he added, "Adrian, did you offend the Divine Clouds? Before entering this realm, I heard their faction leader led a group in here specifically
Hearing this, Andy seemed intrigued.A broad smile spread across his face as he looked at Adrian and said slowly, "Haha, Adrian, you've come to the right person. When it comes to the factions in Central Wasteland, I'd say I know quite a bit."The forces entering this secret realm can be divided into a few main groups. If we're careful, we shouldn't run into the strongest among them."The most formidable faction is Sacred Lunaland. They're incredibly powerful, with several warriors rumored to reside within their sanctuary. These beings have surpassed the Tribulation Stage but remain confined to their territory."Next is the Emerald Pool. This faction consists entirely of women, each possessing astonishing strength. They're as mysterious as they are dangerous and should be avoided at all costs."Third is the Celestial Court, an ancient organization with a vast foundation. In the Celestial Domain, they're known as the ultimate protectors, commanding terrifying celestial soldiers and