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
Excitement and anticipation filled everyone's eyes. They had come seeking spiritual treasures, and the scene before them confirmed they were nearing their goal.The mood was electric.Adrian scanned his surroundings, his expression hardening.After hearing Andy's earlier explanation of the other factions, he understood that entering this realm was no simple task.The crowd was dense and chaotic, like a swarm of crows blotting out the sky.With so many people under Adrian's leadership, it was inevitable they would become a target. Several hostile gazes fixed on them from all directions, filled with disdain, provocation, and contempt."Which faction do they belong to? Why do they look like soldiers?" a man in a purple robe muttered.Nearby, a group of young men chuckled. "Don't mind them. Aside from the two leaders with some power, the rest are just rabble.""Are we really going to let people from such a backwater place compete for the spoils?" another man added.The purple-robe
Ahead, the golden light pierced the sky with such brilliance that it filled the onlookers with uncontrollable excitement.Many couldn't resist the urge to charge forward, eager to claim the treasure. Nearby, a middle-aged man in a purple robe looked livid."This might be the forbidden zone of the secret realm, where my celestial ancestor is buried!" the man exclaimed, his face twisted in grief and anger, as though mourning a treasure already claimed."Hey, Adrian, look at that man," Andy said with a sly grin. "Don't be fooled by his expression. He's got quite the background. He's the Vice Master of the Quad Aqua Faction."Andy glanced at the purple-robed man and added, "The Quad Aqua Faction was one of the most powerful groups of the ancient era, rivaling even the Celestial Court.""Andy, you reckless vagabond, stop muttering behind my back!" the man, Urias, snapped. "I spared you last time. Are you asking for death now?"Andy's face darkened. "Urias, don't push your luck! Last t
Golden rays of light surged toward the crowd, flooding the area like a massive tidal wave.The force overwhelmed everything in its path, driving people to retreat in panic.Though many longed to move forward, the brilliance of the light destroyed everything it touched. Towering trees splintered, boulders turned to rubble, and all else disintegrated into fragments.The crowd's expressions grew grim.The Sacred Lunaland members retreated several kilometers in an instant, with others following suit.Fear gripped their faces as they struggled to comprehend the catastrophe unfolding in this secret realm.As they pondered the situation, the mountain range ahead began to collapse."Ahhh!"Terrified screams echoed through the air. Those who had been slower to retreat were caught in the destructive force and annihilated in an instant.The survivors fled at full speed. Adrian, aware of the dangers, knew better than to take risks. Rushing forward blindly would only lead to disaster, so h