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
Even a vast empire like Ciawales had to show utmost courtesy when dealing with people from Central Wasteland.A few powerful warriors from the Central Wasteland could easily obliterate the entire Ciawales.The crowd stood frozen, their gazes flickering with hesitation as they debated whether to press forward or reconsider.The ground shook violently beneath them, and the deafening roar of destruction echoed in the air.Amid the shimmering golden light, a formidable barrier had formed. It seemed capable of repelling any intrusion, unsettling the onlookers deeply.They couldn't grasp what was happening, but the idea of retreating was equally tormenting. The allure of the treasure ahead was too strong to ignore.Yet, the golden light served as a dire warning. Moving forward could cost them their lives. Torn between greed and fear, the crowd remained paralyzed.The middle-aged man's earlier words echoed in their minds: stopping or retreating might be their best option to ensure safe
Adrian addressed the group, hoping they would understand his reasoning.If they did, that would be ideal.If not, there was nothing more he could do. Leading the group meant bearing responsibility for their lives.He couldn't recklessly drag everyone into danger.However, the group was stunned upon hearing Adrian's instructions.They hadn't expected him to refrain from forcing them into the secret realm. Some were genuinely surprised, assuming Adrian might see a few among them as expendable.In dangerous secret realms, it wasn't uncommon for leaders to bring weaker individuals along solely as disposable shields against unforeseen threats. Many believed this was a common survival tactic.Adrian's approach shattered their assumptions. Andy glanced at Adrian but stayed silent.Then, Andy shifted his gaze toward the void and smirked. "Heh, since you're already here, why not show yourself? I know you're too restless to stay hidden, old man."As Andy spoke, he stared into the void.
Could entering the secret realm really demand such restraint?Adrian pondered the saying, "A man without sin is guilty when he possesses a treasure," its logic striking a familiar chord. With a faint smile, he replied, "Mr. Finnian, you are absolutely right."Andy, however, impatiently cut in, "Old man, quit rambling. Let's get inside already. Use your treasure to carve an opening!"The elder raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise and mild annoyance crossing his face. "So that's why you dragged me out here? To make things easier for you? Heh, I don't offer my help for free."He added, "Let's get one thing straight: if I enter with you, you two brats are responsible for protecting me. If danger comes my way, you step in first."Andy rolled his eyes, but Adrian nodded calmly. "It's a blessing to have you lead us. Of course, we'll protect you."The elder nodded approvingly. "Alright then. Follow me."With a gentle wave of his hand, Finnian's pipe emitted a dazzling golden light
No one had anything more to say. For most, entering the secret realm was already a gamble. If they gained nothing worthwhile and lost their lives in the process, it wouldn't be worth it.Adrian surveyed the crowd with a faint smile, pleased by their attitude and restraint.Andy glanced at Adrian, curious.At that moment, Adrian seemed different—neither ostentatious nor timid.There was an indescribable aura about him. Standing there, he appeared simple and unassuming, like an ordinary man.Yet, after interacting with him, one would sense a depth of character that defied explanation.Finnian also studied Adrian carefully, sensing something extraordinary about him. Though Andy carried many secrets, Finnian had a hunch that Adrian's hidden depths far exceeded Andy's.Standing behind Adrian, Andy grinned. "Heh, Adrian, don't worry too much. While this place is dangerous, with this old freak here, our safety should be guaranteed."Adrian was briefly surprised but didn't press the is
The towering mountain peaks loomed in the distance, interspersed with smaller ones.Finnian smiled faintly and remarked, "This seems to be the third forbidden zone within the Great Dragon Mountain's secret realm. Our luck isn't too bad."Adrian looked surprised. "Mr. Finnian, are there more forbidden zones within this realm?"Finnian chuckled. "This secret realm contains ten forbidden zones, each with its own dangers. One must tread carefully in every one."The tenth forbidden zone is akin to hell. It holds not only ancient demonic beasts but also the undead from a thousand years past. It's a place of unparalleled terror. Entering it is almost certain death."Although he spoke lightly, his words carried undeniable weight. The dangers he described were anything but ordinary.Suddenly, distant tremors echoed. On a far-off mountain peak, a cyan light shot straight into the sky.Finnian smiled again. "Heh, someone couldn't resist. They've stirred up a big mess now."The cyan light