"The Scarlet Moon Secret Realm?"
Upon hearing these words, Chen Wanqing's expression darkened.
"So... it's been that long already?"
"The Scarlet Moon Secret Realm is opening again?"
This secret realm opens once every ten thousand years. Though fraught with danger, it holds countless treasures.
The five great immortal sects of the Profound Heaven Domain would send their disciples into the realm each time it opened.
While injuries and deaths among disciples were not uncommon in the past, ten thousand years ago, the Huan Hua Immortal Sect suffered a complete annihilation of their disciples.
When Chen Wanqing tried to inquire about what had truly happened, she was met with refusal.
The attitudes of the Qian Yuan Immortal Sect and the other three sects made it impossible for her not to suspect foul play—that her disciples had likely perished at their hands.
Yet, Chen Wanqing lacked the strength to oppose the four sects alone.
Though the Huan Hua Immortal Sect had existed for a considerable time, compared to the other four, it was still a relative newcomer.
"So?"
"Are you planning to use our disciples as cannon fodder again?" Chen Wanqing said coldly.
"Sect Leader Chen, why cling to the past after so long?"
"Our Qian Yuan Immortal Sect has done nothing to wrong yours."
"Our sect leader sent me here as a reminder—do not forget this important occasion."
"The five sects entering together is the rule."
"Of course, if your Huan Hua Immortal Sect chooses to forfeit this opportunity, it matters little."
"Our sect wouldn’t mind sending more disciples in your stead," the Third Elder said with a smirk.
"Hmph!"
"Your Qian Yuan Immortal Sect schemes well."
"Go back and tell Yu Zhanyun—we will enter, but this time, we won’t be joining your people," Chen Wanqing retorted sharply.
Not joining the other four sects?
A bold idea, but hardly realistic.
Once the Scarlet Moon Secret Realm opens, everyone enters together—did she think she could simply opt out?
"Sect Leader Chen, I will relay your words to our leader."
"But let me advise you—the Scarlet Moon Secret Realm is perilous beyond measure."
"For the sake of your disciples, it’s best not to act recklessly," the Third Elder sneered before leaving.
The secret realm was dangerous, but the greatest danger would always be human nature.
"See him out!"
"No need!"
After the Third Elder departed, Chen Wanqing took a deep breath, struggling to suppress her fury.
"Master, was what happened back then truly the doing of the four sects?" the Huan Hua Immortal Sect's head disciple asked gravely.
"The four sects have remained tight-lipped about the events of that day."
"Fifty disciples from the five sects entered—yet only our ten perished without a trace."
"How could there not be foul play?" Chen Wanqing said coldly.
"Outrageous! The four sects have gone too far!"
"If my cultivation hadn’t surpassed the entry threshold, I’d slaughter every last one of their disciples in the secret realm!" the head disciple raged.
"Enough. Such words are meaningless."
"Regardless, we must go this time."
"Go and select ten outstanding disciples at the Quasi-Immortal realm."
"Yes, Master."
When the five sects first discovered the Scarlet Moon Secret Realm, they learned that entry was limited to fifty individuals.
Moreover, only those below the Quasi-Immortal realm could enter.
For a time, all had been peaceful—until the tragedy ten thousand years ago. Since then, Chen Wanqing knew better than to trust the four sects.
"Alas!"
"Once inside, our disciples will inevitably cross paths with theirs."
"Quasi-Immortal disciples..."
Chen Wanqing rubbed her temples. The overall strength of Huan Hua’s Quasi-Immortal disciples was slightly inferior.
And if the four sects united against them, the consequences would be dire.
"Hm?"
"Has he left seclusion?"
While deep in thought, Chen Wanqing suddenly sensed Chen Chang'an's aura emerging from his cultivation chamber.
Had it only been half a month? So soon?
"Master Chen, you’ve…"
"Quasi-Immortal realm, first level?"
"You broke through?"
In a flash, Chen Wanqing appeared before Chen Chang'an, stunned by his rapid progress.
Half a month—from Emperor-Realm first level to Quasi-Immortal first level?
Such speed was unheard of.
Only the reincarnation of a supreme expert could explain it.
This only strengthened her belief that he was Chen Tian reborn.
"Yes, I broke through."
"But after reaching the Quasi-Immortal realm, further progress seems slower."
"Seems I’m not suited for prolonged seclusion," Chen Chang'an said with a smile.
"Master Chen, your talent surpasses even your past self."
"No one in the Profound Heaven Domain has ever advanced from Emperor-Realm to Quasi-Immortal in half a month."
"I doubt even the Primordial Immortal Domain has seen such speed," Chen Wanqing marveled.
Then, she hesitated, her gaze turning complicated.
"Is something wrong?"
Noticing her expression, Chen Chang'an grew curious.
"Master Chen, I have… an impertinent request."
An impertinent request?
What now?
Was she about to… take liberties?
Though Chen Wanqing was undeniably beautiful, he wasn’t that kind of man.
"Uh… sometimes, these things…"
"Master Chen, are you alright?"
Seeing his flustered reaction, Chen Wanqing was puzzled. She hadn’t even spoken yet—why was he acting shy?
"Ahem, never mind. What is this request?"
"Master Chen, though you’re at the Quasi-Immortal realm, your true strength far exceeds it—even True Immortals may not be your match."
"So, I hope you’ll lead our Huan Hua Immortal Sect disciples into the Scarlet Moon Secret Realm."
"And ensure their safety."
The Scarlet Moon Secret Realm?
Oh. That kind of request.
For a moment, he’d thought…
Ah, well.
"Master Chen, you seem… disappointed?"
"Have I offended you?" Chen Wanqing asked nervously.
"No, no, not at all."
"You’ve done nothing wrong. Absolutely nothing."
"Ahem, let’s discuss this Scarlet Moon Secret Realm first."