"Is this Crimson Moon Secret Realm truly a must?"
Chen Chang'an's soul-searching question gave Chen Wanqing pause.
Was it really... unavoidable?
She understood why he asked. It was clear now that the other four great immortal sects had joined forces, colluding against them.
Facing them alone, the Huan Hua Immortal Sect stood little chance of gaining any advantage.
After all, during the last opening of the secret realm, the sect had suffered heavy losses—ten disciples entered, and none returned.
Who could guarantee history wouldn’t repeat itself this time?
If the four sects had uncovered some secret or reaped great rewards last time, they might very well resort to the same tactics again.
"The strong prey on the weak—survival of the fittest."
"In a world like this, we have no choice but to go."
"Otherwise, the Huan Hua Immortal Sect will only grow weaker compared to the other four."
"The secret realm is perilous, but its resources are abundant."
"If we lack resources, our disciples will inevitably fall behind."
"In time, the Huan Hua Immortal Sect will be pushed out of the ranks of the five great immortal sects... or worse, face annihilation."
Chen Wanqing had no other option. This was the law of survival—stagnation meant regression, and regression meant being at the mercy of others.
"Is there really no other way to obtain resources besides the Crimson Moon Secret Realm?" Chen Chang'an asked.
"Of course there are, but the competition is too fierce."
"The Crimson Moon Secret Realm is a shortcut of sorts—opening once every ten thousand years, offering vast treasures and resources."
"Moreover, those who enter may gain even greater rewards."
"So no one would willingly pass up this opportunity."
Hearing this, Chen Chang'an understood—the stronger the world, the fiercer the struggle for resources.
"Chen Gongzi, do you... not wish to go?" Chen Wanqing asked nervously.
"That’s not it."
"I’ll go, but I think we should change our approach," Chen Chang'an said with a smile.
"What do you mean?" Chen Wanqing was puzzled.
"Let others do the work while we reap the rewards."
"Isn’t that better?"
"You said it yourself—the secret realm is dangerous. Why risk our disciples?"
His words struck Chen Wanqing like lightning. Was he suggesting they wait for the disciples of the four sects to gather treasures, then seize them by force?
"Is there a problem?"
"Didn’t you say resource competition is ruthless? If you don’t take from them, they’ll take from you."
"So why hold back?" Chen Chang'an grinned.
The logic was sound, but Chen Wanqing still hesitated. After all, this would mean openly provoking all four sects at once.
With the Huan Hua Immortal Sect’s current strength, they stood no chance against a united front.
"I’m worried..."
"I know what concerns you, but don’t forget—the last time the secret realm opened, they likely did the same."
"If they can play dirty, why can’t we?"
"If we don’t act, they won’t spare the Huan Hua Immortal Sect anyway."
Chen Chang'an’s words dispelled her last reservations.
"Chen Gongzi is right."
"Then... we’ll take what we can!"
"Good. It’s settled."
Chen Chang'an wasn’t entering the secret realm for treasures—he lacked nothing.
He was merely doing the Huan Hua Immortal Sect a small favor, because...
"Chen Gongzi, have you noticed... the immortal spiritual energy in the sect seems... thinner?"
After their discussion, Chen Wanqing suddenly sensed something amiss.
"Ahem!"
"I might have... absorbed a bit too much during my cultivation."
"Your supreme-grade immortal spiritual vein may have... suffered some damage."
Huh?
Some damage?
Chen Wanqing’s heart skipped a beat. She knew Chen Chang'an was extraordinary, but the amount of energy he’d absorbed was monstrous!
She hurriedly checked the vein—and nearly fainted.
A supreme-grade immortal spiritual vein, half drained by Chen Chang'an alone?
How long would it take to recover?
At least ten thousand years... perhaps even a hundred thousand.
His cultivation method... was downright extravagant!
"Chen Gongzi... truly lives up to your reputation as a reincarnated senior."
"My admiration knows no bounds."
Though her heart ached, Chen Wanqing owed her current achievements to Chen Tian.
So she didn’t mind Chen Chang'an’s actions—it was repayment for past kindness.
Yet absorbing half of a supreme-grade vein’s energy had only brought him to... Quasi-Immortal Realm, First Layer?
Hundred Flowers Peak
"Master, you mean to have... this Chen Gongzi participate?"
"But his cultivation..."
Hmm?
His cultivation was now Quasi-Immortal Realm, First Layer? Wasn’t it Emperor Realm before?
The head disciple stared at Chen Chang'an in shock, though realization soon dawned.
This shameless lecher had lied about being a newly ascended immortal—he was nothing but a fraud!
"This matter is already decided between Chen Gongzi and me."
"You need only follow orders."
"Inform the ten previously selected disciples—they won’t be going."
This was Chen Wanqing and Chen Chang'an’s joint decision. More people didn’t mean better results—in fact, it could complicate things.
"But Master, wouldn’t this..."
"It’s for their safety."
"...Understood."
After the head disciple left, Chen Wanqing turned to Chen Chang'an.
"Chen Gongzi, are you certain we shouldn’t send anyone else?"
"Well... send one. Or you could come yourself."
Hmm?
"What do you mean?" Chen Wanqing was confused.
"After leaving the secret realm, someone needs to bring the spoils back to the Huan Hua Immortal Sect, no?" Chen Chang'an chuckled.
"You... won’t be returning?"
"No. I prefer to wander—staying in one place isn’t my style."
Though reluctant, Chen Wanqing could only nod.
"Then I shall accompany you."
Normally, a sect elder would lead the expedition—it was rare for a sect master to attend personally.
"When do we depart?" Chen Chang'an asked.
"After three days of preparation."
"Good."