A huge thanks to Katy for the Ko-fis. Enjoy the bonus chapters!

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From afar, the Righteous Alliance appeared to number over a hundred, representing major sects. Of course, this wasn’t their full contingent. The secret realm’s gate would remain open for five days, meaning cultivators from various sects would continue arriving throughout this period.

Qin Zhou caught sight of a familiar face among the crowd.

“Is the Righteous Path Alliance not uniting with the Sword Sect because of her?” Whispers of discussion had already begun among the independent cultivators.

“The Righteous Path actually invited her!”

Qin Zhou followed their gaze and saw that the person these independent cultivators were talking about was indeed a ‘familiar face’.

“Who is that?”

“The foremost figure of the Mystic Sect, the Xuanji Fairy, Xuan Yiling.”

“Unlike Elder Qianji, who focuses solely on the future, the Xuanji Fairy belongs to no sect. She excels in divination and array formations, having been renowned throughout the cultivation world for thousands of years.”

“Xuan Yiling’s stance is ambiguous. Some claim to have seen her interacting with the Demon Sect, while others say she maintains ties with the righteous path. There are even rumors that Xuan Yiling is a money-grubbing opportunist—willing to emerge from seclusion for enough spirit stones. I thought it was all false, but never imagined…”

“Who knows how many spirit stones the Righteous Path Alliance offered to get her to help decipher the secret realm?”

Within the secret realm lie not only treasures but also endless dangers. With a grandmaster of the Xuanmen like Xuan Yiling assisting them, the righteous alliance’s chances of securing the supreme treasure have greatly increased.

Members of the Demon Sect also spotted Xuan Yiling within the righteous alliance.

The Demon Sect’s Right Guardian frowned. “Sect Master, this is not good.”

Xuan Yiling was a powerhouse from the era of the Supreme Patriarch. Setting aside combat prowess, just her mastery of Xuanmen arts alone…

Lu Xiao’s expression turned serious as expected.

He rose directly from the beast-drawn carriage, lightly touching the ground with his feet before arriving before the group.

Dressed in a deep black-purple robe, his tall, slender figure exuded an undeniable dashing charm.

He is Lu Xiao, Qin Zhou thought.

Lu Xiao cast a distant glance toward the Righteous Alliance’s position. “I had wondered what trump card the Righteous Alliance held this year. So it was inviting Aunt Xuanji.”

Being addressed by the Demon Sect’s leader as “Aunt Xuanji,” Xuan Yiling showed no modesty. She pushed through the vast crowd of righteous cultivators to the very front.

Exchanging a glance with Lu Xiao, she remarked indifferently, “The righteous path produces more spirit stones.”

The implication was clear: she stood with neither side.

“My father would be furious if he knew,” Lu Xiao sighed. “Aunt Xuanji, the Demon Sect has invited you more than once.”

Xuan Yiling: “The Demon Sect didn’t offer enough. Your father is stingy. The Righteous Path factions are far more generous.”

Hearing this, the crowd fell silent.

Just how many spirit stones did the righteous faction offer?

Still, the dozen or so major sects of the Righteous Alliance possessed considerable resources.

Only those major righteous sects knew the true cost of securing Xuan Yiling’s assistance. Judging by the grim expressions on the faces of the Righteous Alliance’s sect masters, the price paid was undoubtedly steep.

Qin Zhou stared intently at Xuan Yiling’s face, certain he hadn’t misread it.

Xuan Yiling, Xiao Baiyi.

“This time, the Demon Sect probably won’t be so arrogant.”

“The Righteous Path Alliance quietly invited such a formidable elder ancestor.”

“What’s the deal with the Cangyun Sword Sect and the Righteous Path Alliance?”

The chatter of wandering cultivators buzzed around him, yet Qin Zhou felt a pang of surprise.

He remembered Xiao Baiyi as a martial-type villager. How could she, like Lao Shi, have switched to cultivating mystical arts?

Girls were rare among the villagers. Those who survived that chaotic era were exceptionally resilient. Xiao Baiyi was no exception.

He and Lu Yi had rescued Xiao Baiyi from the jaws of a spirit beast.

Only later did they discover her innate divine strength and formidable martial talent.

Though ranked a hundredth and the youngest, her combat prowess could easily place her within the top twenty.

Switching to mystical cultivation was a pity for such martial talent.

Of course, her slight stinginess was something he’d observed since childhood.

He never imagined Xiao Baiyi would become the “big shot” these cultivators spoke of.

She seemed to be doing better than many others.

This brought him considerable peace of mind.

Girls were scarce among the villagers. Perhaps it was his modern mindset, but he always paid them extra attention. Even though he knew the young girls in the village were each more formidable than the last.

“Go fetch a stool for Aunt Xuanji,” Lu Xiao ordered someone nearby.

The Demon Sect’s powerful figures complied, though puzzled.

Xuan Yiling didn’t hesitate, sitting down and asking, “Your father isn’t coming?”

Lu Xiao: “He’s coming. He’ll be here soon.”

Both fathers should be arriving shortly.

“Immortal Xuanji, don’t forget what you promised us…” Seeing her chatting casually with Lu Xiao, the head of the Demon Sect, the righteous sect leaders couldn’t help but frown and remind her.

After spending so many spirit stones to invite her, she couldn’t possibly be pro-Demon Sect.

“My promise only pertained to matters within the secret realm. Now I’m having a few words with my nephew—how dare you interrupt?” Xuan Yiling frowned, a hint of displeasure flickering across her cold, small face.

“This… this one dares not.” The sect leader who spoke was clearly startled.

No choice—he couldn’t afford to provoke her.

“I told you not to involve Xuan Yiling, but you wouldn’t listen.” The righteous sect members couldn’t hold back any longer. Xuan Yiling’s allegiance was unclear—she might switch sides midway through the secret realm.

“Without the Sword Sect, finding the treasure depends entirely on her. Otherwise, you try? You’ll likely die on the way before even seeing it!”

“Exactly! Why didn’t you invite the Sword Sect?!”

“What do you know! Shut your mouth!”

They were actually starting an internal dispute.

Yet, with so many cultivators present, the argument died down after just a few words.

The Righteous Alliance had notably omitted the Sword Sect, the pinnacle of the righteous factions, from this gathering—it was truly hard to justify.

Yet strangely, the Sword Sect remained silent on the matter.

It seemed both factions had tacitly agreed to non-interference.

“The Thousand Machinery Divine Sect has arrived!” someone suddenly shouted.

Simultaneously, a group of blue-robed cultivators appeared in the sky, riding spirit cranes and riding the mist.

Though the Thousand Machinery Divine Sect might not match the combat strength of many major sects from the upper realm, no one dared provoke them. Firstly, Elder Thousand Machinery could probe the mysteries of heaven, and no one wished to offend a master of the mystic arts. Secondly, it was because of these swarms of spirit beasts.

Elder Qianji, who could communicate with all spirits, kept a mountain full of high-grade spirit beasts in the sect’s rear mountains. At a command, these beasts could level an entire sect in an instant.

Simply put, they were untouchable.

But recently, Elder Qianji was abducted by a demonic fiend. He was released shortly after, yet what transpired during his captivity remains unknown.

In the end, the Thousand Machinery Divine Sect offered no explanation to the cultivation world. What exactly did that demonic fiend say to Elder Qianji… remains unknown. Even when outsiders came knocking for answers, the Thousand Machinary Divine Sect shut them out.

Consequently, the Thousand Machinary Divine Sect, once a pillar of the righteous path, now finds itself in an awkward position within the cultivation world.

Who could have imagined that these blue-robed cultivators, who seemed as carefree as wild cranes and drifting clouds, would also arrive at the secret realm?

Clearly, something significant must have transpired when the demonic figure abducted Elder Qianji.

All eyes immediately lifted.

The Thousand Machinary Divine Sect disciples drifted down gracefully.

They approached the side of the Cangyun Sword Sect.

“We have come to aid the Sword Sect. Grateful for your prior assistance, the Thousand Machinery Divine Sect vows to help Sword Sect cultivators seize the supreme treasure,” declared the leading disciple.

Hearing this, the faces of the Righteous Alliance darkened.

Before entering the Secret Realm, they had indeed sought the Thousand Machinery Divine Sect’s aid. Yet the latter had refused.

Who would have thought they would now proactively offer aid to the Sword Sect?

Wasn’t it because they had pressed questions about the abduction of Elder Qianji by the demonic fiend? These grudge-holding cultivators!

Seeing this, the Sword Sect Patriarch expressed his gratitude, “The Sword Sect is fortunate to have the Thousand Machinary Divine Sect’s assistance.”

It turned out that in the past, in Secret Realms, the battle had always been between the righteous and demonic factions, plus the third group of independent cultivators.

This time, even before the Secret Realm opened, a four-way standoff was already taking shape.

The Sword Sect had split from the Righteous Alliance, and now even the Thousand Machinery Divine Sect was lending its aid. The righteous alliance could hardly hope to dominate alone.

And then there was the Demon Sect.

“First, the Xuanji Immortal, now the Thousand Mechanisms Divine Sect. It seems everyone has prepared thoroughly this time. Too bad our Demon Sect doesn’t have many mystic disciples.”

An ancient voice echoed from afar, drawing everyone’s gaze upward.

An overwhelming pressure descended, dark clouds pressing down from above, forcing all to avert their gaze from that looming figure.

Within the black clouds, a silhouette materialized, finally halting before the assembled might of the Demon Sect.

Lu Xiao, the Sect Master who had just led the applause, rose and approached the dark figure from behind, addressing him with profound respect—

“Greetings, Supreme Patriarch.”

“Greetings, Supreme Patriarch!” the Demon Sect’s elite shouted in unison.

Everyone held their breath involuntarily.

The Supreme Patriarch of the Demon Sect.

He had come again this year.

Qin Zhou recognized the voice instantly. At first glance, he too froze in shock.

Lu Qi?

He looked again.

It was indeed Lu Qi.

Just days ago, he had been helping in his fields, constantly addressing him as “Village Chief.”

“Xiao Baiyi, you went to help the righteous faction without a word. I’m genuinely upset.” Lu Qi’s expression was half-smiling, half-serious as he looked at the female cultivator sitting casually within the Righteous Alliance.

“You’re just too stingy.” Xuanji Immortal remained composed, seemingly undisturbed by anything that might delay her profit-making.

Clearly, the two shared a bond.

But Xuanji had always aligned with the third faction—no one dared question her stance.

Before the conversation concluded, another commotion arose from the Sword Sect’s side.

The solemn and dignified Sword Sect disciples all bowed with hands clasped—

“Sect disciples of the Sword Sect, welcome our Sword Immortal Patriarch.”

A flash of coldness clearly crossed Lu Qi’s face.

The next instant, Lu Er’s figure arrived from afar.

Sword qi directly shattered the oppressive dark clouds overhead. All that gloom shifted onto Lu Qi’s face.

Seeing this, Xuan Yiling, who had been seated, frowned. Second Brother had come too?

“What are you planning to do in this year’s Secret Realm?” she asked.

All her brothers had arrived.

Lu Qi licked his lips. “Nothing much. We just arranged a fight.”

“Madman,” Xuan Yiling snapped.

“Who asked you to meddle?” Lu Qi replied, his gaze fixed on Lu Er, who had just arrived.

Lu Er arrived, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before settling on Lu Qi.

It didn’t move.

To outsiders, it looked like a standoff.

The righteous sects were formidable, but everyone in the cultivation world knew that only the Sword Sect could truly rival the Demon Sect. And the only one who could keep the Demon Sect’s unfathomable Supreme Patriarch in check was the Sword Sect’s Cangyun Sword Immortal.

Qin Zhou hadn’t even reacted yet, when some onlookers among the wandering cultivators couldn’t contain their excitement and shouted, “Cangyun Sword Immortal has arrived! He’s the elder I admire most!”

“Cangyun Sword Immortal is here too. This year’s secret realm is truly lavish.”

“What do you think? Could it be that Elder Qianji foresaw this secret realm being extraordinary? How else to explain the Supreme Patriarch of the Demon Sect and Cangyun Sword Immortal arriving simultaneously!”

Cangyun Sword Immortal.

…Lu Er?

Qin Zhou didn’t need to look twice—he wouldn’t mistake a face. He was utterly certain the Cangyun Sword Immortal they spoke of was none other than his fellow villager, Lu Er.

After all, just days ago… these two, now locked in a standoff, had been ‘affectionate’ together right in the village.

Suddenly, he recalled the secret Wen Jue had shared with him.

Cangyun Sword Immortal of the Cangyun Sword Sect had once been romantically involved with the Supreme Patriarch of the Demon Sect in their youth.

Qin Zhou’s gaze fell upon Lu Xiao’s face, positioned between the two.

Then he must be…

“Father.” Lu Xiao, standing between them, suddenly called out.

If anyone wasn’t afraid of these two, he was one such person—and the Xuanji Immortal Maiden was another.

Lu Er glanced at Lu Xiao but said nothing, then turned his gaze to Lu Qi.

“What are you shouting for? Trying to show off?” Lu Qi shot his son a sideways glance, pretending not to know who the brat was calling.

Lu Xiao smiled, pulling Lu Qi closer. “Father, calm down. Now isn’t the time for fighting.”

No one noticed the peculiar tension between these three.

After all, no one could read anything from Lu Er’s deadpan expression. Lu Qi’s look, as if he could devour the other man, appeared to anyone as pure hostility.

Lu Xiao’s tone sounded reasonably normal, but it carried an underlying hint of a smiling tiger—as if urging his father to hold back for now, only to slaughter the righteous faction without mercy once they entered the secret realm.

Only Xuan Yiling and Qin Zhou likely knew the truth.

Xuan Yiling, however, felt little emotion. With all her brothers present, she began to regret getting involved in this secret realm affair.

Only Qin Zhou lowered his gaze.

Even someone as composed as Qin Zhou needed a moment to process this overwhelming information.

Lu Er was the founding patriarch of the Cangyun Sword Sect, the legendary Cangyun Sword Immortal.

Lu Qi was the founder of the Demon Sect, its Supreme Patriarch.

And they had a son.

This son was likely conceived when one of them consumed a fertility pill he had concocted. Standing before them now, already grown into a young man, was Lu Xiao, the current Patriarch of the Demon Sect.

Not only that, but the awkwardness between Lu Er and Lu Qi during their recent village encounter wasn’t born from quarrels or estrangement—it stemmed from… long-standing, irreconcilable enmity.

The once-most-devoted young lovers had become sworn enemies, drawing swords at the mere sight of each other.

Qin Zhou felt his head ache.

His game save had run on its own for nine thousand years. When he finally snapped back to reality, the villagers had all become legendary powerhouses.

What about Lu Yi?

He dared not imagine what role Lu Yi might hold in this cultivation world.

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Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Qin Zhou, a summoning button within the villager roster quietly lit up.