99: Chapter 99 Leaving the Secret Realm, an Unexpected Turn of Events!

The tip of the Chaos sword collided violently with the Crimson Blade Gang.

There was no loud bang, only a strange hum, as if space itself were being swallowed. The Crimson Blade Gang.

The moment it touched the Chaos Vortex, it was rapidly swallowed and dismantled like melting snow!

Liu Kun felt the power he slashed out like a mud cow entering the sea, his connection with the long saber forcibly severed.

Furthermore, a terrifying Sword Intent of destruction, as if it could end everything.

Following the blade, it surged fiercely into his body!

"No—!"

Liu Kun let out a desperate roar, his eyes filled with boundless terror.

He felt the Crimson Sun True Essence he had cultivated for many years.

Before that Chaos Sword Intent, it was as fragile as paper; his Meridians, internal organs, and Wheel Sea were all being crazily eroded and dismantled!

He wanted to pull back his saber and circulate his power to resist, but it was all too late.

"Pfft!"

The Chaos sword light pierced through the collapsing blade gang.

It also pierced through the Flame Shield hastily condensed on Liu Kun's body, stabbing fiercely into his chest!

Time seemed to freeze for a moment.

Liu Kun lowered his head.

He looked at the ice scar sword embedded in his chest, then at Ye Chen, who was close at hand, his face pale but his eyes as sharp as a knife.

His lips trembled, seemingly wanting to say something, but only blood foam surged out.

The light in his eyes quickly dimmed, and his aura dissipated like a receding tide.

The crimson long saber fell from his hand, hitting the ground with a crisp "clang."

Liu Kun's corpse slowly toppled backward, crashing heavily onto the ground and kicking up a cloud of dust.

With the Formation core broken, the "Three Talents Flame Killing Formation" instantly collapsed; the Flame Chains dissipated, and the scorching light barrier also vanished.

The two Golden Flame Peak Disciples who were still fighting Leng Ningshuang.

Seeing Liu Kun actually killed by Ye Chen's single sword strike, they were Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering.

How could they dare to fight any longer? With a strange cry, they turned and fled for their lives toward the valley exit.

"Thinking of leaving?"

Killing intent flashed in Leng Ningshuang's eyes. Forcing her breath, the Purple Cloud Sword flew out of her hand.

Turning into a purple flash, it instantly caught up with one person and pierced through his back!

That person screamed and fell to the ground.

The other person was scared out of his wits, moving even faster, and was about to rush out of the valley entrance.

Ye Chen endured the weakness and backlash after performing "Hunyuan Return to Void" and waved his left hand abruptly.

The last few "Ice Spike Talismans" were activated, turning into dozens of sharp ice spikes that blocked the man's escape route.

At the same time, his brow twitched, and a faint but still sharp "Soul-Shocking Spike" shot out, entering the back of the man's head.

The man's figure stiffened, and he was shot into a sieve by the ice spikes, collapsing softly to the ground.

In the blink of an eye, of the three ambushers, two were dead and the one who fled was executed on the spot.

The valley fell back into a deathly silence, with only the sound of the wind and the thick smell of blood.

Ye Chen leaned on his sword, gasping for breath and coughing up large amounts of blood, his body swaying.

Forcibly activating "Hunyuan Return to Void".

It had almost drained him dry again; a tearing pain came from his Meridians, and his Wheel Sea was dim and lusterless.

His Divine Soul was weak to the extreme, and his vision was turning black.

He knew he had reached his limit again.

Leng Ningshuang was not much better than him after killing one person.

She was also almost exhausted, leaning against a rock.

Her face was pale, blood flowed from the wound on her shoulder like a fountain, and her aura was weak.

The two looked at each other, both seeing the exhaustion and the relief of surviving a disaster in each other's eyes.

Once again, they had fought their way to a path of survival in a desperate situation.

"Quick, let's leave quickly... the commotion was too big..."

Ye Chen said, gasping.

Leng Ningshuang nodded, struggled to get up, walked to Ye Chen's side, and helped him up.

Supporting each other, they stumbled to the corpses of Liu Kun and the other two.

They quickly took their Storage Pouches and weapons, and picked up that crimson long saber.

Ye Chen braced himself, climbed the cliff wall again, carefully harvested the three Void Vines, and placed them in a jade box.

After doing this, the two did not dare to stay for a moment and immediately headed out of the valley.

They had to leave Gale Gorge as soon as possible and return to the Ancient Teleportation Array Ruins.

Battles had broken out here repeatedly, and the thick smell of blood would soon attract powerful Yao Beasts or other ill-intentioned people.

They said nothing along the way, doing their best to support each other.

Finally, before dark, they managed to walk out of the Gale Gorge area with great difficulty.

Finding a hidden cave and setting up a Restriction, the two immediately sat cross-legged, took Medicinal Pills, and began emergency healing.

This time, the two were injured more severely than before.

Ye Chen was almost at the end of his rope, and Leng Ningshuang had lost too much blood, with serious internal injuries.

Without several days of careful recuperation, it would be extremely difficult to recover.

But time waited for no one. The Secret Realm was about to close, and the teleportation array still needed to be repaired.

The night passed in silence.

The next morning, Ye Chen was the first to open his eyes.

After a night of meditation, with the help of the Medicinal Pills and the powerful recovery ability of the Hunyuan One-Qi Art.

He barely recovered ten percent of his True Essence, stabilizing his injuries so they wouldn't worsen, but he was still weak.

Looking at Leng Ningshuang, she was still in meditation; her face was still pale, but her aura had stabilized a bit.

Ye Chen did not disturb her and got up to walk out of the cave.

He found some wild fruits and fresh water nearby and gathered some common healing herbs.

Returning to the cave, he silently processed the herbs, preparing to brew a simple medicinal decoction to aid in healing.

When the sun was high in the sky, Leng Ningshuang also woke up.

She saw the medicine Ye Chen had brewed and the wild fruits and water he had prepared. A very faint ripple flashed in her cold eyes, and she said softly.

"Thank you."

The two silently shared the wild fruits and drank the medicine.

Although simple, for them at this moment, it was already a rare treat.

"We must rush back as soon as possible. Repairing the teleportation array requires the Void Vines. Delay brings change."

Leng Ningshuang said.

Ye Chen nodded:

"How is Senior Sister's injury? Can you travel?"

"It's fine, let's go."

Leng Ningshuang stood up. Though still weak, her eyes were determined.

The two did not stay any longer, left the cave, and set off again toward the Ancient Teleportation Array Ruins.

This time, their speed was much slower, but their steps were steady.

The return journey was long and full of killing intent, but they had no choice but to move forward.

...

Ye Chen and Leng Ningshuang supported each other, slowly traversing the hilly woodlands in the southeastern part of the Secret Realm.

Both were at the end of their strength, their steps floating, each step falling exceptionally heavy.

Ye Chen's face was ashen, and his lips were parched.

The Hunyuan True Essence inside him circulated slowly like a small stream, barely supporting the basic consumption of "Phantom Step" and repairing his riddled Meridians.

Leng Ningshuang was not much better; the excessive blood loss made her vision turn black in waves.

She relied entirely on a surge of willpower to hold on. Though the wound on her left shoulder had been re-bandaged.

But every movement brought a tearing pain.

Along the way, they tried their best to avoid areas where Yao Beasts were active, choosing relatively safe paths.

Even so, they still encountered several waves of low-level Yao Beasts that didn't know any better, which were quickly dealt with by the two using thunderous methods.

But this inevitably aggravated their injuries again, making the already difficult return journey even worse.

Three days later, the two finally caught sight of the dilapidated plaza where the Ancient Teleportation Array Ruins were located.

Figures flickered on the plaza, seemingly more than when they had left.

A tense, anxious, and somewhat expectant atmosphere could be felt from far away.

"Finally... we're here."

Ye Chen breathed a sigh of relief, the tension in his heart relaxing slightly. His vision went black, and he almost fell.

Leng Ningshuang quickly supported him with strength.

Supporting each other, they walked step by step toward the plaza.

Their appearance immediately attracted the attention of everyone on the plaza.

When they saw Ye Chen and Leng Ningshuang covered in blood, their auras withered, and supporting each other in such a miserable state.

Many people gasped, their faces showing suspicion, sympathy, or even schadenfreude.

"Brother Ye! Senior Sister Leng!"

Zhao Feng, Duan Tianya, and Liu Qingqing were the first to see them and cried out in surprise.

They quickly ran over and supported Ye Chen from the other side, their faces full of worry.

"You... how did you get so badly injured?"

"It's nothing, just ran into some trouble."

Ye Chen squeezed out a pained smile.

He took the jade box containing the Void Vines from his robe and handed it to Murong Bai, who had walked over upon hearing the commotion.

"Senior Brother Murong, the Void Vines."

Murong Bai took the jade box, opened it to take a look, and after confirming it was correct, a flash of approval crossed his eyes.

But more than that, there was a deep sense of calm.

He looked at the state of Ye Chen and Leng Ningshuang, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Hard work, you two. How are your injuries? You need to heal immediately."

"I can still hold on."

Leng Ningshuang said coldly, her gaze sweeping across the plaza. She noticed the remaining two Golden Flame Peak Disciples looking at them with resentful and fearful eyes.

But when they met her gaze, they immediately lowered their heads, not daring to look her in the eye.

Bai Yu was still leaning against that broken pillar, playing with his iron fan, seemingly indifferent to everything.

Other Disciples were in small groups, discussing in low voices, their eyes occasionally glancing at the several Core Disciples busy by the teleportation array.

Ye Chen was also observing.

He saw around the teleportation array, Murong Bai and two other Core Disciples skilled in Formations.

They were leading several Inner Sect Disciples, carving new Formation Patterns, embedding Spirit Stones, and arranging Formation Flags on the basis of the damaged ancient array.

One by one, precious Materials such as Void Gazer Stones and Boundary Stabilizing Sand were carefully embedded into key nodes.

The entire temporary repair work seemed to be nearing its end, but the atmosphere was not relaxed; instead, it was filled with a heavy solemnity.

"Senior Brother Murong, how is the repair of the teleportation array going?"

Ye Chen asked.

Murong Bai's expression was slightly grave.

"The Formation has been tentatively repaired, but activating it requires a massive amount of spiritual energy and involves enduring the pressure of spatial teleportation. With the number of Spirit Stones we have gathered, it will likely only be enough for one activation, and the number of people transported is limited to a maximum of twenty."

"What? Only twenty people?"

Duan Tianya blurted out.

There were now over thirty people gathered on the plaza.

This meant that at least a small half of them would be left behind in this soon-to-be-closed Secret Realm, awaiting an unknown fate.

The crowd immediately became restless, with panic, doubt, and arguments breaking out everywhere.

"Only twenty people? Then what about us?"

"Why do they get to leave while we can't?"

"Senior Brother Murong, please think of something!"

"Had I known it would be like this, I would have been better off finding my own way out..."

Murong Bai's gaze swept over the restless crowd; his voice remained gentle, yet it carried an unquestionable authority.

"Silence! Repairing the teleportation array was no easy task; securing twenty spots is already a stroke of luck. How the spots are allocated must be discussed by everyone. I propose we base it on contributions toward repairing the teleportation array."

"As well as... a comprehensive assessment of strength and potential. Those with greater contributions and higher strength will have priority to leave. The rest can find other ways out on their own or wait here for the next opening of the Secret Realm."

Although his words were cruel, they were the most realistic solution at the moment.

Contribution referred to providing repair Materials and Spirit Stones.

Strength and potential were guarantees of survival, as well as investments in the Sect's future.

Upon hearing this, although many were still dissatisfied, most fell silent and began to calculate their own contributions and strength.

Some Disciples with weaker strength who hadn't provided any resources looked miserable.

Ye Chen and Leng Ningshuang exchanged a look.

They had provided the crucial Void Vine.

Leng Ningshuang herself was a Core Disciple, so her strength and potential were beyond doubt.

Although Ye Chen's cultivation wasn't considered top-tier, the combat power he had displayed was obvious to all, and he had also contributed Void Gazer Stones and Boundary Stabilizing Sand.

It shouldn't be much of a problem for the two of them to secure spots.

Zhao Feng and his two companions had also contributed some Spirit Stones to varying degrees, and with their strength at the Third Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, there might be hope.

Murong Bai began to confer in low voices with several other Core Disciples.

They were evaluating everyone's contributions and circumstances.

The atmosphere was so oppressive it was suffocating.

Just then, Bai Yu, who had been silent, suddenly folded his iron fan, stepped forward, and said to Murong Bai.

"Senior Brother Murong, give my spot to that injured Junior Sister next to Junior Brother Ye Chen." He pointed at Liu Qingqing.

As soon as he said this, everyone was stunned.

Bai Yu's strength was not weak, being at the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, and his contribution seemed significant as well; why would he voluntarily give up his spot?

Liu Qingqing was also stunned and hurriedly waved her hands.

"Senior Brother Bai, this... how can this be right?"

Bai Yu smiled, his expression somewhat cynical.

"I'm quite interested in this place and want to stay for a few more days to look around. It's just one spot, no need to worry about it."

After saying that, he actually turned around and walked toward the edge of the plaza, quickly disappearing into the woods.

Everyone looked at each other, wondering what this "Phantom Fan Scholar" was up to.

Murong Bai took a deep look in the direction Bai Yu had disappeared, said nothing more, and continued the evaluation.

In the end, the spots were quickly finalized.

Twenty people, including Murong Bai, several other Core Disciples, Ye Chen, Leng Ningshuang, Zhao Feng, Duan Tianya, and Liu Qingqing, gained the qualification to leave.

The remaining ten-odd people were left behind, either because of insufficient contributions or weaker strength.

They either looked ashen-faced or were filled with resentment, but they didn't dare to act out in front of Murong Bai and the other Core Disciples.

"Junior Brothers and sisters, things have come to this, and there is no other way. Those staying behind can establish a base here, survive carefully, and wait for the next opening of the Secret Realm. Those leaving, prepare to activate the teleportation array."

Murong Bai said in a heavy voice.

Under Murong Bai's guidance, the twenty people who had obtained spots stood in the central area of the repaired teleportation array.

It was a circular platform about three zhang in diameter, its surface covered in dense, shimmering old and new Formation Patterns.

Hundreds of Mid-Grade Spirit Stones and some High-Grade Spirit Stones serving as energy cores were embedded around it, emitting strong spatial fluctuations.

Ye Chen stood in the crowd, together with Zhao Feng, Duan Tianya, and Liu Qingqing.

Leng Ningshuang stood slightly ahead and to his side.

He looked at the complex Formation Patterns beneath his feet, feeling the increasingly intense spatial fluctuations.

There wasn't much joy in his heart, only a heavy exhaustion and a sense of relief.

This trip to the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm had been truly exhausting and perilous. Fortunately, they were finally leaving.

Murong Bai and two other Core Disciples stood at three key nodes of the teleportation array.

They began to simultaneously inject True Essence into the Formation Eye to activate the array.

"Buzz—!"

The teleportation array suddenly erupted with a brilliant light, completely enveloping the twenty people.

Countless runes rose from the ground, swirling around everyone.

Space began to distort violently, and a powerful pulling force came over them, as if it were going to tear them apart.

"Steady your minds, do not resist!"

Murong Bai's voice rang out amidst the light.

Ye Chen hurriedly circulated his Hunyuan True Essence for protection.

At the same time, he pulled Leng Ningshuang and Liu Qingqing closer to him; their injuries were more severe, and they needed extra care.

Zhao Feng and Duan Tianya also drew closer to each other.

The light grew more intense, and the spatial distortion reached its peak.

Everyone's figures began to become blurred and illusory.

Just as the teleportation was about to be completed, an unexpected change occurred!

Among the ten-odd Disciples left at the edge of the plaza.

A Disciple at the Third Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, with a sinister face and eyes full of resentment and madness.

Suddenly let out a wild roar and violently threw a crimson bead emitting a violent aura toward the center of the teleportation array!

"If I can't leave, none of you will either! Let's die together! flame explosion bead!"

The bead emitted an extremely dangerous aura.

Once it exploded, its power would be enough to heavily damage or even destroy this newly repaired and unstable teleportation array!

"You're courting death!"

Murong Bai's expression changed drastically as he shouted in anger.

A beam of icy blue Sword Qi instantly shot out, slashing toward the flame explosion bead in an attempt to destroy it mid-air.

However, another figure was even faster than him!

A white figure flashed from outside the plaza like a ghost.

He actually arrived first and grabbed the flame explosion bead that was about to explode!

It was Bai Yu, who had returned!

The moment he grabbed the flame explosion bead, his figure didn't stop for a second.

He actually sped away in the opposite direction of the teleportation array, deep into the ruined buildings!

He was so fast that he only left a faint afterimage in his wake.

"Boom—!!!"

An earth-shattering explosion rang out in the ruins hundreds of zhang away!

Scorching flames and airwaves soared into the sky, completely swallowing that area, with rubble flying everywhere and the ground shaking.

Even from such a distance, the powerful shockwave caused the ground of the plaza to tremble.

The light of the teleportation array flickered violently several times.

"Bai Yu!"

Ye Chen's heart tightened.

To save them, Bai Yu had actually chosen to take the flame explosion bead away and endure the explosion himself?

Before the aftershocks of the explosion could dissipate, the light of the teleportation array reached its peak.

Space tore open, and everyone's figures completely vanished into the brilliant light.

"No—!"

The Disciple who had thrown the flame explosion bead let out a howl of despair.

He was instantly tackled and killed by several angry Disciples who had also been left behind.

As the light faded, the center of the plaza was empty.

Only the slowly dimming Formation Patterns remained.

And the residual, chaotic spatial fluctuations in the air proved everything that had just happened.

The ten-odd people left behind stared blankly at the empty teleportation array.

Then they looked at the explosion dust in the distance that had not yet settled.

Their faces were filled with despair, regret, and a hint of bewilderment.

...

The world spun, and an intense sense of weightlessness and spatial pressure came over him, as if his body were being torn into countless pieces.

Ye Chen kept his mind steady, protecting his entire body with Hunyuan True Essence, while firmly shielding Leng Ningshuang and Liu Qingqing at his side.

Zhao Feng and Duan Tianya also huddled together.

Who knows how long had passed—perhaps a moment, or perhaps a long century.

His feet hit solid ground, and a strong sense of dizziness washed over him, as noisy voices and cries of surprise reached his ears.

"They're out! Someone's come out!"

"It's Senior Brother Murong and the others!"

"Look! So many people are injured!"

"What on earth happened inside the Secret Realm?"