And with this, Edrick had nearly concluded all of the quests available to him currently. Only a handful remained, but they were simplistic and would probably be completed without Anoteros having to focus on them.

Currently, since his objectives were completed, he decided to do a very cultivator thing, and entered seclusion to cultivate continuously. Not that it was a big deal or anything. He only stayed like that until he was informed that the secret realm was beginning to show signs of opening.

In the end, he only stayed in seclusion for three days. However, three days of continuous cultivation training were quite something. It wasn’t like he could go without food or water for a long time.

Anoteros was a big man, as well, he needed to eat like multiple people.

So, after being treated to a copious meal by Linmin, which Edrick devoured with ease, even though it could have fed an entire family for a little while if they rationed correctly, he was ready to set off. His equipment and provisions had already been thoroughly prepared in advance.

It was possible that he would remain inside the realm for a while. From what he had heard, it was one of those realms that could eject some of the weaker-willed people after a certain period of time had passed, whilst some others with stronger minds might have to simply allow themselves to be kicked out.

Regardless, no one would be able to remain indefinitely. Even if the realm could not kick you out outright, it would start to gnaw at your mind, basically threatening you with the infliction of non-physical damage.

Although things like the soul, mind, and spirit could heal, and healed surprisingly well as long as the damage was simplistic or not too extensive. They were things that you should absolutely avoid getting damaged…

Swiftly enough, Edrick arrived at the sect’s central building. He was ushered into a room on the ground floor that he had never seen open before.

It was a large room that was mostly empty, with only four wooden pillars near the center. Surrounding what appeared to be a floating mass of light, manifesting into something resembling a crack in the fabric of space itself.

The luminous crack was pulsating with brightness, and inside the room, everyone present had their gaze drawn to it. Even in this fantastical world, such a sight was an incredibly unusual one. Although realms were said to be numerous, actually finding one was an achievement and a half.

Inside the room, the rarely seen core disciples were present at the front with their nearly completely dark blue robes. The bulk of the disciples assembled here were inner disciples, including Yin and Shu. The latter had managed to get himself selected despite having been something of a joke for many years before now.

And as the dark horses, there were Edrick and Xiao.

As a noble scion, Anoteros’s presence was to be expected. Xiao, however, was still but a mere outer disciple. Even if no one doubted that he was in line for a promotion, it still seemed a little strange to see someone with light blue robes amidst the gathering.

“I trust that each of you did your homework and committed to memory what we told you about this secret realm. Remember, do not speak recklessly about the resources within or anything else concerning it. Understood? Then let’s begin…” Elder Gang spoke in a firm tone, his booming voice commanding attention and respect.

“This is but one of the entrances into this secret realm. More are held by other sects, so expect some company inside. All disciples within will be from righteous sects, but do not fool yourself, the chances of disciples targeting disciples from other sects are not null. At least, I trust you not to backstab each other once inside. Stick together, and if one of you does not return, expect me and the other elder to not leave a single stone unturned, do you understand? Yes? That’s good”

“You have already been informed of what to look out for. I wish you luck. This rift will take you to a plain bordering forested areas. You can try to look further, but it won’t be simple. The other sects will also appear nearby” the secret realm was said to be mostly unexplored, as all of the rifts leading into it took everyone into the same general area.

Disciples typically lacked the strength to get out of the surrounding woods without suffering injury. As for anyone stronger venturing into the realm to claim the treasures… Well, it had been attempted before, and since then, no one had tried again.

The realm had become a gathering and training ground for disciples only.

“When you feel ready, step forward. The realm will swallow you” with these, not-at-all reassuring words, the disciples began to move forward, some bearing prideful smirks, others visibly nervous, and others maintaining unreadable expressions.

Anoteros directed a nod at Xiao, and then, a white light engulfed his vision. He did not feel any weightlessness whatsoever. It didn’t even seem like he moved at all. Yet, once the light faded away and he opened his eyes, he found himself in a wide field of green. A soft wind was flowing, colourful flowers bloomed all across the fields, and many bees buzzed about, working hard to collect pollen and nectar.

That reminded Edrick that bees could make special honey if they had access to certain flowers. By making sure they only had access to a certain type, you could ensure that the honey they created also carried the same properties... Luxury items that his noble blood itched to have a monopoly upon.

Some disciples seem not to take the teleportation into the secret realm very well. No one puked, thankfully, but quite a few were caught off-guard by how seamless the transition was, and tripped over their own feet.

Currently, there was a pile of three inner disciples that had stacked atop one another.

One of the two core disciples present rubbed his face and muttered something to himself, certainly about that curious sight and what it implied about the capabilities of those involved in it.

The other core disciple, evidently less pessimistic, struck his chest and spoke boisterously.

“Let us bring pride to the Myriad-Arm Sect, and gather the most materials out of all of the sects present!” he exclaimed.

“Are you an idiot? We are supposed to gather responsibly. Do you want that big red guy to show up and pound you into the ground?” the other core disciple sighed, making the first one shrug.

The boisterous one was called Kai, whilst the pessimistic one was called Zhou. Both cultivators from commoner origins that Edrick found very easy to classify in case he forgot their names.

The loud, big guy was a clone of Elder Wei, whilst the perpetually annoyed-looking, smaller one was a clone of Elder Xun.

Anoteros didn’t even need to ask to know who their masters were. It was written all over their faces. The weapons they carried matched those of the two elders, as well.

Kai practised the same Ox Technique as Wei, and Zhou carried two short swords.

Far less unique and interesting than Lisha, who was doing her own thing instead of emulating the one who had taught her.

“Weapon cultivation tempers the mind and will. We will probably be able to stay here for a long while, so let’s set up a camp and proceed slowly and carefully, alright? No need to shout, no need to murder everything that moves, and no need to pluck every slightly interesting-looking plant. I repeat myself, you do not want a huge, red man to come running at you to rip your head off and drink your blood!” Zhou was an expert at bringing the mood down, but he was right.

“Ah, so we try to outlast the other sects and take our sweet time taking everything we need?” said Anoteros, and for the first time, Zhou seemed happy to exist, nodding slightly with a small smile in response.

“Exactly!”

“But… Isn’t that cowardly?”

“I would rather be a coward than have my butt ploughed by a giant red dude”

“When you put it like that…”