After the King of the South arranged a construction team for Zhang Yang in Anqing City, he returned to the royal city.

However, before heading back, he disclosed the news about Azurecloud's plan to open a secret realm to the Xiao Clan.

He had intended to release the information, and since the Xiao Clan was collaborating with Azurecloud, it was only natural to inform them.

Xiao Jianchun was both surprised and delighted upon receiving the news.

For cultivators from small families like theirs, who were only slightly better off than rogue cultivators, was there now an opportunity?

Xiao Jianchun pondered for a long time after getting the news and decided to inform the Clearwind Sect.

The Xiao Clan's current status was inseparable from the support of the Clearwind Sect.

During their previous negotiations with the Azurecloud Sect, the Clearwind Sect had also contributed. Now that there were benefits to be had, it was only right to share the news with them.

The Clearwind Sect was also somewhat surprised upon receiving the news.

Although they were a sect, they were only considered a third-rate sect, supported merely by a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator.

If there was indeed a secret realm for Golden Core Realm exploration, the Clearwind Sect would certainly be eager to participate.

However, the Azurecloud Sect had been inactive for many years, and the sudden opening of a secret realm seemed abrupt.

Another issue was that they had previously had a conflict with the Azurecloud Sect. Would Azurecloud really give them a chance?

After much contemplation, Liang Fang said to Xiao Jianchun, "Isn't your Xiao Clan collaborating with the Azurecloud Sect? It's been a month or two, and some of the copper ore has already been mined. Use the excuse of delivering copper ore to probe the Azurecloud Sect. If the secret realm is indeed opening, we can prepare in time."

Being close to the Azurecloud Sect, a Golden Core Realm cultivator could make a round trip in a day, so it was best to inquire directly.

Xiao Jianchun agreed and prepared to head to the Azurecloud Sect with the copper ore.

Upon arriving at the Azurecloud Market, he was stunned to see the entire market bustling with construction.

It seemed that the Azurecloud Sect was indeed different now.

Xiao Jianchun waited at the Azurecloud Sect's mountain gate for half a day without any reception, which left him quite conflicted.

After a long wait, Zhang Yang finally hurried over. It was only because Qingyunzi couldn't bear it anymore and informed Zhang Yang that Xiao Jianchun had been waiting at the gate for a long time.

"Master Xiao, I sincerely apologize. Our Azurecloud Sect has been extremely busy lately, and we have neglected our hospitality. Please forgive us," Zhang Yang said apologetically.

He realized that he needed to arrange for disciples to guard the mountain and handle reception duties.

Although Xiao Jianchun felt some resentment, he didn't say much after witnessing the bustling Azurecloud Market firsthand. He simply mentioned that over the past two months, they had mined some copper ore and were here to deliver a portion to the Azurecloud Sect.

"Oh, such a small matter shouldn't trouble Master Xiao to make a trip," Zhang Yang said with a smile. "Besides, it's perfectly fine to deliver once every six months."

Xiao Jianchun replied with a smile, "Since it's our first collaboration, we weren't sure of the situation. In the future, we'll deliver every six months. By the way, Acting Sect Master Zhang, I heard that the Azurecloud Sect plans to open a secret realm and allow outsiders to participate?"

Zhang Yang understood why Xiao Jianchun had come and nodded with a smile. "We do plan to open a secret realm, but initially, it will be limited to sects or royal forces. Each force can send three Foundation Establishment and three Golden Core Realm cultivators. If there are any remaining spots, we will allow rogue cultivators to participate."

Xiao Jianchun was delighted to hear this. There was indeed an opportunity.

Given the good relationship between the Xiao Clan and the Clearwind Sect, asking for a spot wouldn't be too much, would it?

He tentatively asked, "We have a good relationship with the Clearwind Sect. Last time, when we had a conflict with your sect, they helped mediate... If they want to participate, would it be possible?"

"Of course!" Zhang Yang readily agreed. "The entrance fee is ten thousand spirit stones per person. Once paid, anyone from any force or sect is welcome to join. It's been so many years, and it's time for our Azurecloud Sect to have some excitement.

Moreover, the misunderstanding with the Clearwind Sect was minor and has long been resolved. We welcome the Clearwind Sect to participate in the secret realm."

"Thank you, Acting Sect Master Zhang!" Xiao Jianchun said hurriedly. "I must quickly inform the Clearwind Sect so they can prepare."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xiao Jianchun took his leave.

Once the Clearwind Sect received confirmation, they immediately began preparing personnel and informed allied sects of the news.

The news was spreading rapidly.

The Azurecloud Sect was opening a secret realm?

Many sects and forces were initially skeptical upon hearing the news.

However, the details were too convincing...

"Let's send someone to Azurecloud to inquire. A round trip won't take long, and we still have a few months to prepare if needed."

Many sects dispatched people to the Azurecloud Sect to verify the news.

In the capital of the Cloudmount Empire, when Emperor Li Shiqing received the King of the South's report, he asked in surprise, "Is this true?"

"Your Majesty, the news is confirmed to be true," the King of the South replied quickly. "Our Cloudmount Empire has three spots available."

"Wonderful!" The Emperor stood up excitedly. "I will immediately release the news. This time, we can use this opportunity to recruit a few rogue cultivator experts."

He hesitated for a moment and glanced at the King of the South. "You have worked hard, and this time, one of the spots is definitely yours. Don't worry."

The King of the South smiled sheepishly. "Your Majesty, perhaps because of my collaboration with the Azurecloud Sect, they asked me to release this news and gave me a spot. I thought this way, our empire could have an extra spot, so I agreed."

The Emperor gave the King of the South a meaningful look and laughed heartily. "Having an extra spot is a blessing for our empire. Why would I blame you?"

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will always be loyal to the Cloudmount Empire," the King of the South quickly assured.

"Rest assured, I will always trust you," the Emperor said as he sat back down. "In that case, inform the other sects of this news, and let's prepare. When the time is right, we'll head to the Azurecloud Sect!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The King of the South took his leave.

The Emperor watched the King of the South's departing figure, lost in thought for a long time without speaking.

At the Heavenmyst Sect, Su Mingyang frowned. "The Azurecloud Sect is opening a secret realm? What is their intention?"

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"I think they're trying to increase their influence," Tong Lu mused. "The Azurecloud Sect has been out of the public eye for a long time. This time, by opening a secret realm, they've drawn everyone's attention. It seems the long-dormant Azurecloud Sect is making a comeback."

Su Mingyang sneered coldly. "They probably recruited dozens of geniuses, which gave them the confidence. But they have no idea that some of those geniuses are our people."

Tong Lu chuckled. "When the time is right, the Azurecloud Sect will collapse and be beyond redemption. This time, we should cooperate with Azurecloud and let them shine without causing trouble. In twenty or thirty years, our people will become the backbone of the Azurecloud Sect, and then great things will be possible. We can afford to wait that long."

After their discussion, the Heavenmyst Sect decided to cooperate with the Azurecloud Sect in spreading the news to even more distant places.