Chapter 72: A Strange Sense of Crisis

Amidst the crowd, Mu Baiyun did not immediately crush the jade talisman. Instead, he grabbed the communication talisman, imprinted a spell with a special technique, then swept it with his divine sense. His gaze darkened for a moment before he turned to look at Ji Yao.

Soon after, Ji Yao received Mu Baiyun’s voice transmission: "That person has escaped. Someone else in Fuling City helped him. Be extremely careful from now on."

Ji Yao wasn’t sure if Mu Baiyun had sent the message only to her, but that look made her realize he must have discovered something the day he caught the suspect—and it was related to her.

Thinking about the Phantom Spirit Leaf she had obtained, Ji Yao quickly recalled the other person present at the time: Xuan Yi. Coupled with the sabotaged teleportation array, it was clear that Fuling City was hiding others, though their number remained uncertain.

This incident prompted disciples from every sect stationed here to report immediately to their sects. To prevent the perpetrator from returning, everyone stopped resting separately; each sect claimed a territory, setting up camp under the open sky to await their sect’s arrival.

With only twenty days left before the secret realm opened, and to ensure no further accidents occurred, each sect planned to dispatch Nascent Soul stage elders to guard the site in advance. Even the Enlightening Immortal Secret Realm, originally led by two Nascent Soul cultivators, would now be joined by a Soul Formation stage elder to strengthen their ranks—especially since the Cloudrise Secret Realm could open at any moment.

The Enlightening Immortal Herb was now a matter of utmost importance in the cultivation world; its loss would affect the decline of talent across the entire Mi Cang Realm, a future none wished to see. Only by living longer could hope be preserved.

At present, all the leading figures from each sect remaining here were Golden Core cultivators. With the situation beyond their capabilities, they ceased communication, staying within their camps to keep their disciples in check.

Lingyun Sect was no exception. Lu Ming and Mu Baiyun, as the responsible elders, were busy with their duties, and even Gu Qiu, chief disciple of the Law Enforcement Hall, was involved.

Only Ji Yao, a newcomer to this distinguished circle, sat alone with nothing to do. But she welcomed the leisure; if circumstances allowed, she would have entered her space to prepare more ancient talismans.

When Lu Ming and the others finally finished their tasks and glanced at Ji Yao, she appeared deeply immersed in meditation, with not even a protective array around her. It was unclear whether she was fearless or simply unconcerned about being disturbed during cultivation.

In fact, Ji Yao—believed by others to be in deep cultivation—was perfectly alert. She had merely sent her divine sense into her space, studying the formation diagrams on her desk.

As for the aura circulating around her, it was simply the effect of her simulated formation practice, boosting her formation cultivation. Otherwise, how would those specializing in formations ever progress?

Let us leave this matter aside for now. By dawn the next day, Soul Formation cultivators from various sects arrived, gradually taking over camp affairs. Lu Ming and Mu Baiyun, both Golden Core elders, grew busier.

Several Soul Formation elders worked together to reorganize the camp's ley lines and set up protective formations. Ji Yao’s identity received special consideration; she was granted a temporary stone chamber for secluded cultivation while awaiting her sect’s main force.

Thus, Ji Yao could relax, set up her own formation, and with her spatial disk for concealment, spent several days hiding in her space, drawing ancient talismans and familiarizing herself with the newly acquired Snowdust Sword.

As for the Clear Moon Free Sword, it had been taken away by Situ Jing a few days prior, who said she would place it in the Five-Colored Stone Formation Disk in advance for nurturing, to ensure greater harmony between the two.

Once Ji Yao formally established her foundation, both the Five-Colored Stone Formation Disk and the Clear Moon Free Sword would be available for normal use. Therefore, the Snowdust Sword had become Ji Yao’s sole weapon—she would soon enter the secret realm, and it was essential to master it.

The main group participating in the trial arrived late; the seven major sects were only assembled three days before the secret realm opened.

As for the smaller sects and itinerant cultivators, due to the special circumstances, they were not required to send representatives. Thus, the number entering the secret realm was much reduced—estimated at just over six thousand. Many independents waited to see the major sects’ stance before acting.

After using up her last piece of beast hide, Ji Yao estimated the timing and ended her seclusion a day early.

Upon emerging, she was immediately sought out by Dongfang Shun.

“You finally appeared. I thought you’d back out at the last moment!” Dongfang Shun teased Ji Yao half-jokingly.

Ji Yao couldn’t be bothered to argue. She handed him a stack of ancient talismans, signaling him to put them away quickly.

“You seem quite concerned about me! I’ve just come out of seclusion and you’re already here. What, worried your ally might defect at the last minute?”

Dongfang Shun smiled without replying. After hearing about the events of the past few days, he truly feared Ji Yao might be sidelined by connections and miss the secret realm.

Though he hadn’t worked with Ji Yao before, a clever teammate was worth more than sheer combat power. Besides, anyone who could break into the top hundred of the sect tournament was hardly lacking.

The secret realm posed great danger; Dongfang Shun couldn’t guarantee he could handle everything alone. He knew Ji Yao had her own trump cards yet unrevealed, and he himself could use certain techniques before her without concern. That was the main reason he agreed to form an alliance.

Before leaving, Dongfang Shun gave Ji Yao a plain-looking formation disk and explained its use, then returned to the main camp.

Ji Yao took the item and, after some thought, headed toward the main group. Although her master had not insisted she join the Law Enforcement Hall disciples, maintaining discreet contact was wise.

She took out the mission token she’d received from her master, gripped it in her palm, and after visiting the three leading elders in their tents, casually met eyes with a young man.

The reason was simple: as soon as she entered the camp, that young man had looked straight at her right hand—where she held the tiny mission token.

Having confirmed their identities, Ji Yao didn’t linger; she turned and made her way to Dongfang Shun.

“Brother Dongfang, may I sit with you?” Ji Yao ignored the hostile gazes surrounding Dongfang Shun and sat down beside him without waiting for permission, raising an expectant smile and blinking at him.

Dongfang Shun looked at her smile. Her fair face had shed its earlier innocence; her brows were like distant mountains, her eyes clear as autumn water, her nose delicately upturned, lips rosy without makeup, the corners of her mouth lifting in a playful yet slightly enchanting smile.

She wore a scarlet dress with a fitted waist, accentuating her already tall and slender figure.

Possessed by the spirit of a performer, Dongfang Shun could only play along—acting was, after all, a skill he excelled at.

With a slightly helpless smile, Dongfang Shun said, “Of course, it’s my honor that Sister Yao would join me!”

At the same time, he sent a voice transmission: “Senior Sister, what are you scheming now?”

Ha! The protagonist was split-minded, but at least self-aware. Ji Yao’s smile grew even brighter.

She tugged his sleeve sweetly, “I knew Brother Dongfang was the best!”

She also secretly transmitted: “Don’t look so extorted. Tell me honestly, what secrets lie hidden in this secret realm that the world doesn’t know?”

Dongfang Shun paused for a second, then suddenly turned, his face close to Ji Yao’s, shielding her from all prying eyes.

He reached out to tidy a lock of hair by Ji Yao’s temple; taking advantage of the gesture, his gaze sharpened as he stared at her, his transmitted voice carrying a cold hint of murderous intent.

“What’s this? Are you planning to go back on your word?”