The next few days saw increased activity at the cold pond. Rays of multicolored light continuously erupted from it, accompanied by various unusual phenomena. Many nearby powers, factions, and rogue cultivators flocked to the scene. Flying boats, immortal skiffs, and all manner of exotic beasts and birds densely populated the sky above, while the ground teemed with a motley assortment of individuals. Everyone looked on with anticipation, awaiting the opening of the Void Secret Realm.
A few disciples of the Void Sword Sect could no longer bear the pressure and secretly fled. This was primarily because many of the gathered forces held grudges against the Void Sword Sect and might very well unite to annihilate it. Those who feared death naturally refused to perish with the sect and had all escaped. Under such circumstances, any disciple who still chose to remain with the Void Sword Sect was undoubtedly a loyal and steadfast individual, unwavering in their devotion.
"Just as the pine and cypress stand firm against the harsh winter, true friendship is revealed in times of adversity. My friends, for your unwavering loyalty to the Void Sword Sect today, the sect will surely reward you with boundless prosperity in the future." Ji Mo gathered the remaining dozen or so disciples, boosting their morale. In this world where integrity was scarce and desires ran rampant, those with a pure heart were most precious, and they would undoubtedly receive blessings.
However, with the exception of Er Lengzi, none of the Void Sword Sect disciples took Ji Mo's words seriously. They had already prepared for the worst, almost certain that the Void Sword Sect had no future. Once the Void Secret Realm opened, conflict was inevitable, and the various factions would undoubtedly clash fiercely. When the fires of war ignited, vast areas nearby would be devastated, and the Void Sword Sect would face utter destruction. They were weak and powerless to change the tide; the only thing they could do was face their fate alongside the sect.
"I wish to join the Void Sword Sect." Xia Wan'er's eyes were slightly reddened, deeply moved. At this critical juncture, she chose to join the Void Sword Sect. Ji Mo did not stop her this time and looked upon Xia Wan'er with renewed appreciation. Xia Wan'er's joining the Void Sword Sect at this moment was undoubtedly a timely offering of help. Thus, the Void Sword Sect welcomed a female disciple, and a remarkably beautiful sword prodigy at that, which instantly brightened the spirits of the somber male disciples.
The night of the full moon finally arrived. The night sky was like a vast curtain, and a silver full moon rose, casting its soft radiance. The pure moonlight cascaded down, draping the earth in a dreamlike veil. The white mist around the cold pond gradually dissipated, revealing pulsating runes at its bottom. Spatial energies churned, and an ancient, faintly glowing entrance emerged. On the night of the full moon, the secret realm appeared! The entrance to the Void Secret Realm was finally revealed before everyone's eyes.
"Let's go!" Ji Mo waved his hand, leading everyone from the Void Sword Sect down the mountain towards the cold pond. He felt a flicker of excitement, hoping that within the secret realm, the Great Immortal Kong Xu would have left behind some useful information to resolve his doubts.
"After today, we'll be feasting like kings. The Ancestor must have left countless treasures in the secret realm." Er Lengzi, carrying his sword-infused bluestone, followed Ji Mo, his face filled with longing. Sima Hongfeng nodded in agreement, also believing that the Void Secret Realm held treasures left by the Great Immortal Kong Xu. After all, the Great Immortal Kong Xu had sold countless immortal maidens and holy sons in his time, and some of the immense wealth accumulated was used to build the sect, with a portion likely hidden within the secret realm. Now that Ancestor Kong Xu was personally leading the expedition, it was clear he intended to lead them to great fortune.
However, the other disciples did not share this optimism. They wore expressions of solemnity, like warriors embarking on a perilous journey from which they might not return. They believed that tonight was fraught with danger, and it was highly probable they would not see the next sunrise. They were only a dozen or so people, while the myriad of beings gathered by the cold pond numbered in the tens of thousands; eliminating them would be incredibly easy.
As the entrance to the Void Secret Realm appeared, the area around the cold pond immediately descended into chaos. Dozens of reckless beings, impatient and eager, rushed into the pond's depths, hoping to be the first to enter the secret realm and seize its fortune. However, they paid for this haste with their lives. The cave entrance at the bottom of the pond was ancient and weathered, its formations and runes seething with power, protected by formidable seals. Any creature that approached within ten meters was shredded into bloody mist by terrifying sword energy. The former dojo of the Great Immortal Kong Xu was not a place that outsiders could easily enter.
The thick scent of blood instantly calmed the crowd, making them hesitant to act rashly. "Allow me to break this seal," declared an elder with a youthful face and white hair, his expression full of arrogance. He confidently soared into the pond's depths.
"It's Grandmaster of Formations Feng Kun. I didn't expect him to be here! With Elder Feng taking action, breaking the seal will surely be a piece of cake." Many recognized the elder's identity and exclaimed in admiration. With a renowned Grandmaster of Formations intervening, it was expected that the seal would be broken quickly.
Feng Kun descended to the pond's bottom and immediately began analyzing the formations and runes at the entrance. His mastery of formations had reached the pinnacle of perfection, and he soon discerned a flaw. He let out a smug cold laugh, formed hand seals, and then unleashed streaks of profound formation patterns into the surrounding rocks. The ground trembled slightly, and cracks appeared in the stone walls. Faint sounds of shattering echoed, and the sword energy surrounding the entrance gradually dissipated until it vanished completely. The violent energy sealing the entrance dispersed like ripples on water, revealing a magnificent, shimmering gateway.
Feng Kun strode towards the entrance, encountering no array attacks, convinced he had successfully broken the seal. He couldn't help but laugh heartily, "Heh, Great Immortal Kong Xu, all talk and no substance. Nothing more than this."
"Void Secret Realm, here I come." Another large group of beings, unable to contain their excitement, surged towards the entrance, numbering in the hundreds. However, what awaited them was a storm of flames. Blazing fires erupted, fire serpents danced wildly, and infernal flames scorched the sky, the terrifying heat incinerating everything. Desperate screams echoed from the pond's depths, accompanied by the stench of burning flesh and a cloud of flying ash. Within mere breaths, hundreds of beings were reduced to dust.
Well, there was one survivor: Feng Kun himself. His hair was completely scorched, his immortal robes and several life-saving magical artifacts were reduced to tatters. It was fortunate that he was wealthy and possessed numerous means of survival; otherwise, he would not have made it out alive. Feng Kun's body was a bloody mess, large patches of his skin were burnt, and he was in an extremely pathetic and embarrassing state. Not long ago, he had been full of pride, mocking the Great Immortal Kong Xu, only to be so swiftly humiliated. His arrogance had come at a terrible price.
"You despicable and shameless old scoundrel Kong Xu! I was merely caught off guard. A mere multi-layered formation cannot stop me." Feng Kun gritted his teeth, continuing his efforts to break the seal, determined to regain his dignity, lest he be unable to face anyone. This time, he was much more cautious, successfully breaking through three more formations. Just as he triumphantly declared that he had successfully broken the seal, the bottom of the pond erupted with lightning and thunder, transforming into a sea of electricity. Feng Kun was electrocuted repeatedly, crying out in agony. Fortunately, his status as a Grandmaster of Formations was not in vain, and being incredibly wealthy, he carried numerous life-saving items. He ultimately escaped the cold pond with only half his life left, no longer daring to boast.
"The Great Immortal Kong Xu's methods are terrifyingly profound. Such a powerful seal, no one can break it." Feng Kun made this judgment, believing that no one present could break the seal.
"Is that so?" a faint voice inquired.