Even though everyone knew the ultimate victor would likely emerge from the six major powers, they still placed their bets with a sliver of hope.
"Alright."
Once all bets were placed, the Holy Emperor continued, "Now, everyone may choose a person to attach their spiritual power to."
All those who had bet were allowed to choose.
Each faction could only have one person inject spiritual power.
Under these circumstances, violating the rules was impossible, and no one would dare to do so.
If a faction was discovered to have more than one person attaching spiritual power, they would be immediately disqualified.
"Buzz."
Chen Fan's spiritual power descended.
In the crowd, spiritual powers occasionally collided, causing quite a commotion.
Moments later, Chen Fan had selected his target.
After everyone had made their selections, the First Cardinal directly opened the entrance to the secret realm.
This secret realm entrance was located directly above the heads of everyone in the plaza.
"Such a magical secret realm," Chen Fa remarked with surprise, having never noticed it before.
"All participants, enter the secret realm."
"Whoosh whoosh whoosh."
All the Cardinal candidates leaped up and jumped into the secret realm.
...
The secret realm was set to open for 72 hours, and would only close after 72 hours.
For martial artists, three days was not a long time; it would pass in a flash if spent cultivating.
However, the Angelic Holy Assembly would naturally not allow people to waste time cultivating at this moment.
A massive mirror appeared in the sky, broadcasting the situation within the secret realm in real-time.
The mirror was enormous, large enough for everyone to see.
The scenes within the secret realm were laid bare.
While not comprehensive, it was sufficient and prevented boredom.
Inside the secret realm, all the selected participants wore white robes, making it impossible to discern who was who.
At this moment, Chen Fan had closed his eyes.
He was currently traveling through the secret realm with a white-robed Cardinal.
His gaze could perceive everything within the secret realm.
"Kill."
As soon as they entered the secret realm, a battle erupted.
Two white-robed Cardinals encountered each other and immediately engaged in combat.
The selection method, akin to raising insects, necessitated conflict.
The person Chen Fan had attached himself to did not immediately rush forward. Instead, they hid in some grass, observing the battle from a distance.
The fight between the two was fierce, a true fight for survival.
"Tsk tsk."
Chen Fan watched with great interest.
The two fought intensely, their strengths seemingly quite evenly matched.
Moments later, the battle concluded, ending in a mutual destruction.
At this point, Chen Fan's perspective began to close in rapidly.
The hidden figure moved.
"Foolish."
Chen Fan cursed inwardly.
Why reveal oneself so early? He was not the only hunter lurking around, waiting to pick off the weak.
As expected, four individuals charged out from their hiding places.
"Kill."
The white-robed Cardinal Chen Fan was attached to was ferocious and did not retreat, charging directly into the fray.
Chen Fan: "..."
He was speechless.
With such an impetuous charge, it would be a miracle if they survived until the end.
"Alas."
With a sigh, the individual was indeed repelled.
It was too late to flee now.
"Useless."
With a curse, Chen Fan found himself compelled to help.
Each person could only possess one host. If the host died, their wisp of spiritual power would be devoured by the secret realm, as the Cardinal had clearly stated the rules.
"Buzz."
Powerful spiritual energy erupted, repelling the three individuals in an instant.
"Senior, who are you?"
Mo Luofei exclaimed with excitement.
She had never expected to have the spiritual attachment of a powerful being.
There were over a hundred white-robed guardians participating in the selection.
The combined strength of all factions numbered less than thirty.
With nearly a tenth of the chance, Mo Luofei could not believe her luck.
After all, with their strength, they were unable to perceive the spiritual powers of those outside.
Anyone who could possess a spiritual attachment must have a cultivation level of at least the Divine level.
"Run quickly."
Chen Fan was too lazy to waste words. "Why charge forward immediately upon entering? Hide first."
"Bang,"
Mo Luofei turned and fled.
With the attachment of a powerful being, her anxious heart felt a sense of relief.
Although she did not know which powerful being it was, having someone was better than most.
"Senior..."
"Left."
Chen Fan had to guide her direction.
Did this woman have no brains? She couldn't even run properly, heading towards open ground.
"Oh, alright."
Mo Luofei was obedient and ran to the left.
Moments later, a lush forest appeared in their sight.
Mo Luofei's eyes lit up, and she began to accelerate...
"Don't."
Chen Fan's warning came too late; she had already entered.
Chen Fan: "..."
"Senior, what did you just say?" Mo Luofei asked, panting.
"It's nothing."
Since she had already entered, what was the point of saying "don't"?
"Be careful, something is wrong here." Chen Fan cautioned.
"Okay."
She was quite compliant.
Mo Luofei's weapon was a cross longsword.
This type of weapon was a common armament in the West, shaped like a cross.
Mo Luofei cautiously scouted the forest, advancing slowly.
Chen Fan remained silent, ignoring Mo Luofei's attempts to engage him in conversation.
"This woman's mind is a bit off."
This was Chen Fan's most honest thought.
A moment later...
"Stop."
Chen Fan's head throbbed, and he was forced to speak. "When you're scouting, can't you avoid making noise?"
"Ah?"
"Your footsteps are too heavy, don't step on dry branches."
"Oh, alright."
After a while more...
"Why are you cutting branches?"