Over the next three days, with the academy's help, Zu'an was busy taking over the Plum Blossom Gang's businesses and influence.
Shi Kun had been watching all along, but remained unmoved. In any case, once this guy entered the secret realm, he was doomed, so there was no need to jump out and stop him now.
On the other side, the academy is also selecting candidates to enter the secret realm. Those of the fifth rank or above will automatically be qualified to enter, while others will need to go through layers of selection. Anyone can sign up to participate, and the selection process will be similar to a combination of group matches and elimination rounds.
After all, the secret realm is full of dangers. If you are not strong enough, you will not even be able to protect yourself when you go in. What is the difference between that and sending yourself to your death?
After a round of competition, the weakest team to emerge victorious was only a third-ranked player.
Zuan couldn't help but sigh at the cruelty of the cultivation world. Although the secret realm was dangerous, it also meant opportunity. Those who were able to enter the secret realm this time would definitely see their strength improved to some extent.
But after this selection process, only the strong can get in. Since the strength of the strong and the weak is already vastly different, this will only widen the gap further, making the strong stronger and the weak never catch up.
It seems that's how it is in every world!
Zuan secretly gloated, thinking that it was best to be a "connected" person like himself; he didn't even need to participate in the selection process, and a spot was already reserved for him. Hahaha~
On the morning of the third day, the group arrived at the back mountain of the academy. This area was a forbidden zone of Bright Moon Academy, and no one was allowed to approach it under normal circumstances.
The reason why the imperial court has been able to control the secret realm for so many years is largely because the major academies are generally located near the secret realm. For example, the secret realm of Bright Moon Academy is even located directly within the academy.
The secret realm has existed between heaven and earth since ancient times, and the surrounding spiritual energy is often much more abundant than that of other people. Therefore, if a school is built nearby, even ordinary people can enjoy the benefits brought by the secret realm.
In the bamboo forest behind Mingyue Academy, there is a large open space. Around the open space are several thatched huts, and in each hut lives a senior teacher from the academy, as if they are guarding something together.
In the very center of the open space stood a building that looked like a paifang (archway), or perhaps a gate, but the light in the air was subtly distorted, as if there were a small vortex inside.
"This is the entrance to the secret realm. Normally, this gate is no different from the archway on the street. It only looks like this on special days. Judging from the appearance, it should still be a while before it is fully open." Chu Chuyan came with Zu An today and saw him looking like a country bumpkin visiting the Grand View Garden, so she explained to him.
“You know a lot about this, don’t you? Have you been here before?” Zuan asked.
Chu Chuyan shook her head: "No, the secret realm only opens once every few decades, and this is my first time here. It's a pity that Xiao Zhao was injured and missed this opportunity."
Chu Huanzhao originally wanted to come, but she was seriously injured in the family competition, and her strength was not great. The Chu couple were worried that it would be too dangerous for her to enter the secret realm in her condition, so they simply kept her at home.
She threw a tantrum about it for quite a while, and only after she forced Zuan to agree to bring her some "local specialties" from the secret realm as gifts did she finally smile again.
"By the way, why did you insist on going into the secret realm? Do you know that the secret realm is actually quite dangerous?" Chu Chuyan suddenly asked.
Zuan smiled slightly: "What, are you worried about your husband?"
Chu Chuyan said calmly, "I'm just reminding you so that you don't die in there in a daze, which would make it difficult for our Chu family to find a suitable son-in-law."
"Don't worry, your husband is very lucky and will definitely come out safely," Zu An said with a grin.
Chu Chuyan gave a soft snort and turned her face away.
"Chu Yan, your husband is going in today too? Do you want us to help keep an eye on him?" A charming and sweet voice rang out.
When Zuan looked back, his mind was immediately filled with confusion.
Pei Mianman, that woman, always flaunts her great figure everywhere she goes. Doesn't she care about causing other people's noses to bleed?
“No need. Once inside the secret realm, everyone relies on their own abilities. How can one grow if they are always under the protection of others? Besides, this guy entered as a teacher. What kind of behavior is it for a student to take care of him?” Chu Chuyan replied.
Zuan chuckled: "Oh, so you know I'm your teacher now? Come on, call me 'teacher,' okay?"
Chu Chuyan's breath hitched, and she walked straight to the side, too lazy to pay him any more attention.
"What's it like to have a beautiful wife like this, someone you can only look at but not touch?" Pei Mianman asked jokingly as she moved closer to Zu An.
"Why don't you let me touch it, and I'll tell you," Zuan said with a smile.
"You're so naughty~" Pei Mianman laughed so hard she was shaking.
Chu Chuyan, who was not far away, frowned and asked, "Xiaoman, what are you doing over there?"
Although she didn't think she had fallen for Zaun, he was, after all, her husband in name only. What did it mean that he was chatting happily with another woman in front of her?
“Coming right away~” Pei Mianman replied, then secretly winked at Zu An, “Your wife is jealous, this is a good start, don’t forget to help me find the account book.”
After saying that, she left behind a string of charming and captivating laughter.
Many people around felt their bones go weak upon hearing this, and they all glared angrily at Zu An, wondering what kind of charm this guy had that could attract so many stunning beauties.
Shi Kun, watching from afar, narrowed his eyes slightly: "Won't Pei Mianman ruin our plans then?"
Shi Lezhi shook his head: "Probably not. To be on the safe side, we can have someone distract her first, so she won't get involved."
Shi Kun hummed in agreement: "It's a pity that you can't enter the secret realm, otherwise killing Zu An wouldn't have been so troublesome."
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
