Within the Secret Realm Space, the atmosphere was peculiar.
Tens of thousands of sect disciples were still meditating with their eyes closed, unaware of the changes that had occurred.
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However, at the very center, the sect master and the elders all wore grim expressions.
Elder Li, who managed the Artifact Refining Hall on Tiangong Peak, stroked his snow-white beard, his brows furrowed:
"Brothers, the 'Taiyi True Ruins' is a top-tier Spatial Supreme Treasure, and the Entry and Exit Incantation should never fail. There must be something very strange going on!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Elder Wu from Punishment Law Peak immediately said with a fierce aura, "Are you suggesting that there's a traitor in the sect, secretly tampering with things to deliberately trap us here?"
"I didn't say that. Just because something strange is happening doesn't mean someone tampered with it. Such a treasure contains countless mysteries..."
Involving sect internal affairs, Elder Li dared not easily agree with such a statement and quickly denied it, while also changing the subject.
However, in the end, he couldn't point out anything specific.
He was indeed skilled in artifact refining, but the 'Taiyi True Ruins,' a supreme treasure personally crafted by the sect's ancestors, was far beyond his understanding.
Therefore, he could only stammer about the failure of the Entry and Exit Incantation, unable to provide a clear explanation.
Among the crowd, the sect master of Taiyi True Sect glared at Elder Wu from Punishment Law Peak and reprimanded:
"Brother Wu, this isn't your Hall of Law Enforcement. It's one thing to discipline disciples, but how can you suspect the elders of each peak?"
Now that the entire sect was trapped in the Secret Realm, they must not suspect each other and disrupt their unity.
Elder Wu, as the peak master of Punishment Law Peak and leader of the Hall of Law Enforcement, was known for his rigid and meticulous nature.
Such a personality was excellent for assisting in managing the sect on usual days.
But the current situation was special, and he couldn't apply his strict enforcement approach.
Moreover, the elders of each peak were esteemed high-ranking members of the sect and couldn't be casually suspected or doubted.
So even if there was something strange going on, it couldn't be brought to the forefront now.
Elder Wu listened to the sect master's reprimand, his expression as rigid as a board, but ultimately said nothing.
The sect master then reassured, "Brothers, the 'Taiyi True Ruins' has been passed down for countless generations. Perhaps it's just a loosening of the spatial structure in some areas. Let's wait for the Supreme Elders to repair it."
Hearing this, everyone nodded.
Their gazes involuntarily shifted to the four corners of the sky.
At the ends of the Secret Realm in different directions, three Supreme Elders sat cross-legged in the void, jointly inspecting.
Either deducing the treasure's flaws or attempting to communicate with the Spatial Law again.
Seeing this scene, the worried expressions of the sect's high-ranking members eased considerably.
As a top sect in this world, Taiyi True Sect's three remaining Supreme Elders were the sect's foundation, peerless powerhouses.
Each possessed extraordinary power.
With them present, the issue of the Secret Realm's entry and exit malfunctioning should be easily resolved.
With this thought, the sect master also relaxed.
He clasped his hands behind his back and spoke, "While the Supreme Elders are working hard, we can't just sit idly. Everyone, think if there's any brilliant plan or strategy to help us escape?"
Upon hearing this, everyone fell into deep thought.
After a few moments, Elder Zhuge from Tianji Peak was the first to speak, "I remember, not all sect disciples entered the Secret Realm. There's still one person outside!"
"Who?"
"The Holy Maiden!"
As soon as he said this, everyone suddenly realized and their eyes lit up.
The peak master of Cultivation Transmission Peak nodded repeatedly, "Three years ago, the Holy Maiden went into seclusion under Dragon Slaying Cliff to undergo Nirvana and attempt to break through to the Purple Mansion. She left a message saying that she didn't need to be called for this opening of the 'Taiyi True Ruins.'"
"So, indeed, only she remains in the sect now!"
Elder Li from Tiangong Peak was overjoyed upon hearing this:
"The 'Taiyi True Ruins' has a Secret Activation Jade as a backup, which can open a passage from the outside. As long as the Holy Maiden breaks through and finds the sect empty, with her intelligence, she will surely guess that we are trapped inside!"
The elders all showed expressions of delight.
Only the peak master of Tianji Peak looked troubled, speaking as if constipated:
"That may be so, but every time the Holy Maiden goes into seclusion, it lasts at least five years, sometimes ten. This time, she's at a critical point in breaking through to the Purple Mansion. I'm afraid the timing..."
There was no need to say more.
The smiles on the faces of the previously happy high-ranking members froze.
Their Holy Maiden was unparalleled in grace, whether in talent or aptitude, she was top-notch in this realm.
But because of this, she was extremely serious, wholly devoted to cultivation.
Once in seclusion, she shut out all external matters.
If she truly emerged only after ten years, they could only pin their hopes on the three Supreme Elders.
The sect master pondered for a moment and finally sighed, "Well, let's first see the situation below. Perhaps the Holy Maiden has already emerged?"
Saying this, he brought his fingers together and silently recited an incantation.
The Spatial Barrier beneath his feet gradually turned transparent, making the sect's situation below clearly visible.
Although the 'Taiyi True Ruins' Entry and Exit Incantation had failed, its other functions remained.
This allowed the Spatial Barrier to become transparent, enabling observation of the outside, which was one of its many capabilities.
Unfortunately, the 'Taiyi True Ruins' was too well-concealed.
Even though they could observe the outside, those outside could not see them.
In fact, they couldn't even sense the massive Secret Realm hovering above them.
The original intent of the sect's ancestors when crafting this treasure was to catch others off guard.
Now it had become a constraint.
Everyone sighed at the twists of fate while adjusting their mindset, turning their gaze to the outside world.
As the barrier beneath their feet turned transparent, the vast Taiyi True Sect came into view.
The Seventy-Two Main Peaks were still shrouded in clouds and mist, but without the many disciples, they appeared exceptionally desolate.
The elders felt a sense of nostalgia seeing this.
At this moment, an elder suddenly pointed to a spot, surprised, "Look, why is there someone standing at the entrance of that Outer Peak Hall?"
Following his words, everyone's gaze turned in that direction.
Sure enough, they found someone standing on a certain peak!
He was handsome, dressed in gray short robes, which upon closer inspection, were clearly the attire of an Outer Gate Preparatory Disciple!
The peak master of Ningxin Peak, responsible for organizing this Secret Realm activity, exclaimed:
"Impossible! Any sect disciple, even a Preparatory Disciple, as long as they have taken the sect token and belong to this world in body and soul, will definitely be drawn into the 'Taiyi True Ruins' when it opens!"
"How is he still standing outside so casually?"
The peak master of Ningxin Peak was dumbfounded.
Having a disciple left outside, not entering the Secret Realm, was a major incident!
At the very least, it was his incompetence, and at worst, it endangered the entire sect.
After all, the once-in-a-decade Secret Realm activity was a top priority for Taiyi True Sect.
To ensure nothing went wrong, all sect formations would be activated in advance to prevent outsiders from entering this area.
And now, a disciple hadn't been drawn in!
Imagine if this person had malicious intent or was a spy sent by another force.
Wouldn't the sect's resources and countless cultivation techniques and weapons be like an unguarded treasure trove, ready to be plundered?
The sect master's expression also darkened.
He didn't question the peak master's negligence but immediately ordered:
"Have the Outer Peak Deacon responsible for managing Preparatory Disciples come to see me immediately!"
The elder beside him quickly sent a message.
He knew the sect master was somewhat angry.
But at this moment, the overlooked Preparatory Disciple below didn't remain idle.
He clasped his hands behind his back, walked into a Mission Hall on the Outer Peak, and began frantically pouring Contribution Points into his Disciple Token from the unguarded Mountain-Suppressing Stele!
The elder in charge of the Mission Hall was furious!
"Outrageous! This child dares to take advantage of the sect's emptiness to steal Contribution Points so blatantly. Does he have no shame?"
In the sect, besides Spirit Stones, Contribution Points were the most commonly used currency.
For example, piloting a Flying Vessel or renting a Pill Furnace required Contribution Points.
And to earn Contribution Points, one must first complete sect missions.
After the Mission Hall Deacon confirmed the completion, the points would be issued from the Mountain-Suppressing Stele in each Mission Hall.
It's like a bank transfer, moving Contribution Points to the Disciple Token.
The tasks released by Taiyi True Sect varied in difficulty, with some even posing life-threatening risks.
Disciples earned Contribution Points through great risk and effort.
But now, this Preparatory Disciple was unbelievably bold!
He was drawing Contribution Points from the Mountain-Suppressing Stele into his Token as if it were free spring water.
How could the elders not be furious?
The sect master coldly snorted, flicking his sleeves:
"With such poor character and morals, this child is utterly unworthy of joining Taiyi True Sect!"
Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan