“Then we must see if we can get something good this time, lest it all ends in disappointment…”

After a preliminary discussion, the three of them decided to delve deeper into the Secret Realm a few days later once the scorpion swarm had settled down.

After all, the Secret Realm had been discovered, and delaying even a single day could mean that his and Yun Yao’s twenty years of preparation would be in vain for someone else.

“The previous cultivator’s death is likely to alert those in the shadows, so we’ll wait a few days before entering the array to uncover the truth.”

Old Hu also agreed, and the three of them swore an oath based on their cultivation hearts to temporarily join forces.

Swearing by the cultivation heart might not be very binding, but for them, as cultivators, it was the strongest pact they could make.

Especially for cultivators whose hearts remained steadfast in their pursuit of the Tao.

…

Seven days later.

With the area of miasma settling and the scorpions calming down, the three returned to the place.

“Old Lin, this man previously joined a family in the Sha Yun Kingdom, which raises suspicion. It’s highly likely that the six or seven Foundation Establishment cultivators involved are the ones who discovered the traces of the Secret Realm.”

After the alliance, Old Hu’s naturally easy-going character became apparent once more.

This made Lin Chang’an next to him feel a bit helpless.

“Old Hu, I’m evaluating the array, but you, as a second-order Artifact Refiner, have hidden it well.”

“Old Lin, it’s not like I knew before. Had I known earlier, I would have forged one or two handy spiritual artifacts for you.”

Old Hu babbled on, while Yun Yao watched the two calmly, with her thoughts more focused on the Secret Realm.

“Mr. Yun, Old Lin, we’ve known each other for many years. Once the exploration of this cave’s remains is over, we’ll truly be fellow Daoists.”

With Old Hu’s laughter echoing, Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao nodded.

The words might be crude, but the principle is sound. In the Immortal Cultivation Realm, there are many familiar Daoists. It’s easy to distribute spoils evenly when hunting demon beasts.

But when it comes to significant opportunities, greed can easily arise, leading to conflict.

If this time the three of them can complete the cooperation, then their friendship can indeed be considered as a foundationally trustworthy bond.

“Here it is!”

After a while, Lin Chang’an pointed solemnly into the distance.

“This is the weakest point of the array; we will enter through here.”

Lin Chang’an took a deep breath, while Old Hu and Yun Yao focused sternly, preparing themselves on both sides.

Lin Chang’an raised his hand, revealing a talisman shining with spiritual light.

“A near Tier Three Forbidden-Breaking Talisman!”

Seeing this, Old Hu couldn’t help but exclaim. Truly, one should not underestimate cultivators worldwide; he had ancestral heritage, yet Old Lin was no less prepared.

The near Tier Three Forbidden-Breaking Talisman transformed into a beam of light, emitting a strange power that shattered structures, and the array vibrated, revealing a transparent barrier.

Boom!

The strange power was not enough, causing Lin Chang’an to frown.

“No, it’s not yet at its weakest point.”

After using up the first Forbidden-Breaking Talisman, Lin Chang’an took out another one.

Meanwhile, the agitation of the array drew countless poisonous scorpions near.

On both sides, Old Hu and Yun Yao began to fend off the scorpions to buy Lin Chang’an time.

The Phoenix Cry Bird remained hidden since Old Hu joined.

Not only him, but Yun Yao’s Tier Two Spirit Pet, the Ice Flood Dragon, also remained concealed.

Finally! After consuming five near Tier Three Forbidden-Breaking Talismans, a breach about ten feet long opened in the array barrier.

“Go!”

The three figures swiftly entered the array, and the breach visibly began to heal.

…

Inside the Blood Slaughter Red Sun Array.

As soon as they entered, a wave of heat surged forth, leaving Old Hu visibly astonished.

“Is this what a Tier Three Array is like!”

Inside the array, everywhere one looked was filled with scorching heat, accompanied by dense evil energy.

Fire-Devouring Demon Spirits filled with evil energy flew through the air.

“Be careful not to activate this grand array, or else we’ll all meet our end here.”

Upon entering the array, Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao raised their hands, casting a Water Shield Technique, bringing an instant chill.

“You!”

Seeing Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao both produce water-attribute spiritual artifacts, Hu Jin exclaimed in shock:

“Did you really prepare for twenty years!?”

Old Hu had thought it was just an excuse, but seeing Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao so thoroughly prepared.

Especially the pair’s spiritual artifacts, as a second-order Artifact Refiner, he immediately recognized these were designed for joint attack techniques.

“Old Hu, you didn’t think we were deceiving you, did you?”

Having entered the array, Lin Chang’an breathed a sigh of relief and rarely made a joke to Old Hu.

Then the two began navigating by Lin Chang’an’s guidance as a Tier Two Array Master.

“If someone were controlling it, even with reduced power, a Tier Three grand array isn’t something ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators can force through.

This array has been running for over a hundred years, with its power already significantly weakened. As long as we don’t activate the prohibitions carelessly, we can pass through with minimal cost.”

“I understand.”

As the three progressed, the Water Dragon Banner in Yun Yao’s hand shook, and powerful water spirit mana extinguished these fire spirits.

The fire spirit creatures spawned within the array lacked intelligence.

Old Hu also raised his hand, wielding a Cold Blade.

One by one, the Fire-Devouring Demon Spirits were extinguished with a shriek.

The three of them traveled through this heat-filled array for more than half a month.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep