From Five Animal Exercises to being hailed as a saint and ancestor

Having obtained the "Cloud Splitter" sword, it felt as if the last piece of the puzzle in Yao Mengkang's heart had been completed.

Without any delay, he went straight to the Ling Shi Pavilion.

On the registration jade book for the Meteorite Secret Realm, he solemnly imprinted his divine soul mark.

Officially confirmed participation in this training program.

After doing all this, he returned to the courtyard and activated the strongest protective barrier, isolating himself from all the noise and commotion outside.

For the next two days, he hardly left the house.

He was completely immersed in studying the "Thousand Waves Overlapping Edge Technique" and getting used to his new sword "Cloud Splitter".

Holding a real longsword felt completely different from the previous hands-free simulation.

Every bit of weight on the "Cloud Splitter" blade, the subtle changes in airflow guided by the blood groove, and the fit between the handle and the palm.

Even the slightest amplification of the flow of Yuan Power by the core restrictions requires him to carefully experience and perfectly control it.

He stood in the courtyard, clearing his mind of all distractions, his mind replaying the optimized energy circulation routes and power generation techniques.

The starting posture involves the Yuan energy originating from the Dantian and flowing along the twelve main meridians.

Several streams branched off and cleverly merged into hidden veins such as the "Dragon's Spine Vein".

Like a stream flowing into a great river, it not only reduces the pressure on the main channel, but also adds a profound and weighty foundation to the transmission of power.

"First move, Layered Waves, rise!"

He silently recited the command in his mind, and then swung out the Cloud-Splitting Blade in his hand.

No longer the sharp, piercing sound of the blade when empty-handed, but rather a deep, resonant hum as it passed, like the first undercurrent brewing in the depths of the ocean.

The blade's gleam wasn't particularly dazzling, but it carried a heavy, solid sense of oppression.

With a single, sweeping strike, he did not pause. Following the unique "step-by-step" method, new energy was generated and accumulated within his body before the old energy was exhausted!

"Second move, Thousand Layers of Waves!"

The Cloud-Splitting Blade spun around, drawing an even sharper and more profound arc!

The sword strike was clearly faster and more powerful than the first one!

The dark, cold light on the blade seemed to come alive, faintly condensing into a thin layer of water-like aura, and the sound of the tides surging in the air became clearly audible!

"Sizzle!"

Where the blade pointed, a smooth, half-inch-deep knife mark appeared on the surface of a heavy ironwood block used for testing, several feet away.

Around the marks, the wood fibers appeared to be in a strange state, as if they had been crushed and shattered by layers of immense force!

Yao Mengkang sheathed his sword and stood there, slightly out of breath, but his eyes were filled with excitement.

"I see! Holding a sharp blade not only provides a better point for bearing and releasing Yuan energy."

The blade's inherent physical properties allow the 'Layered Waves' vibrational and penetrating power to be fully unleashed!

He discovered another wonderful aspect of combining the optimized "Thousand Waves Overlapping Edge Technique" with the "Cloud Splitting" blade.

The sword is not only an extension of the arm, but also a condensation of the "sharpness" of vital energy and blood! The sword controls the energy, and the energy controls the sword; the two complement each other perfectly!

He practiced again and again, from clumsy to proficient, from deliberate imitation to gradual naturalness.

The internal energy becomes increasingly refined and concentrated through repeated consumption and recovery, and the control over power becomes increasingly precise and subtle.

The wound on his shoulder had healed thanks to his powerful physical recovery and the nourishment of his vital energy, leaving only a faint red mark.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

On the third day, it was almost time for Chen Shi (7-9 AM).

As dawn broke, the square of Qinglu Academy was already bustling with people.

The outer disciples who had passed the examination, along with some deacons and elders responsible for leading the teams and maintaining order, gathered here.

The atmosphere was solemn and heavy, filled with a complex mix of anticipation, tension, and determination.

After all, while the Meteorite Realm offers opportunities, it also comes with real-life falls.

Yao Mengkang arrived on time, dressed in a clean blue robe, with the "Cloud Rift" longsword wrapped in a gray cloth on his back.

With a calm expression and deep eyes, after three days of arduous training, his aura became increasingly restrained.

Yet it subtly gives one the feeling that its sharpness is hidden, ready to unleash a tremendous force at any moment.

His arrival immediately drew everyone's attention.

As the champion of the outer academy's grand competition, he was also known for his valiant battle on the second floor of the Martial Arts Tower and his glorious defeat on the third floor.

He is undoubtedly one of the most prominent and attention-grabbing individuals in this secret realm adventure.

Xuan Yuanpo, Mu Qingqing, Xu Zijian, Zhou Tiancan and the other ten disciples were also present, each occupying a side, exuding extraordinary demeanor.

Upon seeing Yao Mengkang, the group nodded in greeting.

At their level, some competition is certainly present.

But more than anything, it's a mutual recognition of strength and a subtle sense of alliance as they face unknown dangers together.

"Senior Brother Yao." A clear and melodious voice rang out.

Yao Mengkang turned his head and saw Mu Qingqing walking over with a smile.

Today she changed into a set of emerald green outfit that allowed her to move easily, outlining her beautiful figure. A soft whip that shimmered with light was wrapped around her waist, making her look heroic and dashing.

"Junior Sister Mu," Yao Mengkang replied with a smile.

"I heard you displayed your prowess in the Martial Arts Tower a few days ago, even defeating the puppet on the second floor that was comparable to the Spirit Sea Realm? Truly impressive!"

Mu Qingqing's beautiful eyes sparkled with undisguised admiration. "It seems we'll have to rely on Junior Brother Yao's help a lot for this trip to the secret realm."

She has a cheerful and generous personality, and her words were natural and sincere, without any hint of flattery.

Yao Mengkang smiled modestly: "Junior Sister Mu, you flatter me. It was just good luck. The secret realm is fraught with danger, and we all need to support each other."

The two stood together and began to talk in hushed tones, mostly about known information and speculations about the secret realm, in a rather harmonious atmosphere.

However, this scene, when observed by another person not far away, made her unconsciously purse her lips.

Xu Ziyi had already arrived. She stood alone on the outer edge, looking as aloof as ever.

However, her gaze would always inadvertently sweep in the direction where Yao Mengkang was.

When she saw Mu Qingqing take the initiative to go up and chat with Yao Mengkang, and the two seemed to be having a very pleasant conversation.

Her fingers, gripping the sword hilt, tightened slightly.

She recalled how Yao Mengkang had teased her until she blushed a few days ago in front of the Martial Arts Tower.

He even handed her a handkerchief... At that time, the surrounding disciples all said that they were a perfect match.

But now, standing together with Mu Qingqing, they still look so... well-matched.

A strange, bittersweet feeling, like delicate vines, quietly wrapped around her heart.

She quickly looked away, gazing at the swirling clouds in the distance, trying to calm her somewhat disordered breathing.

Tell yourself not to overthink it, focusing on the upcoming adventure in the secret realm is the most important thing.

But out of the corner of his eye, he always found himself trying to catch a glimpse of that figure in the blue robe.

At the exact hour of Chen (7-9 AM), the bell tolled, its sound deep and solemn.

Vice Dean Shangguan Hong stepped forward from the crowd, his gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping across the entire room.

The noisy discussion instantly subsided, and all the disciples straightened their bodies, their eyes becoming firm.

"The time has come; prepare to open the secret realm!"

Shangguan Hong announced in a deep voice, his voice clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"To reiterate, within this secret realm, you are responsible for your own life and death! Now, those who possess the secret realm key, step forward!"

All the disciples, including the top ten disciples of the outer court, concealed their auras.

He looked solemnly at Vice Dean Shangguan Hong.

Shangguan Hong's gaze was calm as he slowly swept over the young and energetic faces below, which were filled with tension, excitement, and anticipation.

He cleared his throat; his voice, though not loud, reached everyone's ears clearly, carrying a soothing power.

"Disciples."

Those four simple words completely silenced the last trace of noise in the room.

"Today, you will step into the Meteorite Secret Realm. This is a training ground specially opened by the academy to help you prepare for the Heavenly Dao Academy's assessment."

"The reasons behind this have already been explained in the announcement, and I will not elaborate further."

He changed the subject slightly, his tone still calm, but with a hint of solemnity.

"The primary purpose of the journey to the secret realm is to enhance one's own strength, hone one's will, and verify what one has learned."

"I hope you will cherish this opportunity and not let down the academy's high expectations."

"Secondly," Elder Wu's gaze seemed to casually sweep over certain figures in the crowd, including outstanding individuals such as Yao Mengkang and Xuan Yuanpo.

"Although there is competition within the secret realm, we all belong to the Qinglu Academy. Once you enter the secret realm, you should remember the bond between fellow disciples."

"Help each other in times of danger, and be humble when you find treasure. Helping others is helping yourself."

"I hope that two months from now, I will see your strength improved, not diminished by internal strife. I urge you all... to guard against arrogance and impetuosity, and to improve together."

These words, seemingly a common admonition, were interpreted with a deeper meaning by those who were perceptive, such as Yao Mengkang.

This is both an expectation for all disciples and perhaps... a subtle reminder and constraint for some who may have conflicts.

"Finally," Elder Wu's voice rose slightly, carrying an undeniable air of authority.

"After you enter the secret realm, we elders will be stationed outside to oversee things."

Elder Qin Feng and some deacons will also accompany them inside, setting up temporary camps in designated areas to provide limited assistance.

"However, the secret realm is vast and fraught with danger. More often than not, you must rely on yourselves! Remember to act according to your abilities; preserving yourselves is the fundamental principle!"

"Now, follow me to the entrance to the secret realm!"

After speaking, Shangguan Hong flicked his sleeves, and his figure floated forward like a light feather.

The disciples below perked up, suppressed their surging thoughts, and followed in order.

The large and impressive procession headed towards the more secluded and mysterious area deep within the back mountains, where faint spatial fluctuations could be heard.

Yao Mengkang, standing in the crowd, touched the "Cloud Splitting" sword on his back, his eyes calm yet sharp.

Peaceful? He naturally didn't want to cause trouble, but if someone was blind to his own faults... his Rift Cloud wasn't incapable of taking blood.