System crash? I prove it with my control panel!

I've been a beginner for several years.

This was Chen Wen's first trip to the main peak.

He put Xiaoxue into his storage bag, checked his belongings, and flew towards the main peak on his sword.

A message from Chu Feng arrived through the identity jade token;

"When you return from the secret realm, we must have a grand feast!"

Chen Wen: "Minors are prohibited from drinking alcohol!"

Chu Feng: "..."

There was also a message from Qin Shuiru: "Looking forward to your return~"

Chen Wen didn't reply, because his words sounded like he was making a declaration.

Sword shadows and spirit beasts streaked through the air.

Chen Wen watched with envy; Xiao Xue still had yellow hair.

I wonder when I will be able to ride a snowflake and soar through the sky.

Thinking about the upcoming journey to the secret realm, Chen Wen couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.

The most dangerous thing is not the natural disasters that are everywhere, nor the various ferocious monsters, but people.

There are more than 600 people who have entered this secret realm.

I wonder how many people came specifically for me.

The Xuanhuang Refining Heart Technique operated on its own, and waves of clarity appeared.

Chen Wen was reassured: I'm sure I can get out. My destination shouldn't be here!

He casually opened the panel;

Name: Chen Wen (Chen Jingwen)

Lifespan: 12/310.

Race: Human.

[Spiritual Root: Superior Wood Spiritual Root.]

Cultivation Level:

Qi Refining Level 18 (8/100)

Body Refinement Level 9 (11/100)

[Technique: Azure Nether Qi Guiding Technique MAX]

The First Level of the "Fusion and Decline of the Origin Technique": Great Success (25/100)

The Second Level of the Mysterious Yellow Heart Refining Technique: Beginner (50/100)

The first level of the "Gluttonous Blood Body Technique": Great Completion (55/100)

Techniques:

First-tier talisman: Mastery (16/100)

First-tier weapon crafting: Minor success (20/100)

First-tier formation: Minor completion (50/100)

Xuanwen: Dacheng (81/100)

Taotie Transformation: Beginner (10/100)

Divine Firmament Sword Control Technique: Minor Success (15/100)

Innate Great Capturing Technique: Minor Success (15/100)

Xiao Ku Rong Shou: Da Cheng (16/100)

Life and death: Great achievement (23/100)

Soul Piercing Strike: MAX

Spring Breeze and Rain Technique: MAX

......

Overall, I didn't gain much from these two months of seclusion.

Only his physical cultivation level increased by one level, and his proficiency in spells improved somewhat.

Only the Xuanhuang Refining Heart Technique, when used to enlighten his own mind during the killing of Fang Chen, actually increased his strength considerably.

However, spiritual awareness can still only cover a radius of ninety-nine meters.

This seems to be a hurdle in the Qi Refining period.

He even felt a sense of overflowing in his soul.

What happens if it overflows?

Chen Wen didn't understand, but he was currently at the eighth level of Qi Refining. When he broke through his cultivation level, his essence, energy, and spirit would all increase due to the breakthrough.

Therefore, he had a vague premonition that when he broke through to the ninth level of Qi Refining, some kind of transformation would occur. He didn't know if it would be good or bad, but it shouldn't be too bad.

The sword landed before the main peak.

There were also hundreds of people waiting here.

Upon seeing Chen Wen land, everyone quickly made way and bowed respectfully.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Jingwen!"

"Fellow disciples, please dispense with the formalities!"

Chen Wen accepted it calmly and smiled faintly.

Walk forward through the crowd.

A flicker of memory crossed his eyes.

There was a time when I was also someone standing on the sidelines.

But things are different now.

As for their recognition of themselves, that's not surprising.

After all, the matter of hunting down Foundation Establishment cultivators is no longer a particularly secretive matter; anyone with a certain status can vaguely know about it.

This time, however, no Foundation Establishment cultivator stepped forward to say that he had offended their status and that he should be put to death.

Arrive at the very front.

Two white-robed disciples stood at the foot of the peak, expressionless, like statues.

Two or three figures in purple robes were already chatting ahead.

Chen Wen did not go over, but stood there and waited.

Because one of them was He Yuzhu.

However, when he didn't go over, the other person came towards him.

The two disciples who were talking to He Yuzhu showed a hint of curiosity on their faces, their eyes filled with amusement.

He Yuzhu walked up to Chen Wen, his presence like a small mountain enveloping Chen Wen. His voice was deep and resonant, yet possessed a refined elegance.

"Junior Brother Chen, is it? I've long admired your name, especially recently, your fame has soared, you're at the height of your power!"

Chen Wen looked up and saw a burly man, one or two meters tall, standing in front of him. The man had long hair, a chiseled face, and piercing, leopard-like eyes that seemed ready to pounce and tear him apart at any moment.

Suddenly, Chen Wen felt waves of spiritual energy emanating from above him.

He didn't think much of it, nor did he panic; he simply said calmly:

"Senior Brother He, you're too kind. I only obtained the position of true disciple by chance, and I never expected to receive such an honor. I am flattered and overwhelmed by your kindness!"

"Hahaha~"

He Yuzhu clapped his hands and laughed, then leaned closer and gritted his teeth, saying:

"What a clever trick of luck! What a silver tongue! Do you even know that Yuhao is my own brother!"

Chen Wen stepped back slightly; he disliked being so close to people, especially men.

He replied, "I do know that, but unfortunately, swords are merciless. Your brother's magic was poorly controlled, and his sword energy went out of control, resulting in him severing his own head. Tsk tsk, what a pity~"

"Heh, I hope you'll still be this stubborn once you get to the secret realm!"

He Yuzhu laughed in anger, his fists clenched, but he managed to suppress his rage and turn to leave.

A hint of disappointment flashed in Chen Wen's eyes.

He intended to deliberately provoke this person. If he made a move, he would likely be taken away by the Punishment Hall, and his spot to enter the secret realm would be invalidated.

Unexpectedly, this guy wasn't as impulsive as he seemed.

The two disciples standing nearby showed a hint of regret when they saw He Yuzhu return, but then they chatted with him warmly again.

After that, Chen Wen became much calmer and began to observe everyone present.

He also keenly sensed that someone was secretly watching him. His intuition sent a chill down his spine; it was an instinct for impending danger, like an ordinary person's sixth sense.

He remained calm and observed secretly, and soon spotted an inner disciple who was talking to someone next to him, but whose gaze kept falling on him from time to time.

But it's not over yet.

Malice has been ever-present.

More and more people came to this place, and the surroundings became noisy, so nothing else was discovered.

At this time.

The outer sect disciple guarding the foot of the mountain suddenly activated his spiritual power and shouted:

"Fellow disciples, you may now ascend the mountain!"

His voice was like the grinding of stones, clanging and grating, like a machine.

Ignoring everyone's reactions, he turned and entered the peak on his own.

Ripples spread out, and its figure disappeared at the foot of Qingming Peak.

This reaction made Chen Wen frown secretly.

But He Yuzhu and the others followed without hesitation, and he had no time to think about it either, so he followed as well.

The tenth peak, Qingming Peak.

It has always been the most unique peak in the sect.

The disciples within its peak all cultivate the Path of Ruthlessness.

By severing the seven emotions and six desires, and focusing wholeheartedly on the Dao, progress is extremely rapid.

The ruthless swordsmanship he cultivated was incredibly powerful.

It is precisely for this reason that the disciples regard the Hall of Punishments as a fierce tiger and avoid it at all costs.

Because they show no favoritism, do not accept money or gifts, and only enforce the law impartially, people are absolutely obedient to their leader.

This is one of the reasons why the sect leader has not appeared in the sect for decades, yet his rule remains undiminished.

The fundamental reason lies in strength.

The group slowly walked up Qingming Peak.

However, they discovered that Qingming Peak was densely packed with various halls, pavilions, and buildings, like an anthill.

Each hall has a plaque outside, all written in esoteric script, such as "Leaving the Dust" and "West Sea," the meaning of which is unknown.

Disciples come and go from time to time.

But Chen Wen could sense that all those disciples were at the Foundation Establishment stage.

Each of them possessed a restrained aura and a deep, focused gaze; just one glance at them was enough to dazzle the eye.

This is the reaction of a low-level cultivator compared to someone whose cultivation is a whole level higher than their own; it's not something to be looked at directly!

It turns out that all the Foundation Establishment disciples of the sect are here.

But what are we doing here?

With many questions in mind.

Chen Wen followed them to a secluded spot.

Ahead lay a cluster of low-lying houses, outside which stood stone tablets—Sha Valley, Sha Mountain, Sha Star...

Chen Wen's pupils contracted sharply. These three places were all secret realms within the sect where evil energy was stored.

He couldn't help but gasp. Could it be that those halls and pavilions were all secret realms?

Chen Wen couldn't help but look back; the pavilions stretched out without end.

The sect... is so huge!

Some commotion also broke out in the crowd.

With such obvious signs, everyone naturally understands what those pavilions represent.

And this time.

Then the outer disciples led everyone to the front of the Fiend Valley.

A person dressed in a black robe, exuding a cold aura, was already waiting there.

The jade pendant on this person's waist indicates that he is Yang Qingsong, a steward of Qingming Peak.

It is also the foundation-building stage of cultivation.

Here it is worth mentioning that within the Qingming Sect, all those who have reached the Foundation Establishment stage on the other nine peaks become sect stewards, though some serve as elders within their respective peaks.

After leading everyone to where Yang Qingsong was, the outer disciple clasped his hands in greeting and left on his own.

Then, Yang Qingsong slowly spoke:

"The Valley of Fiends has opened. All disciples, swear an oath not to reveal a single thing you have seen or heard on Azure Nether Peak before entering!"

Upon hearing this, many disciples immediately stepped out and headed towards the Sha Valley dwellings, including He Yuzhu.

Yang Qingsong did not stop him.

He simply watched the disciples behind him quietly.

At this moment, Chen Wen saw a line of words carved on the bluestone beside him;

"I, [name omitted], hereby swear by the Dao that if I reveal even the slightest thing I have seen or heard at Qingming Peak..."

They even have templates!

He immediately realized that those people had already entered the evil aura secret realm and made an oath.

One step at a time, one step at a time.

He immediately pointed his sword at the ground and swore an oath, then stepped into the Valley of Evil. Sure enough, he was not stopped.

The disciples all followed suit.

Chen Wen didn't pay much attention to it, focusing his mind on the interior of the Sha Valley house.

The house looks ordinary, seemingly built of bluestone.

But Chen Wen felt a sense of threat from the wall.

Upon entering, one sees a gate at the end.

The door opened wide, revealing a gaping maw like a deep abyss, which swallowed the disciples whole.

As Chen Wen entered, He Yuzhu walked through the doorway. He turned and glanced at Chen Wen, revealing a bloodied mouth, his lips moving silently, "Waiting for you!"

He was then engulfed by the darkness within the portal.

Chen Wen curled his lip, acting as if he were so affectionate, yet he wanted my life.

Wait for me? Only a fool would deliver himself to my doorstep!

He hurried over, joined the queue, and approached the gate step by step.

Upon closer inspection, it became clear that the disciple had not been swallowed up, but had simply vanished into thin air.

Finally, it was his turn.

Without hesitation, I took the first step.

The next moment, a tearing sensation far more powerful than that of the Azure Pool Secret Realm came crashing down.

His vision went black, his feet lost their footing, and he felt the world spinning around him.

It was as if all of one's senses were distorted.

There is no point of leverage, yet it feels like there are leverage points everywhere.

In a panic, he instinctively tried to control his sword, but then he discovered that his magical power was as if it were imprisoned, and he could not move.

I don't know how much time passed.

He finally landed, feeling a bit of solidity beneath his feet, which allowed him to relax slightly. After all, a person can't live without the earth!

A feeling of stuffiness washed over him, making him somewhat uncomfortable.

This secret realm has no spiritual energy!

His body was already used to absorbing spiritual energy, so the sudden loss of spiritual energy felt like suffocation.

He then looked around and realized that he was on a cliff thousands of feet high.

The sea below roared and surged, occasionally whipping up huge waves that crashed against the cliff face.

The rocks rolled down the cliff.

A damp, salty smell wafted over me.

This is seawater!

Chen Wen was surprised.

He had never seen the sea in the Qingming Sect, but he had heard that at the other end of the Qingming Sect, there was a sea with many islands, where countless rogue cultivators gathered and sea beasts roamed.

However, spiritual veins are scarce and spiritual energy is thin there, so the sects basically don't care about that area.

Therefore, that place was a no-man's-land in the Qingming cultivation world, and it was extremely chaotic.

My thoughts returned to this place.

Spread your spiritual senses out to explore the surrounding environment.

Chen Wen felt that arriving here was just right.

To find the Mysterious Water Demon, one must find the "Eye of Returning to the Void" within the bottomless abyss.

In other words, it is cold, deep, and has watery eyes.

Xuan Shui Sha can only be generated under three conditions.

However, at this moment, a divine sense suddenly transmitted a voice into his mind.

"Junior brother, you must remember this;"

First, it should not be displayed in front of others.

Second, indiscriminate killing is prohibited.

3. Do not damage the environment.

Fourth, one should not seek out too much inauspicious energy.

Fifth, one should not stay for long; the limit is one month.

Anyone who violates this rule will be immediately expelled from the area!

Although the voice was abrupt, Chen Wen recognized it as Yang Qingsong's voice.

What puzzled him were the first two rules.

One must not display oneself in public, nor engage in wanton killing.

What kind of person are they who show off in public?

Who are these people who are committing indiscriminate killing?

Could they be someone from this secret realm?

Chen Wen smiled.

He had sensed this secret realm before, and there was almost no spiritual energy present.

Some of these were probably distributed by disciples, and like water without a source, they quickly dissipated.

Fortunately, he brought a lot of spirit stones, so he wasn't worried about a lack of spiritual energy.

soon.

Chen Wen could no longer laugh.

A group of ordinary soldiers dressed in leather armor and carrying long spears were seen passing by at the foot of the mountain, apparently scouting the sea conditions.

At that moment, one of the soldiers, while conducting reconnaissance, suddenly spotted a figure in purple robes on the cliff.

He exclaimed, "Look! There's someone on the cliff!"

The others looked up at the sound, but saw nothing but swirling clouds and mist.

Everyone burst into laughter:

"Hahaha, Liu Er, you must have been driven mad by your three wives before you came out!"

"Absolutely! This cliff is as steep as if it were cut by a knife; how could anyone possibly climb up it?"

"If you're too busy, I'll help you, hahaha~"

Liu Er, standing to the side, blushed and said, "It really happened! He must have been scared away by you roughnecks. He even smiled at me before he left!"

His remarks drew laughter from the crowd.

Patrolling the border was a tedious experience, so everyone was happy to have something fun to do.

Liu Er fell silent, glancing at the cliff every now and then.

Above them, Chen Wen rode his sword, gazing at Liu Er's retreating figure in deep thought.

How could he see himself amidst this so-called towering cliff?

..........