After the loud noise, a vast expanse of colorful clouds formed outside the secret realm, attracting everyone’s attention.
Next, two women were ejected from the secret realm by its force.
One wore a plain long dress, her long hair cascading like a waterfall, her face as beautiful as a painting, stunningly attractive.
The other was tall and muscular, more robust than most men, holding a long axe, exuding a fierce and intimidating aura.
These two were none other than Song Ningyan and Zhangsun Qian, who had been missing for years.
They had initially entered the illusion barrier of the Emperor’s weapon fragment and were later expelled together, traveling as companions.
Not long after, they accidentally entered an ancient secret realm and were trapped inside.
Today, they broke out of the secret realm, causing the sky to be filled with colorful light, all due to Song Ningyan.
This secret realm was the resting place of an ancient powerful figure, leaving behind an extraordinary inheritance. Song Ningyan passed numerous tests, obtained the inheritance, comprehended superior techniques, and her cultivation level had reached the Divine Transformation Realm, making her several times stronger than before.
Although Zhangsun Qian did not obtain the inheritance, she gathered many resources within the secret realm, reaping considerable rewards.
“Buzz—”
Three thousand streams of light emerged from the colorful clouds, draping over Song Ningyan like a fairy’s robe, her delicate body shimmering with starlight.
A red mark appeared on her forehead, Dao Marks flickered in her eyes, ancient traces flowed in her palms, her long hair smooth and floating, her entire being exuding a profound and mysterious aura.
“People from the Northern Wilderness.”
“Looks like they’ve gained quite a fortune!”
“Should we go and test them?”
“There’s not much time left. Are we really going to leave empty-handed without much fortune?”
The cultivators who came to watch the commotion glanced a few times, whispering among themselves.
Although they were unsure of what fortune Song Ningyan had obtained, they speculated it must be extraordinary and not to be missed.
As the power of the secret realm dissipated, Song Ningyan and Zhangsun Qian prepared to leave, only to find more than ten people blocking their way, clearly with ill intentions.
“Move aside!”
Song Ningyan’s eyes were sharp, her tone cutting.
“What did the young lady obtain from the secret realm? Could you share it with us?”
Someone thick-skinned stepped forward to ask.
“It’s none of your business, move.”
Song Ningyan’s face was cold.
“Alright.” The crowd actually stepped aside.
With caution, Song Ningyan and Zhangsun Qian slowly moved forward.
However, just as the two women had taken a few steps, those people suddenly attacked aggressively.
“I knew you had bad intentions.”
Song Ningyan had long seen through their thoughts, drawing a three-foot-long treasured sword, her eyes filled with killing intent, striking ruthlessly without mercy.
“I’ll kill you all!”
Zhangsun Qian swung her long axe with great force, forcing several people nearby to retreat continuously, unable to withstand the pressure.
The crowd dared to make a move because they had some confidence.
In their view, although Zhangsun Qian was one of the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness, she had no outstanding achievements, and her strength was at most at the bottom of the first tier, easily restrained by a few people.
As for Song Ningyan, they didn’t even know her name and didn’t take her seriously.
Little did they know, Song Ningyan was just low-key, not lacking in strength.
In terms of ranking, among her peers in the Northern Wilderness, there were few who could surpass her.
Let’s not forget, she was the top candidate of the Dao Yi Academy’s assessment, her comprehensive abilities top-notch.
“A bunch of insignificant people.”
In just over ten moves, Song Ningyan decapitated an enemy, letting the blood splatter on her dress, her sword drinking blood, becoming even sharper.
The initial plan was simple: some would restrain Zhangsun Qian, while others would quickly capture Song Ningyan to seize the fortune.
Who knew Song Ningyan’s combat power was so terrifying, even cultivators of the Divine Transformation Realm couldn’t withstand her.
More than ten people formed a killing formation, using all their skills.
Song Ningyan swung her sword several times, then used the top supernatural power of the Dao Yi Academy, breaking the formation with force.
“Boom”
After dozens of moves, the crowd realized they couldn’t take down Song Ningyan, fear growing in their hearts, preparing to retreat.
“Swish—”
The sword light flashed, and Song Ningyan cut down several people in succession.
The remaining people took the opportunity to flee, terrified, with lingering fear. If they had been a step slower, they might not have survived.
“What a pity, couldn’t kill them all.”
Zhangsun Qian also killed two people, a streak of blood on her face, her robust figure and clear voice creating a stark contrast.
“Let’s leave here quickly! We don’t want to attract more attention.”
Song Ningyan scanned the surroundings, not daring to relax her vigilance.
“Yes.”
The two quickly left, running to a safe place before stopping to rest.
They inquired about the whereabouts of Chen Qingyuan and others, and were shocked by the events of the past decades.
Especially the battle between Chen Qingyuan and Fu Dongliu, the number one in the Western Border, which left the two women deeply shaken and incredulous. Only then did they realize how terrifying and deeply hidden Chen Qingyuan, who usually appeared crafty and greedy, truly was.
Six months later, they managed to contact everyone.
This was because Zhangsun Fengye had come out of seclusion. He and Zhangsun Qian had matching jade pendants, allowing them to sense each other even within the Ancient World.
“Big brother, you’re injured?” As soon as the siblings met, Zhangsun Qian noticed Zhangsun Fengye’s damaged vitality and injuries, angrily asking, “Who hurt you? We need to settle this.”
“Uh…” Zhangsun Fengye was embarrassed, stammering.
“He got injured sparring with Brother Chen.”
Wu Junyan said calmly.
“I see.” For decades, Zhangsun Qian had been thinking about Wu Junyan. Hearing his voice now, her heart trembled slightly, her eyes sparkling, she softly asked, “Young Master Wu, are you unhurt?”
“No.” Wu Junyan couldn’t stand Zhangsun Qian’s gaze, turned his head to look into the distance, and coldly replied.
“That’s good.”
Zhangsun Qian completely forgot about her injured brother, her eyes only on Wu Junyan.
“Where have you been all these years?”
Zhangsun Fengye, knowing his sister well, changed the topic.
“Back then, Miss Song and I were expelled from the Emperor’s weapon barrier together…”
Zhangsun Qian reluctantly shifted her gaze from Wu Junyan, recounting their experiences.
She always remembered Chen Qingyuan’s words: if you want to pursue Wu Junyan, don’t be too clingy, know your limits, so as not to be annoying.
“Little sister, why do I feel like your body has shrunk a bit, is it my illusion?”
Zhangsun Fengye observed carefully.
“I’ve gained new insights into the Ethereal Technique, my body might be slowly recovering!”
Zhangsun Qian used to be a genuine beauty, like a fairy in a painting. Only because of a mishap in her cultivation technique did her appearance change drastically.
“If that’s true, that would be wonderful.”
Zhangsun Fengye was very pleased.
After chatting for a while, a trace of worry appeared in Song Ningyan’s eyes as she asked, “Why haven’t I seen my Senior Brother, where has he gone?”
Just as Zhangsun Fengye was about to answer, everyone felt a fluctuation in the nearby void, turned to look, and their expressions lit up with joy.
Chen Qingyuan had returned.