In the camp.

Lan Qiyao stared intently at the secret realm map before her, her stunning face betraying no emotion. The dozens of elders around her held their breath and waited patiently for the Holy Maiden’s command.

The map provided by the Dao Court’s higher-ups was rather rough, with many sensitive areas missing. It could only serve as a reference. Once the cultivators from various Dao Lineages entered the secret realm, they mainly had to rely on their own exploration.

If the cultivators were unlucky and inadvertently entered some natural forbidden zones or territories of formidable beasts, they could only hope for the best.

In truth, this wasn’t much of an issue. If the cultivators from a Dao Lineage could act as a group, safety could be somewhat guaranteed. If they adopted a zone-responsibility strategy, given enough time, it was entirely feasible to piece together a more accurate map of the secret realm.

The key issue was that the Hidden Cave Mystical Realm of the Mysterious Dao Venerable was simply too vast. The mere hundred days allotted were far from sufficient, and the Dao Court’s higher-ups wouldn’t give you any chance to exploit loopholes.

An even more troublesome problem was that when cultivators entered the secret realm, they would be randomly teleported to some region, with possibilities ranging from the far south to the distant north. Due to the differences in the laws of the Great Dao within the realm compared to the outside world, it was incredibly difficult for cultivators from the same force to reestablish contact and converge in a timely manner.

Su Zhengji’s failure was not only due to his bad luck but also because he failed to gather all his disciples in time. Otherwise, would tens of thousands of elite assassins acting together be forced to retreat by any Dao Lineage force, let alone be counter-killed by the disciples of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace?

Now this important task had fallen on Lan Qiyao. How to break the situation was also a significant challenge for her. If she couldn’t effectively solve this problem, the results she would ultimately present might not be better than Su Zhengji’s.

The opportunity was already lost, and most of the disciples of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace had probably already gathered. For the Shadow Assassination Hall to turn the situation around and complete this task was easier said than done.

But… no matter how difficult the task, someone had to do it. Lan Qiyao knew full well that this was a special test from her master. Whether she could successfully complete this task was directly related to her future position as the helm.

“Elders,”

After contemplating her words, Lan Qiyao finally spoke, “Regarding this mission, I plan to…”

…

Inside the secret realm.

On the boundless plains, green spiritual grass spread out like a giant carpet, flowers bloomed in profusion, and spiritual energy wafted in the air. Occasionally, bright auroras flickered, likely hiding some kind of sacred medicine or treasure.

In the azure sky, one could occasionally see the swift passage of a blue spiritual bird with a wingspan of over a hundred zhang, leaving behind faint starry trails and the echoing sound of thunder and lightning. This was the overlord of Star Peng Plain: the Thunder Feather Star Peng. A gregarious and formidable beast, adult individuals possessed strength close to that of an Elemental Immortal and were extremely intelligent.

Among the many ferocious beast communities born and raised in the secret realm, the Thunder Feather Star Peng undoubtedly belonged to the highest value tier, and of course, they were also the least advisable to provoke. Cultivators who dared to covet them without sufficient strength would likely end up being torn apart and devoured.

However, in the map given by the Dao Court, Star Peng Plain was one of the few areas described in detail, especially regarding the various uses of the Thunder Feather Star Peng. The Dao Court even offered a high bounty; any cultivator who hunted these beasts and submitted them could receive a generous reward.

Their feathers, bones, blood, eyeballs, and heart cores all had significant uses, and their meat was extremely delicious and could greatly replenish vitality and enhance cultivation, making them a rare and precious medicine for cultivators.

Yet these beasts were not easy to provoke. In recent days, groups of cultivators had come to hunt them, only to be beaten back in disarray. Many unlucky ones became meals for these beasts, with only a very few managing to succeed.

Thinking about a group of ferocious birds with strength close to that of an Elemental Immortal swooping down to attack, how many Dao Lineage forces could withstand them? Even if they could hold their ground, the cost would likely be enormous.

After all, cultivators here could only exert the strength of the Feather Transformation Realm, at most having more sophisticated combat skills and experience. With powerful treasures unable to unleash their full might, facing these native beasts was a significant disadvantage.

According to the map from the Dao Court, at the core area of Star Peng Plain lay vast palace ruins, hiding extremely precious and rare opportunities. It was said that even Heavenly Medicine, ancient immortal pills, lost transcendent techniques, and postnatal-level Spirit Treasures were not lacking. As long as one could emerge alive, one would hardly return empty-handed.

However, to reach this place, one had to first traverse the hundreds of millions of li of Star Peng Plain, break through the numerous Thunder Feather Star Peng blockades, and finally set foot in the central area’s palace ruins.

Since the first batch of cultivators appeared on the edge of Star Peng Plain seven days ago, the cumulative number of cultivators from all sides had reached over a hundred thousand. Whether entering alone or in groups, they were all promptly detected by the Thunder Feather Star Peng and repelled.

So far, the number of cultivators fortunate enough to succeed and break into the core area was minimal. Most could only gather around the periphery of Star Peng Plain, sighing at the sight.

“…This is a nice place.”

On the front deck of the starship, Qing Muling gazed at the vast plain before him. With his perceptive abilities, he easily spotted dozens of spiritual herbs worth collecting. The deeper he went, the more treasures he found.

However, this was the territory of the Thunder Feather Star Peng. Just the sight of the powerful silhouettes sweeping across the distant sky and the beastly aura was enough to understand that this was not a place for just anyone to run wild.

In the peripheral area below, temporary camps were scattered, belonging to cultivators from various Dao Lineages. Unable to break through the Thunder Feather Star Peng’s interception and unwilling to leave, they gathered here waiting for an opportunity.

Xuebing Xuan scanned the area and said, “It seems there are people from a few hostile forces in the camp, but not many. Shall we clear the field first?”

“Of course, it’s necessary.”

Qing Muling replied without hesitation. He had also spotted disciples from Shadow Assassination Hall and armillary sphere Star Palace, but there were only over a hundred of them. Perhaps the rest hadn’t had time to arrive, or the previous batch had already rushed in, leaving only these latecomers.

Yu Lingzhou and the other Supreme Elders had no objections. Thus, the starship hovered in mid-air, and thousands of female cultivators flew out in formation, swooping down on their targets like fierce birds hunting rabbits.

With an absolute advantage in numbers, treasures, and destiny, these individuals didn’t even put up a decent fight before being wrapped up like dumplings. Hundreds of them were wiped out cleanly.

The disciples from the surrounding Dao Lineages merely watched coldly, with no one stepping forward to defend them. In the cultivation world, such scenes of seeking revenge were commonplace, and everyone was accustomed to it.

“Alright, now let’s discuss how to enter the core area of Star Peng Plain.”

After clearing the enemies, Xuebing Xuan spoke.

In reality, there were only two viable strategies: if one was strong enough, they could force their way through, scattering any Thunder Feather Star Peng that dared to attack. The other option was to sneak in stealthily.

With the lineup of elders and disciples from Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, forcing their way through was possible, but the casualties were unpredictable. Qing Muling estimated that by the time they reached the core area, at least thirty percent of the disciples would have fallen along the way, which was not a result he wished to see.

If they chose to sneak in, as long as they were successful, they could reach the core area unscathed.

“Although our sect has many techniques for hiding and concealing our presence, none are guaranteed to be foolproof. Moreover, ensuring that so many fellow sisters remain undetected is too difficult.”

Yueyi Heavenly Lord frowned in contemplation. The cultivation levels of the elder disciples varied greatly, and it was impossible to cover everyone. Moreover, the Thunder Feather Star Peng were naturally wary and suspicious, not easy to fool. Once someone accidentally exposed themselves, it would surely bring disaster to everyone.

“Junior Brother, do you have a way?”

Yu Lingzhou’s gaze turned to Qing Muling, quietly inquiring with her divine sense.

She remembered how Qing Muling had transported a massive amount of resources in the Misty Illusion Secret Realm. If he could use that method to sneak everyone in, they could pass through unharmed.

Of course, this secret was too significant to be exposed to outsiders, or the consequences would be severe.

Qing Muling thought for a moment and responded with his divine sense, “I can, but we must ensure they do not become aware.”

The space within the Blue Lotus leaf phantom initially couldn’t carry living beings, but now that Qing Muling had reached the Heart Demon realm, the space within had undergone several upgrades and transformations. Now, there were no such restrictions. Not to mention nearly two thousand sisters, even a hundred thousand cultivators could be transported at once.

“Alright, I’ll take care of keeping it a secret. You just go ahead.”

Yu Lingzhou said joyfully, then huddled with Xuebing Xuan, Ice Falcon, and Yueyi Heavenly Lord to discuss in secret for a moment before finalizing their plan.

The starship turned and sped away, quickly leaving the sensory range of the external sect cultivators. After flying out for millions of li, it landed in a desolate and uninhabited valley.

Following Yu Lingzhou’s command, all the disciples swore a Great Dao oath, promising never to reveal what they saw or heard today. Then, they all entered the inner chambers of the starship to rest, with layers of formations and prohibitions ensuring that no matter what happened outside, they would not detect it.

“Alright, Junior Brother, can we set off now?”

On a giant boulder, Yu Lingzhou said with a smile.

Qing Muling nodded slightly, and a trace of clear radiance emerged from within him, transforming into a vast Blue Lotus leaf phantom that enveloped the nearby starship, making it disappear without a trace.

At this moment, only Yu Lingzhou, Ice Falcon, and Yueyi Heavenly Lord remained by his side, the three highest-ranking Supreme Elders responsible for protecting Qing Muling’s safety.

Big Sister Xuebing Xuan also wanted to stay outside to protect Qing Muling, but Yu Lingzhou refused her outright, citing insufficient cultivation as the reason.

Yu Lingzhou felt her reasoning was sound; after all, everything was for the safety of Junior Brother, not because of any other ulterior motives. She firmly told herself that this was the case and would not accept any objections.

“It really works.”

Yueyi Heavenly Lord’s eyes lit up with joy. With Junior Brother’s methods, not only could they pass through safely, but they could also likely take many of the rare resources in Star Peng Plain along the way.

It was clear that Junior Brother was not only a blessing for the sect but also for them.

Ice Falcon wrapped her arms around Qing Muling, her smile charming, “Let’s set off. The opportunities in Star Peng Plain are definitely ours.”

Qing Muling agreed, activating his innate talent for stealth and concealment. In an instant, he vanished without a trace, his destiny and fate indiscernible. Even the three Supreme Elders using various secret techniques could not detect the slightest clue.

“How is it?”

A few breaths later, Qing Muling reappeared.

“There’s nothing to say. With you here, there’s really not much for us to worry about!”

The Lolita Elder rummaged through him, her eyes curved in a smile. Junior Brother always managed to surprise them unexpectedly. As long as they held onto him, perhaps their cultivation could advance further, or even reach the level of a Quasi Holy Emperor?

Half an hour later, Qing Muling returned to the edge of Star Peng Plain with the three women. After casting a secret technique to hide their presence, they identified their direction and stealthily infiltrated.

Upon closer observation, the number of spiritual plants in Star Peng Plain was beyond imagination. The green spiritual grass stood several zhang tall, stretching as far as the eye could see. While not of very high grade, the terrifying quantity was something rarely seen in the Great Void.

Within this sea of dense spiritual grass, numerous flowers and medicinal herbs thrived. At the roots, clusters of bright and shimmering mushrooms could be seen. From their pure and gentle aura, it was clear that these mushrooms were non-toxic and rare medicinal treasures.

Qing Muling thought for a moment, and a wave of clear light swept out from within him, collecting all the mushrooms into his internal space for storage. He gathered a sample of every type of spiritual grass and plant he saw, planning to take them back to the Main Altar of the sect for research. If useful, they could attempt large-scale cultivation.

In the dense grass that resembled a forest, one could occasionally see snow-white rabbits the size of calves darting about, as well as brilliantly feathered wild chickens, roe deer, wild boars, and countless spiritual birds and beasts, both named and unnamed. He also found many of their nests, containing unopened young and unhatched eggs.

These creatures had lived for no short amount of time, their essence and vitality abundant. Picking any one of them would yield a delicious and nourishing medicinal delicacy. Needless to say, Qing Muling collected them all.

Due to the abundance of valuable items worth collecting, their progress was not particularly fast. Eventually, the three women, also in stealth, helped collect items, handing over their full Space Bracelets to Junior Brother. His internal space was large enough, spanning over two thousand li, capable of accommodating even more space artifacts.

After penetrating thousands of li, the sound of thunder and lightning in the sky above became more frequent. Through the gaps in the grass, the numerous Thunder Feather Star Peng could be seen shuttling by, their sharp eyes, lightning-streaked wings, and the fine patterns on their feathers all clearly visible.

The tangible pressure came in waves, and Qing Muling put away his relaxed mood, silently pressing on with the three women. Their techniques for concealing their tracks were equally impressive, and they were not overly concerned about being detected.

“The taste of these beasts should be quite good. It would be nice if we could catch a few to taste.”

Qing Muling communicated with the three women through divine sense.

Yu Lingzhou pondered for a moment, “It should… be possible. If we can find a lone Thunder Feather Star Peng to strike, with the strength of the three of us, a one-hit kill is not difficult.”

“I think if we can find their nests and steal some eggs, that would be even better. We could take them back to the sect to hatch and cultivate, and perhaps we could form a powerful army of spiritual pets.” Yueyi Heavenly Lord suggested.

“Alright, let’s do it!”

Qing Muling was immediately interested. His innate sensing talent quietly activated, revealing every movement within a thousand li.

As they ventured deeper, the piercing cries of the Thunder Feather Star Peng rose and fell. Occasionally, young Star Peng could be seen grooming their feathers in the grass or foraging.

They seemed to be omnivorous, eating both mushrooms and spiritual fruits, as well as spiritual beasts and birds, stuffing anything they caught into their mouths.

While Qing Muling was still hesitating, a dense flapping sound came from above. A young Star Peng with incomplete feathers clumsily landed in the grass, only a thousand zhang away from him. Its naive and curious eyes looked around.

Although it was a youngling, it stood as tall as an elephant. If taken back and slaughtered, with a belly filled with a variety of medicinal treasures and roasted, the taste would undoubtedly be excellent.

Yu Lingzhou, in her invisible state, couldn’t hold back any longer. Several concentrated sword lights silently sliced through the air, easily dismembering the youngling. An ice-sealing spell followed, encasing its body in a block of ice, which was then collected into a Space Bracelet.

The entire process took less than a fraction of a breath. A mature Thunder Feather Star Peng patrolling the sky had not yet reacted when it lost the scent of its young.

By the time it realized something was wrong and swooped down to search for its child, Qing Muling and the four of them were already hundreds of li away, leaving no trace behind.

The anxious and angry cries of the Thunder Feather Star Peng echoed far behind, continuous and attracting many of its kind to help search. But this had nothing to do with Qing Muling anymore.

Moments later, another lone young Star Peng was discovered. This time, Qing Muling himself took action, easily slaying it, freezing it, and stuffing it into a Space Bracelet before changing direction and fleeing swiftly. The entire process was smooth and seamless.

In this way, the four of them flew and plundered, and in just half a day, they had already accounted for dozens of young Star Peng. They could look forward to a feast when they returned.

After penetrating millions of li further, the environment seemed to have changed. The vegetation and spiritual plants on the ground became denser, and the number of Thunder Feather Star Peng patrolling the sky increased, making the oppressive atmosphere even more intimidating.

Qing Muling continued to infiltrate without making a sound. After passing through an exceptionally dense patch of spiritual grass, the scene before him made him momentarily stunned.

Nests with diameters of over a hundred zhang were half-buried in the ground, concealed by dense spiritual grass, with only the upper half exposed. Bright auroras flickered and flowed around them, and occasionally, large adult Thunder Feather Star Peng could be seen rising and falling in the nests, bringing back various prey.

Needless to say, these were the dwellings of the Thunder Feather Star Peng. It was like being sleepy and someone bringing a pillow.

Qing Muling immediately approached, carefully avoiding the nests guarded by adult Thunder Feather Star Peng and targeting only the quiet ones.

After inspecting several empty nests, the latest one finally yielded a discovery. Four eggs the size of water jars, covered in dark blue stripes, lay quietly inside. Their entire bodies shone with dazzling auroras, and the eggshells faintly flickered with electricity.

“Great, a rare delicacy!”

Qing Muling excitedly collected them, saying to the three women through divine sense, “Let’s keep searching, gather more, and I’ll treat you to eggs when we get back!”