Chapter 523: Chapter 523

The place became desolate and lost its warmth.

Only the slightly raised mound of earth proved that something had just happened here. Moreover, a beautiful woman was now buried deep beneath, blending into the scenery around her.

The members of the Xiang Family were still unaware that their future Clan Leader’s Wife was already slumbering here forever.

Died without rhyme or reason.

She didn’t even get to say a single word.

Lin Fan acted so swiftly because he didn’t want to hear any nonsense. Listening to too much drivel was bad for his ears.

The first thing Mie Sheng did upon returning to the Heaven Gang Organization was to cancel the assassination mission. With his status, rescinding such a task posed no difficulty at all.

He then approached a secret chamber.

When he reached the entrance, Mie Sheng was already drenched in sweat, his body littered with wounds. Every step he took was arduous, as though an oppressive force weighed heavily upon him, nearly suffocating him.

Mie Sheng lowered his head, standing respectfully in front of the chamber. Before his father, he dared not display the slightest insolence. The bond they shared as father and son did not exist here. Their relationship was purely hierarchical. Since childhood, he’d harbored an unshakeable fear of his father.

"Hmm?" A voice came from within the chamber, low and rumbling, akin to muffled thunder exploding in his ears.

The sound made Mie Sheng’s blood churn, as if boiling water coursed through his veins.

"Father, I wish to enter the Forbidden Land to train," Mie Sheng said.

The Forbidden Land was the most terrifying place within the Heaven Gang Organization.

While not as deadly as a nine-out-of-ten chance of death, it was far from safe. The likelihood of dying there was high, even for someone like him.

Mie Sheng replied, "I encountered a young expert while outside. He was very young, yet left a deep impression on me. I want to enter the Forbidden Land to improve my cultivation so that one day, I can fight him and prove that I am the strongest."

His inability to defeat Lin Fan left him deeply dissatisfied.

Thus, he was desperately driven to strengthen himself.

"Hmm, fine, then go. Even if you die in there, it is your own choice. Do not disappoint me."

In an instant. Chapters first released on nοvelfire.net

A tear in the Void appeared before Mie Sheng, from which terrifying auras emanated.

Without hesitation, he stepped into the fissure. The moment his figure disappeared, the gap sealed shut.

Mie Sheng’s father, the leader of the Heaven Gang Organization, was extremely curious about the young man whom even Mie Sheng admitted he couldn’t defeat. He immediately issued an order to investigate the youth’s background.

For an organization like Heaven Gang, tracking down a young individual was a simple task.

The information was detailed.

A person from the Lower Realm who ascended from the cultivation world to the Immortal Realm, and who was now associating with disciples of the Qin Family and Xiang Family.

Almost all his activities were documented, except some hidden matters that remained undisclosed.

"Indeed, a prodigy of exceptional talent," Mie Sheng’s father said. Few could earn his recognition; fewer still could be praised as a once-in-a-generation talent. As long as Lin Fan didn’t fall, his future achievements would be boundless.

After Qin Yang offered what could scarcely be called comforting words, Xiang Fei’s mindset improved greatly. It felt as though he had achieved some form of enlightenment—a peculiar but transformative sensation.

Even those who frequently observed Xiang Fei could see the change clearly.

It was a shift in demeanor, spirit, and vitality.

"Brother Xiang, do you know of any undiscovered Secret Realms within the West Plain Desert? The kind that doesn’t follow a predictable cliché, something more... pure and worthwhile for training," Lin Fan asked.

Previously, he had entered Secret Realms without scrutinizing them carefully.

Now, he wanted to hone his understanding of their strengths and incorporate them into his own creations—integrating a hundred schools of thought seamlessly.

Xiang Fei pondered for a moment and said, "Yes, I remember one quite worth exploring. Although many have already entered, and much has been scavenged, the Secret Realm is enormous. If you search thoroughly, there might still be something to gain."

"That sounds boring. If we’re going to a Secret Realm, it should be one filled with treasures. Those that are practically emptied out seem pointless to me," Qin Yang commented.

"Stop overanalyzing it—just go and take a look." Lin Fan said.

And with that, the group headed off into the distance.

The Xiang Family Grand Hall.

The atmosphere was suffocating. Every family disciple kept their heads bowed, unease permeating their hearts as though the sky was collapsing.

At the center of the hall lay a corpse, its head severed from its body.

"What is the meaning of this?" an elder asked coldly. His voice was oppressive, enough to make one’s heart tremble and spine chill.

Li Qinger’s disappearance on that day hadn’t initially raised suspicion. But when she was nowhere to be found the next morning, they immediately dispatched people to search everywhere.

Someone discovered a small burial mound deep within a dense forest. Digging it up, they were nearly scared out of their wits.

After all, this was their future Clan Leader’s Wife.

"Who dares lay a hand on the Xiang Family?"

This was the second instance of someone disappearing from the Xiang Family.

Xiang Hu had already vanished without a trace.

No matter how they searched, they couldn’t find him.

And now, their future Clan Leader’s Wife had met such a gruesome fate.

For the Xiang Family, it was an unthinkable tragedy.

At this moment, everyone remained silent.

No one dared to speak.

They didn’t know who was responsible.

"Investigate! Find out who did this and make them pay dearly!"

Lin Fan and company arrived at the area surrounding the Secret Realm Xiang Fei had mentioned.

Occasionally, groups of Immortals could be seen passing by, seemingly heading into the Secret Realm to test their luck and see if they could stumble upon some valuable treasures.

"This is the Mysterious Dragon Secret Realm, created by a powerful expert. It’s been around for several thousand years already," Xiang Fei explained.

Qin Yang said, "It’s been thousands of years—would anything even be left inside?"

"There is. Every year, people manage to find treasures in the Secret Realm. A few years back, a prodigy unearthed a Holy Weapon here. Great treasures are spiritual in nature and choose their owners, so it all depends on one’s fortune," Xiang Fei said.

"Let’s go take a look," Lin Fan said.

They arrived at the Secret Realm’s entrance.

As they were about to enter, a group of people appeared.

"Are you three heading into the Secret Realm?" A young Immortal wearing a friendly smile stepped forward to ask.

He was flanked by several other Immortals.

Seeing this scene, Lin Fan was immediately reminded of classic film tropes—this looked like a shakedown.

"Yes. Is there something you need from us, fellow friends?" Lin Fan asked with a smile.

The young Immortal grinned and said, "Perhaps you don’t know, but this Secret Realm happens to be our territory. Of course, you are welcome to enter. However, we kindly ask for a toll fee."

"Don’t worry, we’re fair to everyone. Ten Immortal Stones per person, and you’re good to go."

"By the looks of you three, you’re destined for great fortune. I’m sure you’ll find incredible treasures inside."

Lin Fan and his companions exchanged helpless smiles.

This was a first for them.

"Isn’t this extortion?" Lin Fan retorted.

"Hmm?" The young Immortal’s brows furrowed. He had been eyeing the three of them for a while, thinking they seemed unimpressive—easy marks to swindle.

Hearing his displeasure.

The group of Immortals behind him all chimed in with "Hmm" as well.

The meaning was clear.

We outnumber you—think carefully before saying no.

"Oh, I’ve encountered all sorts of situations, but this... this is a new one. I must say, you’ve got guts," Lin Fan said.

"Since that’s the case... heh."

Lin Fan’s chuckle sent a wave of unease through the young Immortal, as if a calamity was imminent.

Blood-curdling screams echoed.

"Brother, stop hitting me!"

"I was wrong, I swear!"

"That’s my robe—you can’t do this!"

A group of stark-naked Immortals cowered at the Secret Realm entrance, clutching their bodies while shivering from the cold, their faces brimming with fear.

Absolutely terrifying.

These Immortals had collected tolls in this area for years but had never encountered such a dreadful scenario. Now, they’d been stripped clean—down to nothing.

What kind of heartless person would do such a thing?

Inside the Secret Realm.

"I didn’t expect those guys to be so wealthy. Honestly, it’s a bit surprising," Lin Fan remarked, laughing as though it were hard to believe.

Qin Yang scoffed, "Those guys must be blind. Just take one look at the three of us—do we look ordinary to you?"

"Of all the people to extort, they just had to choose us. With insight like that, it’s a wonder they’ve survived until now!"

"If they knew I was a direct descendant of the Immortal Venerable Family, they’d be scared out of their wits," Qin Yang said proudly.

It had been a long time since he’d used his lineage to intimidate others.

Not that he could afford to.

Being hunted by his family, casually revealing his identity might spell disaster if the wrong person overheard.

Low-profile was the only way to go.

Lin Fan wasn’t dwelling on those people outside. Instead, he was carefully observing their surroundings. He noticed a trend—most of the Secret Realms he’d visited used natural landscapes as their foundation.

The sky was a vibrant blue.

If not for knowing they were inside a Secret Realm, he could have mistaken it for an actual, ordinary place.

Lin Fan pondered deeply, analyzing what kind of emotions such an environment would evoke in visitors.

If it were up to him.

The sensations this place evoked were relaxation and freedom, as if entering a different world without the oppressive atmosphere typical of a Secret Realm.

This was something worth incorporating into his own plans.

Looking into the distance.

The view stretched endlessly.

Vast, with no visible boundaries, evoking a powerful urge to explore.

That was another feature worth considering.

"What do you guys think of this Secret Realm?" Lin Fan asked.

Qin Yang replied, "It’s alright."

Xiang Fei added, "There are plenty of strange occurrences here—just stay cautious. Many high-level experts have perished in this place."

"No, I mean—what’s your first impression of this Secret Realm’s design?" Lin Fan pressed.

After a moment of thought, Xiang Fei replied, "It’s alright."

No point asking them.

Their answers felt strangely akin to...