"Heavenly Sword Villa will open the Heaven Basin Secret Realm shortly." Ling Yuefeng's tone was stern as he stood on the elevated platform in the center of the vast stone square. Before him, dozens of esteemed figures from the major powers of the Blue Wind Empire were lined up, dressed in robes of colors representing their sects, yet all eyes were respectfully fixed on him, though some glances held caution or silent disdain.
"Although the Heaven Basin Secret Realm contains many treasures, it also holds many dangers." He continued, slowly gazing at the various faces. "Remember... your lives come first, then think about the treasures."
The tone was clear, the manner of a leader who had experienced firsthand what that secret land held. A place where many had fallen throughout the ages, despite being prodigies of their time.
As he spoke, everyone felt a majestic and powerful aura rushing towards them at great speed, carrying an intensely strong fiery presence.
"This aura..." Jasmine murmured within the Sky Poison Pearl, recognizing the familiar feeling. "It seems the newcomer belongs to the Divine Phoenix lineage."
'The Divine Phoenix? It's the strongest empire on the continent. What could attract their attention to a secret realm in the weakest empire?' Yun Che thought, puzzled, hearing Jasmine's words in his mind.
"This only means this secret realm is more important than it seems," Jasmine said, rolling her eyes at Yun Che's denseness. When it came to the lower half of his body, he always knew how to use his head, but in ordinary times, he was just an idiot, which made her feel a natural contempt for him.
It wasn't just Jasmine who noticed the newcomer; many powerful individuals present, like Ling Yuefeng, Ling Kun, and others from different forces, also sensed him.
"What is someone from the Divine Phoenix Empire doing here?" Ling Kun muttered worriedly, his gaze instinctively turning towards Xia Qingyue. He feared the other party might recognize the Nine Profound Exquisite Body she possessed, as that would ruin his deal with Ye Xinghan.
Soon, a handsome man with long black hair reaching his waist and a pair of golden eyes, familiar to some present, appeared before everyone. The individual in question wore black clothes, his black hair styled neatly into a ponytail held by a silver crown, with two strands of hair framing his handsome and sharp face.
[A/N: He's a version of Gu Gangge with golden eyes, even his clothes and hairstyle are the same as Gu Gangge's.]
This person was none other than Xichen, who had arrived just in time for the opening of the Heaven Basin Secret Realm.
Silence spread like a sword pressed against everyone's throats.
Xichen soon landed on the square near Ling Yuefeng and the others, clasping his hands politely towards those present.
"This junior greets the seniors," Xichen's calm and courteous, yet not obsequious, voice rang through the entire area. "This junior has just come out of seclusion and heard about the Heaven Basin Secret Realm. This junior hopes to participate in exploring the Heaven Basin Secret Realm."
A strange silence hung over the place for moments after Xichen's speech. It wasn't a silence of refusal or welcome... but the silence of those unsure how to react.
His manner of address was respectful, but his presence was impossible to ignore. It was clear from his tone, his stance, and even the slight tilt of his head, that he wasn't asking for permission but stating his intention.
Ling Yuefeng cleared his throat softly, trying to maintain his composure, but he couldn't hide the caution in his eyes:
"Of course, the Heaven Basin Secret Realm is an ancient heritage dating back to eras before the founding of the Blue Wind Empire… and there's nothing in the rules that prohibits outsiders from entering it."
"If the prince from the Divine Phoenix Empire wishes to explore it, we will not stop him." He then cast a glance at those present, adding, "But unfortunately, only 50 people can enter at the same time. So, is there anyone here willing to offer a spot to His Highness, the prince from the Divine Phoenix Empire?"
Silence reigned again, but this time it was heavy… deceptive.
Many glances were exchanged in a few moments: some felt awe, others resentment. After all, why should they give up a precious spot in a secret realm just to please a prince from outside?!
But contrary to their expectations, there was indeed a fool who stepped forward to offer him a precious spot, and it was none other than the force that had won first place this time thanks to their dark horse, Yun Che.
"The Burning Heaven Clan welcomes Prince Xichen to accompany us in exploring the Heaven Basin Secret Realm together," said Fen Juecheng, who was the Burning Heaven Clan's Young Master and the leader of this expedition to the Heaven Basin Secret Realm.
"..." Xichen stared at the people from the Burning Heaven Clan and was surprised internally, as Yun Che was wearing Burning Heaven Clan robes and standing beside Fen Juecheng.
'Is it because he hasn't met Cang Yue that he joined the Burning Heaven Clan?' Xichen thought, puzzled. 'But that makes sense, since he possessed the Fire Seed, and the Burning Heaven Clan is the best in this small empire, especially since he also doesn't have the Phoenix lineage like in the original story.'
"This prince thanks the Burning Heaven Clan for its generosity." Xichen smiled lightly, took out a random treasure from his Storage Ring, and let it float towards Fen Juecheng. "This box contains a Phoenix Helianthus, which should be useful to you, as I know the Burning Heaven Clan also practices a Fire Profound Art."
Fen Juecheng's eyes widened immediately upon seeing the treasure floating slowly before him... The Phoenix Helianthus was an extremely rare fire-type plant, grown only in volcanoes with high-level spiritual fire energy. It was said that even in the Empire of the Divine Phoenix, it was only granted to the elite of the royal generation.
Fen Juecheng grasped the box with slightly trembling hands, then bowed deeply, barely suppressing his excitement:
"His Highness the Prince's generosity far exceeds what we deserve... The Burning Heaven Clan will be honored to accompany the prince on this journey."
The other forces exchanged glances filled with a mix of envy and regret, but no one dared utter a word. In an instant, Xichen had not only secured a spot to enter the secret realm but also gained the support of the Burning Heaven Clan, who were now more eager than ever to win his favor.
But unlike the envy of others, the Frozen Cloud Asgard was indifferent to what was happening, except for Chu Yuechan, who was staring with a complex expression hidden beneath her veil.
[Ding! A Favored Daughter of Heaven has been detected: The Heartless Empress]
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