Immortal Supreme: Sovereign of the Grand Dao-Chapter 323: Opening of the Martial Emperor Secret Realm

The third notable figure was another young woman.

She had long black hair tied in an elegant style and wore green and gold robes. Her features were refined, almost aristocratic. But her eyes held a sharpness that spoke of countless battles.

Her name was Feng Qingya, ranked fourth on the Rising Dragon Rankings. She represented the Verdant Empress Pavilion, a powerful all-female sect from the Western Continent.

Feng Qingya’s Martial Spirit was unique. A Tier 7 Heaven Grade Spirit called the World Tree Seedling. Unlike combat-focused spirits, hers specialized in support, healing, and growth. But that didn’t make her weak. The World Tree granted her control over all plant life and the ability to drain vitality from her enemies while healing herself endlessly.

She’d earned her high ranking through sheer tactical brilliance and an ability to outlast any opponent. In a war of attrition, no one below the Martial Emperor Realm could defeat her.

’The secret realm is said to contain ancient spiritual herbs,’ Feng Qingya thought calmly. ’If I can absorb enough of them, my World Tree will mature further. Perhaps I can even break through to Martial Emperor for sure.’

Her Qi Luck was a Ten-Clawed Wood Dragon, glowing with vibrant green energy. It resonated with her World Tree spirit, creating a powerful synergy.

The fourth standout figure was a young man from the Central Continent who drew attention despite his relatively plain appearance. He had short brown hair and wore simple gray robes without any sect insignia. His expression was calm, almost serene.

But those who knew his identity kept their distance with wary respect.

This was Mo Xingyun, ranked third on the Rising Dragon Rankings. He was a lone cultivator, unaffiliated with any major power. Yet he’d risen to prominence through sheer talent and ruthlessness.

Mo Xingyun’s Martial Spirit was legendary. A Tier 10 Heaven Grade Spirit, the absolute peak of the Heaven Grade category. It was called the Void Reaver Blade, a spirit weapon that could cut through anything. Space, energy, formations, even Dao principles themselves.

With that spirit and his mastery of sword techniques, Mo Xingyun had carved a bloody path through the cultivation world. He never sought conflict, but he never backed down either. Anyone who challenged him died.

’Arthur Hartfield,’ Mo Xingyun thought, his calm eyes hiding deep interest. ’The one who ranks first above me. I wonder if he’s truly as strong as the rumors claim.’

His Qi Luck was an Eleven-Clawed Void Dragon, partially translucent and shimmering with spatial energy. It was the second-strongest Qi Luck among all participants, surpassed only by Arthur’s Twelve-Clawed Dragon.

Around these four, other geniuses gathered in smaller groups. The top fifty of the Rising Dragon Rankings were all present at this entrance point. Each one possessed at least a Tier 5 Heaven Grade Martial Spirit and Qi Luck in the form of a multi-clawed dragon.

"Did you hear?" someone whispered in the crowd. "They say this time will be different. The greatest opportunity in the realm will finally appear."

"The Mortal Emperor’s true inheritance?"

"Yes. For five thousand years, the secret realm has opened ten times. But the core inheritance has never been claimed. It’s always remained sealed."

"But the ancient texts say that on the eleventh opening, if certain conditions are met, the inheritance will reveal itself."

Excitement rippled through the crowd. The Mortal Emperor had been the strongest existence in this realm five thousand years ago. His cultivation had reached heights that modern cultivators could barely imagine. His inheritance would contain techniques, treasures, and comprehensions beyond anything currently available.

Whoever claimed that inheritance would instantly become the most important person in the entire realm. Their future ascension to the upper realms would be guaranteed.

"I heard that Arthur Hartfield might have an advantage," someone speculated. "His Twelve-Clawed Dragon Qi Luck is unprecedented. The heavens themselves are favoring him."

"But Qi Luck can only guide you to opportunities. It doesn’t guarantee success. You still need the strength to seize them."

"True. And there are plenty of monsters here who can match him. Look at Mo Xingyun. Third place with a Tier 10 Heaven Grade Spirit. That’s the absolute peak for our realm."

"Don’t forget Feng Qingya. Her World Tree Spirit might be Tier 7, but its growth potential is limitless. And her tactical mind is terrifying."

The discussions continued as the appointed time drew closer.

Yue Lingshuang stood with her arms crossed, ignoring the chatter around her. Her mind was focused on her goals within the realm.

’I need ice-attribute treasures to advance my Eternal Ice Phoenix to the Divine Grade,’ she thought. ’The secret realm is said to contain fragments of the Ancient Ice Emperor’s legacy. If I can find even one, my path to the Martial Emperor Realm will be smooth.’

Yan Zhurong stretched lazily, flames flickering around his fingers. His casual attitude hid intense competitiveness.

’That Arthur Hartfield took first place without joining any major sect,’ he thought with interest. ’An independent genius with that level of strength. I want to fight him, see if he’s worthy of that Twelve-Clawed Dragon.’

Feng Qingya remained calm and composed, but her mind was active.

’The secret realm will test more than just combat strength,’ she analyzed. ’There will be puzzles, trials of wisdom, and tests of character. My balanced approach gives me an advantage over pure combat specialists.’

Mo Xingyun simply waited in silence. His hand rested casually on his sword hilt. He seemed completely relaxed, but any cultivator with spiritual sense could feel the razor-sharp aura surrounding him.

’I’ll enter. I’ll explore. If I encounter the Mortal Emperor’s inheritance, I’ll claim it,’ he thought with absolute confidence. ’If anyone stands in my way, I’ll cut them down. It’s that simple.’

Time passed. The sun reached its zenith despite the heavy snow clouds.

Then, without warning, the space in front of the gathered crowd began to distort.

*Crack!*

Reality split open. A massive rift appeared in the air, wide enough for hundreds of people to enter at once. Through the rift, glimpses of an alien landscape could be seen. Strange mountains, glowing rivers, floating islands.

The Martial Emperor Secret Realm had opened.