With just over ten days remaining until the conclusion of the secret realm, numerous cultivators had gathered near the exit. Various sects and factions each occupied their respective positions.
The six major sects claimed small hills for themselves, while smaller sects and family cultivators, lacking sufficient strength for self-preservation, formed alliances of mutual assistance. Despite internal intrigue, they presented a unified front to the outside world.
In recent days, conflicts had been constant among the factions, erupting into occasional battles resulting in numerous casualties.
Since the day Wang Hong and his group annihilated over thirty cultivators in a single battle, they had departed from the central region. After annihilating the Beast Spirit Sect cultivators, they obtained a great harvest from the Spiritual Herbs found in their Storage Bags.
The once formidable Beast Spirit Sect, which had previously intercepted and killed cultivators from other sects, had now become a windfall for Wang Hong's group. This included the two Dragon Scale Fruits Wang Hong acquired from the Beast Spirit Sect cultivators.
Up to this point, Wang Hong had harvested over two thousand second-tier Spiritual Herbs in the secret realm, comprising more than three hundred varieties. He left a few hundred for the sect and planted the rest in his personal space. This way, when he advanced to the Foundation Building stage in the future, he would have a constant supply of Spiritual Herbs.
While others might use these herbs to refine a few elixirs that would be depleted once consumed, Wang Hong, by obtaining a single herb as a seed, could continuously cultivate them, creating an endless source.
At present, their group had grown to fifteen people. After leaving the central region, they encountered ten Qingxu Sect cultivators who joined forces with them.
Led by two Qi Cultivation experts, rumored to be Tianji Peak disciples and referred to as Senior Gu and Senior Xiang, the ten newcomers wore black Daoist robes with a hint of red. This attire was in contrast to Wang Yi's white robe, making him stand out as the only Taihao Sect cultivator in the group.
The Qingxu Sect cultivators had some subtle hostility towards Wang Yi, and by extension, Wang Hong. Having recently clashed with Taihao Sect cultivators, resulting in the death of three of their own, they eyed Taihao Sect members with envy.
Wang Yi, intending to leave the group alone, was persuaded to stay by Wang Hong for safety reasons.
In a subsequent battle against a group of loose cultivators, the Qingxu Sect cultivators displayed a lack of enthusiasm, occasionally avoiding direct engagement and even subtly hiding behind Wang Yi.
Observing this, Wang Hong decided that it was best for him and Wang Yi to separate from the group. It was dangerous to be in a team where trust was lacking, and there were even undercurrents of hostility. Instead of navigating the constant internal strife, it was better for them to travel alone.
The duo encountered another skirmish and realized that Senior Gu and Senior Xiang were deliberately holding back during battles, sometimes even positioning themselves behind Wang Yi. Witnessing this, Wang Hong concluded that it was time for him and Wang Yi to leave the group. If teammates couldn't trust each other and harbored hostility, it was more sensible to venture on their own.
With their skills, they could handle most encounters, either fighting or fleeing as needed. Moreover, it made their movements more convenient. Besides, facing a few ordinary cultivators was hardly a concern, unless they encountered someone as well-equipped as the Beast Spirit Sect's youth.
When Wang Hong proposed leaving the group, Senior Gu and Senior Xiang feigned reluctance, attempting to convince them to stay a little longer.
Kaiyang Peak's Elder Brother decided to accompany Wang Hong, while the other two former teammates hesitated for a moment before choosing to stay in the larger group. Their reasoning was simple safety in numbers, especially considering their relatively weaker strength.
Wang Hong, Elder Brother, and the Kaiyang Peak cultivator broke away from the main group, heading towards the exit. Along the way, they observed several teams moving in the direction of the exit, with many of them being loose cultivators.
These groups were notorious for ambushing lone cultivators, and Wang Hong's trio became prime targets due to their small number. Currently, they were busy collecting spoils from the ninth batch of cultivators they had defeated.
Their Storage Bags bulged with loot, each person adorned with over ten Storage Bags, fueling the desire of other groups to rob them.
Encountering formidable opponents, they wisely opted for a hasty retreat rather than risking unnecessary conflict. Pursuers would give up after a short chase, aware that opportunities for plunder were plentiful.
The most perilous aspect of their journey was the various traps scattered along the way. Wang Hong appreciated the training provided by the sect, which covered a wide array of traps. It was a definite advantage of being part of a large sect.
Disdainful of the simplistic traps set by the recently defeated loose cultivators, Wang Hong was nevertheless intrigued by the bait they used. Taking advantage of his agility, he swiftly grabbed a few precious Spiritual Herbs left as bait and made a quick escape.
Hidden cultivators observing the scene anticipated an easy kill, only to realize too late that their bait had been taken, and Wang Hong had slipped away.
The surviving cultivators, each accumulating substantial wealth, were motivated to seize any opportunity. Obtaining a second-tier Spiritual Herb outside the secret realm was a rare prospect for Qi Cultivation cultivators.
After dividing the spoils, the trio prepared to continue their journey when they spotted two figures running towards them. Upon closer inspection, one of them turned out to be Zhang Chunfeng, while the other sported a gleaming bald head.
Chased by a group of more than ten loose cultivators, Wang Hong quickly moved forward, with Wang Yi and Elder Brother following in tacit agreement.
As Zhang Chunfeng approached, Wang Hong, without hesitation, charged into the group of loose cultivators, sweeping through with his spear and sending a cultivator's head soaring into the air.
Wang Hong moved through the loose cultivator group effortlessly, swiftly killing three, while Wang Yi and Elder Brother dispatched two each. The loose cultivators, who had gathered temporarily, scattered in fear at the display of their overwhelming strength.
After collecting Storage Bags, each person took what they had individually killed, a standard practice when no coordinated effort was involved.
"Senior Brother, I've finally found you," Zhang Chunfeng exclaimed, visibly relieved.
Since entering the secret realm, Zhang Chunfeng had been searching for Wang Hong, much like Wang Yi. Although they had teamed up with others to enter the central region, they hadn't come across Wang Hong.
Navigating the vast secret realm made encounters extremely challenging. After reaching the exit and failing to find Wang Hong at the Qingxu Sect gathering point, Zhang Chunfeng decided to search for him alone. The Putuo Temple monk had joined him merely because they happened to be in the same location when they both became targets.
"Reverend, no need for formalities. We aren't planning to kill you for treasures," Elder Brother chuckled.
Throughout their journey, they never initiated violence for personal gain. Instead, they only retaliated when others attempted to exploit them.
"Good, good! How may these humble monks assist you, fellow cultivators?" Huiyuan, the Putuo Temple monk, inquired.
"Great Monk, no need for formalities. We are heading to the exit to regroup with our sect. If you're going in the same direction, feel free to join us," Wang Hong said. With more people, there would be more strength.
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