The Eastern Domain team, led by the Song and Ming families, finally arrived at the Sword Sect in the Northern Region.

“Why are we at the Sword Sect? Isn’t the Void Realm our destination?” Qi Rong shielded his eyes, looking at the grand sect with a sense of wonder.

Qin Ruqing explained, “The Void Realm aren’t just open at will. We need to wait for all the major families to arrive before heading there together. The Northern Region is mostly dense forests or icy plains, so it’s more practical to rest at the sect.”

“That makes sense,” Qirong nodded in agreement.

Lu Wei added softly, “I’ve heard that the Northern Region’s ancient forests are dangerous because of the many beasts. It’s safer to stay within the sect.”

“I remember there’s a disciple named Dan Qing who competed with me for the top spot in the tournament. It would be good to see him again,” Qirong remarked.

“Dan Qing…” Qin Ruqing squinted, recalling their past battle, and smiled, “It’s time to catch up with Brother Dan.”

Just as they spoke, Dan Qing and his team arrived to greet them.

Despite the Northern Region’s frigid temperatures, the Sword Sect disciples wore thin white training robes and wielded swords, seemingly unfazed by the cold.

The ordinary Sword Sect disciples sheathed their swords and cleared a path, calling Dan Qing “Senior Brother” with great respect.

The atmosphere was indeed different from the family-oriented environment Qin Ruqing was used to.

The Sword Sect’s senior elders were exchanging pleasantries with the elders of the Song and Ming families.

Qin Ruqing and her group were slightly separated, standing off to the side.

Dan Qing, sensing something, glanced in their direction and immediately noticed Qin Ruqing’s striking red figure.

He paused for a moment before walking over.

“Fairy Qin Ruqing!” Dan Qing greeted with the formal sword cultivator salute, looking genuinely pleased, “It’s great to see you again.”

Qin Ruqing smiled and waved, then returned the greeting, “Brother Dan, it’s been years. How have you been?”

“Very well!” Dang Qing’s gaze was as sharp as a sword as he spoke loudly, “I’ve been waiting for a chance to fight you!”

Qin Ruqing shook her head with a smile, “Haha, we haven’t even entered the Void Realm yet. I’m not in the mood for a fight. I hope Brother Dan can show us around the Sword Sect instead.”

Conversing with Qin Ruqing revived the vibrant atmosphere Dan Qing remembered.

He realized she hadn’t changed much, but rather had become even stronger.

Dang Qing had sensed her presence with his sharp instincts.

Even with his mastery of the Sword Intent rules, he felt that even holding his famous sword, the Cliff Wind Sword, he might not be able to guarantee a victory against her.

This didn’t discourage Dan Qing but instead fueled his excitement and fighting spirit.

After their conversation, Dan Qing greeted Lu Wei and the others before settling Qin Ruqing and her group at the Sword Sect.

Qin Ruqing felt that the Qin family was just a small, unremarkable family in the grand scheme of the Void Realm expedition.

They had little social obligation and planned to enjoy their time at the Sword Sect while waiting for the Ruins to open.

Unexpectedly, Dan Qing’s master personally came to see her and extended greetings to the Qin family.

The Sword Sect has ten peaks, and Dan Qing’s master is the head of the First Peak, known as Dao Yi Zhenjun.

Dao Yi Zhenjun openly stated his purpose for coming: to thank Qin Ruqing.

Dan Qing, who was present, pointed to Qin Ruqing and introduced her:

“Master, this is my sharpening stone.”

This made Qin Ruqing quite uncomfortable on the spot.

However, Dao Yi Zhenjun didn’t seem to find anything wrong and respectfully bowed to Qin Ruqing.

He explained that if it weren’t for her battle with Dan Qing, which pushed Dan Qing to his physical limits and helped him understand the rules, Dan Qing would not have been able to pull out the divine sword on Cliff Wind Peak.

The divine sword of Sword Sect hadn’t been drawn for hundreds of years, so Dan Qing’s success was of great significance to them.

Dao Yi Zhenjun came specifically to express his gratitude to Qin Ruqing.

Qin Ruqing, of course, felt unworthy of such gratitude and quickly declined, saying honestly, “It was just a normal match. Brother Dan’s ability to understand the rules is his own skill. There’s no need for you to thank me.”

Her candidness earned Dao Yi Zhenjun’s approval, though he still insisted, “It’s a different matter.”

Indeed, while Qin Ruqing didn’t help intentionally, Dan Qing did gain insight because of her, making her his “sharpening stone” in a very real sense.

Since Dan Qing managed to pull out the sword, Sword Sect had to acknowledge this to balance the scales of fate and support Dan Qing’s cultivation.

Qin Ruqing, no longer a naive beginner, understood this nuanced aspect and realized that while she didn’t need to accept the thanks, outright refusal would be less gracious.

Dao Yi Zhenjun appreciated her composed and magnanimous demeanor.

After a brief conversation with Dao Yi Zhenjun, Qin Ruqing inquired about the Void Realm’ opening time.

Dao Yi Zhenjun replied, “Most of the family teams have already arrived. We’ll set out within three days at most.”

Set out where?

Naturally, to the far north of the continent, to a place called the Thunder Plains.

The team this time was among the continent’s top-tier. Led by two top talents, with numerous high-ranking experts following.

Qin Ruqing and her group mingled with the Song family’s team, planning to stay low and avoid drawing attention at this event.

They intended to reveal their true abilities once they were inside the Void Realm.

When they arrived at the Thunder Pool, a thunderbolt struck the sky with a stunning flash.

The lightning sparkled and roared across the sky like a living dragon.

Everyone’s faces were illuminated white by the lightning, showing a mix of awe, excitement, seriousness, and impatience in the dark night.

For the first time, Qin Ruqing witnessed the scene of the sky being split open.

Yes, to describe it with the naked eye and spiritual sense, the sky seemed to be split open by that recent lightning bolt.

The dark rift looked like the gaping mouth of an ancient giant beast, slowly opening wide towards the people.

A voice filled with suppressed excitement came from the crowd: “I didn’t expect us to arrive at such a perfect time. The Void Realm have opened!”

Indeed, the Void Realm had opened.

The crowd, organized by family, buzzed with activity.

Qin Ruqing calmly looked towards the front.

The fifth family was led by an elder and the younger clan leader, Fifth Youlin.

Fifth Lingyu was, of course, present as well.

The Eastern Region’s Feng family’s Elder and Celestial Bureau’s Scribe, was talking with the elder from the Fifth family, probably discussing whether to enter immediately or wait.

Qin Ruqing’s gaze fell on a female cultivator in black clothing standing behind the Scribe.

The black outfit was somewhat like a night-vision suit but more elegant and refined, perfectly outlining the female immortal’s figure.

From Qin Ruqing’s angle, she could see the Cultivator’s profile, her sharply defined, mountainous features, and her indifferent gaze.

Even from afar, one could feel the chilling aura surrounding her.

Qin Ruqing thought to herself with a hint of awe.

A cool and sharp beauty!

In modern times, she would definitely have the vibe of a beautiful assassin.

Seeing that the Female Cultivator was standing behind Scribe, it wasn’t hard to guess that she was Feng Mingyue, the Seed of Immortality from the Feng family.

She had previously thought that with such a name, she would be a graceful and delicate beauty, but it seemed her assumption was narrow.

After discussions, the two cultivator and other high-ranking members agreed that the Void Realm showed no abnormalities and that the spatial structure was stable.

They could enter!

The crowd buzzed with excitement as the Celestial went ahead.

The younger clan leader of the Fifth family and Feng Mingyue were likely the two most dazzling figures of this generation.

They flew towards the giant mouth opening in the sky without hesitation.

Against the backdrop of the giant mouth, their figures appeared so small.

“Fifth Youlin and Feng Mingyue, please lead the way for everyone!”

Their voices echoed out, and after speaking, they leaped into the Void Realm like fish diving into the sea.

Behind them were Fifth Lingyu and the remaining members of the Feng family.

Qin Ruqing looked up and noticed that Fifth Lingyu was wearing a plain black outfit today, which was a stark contrast to his usual flamboyant style.

Qin Ruqing was surprised.

The usually showy guy was actually plain today?

It seemed entering the Void Realm was indeed important enough to forgo dressing up.

Moreover, she still had a question in her mind.

After entering the Void Realm, did the two Celestial Family plan to open the Immortal Tomb immediately?

Should she follow them?

After all, she was the “key” to opening the door for the Fifth family.

But seeing that the Fifth family hadn’t given any special instructions, she assumed they had their own plans and decided not to dwell on it.

After the Celestial Family entered, it was the turn of the Golden-Ranked members.

The teams from the Song and Ming families moved forward.

At this moment, Ming Ying suddenly threw a glance in Qin Ruqing’s direction.

Qin Ruqing, being sensitive to the attention of beautiful women, immediately looked back and noticed Ming Ying subtly pointing in a direction with her eyes, filled with implication.

Hmm?

What does this mean?

Qin Ruqing followed her gaze.

Oh, that male cultivator seemed to be Fang Zhiming…

Next to Fang Zhiming was a female cultivator holding a sword.

Since she was facing away from Qin Ruqing, her face was unclear.

Qin Ruqing looked back at Ming Ying, who quickly blinked at her.

Oh, understood.

The sword-wielding female cultivator next to Fang Zhiming must be Fang Zejun, the Void Realm Seed mentioned earlier by Ming Ying.

The Fang family seemed to be advancing first, perhaps because they were positioned ahead.

Fang Zejun led the way.

At this moment, Qin Ruqing finally saw her profile and remembered her pair of slender, upturned phoenix eyes.

Ming Ying signaled to Qin Ruqing: That’s her!

Qin Ruqing felt touched and appreciated that the beautiful woman was still thinking of reminding her despite the circumstances.

Finally, it was Qin Ruqing and her group’s turn to enter the Void Realm with the Song family’s team.

Standing close, she felt how enormous the tear in the sky was—like an ant facing a towering mountain.

As Qin Ruqing gazed at the dark entrance, she asked Song Xinwu beside her with concern, “Song brother, will our team get separated once we enter?”

Song Xinwu turned to her and said, “Don’t worry! The Void Realm isn’t a chaotic space-time.”

He thought for a moment and added, “As long as nothing unexpected happens, it should be relatively stable.”

Hmm…

Relative to whom?

Also, don’t make promises, it’s easy to jinx things!

The Song family members entered first.

When it was Qin Ruqing’s turn, she took the initiative to hold the hands of Lu Wei and Tang Zifeng, and Lu Wei, in turn, held the hand of Qirong beside her.

Qin Ruqing said, “Let’s hold on to each other to prevent any mishaps.”

They exchanged glances and, at this crucial moment, felt a sense of calm, closing their eyes as they entered the Ruins.

At the same time, a similar celestial tear appeared in the Beast Realm.

Countless beasts gathered and roared in unison.

Compared to the Human Realm, the Ruins remained a mystery to the general public.

For humans, entering the Ruins meant competing for resources and inheritances.

But for the Beast Realm, beyond the beast tide, the Ruins was a legitimate entry into the Human Realm.

This was a battle of honor between the beasts and humans!

The elite beasts entered the Ruins, personally escorted by the Beast Emperor.

The Beast Emperor was vast like chaos, with eyes as wide as the sun and moon, and spoke in a tsunami-like roar:

“The barrier will fall!”

“In less than two hundred years, our beast army will invade the Human Realm!”

“This expedition to the Void Realm, my children, will be the vanguard of our beast army.”

“Wu Mu, keep an eye on the Immortal Tomb; those two top talents might make a move!”

A young beastman, two meters tall with elongated vertical pupils and two horns on his forehead, responded loudly.

The sky trembled as the Beast Emperor began to issue orders:

“Children, we await your good news.”

“Advance!”

The beasts roared as one.

The horned beastman led the beasts, leaping into the abyss-like tear in the sky.

Once all the beasts had entered and the commotion subsided, another thunderclap echoed, and the Void Realm began to slowly close.

It was very old.

Older than anyone in this generation could imagine.

It existed since the primordial times, long before ancient eras.

When it was first born, everything was calm, but it eventually became a battlefield for humans and beasts.

It was stained with countless blood—human and beast alike.

They would forever be in conflict, never tiring of it.

Now, with the Ruins opening, a new round of bloodshed would cover the land once again.

The clash had begun anew.