Chapter 224

Chapter 224: The Origin of the Curse

"You You’s situation was just an exception. The celestial maidens from other sects likely can’t break the curse the same way," Yuan Qi continued, since recalling every Disciple in the Sect instantly like You You did was impossible for others. "Rather than dwell on this, focus on recalling how your sect masters got cursed."

"Exactly!" You You added. "So many sharing the same curse means there’s a link. Think hard – did your sect masters meet the same person, visit the same place, or handle the same item recently?"

The group fell silent until someone blurted, "Our sects are spread apart. Though some interact, there’ve been no major gatherings lately except… that celestial-grade Secret Realm two months back!"

Others snapped to attention:

"Yes! My sect master entered it!"

"Our Tian Zhe Sect’s celestial maiden went personally!"

"Da Yan Sect wouldn’t miss such a Secret Realm!"

"Luo Shu Sect’s Followers explored it too!"

"Tuo Yue Sect as well!"

You You stiffened. "The Secret Realm near Yuquan Forest? The second-phase one released by the Fourth Heavenly Layer?"

"Precisely!" they chorused.

Her chest tightened. Exchanging glances with Yuan Papa, she ordered, "We’ll investigate this. Rest here at Zhen Yan Sect while we find a cure. Ling Qi, escort the sect masters to guest quarters. Alert me immediately if anything changes."

"Yes, Sect Master!" Ling Qi bowed.

As thanks echoed through the hall, You You waited until only allies remained before contacting Fourth Heavenly Layer’s Fang Ming via communication device. If the Emotional Contract Spell came from that Secret Realm, he’d have clues.

She doubted the Fourth Heavenly Layer’s involvement. Those simpletons rejoiced at merely seeing Sisters – scheming against celestial maidens? Unthinkable! They’d received spiritual roots from maidens themselves, revering them deeply. Besides, cursing Mortal Realm dwellers offered immortals no gain.

True to form, Fang Ming erupted when told: "What bastard framed us?! After finally getting to interact with Sisters—" Crashing noises punctuated his rage. "We’d never curse them! I’ll drag every Immortal involved down to apologize on their knees!"

"Calm down, Old Four." You You massaged her temples. "I need you to check if the curse originated from your Secret Realm. We’re returning it for inspection. Focus on finding a cure!"

"Right, the cure!" Fang Ming steadied himself. "We’ll retrieve the Secret Realm. While I’m no curse expert, I’ll scour the Immortal Library for solutions."

True to his word, Fang Ming contacted next day after Feng Rong returned the Secret Realm, voice thick with guilt: "You were right – we found curse traces inside. But we triple-checked before sending it down! All involved Immortals are clean. No idea how this happened."

You You’s jaw tightened – the perpetrator had covered their tracks well. "What about breaking the curse?"

"Emperor Hong Fei’s palace in Seventh Heavenly Layer houses the Huanzhe Sacred Pond. Its waters, formed from Ancient Times’ pure energy, purge all impurities – even Demonic Energy. That could work."

Yuan Qi nodded. "Legends say it contains primordial chaotic pureness. The perfect counter."

Relief washed over You You. "Can you get the sacred pond water?"

Fang Ming hesitated. "Upper heavenly layers enforce strict hierarchies. Without summons, Fourth Heavenly Layer immortals can’t approach Seventh Layer. My status there…" He sighed. "This is why we’ve gone millennia without meeting Sisters – no connections upward."