Chapter 197

Chapter 197: The First Collaboration

As the agreed time for the first Secret Realm trial approached, You You received Fang Ming’s detailed proposal for the initial phase of the celestial-mortal cooperation plan. The document explained every trial’s content and intended effects within the Secret Realm.

Since the trials focused on sword cultivation, most challenges catered to sword cultivators. Reviewing the plan, You You marveled at its thoroughness—tests for sword heart, sword intent, cultivation techniques, and even inner demons were included. Designed to mirror ascension standards but scaled down in difficulty, it clearly reflected the expertise of past top graduates.

However, perhaps due to inexperience in gauging mortal cultivators’ capabilities, the entry threshold was set too high. The Secret Realm allowed entry up to the God Transformation Stage, meaning every cultivator on the Immortal Blessing Continent except Feng Rong and Yuan Papa could enter.

You You suggested removing Qi Refinement disciples from the participant list, as they were still mastering basics and the trials posed excessive risks. She also proposed adding emergency teleportation spells to eject anyone facing mortal danger. Fang Ming’s team swiftly implemented these changes, finalizing the Secret Realm within days.

To prevent chaos, the project remained confidential. Only a few Zhen Yan Sect members knew the Secret Realm originated from the Immortal Realm. Even Ling Qi, though aware of the plan, hadn’t seen the full details to preserve trial authenticity.

On the opening day, radiant light burst over the southern coast of the Immortal Blessing Continent, painting the sky with lingering celestial hues. Spiritual energy surged across sects, signaling a rare treasure’s emergence.

As the nearest sect, Zhen Yan Sect arrived first. You You led all Foundation Establishment Stage sword cultivators and Nascent Soul elders to the site. A circular portal shimmered with celestial energy above them. After notifying other sects, Ling Qi attempted to lead disciples inside—only to phase straight through the illusory entrance.

“What’s happening?” Confusion spread as cultivators repeatedly failed to enter.

You You nearly contacted Fang Ming when shouts erupted—several female disciples had vanished. A headcount confirmed over a dozen missing, all women.

You You: “……”

Feng Rong: “……”

Yuan Qi: “……”

The Secret Realm wasn’t malfunctioning—it barred male entry.

Facepalming, You You muttered, “I asked them to restrict cultivation levels, not genders! This isn’t a bathhouse!” With no time to fix the design, she turned to Yuan Qi. “Can you adjust the entrance restrictions?”

Nodding, the Divine Clan member modified the formation’s seal. His adjustments succeeded just as other sects arrived.

While Zhen Yan Sect sent numerous disciples, others exercised caution—some only deployed elders. The trial lasted a month, but You You’s group departed early. Given the designers’ oversight, she resolved to triple-check their plans for other blunders.

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Despite their quirks, the Fourth Heavenly Layer team delivered quality. All participants emerged safely a month later. Most gained significant insights, particularly Nascent Soul and God Transformation cultivators who lacked not techniques but enlightenment. The Secret Realm’s firsthand ascension experiences proved invaluable.

You You anticipated rising ascension rates across the continent. Even Ling Qi, present merely to supervise, showed cultivation progress.

Yet some disciples returned traumatized—unintended casualties of the designers’… creative liberties.