In the sky above the Great Luo Sea, a spatial rift appeared out of nowhere, and from it emerged a group of cultivators. Each of them exuded a potent aura, instilling a sense of dread in the cultivators stationed at the Great Luo Sea.
"The Great Luo Realm is indeed a land of fortune. As long as one can emerge alive, their cultivation sees tremendous improvement." A young cultivator's eyes were filled with envy. He was merely a cultivator of the Three Tribulations Realm, not daring to venture in. Seeing everyone who entered return with greatly enhanced strength, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.
"Hmph, a land of fortune?" Someone scoffed. "Have you even considered how many cultivators manage to walk out alive?"
"Since the Great Luo Realm opened, over two hundred cultivators have entered. Yet, only a little over thirty have returned alive. Even powerhouses like Fu Tianling and Nangong Feng perished within. Such fortune is not for the common man to enjoy."
Hearing this, many cultivators were indeed jolted back to reality. The weakest cultivator who entered the Great Luo Realm had reached the Four Tribulations Realm, yet the death rate remained over eighty percent—a terrifying statistic.
Three years had passed since their last time in the Realm Heart Continent, and every cultivator felt a whirlwind of emotions.
Looking around, a large number of human cultivators had gathered at the Great Luo Sea. Apart from the members of the six top factions, many rogue cultivators were also present, simply watching the spectacle.
Some cultivators searched through the crowds for the person who had been waiting for their return, while others silently withdrew, intending to leave the area.
"Brother Feichen, the journey to the Great Luo Realm has concluded. If there's an opportunity in the future, I will certainly visit."
Canglan Mingyue, a proud individual, only had Shen Feichen among the throng of cultivators who truly caught his eye. After a brief greeting, he prepared to leave, but was stopped.
"Esteemed sirs, please wait a moment."
A group of cultivators emerged from all directions, blocking those who intended to depart.
They belonged to the Flying Immortal Mansion, the Black Sand Grotto-Heaven, the Sun Shadow Grotto-Heaven, and the Tengshe Clan.
The leaders of each faction were at the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm, accompanied by several cultivators of the Nine Tribulations Realm. Their lineup was undeniably formidable.
All the cultivators from their four factions who had entered the Great Luo Realm had perished. Now that the Great Luo Realm was closed, they would not allow anyone to leave before the truth was ascertained.
Faced with the aggressive stance of the three top factions and the Tengshe Clan, the rogue cultivators could only endure their displeasure.
However, Canglan Mingyue was unaccustomed to such treatment. He glanced upwards, his usually gentle face gradually turning cold. "Get lost!"
"Your Highness Mingyue, I am Nangong Huoyun, an elder of the Flying Immortal Mansion. I implore you to grant me some face and remain for a moment. We merely wish to ask some questions. Once the cause of my sect's disciples' deaths is clarified, and if it is unrelated to you all, we will naturally allow you to depart."
Canglan Mingyue, already irritated, heard these words and a painful memory resurfaced, igniting his rage. "What right do you have to question me? If your Flying Immortal Mansion's master himself came to speak, perhaps that would be different!"
"Your Highness Mingyue..." Nangong Huoyun's face turned extremely unpleasant at such a reprimand.
He intended to speak further, but saw Canglan Mingyue lash out in anger. A massive blade-light struck directly towards him. Unable to evade, he could only hastily defend.
As the first strike was blocked, the second descended...
The blade-light was relentless. Canglan Mingyue unleashed nine consecutive strikes. When he finally stopped, Nangong Huoyun was covered in wounds, collapsing on the sea's surface.
The cultivators of the Flying Immortal Mansion stood frozen, astonished by the volatile nature of this殿下 of the Canghai Palace, who resorted to violence at the slightest disagreement.
Everyone fell silent, gaining a new understanding of this top disciple of the Canghai Palace.
Before entering the Great Luo Realm, Canglan Mingyue was merely at the mid-stage of the Nine Tribulations Realm. Yet now, he could heavily injure a late-stage Nine Tribulations Realm expert within a few moves. Such strength caused the hearts of several peak Nascent Soul cultivators present to tighten.
Although Canglan Mingyue was hailed as the number one young generation of the Wushan Star Domain, that designation ultimately belonged only to the younger generation.
In the eyes of the older generation, even with his golden Nascent Soul, it would take decades for him to contend with these peak Nascent Soul cultivators.
However, the strength he displayed now was already beyond that of ordinary peak Nascent Soul cultivators.
"Your Highness Mingyue, Nangong Huoyun has offended you and has been punished accordingly. Can we let this matter rest here?" A white-robed elder with an immortal-like demeanor stepped forward, cupping his hands towards Canglan Mingyue.
Canglan Mingyue glanced at the newcomer, recognizing him as Nangong Pu, the grand elder of the Flying Immortal Mansion.
Nangong Pu had been renowned for a long time, having reached the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm a century ago. His standing was naturally incomparable to that of Nangong Huoyun.
"Since the Grand Elder has spoken, I shall refrain from pursuing this matter further. However, I hope you all understand a principle: there is always someone better, and there are always greater challenges. Do not push things too far, or you may not even know how you died." Canglan Mingyue smirked, giving Nangong Pu a deep look before walking out of the crowd with Canglan Qiuyue.
After Canglan Mingyue and the cultivators who had come to greet the Canghai Hall departed, the oppressive atmosphere lingered for several breaths before finally dissipating.
"Zhang Fan has caused quite a stir this time. All the cultivators from the four factions who entered the Great Luo Hall were killed by him, and now they've all come looking for answers. I wonder how he will deal with this?" Canglan Qiuyue spoke softly, walking alongside her brother.
Canglan Mingyue's expression was calm, but his mind flashed with the image of a figure as fearsome as a god of slaughter. He said quietly, "Although our time together was brief, you and I both know his temperament. If Nangong Pu and the others retreat wisely after knowing the truth, they might be able to preserve their lives for now. Otherwise, this Great Luo Sea will be their burial ground."
"Why 'for now'?" Canglan Qiuyue asked, confused.
Canglan Mingyue smiled. "Have you forgotten what he said before?"
"'After I get out, I will crush your sects. They will come down to accompany you...'"