Above the Great Luo Sea, a spatial rift appeared out of nowhere. A group of cultivators emerged, each exuding a potent aura that sent a tremor of apprehension through the cultivators stationed at the Great Luo Sea.
"The Great Luo Realm is truly a land of fortune. As long as one can emerge alive, their cultivation sees a tremendous boost," a young cultivator remarked with envious eyes. He was merely a Yuan Ying cultivator at the Three Tribulations realm and dared not venture in to take risks. Witnessing everyone who had entered emerge with significantly enhanced strength, a pang of bitterness naturally arose within him.
"Hmph, a land of fortune?" someone sneered, "Have you bothered to consider how many cultivators managed to walk out alive?"
"Since the Great Luo Realm opened, over two hundred cultivators entered, yet less than thirty have returned alive. Even powerhouses like Fu Tian Ling and Nan Gong Feng perished within. Such fortune is not for the common folk to enjoy."
Upon hearing this, many cultivators were sobered. The weakest cultivator who entered the Great Luo Realm was already at the Four Tribulations realm, yet the death rate still exceeded eighty percent. It was truly terrifying.
Three years had passed. Returning to the Realm Heart Continent once again, every cultivator’s heart was filled with mixed emotions.
Looking around, a large number of human cultivators had gathered at the Great Luo Sea. Apart from personnel from the six top factions, many rogue cultivators were also present, drawn by the spectacle.
Some cultivators searched the crowds for those who had waited for their return, while others quietly withdrew, intending to leave the area.
"Brother Fei Chen, the expedition to the Great Luo Realm has concluded. If there’s an opportunity in the future, I shall certainly visit."
Cang Lan Ming Yue, a person of immense pride, only considered Shen Fei Chen among the assembled cultivators worthy of his attention. After a brief greeting, he prepared to depart, but was stopped.
"Esteemed guests, please remain here a moment."
A group of cultivators emerged from all directions, blocking those who intended to leave.
They belonged to the Flying Immortal Mansion, Black Sand Grotto-Heaven, Sun Shadow Grotto-Heaven, and the Teng She Clan.
The leaders of each faction were at the peak of the Yuan Ying realm, accompanied by several Nine Tribulations realm cultivators. Their combined presence was undeniably powerful.
All cultivators from these four powers who entered the Great Luo Realm had perished. Now that the Great Luo Realm was closed, and before the truth could be ascertained, they would not allow anyone to depart.
Facing the imposing presence of the three top factions and the Teng She Clan, the rogue cultivators, though displeased, could only endure.
However, Cang Lan Ming Yue could not tolerate such treatment. He looked up, his usually gentle face turning stern. "Scram!"
"Your Highness Ming Yue, I am Nangong Huoyun, an elder of the Flying Immortal Mansion. I implore you to grant me a modicum of respect and remain briefly. We merely wish to ask some questions. Once the cause of death of my disciples is ascertained, and if it has nothing to do with you all, we will naturally let you go."
Cang Lan Ming Yue, already annoyed, heard these words and a humiliating memory surged to the forefront of his mind, instantly igniting his fury. "Who do you think you are, daring to question me? If your Flying Immortal Mansion’s Lord himself were here to speak, then perhaps it would be appropriate!"
"Your Highness Ming Yue..." Nangong Huoyun's expression turned extremely ugly at such a rebuke.
He intended to speak further, but saw Cang Lan Ming Yue, consumed by anger, make his move. A colossal blade light directly cleaved towards him. Unable to evade, he could only hastily defend himself.
As the first strike was blocked, the second descended.
The blade light was relentless. Cang Lan Ming Yue unleashed nine consecutive strikes. When he finally ceased, Nangong Huoyun was already heavily injured and lying on the sea's surface.
The cultivators of the Flying Immortal Mansion stood stunned, never expecting the Crown Prince of the Cang Hai Palace to be so volatile, resorting to violence at the slightest disagreement.
Everyone held their breath, gaining a new understanding of this eldest disciple of the Cang Hai Palace.
Before entering the Great Luo Realm, Cang Lan Ming Yue was merely at the mid-stage of the Nine Tribulations realm. Yet now, within a few exchanges, he had severely wounded a late-stage Nine Tribulations realm expert. Such power caused the hearts of several peak Yuan Ying cultivators present to tighten.
Although Cang Lan Ming Yue was known as the foremost amongst the younger generation in the Wu Shan Star Domain, that was still within the younger generation.
In the eyes of the older generation, even with his golden Yuan Ying, it would take decades more to contend with the peak Yuan Ying experts of the older generation.
But the strength he now displayed was already beyond that of ordinary peak Yuan Ying cultivators.
"Your Highness Ming Yue, Nangong Huoyun has offended you and received his punishment. Can we let this matter rest here?" An elder with an ethereal presence, clad in white, stepped forward and cupped his hands towards Cang Lan Ming Yue.
Cang Lan Ming Yue glanced at the newcomer and recognized him as Nangong Pu, the Grand Elder of the Flying Immortal Mansion.
Nangong Pu had long been renowned. A hundred years prior, his cultivation had already reached the peak of the Yuan Ying realm. His standing was naturally incomparable to Nangong Huoyun.
"Since the Grand Elder has spoken, I can refrain from pursuing this matter further. However, I hope everyone understands a principle: there is always someone better, and heavens beyond heavens. Some things should not be pushed too far, lest you die without knowing why." Cang Lan Ming Yue wore a cold smirk, casting a deep look at Nangong Pu before stepping out of the crowd with Cang Lan Qiu Yue.
After Cang Lan Ming Yue and the cultivators from the Cang Hai Palace who had come to greet them departed, the suppressed atmosphere at the scene persisted for several breaths before gradually subsiding.
"The commotion Zhang Fan caused this time is quite significant. All the cultivators from the four factions who entered the Great Luo Realm were killed by him, and now they have come knocking. I wonder how he will deal with them?" Cang Lan Qiu Yue spoke softly, walking alongside her elder brother.
Cang Lan Ming Yue's expression remained calm, but a certain figure, like a god of slaughter, flashed through his mind. He said in a low voice, "Although our time together was brief, you both know his character. If Nangong Pu and the others retreat wisely after learning the truth, they might temporarily preserve their lives. Otherwise, this Great Luo Sea will be their burial ground."
"Why 'temporarily preserve their lives'?" Cang Lan Qiu Yue asked, perplexed.
Cang Lan Ming Yue smiled, "Have you forgotten what he once said?"
"'After I leave, I will crush your sects. They will descend to accompany you...'"