C21 The White Lunar Mansion

"Welcome to the Golden Core Immortal Cave, White Moon Mansion!"

The figure above, known as 'Nazi', cracked a joke. As it spoke, its voice echoed with the tranquil tone of Immortal Sword Shui Jing, revealing the true name of this place.

"We've actually stumbled upon such a rare occurrence."

Immortal Sword Jiulong couldn't help but drool.

"Is this the Golden Core Immortal Cave? If there's a Foundation Stage Boss inside, do we stand a chance?" Wang Yipao asked, exasperated, "And wipe that drool. It's not a good look for a team captain to be slobbering."

Embarrassed, Immortal Sword Jiulong quickly wiped his mouth, "It's different."

"Speak plainly." Immortal Sword Shui Jing was losing patience with her own brother.

"This is the Secret Realm's extra reward system. Essentially, it's a freebie—like opening treasure chests in online games," Immortal Sword Jiulong explained straightforwardly.

"But treasure chests can still unleash a Boss, right?"

The other four members felt like coughing up blood.

So there's still trouble, huh?

"Plus, there's no telling what kind of Boss might appear. We could even get a Golden Core Boss," Immortal Sword Jiulong added.

The four of them rolled their eyes.

Isn't a Golden Core Boss supposed to be a challenge?

Oh, right, it's not—because we wouldn't stand a chance against one.

We can't even handle a Foundation Stage Boss, much less a Golden Core Boss who could probably squash us flat.

"Brother, why don't you just fly up to the sky?" Immortal Sword Shui Jing said irritably.

"When my cultivation is high enough, I'll fly up there just for you," Immortal Sword Jiulong boasted, hands on his hips.

Of course, he ended up being sent flying with a kick from Immortal Sword Shui Jing.

What are you bragging about now!

"And what's her story?" Immortal Sword Shui Jing pointed at the 'Big Rogue' who was her spitting image.

"I'm not entirely sure, but she might be considered an artifact spirit, the artifact spirit of the White Moon Mansion," Immortal Sword Jiulong pondered before responding.

"Moreover, if I remember correctly, aside from the Secret Realm we've entered, there are likely other issues to contend with," Immortal Sword Jiulong mused, then continued.

"Nazi" chuckled, "Exactly. If you're after the treasures within the White Lunar Palace, you'll have to defeat the others who entered with you."

The members of Dark Shadow, Overlord, Dragon Gate, and the Gods found themselves suddenly teleported to this place. However, aside from Dragon Gate's team, which was unscathed, the other groups had sustained injuries. Dark Shadow was hit particularly hard, with three members taken out by Immortal Sword and Wang Yipao, leaving them with the smallest contingent among the five powers.

"Secret within a secret!"

"We've struck gold. Who would've thought Immortal Sword would unlock something so extraordinary?"

"The Golden Core Cavern, which means there's a good chance of finding items for those at the Foundation Stage, maybe even Golden Core Stage! Ouyang Jue, you've got some serious luck!"

The leaders of Overlord, Dragon Gate, and the Gods couldn't help but chuckle.

Regrettably, the Secret Realm's rewards aren't exclusively for the ones who unlocked it.

The two from Shadow Sect wore icy expressions.

They had just been outwitted and lost three of their own to Immortal Sword.

Now, among the five factions, theirs was the most depleted.

"Folks, I propose we band together to take on Immortal Sword. They're carrying a wealth of pills crafted by an alchemist, with potent restorative properties—far superior to any pills we could buy in a store. If we don't unite, we might miss out on even the scraps from the Golden Core Cavern," Shadow Blade suggested, his anger directed squarely at Immortal Sword.

The suggestion sent a ripple of shock through the ranks of Overlord, Dragon Gate, and the Gods.

Dragon Gate, in particular, had experienced the efficacy of Immortal Sword's pills and had their suspicions, but the reality was still a surprise.

"An alchemist? Immortal Sword has an alchemist on their team?"

"You've got to be joking. Ouyang Jue, where did you find an alchemist?"

"Wait a second, is this for real? Could it be the same person who was buying medicinal herbs and pill formulas on the World Channel? Holy crap! If I'm not mistaken, that was Jian Yipao. I thought it was a high-quality fake account. Damn! Mr. Pao, you've become an alchemist? How about joining Overlord Dragon Gate? We offer a high salary, definitely triple what you'd start at with Divine Wind!"

As the Overlord's henchmen spoke, their eyes practically glowed green with envy at the sight of Wang Yipao.

"Psht, do you think professional gamers survive on peanuts? We're in the business of entertainment! Making a little film, that's where the real money's at!" Wang Yipao defiantly flipped off the Overlord's crew.

"Come on, Mr. Pao, don't be like that. It's just a little film. If you're game, we can shoot any genre you want, and we promise the leading lady will leave you on cloud nine," they coaxed, their excitement palpable.

Their lack of denial said it all.

This man, once known as the Divine Wind Sword Immortal, was an authentic alchemist!

"Is that so?"

"Eh~"

Wang Yipao was cut off mid-taunt by Immortal Sword Shui Jing's interjection.

He shuddered, "Nazi, what's your game? I'm warning you, I've never been involved in such things. I'm one of the good guys! It's the Overlord's lot who are up to no good!"

"I haven't even said anything. What's got you so worked up?"

"How can I not be? You women are trouble! Quick to tattle at the drop of a hat!"

"Pah! You're the troublemaker. One of these days, you'll get what's coming to you in the restroom."

"Pfft, that chick? If she didn't have dirt on me, I could have her pinned to the bed in two seconds flat."

"I've got that on tape."

"Sister, my bad."

Wang Yipao quickly caved.

The Overlord's minions didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

There stood Mr. Pao, a legend in the gaming world, cowering before a woman with no claim to fame.

This girl, she did seem rather fierce. But was there really an Immortal Sword Shui Jing in their ranks?

At the moment, though, that detail seemed inconsequential.

"Attack!"

The four factions launched their assault on Immortal Sword simultaneously.

As Shadow Blade had predicted, Immortal Sword's pill advantage was significant. Without a united front, the others were doomed to defeat.

Immortal Sword Jiulong was in a panic. Despite the Overlord and the gods each losing two members, their combined forces still numbered thirteen, a formidable coalition set to overwhelm them.

"Why are you even thinking of killing? The artifact spirit of the Nazi hasn't said a word—what are you flailing your arms for?" Wang Yipao was utterly unfazed, punctuating his indifference with a yawn as he spoke with a calm demeanor.

At that instant, those poised to strike felt an overwhelming force wash over them, scattering their power and causing them to shed copious amounts of blood.

With a sly chuckle, the Nazi said, "The White Lunar Palace's rules aren't about brawling and bloodshed. Remember, if there's a next time, you'll be disqualified on the spot."

The five factions immediately ceased their aggression.

The Nazi went on, "The White Lunar Palace offers five Immortal Fate spots, and each of the eighteen of you here will get a nearly equal shot at seizing one. But be warned, only five are true Immortal Fates; the rest are fraught with peril, and could even be fatal. So consider this your chance—if you opt out now, it might just save your skin."