I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

"Let's go."

Jiang Wang put the token into his storage bag and said to everyone.

The group of four headed towards the Yixin Sect branch. Qilin Village was not far from the Yixin Sect branch, and with their cultivation levels, they arrived in less than half an hour.

As a second-rate sect in the eastern part of the prehistoric world, the Yixin Sect, though not as powerful as the Three Pure Ones or the Buddhist sect, still possesses a profound foundation. The city where its branch is located is magnificent and spectacular, with walls made of ten-thousand-year-old warm jade and engraved with defensive formations. The stone lions on both sides of the city gate are lifelike and exude a faint aura of sainthood.

Upon seeing Tu Ba arrive, the gatekeeper immediately bowed and greeted him: "Village Chief Tu, Young Master Jiang, please come in. The teleportation array is ready. The sect leader specifically instructed that the fastest teleportation channel be opened for Young Master Jiang, leading directly to the outer perimeter of the Secret Realm Tower."

Tu Ba nodded in acknowledgment and led Jiang Wang and the other two through the city, heading straight for the teleportation array in the back mountain.

The teleportation array of the Yixin Sect is located deep in the back mountain, covering an area of ​​over a thousand acres. The array core is inlaid with dozens of ancient spirit jades, and the array patterns are crisscrossed, like a huge spider web, with a rich spatial power permeating the air.

At this moment, several elders dressed in Taoist robes were waiting by the teleportation array. The one in the lead was an old man with white hair, a thin face, and deep eyes. He was surrounded by the pressure of a first-level Heavenly Realm Saint of the Great Dao. He was the sect master of the Yixin Sect branch, Daoist Xuanqing.

"Brother Tu, it's been a long time."

Master Xuanqing stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting to Tu Ba, and smiled. When his gaze fell on Jiang Wang, he paused slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. "This must be my nephew Jiang, right? As expected, heroes emerge from among the young. To reach the first level of the Strength Saint at such a young age, and to have such a powerful physical body, is truly remarkable."

Jiang Wang bowed slightly as a sign of respect: "Daoist Xuanqing, you flatter me."

He was aloof and not good at being polite, especially when facing these elders of the sect, he didn't say much.

Tu Ba quickly smoothed things over: "My dear nephew is reserved by nature, please don't take offense, Daoist."

We apologize for troubling the Taoist priest to personally intervene this time, and ask for his understanding.

"Where."

Master Xuanqing waved his hand, his expression becoming solemn. "Nephew Jiang is going to challenge the Secret Realm Tower. This is no small matter."

That Secret Realm Tower is a treasure left over from ancient times. Each level of the tower is guarded by extremely powerful guardians, especially the third level guardian, Shi Ji, who is at the peak of the third level of the Strength Saint. Her Stone-Shattering Fist is incredibly powerful, and even many Great Dao Saints suffered losses at her hands back then.

Nephew Jiang, are you truly determined to go?

"Rest assured, Master, I know what I'm doing."

Jiang Wang spoke calmly, without the slightest fear, "If I can't even pass the third level, I am not worthy to seek the inheritance of the Nine Extremes Primordial Technique."

A hint of approval flashed in Master Xuanqing's eyes. He had always admired young people with courage, and although Jiang Wang was aloof, he had this kind of boldness, which was truly rare: "Good! Since Nephew Jiang has made up his mind, this old Daoist will not try to persuade you any further."

This teleportation array can take you directly to the Black Stone Inn, a thousand miles outside the Secret Realm Tower. There are people from my One Heart Sect inside; if you encounter any trouble, you can contact them with this token.”

As he spoke, he took out a cyan token and handed it to Jiang Wang.

Jiang Wang accepted the token and nodded his thanks: "Thank you, Daoist Master."

"Alright, the teleportation array can be activated."

Master Xuanqing gestured to the elders behind him, and several elders immediately stepped forward and injected their divine power into the teleportation array. The spirit jade at the array's core instantly lit up with a dazzling light, and the array patterns flowed, emitting a terrifying spatial power.

Tu Ba held Jiang Wang's hand, his eyes slightly red: "My dear grandson, be careful in everything you do. No matter whether you can get through this or not, you must come back safely."

The villagers are all waiting for you.

"Grandpa, I will."

Jiang Wang felt a warmth in his heart, and his tone softened.

"Young master, we're waiting for you at the post station. Please return safely!"

Tu Jian and Tu Qiang stepped forward and said solemnly.

Jiang Wang nodded, turned around, and stepped into the teleportation array.

The light surged, enveloping his figure, and the power of space surged wildly, tearing at the surrounding air and emitting a piercing buzz.

He felt a blur before his eyes, as if his body had been plunged into a giant vortex, spinning around him, the space around him constantly twisting, breaking, and then reforming.

This feeling didn't last long. In the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Jiang Wang felt his feet become solid, the light dissipated, and he found himself in a desolate Gobi Desert.

Looking around, all that could be seen were pitch-black rocks, barren of any vegetation. The air was thick with malevolent energy and the aura of spatial turbulence. On the distant horizon, a towering black tower could be vaguely seen, its surface covered with ancient runes, radiating an aura of eternal suppression.

"Is that the Secret Realm Tower?"

Jiang Wang looked up, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

The Secret Realm Tower was even more magnificent than he had imagined. Its tower pierced the clouds, as if it were about to connect heaven and earth. The runes on the tower flickered faintly, exuding an ancient and vast aura. Just looking at it from afar inspired awe in people.

He took a deep breath, channeled the last vestige of divine power within his body, and flew towards the Secret Realm Tower.

After flying for several thousand miles, a simple post station came into view ahead. The post station was built of black stone and surrounded by a low wall. Several flags were planted on the wall, which read "Yixin Sect Post Station".

Four characters.

At the entrance of the post station, Tu Jian and Tu Qiang were waiting anxiously. When they saw Jiang Wangfei arrive, they immediately went to greet him.

"Young Master! You've finally arrived!"

Tu Qiang's face lit up with joy as he looked Jiang Wang up and down. "Are you alright? Did the teleportation go smoothly?"

"It's alright, everything is going smoothly."

Jiang Wang landed, his gaze sweeping across the post station. "Are there other people in the post station?"

He could sense that there were many hidden auras within the post station, with varying levels of cultivation. The highest level had reached the third level of the Strength Saint realm, while the lowest level was at least a half-saint.

Tu Jian said, "Yes, they are all cultivators who came to challenge the Secret Realm Tower, and some are followers."

We just inquired and found out there are over a dozen challengers this time, all prodigies from various parts of the primordial world, including several cultivators at the first level of the Great Dao Saint realm.

Jiang Wang nodded slightly, not surprised.

The allure of the Secret Realm Tower is too great. Not only does it offer various rare and precious materials, but it also provides the possibility of obtaining ancient inheritances, naturally attracting many cultivators to come and challenge it.

"Let's go in and rest for a bit, and while we're at it, let's find out more about the Secret Realm Tower."

As Jiang Wang spoke, he took the lead and walked into the post station.

The inn was bustling with activity. The hall was filled with tables and chairs, and many cultivators sat together, discussing the matter, mostly about the Secret Realm Tower.

"Have you heard? The guardian of the third level is still Lady Shiji. I heard she's made another breakthrough recently and is only one step away from becoming a Great Dao Saint!"

"What?! Lady Shiji is already at the peak of the third level of the Saint of Strength. If she breaks through again, wouldn't no one be able to pass the third level?"

"Sigh, I was originally thinking of trying to see if I could get past the third level, but now it seems I should just give up."

"Lady Shiji's Stone-Shattering Fist is too domineering; even a first-level Great Dao Saint might not be able to withstand it."

Jiang Wang found a corner to sit down and listened quietly to the discussion, while Tu Jian and Tu Qiang went to the side to inquire about the news. He picked up the spiritual tea on the table, took a small sip, and his gaze fell on a woman in red in the center of the hall.

The woman was stunningly beautiful with a captivating figure. She was surrounded by a faint flame power and had already reached the first level of the Great Dao Saint realm. She was chatting and laughing with several cultivators, her expression carrying a hint of arrogance.

"Young Master, we've found out."

A moment later, Tu Jian and Tu Qiang returned and said in a low voice, "That woman in red is the princess of Flaming Mountain, Red Boy's sister, Hong Ling."

She came here for the sake of the flame inheritance in the Secret Realm Tower.

Besides these, there's Ao Bing, the third prince of the East Sea Dragon Palace, and Jin Chanzi of the Western Paradise, both of whom possess the cultivation of a first-level Great Dao Saint.

"Jin Chanzi?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Jiang Wang's eyes. He had heard of this name before. He was the second disciple of the Western Guide, a man of exceptional talent who specialized in Buddhism and possessed formidable strength.

"That's right, it's him."

Tu Jian said, "I heard that Jin Chanzi came here this time to find an opportunity that can help him break through to the second level of the Great Dao Saint."

In addition, we inquired about Lady Shiji's situation; she is indeed close to breaking through, and this challenge of the third level is more difficult than before.

Jiang Wang smiled faintly, not caring: "The greater the difficulty, the more interesting it is."

By the way, when can we start challenging the Secret Realm Tower?

"The gates of the Secret Realm Tower will officially open tomorrow morning. Challengers will need to enter with a token. Only one person can enter at a time, and they will challenge each floor one by one. If they fail, they will be teleported out of the Secret Realm Tower and will never be allowed to challenge it again."

Tu Qiang explained.

"understood."

Jiang Wang nodded, said no more, closed his eyes to rest and conserve his energy for tomorrow's challenge.

Nothing happened that night. The next morning, the cultivators in the post station got up and flew towards the Secret Realm Tower.

Jiang Wang set off with the others, while Tu Jian and Tu Qiang stayed at the post station to wait.

The closer they got to the Secret Realm Tower, the stronger the oppressive aura that had suppressed them for millennia became. Many cultivators with lower cultivation levels couldn't help but slow down, their faces turning pale.

Jiang Wang remained calm. His innate treasure-level physical body made him immune to this pressure, and his steps were steady, with no reduction in speed.

Before long, the group arrived at the foot of the Secret Realm Tower.

The tower of the secret realm appeared even more magnificent than it did from a distance. It was entirely constructed of black, unidentified rocks, covered with ancient runes. As the runes flowed, they emitted a terrifying power. A huge array surrounded the base of the tower, filled with dense baleful energy, clearly intended to defend against invading enemies.

At the entrance of the tower, an old man dressed in a gray Taoist robe stood quietly. His face was withered and his eyes were cloudy, yet he exuded an unfathomable aura, clearly the guardian of the Secret Realm Tower.

"Challengers, please present your tokens, line up in order, and prepare to enter the Secret Realm Tower."

The old man's voice was calm yet carried an undeniable authority, echoing throughout the entire hall.

The cultivators took out their tokens and lined up in a long queue.

Jiang Wang also took out his token and stood at the end of the line.

His gaze swept over the challengers in front of him. Most of them were at the second or third level of the Strength Saint realm. Only Hong Ling, Ao Bing, and Jin Chanzi were at the first level of the Great Dao Saint realm. As for those at the second level or above, there were none.

“This fellow Daoist looks unfamiliar. May I ask where you come from?” A gentle voice sounded beside him. Jiang Wang turned his head and saw a young monk in white standing next to him. He had a handsome face, compassionate eyes, and was surrounded by a faint Buddhist light. It was Jin Chanzi.

Jiang Wang nodded slightly: "Qilin Village, Jiang Wang."

"So it's Fellow Daoist Jiang."

Jin Chanzi smiled slightly and put his hands together in prayer. "This humble monk is Jin Chanzi, from the Western Paradise."

Judging from Fellow Daoist Jiang's cultivation level, it seems he's only at the first level of the Strength Saint realm?

His tone was calm, without the slightest hint of disdain; it was simply out of curiosity.

"Ah."

Jiang Wang nodded without saying anything more.

Jin Chanzi didn't mind his coldness and continued, "Fellow Daoist Jiang, do you know that the guardian of the third level of the Secret Realm Tower, Lady Shiji, is about to break through to the Great Dao Saint level? With your cultivation at the first level of the Great Dao Saint level, it will probably be difficult for you to pass through the third level."

"Why not postpone the challenge until your cultivation level has improved?"

"Thank you for the reminder, but I have my own plans."

Jiang Wang spoke calmly, and he could sense that Jin Chanzi meant no harm; it was merely a kind reminder.

Seeing that he had made up his mind, Jin Chanzi stopped trying to persuade him and simply shook his head with a smile: "Since that's the case, then this humble monk wishes Fellow Daoist Jiang a successful start."

If you encounter any trouble, perhaps this humble monk can offer some assistance.

Jiang Wang did not respond, but simply watched the procession ahead.

At this moment, Hong Ling walked up to the old man with an arrogant expression and handed him the token.

The old man took the token, glanced at it, and nodded: "Red Spirit, Flaming Mountain, First Level of Great Dao Saint, entry permitted."

Hong Ling snorted coldly, turned around and stepped into the Secret Realm Tower, her figure instantly disappearing into the light at the tower entrance.

Immediately afterwards, Ao Bing stepped forward and handed over the token.

Ao Bing wore a silver dragon robe, his face was cold and stern, and a faint mist surrounded him. His eyes were filled with a sense of majesty.

After the old man confirmed that the token was correct, he allowed him to enter.

Subsequently, the other challengers entered the Secret Realm Tower one by one, and soon it was Jin Chanzi's turn.

Jin Chanzi nodded slightly to Jiang Wang, then turned and stepped into the secret tower.

"Jiang Wang, Qilin Village, a Saint of Strength, Level One, is permitted to enter."

The old man took Jiang Wang's token, his eyes flickered slightly, seemingly surprised by his cultivation level, but still allowed him to enter according to the rules.

Jiang Wang took a deep breath, turned around, and stepped into the Secret Realm Tower.

As soon as he entered, he felt a strong ancient aura rushing towards him, and the scene before him changed instantly. He found himself in a huge stone chamber.

The walls of the stone chamber were made of blue stone, covered with runes of power cultivation techniques. The air was filled with rich divine power, which was helpful for cultivators to cultivate.

"The first tower guardian is a black bear spirit, a Saint of Strength at the early stage of the second level." A cold voice rang out in the stone chamber. Immediately afterward, a crack appeared in the ground in the center of the chamber, and a black bear spirit, three zhang tall, walked out of the crack.

The black bear demon was entirely black, its fur standing on end like steel needles. It gripped a massive spiked club, and a faint aura of malevolence emanated from it. Its eyes glared fiercely at Jiang Wang. (End of Chapter)