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

"Do you know the origin of this secret tower?"

The Supreme Elder suddenly spoke, his gaze sweeping across the direction of the secret realm plaza below, his voice carrying a hint of arrogance, "This tower was not built by my One Heart Realm, but was left behind by a Primordial Chaos Great Power in ancient times. Inside, there is not only a peerless cultivation technique like the Nine Extreme Primordial Chaos Technique, but also countless rare and precious materials and trial levels. Ordinary cultivators can benefit for a lifetime if they can obtain even a small piece of it from the tower."

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow and gave a dismissive sneer: "No matter how powerful the tower is, it depends on who dares to challenge it."

Those useless disciples couldn't even break the restrictions in front of the tower, so naturally they could only sigh in despair.

As he spoke, he secretly observed his surroundings. The protective array of the One Heart Realm was subtly shifting, and the runes were obscure and difficult to decipher, indicating that its defensive power was extremely strong. If he forced his way through, even if he could escape, he would inevitably deplete his vital energy.

"Well said!"

The Supreme Elder clapped his hands and laughed, “Our One Heart Realm only produces one disciple every thousand years who can open the Secret Realm Tower, and you are that once-in-a-millennium genius.”

"Once you've mastered the techniques and undergone further training in the tower, you might very well reach the Primordial Chaos Realm. At that time, my One Heart Realm will be a top power in Xiniu Hezhou and even the entire Primordial World!"

Jiang Wang remained noncommittal, simply saying, "Don't be too sure of yourself. Whether we can get the cultivation technique depends on whether there's really something real inside the tower."

"But what about Tu Dachang? Are you just going to leave him like this? What if he holds a grudge and does something underhanded that ruins my plans?"

He deliberately mentioned Tu Dachang, both to test the Supreme Elder's attitude and to foreshadow future events.

A cold glint flashed in the Supreme Elder's eyes, but his tone remained calm: "Don't worry, the punishment of five hundred billion years of initiation is enough to obliterate most of his cultivation. I have already had him imprisoned at the bottom of the Demon Locking Tower, where he suffers the torment of the gale-force winds day and night. He can't even protect himself, so how could he dare to make any small moves?"

He paused, then added, "Moreover, the forces behind him have long since avoided him since he lost power. No one would offend me, the Supreme Elder, for the sake of a cripple, let alone a future Grandmaster of the Primordial Chaos."

Jiang Wang understood immediately. This Supreme Elder was indeed ruthless. He not only punished Tu Dachang, but also took the opportunity to intimidate other disloyal individuals, achieving two goals at once.

He said no more and let the clouds carry him down to the Secret Realm Square.

The plaza was incredibly spacious, with countless runes carved into the bluestone slabs. In the very center stood a teleportation array about ten feet tall, with seven fist-sized spirit beads embedded in its core, emitting a faint blue light.

Four cultivators dressed in black stood around the teleportation array, their auras calm and their eyes sharp as eagles. Upon seeing the arrival of the Supreme Elder, they all knelt on one knee and said, "Greetings, Supreme Elder!"

"Get up."

The Supreme Elder waved his hand, pointed at Jiang Wang, and said to the four of them, "This is Tu Xiaonai. I have given him special permission to go to the Secret Realm Tower through the teleportation array. You must activate the teleportation array immediately without any mistakes."

Upon hearing this, the four people's eyes flashed with surprise, but they dared not ask any more questions. They quickly got up and walked around the teleportation array, forming hand seals and chanting incantations.

As the incantation was recited, the light of the seven spirit orbs grew even brighter, and the runes on the teleportation array gradually lit up, forming a dazzling gate of light. The heavy aura of the Secret Realm Tower could be faintly felt from behind the gate.

"Little one, come in."

The Supreme Elder patted Jiang Wang on the shoulder, his tone filled with expectation, "Remember, the Secret Realm Tower has nine levels, and each level has trials. Act according to your ability and do not overexert yourself."

The Nine Extremes Primordial Chaos Technique is at the ninth level. If you truly cannot reach the top, do not force it; preserving your life is the most important thing.

These words, seemingly out of concern, were actually a subtle hint to Jiang Wang that he absolutely had to obtain the cultivation technique.

Jiang Wang glanced at him and said arrogantly, "Don't worry, it's just the ninth floor. I can get through it with my eyes closed."

Having said that, he took a step toward the portal.

As soon as I stepped into the portal, a powerful suction swept over me, the surrounding space twisted violently, the wind howled in my ears, and the scene before my eyes changed instantly.

When Jiang Wang landed again, he found himself in a desolate valley. The air was filled with a faint smell of blood, and the distant roars of demonic beasts could be heard.

He raised his hand and touched his chin, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings. The outline of the Secret Realm Tower was faintly visible in the clouds at the end of the valley. The tower was entirely black, covered with ancient patterns, exuding a sense of desolation and majesty.

"It's more interesting than I imagined."

Jiang Wang chuckled and was about to head to the Secret Realm Tower when he suddenly heard footsteps behind him.

He turned his head and saw three cultivators dressed in Taoist robes walking towards him. The one in the lead had an arrogant expression and was looking at him with unfriendly eyes.

"You're Tu Xiaonai?"

The leading cultivator spoke, his tone tinged with contempt, "I heard that you've been running rampant in the One Heart Realm, relying on the Supreme Elder's favor, and even caused the Fifth Elder to suffer the punishment of the Initiation Ceremony?"

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself that this was the perfect opportunity to test the strength of the cultivators in the secret realm.

He crossed his arms and said dismissively, "So what if we are? Do you want to stand up for Tu Dachang too?"

"It wouldn't be accurate to call it standing out."

The leading cultivator sneered, "I just can't stand your arrogant and domineering attitude."

"The Secret Realm Tower is not a place for you to run wild. If you know what's good for you, you'd better go back on your own, lest we have to take action and embarrass the Supreme Elder."

The two cultivators behind him echoed his sentiments, their eyes filled with provocation.

"Go back?"

Jiang Wang sneered, his figure suddenly moved, appearing in front of the leading cultivator as fast as a ghost, and slapped him across the face.

With a sharp "smack," the leading cultivator was sent spinning three times, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, and half of his cheek instantly swelled up.

"You dare to hit me?"

The leading cultivator was both shocked and furious. A fierce glint flashed in his eyes as he raised his hand and struck at Jiang Wang. Dense spiritual energy gathered in his palm, carrying a sharp gust of wind.

Jiang Wang dodged to the side, a wisp of black light condensing at his fingertips, which he lightly touched onto the wrist of the leading cultivator.

With a crisp "crack," the leading cultivator's wrist snapped, and he screamed as the spiritual energy in his palm instantly dissipated.

"Is that all you've got? You dare to talk back to me?"

Jiang Wang's tone was icy, and a flash of murderous intent appeared in his eyes, "If you dare to say another word, I will cripple all your cultivation and throw you to feed the demon beasts."

The other two cultivators were so frightened by the sight that they trembled and dared not step forward. They quickly helped the leader up and retreated in a sorry state.

The leading cultivator, enduring excruciating pain, glared venomously at Jiang Wang and gritted his teeth, saying, "Little Tu, you just wait, we won't let you get away with this!"

Having said that, he led the two men and fled in a panic.

Jiang Wang ignored them and turned to walk towards the Secret Realm Tower.

He had only taken a few steps when a rune suddenly lit up beneath his feet. Immediately afterward, the ground shook violently, and a giant stone hand burst forth from the earth, reaching out to grab him.

The stone hand was covered with cracks, yet it exuded a thick earth-elemental spiritual energy, clearly a result of a restriction within the secret realm.

"A trivial skill."

Jiang Wang snorted coldly and leaped up, avoiding the stone hand's grasp.

At the same time, he flicked out several black rays from his fingertips, which landed precisely on the joints of the stone hand.

With a loud "boom," the stone hand shattered instantly, turning into countless stone fragments scattered all over the ground.

Having broken free of the stone hand restriction, Jiang Wang continued on his journey. Along the way, he encountered numerous restrictions being triggered or demonic beasts attempting to obstruct him, but he easily overcame them all.

His strength far surpassed that of other cultivators of the same level, and coupled with his unique understanding of various restrictions, he moved through the first level of the secret realm as if it were empty.

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

The tower appears even taller than it does from a distance, its top piercing the clouds and its end seemingly unseen.

The tower gate was tightly closed, and a huge pattern was carved on it. The pattern depicted an old man in a Taoist robe, holding a whisk, with a majestic expression. He was none other than that ancient primordial powerhouse.

Jiang Wang placed his hand on the tower gate, and a warm breath came from his palm. Then, the pattern on the tower gate gradually lit up, and the old man's figure seemed to come alive, his gaze falling on Jiang Wang with a hint of scrutiny.

"Outsiders who wish to enter my secret tower must pass my first trial."

The old man's voice was aged and deep, echoing through the valley: "Trial content: Defeat your inner demons and guard your true self."

As soon as he finished speaking, an invisible force swept over him, and Jiang Wang felt everything go black before his eyes, instantly falling into an illusion.

In the illusion, he returned to his past, and the scenes of betrayal and being hunted appeared one by one. He heard countless mocking and cursing voices in his ears, and his inner demons kept tempting him in the dark, making him give up resistance and fall into darkness.

"You think you can trap me with such meager skills?"

A glimmer of clarity flashed in Jiang Wang's eyes. Having endured countless hardships, his mind was already as firm as a rock. For him, inner demons were nothing but fleeting clouds.

He circulated his spiritual energy, and a faint golden light emanated from his body. The illusion shattered instantly, and the old man's figure gradually faded away.

"Not bad, your state of mind is acceptable."

The old man's voice rang out again, "The tower gate is open, enter the tower."

Remember, each trial carries the risk of life and death; proceed with caution and within your capabilities.

After saying that, the tower door slowly opened, and a rich spiritual energy surged out from inside the tower, carrying an ancient Taoist charm.

Without further hesitation, Jiang Wang stepped into the tower.

The tower was incredibly spacious, with the walls covered in runes and techniques. In the center stood a stone table with a yellowed ancient book on it.

He stepped forward, picked up the ancient book and flipped through it. It contained a basic body-refining technique. Although it was not top-notch, it was exquisite and suitable for cultivators who had just entered the tower to consolidate their foundation.

"It seems that each floor has its own unique opportunities."

Jiang Wang chuckled softly, put away the ancient book, and then looked at the stairs leading to the second floor.

The staircase is made of white jade, with exquisite patterns carved on the handrail, exuding an air of luxury.

Just as he was about to step onto the stairs, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him.

"Little Tu, I didn't expect you to actually pass the first trial."

The leading cultivator was the same one who had been injured by Jiang Wang earlier. His wrist had been reattached, and he was accompanied by five other cultivators whose auras were much stronger than the previous two. "We are here on the orders of the elders to capture you, you arrogant fool!"

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow, his tone icy: "It seems you're still not giving up. In that case, I'll grant your wish."

His body was filled with surging spiritual energy, and a faint black light appeared, exuding killing intent.

The leading cultivator sneered and raised his hand to the crowd behind him, saying, "Attack him together and cripple him!"

The five cultivators nodded in unison and attacked Jiang Wang simultaneously, gathering spiritual energy of different attributes in their palms to form a powerful offensive.

Jiang Wang swayed, dodging the attacks of the crowd, and at the same time flicked out several black rays from his fingertips, shooting them toward the five cultivators respectively.

The black light moved with incredible speed, instantly striking the five cultivators. The five cultivators screamed in agony as they collapsed to the ground, their cultivation crippled.

Upon seeing this, the leading cultivator was terrified and turned to flee.

Jiang Wang flashed in front of him, blocking his path, his tone icy: "Weren't you so arrogant just now? Why are you trying to run away now?"

"Little Tu, I was wrong. I shouldn't have provoked you. Please, let me go!"

The leading cultivator knelt down and begged for mercy, his voice trembling, "The elder sent me here, I had no choice!"

"Elder?"

A hint of doubt flashed in Jiang Wang's eyes, "Which elder?"

"It is the Second Elder."

The leading cultivator quickly said, "The Second Elder and the Fifth Elder are on good terms. He heard that you made the Fifth Elder suffer the punishment of initiation, so he sent us to teach you a lesson. If we can cripple you, we will be richly rewarded."

Jiang Wang understood. It seemed that the One Heart Realm was not a monolithic entity. The Second Elder wanted to take this opportunity to get rid of him and avenge the Fifth Elder.

He sneered, and with a wave of his hand, he crippled the leading cultivator's cultivation. He said indifferently, "Go back and tell the Second Elder that if he wants to cause me trouble, let him come himself. Don't send these useless trash to their deaths."

The leading cultivator felt as if he had been granted a pardon and fled the Secret Realm Tower in a panic.

Jiang Wang ignored him, turned around, and stepped onto the stairs, heading towards the second floor.

The scene on the second floor was completely different from that on the first floor. It was filled with ice sculptures of various shapes, all of which resembled monsters and exuded a bone-chilling cold.

With a crisp "crack," the ice sculpture suddenly came to life and lunged at Jiang Wang.

Jiang Wang leaped up, dodging the ice sculpture's grasp, and simultaneously flicked several black rays from his fingertips. The black rays struck the ice sculpture, instantly shattering it.

But more ice sculptures surged in from all directions, endlessly, as if they could never be killed.

"It seems that the second level of the trial is a test of endurance."

Jiang Wang chuckled and stopped trying to dodge. His spiritual energy surged, forming a solid protective shield. The ice sculpture crashed into the shield and shattered instantly.

While fending off the attacks of the ice sculptures, he walked deeper into the second level, searching for the stairs leading to the third level.

Meanwhile, at the other end of Xiniu Hezhou, Guanyin rode a small donkey, gazing solemnly at the eastern sky.

Thunder rumbled in the east, dark clouds gathered, and faint purple lightning flashed. The lightning carried an eerie aura; it was neither the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder of the Heavenly Court nor the Primordial Divine Thunder of the Wilderness, but rather exuded a sinister air.

"What kind of lightning is this? Why does it have such a strange aura?"

Guanyin frowned, a vague sense of unease creeping into her heart.

She activated the Buddhist light within her body, attempting to investigate the source of the lightning, but was blocked by a powerful force, and the Buddhist light instantly dissipated.

"Such immense power."

Guanyin was startled. As a Bodhisattva of Mahayana Buddhism, her cultivation was profound; ordinary power could not possibly hinder her investigation. (End of Chapter)