This martial saint is too cautious.

Lin Yan stopped.

When they were still three zhang away from the red fruit, they paused for a moment, and it was only for that brief pause that they stopped.

A sharp aura swept past, and a figure landed directly in front of the red fruit, reaching out to grasp it.

A moment later, another person landed beside Lin Yan.

"Junior Brother Lin, don't be impulsive. This is Xu Zhengchu, a fifth-level Void Manifestation cultivator from the Crimson Sun Sect."

Wang Mu immediately sent a telepathic message to Lin Yan, fearing that Lin Yan would be tempted to take action if he discovered that the Thunder Fruit had been stolen.

Chiyang Sect is also a major sect, so Xu Zhengchu wouldn't have much to fear from Taiyi Sword Sect.

"A fifth-level Void Realm expert from the Crimson Sun Sect?"

Lin Yan had naturally heard of the Crimson Sun Sect. It was a major sect with a sixth-level Dharma Aspect Realm expert in charge.

The fifth level of the illusory realm... I am not without the strength to fight.

However, Lin Yan held back and transmitted his voice to Wang Mu: "Senior Brother Wang, what is this Thunder Fruit?"

"This is an energy that has never appeared in the Thunder Swamp Secret Realm before, even purer than the Thunder Transformation Pool. It is the energy contained in a Thunder Transformation Pool liquid that is ten feet square."

"Since this has never happened before, how did you know, Senior Brother Wang?"

"I just received one a short while ago," Wang Mu continued telepathically. "There's no need to clash with Xu Zhengchu over a single Thunder Fruit. Our Senior Brother Zhao and his group just had a conflict with the Heavenly Sword Sect not long ago, so it's not wise to make any more enemies now."

Lin Yan ultimately decided to tolerate Wang Mu's confirmation.

One Thunder Pool Energy is equivalent to a square foot in size, and Senior Brother Wang just returned one, which means that there are quite a few Thunder Fruits in the Thunder Swamp Secret Realm.

Of course, it was Wang Mu's last sentence that persuaded him.

With the Heavenly Sword Sect in front, the Zhaoye Martial Arts School behind, the Taixuan Palace, and the mysterious Zhou Chen, it's best to avoid making enemies if possible.

Why not give up a thunder fruit first?

Xu Zhengchu put the thunder fruit down, glanced coldly at Lin Yan, and said nothing before disappearing in a flash.

"Senior Brother Wang, what exactly is the situation in the Thunder Swamp Secret Realm right now?"

"The Thunder Swamp Secret Realm is completely different from what it used to be; the entire secret realm is now completely sealed off."

Wang Mu gave a wry smile: "I just came back from the edge of the second level. The lightning barrier has shrunk to the edge of the second level. To be precise, the Thunder Swamp Secret Realm now only has the second and third levels left. What's even stranger is that the lightning barrier has turned blood-red. I can't even move a foot through that ten-foot-thick lightning barrier."

Mentioning the new lightning barrier, Wang Mu's face showed a hint of trepidation. In his view, it was almost impossible for someone in the Realm of Reality to escape that lightning barrier.

"Senior Brother Wang, you went to the border. Has something happened on our side?"

:

Lin Yan, however, noticed another key point: the Thunder Swamp Secret Realm had changed, but judging from the current situation, it was a good thing for the Void Realm experts who had entered.

Both the Thunder Pool and the newly appeared Thunder Fruit have increased the possibility of a Void Realm expert's Dharma Aspect power advancing to the next level.

Under these circumstances, Senior Brother Wang has no reason to run back to the edge of the secret realm to explore. He should instead hurry up and find the Thunder Transformation Pool and Thunder Fruit. When the time comes for the secret realm to open, he can naturally leave.

Upon hearing Lin Yan's words, Wang Mu's expression changed: "Not long ago, before we were all able to get together, Senior Brother Zhao fought with Fang Du of the Heavenly Sword Sect and was injured by Fang Du. He has not yet recovered his strength."

"Fang Du of the Heavenly Sword Sect?"

Lin Yan recalled seeing the five people from the Heavenly Sword Sect when he entered. If Fang Du was at the fifth level of the Void Realm, Senior Brother Zhao would definitely have reminded him.

Although both are at the fourth level, Senior Brother Zhao is no match for Fang Du.

"Fang Du was indeed at the fourth level before he came in, but he must have been lucky to find a very large Thunder Transformation Pool, which allowed him to enter the fifth level. Senior Brother Zhao was not so lucky. Although he also found two Thunder Transformation Pools, he failed to break through to the fifth level, which is why he was defeated by Fang Du." Wang Mu could guess what Lin Yan was thinking and explained directly.

"I see."

It seems that Fang Du was already close to breaking through to the fifth level before he came in, while Senior Brother Zhao was probably still a bit short of the fifth level. He was already weaker than Fang Du, and now that Fang Du has broken through, he is even less of a match for him.

address:\\\\\\\\\\\\.\\\\\\

"Let's go and find Senior Brother Zhao and the others first. The battles in the Thunder Swamp Secret Realm will only become more intense. We don't have much of an advantage in the Thunder Swamp Secret Realm."

Wang Mu's attitude towards Lin Yan was relatively friendly, partly because of what Pei Wujiu had said before they came in.

Secondly, it's because he didn't come from the five lineages of the Zhengxin Hall, so he was neutral.

When Senior Brother Zhao chose to have both Lin Yan and Junior Brother Pei in the middle, it meant that he had already approved of Junior Brother Pei's words, so he would not object.

"it is good."

Lin Yan agreed and followed behind Wang Mu, heading in the direction where Zhao Qing and the others were.

One hour later.

A bolt of crimson lightning struck down once again. Upon seeing the crimson lightning, Lin Yan did not hesitate and instantly shot out.

As soon as the lightning disappeared and the Thunder Fruit appeared, Lin Yan arrived in front of him and immediately took the Thunder Fruit in his hand.

Seeing Lin Yan's speed, Wang Mu's lips twitched. Junior Brother Lin's reaction and speed... were truly amazing.

Before I entered, I was already more than halfway through the second stage of the Void Manifestation Realm. During my time in the Thunder Swamp Secret Realm, I had also entered the Thunder Transformation Pool several times to temper myself, and I was not far from the third stage of the Void Manifestation Realm. However, my reaction was still a bit slower than Junior Brother Lin's...

and many more!

Wang Mu suddenly realized something and stared wide-eyed at Lin Yan: "Junior Brother Lin, what realm are you at now?"

"Breaked through to the first rank in the Thunder Swamp Secret Realm."

:

"Breaking through to the first level, not bad... Hmm?" Wang Mu nodded subconsciously after hearing the first half of Lin Yan's sentence. Junior Brother Pei had also advanced to the first level.

But upon hearing the second half of the sentence, Wang Mu's expression froze, and his gaze kept shifting back and forth between Lin Yan and Wang Mu.

"You've reached the third stage of the Illusionary Realm?"

"Well, before I came in, I managed to break through to the second stage of the Void Phase Realm. Senior Brother Pei knows about this, and he should have told the other senior brothers about it."

"I did say that."

Wang Mu nodded. A large part of the reason for Zhao Qing's change in attitude was that he knew Lin Yan had broken through to the second stage of the Void Realm and recognized Lin Yan's potential.

But it was precisely because he knew this that he found it hard to accept.

It took him two and a half years to go from the first level of the Void Manifestation to the second level, but Lin Yan caught up in just a few months. And it has been four years since he stepped into the Dharma Manifestation stage.

As a result, Lin Yan surpassed him after four years of training.

From a broader perspective, he should be pleased.

From a personal perspective, however, he couldn't be happy at all.

Thinking of what Junior Brother Pei said, if Lin Yan could always keep up with him, he would be willing to be his assistant.

Is the Taiyi Sword Sect about to break with past traditions and have Lin Yan take the lead in this generation?

If Junior Brother Pei were to express his stance to the First Clan Leader after returning, it would likely cause a stir throughout the entire Zhengxin Hall.

"Senior Brother Wang, how should we refine this Thunder Fruit?"

Seeing Wang Mu remain silent, Lin Yan called out.

He could understand Senior Brother Wang's silence; every time he revealed his true level, someone would fall silent.

The last one to remain silent was Senior Brother Pei.

"Congratulations, Junior Brother Lin! It's a good thing that you've reached the third stage of the Void Realm."

In the current Thunder Swamp Secret Realm, their team's strength can only be considered average. Lin Yan's breakthrough has essentially increased the team's overall strength.

"As for the Thunder Fruit, just swallow it directly. The energy from the Thunder Fruit will automatically enter the Divine Palace to temper the power of the Dharma Image."

"Is that so?"

Lin Yan nodded and put the Thunder Fruit into his mouth. The fist-sized Thunder Fruit was divided into two bites.

The fruit melts in your mouth and has almost no flavor.

Sensing the energy surging into his divine palace, and noticing that the vortex at the very center had expanded outwards by a small circle, Lin Yan understood the situation.

:

Leiguo is simply a pure version of Lei liquid essence.

After consuming the Thunder Fruit, the two continued their journey and finally reunited with Zhao Qing and the others half a day later.

"Senior Brother Wang, Junior Brother Lin!"

Pei Wujiu's face lit up with joy when he saw Wang Mu and Lin Yan.

"I have some good news to share with everyone: Junior Brother Lin has already reached the third stage of the Void Realm."

Before Wang Muren could even finish speaking, his words had already traveled out.

As he had expected, apart from Senior Brother Zhao, who was sitting cross-legged to heal his injuries, the other two senior brothers showed surprise on their faces.

"Senior Brother Cui and Senior Brother Zhang probably feel the same way I do, as for Junior Brother Pei..."

Wang Mu observed Pei Wujiu's reaction. When he heard that Lin Yan had broken through to the third stage of the Void Realm, Pei Wujiu was stunned for a moment, and then a look of surprise appeared on his face.

"It seems Junior Brother Pei isn't just talking the talk."

Lin Yan landed beside Pei Wujiu, his gaze immediately falling on Zhao Qing. Zhao Qing's face was still pale, indicating that it was far more serious than what Senior Brother Wang had described as a minor injury.

"Everyone is here."

Zhao Qing opened his eyes, glanced at Lin Yan, and then asked Wang Mu, "Junior Brother Wang, how's the investigation going?"

"The Thunder Swamp Secret Realm area has shrunk, and... those below the Realm of Reality will probably be unable to leave."

Upon hearing Wang Mu's words, Zhao Qing's expression turned somewhat grim. His decision to send Wang Mu to investigate indicated that he harbored intentions of backing out.

Of course, it wasn't him who withdrew, but rather that he let Junior Brother Pei leave the Thunder Swamp Secret Realm.

Fang Du of the Heavenly Sword Sect is already at the fifth level of the Void Phase Realm. If Junior Brother Pei continues to stay here, once he encounters Fang Du, the latter will definitely do everything in his power to kill Junior Brother Pei here.

"Since we can't leave, we should be more careful in our actions from now on."

Zhao Qing stood up, glanced at the people present, and finally focused her gaze on Lin Yan and Pei Wujiu.

"If we encounter anyone from the Heavenly Sword Sect during our next operation, Junior Brother Pei and Junior Brother Lin, you two must leave immediately."

"Senior Brother Zhao..."

Upon hearing this, Pei Wujiu immediately spoke, but Zhao Qing raised his hand, signaling Pei Wujiu not to rush and to wait for him to finish speaking.

"You two are the most outstanding talents of the Dharma Aspect realm, carrying the future of my Taiyi Sword Sect. You must not perish in this Thunder Swamp Secret Realm, otherwise it will be the greatest loss for my Taiyi Sword Sect in nearly a hundred years."

"Senior Brother Zhao, since I chose to come to the Thunder Swamp Secret Realm, I have already made mental preparations."

Pei Wujiu still shook his head in refusal, and Lin Yan echoed, "Me too."

:

"Things aren't that pessimistic."

A smile appeared on Zhao Qing's pale face: "As long as the two of you leave, the Heavenly Sword Sect may not necessarily fight the four of us to the death. After all, there are other forces in the Thunder Swamp Secret Realm, and even if the four of us can't win, we still have a chance to leave if we want to."

"Alright, it's settled then. Junior Brother Cui, Junior Brother Zhang, Junior Brother Wang, do you have any objections?"

Seeing that Pei Wujiu was about to speak again, Zhao Qing immediately put on a stern face.

"no."

"I'll listen to Senior Brother Zhao."

"This arrangement is the best."

Wang Mu and the other two also expressed their stance: there are no disciples in the Taiyi Sword Sect who are afraid of death.

Seeing the somewhat tragic aura of Wang Mu and the others, Lin Yan's lips twitched. It seemed unnecessary to be so dramatic.

If I were to encounter the Heavenly Sword Sect, with my current strength, I might not be without the ability to put up a fight.

The six continued on their way, but stopped after less than fifteen minutes.

A middle-aged man came quickly towards them and blocked their path.

"Brother Zhao!"

The middle-aged man seemed to know Zhao Qing, and stopped abruptly.

Pei Wujiu noticed Lin Yan sizing up the middle-aged man and transmitted his voice, "Junior Brother Lin, this is Dai Chong from the Qingyun Sect. He is at the third level of the Void Realm and has a good relationship with Senior Brother Zhao. Before you arrived, Senior Brother Zhao had approached Dai Chong about the alliance. The Qingyun Sect also sent three Void Realm warriors this time, but Dai Chong did not agree at the time, saying he would ask his two fellow disciples for their opinions. Now he should have made a decision, and it seems he does not intend to form an alliance with us."

Lin Yan had no doubt about how Pei Wujiu came to this conclusion. The reason was simple: if the other party agreed to form an alliance, he wouldn't have come alone.

"Brother Dai, what's your decision?"

Pei Wujiu and Lin Yan could guess it, and Zhao Qing could guess it too, but she still asked a question.

"Brother Zhao, my two fellow disciples do not wish to form an alliance."

"Oh, could you tell me why?"

Zhao Qinghao, why did those two from the Qingyun Sect refuse?

When Zhao Qing asked for the reason, Dai Chong's gaze fell on Lin Yan. Lin Yan was stunned... Could it be related to him?

"To be honest, my sect's senior brother Jiang previously encountered people from Zhaoye Martial Arts School and Taixuan Palace. Zhaoye Martial Arts School and Taixuan Palace have formed an alliance, and according to Xi Chengfeng of Zhaoye Martial Arts School, Tianjian Sect and Zhaoye Martial Arts School have also reached an agreement."

"What agreement?"

"If the Heavenly Sword Sect clashes with your Taiyi Sword Sect, the Zhaoye Martial Arts School will not intervene. However, if Lin Yan is present, the Zhaoye Martial Arts School will join in. The same applies to the Taixuan Palace. In other words, the Heavenly Sword Sect is willing to contribute to the fight against Lin Yan, as the Zhaoye Martial Arts School and the Taixuan Palace are targeting him."

:

After Dai Chong said this, Zhao Qing and the others fell silent.

Is Tianjian Sect simply working for two families?

Of course not. As far as the Heavenly Sword Sect is concerned, as long as someone is willing to deal with the Taiyi Sword Sect, they are willing to lend a hand without needing any benefits.

There's a saying in the martial arts world: no matter the occasion, as long as both sides have martial artists present, whether you're dealing with the Heavenly Sword Sect or the Taiyi Sword Sect, choosing to fight one side will automatically make the other side your teammate.

"Brother Zhao, since we've known each other for a while, I might as well be frank. If you bring Lin Yan along, you'll be facing attacks from the Heavenly Sword Sect, the Tai Xuan Palace, and the Zhao Ye Martial Arts School."

When Dai Chong said this, he didn't look at Lin Yan's expression. After finishing, he clasped his hands in a fist salute to Zhao Qing and then turned and left.

There was a brief moment of silence at the scene.

"Zhaoye Martial Arts School and Taixuan Palace are just using the excuse of having a grudge against Junior Brother Lin to form an alliance with Tianjian Sect. Even without Junior Brother Lin, they would find other excuses."

Pei Wujiu broke the silence, clearly wanting to help Lin Yan out of the predicament.

"Thank you for helping me out, Senior Brother Pei, but since Zhaoye Martial Arts School and Taixuan Palace are using me as an excuse, they will lose their excuse once I leave."

This time, Lin Yan didn't remain silent. Seeing that Pei Wujiu was about to speak, he spoke first: "Senior Brother Pei, it's best for me to leave alone given the current situation. Actually, it's not just Tai Xuan Palace and Zhao Ye Martial Arts School; I also have grudges against the Nine Heavens Thunder Sect."

Pei Wujiu: ...

Zhao Qing: ...

"After I left, these three families lost their excuse to attack. As for the Heavenly Sword Sect, although Fang Du is there, I think that with Senior Brother Zhao and the other four of you, we should be able to contend with them."

Seeing the regret on everyone's faces, Lin Yan smiled and said, "I recently killed Chao Huai and Pan Jiyuan of the Heavenly Sword Sect, so now the Heavenly Sword Sect only has three people left."

Five against three!

Even if they can't win, escaping shouldn't be a problem.

Upon hearing Lin Yan's words, Zhao Qing and the other four people's pupils contracted simultaneously. Of the five members of the Heavenly Sword Sect, Lin Yan had actually killed two of them.

"No wonder Fang Du of the Heavenly Sword Sect didn't lead anyone to search everywhere. He probably realized that someone was missing. With only three of them left, even if they could win against us, it would be a Pyrrhic victory."

Zhao Qing's face showed a look of sudden realization, and at the same time, her gaze towards Lin Yan was filled with complex emotions.

Lin Yan killed Pan Jiyuan and the other man, greatly reducing the threat to the Heavenly Sword Sect. However, because of Lin Yan, their situation is now even more dangerous.

"Don't worry, I'm already at the third stage of the Void Realm. Even if I can't win, I can always run away. Senior brothers, you don't need to worry about me too much."

Lin Yan didn't waste any more time. After saying this, his figure transformed into a streak of sword light and disappeared. Then, a voice echoed from afar:

"Take care, my fellow disciples."

Seeing Lin Yan leave so decisively, Zhao Qing remained silent for a moment, then looked at Pei Wujiu, who was also silent: "Junior Brother Pei, I now acknowledge what you said at the inn. When we return to Zhengxin Hall, I will stand with you."

:

Me too.

Upon hearing this, Wang Mu also spoke with a serious expression.

"Although I am from the third lineage, I must admit that I am truly impressed by Junior Brother Lin's character."

Cui Moting, who came from the third lineage, also gave a wry smile and then expressed his own opinion.

……

: