"Thunder Dragon Empire, North Frontier"
Three hundred years ago, the three kings of the North Frontier rebelled, using the pretext of supporting the emperor to launch a rebellion, intending to overthrow the emperor and also fomented the North Frontier Red Flame Temple. The three kings and their followers marched southward, as unstoppable as a waterfall. However, they encountered the Imperial Army led by Zhenwu Commandery, resulting in a devastating defeat.
Afterward, the three kings were executed, and the North Frontier was once again brought under the control of the Dragoness Empress. As for the notorious Red Flame Temple, one of the three major sects of the Thunder Dragon Empire, it suffered a complete annihilation due to a poor bet.
"After three hundred years, new buds have sprouted on the withered old tree..."
"Ever since the Red Flame Temple was annihilated, a small sect called Ling Xiao Sect rose to prominence among many minor sects in the North Frontier. Today, it has become equal to, if not surpassing, the Red Flame Temple back then."
On the animal cart rented, Sun Qiantao talked non-stop with great enthusiasm, recounting the events that had taken place in the North Frontier over these three centuries.
Chen Mo pulled up the car curtain, one hand on it, looking at the scenery outside, "So, you two are not staying well in Hai Empire. You have to follow me for what?"
After leaving Qing Song Town, Chen Mo traveled alone to the Thunder Dragon Empire, from north to south, a journey of great distance. Although his pace was extraordinary, far beyond that of an ordinary person, he had just gone through a fight and needed some time to rest. Therefore, he rented an animal cart to travel, which allowed him both to make progress on the road and have time to rest.
Unlike a carriage, an animal cart is pulled by magical beasts, making it incredibly fast. Due to its high cost, ordinary people cannot afford it. As Chen Mo was busy traveling, he was not hesitant to spend money on renting an animal cart, as it allowed him both to make progress on the road and have time to rest.
However, shortly after he got on the cart, Sun Qian and Su Keke hopped onto the animal cart, and then stared at each other intensely...
Sun Qian closed his mouth, awkwardly scratching his head, not knowing how to respond to Chen Mo for a moment.
Sitting next to Sun Qian, Su Keke smiled and said, "The elder has said that the violence in Qingsong Town was committed by sorcerers and insect masters from the Thunder Dragon Empire. Therefore, as members of the Hanging Mirror Commandery, we naturally need to investigate; However, this will inevitably affect the relationship between our two countries. So the captain asked us two to secretly investigate..."
" Investigation? Just with the two of you?"
"Not only me, right? Hehe, as long as we three work together, we can definitely get to the bottom of the Blood Demon incident and uncover the mastermind behind it, giving people a clear sky."
Sun Qian spoke in a grand manner, with no trace of the "frowning and retreating to the back of the crowd" timidity of old.
Seeing that Chen Mo still didn't seem inclined to take them along, Su Keke's eyes twinkled and she suddenly laughed, "Elder, don't underestimate us. This journey has required quite a bit of money, like renting this animal cart... You can rest assured, Sun Qian has money; let him pay."
Chen Mo heard this and immediately felt that the other person had a point. At the moment, he truly had no money, and if he hadn't met the two of them, he wouldn't even know how to get off the cart.
But Sun Qian wasn't pleased with this. "Why should I pay for it? Su Keke, I remember your family is quite well-off, do you not have a little savings stashed away?"
"But she's a girl, after all."
"Girl or boy, I am a loyal advocate of gender equality. Either we should share the burden together or you should pay for it yourself."
"You..."
Su Keke was seething with annoyance, muttered an expletive for not understanding the mood, and then turned her head to sulk off.
Seeing Su Keke's attitude, Chen Mo no longer had the heart to enjoy the scenery. He looked at Su Keke and then at Sun Qian with a curious expression, indicating that there was something going on between the two of them.
"Ha ha, you have nothing to say now, do you?"
Sun Qian looked a bit smug and then sat down next to Chen Mo, "Chen brother, let's not pay attention to her. Let's continue talking about the things concerning Ling Xiao Sect."
Chen Mo rubbed his ears, "Compared to Ling Xiao Sect, I'm more interested in your relationship."
"I've heard that Ling Xiao Sect recently discovered a secret realm in the Beilian Mountains of the North Frontier, filled with countless treasures. However, it is too perilous inside, and now they are gathering talent from all over the world to join them..."
Chen Mo originally didn't want to listen to Sun Qian's chatter. However, when the words "Beilian Mountains" caught his attention, he suddenly froze, as if he had remembered something important, and his pupil shrank.
"What did you say?"
"That's what I said. Ling Xiao Sect has found a secret realm in the Beilian Mountains, and then..."
"Beilian Mountains, secret realm... I'm sure it's that secret realm, the Beilian Mountains' secret realm."
Chen Mo suddenly burst into laughter, which startled Sun Qian and even made Su Keke, who had been watching him curiously, turn her head.
"Brother Chen, why are you laughing?"
Sun Qian asked puzzled.
Chen Mo stopped laughing, but he couldn't help but smile. "I remember something that makes me happy. Perhaps, there is something in the secret realm that I want."
"What do you want? Is it something specific?"
"Qi and Blood... Alright, I can't explain it to you. You're not part of this world."
Chen Mo shook his head.
Sun Qian was even more baffled now, "I've heard that the secret realm has not yet been opened. How do you know there's something you need in there, Brother Chen?"
Chen Mo smiled mysteriously, "Mysteries cannot be revealed."
The animal cart entered the North Frontier and soon arrived at Beilian Mountains.
A dense and lush forest, endless mountains in the distance; the driver of the animal cart dropped Chen Mo and his two companions at the foot of the mountain before driving away.
Although Chen Mo is from the Thunder Dragon Empire, he has lived in the imperial capital all his life. If he had to make a plan, he may have never left the imperial capital and has little knowledge of the North Frontier and Beilian Mountains.
Sun Qian and Su Keke, both from Hai Empire, were not very familiar with the surrounding environment either.
However, since Ling Xiao Sect has announced the location of the secret realm, there must be quite a few people coming here. The more people there are, the more likely it is to be a secret realm. It's not like people would just wander around in this place where even birds don't shit.
Soon, the three of them saw a group of people not far away at the foot of the mountain. They followed them all the way up to the mid-section of the mountain.
A dark crowd stood on both sides of the mountain path, and the front was packed so tightly that it couldn't even drip water. The visitors were dressed in various styles, but all exuded a terrifying aura.
Entering the secret realm is to compete for treasures. Even members of the same team might kill each other for the treasures, let alone strangers. Displaying one's aura could deter some scoundrels.
There are also many people who like to keep a low profile. They often suppress their aura and act very calm in front of others, even pretending to be new or cute to lure enemies. Such people are usually seasoned veterans who will attack anyone, from enemies to teammates, without mercy.
Chen Mo found a quiet corner and quickly scanned the crowd with his gaze.
Sun Qian was slightly taken aback and suddenly became alert. "Brother Chen, are there any enemies of yours among these people?"
