Suddenly, the space behind Wu Tangge shimmered as Lucid emerged from the void, carrying the unconscious Yang Xuanyuan like a broken doll.
Wu Tangge's lips curled into a satisfied smirk. "Good," he whispered. "Now… hide in my shadow."
Without hesitation, Lucid's body dissolved into black mist and slipped silently into Tangge's shadow, concealed from all eyes.
The ground trembled. A glowing portal ripped open in the sky, casting a pillar of golden light into the realm.
Wu Tangge looked up, feigning surprise. "So... the Secret Realm test is over."
He stepped forward and leapt into the portal, vanishing in a flash.
Moments later, the disciples began emerging from the portal, one by one, arriving back at the Immortal Dao Academy.
An elder descended from the sky, his robes fluttering like banners in the wind. His stern voice rang out:
"All surviving disciples have returned. The trial has ended."
The crowd erupted.
"Senior Wu!"
"It was all thanks to Senior Wu!"
"Senior Wu, you are our guiding star!"
Wu Tangge smiled, hands behind his back, playing the role of modest hero. Fools, he thought, how easily they worship a mask.
Some disciples stepped forward and reported the "truth" of what had transpired.
"Elder, Yang Xuanyuan revealed his true nature inside the realm! He released evil energy. He must be the Evil Successor or his servant!"
The elders exchanged grim looks. Wu Tangge remained silent, his performance complete.
Later that evening, Wu Tangge lay lazily in his chamber.
"Huff... what a delightful trip," he mused aloud.
He suddenly remembered something. His eyes gleamed.
"The map…"
He sat up and took it out, unrolling the ancient parchment. Symbols glowed faintly as he traced the lines with his finger.
"What... the Lower Realm?" he hissed, annoyed. "Are you kidding me?"
With a sigh, he stood and left his room, walking casually toward Yun Ling'er's quarters.
He knocked.
"Yun'er. Open up."
Yun Ling'er opened the door, brows furrowed. "What is it?"
Without waiting for a reply, Wu Tangge stepped inside.
"Hey! You can't just barge—"
Before she could finish, he turned and pulled her into his arms, closing the door behind them with a casual flick of his divine sense.
"Wu Tangge, what are you doing!?" she gasped.
"I'm going to the Lower Realm," he said softly, his voice full of practiced sincerity. "I don't know when I'll return."
"Then go," she snapped. "What does it matter to me?"
Why is he going to the Lower Realm? Did something happen to him? she wondered inwardly, but kept her expression cold.
Wu Tangge suddenly swept her up into his arms.
"Put me down!" she yelped.
He carried her to the bed and climbed on top of her.
"I want to have fun with my future wife tonight."
Before she could protest further, he kissed her. She didn't resist—only blushed, her thoughts confused and heart pounding.
---
Morning
Wu Tangge opened his eyes to find Yun Ling'er sitting atop him completely naked, smiling softly.
"What's with that look?" he muttered. "Did you poison me while I slept?"
Yun Ling'er smacked his chest playfully. "I told you. As long as you don't harm my clan, I won't harm you."
Wu Tangge laughed and hugged her. "Alright. I'm leaving for the Lower Realm tomorrow. Don't go falling for some other guy while I'm gone."
Yun Ling'er looked away. "Just come back safe. Your power will be heavily suppressed down there."
Wu Tangge smirked. "You think I'm weak?"
"No… but—"
"I'll be fine," he interrupted.
After a while, he got dressed and left her chambers, walking toward the Elder Hall.
He stopped before the grand gate. "Elder Tian Ba, may I enter?"
A flicker of light, and Elder Tian Ba teleported in front of him.
"Nephew Tangge! What brings you here?"
Wu Tangge bowed respectfully. "Elder Tian Ba, your strength shakes the heavens. You are unmatched in this entire academy."
The elder laughed heartily. "Hahaha! You little brat! Out with it, what do you want now?"
"Elder, I have a very important matter that requires me to leave the academy for some time."
Tian Ba narrowed his eyes. "Leaving the Immortal Dao Academy is no trivial request…"
"I swear it is urgent," Wu Tangge said, bowing low. "Life and death may hinge on it."
"Hmph. Alright," Tian Ba said after a moment, producing a golden token. "Take this. If anyone tries to stop you, show them this."
Wu Tangge beamed. "Elder, you are the most generous and powerful man I've ever met."
"Get out of here before you flatter me into poverty!" the elder laughed.
Wu Tangge returned to his room, his expression changing the moment the door closed.
Gone was the charming, grateful disciple. His face twisted into a dark grin.
Lower Realm… Blood Lust Halberd… I'm coming.