As Ye Zhaozhao spoke, Chang Le'an's expression turned proud.
"Indeed, the Langya Secret Realm opens only once every ten years. When I entered it ten years ago, I returned with an abundant harvest. The number of spiritual herbs I gathered was the highest among all six sects!" Chang Le'an declared with confidence.
Before that trip, his astonishing luck hadn't yet been fully recognized. Although Master Lingxu had accepted him as a true disciple, rumors still circulated that he was a jinx.
However, during that trip, as a mere new disciple, he had outshone all six sects and returned with the greatest harvest of spiritual herbs!
This achievement not only brought him praise from the sect but also completely erased his reputation as a jinx.
From then on, disciples no longer avoided him. Instead, they sought him out, treating him like a lucky star whose fortune could rub off on them.
Now, with Ye Zhaozhao facing criticism due to Li Shuang's schemes, Chang Le'an saw everything and felt an ache in his heart.
He wanted the whole sect to know that Ye Zhaozhao was his junior sister. With him protecting her, no one would dare to bully her!
As for Li Shuang…
Chang Le'an sneered inwardly. He wanted her to realize just how foolish her actions were. In the future, he would definitely avenge his junior sister.
"Is the Langya Secret Realm really about to open…" Sheng Yuan muttered, slightly dazed. He had been so busy lately that he had almost forgotten such an important event.
"Big Brother, the Disciple Hall has already announced it will open in a month," Ye Zhaozhao said quickly. "This time, I also plan to sign up."
Ten years ago, she had missed the opportunity, but this time she was determined to enter!
When she first joined the sect, the system had informed her that Li Shuang possessed the strongest luck in the Sword Sect, so she had parasitized the system onto Li Shuang without hesitation.
But over time, doubts crept in. Had the system made a mistake? Based on her daily experiences, it seemed Chang Le'an's luck was far greater than Li Shuang's.
After all, if not for his extraordinary fortune, how could he have returned from the last secret realm trip with such a legendary harvest, surpassing disciples of all six sects?
Li Shuang's performance had been only mediocre.
When Ye Zhaozhao asked the system about it, even it was uncertain. Luck was mysterious, difficult to measure or track. Ten years ago, it had exhausted all its energy just to pinpoint the luckiest individual in the Sword Sect. Beyond that, it knew nothing of others.
Still, by all appearances, Chang Le'an's luck was remarkably high.
Luck also manifested differently—some people peaked early, others later. Clearly, Chang Le'an's luck was at its peak now.
Besides, Ye Zhaozhao had already stolen part of Li Shuang's fortune over the past ten years.
If she could enter the secret realm alongside Chang Le'an, their combined luck might guarantee immense rewards!
If they could take first place among the six sects, the Sword Sect would earn additional prizes.
That way, they could at least make up for the great losses she had recently suffered.
Sheng Yuan considered it carefully. "Only cultivators under fifty may enter the Langya Secret Realm. Furthermore, the cultivation of all participants will be suppressed to the Foundation Establishment Stage. This ancient secret realm contains countless spiritual herbs and rare minerals no longer found in the outside world. That's why every opening is so crucial. The six sects each send their most talented disciples, and the harvest rankings reflect the overall strength of their younger generation."
His gaze shifted toward Chang Le'an.
After all, it was during that very trip ten years ago that Chang Le'an had risen to fame—defeating countless geniuses as a mere new disciple and taking first place!
That triumph had filled him with unshakable confidence.
Sheng Yuan continued, "This time, not everyone can just enter. The sect will first hold a competition. All disciples under fifty can participate, but their cultivation will be restricted to the Foundation Establishment Stage. Only the top fifty will qualify to enter the secret realm. After all, the sect's honor is at stake."
"Big Brother, we all know that," Ye Zhaozhao said proudly. "Although I lack real combat experience, with Long Yan's help, I can still make it into the top fifty!"
Long Yan appeared beside her, his expression filled with arrogance. "With me here, not only the top fifty—even first place is within reach."
Chang Le'an's face darkened when he saw Long Yan suddenly appear.
Did this sword spirit really think he hadn't noticed his inappropriate thoughts toward his junior sister?
A mere sword spirit, daring to covet Zhaozhao!
If she didn't still need him, Chang Le'an would have dealt with him already. When he and Zhaozhao finally became Dao partners, he would insist that the sword spirit remain sealed in the sword space unless absolutely necessary. After all, the master-servant contract bound him completely; resistance was impossible.
"We're true disciples," Chang Le'an added firmly. "Breaking into the top fifty won't be difficult. Besides, strength isn't everything. Last time, I only ranked 43rd in the qualifying rounds, yet I still secured first place in the end. Sometimes, luck is what matters most!"
His voice carried boundless confidence.
Ye Zhaozhao shared his certainty. Seeing this, Sheng Yuan relented. "Very well, you two may try. I won't participate this time. Lingxu Peak has too many matters that require my attention."
Even as he spoke, a headache formed. Only after Li Shuang's departure had he realized how complex Lingxu Peak truly was. How had she managed it all so easily back then?
He had never worried about such things before.
The thought stung, and he quickly suppressed it. Overthinking was useless. The eldest sister had cultivated the ruthless path, becoming as cold as an unfeeling machine. Otherwise, how could she have driven them all into such despair?
"Thank you for your hard work, Senior Brother," Chang Le'an said, then quickly went off to sign up.
Ye Zhaozhao hesitated, then asked, "Third Senior Brother, do you think Senior Sister Li will register too?"
She almost hoped Li Shuang would. Every time the secret realm opened, disciples perished in its hidden dangers. If Li Shuang dared to enter, perhaps she would finally meet her end!
Chang Le'an sneered. "She's still in the Qi Training Stage. How could she possibly qualify? Don't concern yourself with her, Zhaozhao. She's not even on our level anymore."
Ye Zhaozhao felt a trace of disappointment but admitted he was right. Li Shuang probably wouldn't sign up this time.
Then she would wait.
Wait until next time.
When her strength and wealth were restored, she would personally deal with Li Shuang!
—
Wuqing Peak.
In a sealed chamber, a few days earlier.
Li Shuang slowly opened her eyes.