A surge of powerful spiritual energy emanated from Lin Ye, causing the surrounding space to tremble slightly, as though it might tear apart at any moment.
"Boom!"
Lin Ye's Qi Sea stirred, and a vast power spread outward, striking the surrounding barrier.
Moonwheel Fifth Stage!
"This gem... it actually raised me by an entire small realm!" Lin Ye's eyes flickered with surprise. He was clearly shocked by the sudden breakthrough.
A jump in Moonwheel would be at least ten to twenty times more difficult than Galaxy stage. Although Lin Ye had many medicinal aids, these were nothing compared to the amount of energy needed for a Moonwheel breakthrough. It was impossible to breakthrough from one level to another in a single day!
"The effect of this one gem is equivalent to at least thirty Qian Luo Bloodstones!"
The Qian Luo Bloodstone was a rare energy stone formed under special conditions. The strange gem in his hand, possibly from some unknown source, contained a vast amount of bloodlust energy. It was precisely because Lin Ye had refined this energy that he could break through.
Moonwheel Fifth Stage.
Once he stepped into the Sunwheel Realm, progress would slow even more. As for the Guixu Realm, Lin Ye himself had experienced numerous fortuitous encounters in his previous life to reach that realm in such a short time.
Thinking about it, Lu Jue had already begun to envy him back then.
"In the end, I was just too young, too trusting."
A cold glint flashed in Lin Ye's eyes. The carelessness from his previous life had turned him into a more cold-blooded person in this life. Any threat would be wiped out without hesitation, and no unnecessary words would be spoken.
Although Zhu Yue joined this journey, it didn't affect Lin Ye. Moreover, Zhu Yue had once entered the Bone Saint's Secret Realm, which was of great value to him.
At dawn, Lin Ye stood on a rooftop.
The entire Yellow Sand City had been in turmoil through the night. The deputy hall master of Tian Xu Sect had fallen, along with more than ten of their top experts, all killed in a brutal scene. The person behind this was said to have an extraordinary power.
Everyone in Yellow Sand City was curious and highly admired the attacker, as their actions were clearly self-destructive. Tian Xu Sect would surely come for vengeance.
At the Iron Horse Gang's base, everyone had breakfast and prepared to set out. Xia Wei and Uwang Leopard stayed behind in the base. With their strength, accompanying them would only slow them down.
While Xia Wei and Uwang Leopard were reluctant, it was the reality. Lin Ye paid an extra 2,000 spiritual crystals to ensure their safety.
As for whether they would face danger, Lin Ye didn't worry much. He had never shortchanged Xia Wei, but protecting her all the time wasn't his focus. However, if she encountered danger, he would avenge her out of old affection—that was all.
The Iron Horse Gang was fully armed. They had to break through the Forbidden Area and travel nearly 100 miles, which was filled with danger. A single misstep could lead to death.
Zhu Yue wore a hat that concealed her exquisite beauty. She donned simple long sleeves and pants, with her long hair tied back and a sword strapped to her back. Her crisp and refreshing appearance made Iron Horse Gang members momentarily speechless.
Although she had dressed down, her charm couldn't be fully hidden.
Tie Feima had prepared fast horses for Lin Ye and his group. However, the horses wouldn't go far. They would have to be left behind at the edge of the Forbidden Area, as entering it would make them food for the wild beasts, and they wouldn't be able to move at all.
The group left the city. Many people were also hurrying toward the Forbidden Area.
"Go!"
Some people were hunting wild beasts, others were searching for treasures, and some were there for the ruins. If they could find even a small part of it, they would never have to work again.
Whoosh!
Over a dozen figures streaked low in the sky, rushing toward the Forbidden Area, each releasing a powerful aura.
"Those are people from the Shang Cheng Sword Sect."
Tie Feima said.
"Several waves have already passed. It seems the three sects have suffered quite a bit in the ruins, otherwise, they wouldn't be urgently calling for reinforcements."
At the back of the crowd, Zhu Yue looked up at the swiftly passing figures, a deep hatred flickering in her eyes. She wished she could immediately strike them down. These people were the ones who had killed her family.
Even though she was the last one left, she had to complete the mission.
"I see the woman looks a bit off,"Ro Gui said, quietly approaching Lin Ye. With his sharp eyes, he had noticed her anger and hatred when she saw the people from the sects.
"She's been to the secret realm, she can lead us in."
"Could it be she... no, it couldn't have been you last night?"
Ro Gui suddenly understood.
It seemed too coincidental that Lin Ye had returned with a woman after a brief absence, followed by a bloody massacre.
"Ahh..."
Ro Gui couldn't help but admire Lin Ye's strength. He had grown much stronger after a trip to Qian Luo Canyon, surpassing Ro Gui's own strength by far. Lin Ye's strength was so overwhelming that even those stronger than the Sunwheel Realm couldn't match him.
"It's fine, as long as she brings us to the secret realm." Lin Ye continued, looking ahead.
"The Forbidden Area is marked with warnings. We will have to walk from here."
Tie Feima said. The journey ahead would be dangerous.
At the edge of the Forbidden Area, they saw warning signs, some hung on trees, signaling the presence of wild beasts.
Tie Feima had one of his men stay behind to guard the horses.
"From here on, we walk." Tie Feima announced.
They continued on foot. The surrounding forest grew denser.
A commotion ahead reached their ears.
"Who are you to seal the mountain? This isn't the territory of your Qingtian Sword Sect!"
"Yes, you handle your business, and we'll handle ours."
The hunters, eager to enter the Forbidden Area, were stopped by a group of Qingtian Sword Sect disciples.
"Oh no, it's the Qingtian Sword Sect. They've blocked the entrance and expanded their control," Tie Feima said, his face tense.
Zhu Yue's eyes flashed with a deep hatred when she saw the Qingtian Sword Sect disciples. These were the same sects that had killed her family.
She was ready to strike, but she had to follow Lin Ye's plan.
"Hold on, this is too much. We can't just let them seal us out." Lin Ye said, stepping forward, his gaze icy.
"I'll take care of this."
With a flick of his wrist, Lin Ye's energy surged. He stepped forward, raising his sword high to cleave the air.