As Luo Yu entered the temple gate, his vision first went dark.
Then it cleared up.
His spiritual power circulated within his body, maintaining vigilance as he quickly surveyed the surrounding environment.
A hint of surprise appeared on the corners of his mouth.
Because the place he found himself in was not a temple at all, but a desolate mountain range.
The ground was overgrown with bushes, tall trees shot up into the sky, and their leaves intertwined above, with darkness all around—clearly, it was night.
"So this is the Secret Realm? It really is magical," Luo Yu muttered to himself as he sensed no danger around him.
He could tell that everything around him was real, not an illusion.
"Let's regroup with our teams and stay alert," Cao Ritian, who was radiating a faint red glow as if afraid he wouldn't be seen, ordered.
The other Martial Arts Teams that had entered did not dissent, quickly realigning themselves in units of seven.
"What are you looking around for, kid?"
Zhu Qing placed a hefty hand on Luo Yu's shoulder, being nearest to him.
Luo Yu spoke up, "A mere temple, concealing such a vast space; the ancients' methods were truly formidable."
"Hiss—"
Zhu Qing inhaled sharply.
"You're not saying this is your first time in the Secret Realm, are you, kid?"
"Yeah," Luo Yu didn't deny.
"Damn it, what the hell is your school playing at? Sending you in here is like sending you to your death," Zhu Qing said through gritted teeth, "Do you know how dangerous the Secret Realm is?"
"I think the scenery is quite nice," Luo Yu felt that the trees around him were like old trees that had withstood the test of time, their aura was refreshing.
"Damn, captain, this guy is treating exploring the Secret Realm like a vacation," an astonished voice came from the Northeast Martial University team.
"Kid, don't take this lightly. The Secret Realm is filled with all sorts of deadly traps. One careless move and there won't be anyone to even collect your corpse," someone lectured.
Luo Yu nodded, knowing these people were vulgar but not ill-intentioned; they were genuinely trying to warn him.
"Thanks for the heads-up."
A team member sighed and advised, "Hey, you're quite polite, kid. I suggest you head back out. Without enough experience, coming in to explore a Third-Grade Secret Realm is very likely to be life-threatening."
"All of you shut up," Zhu Qing glared and snapped, "What kind of talk is that, huh?"
"With me, Fire God Zhu Qing, and others like Cao Ritian here, what crisis could there be? Protecting a little brother is a piece of cake."
Luo Yu remained silent with a smile on the side.
He felt this group of people was indeed tough-talking but kind-hearted, which was quite nice.
"Enough chit-chat," Cao Ritian still had the same imperious demeanor, but his tone became serious and earnest.
"I want there to be only one voice in this team, and that's to follow my command. Anyone who disagrees can leave now."
"Stop talking nonsense, no one's going to leave at this time. Say something useful," Zhu Qing cursed out loud, and Pan Ren and others nodded in agreement.
Luo Yu was somewhat surprised to see no one leaving, then he nodded silently to himself.
It seemed that although all present had strong personalities, they acted rationally when it came to serious issues.
In the unknown situation of the Secret Realm, leaving the group was risky, and sticking together was the wisest choice.
Cao Ritian glanced at Zhu Qing with a look that said he couldn't be bothered to argue and then began giving orders:
"Sixth, go take a look from above."
"Yes, captain," a thin young man from the Jing Province Martial University team soared into the air. He was a Third-Grade Martial Artist who easily broke through the branches to gain a vantage point from the sky.
Cao Ritian said:
"Sixth has remarkable eyesight, his night vision is as good as in daylight, making him most suitable for scouting the terrain."
Then he turned to Luo Yu.
"Xia Xiaozi, come over here. Zhu Qing can't protect you."
"Bullshit!" Zhu Qing shouted angrily, "With your airs, one would think you're all that!"
"Little brother Xia, just stay with me, you'll definitely be safe."
"I think, it's better to come to me. These two guys are unreliable," Pan Ren, who looked rather effeminate, interjected.
Luo Yu was slightly surprised.
Were these people really so righteous, rushing to protect him?
What was their true goal?
He frankly had doubts about these people being so benevolent.
The members of these three teams, as well as from other Martial Universities, were also confused. Some discreetly asked, "This kid is obviously a burden; why are Cao and the others fighting over him?"
"Yeah, are they trying to show off? Pretending to be heroes by taking along deadweight into the Secret Realm?"
"No way, everyone knows the Secret Realm is full of dangers. Bringing along a huge liability is too risky."
"Can't understand it, the captains' thought processes might be different from normal people's."
Incomprehension filled the whispers all around, and the regular Martial University captains couldn't make sense of the three families' enigmatic moves. However, Song Bida from Qing Province Martial Arts University and Yuan Guangyi from Ning Province Martial Arts University seemed thoughtful, as if they had figured something out.
Zhu Qing turned back to Luo Yu and declared boldly, "Xia Luo, little brother, stick with me. Trust me, no one can hurt you in this Secret Realm."
"Eh..."
Watching his robust and uninhibited manner, Luo Yu felt some hesitation inside.
He always felt there was something hidden in the other's gaze.
Seeing Luo Yu staying put, Cao Potian's eyes flickered, and he fell silent.
Pan Ren's lips curled up with a peculiar smile.
"Swoosh!"
A figure descended from the sky.
"What did you see?" The other teams gathered around, and someone asked eagerly.