C61 Lyi Huamei(2)

"Elder Ye, do you think I was wrong?"

Elder Sun was already annoyed by the challenges from Woo Zhengyang and Dao Wuming. Now that Elder Ye was getting involved, he felt even more embarrassed and spoke with clear displeasure.

"Not at all," Elder Ye replied with a smile. "I just think that since this is a matter between the disciples, they should handle it themselves. Whether they want to have a duel or a life-and-death battle, let them decide."

Elder Ye's suggestion was undoubtedly the fairest. If Yuen Tianshan wanted to challenge Woo Zhengyang, he should be prepared for the possibility of a life-and-death duel. If he's not willing to risk it, why waste anyone's time?

"Hmph..."

With a cold snort, Elder Sun left. At this point, there was nothing more he could say. Forcing Woo Zhengyang to accept the challenge would mean he was using his elder status to bully a disciple, which would tarnish his reputation as an outer sect elder. If word reached the Sect Master, it would be even worse.

After Elder Sun departed, Elder Ye also left, leaving Yuen Tianshan standing there, feeling incredibly awkward. He had intended to challenge Woo Zhengyang but lacked the courage for a life-and-death fight. Now, he was stuck, unsure whether to stay or go.

"If you're not up for a life-and-death battle, stop getting in the way of my drinking. Or do you want to try your luck with me?" Dao Wuming said disdainfully.

This time, Yuen Tianshan didn't care about saving face and turned to leave. Woo Zhengyang was still a bit hesitant, but Dao Wuming didn't bother with rules. Whether the opponent agreed to a life-or-death duel or not, whether they were on the martial platform or not, Dao Wuming always drew blood. If he decided to strike, Yuen Tianshan couldn't refuse, because Dao Wuming's fights were dictated by his blade, not by words.

As Yuen Tianshan left, the crowd that had gathered to watch slowly dispersed. With nothing else to do, Woo Zhengyang continued to ponder the mysteries of the four-character sword technique in his mind. However, today seemed to be an unlucky day for him, as he was interrupted once again.

"May I sit here?" The speaker was a girl with a particularly pleasant voice, and Woo Zhengyang found her somewhat familiar.

Opening his eyes, he saw Lyi Huamei, the second-ranked disciple from the outer sect, standing by the table with a smile, looking at him inquisitively.

"Of course..." Woo Zhengyang wasn't sure of Lyi Huamei's intentions, but it didn't seem like she was there to provoke him. Besides, during his duel with Liu Tianli, Lyi Huamei had been supportive of him, which made it hard for Woo Zhengyang to refuse her.

Lyi Huamei sat down gracefully, picked up the wine jug, and poured a cup for both Woo Zhengyang and herself. She glanced at Dao Wuming, who was holding a wine jar, and decided against pouring him a drink.

"Are you planning to join the Mystic Trace Realm trial this time?" Lyi Huamei asked softly, holding her wine glass.

"Mystic Trace Realm?"

"I knew you wouldn't be familiar..." Lyi Huamei chuckled, taking a small sip of her drink before explaining to Woo Zhengyang.

The Mystic Trace Realm is a legendary secret realm in this area, passed down through the ages. It's said to be a treasure trove left by ancient masters for Martial Disciples. Inside, you might find rare items like elixirs, manuals, magical artifacts, and heavenly fruits—things that are hard to come by these days.

The realm opens once a year, and the recruitment schedules of major sects and the Heavenly Martial Academy align with its opening. Typically, this wouldn't concern someone like Woo Zhengyang, as newcomers to the sect rarely enter the realm.

The rules of the Mystic Trace Realm are strict. Although there's no limit on the number of entrants each time it opens, a disciple can only enter once in their lifetime. If a newcomer enters, there's no guarantee they'll make it far or gain anything valuable. Returning safely is a matter of luck, as everything inside depends on one's strength. Even if it comes to fighting for resources, it's all accepted by the major sects.

Because of this, most people wait until they're at the level of a Nine-star Martial Disciple to enter. Some, more confident in their abilities, might enter as Eight-star Martial Disciples. For example, Zhongli Huo and Dao Wuming entered last year, and after returning, they advanced to Nine-star Martial Disciples, likely due to their gains from the realm.

Lyi Huamei didn't go last year, so she's determined to make it this time. If she doesn't advance to the Martial Master Stage within a year, she'll miss out on this opportunity.

As for Woo Zhengyang, according to Lyi Huamei, he feels that the Outer Sect Number One Madman might just go all out again, so he shared this information.

Currently, Woo Zhengyang's combat strength is comparable to an Eight-star Martial Disciple. However, he's not truly at that level, and if he encounters a formidable Nine-star Martial Disciple, he doesn't have a guaranteed victory. Heading there now would be fraught with danger.

But after learning about the Mystic Trace Realm, Woo Zhengyang made up his mind—he has to go!

Uncle Fu has only about six months left, and Woo Zhengyang isn't sure if there will be a Dragon Saliva Pill in the Mystic Trace Realm, but it's a chance he can't pass up.

Moreover, after his experiences with the Sword Sacrificing Spell and Dragon Countering Nine Steps, Woo Zhengyang is deeply intrigued by ancient relics. Who knows, this journey might bring unexpected rewards.