Three days after the Soul-Evaluation turmoil, the Immortal Dao Academy returned to a tense calm. Disciples resumed their training, but the lingering fear of the Evil God's successor still haunted conversations. Though Fang Yuwei had been detained, some elders murmured doubts, and others—like Yun Ling'er—watched Wu Tangge closely.
But Tangge didn't mind. In fact, he welcomed it.
Because he knew… something far greater was coming.
---
Inside the Academy Council Hall
Twelve ancient figures sat atop a floating jade formation. These were the supreme elders—former prodigies who had long since stepped into realms beyond mortal comprehension.
A scroll hovered at the center, sealed with ten layers of divine light. Elder Tianxing stepped forward and lifted it.
As the seals peeled away, a surge of ancient Qi burst into the hall, carrying with it a vision:
A shattered sky...
A mountain shaped like a dragon skull...
A black lotus blooming atop a coffin made of crystal...
The elders' faces turned solemn.
"The Twilight Ruin Secret Realm... it's awakening," Tianxing said. "The tomb of an ancient Evil God war general. Sealed for over 10,000 years."
Another elder's voice was grim. "Artifacts, techniques, even pieces of ancient souls lie within. This may be the opportunity to raise our disciples to peak Immortal King level before the next Heavenly Tribulation Cycle."
"Then we begin the Secret Realm Trials."
---
Next Day – Academy Grand Plaza
Over 8,000 disciples gathered. Floating projections shimmered above the plaza, showing an image of the twisted secret realm: jagged black peaks, corrupted rivers of Qi, and chaotic spatial cracks.
A tall elder in black robes stepped forward.
"In one week, the Twilight Ruin Secret Realm will open for seven days."
"This realm contains not only treasures but also deadly trials left behind by the followers of the Evil God. Beasts warped by ancient demonic Qi, cursed weapons, and trial spirits await within."
"Only 300 disciples will be allowed entry. Participants must pass a three-part trial: Combat, Intelligence, and Team Leadership."
The crowd erupted in murmurs.
Yun Ling'er narrowed her eyes. "Why does this realm sound like it's meant for the Evil God's heir?"
---
Later – Wu Tangge's Courtyard
Tangge stood on his training platform, watching the announcement from afar.
He smiled darkly.
"So… the very place they fear is exactly where my legacy waits."
A new notification shimmered before him.
---
Ding!
Main Quest Unlocked: Claim the Core of Twilight Ruin
Objective: Reach the final altar of the realm and absorb the Evil General's Inheritance.
Reward:
Forbidden Technique: Demon Devourer Art
Evil Artifact Location: Blood Lust Halberd Location Map
Cultivation: Evil God Power Increase (3%)
Optional Side Quest: Frame Another Disciple
Plant demonic Qi in another participant to distract the academy.
Reward: Phantom Clone Art
---
Tangge clenched his fist, red-black qi pulsing around his fingers.
"I'll give them a villain to chase... while I devour their heaven-blessed fate right under their noses."
---
One Week Later – Start of the Realm Trials
Disciples stood in formation on the Thunder Cloud Platform. Each was judged by elders, tested in illusion mazes, forced to fight against battle puppets, and led simulated missions.
Tangge passed each test effortlessly. Calm. Controlled. Ruthless.
But more than that—he shone.
To the world, he was no longer just the Wu Clan's youngest son. He was the calmest mind, strongest blade, and most brilliant tactician of his generation.
Yun Ling'er, watching from afar, bit her lip.
"What are you hiding, Wu Tangge... and why do you seem more dangerous the more good you appear?"
---
Final Selection Announced
Of 1,400 qualified disciples, only 300 were chosen.
Wu Tangge's name came first.
Yun Ling'er followed soon after.
And among the others... many were secretly aligned with the Crimson Serpent, Tangge's hidden faction now numbering over 90 elite disciples across various clans.
They would enter together.
But only he knew... the secret realm was his cradle of chaos.
And when the Twilight Ruin opened—
Wu Tangge would rise as something far darker.