Invincible Soul Emperor

But such a powerful person was silently wounded so severely.

Moreover, these injuries seem to have occurred recently, indicating they happened during the last time Xiao Xiao and the others visited.

However, neither Xiao Xiao nor Xue Feng are a match for this elder.

Could it really be as Xue Zhao said...

Could it be Xue Wei?

The Thousand-Year Elder Gui slowly raised its head, its eyes weary yet still glowing with brilliance.

Its deep voice echoed in the water: "You two need not worry about me. This cavern has ample energy, enough for me to recover."

The Old Turtle seemed to recognize Xue Zhao, looking at Xue Zhao with particularly gentle eyes.

Xue Zhao’s face was full of concern, swiftly pulling out some Healing Pills from her bosom and presenting them to the Old Turtle: "Elder, please take these pills. They might not help much, but at least they can alleviate your condition."

The Old Turtle nodded slightly, accepted the pills, and gently chewed them. Moments later, it seemed to feel some relief as its breathing steadied.

Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao saw the Thousand-Year Elder Gui consume the pills, exchanging a grave glance.

Ye Qingchen took a deep breath, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes, stepped forward, and said heavily, yet respectfully: "Elder, who could deal such a cruel hand to you? Tell us, and we will surely seek justice for you."

The Old Turtle slightly raised its head, a complex emotion flickered in its deep gaze.

It seemed to hesitate, or perhaps it was considering whether to disclose more information.

Moments later, the Old Turtle slowly closed its eyes, as if into deep thought.

The previous Xue Family member was difficult to deal with; even he could be easily injured like this. Knowing this is futile, and that person is extremely cunning, Xue Zhao cannot be allowed to risk it.

Xue Zhao saw the Old Turtle did not answer immediately, her heart sank a little.

She softly spoke: "Elder, we mean no harm, merely want to ascertain the truth in order to better protect this sea area. Your injuries are so severe; we cannot stand idly by."

She cared for this Thousand-Year Elder Gui but was more concerned about whether Xue Wei did this. If Xue Wei indeed injured the Elder Gui, she would have leverage.

The Old Turtle still did not respond, and the surrounding seawater seemed to grow heavier under its silence.

Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao felt an invisible pressure looming over them.

Ye Qingchen patiently waited for a moment, then sincerely asked again: "Elder, if you prefer not to say, we won’t force you. But if there’s anything we can help with, please tell us."

The Old Turtle finally opened its eyes, revealing a hint of sorrow and fatigue within its deep gaze.

Its deep voice echoed in the water: "You two, your intentions are clear to me. But some things, the less you know, the safer you are. Your Xue Family is not as simple as it appears. If you insist on pursuing this, be prepared to face greater dangers."

Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao listened to the Old Turtle’s words, vaguely harboring a suspicion in their hearts.

They had no concrete evidence but felt the true culprit might very well be Xue Wei.

Ye Qingchen slightly frowned, his mind swirling with various thoughts.

He knew Xue Wei was vying for the Saint Position, and Xue Zhao had mentioned this person was crafty. But that was merely on the surface; Ye Qingchen was always unable to fully grasp what kind of person Xue Wei truly was.

But now, looking at the Old Turtle’s wounds, Ye Qingchen suddenly gained some understanding of Xue Wei.

This Xue Wei seemed decidedly ruthless.

To threaten such a venerable elder, ordinary folk wouldn’t dare attempt!

Xue Zhao’s eyes flashed with a complex emotion, her doubts about Xue Wei deepened.

Xue Wei hadn’t been active recently, making her feel something was amiss. Coupled with the current situation, Xue Zhao harbored an ominous premonition.

They exchanged a glance and simultaneously said: "Could Xue Wei strike us in the Secret Realm?"

Xue Zhao was first to speak: "It’s not impossible; I just don’t understand how he could sneak in so quietly and leave just as silently?"

"Perhaps he possesses some secrets unknown to us?"

Ye Qingchen wasn’t very familiar with the Xue Family, so he couldn’t comment on this matter.

However, what they needed to do next was exercise extreme caution in the Secret Realm!

The two sighed, then turned to the Old Turtle and said: "Elder, if you’re unwilling to say who it is, we’ll leave it at that. But we need your help to open the path to the Volcano. Elder, please lend us a hand."

The Old Turtle listened to their request, looked deeply at the two, then slowly said: "You two, seeking the path to the Volcano is no easy task. It must be tested to prove your capability. This is not my demand, but a rule passed down from our ancestors."

Xue Zhao nodded to Ye Qingchen, indicating this was indeed the case.

However, just as they were preparing to face the test, the Old Turtle shook its head slightly and said, with a voice tinged with fatigue: "But in my current state, I cannot present you with a test. My wounds are heavy, my body cannot bear it; without my strength, those tests cannot be opened. Given the circumstances, the path to the back mountain lies ahead; you can go alone."

The two were somewhat surprised.

Seeing the tired eyes of the Old Turtle, the two nodded in unison.

"Thank you, Elder."

The two didn’t interfere further, knowing the Old Turtle would handle its injuries itself.

Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao followed the Thousand-Year Elder Gui’s guidance, traversing obstacle upon obstacle, until they finally arrived in a mysterious region.

The sight before them took their breath away.

The Teleportation Portal stood amidst a wide open space on the seabed, surrounded by strange glowing corals and vibrant seaweed.

Those glowing corals emanated a soft blue light, illuminating the entire region as if it were a dreamscape.

The seaweeds gently swayed with the waves, seeming to welcome their arrival.

This Teleportation Portal seemed more opulent than any Secret Realm entrance they’d previously seen.

The portal was akin to an ancient temple.

It was constructed of black Xuan Stone, towering several zhang, shaped with a classic and solemn design.

The doorframe was engraved with complex runes; those runes appeared to contain a powerful force, mildly glowing and flickering with the flow of seawater. The central door had a gigantic blue gemstone that emitted a faint glow, resembling a deep eye observing everything ahead.

Around the Teleportation Portal, some ancient stone carvings floated, each uniquely shaped.

Some were carved with ancient mythical beasts, while others had mysterious runes and totems.