As the gate of the Secret Mystic Realm opened, a hushed reverence swept through the assembly of cultivators below. The air seemed to shimmer with an aura of ancient power, and all eyes were drawn to the majestic spectacle. Whispers of awe and amazement rippled through the crowd, and even the most seasoned cultivators couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the mysterious realm unfolding before them. It was a moment of profound significance, a gateway to realms untold, and the cultivators gazed upon it with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The grandeur of the scene left an indelible mark on their minds, etching the memory of the opening of the Secret Mystic Realm into the annals of their cultivation journey.
Despite the allure of the newly revealed Secret Mystic Realm, an unspoken rule governed the assembly: no one dared to make a move until Azrael and Cecilia signaled their readiness. The silent, imposing figures of the couple standing at the gate served as an unyielding barrier, dissuading any rash actions.
The cultivators, their anticipation palpable, exchanged cautious glances. The Elders in the shadows maintained a stoic demeanor, well aware of the consequences should they provoke Azrael. The air was charged with an unspoken tension, creating a temporary standstill as everyone waited for the signal to explore the secrets that lay beyond the opened gateway.
Azrael's keen eyes swept over the intricate details of the Secret Mystic Realm, and he couldn't help but acknowledge the craftsmanship that went into its creation. "Not bad."
Turning his attention to Cecilia, he extended a hand with a charming smile.
"Let's go, my sweet elf," he invited.
Cecilia's face lit up with a radiant smile as she gracefully took his hand. Together, they walked towards the entrance of the Secret Mystic Realm, disappearing into its depths as the enigmatic gateway welcomed them.
The cultivators below gazed at the empty space where Azrael and Cecilia had stood, a lingering awe in their eyes that persisted for a full ten minutes. Even though the couple was no longer present, the onlookers remained frozen in place until the ten-minute mark.
At that point, an Elder emerged from the shadows, stepping forward to address the disciples from his sect. His voice carried a resolute tone as he spoke, "Currently, there is a powerful cultivator inside this realm. A monster that can easily subdue elders at my level without even lifting his hands. Knowing that, would you young geniuses still want to enter this realm?" His words were not loud but resonated clearly, reaching the ears of nearby cultivators beyond his sect.
The disciples exchanged determined glances and shouted in unison, "Yes!"
A satisfied smile graced the Elder's face as he continued, "Good! However, don't forget to be cautious. Don't provoke that man. If he sees your treasure and desires it, just give it up. If you find treasures but he also desires them, just give them up. Being alive and returning home without any harvest is better than a dead body clutching treasures. However, if he tries to take advantage of your dignity, don't allow it! I will fight alongside you."
The Elder's speech bolstered the confidence and morale of the disciples from his sect. With newfound determination, they moved forward, steadily approaching the entrance until they entered and vanished into the Secret Mystic Realm.
Witnessing the actions of the disciples from prominent sects and the 20 kingdoms, several other major sects and influential powers were compelled to make their move.
"Nice."
Azrael silently admire as he gazed upon the breathtaking sight that unfolded before him. It was as if the divine realms had descended to the mortal world, creating an ethereal landscape that captivated his senses.
The land stretched out in a panorama of lush greenery, with towering trees standing tall and proud. Each leaf seemed to shimmer with vitality, and the branches swayed gracefully in an unseen breeze. Rare and vibrant flowers adorned the landscape, their colors so vivid that they could rival the most precious gems.
The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flora, creating a harmonious symphony of scents that danced through the atmosphere. Azrael could hear the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of a crystal-clear stream. Birds, with plumage of the most exquisite hues, flitted about, adding their melodic songs to the natural orchestra.
The land undulated with hills and valleys, forming a picturesque scene that seemed to stretch into infinity. Majestic mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks obscured by wisps of clouds. The sky above was a canvas of soft hues, transitioning from the warm embrace of daylight to the tranquil shades of dusk.
This Secret Mystic Realm appeared as a haven of natural beauty, an untouched paradise that radiated an otherworldly charm.
"My sweet elf," Azrael whispered, his voice carrying a hint of playfulness as they strolled hand in hand, "It's a perfect site for our date, don't you think?"
Cecilia smiled in agreement, "Yes."
The Secret Mystic Realm employs a unique rule: upon entry, individuals are directed to different locations along the edges. Fortunately, the Mystic Realm, seemingly possessing its own consciousness, has the ability to identify and group individuals together based of their groups. This provides an additional layer of security for the cultivators. Azrael, being exceptional, can bypass this rule and choose any location he desires.
In this idyllic realm, Azrael and Cecilia embarked on a serene and enchanting date. Azrael, with his extraordinary charm, would occasionally pluck vibrant flowers, presenting them to Cecilia as tokens of their time together. Amidst the lush landscape, they indulged in delightful fruits, savoring each moment of their peaceful date.
Azrael, however, added an adventurous twist to their outing. Deliberately, he scared away any wandering monsters, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and safety for their romantic escapade. The combination of natural beauty, sweet gestures, and a touch of excitement made their date truly magical.
Hand in hand, Azrael and Cecilia ventured further into the enchanting landscape of the Secret Mystic Realm. The vibrant colors of the flora, the soothing melodies of nature, and the ethereal surroundings set the perfect stage for a tranquil and romantic escapade.
Azrael led Cecilia through the verdant paths, guiding her to secluded spots where they could revel in the beauty of the realm. The air seemed to carry a magical essence, and the couple found themselves immersed in a serene atmosphere that transcended the ordinary.
They discovered a crystal-clear pond, its surface reflecting the azure sky above. Colorful koi fish gracefully glided beneath the water's surface, creating ripples that mirrored the couple's contentment. Azrael conjured a comfortable blanket, and the two settled by the pond, basking in the serenity of their surroundings.
As they enjoyed the view, Azrael and Cecilia engaged in heartfelt conversations, sharing laughter and quiet moments of intimacy.
The sun began its descent, casting a warm glow upon the landscape. Azrael and Cecilia watched the sky transition through a spectrum of hues, from the soft pinks and oranges of dusk to the deep blues of nightfall. Stars adorned the heavens, twinkling in a celestial dance.
Azrael pulled Cecilia closer, and they reveled in the simple joy of each other's company.
Seated by the side of a clear pond, Azrael enveloped Cecilia in a warm embrace, her back secured against his firm chest.
Reflecting on their shared past, Azrael began, "This scene brings back memories of when we first met. I was peacefully resting near a beautiful pond, admiring its clear and healthy waters, when suddenly, I found myself under attack. It didn't take long for the assailant to feel the sting of my palm on her ass."
Cecilia, her long ears blushing slightly, responded with a playful pout. "Hmmph, you don't have to remind me of that."
Azrael chuckled warmly.
"But I am thankful and consider myself fortunate to have crossed paths with you. At that time, I was a sheltered princess, even though I was already in my twenties, I was still naive about the world. Desperation drove us away from our land, our home, as we sought survival. I only managed to reach that place because of..." Cecilia paused, biting her lip.
"Sssshhh..." Azrael's embrace tightened, offering solace. If someone were to ask Azrael who among his wives harbored the most regret, he would undoubtedly point to Cecilia. She regretted her own weakness, regretted being a naive and sheltered princess until she was forced to confront a harsh reality. If not for Azrael, she might have met a tragic end or become a shattered soul. When Azrael gathered their families, especially the parents of his wives, to discuss the option of reincarnation in the real world, he observed a subtle envy and sadness in Cecilia's eyes, even though she managed to conceal it. To Azrael, it was an emotion that couldn't be hidden.
He gently wiped away her tears.
Cecilia regained her composure, taking a deep breath and finding solace in Azrael's presence.
"I love you," she uttered.
"I love you too," Azrael responded, his words filled with sincerity.
At that moment, Azrael smiled with profound meaning and confidence. However, Cecilia failed to notice it as she delved deeper into his embrace, finding solace in his arms until her consciousness drifted away.
[A/N: I am sorry if there's no fight in this chapter. I just wanted to explore more of Cecilia's character, and I am debating if I should include a minor fight in this small arc. Because Azrael has another purpose this time, he is not here to consolidate his cultivation. It wouldn't make any sense to throw braindead young masters in his way because if possible, I want to avoid those kinds of scenarios if not necessary and just progress the plot. However, if this mini arc doesn't have any fights, don't worry about it! Because the next arc would be a little bit more serious and involve certain 'kingdoms.']