The ones blocking these sects and holy lands were none other than the Nanyue King's personal guards, the Southern Python Guards!
Countless guards formed a human wall in the sky, preventing anyone from entering the mountain range.
"You Nanyue people... aren't you all being too overbearing?"
"A secret realm's emergence is a chance for everyone to explore. What right do you have to block us?"
"Just because this is your territory? How absurd! Even Beiyang has never been this unreasonable and overbearing. This is outrageous!"
For a moment, the sects and holy lands all protested. They had traveled long distances for a chance at fortune. If they lacked strength or luck, they could accept it. But not even being allowed to enter was infuriating!
"This is too much..." Naturally, the Ziyou Holy Land was among them, and Zi Lianyou was stomping her feet in anger.
"Sigh, Nanyue King is a relative of the Tai'an Imperial Family, sharing the same surname as the emperor!"
"Yes, even if we are angry, there's nothing we can do about it."
Although Nanyue's actions had angered everyone, no one dared to act. If they did, they would provoke the mighty Tianlang Immortal Dynasty, and that could lead to the destruction of their entire sect and their nine generations.
But no one was willing to leave, so they stayed and waited.
"Saintess, don't worry. Let me try a secret method. Maybe I can sneak in." An elder from the Ziyou Holy Land said.
He activated a secret technique, transforming into an invisible ghostly form, and rushed toward the Southern Python Guards.
"Kill any intruders!"
Unfortunately, the Southern Python Guards were no ordinary soldiers; many were strong cultivators.
As soon as the elder approached, he was struck by a streak of spiritual power, revealing his form. Immediately, several guards stepped forward, weapons drawn.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The elder's body was pierced by multiple weapons, turning him into a human pincushion. Blood splattered the sky, a gruesome sight!
"Elder Qing!!" Zi Lianyou's pupils contracted, her voice filled with sorrow.
This elder had watched her grow up, often playing with her, giving her delicious treats, and teaching her the Dao and now he was dead, killed by the Southern Python Guards.
"I'll fight them!"
"Saintess, don't be reckless. They mean business!"
Zi Lianyou was restrained by others, unable to rush forward for revenge, and could only stand there with tears streaming down her face.
The elder's death was a harsh warning to all sects and holy lands. If they tried to force their way in, the Southern Python Guards would indeed kill them.
Nanyue was determined to claim the secret realm for themselves. Frustration and anger boiled among the sects, but no one dared to speak out. Some smaller sects began to leave quietly, realizing there was no point in staying.
"Saintess, we should leave too..."
"Let's take Elder Qing's body back for a proper burial."
"We don't have the backing to challenge Nanyue."
Zi Lian You knew this well. She could only swallow her anger and sorrow. Nodding slightly, she prepared to leave, feeling like a lifeless puppet.
Just then, a rumbling sound echoed from the sky, drawing everyone's attention. They looked up to see three flood dragons crossing the heavens.
Under the sunlight, the dragons' scales shimmered, and their coiling bodies seemed to stir the mountains and rivers. Behind them was a golden carriage, luxuriously crafted from gold with cloud patterns adorning the curtains.
Through the fluttering fabric, two figures could be faintly seen.
On either side of the carriage, dozens of white-clad Sword Guards flew, their sword energy piercing the heavens.
"It's the Crown Prince... the Crown Prince has arrived!"
The scene caused an uproar. All the surrounding cultivators and sects were in a frenzy. Such an imposing presence, accompanied by white-clad Sword Guards—who else could it be but the Crown Prince of Beiyang?
Rumors of the Crown Prince has been spreading in the southern region recently, and it turned out to be true!
As the carriage descended and hovered in mid-air, two figures stepped out. The man wore pristine white clothes, his demeanor like a jade immortal, exuding a godly aura that looked down upon all.
Beside him was a woman in a moon-white dress. She was none other than Su Xuení, the Saintess of Tianchi Holy Land, ranked second on the list of most beautiful immortal maidens in the Canglan Dao Domain.
Her stunning face and graceful figure, combined with her cold, ethereal demeanor, captivated countless male cultivators.
"She is truly a peerless beauty..."
"So beautiful! To see the Tianchi Saintess in person today, my trip is not wasted."
Yet, this breathtaking Saintess quietly stood behind Lin Qi'an, gazing at the Crown Prince with admiration.
It was the first time people had seen the Saintess look at a man with such a gaze. They were envious and wished they could be in his place.
Zi Lianyou, seeing the two figures in the sky, felt a surge of frustration. If she had aligned herself with the Crown Prince like Sister Xuení, would this tragedy have happened?
"Yue Sect pays respects to the Crown Prince!"
"Qingyun Holy Land pays respects to the Crown Prince!"
"Tiansha Valley pays respects to the Crown Prince!"
"Xuantian Holy Land pays respects to the Crown Prince!"
The holy lands and sects all bowed to the Crown Prince, forming a line with their lowered heads. The lone cultivators who only dared to watch from afar were stunned. This was true dominance!
To ordinary people, these holy lands and great sects were untouchable, yet here they bowed to the Crown Prince.
Wait, was the Crown Prince entering the secret realm? What would Nanyue do now?
Everyone sensed that a good show was about to unfold!