Chapter 81 - Crossroad Lake (1/2)

Crossroad Lake, it was a vast lake that was located in the center of the Rainbow Island, between the borders of the three kingdoms that ruled the island.

Being in the exact center and neutral territory, it was chosen as the ideal place to open the passage to the Secret Dimension. The sects involved thus began to head towards that lake.

During these months, they had completed the formation and built various facilities to house all those who would come. They would, in fact, house not only the chosen younger generation members but also the elders and the sect leaders who would accompany them. They didn't know how much time it would take to explore the Secret Dimension, so they thought it necessary to build these structures.

To prevent nosy people from sneaking in, each of the kingdoms had also placed several checkpoints along a circular perimeter, starting from several kilometers away. The sects involved also sent many of their members to monitor every possible access route.

In the unawares' eyes, all this appeared as the prelude to a great battle, and they feared that event's repercussions. The minor sects tried to investigate again but were told to be still, assuring them that there was no war planned at the time.

Meanwhile, the Flower Sect group had finally arrived after several days of walking. Although they had left early, almost all the other participants had already arrived. From that, one could see how excited everyone was by the opening of the Secret Dimension.

When Hei arrived with the others, numerous wooden buildings immediately appeared to him. It was as if an entire village had been built on the shores of the lake. And in contact with the water, there was a metal tower engraved with an enormous amount of formations. From the aura it emitted, Hei recognized that the Artifact Spirit resided there.

”Finally, we have arrived. The last participants are still missing, and after their arrival, we can all proceed. I suggest you spend this time to reach your peak conditions. The seventh elder will accompany you to your lodgings. We others must define the last things with others.” The sect leader announced as she separated from the group with the rest of the elders.

The only one who remained was the seventh elder who smiled and said.

”Well, then follow me. I remind you that now more than ever, you don't have to create messes. I've been clear?”

The usually cheerful and calm seventh elder pronounced the last words in a cold tone that made the disciples of the Flower Sect jump, including his niece Ying Yue.

”Grandpa, you are scaring us,” she said jokingly.

”It's better that you get scared now than inside the Secret Dimension. This isn't a game, my niece. There isn't only the reputation and future of the sect at stake, but also your own lives. If you aren't careful, you will die.”

The seventh elder continued to make his way until they arrived in a large building engraved with the symbol of the Flower Sect. As one of the five big sects, the structure assigned to the Flower Sect was one of those closest to where the metal tower was located.

”Well, while waiting for the official opening, you will all stay here together to cultivate and prepare yourselves. You can also take advantage of this time to formulate an action plan. In this regard, I have information for you about your opponents and the rules to follow.”

The seventh elder coughed to clear his throat before continuing.

”There are no specific rules within the Secret Dimension. Whoever has the strength will come out victorious and take the most significant amount of the booty. The various sects don't have the right to take revenge for any deaths of their disciples, obviously including ours. Therefore you need not fear the consequences of your actions.

However, at the same time, your actions have consequences. It is because, although they have promised not to retaliate, there is no way of knowing whether they will keep their promise. Or if they will use it as an excuse to attack us, aiming at what you have found there.

Therefore, kill only if strictly necessary and possibly without being seen by anyone.”

At that point, Hei recalled the assassination request that the sect leader had made to him. Even if he had refused immediately, that time, he had wondered if it wasn't too reckless. But it just so happened that they were theoretically excused if they killed other participants.

Meanwhile, the seventh elder had started talking again.

”As for those who will participate, you have to pay attention mainly to two things: avoid the big groups and watch your back from the members of the other big sects.

The medium sect and other similar powers will undoubtedly unite in the early stages. As soon as they discover that we will send 7 participants, they will try to focus on you. I don't think they will kill you unless they are forced. But they will seriously injure you or keep you as prisoners until the end of this event. Individually, each of them isn't your opponent. But if they are numerous enough, they can do this without problems.

But the most difficult opponents always remain the participants of the other big sects. We don't know much about their abilities, but we can still do some speculation.

The Bubble Sect, in fourth place, should have almost all martial artists of the water element. A girl named Sun Xiulan commands the group. In total, there are 3 participants.

The Tree Sect, in third place, has mainly martial artists of the earth and wood element. Leading the group is the boy named Ren. Besides him, there is Duan Long, whom you have already met and a girl named Tian Yaling. In total, there are 3 participants.

The Frozen Sect, in second place, commands the ice element. They are a group of four women commanded by a girl named Zheng Yawen.

Lastly, the Tremor Sect, in the first place, is known mainly for its martial artists of the earth and fire element. They are a group of four people under the command of a certain Chang Huan nicknamed the Genius. However, you must also pay special attention to another individual, Wen Guiying. It is known as the Pyromaniac. From how they don't care to hide their battle nicknames, it's clear they have absolute certainty in winning this competition.

If possible, avoid a direct confrontation with them, especially against the Tremor Sect. At least not in the early stages. Focus on exploring and gathering resources. Finally, I remind you that as number one on the ranking, Hei in charge for as long as you stay in there. So you will obey him without saying a word. It is an order of the sect leader and all of us elders of the sect. There is too much at stake to mess things up because your pride has been hurt.”

That said, the seventh elder left them a long stack of documents regarding the information on other minor participants. Having therefore given them all the necessary information in their possession, it was now up to them to decide how to move.

When the seventh elder came out, Hei spoke. Since he had the command, he immediately wanted to make the cards on the table clear.

”I know that several of you aren't willing to accept orders from me. Which is understandable, but I want to assure you that you won't have to.”

”What do you mean?” Asked Li, tilting his head in confusion.

”Simple. I will leave the command to one of you. And the person I chose is you, Zan.”

Zan, hearing his name mentioned, was completely surprised. He didn't expect Hei to give up his right to command, let alone give him the command.

”Why?” Zan asked in an irritated voice. He couldn't believe that there was no second purpose to it.