This piece of news caused quite a stir as soon as it spread, because many trialists had personally witnessed Ye Chen pursuing the Sixth Princess. Yet, after just one night, such a dramatic change had occurred, leaving many dumbfounded.
Many even speculated in secret about what exactly had happened between Ye Chen and the Sixth Princess that night, which ultimately reversed the situation. Not only did he stop the pursuit, but he also personally spoke up to protect her, inevitably leading to wild imaginations.
However, no one dared to bring up this matter in front of Ye Chen, fearing to incur the wrath of the Uncrowned King.
Half a day later, Ye Chen swiftly returned to the twelfth checkpoint. Keeping his promise, he ordered the demonic flood dragon to leave the city gate, allowing numerous trialists to pass through.
This made many trialists heave a sigh of relief. Fearing Ye Chen might change his mind the next moment, they all desperately rushed into the twelfth town.
Not long after, Ye Chen issued a summons, calling all Hundred Strong Trialists in the twelfth checkpoint to come before him, as he needed them to do something.
What matter was worth Ye Chen mobilizing such a force? Many trialists wore expressions of suspicion and surprise, with quite a few even feeling wary, thinking Ye Chen might be using this opportunity to wipe them all out in one fell swoop.
But many others sneered, thinking this was pure overthinking. If Ye Chen wanted to take action against them, it would be effortless; why would he need to go through such trouble?
However, it's worth noting that the Hundred Strong Trialists from the super forces did not appear, as if unwilling to be ordered around by Ye Chen.
Half an hour later, upon learning the true nature of this matter, all the Hundred Strong Trialists who had left wore expressions of shock and awe. Yet, no other trialists knew what this matter was about, clearly because Ye Chen had personally instructed them to keep it secret.
Soon after, the trialists from Xia Feng Kingdom arrived at the twelfth checkpoint and were also informed of that matter. The people of Xia Feng Kingdom were somewhat stunned. Was Ye Chen being too arrogant, actually wanting to do such a thing?
The Thirteenth Prince worriedly said, "Ye Chen, aren't you afraid of provoking public outrage by doing this?"
Ye Chen replied, "No need to worry. To become invincible in the world, one must be prepared to have the whole world as an enemy. And this little bit is nothing."
In his past life, he had dared to oppose the most supreme forces, fearless of everything at that time. Now, a mere Tian Du Continent was indeed nothing.
Hearing his calm and indifferent tone, everyone was left speechless. Probably only he possessed such confidence to say these words.
Not long after, Ye Chen took the initiative to visit, ascending the City Lord Tower of the twelfth checkpoint to pay a visit to the Twelfth Checkpoint Master, Elder Nalan. The Checkpoint Master immediately came out to welcome him, showing no neglect, politely inviting Ye Chen into the tower for tea.
Ye Chen observed all proper etiquette, showing great respect for this Elder Nalan who had not kicked him when he was down back then and had even helped him. Without beating around the bush, he got straight to the point, stating his purpose: he hoped the Twelfth Checkpoint Master would take good care of the trialists from Xia Feng Kingdom.
The Twelfth Checkpoint Master naturally agreed without hesitation, not refusing for any reason. From any perspective, she would not refuse.
Moreover, it was best to befriend a monstrous genius like Ye Chen. Anyone could see the boundless potential of this youth. As long as no accidents occurred, he would likely become another supreme Divine Spirit towering high above the world in the future, not someone to offend.
During this time, Ye Chen inquired about another important matter: the mysterious realm. He hoped to learn more information from Elder Nalan. However, Elder Nalan shook her head, saying she wasn't entirely clear. It had opened randomly, and no one knew beforehand, not even Tian Du Academy.
But one thing worth confirming was that it was likely related to the beings that once existed in this realm.
While outsiders didn't know, the higher-ups of Tian Du Academy were well aware. Long ago, when they obtained this realm, they had studied it carefully for many years, uncovering many secrets.
This realm was not the so-called Divine Spirit's small world, because such a vast realm couldn't possibly be opened by even a supreme Divine Spirit. Such means were beyond comprehension; only a supreme existence surpassing Divine Spirits could create it.
It might also have been naturally born between heaven and earth.
But one thing was certain: this realm was a broken, incomplete one, even described as scarred and full of flaws.
According to various traces detected previously, this vast realm had once given birth to a glorious and prosperous civilization, inhabited by truly powerful beings, among whom were those regarded as supreme Divine Spirits by the world. It had once reached the pinnacle of glory, no worse than the current Tian Du Continent, perhaps even more prosperous.
However, for unknown reasons, the civilization later collapsed. Everything was annihilated and passed away. The entire realm became broken and desolate, its territory shrinking many times over.
The once-prosperous towns were eroded, leaving only some traces in the world. The fifteen checkpoint towns on the current Trial Path were the best proof of that era.
But within this realm, there might still exist various legacies, divine treasures, and even inheritances left behind by ancient powerful beings, full of mysteries.
This time, the mysterious realm that had unintentionally appeared was one of the traces left by that ancient civilization, possibly involving ancient Divine Spirits, making it quite extraordinary.
The Twelfth Checkpoint Master had once wanted to enter the mysterious realm to explore its secrets, but the Supreme Elders within the academy had warned her, saying that realm was extraordinary, with age restrictions, and one should not rashly enter. Otherwise, even those as strong as the Heavenly God realm might encounter sudden bloody disaster if they intruded.
The implication was that only the younger generation could enter. It might truly be an inheritance left by ancient Divine Spirits, but only allowing the younger generation to enter.
Moreover, Elder Nalan informed Ye Chen that the mysterious realm was very dangerous. Many trialists who had entered never returned. But according to the soul lamps held by the forces on Tian Du Continent, aside from those super-powerful individuals with the qualification to delay claiming kingship, all other trialists who entered the mysterious realm had died, including six Hundred Strong Trialists, none spared.
This caused Ye Chen's expression to change slightly. One must know these trialists had the protection of spirit talisman ghostly light. Even so, they died, which was enough to illustrate the true danger of the mysterious realm.
However, Ye Chen guessed that there couldn't be overly fatal dangers. Otherwise, the supreme Old Academy Head monitoring all this would probably intervene. It could only be said that everything in the mysterious realm was still within controllable limits.
Then Elder Nalan said that to truly understand the information about the mysterious realm, it was best to go to the region of the mysterious realm. Recently, there were rumors that someone had intercepted several Heaven and Earth Treasures, even two over three to four thousand years old that could prolong life. Others had obtained some spirit stones, spirit pearls, and other rare items rich in heaven and earth spiritual energy.
Although the mysterious realm was quite dangerous, with six Hundred Strong Trialists dead and over a hundred other trialists perishing, such rare treasures were incredibly tempting, attracting large numbers of trialists to continuously gather there, attempting to form a large force to enter the mysterious realm.
There were even rumors claiming that a supreme inheritance related to Divine Spirits was about to emerge. These trialists all hoped to enter the mysterious realm, relying on the strength of the large force to overcome calamities and advance into the depths.
Moreover, the princes and princesses of those super forces and quite a few Hundred Strong Trialists were preparing to participate in this expedition. Some might even bring heavy artifacts, making thorough preparations.
Finally, the Twelfth Checkpoint Master lowered her voice, appearing quite mysterious, telling Ye Chen to be careful then, because according to information from some channels, there might appear some figures who shouldn't appear, extremely powerful ones.
Ye Chen's face changed slightly. This was top-secret information, known only to a small number of people, and very important.
He seemed to understand who those people might be.
After learning these important inside details, Ye Chen sincerely thanked the Twelfth Checkpoint Master before turning to leave.
Returning to the stronghold in the twelfth town not long after, Ye Chen received a gold-rimmed invitation letter, extremely luxurious. Soon after, the Thirteenth Prince and others also received invitation letters, all invited to participate in this gathering of the large force for the mysterious realm.
Regarding this trip to the mysterious realm, everyone showed considerable interest, after all, it might involve divine treasures and inheritances of Divine Spirits. But Ye Chen wore a solemn expression, warning them in a deep voice not to act rashly for now, and he told them the information he had learned from the Twelfth Checkpoint Master.
Upon learning that even Hundred Strong Trialists could encounter danger, everyone's expressions changed. Immediately, those with self-awareness like Xia Mang, Li Hu, and Hua Shaoyang chose to withdraw.
But the Thirteenth Prince, Vivian, and Princess Hong Rong chose to participate, because this time it was ultimately a large force, so they shouldn't need to worry too much. Moreover, even Tian Du Academy probably wouldn't tolerate such large-scale casualties, especially with the princes and princesses of several super forces present.
The most important reason was because of Ye Chen.
Ye Chen did not stop them, only warned them. In the end, whether to participate was entirely up to them. However, he would secretly protect their safety.
But Ye Chen would not travel with them. That would be too conspicuous, and he also intended to let them gain some proper experience, so he would go ahead first.
Just before leaving, Vivian looked at Ye Chen, her expression slightly dim, seeming hesitant to speak, which puzzled him. He couldn't help but ask what was wrong with her.
Vivian's eyes were somewhat gloomy as she said, "Big Brother Ye Chen, has the person you like also come to the Trial Path?"
Ye Chen was taken aback. "Why do you ask that?"
"Because you carry her scent on you," Vivian said softly, leaving Ye Chen dumbstruck.