As they rested and recovered enough strength, the group finally disembarked from the ship, stepping onto the dock one after another with their auras mostly stabilized. The moment their feet touched the ground, countless gazes turned toward them without restraint, sharp and probing, as if trying to peel away every layer of their identity.

Lin Xiao Tian stood at the front, his expression calm as his eyes swept across the surroundings, already weighing the situation and considering their next move. New territory, unknown forces, and far too many eyes watching, this place is going to be troublesome if handled carelessly.

Just as he was about to speak, a soft and pleasant voice drifted toward him like a gentle breeze, cutting through the tension with effortless ease. He turned slightly, only to see Chu Yue approaching from the distance, her figure descending gracefully as several other women followed behind her in Moon Veil Pavilion robes.

Lin Xiao Tian’s expression shifted instantly, a faint smile forming as he stepped forward and cupped his hands politely. "Lady Chu truly lives up to expectations, reaching the Golden Core realm in such a short time, your talent is quite admirable."

The moment his words fell, Chu Yue’s brows twitched slightly, her expression tightening as she pulled out a delicate hairpin and flicked it toward him without warning. The sharp glint cut through the air, forcing Lin Xiao Tian to lean back and dodge hurriedly.

"Why so hostile, Fairy Chu," he said quickly, raising his hands slightly in defense, though the amusement in his tone was impossible to hide. "I am merely praising the guest elder of our sect, such aggression is truly uncalled for."

Behind her, the disciples of Moon Veil Pavilion covered their mouths lightly, unable to suppress their quiet laughter as they watched the exchange unfold. Their eyes moved between the two, clearly entertained by the familiar tension.

Chu Yue let out a soft scoff, lowering her hand as she regained her composure, though her gaze remained slightly sharp. "I came because I thought the Sect Master might not be familiar with Golden Leaf City and might require a guide."

She paused briefly, her eyes sweeping over Lin Xiao Tian before continuing in a more neutral tone. "But it seems I may have overestimated the need."

Lin Xiao Tian smiled faintly, completely unbothered by the remark as he clasped his hands behind his back. "On the contrary, Lady Chu’s concern is quite timely, after all, even the most capable people benefit from proper guidance in unfamiliar places."

Just as they were about to move, Han Leu suddenly stepped forward, his tone unusually hesitant as he addressed Lin Xiao Tian. "Sect Master, since Lady Chu is already here to guide you, I happen to have some matters to attend to, so I will take my leave for now and meet you all back at the ship later."

Lin Xiao Tian paused for a brief moment, his brows knitting slightly as a trace of suspicion flickered through his mind.

This timing is a little too convenient, slipping away the moment a guide appears, what exactly is this fellow planning now.

He glanced at Han Leu once more, though finding no immediate reason to stop him, he simply nodded in agreement. "Do as you wish, just make sure you return before anything important begins."

Han Leu bowed slightly before turning and leaving without further delay, his figure quickly blending into the flow of the city as he disappeared from sight.

Lin Xiao Tian watched him go for a second longer before withdrawing his gaze, then turned and followed Chu Yue along with the rest of the disciples. The group moved together through the bustling pathways of Golden Leaf City, their presence drawing attention wherever they passed.

After a short while, Chu Yue glanced sideways, her eyes briefly scanning Lin Xiao Tian and the disciples behind him before speaking calmly. "It seems this time both the spectators and the participants will be in for quite a shock."

Lin Xiao Tian let out a soft chuckle, his expression relaxed as if the statement held little weight. "If they are easily shocked, then perhaps they should reconsider coming here in the first place."

He tilted his head slightly, his tone shifting with casual curiosity. "Though I am more interested in something else, why were we all summoned two weeks before the actual tournament begins."

Chu Yue’s steps paused ever so slightly, her expression tightening for a brief moment as she turned to look at him with clear surprise. It was obvious she had not expected him to be unaware of something so widely known among the major factions.

She quickly composed herself, her tone returning to normal as she continued walking. "It seems Sect Master truly does not follow common developments."

Her gaze shifted forward as she spoke, her voice lowering slightly. "The early summons is due to the opening of a secret realm, one that appears only during this period and disappears shortly after."

Lin Xiao Tian’s eyes narrowed just a fraction, interest immediately surfacing beneath his calm exterior. A temporary secret realm tied to the tournament timing it seems interesting and a good place to deplete.

He continued walking at the same pace, though his attention was now fully engaged. "What kind of realm are we talking about, and what exactly makes it worth gathering all these forces in advance."

Chu Yue glanced at him once before answering, her tone carrying a hint of seriousness now. "Resources, inheritances, and opportunities that cannot be found elsewhere, along with dangers that ensure not everyone who enters will return."

She paused briefly before adding, "And more importantly, entry is limited, which means not everyone present will even get the chance to step inside."

Lin Xiao Tian’s smile deepened slightly, his thoughts already beginning to shift. Limited access, high reward, and uncertain survival now this sounds like a treasure heaven.

Lin Xiao Tian slowed his steps slightly, his gaze drifting backward toward the disciples following behind him, each one carrying their own talent and fortune. For a brief moment, his expression twisted into something unusually complicated, as if calculating a loss he had not even confirmed yet.

Even with this many heaven-favored ones under me, if we still fail to take the biggest share, then I might as well find a block of tofu and end it right there, what kind of sect master would I even be at that point.

A strange expression crept onto his face without restraint, somewhere between dissatisfaction and silent indignation, causing Chu Yue to glance at him with visible confusion. "Sect Master, what exactly are you thinking about, your expression looks rather... questionable."

Lin Xiao Tian snapped out of his thoughts almost instantly, his face returning to its usual calm as if nothing had happened. "Nothing worth mentioning," he said lightly before giving a small nod. "A place like that is naturally worth visiting, it would be a waste to ignore such an opportunity."