Chapter 918

In an instant, the entire secret realm seemed to tremble!

Under the astonished gazes of all, a glowing orb gradually materialized at the center of the circular array.

The orb descended and landed atop the stone statue's head.

Immediately, the light faded.

What came into view was a gray-and-white... kitten?

Everyone stood frozen, collectively stunned.

At that moment, under their stares, the kitten curled atop the statue's head suddenly arched its back, raised its tail, and stretched its body.

Then it murmured: "A dream spanning thousands of autumns—what year is it tonight? The spiritual energy here has dwindled to this extent..."

After speaking, it turned to them, its expression turning serious: "I am Mao Xuan, the guardian spirit of this secret realm. If you wish to claim the legacy left by that old fellow, first let me judge whether you are worthy!"

"The Alchemy Sage's legacy—though it be destroyed with the secret realm—shall never fall into the hands of mediocrities!"

No sooner had the words ended than a powerful aura surged forth, engulfing everyone!

This is... a Saint?!

Everyone's pupils contracted in shock.

No one had expected that within this legacy secret realm, a terrifying being of Saint-level power would suddenly appear!

Yet Jiang Beixuan's expression was strangely peculiar.

With his insight, how could he not see that the creature was not a true Saint-level being?

It merely temporarily possessed Saint-level combat power through the array's enhancement.

Once outside the secret realm, it would surely be swiftly stripped back to its original form, wouldn't it?

At this moment, the others noticed nothing amiss.

Jiang Yan stepped forward and bowed to Mao Xuan: "We humbly beg the elder to tell us how we may obtain the legacy."

At these words, everyone strained their ears, awaiting the reply.

Mao Xuan leapt down from the statue's head and landed on the ground.

Under their gazes, it cleared its throat and began slowly speaking: "Naturally..."

It had barely uttered three words when its voice cut off abruptly!

Instantly, as if encountering something horrifying, Mao Xuan's fur exploded outward!

It arched its back, claws bared, its eyes darting repeatedly over Jiang Yan!

This aura...

Mao Xuan suddenly recalled that during its period of dormancy, it had sensed an immensely powerful aura from a human being outside the secret realm.

And within it, it had detected an indescribable, overwhelming terror!

Having served the Alchemy Sage for many years, it possessed extraordinary insight; it understood that such terror far surpassed the Saint realm!

Only the legendary "Imperial realm" could possess such god-defying power!

The power of an "Emperor" could destroy the entire secret realm!

Precisely because of this, it had been forced to use its role as secret realm guardian to urgently transmit information about the realm, halting that human being's dangerous actions.

Now, the overall strength of the aura emitted by this youth was weak, yet it carried traces of that being's aura.

Clearly, their connection was deep.

Mao Xuan silently shifted its gaze to the others behind Jiang Yan, extending its perception.

The moment it did so, it nearly collapsed in fright!

Aside from two weak human beings,

every single one of the others was connected to that terrifying figure radiating Imperial might!

At this moment, Mao Xuan's body trembled violently, its heart filled with dread!

Even Jiang Yan's question sounded different in its ears.

"Elder, how exactly must we pass your trial to obtain this legacy?"

(You dead cat, if you dare block our path, try it—anyone who stands in my way to claim the legacy dies!)

"We humbly beg the elder to reveal the trial—we are willing to attempt it!"

(You dead cat, if you don't hand over the legacy right now, you won't get another chance!)

"No matter how strict the trial, we will not complain and are willing to wait patiently—but our elders await outside. To return sooner, please reveal the trial's nature quickly..."

(Hehehe, our clan's powerful experts guard the secret realm's entrance. If you don't hand over the legacy, we won't be merciful! Do you want them to chop you into eight pieces, or grind you into pulp?)

As these voices continued to fall,

Mao Xuan's tiny body trembled more and more violently.

Its face twisted in indignation—it never imagined these humans could be so shameless, daring to threaten it continuously!

On the other side,

seeing Mao Xuan remain silent, refusing to speak, Jiang Yan felt a growing headache.

Just as he strained his mind to make it speak, Jiang Beixuan's voice suddenly rang out: "Why's there a stink of urine?"

Hm?

Jiang Yan frowned, sniffing carefully—and indeed, a pungent odor of urine filled the air.

He followed the scent's source.

The sight before him left him stunned.

The once-mighty creature, seemingly a Saint-beast, had lost control—beneath its paws lay a pool of pale yellow liquid!

Jiang Yan's mind went blank; he instinctively wanted to say something.

But Mao Xuan's roar cut through: "Fine! I agree!"

Jiang Yan froze on the spot, blinked, and said: "Huh?"

Mao Xuan suddenly raised his head.

Its eyes glistened with tears, and it said in a wronged tone: "The inheritance is yours, say no more, this seat admits defeat!"

Jiang Yan: ".........."