Immortal Supreme: Sovereign of the Grand Dao

195  Rune Master: Red Sky Secret Realm

Amidst the fading echoes of the Skybreak Dark Forest turmoil, Arthur, Anastasia, and the rescued academy students made their way back to the academy grounds.

The air, once tense with the anticipation of battle, now carried a certain calmness, an aftermath of the storm.

As they approached the academy, Anastasia broke the silence. "Arthur, my father needs to know about this. I can't ignore the actions of a noble ploting against academy students. It goes against the academy's principles."

Arthur waved a dismissive hand. "No need to trouble father with this. I'll deal with it myself."

Anastasia looked at him with a mix of concern and skepticism. "You can't handle a noble's family on your own, Arthur. This is a matter for the Emperor."

Arthur chuckled, his eyes glinting with confidence. "Trust me, I can handle it. Just leave it to me."

Anastasia hesitated but nodded. "Alright, but if it gets out of hand, promise me you'll let father know."

Arthur smirked, "Fine, fine, if it eases your worries, I'll send a message to father."

The noble girl from the hill, flanked by her guardian, observed the movement from a distance.

A sneer crossed her face, convinced that Arthur would not be able to do anything in the end as his foundation in the Empire is too small. With a contemptuous toss of her head, she left the scene.

Three days passed in relative tranquility. The academy returned to its usual rhythm, students attending classes and trained on the training grounds, and the memory of the Skybreak Dark Forest incident fading into whispers.

A summons echoed across the academy grounds, reaching the ears of the inner disciples, core disciples, and the esteemed 13 Elite Disciples.

Beneath the looming presence of a mountain, they gathered, anticipation buzzing through the air like static.

Elders of the royal academy, distinguished figures with centuries of experience etched into their beings, stepped forward.

The array of their robes and the gravity in their eyes signaled the importance of the reason for the gathering.

"The time has come for the opening of the Red-Sky Secret Realm," one of the elders spoke, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Prepare yourselves, for you are about to enter a small world that has its own danger, that some of which even these old bones of mine is wary of."

The secret realm had more dangers than th Heavenly Sword Secret Realm as it was not a secret realm created by the founder of the academy like that of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Nevertheless, the crowd of disciples buzzed with excitement, murmurs and whispers circulating like a lively current.

The Red Sky Secret Realm was renowned, a place of trials and treasures, hidden dimensions waiting to be unraveled.

As the elders provided details about the realm, Arthur stood among the crowd, his thoughts partly on the impending journey and partly on what he had been studying these past days within the Time Chamber of the Nine Heavens Palace.

Later that day, within the inner chambers of the academy, the Great Elders and the Vice Principal gathered. A circular array, ancient and inscribed with profound symbols, lay at the center of the room. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

With synchronized movements and the chanting of incantations, the elders activated the array. The air around them shimmered, and a portal to the Red Sky Secret Realm flickered into existence.

Disciples, eager and ready, lined up before the portal. Arthur stood among them, his eyes reflecting interest.

'I wonder if there would be any surprises for me this time? But I can't sense anything,' he thought.

The Vice Principal, an imposing figure with a long, flowing beard, addressed the assembly. "This realm is a crucible of challenges and opportunities. May you return stronger and wiser."

The disciples stepped through the portal, one by one, disappearing into the unknown. Arthur and the group he was with was the last to enter, felt the pull of the arcane energies and crossed the threshold.

The portal closed, leaving the Great Elders and the Vice Principal in the quiet chamber. Their gazes lingered on the sealed entrance, and a subtle tension hung in the air.

One of the Great Elders broke the silence. "This generation bears unique individuals. The trials they face will shape not only their destinies but the course of the academy."

The Vice Principal nodded solemnly. "Let us hope they emerge victorious and bring glory to the academy."

"I wonder if anyone of them can fully unearth the inheritance of that Ancient Sect?"

"That would be great but their requirements are too harsh as the geniuses of this era are unable match those of old."

As the elders dispersed, the chamber remained silent, a momentary lull before the echoes of the disciples' journey would reach their ears, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the annals of the royal academy.

In the heart of the Red Sky Secret Realm, the disciples emerged into a mystical landscape.

The air crackled with unrestrained energy, and the distant horizon shimmered with the promise of untold secrets.

Their collective thoughts was fixed on the legendary Red Sky Palace, an ancient power that had once reigned supreme.

Now, it stood as ruins, yet the very foundation of the Royal Academy's strength. The palace whispered of forgotten legacies, waiting to be unraveled.

Arthur, a silent but commanding presence, took charge immediately and distanced the group from the others.

He led this group of disciples, the newly formed Red-Sky Faction which was the result of Helia's hard work all this time.

She stood with determination in her eyes, stood as the head of this faction—a testament to her resilience and Arthur's guidance. The faction, though newly established, carried an air of anticipation, a blend of excitement and the unknown.

The group moved with Arthur at the forefront, his eyes keenly scanning the surroundings.

Through the guardiance of Aixen using his ancient experience, it allowed him to discern hidden dangers and potential treasures.

The disciples, witnessing his foresight, marveled at the seamless way Arthur guided them through the labyrinth of the secret realm.

Anastasia, part of the group, observed with a mix of fascination and disbelief. Arthur's means surpassed her expectations, earning him the respect and admiration of the entire faction.

They navigated through enchanting landscapes and treacherous terrains, each step echoing with the promise of discovery. Arthur, with a subtle charisma, explained his observations, making the journey a collective venture.

"Arthur, how do you sense all these dangers?" Anastasia queried, her eyes reflecting a blend of curiosity and admiration.

Arthur chuckled, his response cryptic. "It's all luck don't think much about it, hehe."

"If you won't say, I won't ask then. Hmph!"

Helia shook her head at this sight, 'It seems the Arthur still has this habit."

Meanwhile, the others marveled at the reaction of Anastasia who was always the elegant princess they know but now looks like a bullied junior sister before Arthur.

The males admired, the females admired. In short, he was awesome.

As they approached a territory ruled by a formidable tribe of White Furred Apes, the air thickened with tension. The White Furred Apes, renowned for their strength, dominated this perilous domain.

This was a territory that had been marked as a no go area by the previous generations after many generations had faced many casualties here.

Anastasia voiced her concern, "Arthur, this is one of the most dangerous areas in the entire secret realm. Are you sure about this?"

Arthur met her gaze with a confident smile. "Trust me, there's something here that makes the risk worthwhile."

The faction, guided by Arthur's confidence, stepped into the territory of the White Furred Apes.

The air vibrated with an unspoken challenge, and the disciples, though apprehensive, carried a newfound trust in their leader.

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As the Red-Sky Faction ventured into the territory of the White Furred Apes, Arthur distributed Tier 3 Talismans to each member. Crafted with intricate runes, these talismans concealed their auras and even muted their footsteps, rendering them invisible to the vigilant apes.

This was his progress in the Dao of Runes so far. He could be considered and Rank 3 Rune Master. He had even faintly touched upon the threshold of Rank 4 but he couldn't continue as the time for the opening of the secret realm was here.

Even Arthur was shocked at the speed which he advanced even if he used the Time Chamber.

The disciples, now veiled in the protective magic of the talismans, moved with unprecedented stealth.

The forest embraced them in silence as they advanced, every step a testament to Arthur's mastery of runes.

Helia, glancing at her concealed form, marveled at the effectiveness of the talisman. "This is incredible, my Prince. I didn't know you knew Rune Inscriptions too."

Arthur, his eyes glinting with a touch of mystery, replied, "Just a side hobby, nothing much."

Anastasia, observing the seamless concealing of the faction, nodded in approval disregarding Arthur's boasting this time. "This makes things significantly easier. You truly are full of surprises, Arthur."

Soon they came to a halt.

"We are here."