### Chapter 397: Trial Secret Realm
Sure enough, the results of the written exam were still tied to the grand competition in some way.
The Trial Secret Realm was divided into four layers, each showcasing a distinct difference in both the quantity and quality of the Spiritual Herbs.
In the first layer, Spiritual Herbs were everywhere, of top-notch quality—a dreamland for countless teams.
But as you go down a layer, both the number and quality of these herbs started to take a nosedive.
The scores of the written exam became the deciding factor for teams’ initial placements.
If a team’s average score could cross the 90-point threshold, they would be directly transported to the first layer, reaping the most abundant resources.
Teams scoring above 80 but below 90 would be sent to the second layer.
Those with an average score above 70 but below 80 would find themselves in the third layer.
And teams below 70? Sorry folks, they’d be assigned to the barren fourth layer, where resources were scarcer than a hairless cat.
Since Mu Jixue scored a big fat zero, even with Yun Zhonghe, Lin Zhongyu, and Su Xiaoxiao scoring high, their average was still only 71, so off they went to the third layer.
Of course, this initial placement didn’t determine everything; there were also teleportation arrays between layers that provided all teams with opportunities to leap between them. Even teams stuck in the fourth layer could climb up as long as they possessed enough strength and brains—though it wasn’t a walk in the park. They’d need to invest lots of time and energy, and inevitably face off against other ambitious teams with fiery competition, the intensity of which could be imagined!
So, it would be foolish to equate a higher layer with success in the trial. Higher layers may have more resources but also come with higher risks; the lower layers might be barren but usually had less competition.
It was all a matter of pros and cons.
“Whoa-ho-ho~ What a ruckus! I can even sniff the aroma of Spirit Wine from the Main Peak!”
Yun Zhonghe felt a slight twinge of anxiety as he stood with his teammates in front of the teleportation array leading into the secret realm. Just then, Senior Xing Bu’s voice burst through his tension like a confetti cannon.
In such a grand scene, even Senior Xing Bu was unable to contain her curiosity and excitement, peeking her head out of the magic cube.
Seeing this, Yun Zhonghe’s heart raced. What if she got discovered?
Today, Xuantian Sect had gathered numerous powerful Transformation Stage experts, any one of whom possessed formidable powers, and it was said that the Immortal Alliance had also sent representatives to watch the show around noon—talk about a gathering of esteemed talents!
Who knows if any of them had the sharp skills to detect Xing Bu’s presence?
Thinking about this, Yun Zhonghe hastily pulled out a few cups of Spirit Wine from his storage ring and tossed them into the magic cube, allowing Senior Xing Bu to indulge a bit today.
Upon receiving the Spirit Wine, Senior Xing Bu was absolutely thrilled: “Whoo-hoo-hoo~ Thanks, little friend! If you need anything during the grand competition, just give me a shout! My blessing opportunity has reset once, so I can boost your powers any time!”
It was a kind reminder from Senior Xing Bu that if Yun Zhonghe faced a daunting adversary during the competition, she’d be available to give him a power-up, increasing his chances of winning.
However, Yun Zhonghe shook his head, his gaze resolute: “Senior, I don’t plan to rely on your powers this time.”
Senior Xing Bu raised an eyebrow, surprised. Yun Zhonghe had been taking this grand competition very seriously—he absolutely needed that chance to enter the Four Beasts Secret Realm.
Before this, Qin Hongye had already warned Yun Zhonghe about facing many strong opponents in the upcoming competition. Without Senior Xing Bu’s power boost, it would be incredibly tough for him to stand out among so many powerful competitors and snag the crown.
“I know it’s tough, but that’s exactly why I want to rely on my own abilities. Can’t keep expecting Senior’s help every time.”
Yun Zhonghe’s bright eyes were fixed ahead, gazing towards a much farther future.
This was just a grand competition—a test of strength and a sharpening of will. It wouldn’t cost anyone their life. If he couldn’t challenge himself in this relatively safe environment, how could he expect to push his limits when truly faced with dangerous enemies?
To Yun Zhonghe, Senior Xing Bu’s power was a trump card to be used only in dire straits; after all, it wasn’t his own strength.
He was more keen to rely on his own capabilities and climb the peak step by step.
Since this was still the developmental stage, he had to train himself as much as possible!
Seeing Yun Zhonghe so determined, Senior Xing Bu shrugged: “Fine by me, but you do have a point. Sweat more in training, bleed less in battle. I won’t disturb you then; you go give it your best shot.”
With that, Senior Xing Bu’s figure slowly retreated back into the magic cube.
“Yun Zhonghe, who are you talking to? The teleportation array is about to activate!”
As soon as Senior Xing Bu finished her line, Mu Jixue’s impatient voice rang in his ears.
She had donned a brand new snowy white robe that sparkled in the light, looking like she was woven from moonlight, perfectly complementing her frosty demeanor.
Around her neck hung an ice bead necklace, a prize awarded to her earlier by the Immortal Alliance, exuding a faint chill that blended seamlessly with her aura.
Look closer, and one would notice her waist belt was studded with three ice-colored goose egg gems, each pulsating with extraordinary spiritual energy, resembling tiny lakes brimming with incredible power—definitely an exceptionally precious item.
All these treasures were likely arranged by Master Youyue. It seemed she had been assisting Mu Jixue in her quest for a good ranking after all.
Though she was tough on Mu Jixue, her care and cultivation were evident.
Mu Jixue was now fully armored!
Yun Zhonghe stood beside her, carefully eyeing Mu Jixue. His instincts told him that her current strength had likely surpassed their earlier training level; her aura was steadier, and her spiritual energy flow more robust, making him think that even if he went all out, he might not necessarily triumph over her.
She was strong!
But now that she was fully geared up, he couldn’t help but wonder if she was wearing the panties he’d given her…
Yun Zhonghe’s mind suddenly wandered.
“You, why are you looking at me like that?”
Mu Jixue’s instincts promptly kicked in. She immediately noticed the odd look in Yun Zhonghe’s eyes, hurriedly covering herself with both hands and squinting at him, shooting a warning glare.
“Cough, cough—nothing, nothing. Let’s hurry inside.”
Yun Zhonghe reined in his thoughts.
Once he finished speaking, he quickly followed Lin Zhongyu and Su Xiaoxiao, heading towards the teleportation array.
Meanwhile, Mu Jixue stood where she was, her cheeks slightly flushed, feeling the coolness of her attire as if it were Yun Zhonghe’s hand gently brushing against her—what a strange sensation!
Sure enough, this outfit was still something she wasn’t quite used to!
