The Myriad Phenomena Pagoda, this nine-story ancient tower, had existed since the day the Jade Pool Immortal Palace was established.
It had always been a Holy Land for Disciples to Cultivate, and no abnormalities had ever occurred.
However, at this moment, the tower doors were tightly shut, and an invisible barrier enveloped the tower's body, isolating everyone outside.
Dozens of Disciples who were preparing to enter the tower for cultivation gathered on the plaza outside the tower, each wearing an expression of anxiety and discussing animatedly.
"What's going on? Why can't we enter the Myriad Phenomena Pagoda all of a sudden?"
"I was just cultivating inside, and then I was sent out!"
"Me too... I was just about to break through, and suddenly I was sent out!"
"The Palace Master is here!"
The crowd automatically parted to form a path, and Gu Han, dressed in a moon-white palace gown, walked over slowly.
Yun Yun and Li Hanyi were standing in front of the tower, sensing the situation with solemn expressions; seeing Gu Han's arrival, the two bowed slightly.
"Palace Master."
Gu Han nodded slightly, her gaze falling on the tightly closed tower doors.
"What is the situation?"
"About an hour ago, all the Disciples inside the tower were'sent' out."
Yun Yun reported, her brow slightly furrowed,
"Subsequently, the tower doors closed on their own. The Grand Elder and I also tried to investigate, but our Divine Sense could not penetrate it even a fraction."
Li Hanyi also added from the side:
"The tower's structure is intact with no signs of damage; it seems more like... it closed voluntarily."
Closed voluntarily?
Gu Han's heart stirred, and she immediately called out to the System in her mind:
"System, what's going on with the Myriad Phenomena Pagoda?"
[Ding! Host inquiry detected! Scanning Myriad Phenomena Pagoda status... Scan complete!]
[Myriad Phenomena Pagoda Current Status: Evolutionary Dormancy.]
[Reason: After long-term operation and energy accumulation, the Myriad Phenomena Pagoda has gathered enough'Spiritual Origin' and is currently gestating a 'Pagoda Spirit'.]
[Estimated Gestation Time: Unknown]
[During Dormancy: All functions are suspended, the tower enters a self-protection state, and all external probes and interference are blocked.]
[Warm Reminder: After the Pagoda Spirit is successfully gestated, the Myriad Phenomena Pagoda will possess initial autonomous consciousness and can assist Disciples in cultivation more efficiently. Please wait patiently, Host.]
So that's how it is.
Gu Han understood clearly, and at the same time, a hint of anticipation welled up within her.
If the Pagoda Spirit could truly be successfully gestated, the benefit of the Myriad Phenomena Pagoda to the Immortal Palace would reach a whole new level.
"It is no matter."
Gu Han withdrew her thoughts and spoke to Yun Yun, Li Hanyi, and the surrounding Disciples who were all ears,
"The Myriad Phenomena Pagoda has not malfunctioned; rather, it has entered a sort of'self-adjustment' dormancy period."
"It could be as short as a few days or as long as several months. Once the adjustment is complete, it will naturally reopen."
Her voice was clear and calm, carrying a power that soothed people's hearts.
Since the Palace Master said so, then there would surely be no problem.
The unease on the Disciples' faces mostly dissipated, replaced by curiosity and anticipation.
Self-adjustment?
Does that mean the Myriad Phenomena Pagoda is going to become even more powerful?
"Yun Yun, Hanyi."
Gu Han instructed,
"Post an announcement in front of the tower to explain the situation so that the Disciples do not panic."
"As for cultivation in the near future, they can make use of the Lingxu Grotto-Heaven."
"Yes, Palace Master."
The two accepted the command.
The news of the Myriad Phenomena Pagoda entering a 'dormancy period' quickly spread within the Jade Pool Immortal Palace.
The initial bit of unease was soon diluted by the Palace Master's steady attitude and the expectation that it would 'become stronger after self-adjustment'.
Although the Disciples had temporarily lost the tenfold cultivation time, their enthusiasm did not diminish.
Especially after the Vice Palace Master officially announced the entry rules and preliminary exploration arrangements for the Lingxu Grotto-Heaven.
Everyone's attention was quickly diverted to this newly opened Secret Realm.
The rules were clear and strict:
Disciples at the Middle Stage Foundation Establishment and above could apply to enter the peripheral areas for training.
Those above late-stage Foundation Establishment could explore the core areas only after being evaluated by their elders.
Private fighting was prohibited, and a portion of the gains had to be handed over for public use, though the bulk of personal findings would still belong to the individual.
There was even an incentive—those who performed excellently and made outstanding contributions in the Secret Realm would receive extra rewards.
For a time, applications for registration came in an endless stream.
Liu Ruyan and Gu Luoli, the two True Disciples, were naturally among the first batch on the entry list.
Core Disciples such as Li Zhiwei, Murong Xue, Zhao Ling'er, Wang Zhaojun, Wang Teng, and Xiao Ya were also rubbing their hands in anticipation, ready to show off their skills.
Even Liu Ruxue, who had just joined, followed her sister every day, looking longingly toward the entrance of the Secret Realm.
Ye Ling'er was also among the first batch on the list.
Since witnessing the intimacy between Empress Qingxuan and her Master in the East Courtyard corridor that day,
She had forcibly suppressed all her chaotic thoughts, transforming them into a near-frenzied motivation for cultivation.
Since she couldn't compete with those two Empresses who had lived for tens of thousands of years in other areas,
Then she would achieve the absolute limit in talent and strength, which her Master valued most!
The opening of the Lingxu Grotto-Heaven was the perfect opportunity for her.
However, just as the Jade Pool Immortal Palace was bustling with activity because of the Secret Realm and the Disciples were actively preparing for their first exploration—
In the outside world, the waves caused by the two Empresses descending upon the Southern Region one after another, far from subsiding, were instead intensifying.
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