The person returned to the core of the swamp and revealed that the group of cultivators had been manipulated, then asked, "Everyone, which faction do you think is behind this manipulation?"

"Baiyun Sect? Or Purple Extreme Sect? Or perhaps Infinite Gate?"

Others initially thought it was like usual when a group of cultivators ventured into Gloomy Swamp unauthorized. But now, it seemed their assumptions were too simple.

"Daoist Brother Tu, did you interrogate them?"

Tu Sen shook his head and said, "They didn't even realize they were being manipulated. No matter how much we ask, we can't get answers. So we simply made them swear an oath not to spread the word, and let them go."

The dozen or so cultivators, although they didn't come from good backgrounds, might still have relatives or friends, and if too many died at once, it would attract more attention.

No one found this method of handling problematic. Moreover, they had more important matters to attend to. After ensuring there would be no leaks, they put it aside.

Their worries were self-assumed, so how could they possibly come up with any answers?

After much discussion, they still gained no insights, having no choice but to set it aside, waiting for the opposition to slip up again.

"The Secret Realm is about to open; during this time, we must strengthen our patrols to prevent opportunistic small fry from exploiting any loopholes!"

"Zhang's words are very true!" Others echoed in agreement.

Why were this group of Earth Immortals stationed in this desolate area? It's because there's a massive Earth Immortal Rank Secret Realm here.

But it's related to the cultivation resources for the next hundred years, so no negligence can be afforded!

...

Li Zhirui, hiding in the cave, naturally didn't know there were even greater secrets behind this, but he had suspicions.

"Luckily I was cautious that day, plus a bit of luck, otherwise entering the Gloomy Swamp would have been walking into a trap rather than seeking refuge." He couldn't help but sigh.

If he had encountered an Earth Immortal back then and been entangled, the cultivators guarding here would have swarmed out. Even if they managed to flee, it wouldn't be as easy as now—they might have ended up on the run, fleeing everywhere.

The guarding cultivators should be focusing more on the border areas, preventing outsiders from entering, rather than closely monitoring within the swamp. That's why the two of them weren't discovered, nor did they find any trace of them.

But since Li Zhirui discovered it first, the other party couldn't possibly know there were two intruders from the Outer Realm hiding inside the swamp!

Moreover, he also learned that a big secret was hidden here, so naturally, he had to muddy the waters to facilitate their actions!

Within moments, Li Zhirui's mind was filled with numerous schemes.

As for how much benefit they could derive from it, that would depend on their abilities.

At dusk, after running around all day, Fu Chengguang returned to the cave with a smile, his expression revealing a fruitful journey.

"Fellow Daoist, I have important matters to discuss with you."

Li Zhirui approached and said directly, "This place harbors danger, but also is an opportunity!"

"Did Fellow Daoist discover something new?"

He nodded and detailed all his findings and actions of the day to the other party.

"The entire swamp is covered by a formation?!"

Fu Chengguang's expression turned solemn. He had some understanding of formations, and though he couldn't break those array patterns in a short time, he knew such a large-scale formation would definitely be of high grade!

"And there are Earth Immortal cultivators stationed here?"

Fortunately, he had always been cautious on each outing, never getting reckless due to the absence of cultivators in Gloomy Swamp. Thus, he hadn't exposed their tracks.

"What plan does Fellow Daoist have?" But soon, Fu Chengguang calmed down, realizing Li Zhirui brought this up for a reason, perhaps already having a plan in mind.

"I plan to spread the news of a Secret Realm or relic hidden in Gloomy Swamp through the cultivators of This Realm whom I can influence."

Previously, to be cautious, he didn't manipulate all the cultivators of This Realm, leaving a few to facilitate future actions.

Little did he expect it to be needed so soon.

As for the dozen cultivators who had visited the swamp, they had already sworn a Dao Oath. Forcing them to spread the word would be to their detriment.

"Is Fellow Daoist planning to fish in troubled waters?" Fu Chengguang immediately understood Li Zhirui's intention.

"Exactly, only by doing this can we extract profit."

Li Zhirui nodded and said, "And whether it's a Secret Realm or relic, they can yield substantial gains in a short period!"

He naturally agreed wholeheartedly to this, and was very tempted.

But one crucial problem remained: how would they blend in?

"Our primary task, then, is to integrate into the Ten Thousand Rivers Realm and eliminate our distinct Outer Realm aura!"

Li Zhirui had a solution to address this.

Fu Chengguang's eyes flickered with surprise. Though he didn't underestimate the newly acquainted fellow Daoist, even that family's Taiyi Golden Immortal ancestor lacked a good solution, at best quickening the wear off time.

Yet his confident demeanor suggested he had a quick solution, sparking a keen curiosity to witness his methods.

"Fellow Daoist, nurture these lotus seeds well. Once they mature, they will receive the favor and merit of this Heavenly Dao. This merit can help us erase the Outer Realm aura and avoid rejection by the Heavenly Dao."