Another change happened that I don’t know about?

In a secret room, a figure shrouded in divine light sat cross-legged. She appeared to be immersed in her practice, surrounded by real dragons soaring into the sky and white tigers treading the ground, creating a truly magical scene.

The entire secret room was bathed in a mysterious light.

Behind her, two figures in black robes stood silently, motionless, and devoid of any visible breath, resembling two shadows, quietly guarding her. At this moment, there came a knock on the door.

The figure who had been deep in meditation suddenly opened her eyes, and her piercing gaze illuminated the secret room like lightning. "Please come in," she said in a neutral voice that made it impossible to determine her specific gender.

With a soft "crunch," the door to the secret room swung open.

The third princess, adorned in an elegant flowing gown, moved gracefully as she entered the room. Her beauty was enchanting, reminiscent of a celestial being from the Moon Palace. She walked in with a light step.

She cast a searching look at the figure seated cross-legged in the secret chamber with her captivating eyes. It had been a while since this person had started visiting her residence, yet she still couldn't unravel their true identity.

In fact, she didn't even know whether this enigmatic individual was male or female, what they looked like, or what level of cultivation they possessed. The only things she was certain of were that they claimed to be a descendant of the ancient Heavenly Puppet Sect, possessed a Life and Death Pill, and sought to strike a deal with her.

"Third Princess, what are your thoughts?" The figure seated cross-legged also regarded the third princess and spoke slowly.

"The Yuanhuang Secret Realm is not easily entered. The first requirement is age; one must be under twenty-five years old. Anyone older than that would be detected by the formation guarding the entrance to the secret realm."

"Even I cannot breach the defenses of the Yuanhuang Secret Realm," the third princess said meaningfully as she observed the figure before her.

Her own age had surpassed twenty-five, making it impossible for her to gain access to the Yuanhuang Secret Realm. She mentioned this only to extract information from the person before her.

"Third Princess, there is no need for you to worry about that," the figure seated cross-legged responded calmly.

In her words, there was an unmistakable air of confidence, as if the Yuanhuang Secret Realm of the Great Zhou royal family held no mysteries for her.

"Is that so?" The third princess covered her lips with a smile, a glint of sharpness flickering deep in her eyes. Unless something unexpected had occurred, the figure before her appeared to be no older than twenty-five, marking them as a remarkable talent among the younger generation.

However, it was no easy task for the third princess to discern the true intentions behind this person's desire to enter the Yuanhuang Secret Realm.

After all, the Yuanhuang Secret Realm was vast, akin to a miniature world. As a member of the Great Zhou royal family, she couldn't be certain about the multitude of treasures it held.

"What is it that you require, fellow Daoist? Feel free to tell me directly. Perhaps I can assist you in obtaining it beforehand. After all, my Great Zhou Dynasty reigns over many nations and is abundantly wealthy. The treasury is not lacking in rare treasures."

"Why take the risk of entering the Yuanhuang Secret Realm?"

"Third Princess, this is merely a transaction between you and me. It seems you have too many questions today," the figure seated cross-legged responded in a cold tone.

"Very well," the smile on the third princess's face faded, and she adopted the demeanor of an ice-cold beauty. Her indescribable grace made it impossible for anyone to meet her gaze directly. With a stern look in her eyes, she said, "Since fellow Daoist insists, then let us discuss business."

"I'm sticking to my previous statement: let me enter the Yuanhuang Secret Realm, and when I return, I will willingly hand over the Life and Death Pill."

The voice of the enigmatic figure remained calm and unchanging, as if discussing something routine.

Neither she nor the third princess trusted each other.

After delivering the Life and Death Pill to the other party, there was no guarantee that the third princess would actually allow her entry into the Yuanhuang Secret Realm. If things took a turn for the worse and they turned against each other, she would be defenseless against the third princess.

After all, not only did the third princess have the backing of the Great Zhou Dynasty, but she was also affiliated with a top-tier demon sect.

Both were powers she couldn't afford to provoke.

"Ah."

The third princess scoffed, a glint of coldness flashing in her eyes as she spoke indifferently, "Fellow Daoist, you seem overly confident. Do you believe the Yuanhuang Secret Realm is so safe?"

"Never mind the various sect geniuses who have entered it; the secret realm is teeming with countless ferocious beasts. If you were to fall victim to one inside, what would I gain?"

"Don't think I didn't warn you: once you step into the Yuanhuang Secret Realm, your two puppet attendants will be rendered useless!"

The third princess cast a glance at the two figures in black robes behind the mysterious individual.

While she couldn't discern the exact strength of the person before her, the two black-robed entities couldn't escape her scrutiny.

It was clear that they were not living beings but rather puppets in the realm of life and death.

In hindsight, everything fell into place—the other party's claim to be a descendant of the ancient Heavenly Puppet Sect seemed entirely credible, with no discrepancies.

Even the third princess had come to accept that the enigmatic figure was indeed an heir of the ancient Celestial Puppet Sect.

"What does the third princess propose?"

The enigmatic figure inquired.

"Provide me with the Divine Pill of Life and Death, and I will naturally facilitate your entry into the Yuanhuang Secret Realm."

"No!"

The third princess's reply was swift and resolute.

This was her non-negotiable condition, one she couldn't waver on. Handing over the Life and Death Pill would mean surrendering control over her future.

"There are multiple avenues to enhance your strength. Do you believe that I'm powerless without the Life and Death Pill?"

The third princess chuckled. She turned her palm upward, revealing a jade bottle held within. A Taoist aura exuded from it, sending shivers down one's spine.

"An Enlightenment Pill?"

The enigmatic figure exclaimed in surprise.

In recorded history, there was no mention of the third princess possessing an Enlightenment Pill. How had she suddenly come into possession of such a crucial pill?

While the Life and Death Pill was undoubtedly valuable, its primary function was to increase the likelihood of breaking through the realm of life and death. However, the actual breakthrough depended on luck.

Throughout history, numerous individuals had consumed multiple Life and Death Pills yet remained unable to advance to the realm of life and death.

In contrast, the Enlightenment Pill was a different story.

Upon ingestion, one's comprehension would skyrocket several times over. During the pill's duration, one's cultivation of magical arts or understanding of the cosmos would increase exponentially.

For someone like the third princess, taking the Enlightenment Pill wouldn't directly elevate her to the realm of life and death, but it might grant her insight into the realm's mysteries. Once those were understood, a breakthrough would be all but inevitable, rendering the Life and Death Pill somewhat insignificant.

"Where did the third princess acquire the Enlightenment Pill? Could it be that there have been undisclosed changes in the historical narrative?"

Externally, the enigmatic figure maintained an unflinching composure, as if impervious to the potential upheaval of her surroundings.

In reality, deep within her heart, tumultuous waves surged, and she couldn't find peace.