My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

Within the Gu Mansion, Gu Lan reclined in a rocking chair, idly flipping through a recently acquired medical tome. Behind him, Lin Tan'er cradled Simu, holding an engraved shadow stone, currently in an activated state.

The projection from the shadow stone depicted a scene from the second installment of the "Calabash Brothers" series.

Upon completing a page of the medical book, Gu Lan received the desired reward. A slightly chilly Saint Stage Spirit Fruit fell into his hand.

"Spirit Fruit!" Before Gu Lan could offer it, a chubby little hand swiftly reached out and snatched the Spirit Fruit away.

In the next moment, a crisp sound emanated from behind Gu Lan as Simu gnawed on the Spirit Fruit, still fixated on the projection of the second brother's clever battle with the scorpion spirit and snake spirit.

Observing this scene, Gu Lan shook his head helplessly. He felt that the responsibilities of tutoring the two young princesses needed to be elevated in priority.

Turning his gaze towards the direction outside the city, Gu Lan wondered if the selection process for those three fellows had commenced.

"In the fantasy novels of the past, ascending to the Upper Realm was a great opportunity. I wonder if that lad, Chen Feng, will make an appearance in this book?"

Gu Lan mused lightly, sipping his tea with a slight curve to his lips and a twinkle in his starry eyes.

...

At Tianqiong Mountain, halfway up the slope, Chen Feng, who was struggling to climb, sneezed forcefully.

"Peculiar! I've already attained the King Stage cultivation, so why am I catching a cold?"

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"Could it be from being flung by the old man earlier, leaving hidden injuries?"

Perplexed, Chen Feng circulated his qi to investigate. However, he detected no signs of hidden injuries within his body. It seemed unlikely.

Shaking his head, Chen Feng continued his ascent towards the summit. The envoys of the Three Realms had already arrived, and the selection ceremony was about to begin.

Like Chen Feng, many young cultivators were hurrying up the mountain at the fastest speed possible.

Almost every one of them was among the cream of the crop of the younger generation. The one who ascended the mountain fastest would gain an advantage.

At that moment, countless spiritual lights flickered on Tianqiong Mountain. The young cultivators showcased their respective abilities—some flew on their swords, some utilized elemental techniques, and others controlled beasts with the wind.

In short, they displayed various extraordinary skills.

Although Chen Feng knew only a few spells, his King Stage prowess surpassed many, positioning him among the top contenders.

Even the Holy Son of the Netherworld, who led the pack, couldn't help but glance at Chen Feng a few times. Chen Feng possessed King Stage strength despite his seemingly ordinary appearance—a stroke of luck indeed.

However, after casting a couple of glances, the Holy Son of the Netherworld lost interest. A person without a background was not worthy of much attention.

His true concern lay with Luan Xiaoyao of Thousand Souls Town, the formidable opponent with significant backing from the Northern Ming royal family.

By this time, Luan Xiaoyao and the Elder of Thousand Souls Town had also arrived at the summit.@@novelbin@@

In addition to the young cultivators, many reclusive cultivators and elders were present, either escorting their juniors or pursuing their own aspirations.

Despite the lack of opportunity, they were eager to try their luck at ascending to the Upper Realm.

All eyes were on the three figures in the center of the stage— the envoys of the Three Realms.

Each envoy was surrounded by intricate arrays, with a rune-covered pillar floating before them. These pillars served as instruments for the selection ceremony, emitting an aura resonating with their respective realms.

"We have quite a turnout. Let's begin," said the envoy from the Demon Realm, observing the increasing number of Lower Realm cultivators.

With a gentle touch of his finger on the pillar before him, a pillar of light shot up into the sky and expanded.

Following suit, the envoy from the Underworld also touched the pillar, causing another pillar of light to rise and spread.

Then, the third envoy did the same.

Seeing the three pillars of light, excitement surged among the crowd. They couldn't wait to step forward and be chosen by the envoys for the selection ceremony.

The power they beheld was something they desired to possess as soon as possible—to rise above the rest.

"The selection for ascension has begun, Lower Realm cultivators, listen closely!" declared the Demon Realm envoy sternly.

"Only those we select may enter the pillars of light. Once inside, exert your qi to the fullest extent for as long as you can endure. Whether you pass the selection, we will inform you in due time. During the ceremony, no one is allowed within three yards of the arrays.

Interference will be at your own peril," continued the envoy, laying out the rules before pointing toward a young Demon Clan cultivator.

"Youngster from the Black Bear Clan, Xiong Ba, present yourself to the envoy!"

The young Demon Clan cultivator, brimming with excitement, quickly approached and paid his respects.

"No need for formalities. Enter the pillar of light promptly," commanded the envoy.

"Yes, my lord!" With a nod, the young Demon Clan cultivator activated his qi and flew into the pillar of light.

"Ah—"

"What's happening? Why is it so painful?!"

The young Xiong Ba cried out in pain almost the instant he entered the pillar of light, being ejected outwards.

Whether he was expelled by his own volition or by the pillar remained unclear. From entry to exit, not even a breath's time had passed.

When he entered, the Black Bear Clan Demon Clan cultivator's face was still somewhat dark. But upon exiting, his complexion had turned deathly pale.

"Was it supposed to be this fast?"

"Is the pain truly unbearable? Aren't Demon Clan cultivators known for their resilience in physical endurance? The agony they cannot endure must be truly horrifying!"

"Did he pass?"

Upon witnessing this scene, the cultivators in the vicinity were all shocked and dismayed.

Without sparing a glance at the Black Bear Clan cultivator, the Demon Clan cultivator pointed again, saying coldly, "Next, you."

This time, the chosen Demon Clan cultivator hesitated slightly but still stepped into the pillar of light without hesitation.

In no time, he was expelled as well.

"Next..."

The envoy from the Demon Realm remained expressionless as he continued pointing at individuals.

Not a single young cultivator who entered could endure for more than three breaths, nor did anyone pass the ascension selection.

Regardless of whether they were of human or Demon Clan descent, none could withstand the ordeal.

Some cultivators even went mad from the pain, losing their sanity.

One unfortunate soul even perished from the agony.

Witnessing this scene, the ambitious aspirations of the cultivators were doused with cold reality, leaving their expressions grim.

This was no selection ceremony; it was akin to a trial of hell.

Anyone whose aura did not align with that of the Demon Realm was suppressed by the power left behind by the Demon Realm envoy in the pillars.

With their cultivation, how could they possibly endure for more than a few breaths?

"Next!"

The envoy from the Demon Realm remained emotionless, continuing to select individuals.

All eyes fell on the next unfortunate soul, but what surprised them was that this time, the chosen individual appeared relatively indifferent, with a hint of arrogance and confidence in his gaze.

The chosen one was none other than Chen Feng, who had arrived not long ago.