Qingzhou Prefecture, Great Zhou Immortal Dynasty.
An unusual atmosphere of tension, anticipation, and solemnity filled the vast central Dao arena.
The white jade viewing terraces surrounding the arena were already packed with the leaders and elders of Qingzhou's great clans and sects.
At the center of the arena, dozens of enormous teleportation arrays inscribed with intricate spatial runes lay still like sleeping beasts.
Today marked the official conclusion of the six-month [Purple Register Heavenly Examination] in Qingzhou of the Great Zhou Immortal Dynasty.
"Humm—"
As the ancient bronze bell hanging at the arena's highest point released a long, deep peal, the space at the arena's center began twisting violently.
"The appointed hour has come! Open the secret realms!"
At the mighty cultivator's shout, the enormous teleportation arrays erupted one after another with pillars of light that pierced the sky.
Amid the flickering light, young, upright figures emerged from the arrays in succession. Though travel-worn and even bloodstained, their eyes blazed with insufferable pride.
Gu Yuan, Heavenly South Prefecture's foremost prodigy, was the first to step out.
His once-splendid brocade robes were mostly torn, and blood seeped through the bandages around his left arm, yet he strode like a dragon and tiger, radiating imposing confidence. In one hand, he casually tossed a demon core that emitted extraordinarily violent fluctuations of spiritual energy.
"Is that... the demon core of a peak Foundation Establishment [Earthsplitter Demon Bear]?! Gu Yuan actually killed such a vicious creature single-handedly in the secret realm!"
Gasps of shock and admiration immediately rose from the viewing terraces.
Hearing the astonished voices around him, Gu Yuan's lips curled with undisguised satisfaction.
He surveyed his surroundings and sneered inwardly. *I exhausted every trump card to kill that beast and even lost a supreme-grade magical artifact. But with such a dazzling achievement,