The Celestial Realm, situated above numerous other realms, is blessed by the power of the Heavenly Dao. Consequently, the spiritual energy within the Celestial Realm is even more concentrated. The Celestial Realm is home to both its native inhabitants and those who have ascended from the lower realms.
However, the native residents of the Celestial Realm tend to be somewhat dismissive of those who ascend from the lower realms, viewing them as inferior beings who have only managed to reach the Celestial Realm through their own efforts.
Xuan Emperor City, located in a certain city within the Celestial Realm, houses millions of immortal cultivators. Flanking the city are exceptionally fast roads, and even ordinary children possess extraordinary divine bearing.
Upon the altar of Xuan Emperor City, numerous figures emerged, appearing exceptionally excited. These were individuals who had ascended from the lower realms, each filled with joy. Successfully ascending was, naturally, a cause for great celebration.
As they clearly perceived their surroundings, they realized they had appeared on the altar, enveloped by a dense spiritual energy that instilled a profound sense of pressure.
The Celestial Realm was indeed different from the lower realms; both its spiritual energy and the Heavenly Dao's might far surpassed anything the lower realms could compare to, leaving everyone feeling apprehensive.
"All you rogue immortals who have just ascended from the lower realms, form a line and prepare to head to the Immortal Mines!"
A man clad in armor spoke, flanked by numerous guards. These guards, however, exuded powerful auras, each radiating a terrifying presence. The weakest among them was at the Great Sage realm, which further astonished the newcomers.
Although they had managed to ascend, some had not even reached the Great Sage realm. This was because once they broke through to the Saint realm, their respective realms could no longer contain them, thus enabling their ascension.
"Is this truly the Celestial Realm?" a bold young man inquired, his eyes filled with anticipation.
"That's right, this is the Celestial Realm!"
An elder stepped forward, his expression calm and indifferent as he regarded the ascenders, as if they were mere slaves in his eyes.
"According to the rules of Xuan Emperor City, ascenders must serve in the Immortal Mines for a full three years before they can establish themselves in the Celestial Realm. Anyone who dares to disobey will be considered an enemy of Xuan Emperor!" the white-haired elder declared arrogantly. He was the steward of Xuan Emperor City, specifically responsible for arranging the ascenders, and thus spoke to them without any politeness.
"Why? Why must we be assigned to the Immortal Mines!"
The ascenders were indignant, their pride ignited. In their former realms, they were all prominent figures, even the most powerful beings in their entire domains. They never imagined that upon arriving in the Celestial Realm, they would face such a situation, and they found it unbearable.
"If anyone is not satisfied, step forward!" Steward Wu said coldly. "As the steward of Xuan Emperor City, it is my responsibility to make you understand your status. Mere slaves from the lower realms dare to be presumptuous before us!"
Faced with these words, many ascenders felt a surge of defiance. They were not easily intimidated, and Steward Wu's pronouncements clearly provoked them.
Some ascenders even leaped forward, intending to leave the altar. They were, after all, the strongest beings in their respective realms and saw no reason to fear the individuals before them.
But in that very instant, Steward Wu flicked a single finger, and the defiant figure was instantly reduced to nothingness.
Witnessing this scene, everyone present trembled, their eyes filled with disbelief. They had never imagined that an ascender would be killed so readily, sending a chill down their spines.
"Such powerful spiritual energy!"
Many ascenders exclaimed, their eyes wide with fear. They had thought that by coming to the Celestial Realm, they would become true immortals. They never expected such an event to occur so soon after their arrival, catching them completely off guard.
Steward Wu stood by, his gaze becoming indifferent. If these people, in their ignorance of the world's immensity, insisted on provoking him, he wouldn't mind killing them all. After all, within Xuan Emperor City, they had plenty of such servants.
"Everyone, do not act rashly!"
A woman among the ascenders spoke up. "This is the Celestial Realm, and I fear our strength is the weakest here. If we dare to act out, it will only lead to our deaths. We cultivated and ascended to the Celestial Realm not to seek our demise!"
Many ascenders nodded in agreement, quickly regaining their composure. If they had acted impulsively just now, they would have found themselves in serious trouble.
As the woman had stated, their arrival in the Celestial Realm was already an arduous feat. To die in the Celestial Realm due to a moment of recklessness would be truly laughable.
Lu Fan stood amidst the other ascenders, his expression shifting. Even he had not anticipated such a turn of events. He had expected to have a better future upon ascending to the Celestial Realm, perhaps even reaching the pinnacle of immortality. Yet, upon arriving in the Celestial Realm, he was to be immediately sent to mine, a prospect he found difficult to accept.
"If anyone else dares to cause trouble, I will deal with them all!"
Steward Wu's imposing aura was palpable as he cast his gaze over the ascenders, a cold glint in his eyes.
The ascenders dared not delay any further and promptly fell silent. They were acutely aware of Steward Wu's formidable strength, so terrifying that it made them tremble. If they were to foolishly challenge him, they would be the ones to suffer.
Once everyone had lined up, Steward Wu called out names one by one, leading them away from Xuan Emperor City. Only the woman from earlier and Lu Fan remained.
"Sir, we did not resist. Why have you kept us two behind?" Jian Yu inquired.
"You two have good foundations. You will become guards of Xuanwu City!" Steward Wu waved his hand and turned to leave.
Another captain approached, scrutinizing them briefly before nodding. "I truly did not expect you two to be so fortunate, to be assigned as guards. If you had been sent to the Immortal Mines, it would have been dire!"
"Thank you for your praise, Captain!"
Jian Yu quickly nodded. "I hope the captain will look after us in the future. We are new to the Celestial Realm and understand nothing. If we offend any important figures, we wouldn't know how to handle it!"
"You speak very well, little girl!"
The captain chuckled. "My name is Lei Batian. You can call me Brother Tian from now on. Within Xuan Emperor City, ascenders have the lowest status, and even in the entire Celestial Realm, ascenders hold no position. This is reality!"
"Lei Batian?"
Lu Fan gave a wry smile. "Just hearing the name suggests you are a significant figure. If I'm not mistaken, Captain, you are also an ascender?"
"Your insight is good, young man. I ascended over a thousand years ago!" Lei Batian nodded.