The Celestial Realm, situated above numerous other realms, is blessed with the power of the Heavenly Dao. Consequently, the spiritual energy within it 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 Celestial Realm dwellers tend to be somewhat dismissive of those who ascend from the lower realms. In their eyes, individuals who ascend are considered lesser beings who have only managed to reach the Celestial Realm through their own arduous efforts.
Xuan Emperor City, located within a certain city in the Celestial Realm, houses millions of cultivators. Along the sides of the city, there are remarkably swift roads, and even ordinary children possess an extraordinary bearing.
On the altar of Xuan Emperor City, numerous figures emerged, appearing unusually excited. These were individuals who had ascended from the lower realms, each brimming with joy. Successfully ascending was, naturally, a cause for immense celebration for them.
As they took in their surroundings, they realized they were standing on the altar, enveloped by dense spiritual energy that exerted a boundless pressure.
The Celestial Realm was indeed different from the lower realms. Both the spiritual energy and the Heavenly Dao's oppressive aura far surpassed anything the lower realms could compare to, instilling a sense of unease in everyone.
"You newly ascended loose immortals from the lower realms, all line up and prepare to head to the Immortal Mines!"
A man clad in armor spoke, accompanied by several guards whose auras were formidable, each emanating a terrifying presence. The weakest among them was at the Great Sage realm, which filled the ascenders with shock.
Although they had managed to ascend, some had not even reached the Great Sage realm. The reason for their ascension was that the realms they belonged to could no longer contain them once they broke through to the Sage realm.
"Is this the Celestial Realm?" a bold young man inquired, his eyes alight with anticipation.
"Indeed, this is the Celestial Realm!"
An elder stepped forward, his expression appearing calm and indifferent as he gazed at the ascenders, as if they were mere slaves in his eyes.
"According to Xuan Emperor City's rules, ascenders must serve in the Immortal Mines for three full years before they can establish themselves in the Celestial Realm. Anyone who dares to disobey will be considered an enemy of the Xuan Emperor!" the white-haired elder declared arrogantly. He was the steward of Xuan Emperor City, solely responsible for arranging the affairs of 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 stirred. In their lower realms, they had been figures of considerable renown, even the most prominent existences in their entire domains. Yet, they never imagined that upon arriving in the Celestial Realm, they would be met with such a situation, a reality they found difficult to accept.
"Is there anyone who disagrees? Step forward!" Steward Wu said coldly. "As the steward of Xuan Emperor City, it is my duty to make you understand your status. Mere slaves from the lower realms daring to act presumptuously before us!"
Faced with these words, many ascenders were displeased. They were not easily intimidated. Steward Wu's pronouncements clearly provoked them.
Some ascenders even leaped forward, intending to leave the altar. They were, after all, the strongest beings from their respective realms and had no reason to fear the individuals before them.
But in that very instant, the figure was flicked away by a single finger from Steward Wu, instantly vanishing into nothingness.
Witnessing this scene, everyone present trembled violently, their eyes filled with disbelief. They had never expected an ascender to be killed so readily, a sight that sent chills down their spines.
"Such powerful spiritual energy!"
Many ascenders exclaimed, their eyes filled 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 to the side, his gaze becoming indifferent. He did not mind killing all these individuals if they were so foolish as to provoke him, as Xuan Emperor City had plenty of such servants.
"Everyone, do not act rashly!"
Among the ascenders, a woman spoke, "This is the Celestial Realm. I fear our strength is the weakest here. If we dare to act out, we will only face death. We cultivated diligently and ascended to the Celestial Realm not to seek our demise!"
Many ascenders nodded, regaining their composure. If they had blindly acted just moments ago, they would likely have found themselves in serious trouble.
As the woman had said, their arrival in the Celestial Realm was already an incredibly difficult feat. To perish in the Celestial Realm due to a moment of recklessness would be truly laughable.
Lu Fan stood before the multitude of ascenders, his expression shifting. Even he had not anticipated such a turn of events. He had thought that ascending to the Celestial Realm would lead to a brighter future, perhaps even a direct path to immortality. Instead, upon arriving in the Celestial Realm, he was to be sent to mine. How could anyone tolerate this?
"Is there anyone else who dares to cause trouble? I will deal with them all!"
Steward Wu exuded an imposing aura, his gaze sweeping 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 immense strength, so formidable that it instilled fear in them. If they were ignorant of their place and insisted on provoking Steward Wu, they would be the ones to suffer.
Once everyone had formed a line, Steward Wu called out names one by one and led them away from Xuan Emperor City, leaving behind only the woman from earlier and Lu Fan.
"Sir, we did not resist. Why have you kept us two behind?" Jian Yu inquired.
"You two have good potential, so you will become guards of Xuanwu City!" Steward Wu waved his hand and turned to leave.
Another captain approached, appraising them briefly and nodding. "I never expected you two to be so fortunate, being assigned to the guard team. If you had been assigned to the Immortal Mines, it would have been dire!"
"Thank you for the compliment, Captain!"
Jian Yu quickly nodded. "Captain, please offer us guidance 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!"
"Little girl, you certainly know how to speak!"
The captain chuckled. "My name is Lei Batiian. You can call me Brother Tian from now on. In Xuan Emperor City, ascenders have the lowest status. In fact, throughout the entire Celestial Realm, ascenders hold no status. This is reality!"
"Lei Batiian?"
Lu Fan chuckled wryly. "Just hearing the name suggests a powerful figure. If I'm not mistaken, Captain, you are also an ascender?"
"Your observation is sharp, young man. I ascended over a thousand years ago!" Lei Batiian nodded.