253: Chapter 252 Where did you come from?

Inside the Imperial Palace.

Ye Lingling shook her head helplessly, a resigned smile hanging on her lips as she spoke softly: "Just a moment ago, it was a proper Prodigy discussion and fair competition. Now, thanks to one sentence from our Husband, it has turned into a beauty pageant."

Yue Ying spoke up, unable to decide whether to laugh or cry: "Husband has always been capricious and never afraid of a lively scene. It is just a pity for all these Prodigies; a proper martial arts competition has been forcibly burdened with an extra layer of constraints, turning them into mere background scenery."

"We naturally understand Husband's temperament." Shui Monong smiled lightly, her eyes full of clear-sighted resignation. "Very well, as long as he is happy, we are already used to it."

The women exchanged words, devoid of any jealousy or hostility, filled only with complete indulgence and resignation.

They knew Yuan Chen's temperament well; rather than restraining him and fostering estrangement, it was better to accept it with an open heart.

Below the high platform, all the participating Prodigies, upon hearing the Opportunity promised by Yuan Chen, felt their Battle Intent instantly boil over. The tension and apprehension accumulated in their hearts dissipated, replaced by endless excitement and anticipation.

"Dragon Emperor is mighty!"

"Medium Grade Spiritual Artifact, here I come!"

"Over ten thousand! So rich! Dragon Emperor, do you still need a son? I need a daddy!"

"You unfilial son, can you have some ambition? Your real father is standing right here! Can you save me some Face... Although, your grandfather left early, and I have lacked fatherly love since I was young..."

The women also became restless.

Originally, many female Cultivators participated only seeking to play it safe, secure a mid-tier ranking, and obtain the Cultivation resources rewarded by the Imperial Dynasty.

But if they could gain the favor of Yuan Chen, it would be of great benefit to both their Family and themselves.

After all, it was rumored through certain channels that no matter what talent Yuan Chen's wives had before, as long as they married Yuan Chen, their cultivation would undergo rapid Ascension. While there was certainly the reason of increased resources, it still seemed too fast.

Even a Cultivator like Zixia could quickly Breakthrough to a Twelve-Tribulation Loose Demon; the matter was clearly not as simple as it appeared.

It was very likely that the rumors were true.

Yuan Chen's 'leaf' was a great treasure.

Since that was the case, this resource had to be secured. There was no other meaning; everything was for the sake of the Dao.

"Daughter, go all out! No need to hold back! Not only must you defeat your opponent, but you must do it beautifully and stunningly, so that the Sect Master on the high platform can clearly see our talent and elegance!"

"Mother, do you really have to?"

"You child, Mother is paving the way for you! The Dragon Emperor did not restrict widows from participating, and your Mother is peerless in elegance. What if?"

Countless female Cultivators had shining eyes and soaring Battle Intent.

The originally conservative and cautious atmosphere of the competition instantly reversed. Every female Prodigy who took the stage underwent an earth-shattering change in her fighting style.

In past arena competitions, Cultivator duels were centered on subduing the enemy and winning with minimal cost; Moves were concise, sharp, and lethal, seeking only the result of victory or defeat. But now, all the female Cultivators' styles had quietly shifted.

They still fought with full effort and exquisite Moves, but they no longer blindly pursued ruthless kills. Instead, amidst the fierce combat, they deliberately integrated their posture and movement, twisting and turning, robes fluttering, sword light swirling, and Spiritual Qi flying, perfectly blending martial slaughter with their own elegance.

Clearly, it was a perilous arena battle, but at this moment, it became as graceful as a startled swan or a swimming dragon. Within the sharp Cultivation Technique, there was an extreme beauty. Every leap, every sword strike, and every dodge was extremely elegant and agile, stunning the entire audience.

Some female Cultivators had sword light like snow, white robes fluttering, bringing a cold Immortal Qi to their slaughter; others had fiery Cultivation Techniques, red skirts flying, showing bright and heroic spirit amidst the fierce battle; still others had agile movement techniques, steps swirling, gentle and nimble in their advances and retreats, with an overwhelming Spiritual Qi.

For a time, the entire competition arena was filled with the sounds of battle and an array of stunning figures, leaving the entire audience dazzled and unable to look away.

On the high platform, the leaders of the four forces witnessed this earth-shattering change, each with a complex expression, filled with sighs and emotions, whispering to each other.

"I really never expected... that this much-anticipated Prodigy competition would end up like this." A veteran Sect Master shook his head and smiled bitterly, his tone full of sighs.

"Who is to say it isn't! Moral standards are declining! The morals are declining!"

"What are you two whispering about?" Yuan Chen's gaze turned over.

"Nothing, many male Disciples in my Sect want to ask if they have a chance, after all, men and women are equal! I just never dared to ask you."

Yuan Chen's Face darkened; weren't you just asking?

"Drag him down and throw him into a brothel!"

"Dragon Emperor, I was wrong..."

The competition atmosphere completely transformed, and the enthusiasm remained undiminished. This Prodigy competition, originally estimated to conclude in a month, had its schedule infinitely extended because everyone went all out, every duel was a fierce struggle, and countless Prodigies clashed at their Peak.

Day after day, month after month, the arena battles never ceased.

During this time, Zhao Miao, seeing nothing else to do, bid farewell to Yuan Chen according to their previous agreement and returned to the Upper Realm.

A full three months passed in the blink of an eye.

Three months of Peak duels forged countless top Prodigies. Countless Geniuses rose, fell, and grew on the arena stage; some became famous in one battle, stunning the Eastern Wasteland, while others were defeated with regret and settled into self-reflection. The entire competition was magnificent and full of ups and downs, creating the grandest and most exciting Prodigy gathering in history.

Countless forces and countless Cultivators watched the whole process, witnessing this special competition that transformed from a martial arts struggle into a grand celebration of elegance.

Finally, the schedule drew to a close, ushering in the final day of the ultimate battle.

Today, the Imperial City arena was packed with people, more grand and magnificent than ever. The entire arena was surrounded by spiritual light, Formations hung high, and Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi gathered here, creating a solemn and grand atmosphere.

After three months of layer-by-layer screening and Peak slaughter, the final ten Prodigies were determined.

Although a lot of fighting spirit was aroused, the proportion of female Cultivators was still not high, only nearly one-fifth.

On the high platform, Yuan Chen sat lazily, his white clothes spotless, his eyes still carrying a playful smile as he quietly overlooked the arena below. In three months of long observation, he had never felt any impatience, but instead watched with great interest.

The wives beside him were already accustomed to the lively scene of the arena, their expressions calm, whispering to each other in pairs.

Below, the remaining top Prodigies were ready to go, their auras climbing to their Peak, preparing to start the final ultimate duel to compete for the top honor of this tournament.

Everyone held their breath, ready to go, and the entire audience also quieted down, focusing their eyes on the arena, waiting for the final battle to begin.

But at this moment of great attention, just before the final duel was about to start!

Hum—!

Above the sky, an ethereal roar that shook the world rang out without warning.

Then, under the gaze of billions of surprised eyes, the churning clouds in the high sky suddenly tore open a gap several meters long.

Abruptly, a slender and thin figure tumbled down from the crack.

After steadying his body, he blinked, and he was just as confused as everyone else:

"Where did I get dropped?"