After being jilted by the saintess at the beginning, why is she crying?

However, just as he reached the palace gate, a figure suddenly blocked his way.

Lin Fengmian looked closely and was slightly taken aback.

This person was surrounded by spiritual energy, and was indeed a true cultivator!

Qi Refining Level 11... In this desolate land, such cultivation is simply genius-level!

"Are you the husband personally chosen by Her Majesty the Empress?"

The other person looked him up and down, their eyes full of scrutiny and disdain, their tone undisguised contempt, as if they were watching a joke that had foolishly stumbled upon him.

Lin Fengmian was stunned for a moment, and then a sense of absurdity welled up in his heart.

Why did this news spread so quickly?

He had only been in seclusion in the swamp for a few days, so how come even a passerby recognized him?

He quickly figured it out.

Su Miaoyun, this woman, has probably already announced it to the world. Her portrait has been plastered all over the streets and alleys, causing a great uproar and becoming known to everyone.

"What exactly does this woman want?"

Lin Fengmian gritted his teeth, suppressing the anger of being schemed against.

"I freaking don't want to be famous!"

Before he could think further, more young talents gathered from all directions.

Each of them possessed a powerful aura, mostly at the late stage of Qi Refining, and their magical treasures shone faintly on their bodies, clearly indicating that they were all seed disciples nurtured with great effort by their respective sects.

The leader, dressed in brocade robes and wearing a jade crown, had an arrogant expression and laughed loudly:

"Young man, the Empress has decreed—whoever defeats you will take her place and become her new husband!"

The crowd, their eyes fixed intently on Lin Fengmian, surrounded him in the very center.

Lin Fengmian was furious. He laughed in anger, finally seeing through Su Miaoyun's scheme.

This woman is indeed cunning—she's using him as a litmus test, making him the target of hatred from all over the world!

He glanced around calmly, listening to these people introduce themselves, and was secretly astonished.

What are these Lieyang Sect, Xuanbing Valley, Wanjian Pavilion, Tianyin Sect... they're all direct disciples of hidden immortal sects!

What made his scalp tingle even more was that Su Miaoyun held the title of "Honorary Saintess" in seven or eight hidden sects at the same time.

"This woman...is incredibly cunning."

Lin Fengmian narrowed his eyes, having to admit that this empress's methods were truly remarkable.

As the ruler of Fengming Kingdom and also holding the position of Holy Maiden of so many immortal sects, her marriage is never a private matter, but a matter of national importance that affects the whole country. It is also related to the balance of power among the major hidden immortal sects, and even has intricate connections with the guardian of the Demon Abyss Seal.

Unable to openly reject all the marriage proposals from various factions, she could only use him as a pawn, and then use the guise of "choosing a husband through martial arts" to actually screen potential suitors—those sect prodigies who coveted her would have to get past him first if they wanted to advance further.

This move serves three purposes: first, it shifts internal pressure to the outside world; second, it allows us to see the true capabilities of the younger generation from different factions; and third, it is likely the final test for him, the "husband" who was temporarily chosen.

If he can't even handle these small fry, how can he stand shoulder to shoulder with her?

"This woman... is really something else."

A cold smile curled at the corner of Lin Fengmian's lips. "As expected of the Empress."

"Since you're so eager to probe my secrets and have so much confidence in me, then I'll let you see enough!"

The moment the words fell, a cold glint flashed in Lin Fengmian's eyes, and his blood and qi exploded, unleashing an extremely fierce pressure that swept outwards like a tidal wave.

Since he couldn't avoid this war of attrition, he might as well... fight to his heart's content!

"Didn't you all want to fight?" Lin Fengmian glanced around at everyone, a cold, bloodthirsty smile slowly curving his lips.

"Then don't just stand there. One by one, or all at once—it's up to you."

He decided to make an example of them, to teach these people a lesson they would learn, to intimidate them, and to subdue them in one fell swoop!

A large crowd of onlookers quickly gathered around.

There were local martial artists from Fengming Kingdom, as well as disciples from various sects who rushed over upon hearing the news, and even a few richly dressed officials peeking out from behind the pillars.

People pointed and whispered among themselves, their voices rising and falling:

"Heavens! It's actually immortal masters battling it out!"

"Is that Lin Fengmian, the husband His Majesty personally chose? He certainly has a certain air about him!"

"I heard that Her Majesty the Empress personally issued the decree; this person must have some real skills, right?"

"So what if they're powerful? Look at those on the other side, they're all geniuses from their respective sects!"

Under the watchful eyes of countless people, a man with a hooked nose stepped forward, his eyes sinister and a cold smile playing on his lips. He bowed to Lin Fengmian, his posture a gesture of respect, but his tone was full of arrogance:

"I am Zhao Yan from the Lieyang Sect, here to seek your guidance and learn from your superior skills!"

Before he finished speaking, he flipped his wrist, and a crimson spear appeared out of thin air.

The entire gun barrel was covered with fine fire runes, radiating a scorching heat that burned the skin, with faint sparks flickering and dancing at the tip.

It turned out to be a genuine mid-grade magic artifact!

"A mid-grade magic weapon!?"

"Senior Brother Zhao is indeed deeply favored by the Grand Elder; he even bestowed this 'Crimson Flame Spear' upon him!"

The surrounding area erupted in a cacophony of exclamations and envious gasps.

In this desolate land where spiritual energy is scarce and resources are meager, possessing even a single magical artifact is a stroke of good fortune, let alone a mid-grade one.

For the vast majority of cultivators, this is an almost unattainable luxury.

A hint of undisguised smugness flashed across Zhao Yan's face.

Without another word, he took a sudden step forward, his figure shooting up like an arrow released from a bow, the Crimson Flame Spear in his hand transforming into a blinding line of fire.

With a piercing shriek that seemed to tear through the air, it stabbed straight into Lin Fengmian's chest!

He fired that shot without holding back.

Spiritual energy was frantically poured into the gun, causing the flames to surge and even tiny sparks to fly out from the tip.

His attack was intended to severely injure this eyesore on the spot, right before everyone's eyes!

If he could attract even a single glance from the Empress, that would be an immense gain!

However, Lin Fengmian did not move. He simply watched the incoming flames quietly, his pupils reflecting the approaching crimson spear tip, while the curve of his lips slowly deepened.

Faced with this fierce attack, Lin Fengmian made a choice that no one could understand—he neither dodged nor avoided, and his eyes did not even waver in the slightest!

He stood there quietly, as if what was coming at him was not a mid-grade magic weapon capable of piercing through metal and stone, but a gentle breeze brushing against his cheek.

hum!

The spear tip pierced Lin Fengmian's heart with pinpoint accuracy.

Everyone instinctively closed their eyes, as if they couldn't bear to see the horrific scene of blood splattering everywhere.

However, the expected blood did not gush out.

The mid-grade magic weapon spear pierced Lin Fengmian's body, producing an extremely dull metallic clang, like a heavy hammer smashing into ten-thousand-year-old black iron!