Chu Hao was pulled away, far from the Tao Clan, and asked, "Are you all afraid of the Tao Clan?"

A Bei Ling Academy disciple whispered, "The people of the Tao Clan are very strange. Don't be fooled by their lack of crisis, in fact, these people are really sinister. They can change a person's mind, making them willing to become part of the Tao Clan, with their days filled with mysticism."

Yang Min'er said, "What's the big deal? You are also recruiting students."

The Bei Ling Academy disciple sneered, "It's different. The academy won't restrict your freedom. If the Tao Clan targets you, they'll forcibly make you join, even changing your thoughts to make you one of them."

Chu Hao was taken aback, "Changing thoughts, is it really that sinister?"

"The Tao Clan is the most fearsome clan aside from the Human Emperor Clan. They're always so mystical and dressed in peculiar attire. Everyone is afraid of them, but actually, the Tao Clan is ridiculously powerful."

Unexpectedly, the ancestors who founded Taoism were like this, ostracized by others.

However, the people of the Tao Clan becoming pioneers of the era isn't without reason. The people of this age are still too feudal-minded.

"Boom boom boom!"

Ahead, the sound of an intense drumbeat rang out, shaking people's hearts.

"Someone is beating the Imperial Drum!"

"They're attempting the Emperor's Three Trials," the people of Holy City were extremely surprised.

Even the Bei Ling Academy disciple said, "Someone is attempting the Emperor's Three Trials, let's go and see."

They all arrived at the plaza, where a giant copper drum stood ahead and someone had struck it. It was a young man wearing cloth garments, with a headband and long hair draped over his shoulders. He was the one who had struck the copper drum for the Emperor's Three Trials.

"Who is beating the Imperial Drum?" a group of soldiers appeared.

The man put down the copper hammer, his features were so handsome that one couldn't discern if he was male or female, and said, "I am Gu Yan, and I want to challenge the Emperor's Three Trials."

Gu Yan.

Chu Hao suddenly thought of something, could this guy be Gu Yan?

Old Green Frog of the Undying Sect had once said that the strongest generation once buried themselves, using different methods, waiting for the arrival of this age. He also instructed him to pay special attention to three people.

Qi Tian, Shang Yingdie, Gu Yan — these three are very powerful.

"It seems the young master of the Undying Sect, the Netherworld People, have also entered this world," Chu Hao muttered.

This Gu Yan appears gender-neutral, but he's actually male, just extraordinarily attractive, almost resembling a female.

The leader of the soldiers nodded slightly, "Anyone can challenge the Emperor's Three Trials, but a test of strength is required."

Gu Yan calmly asked, "How will the test be conducted?"

The soldier leader pointed ahead.

At the front of the plaza stood an ancient tall building, reminiscent of the ancient Star-picking Tower, over a hundred meters in length, the tallest building in Holy City, also a landmark.

Its entire structure is wooden, with stone steps below leading to the tall building. Soldiers guard all sides, leaving no gaps.

"Climb these steps, and you can enter the Imperial Tower to attempt the Emperor's Three Trials."

"Alright."

Gu Yan set off.

Gu Yan climbed the stone steps, frowning involuntarily. As he took another step, his body wobbled.

"What's going on?" Chu Hao watched with curiosity.

A Bei Ling Academy disciple explained, "These stone steps aren't easy to traverse. It's said each step can test a person's consciousness, and those whose consciousness isn't strong will pass out."

"Boom boom boom."

At this moment, someone else struck the Imperial Drum, a female whose beauty made the men's eyes brighten.

She possessed bright and clear eyes, curved willow eyebrows, flawless fair skin, with a faint pink tint.

Such a woman is truly eye-catching.

"Who are you?" a soldier asked.

That stunningly beautiful woman replied, "Xia Yuqing, here to challenge the Emperor's Three Trials."

Chu Hao frowned; his Fiery Eyes and Golden Pupils couldn't discern if she was human or ghost, the same was true for Gu Yan.

It seems those who entered this world have shed their ghostly state, appearing in different roles.

Gu Yan turned around, and when he saw Xia Yuqing, he smiled slightly.

Xia Yuqing bypassed the guarding soldiers and stepped onto the Emperor's Three Trials steps.

Gu Yan remarked, seeing Xia Yuqing, "It's an acquaintance." He said, "Have you been well these years?"

Xia Yuqing exhibited the charm of a classical woman, her proud figure beneath her garments concealed a stunning curve, where necessary it protruded, and where necessary it curved, sparking men's imaginations.

Xia Yuqing sighed, "Gu Yan, you're still the same, unchanged."

Gu Yan laughed, "From our era, not many remain. Meeting you again makes me very happy."

Xia Yuqing shook her head, "There's nothing to be happy about, you and I are no longer human."

Gu Yan replied, "No! Reviving after thousands of years, I find it interesting."

In her heart, Xia Yuqing, and An An were shocked; this Gu Yan really is carefree, he was one of the strongest of his generation back then and said, "It seems we have the same goal, it's for this — Human Rebirth Technique."

Gu Yan nodded, "Only Emperor Shun of the Human Emperor Clan commands this technique."

Xia Yuqing sighed, she really didn't want to be Gu Yan's opponent, knowing very well how terrifying this beautiful man in front of her was.

Gu Yan muttered, "Outside, I saw Shang Yingdie when I arrived; she's still so stunning and increasingly charming."

Xia Yuqing's face turned somber, as Shang Yingdie likely also arrived; will she appear?

Xia Yuqing gritted her teeth and resumed climbing the stone steps.

Her speed was so incredible, it seemed she was walking ordinary stone steps, step by step.

Gu Yan smiled lightly, "Indeed, the great Nightmare, worthy of being the inheritor of the Nightmare Sect, her consciousness is very strong."

Xia Yuqing said, "I'll go ahead."

...

In the corner of the palace in Holy City, someone reported, "Emperor Shun, someone is challenging the Emperor's Three Trials."

Emperor Shun looked around forty years old, his angular white hair seemed weathered, he set down the bamboo slip in his hand, and said, "Is it finally starting? Relay my order, open the Emperor's Three Trials to the outside, anyone can challenge it, the prerequisite is, to pass the stone steps."

"Yes."

Shun muttered, "Have they all come?"

The herald came to the plaza and shouted, "Relay the Imperial Order!"

Countless people were shocked, everyone knelt, and outsiders followed suit, squatting down without exception.

The herald announced, "Emperor's Gate is open to the outside, anyone can challenge the Emperor's Gate, special permission."

After the herald finished speaking, a frenzy of voices erupted throughout the venue.

"The grand spectacle of the top ten has finally begun."

Countless people were excited, especially those who traveled thousands of miles, most came from tribes, representing the strongest of their tribe, including elders and children.

People from the Eight Great Academies of Holy City hurriedly left upon hearing this and informed others.

"Anyone can attempt, I want to try." Someone was eager.

Someone said, "Forget it, you wish to attempt the Emperor's Gate; not everyone can do it."

The person replied, "I don't believe it."

ps: The end of the month is approaching, requesting a wave of monthly votes!!