My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

Gu Lan's expression grew serious as he swung his sword light at the shadow before him.

He didn't sense any living presence from the shadow, so he didn't hesitate. Though Gu Lan hadn't used his Hongmeng Sword, the strike still held the overwhelming force of creation.

This aura was terrifyingly powerful, causing the entire sky to tremble. With a single strike, the earth beneath him was torn apart. Gu Lan clearly saw that his attack landed on the shadow, but it didn't even leave a scratch on it.

Under his watchful gaze, the shadow began to reform.

Gu Lan was stunned. Even with immense strength, it was impossible for anyone to resist such an attack. And yet, the shadow not only withstood it but also seemed unaffected. Moreover, it had no aura at all.

As Gu Lan puzzled over this, the shadow's sword suddenly glinted, releasing a burst of light straight for him. The sharp sound of the sword's whistle pierced the sky.

This strike was equally terrifying, causing the clouds above to shudder. Seeing the incoming sword light, Gu Lan furrowed his brow and immediately began to retreat.

Luckily, his reflexes were sharp. If he hadn't reacted in time, the blow would have been lethal.

He steadied himself, breathing heavily, his expression now even graver. This power felt exactly the same as his own just moments ago, and the aura matched perfectly.

"How is this possible?" Gu Lan muttered in disbelief.

Instinctively, he began to unleash his own power, only to find that the shadow had begun to replicate his movements and create its own sword light.

Realizing this, Gu Lan didn't dare act hastily. He stood still, and the shadow also remained motionless.

At this point, Gu Lan finally relaxed slightly. However, he was well aware that he couldn't continue to linger with this entity forever.

After considering his options, Gu Lan decided to leave.

His speed was remarkable, and he blurred into a streak of light, hoping to escape the shadow's pursuit. But to his surprise, just a few steps in, the shadow reappeared right in front of him.

...

After a few moments of standoff, Gu Lan realized the shadow posed no immediate threat. As long as he didn't act, it wouldn't attack.

Still, Gu Lan couldn't shake the feeling of being watched since entering the Land of Ruin. Why was this shadow following him?

With confusion in his heart, Gu Lan quickened his pace. He needed to find Gu Simu first. This place was dangerous, and he couldn't afford any slip-ups.

Meanwhile, Gu Simu was facing her own troubles.

Not knowing the shadow's origin, she hadn't restrained her aura from the beginning. After hundreds of exchanges, Gu Simu was at a standstill with the shadow.

"Boom!"

With a deafening crash, Gu Simu was sent flying several thousand feet back.

As she steadied herself, a golden light erupted from her body, and the Hammer of Evergreen Pine materialized, sending a brilliant beam of light toward the heavens.

"Let's see how you block this!"

Gu Simu's expression had been arrogant before, but in an instant, it changed.

The Hammer of Evergreen Pine was her weapon, meant to turn the tide in her favor. But unexpectedly, the shadow before her was able to summon one of its own.

"You fake!" Gu Simu's eyes flashed with fury, and she swung her hammer at the shadow.

In response, the shadow also swung its own Hammer of Evergreen Pine, mimicking her exact actions.

"Boom!"

Since it was an imitation of Gu Simu's technique, the shadow's power was nearly identical. The forces clashed in a stalemate, neither yielding.

As the battle raged on, Gu Simu's patience wore thin.

She clenched her fist, launching a powerful strike.

Her speed was fast, but the shadow's moves mirrored hers exactly.

...

Over time, Gu Simu began to lose her strength.

Standing a hundred feet away, her face darkened, and a murderous aura radiated from her eyes.

This was the most troublesome opponent she had ever encountered.

In past battles, she either lost to a stronger opponent or defeated them with superior strength. But this time, she was completely restrained by the shadow.

"Let's see how you handle this!"

With a stomp, Gu Simu unleashed her full power.

Not only did the power of Evergreen Pine surge, but a vine also wrapped around her arm.

This was one of her trump cards, a move she reserved for the direst situations.

Forced to use it now, Gu Simu had no other choice.

Her strength surged, and the space around her creaked under the pressure.

Clearly, the force she was unleashing was beyond what the surrounding space could bear.

But since this place was the Land of Ruin, the space didn't collapse under the weight of her power.

She threw her arm forward, and the Hammer of Evergreen Pine grew to the size of a small mountain.

"Boom... Boom..."

The hammer slammed down, but the shadow remained unfazed.

Gu Simu's lips curled into a cold smile.

However, at that moment, a massive figure appeared above her.

Looking up, Gu Simu saw the shadow's own Hammer of Evergreen Pine looming over her.

"How is this possible?!"

Gu Simu was taken aback.

The Undead Vine spiraled around her as she quickly retreated.

She hadn't seen the shadow attack just now. How could it have reached her so quickly?

The pressure of the incoming power grew, locking Gu Simu in place.

This was a force she couldn't resist, even with all her power.

At the same time, Gu Lan sensed something was wrong.

When he saw the massive image of Evergreen Pine in the sky, he immediately knew that something was terribly wrong.

Without a moment's hesitation, he increased his speed, urgency written across his face.

With Gu Simu's personality, he knew she wouldn't hold back.

But what she didn't know was that the power she unleashed would return to her, amplifying the pressure she would have to endure.

Within a few moments, Gu Lan closed the distance and saw the hammer pressing Gu Simu to one knee.

He quickly flashed forward and enveloped her in his energy, pulling her out of danger.

Gu Simu was shocked by his sudden appearance.

"Father..."

Before she could say more, Gu Lan urged her.

"Quick, retract your power!"

Hearing the urgency in his voice, Gu Simu was confused but saw the seriousness in his eyes.

Without hesitation, she waved her hand, and the Hammer of Evergreen Pine returned to her grasp.

As the pressure lifted, the massive weight above her disappeared.

Gu Simu felt the energy dissipate and looked up at Gu Lan, her face filled with questions.

"Father, why?"

Seeing her confusion, Gu Lan explained the situation.

As he spoke, Gu Simu's eyes flashed with understanding.

Then, she noticed the shadow behind Gu Lan.

Without addressing Gu Lan, she focused on the shadow she had just fought.