My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

Gu Lan instinctively tried to turn, but to his surprise, he found himself unable to move. Not only him, but Gu Simu was also in the same predicament, unable to shift an inch.

"What's going on?" Gu Simu asked, noticing the difficulty they were both experiencing.

Wan Hun spoke slowly, observing the struggle of both Gu Lan and Gu Simu. "This is the shadow of the Land of Ruin, a manifestation of your presence here in the Land of Ruin. In short, once this shadow vanishes, you will disappear with it."

Wan Hun, growing impatient, began to increase the pressure of the force in his hands. Under his power, both Gu Lan and Gu Simu were bending at the waist, struggling to maintain their stance.

At that moment, Gu Lan's mind flashed with images. He pieced together what Wan Hun had not explained.

The Land of Ruin was not a place where living beings were allowed. Anyone who entered would create a shadow of the Land of Ruin. This shadow would gradually absorb the essence of the living being until they disappeared, and the shadow would then merge with the Land of Ruin Tree.

Gu Lan also understood where Wan Hun came from. The man was not a living being but a remnant of the Great Path's will. Having absorbed Wan Hun's power here, he had condensed his consciousness, which then bound him to this place as the guardian of the Land of Ruin.

Despite understanding Wan Hun's origin, Gu Lan still had no clear way to deal with him. After some deliberation, he gathered a sword light in his hand. The shadow of the Land of Ruin mirrored his movements, condensing its own sword light in tandem.

"Break!" Gu Lan shouted, swinging his sword with all his might. Though he didn't strike at Wan Hun directly, the shadow's sword light cut through the air and forced Wan Hun back.

The overwhelming force allowed Gu Lan and Gu Simu to break free from their restraints. As soon as they were free, Gu Simu's anger flared.

"How dare you attack me! I'll make sure you regret it!" she declared fiercely.

Gu Simu wasted no time and summoned the Hammer of Evergreen Pine. As she did, the Land of Ruin shadow moved in sync with her, and two mighty hammers struck out simultaneously.

"Boom!" A resounding explosion shook the entire Land of Ruin Tree, and Wan Hun was sent flying hundreds of meters away. The power of the strike was so intense that even the clouds in the sky seemed to lose their brilliance in its wake.

Despite the devastating power of the blow, Gu Simu's force did not subside. The Hammer of Evergreen Pine continued to swing, with the Land of Ruin shadow following every move.

Time seemed to stretch as the surrounding air gradually began to settle. Seeing that Gu Simu was growing stronger with each strike, Gu Lan knew they couldn't afford to wait any longer. If they didn't act quickly, an unexpected disaster could befall them.

"How dare you disrespect me! I'll send both of you into the Land of Ruin today!" Wan Hun, enraged, stomped the ground, unleashing a terrifying surge of soul power from within him.

"Let me show you my true strength!" he roared, slamming his palm down as a shadowy force descended from the sky.

Wan Hun's power was undeniably formidable. Seeing this, Gu Simu was about to charge forward, but Gu Lan stopped her.

"You can't stop this power," Gu Lan warned gravely.

His words weren't meant to insult Gu Simu. The pressure from the Great Path within Gu Lan surged, and the sword light in his hand grew several times stronger. He swung his sword, and the blade shot upwards like a comet.

The tearing sound was deafening as the entire sky seemed to lose its light, overwhelmed by the power of the Land of Ruin's shadow, which surged upwards with Gu Lan's attack.

For a moment, Gu Lan and Wan Hun were locked in a stalemate. But as time passed, it became clear that Gu Lan was slowly losing ground.

However, Gu Lan knew that if Wan Hun's strike landed, both he and Gu Simu would perish in the Land of Ruin. While others might have a chance to reincarnate upon entering the Land of Ruin, neither he nor Gu Simu would have such an opportunity. They would likely become sustenance for Wan Hun.

"Ah!" Gu Lan shouted as a layer of blood-red light surged around him. The Great Path within him was strengthened, and a blood shadow materialized behind him.

Gu Lan's sword, which had already been descending, now rose again as his body straightened. The intense energy from his soul created a shockwave that sent Wan Hun's gathered soul force scattering.

Wan Hun was pushed back several hundred meters, his expression darkening. His icy gaze locked onto Gu Lan, radiating killing intent.

"You dare to break the rules of this place!" Wan Hun growled.

"Rules?" Gu Lan scoffed, his eyes flashing with defiance. "Rules are made by the strong. If my power surpasses yours, what need is there for rules?"

Gu Lan, unconcerned with Wan Hun's threat, spoke plainly. "I didn't come here to fight with you. I just want the Flame of Hell."

His energy continued to rise as he spoke, the blood-red light pulsing as his power grew. Wan Hun, who had been prepared for another battle, hesitated for a moment. Then, to Gu Lan's surprise, his imposing presence faded.

"The Flame of Hell lies beneath the Land of Ruin Tree. Follow me," Wan Hun said calmly.

In just a few moments, the aura of hostility around Wan Hun disappeared completely.

Gu Lan, still puzzled by the sudden change, followed Wan Hun as he took a step forward, ripping open a fissure in space with a wave of his hand. A rush of intense, scorching heat poured from the gap, and there, in the fiery depths, was the Flame of Hell.

Gu Lan instinctively took a step forward, but before he could proceed, Gu Simu's voice interrupted.

"Father."

Gu Simu, still wary of Wan Hun, did not trust the man. Her concern was evident in her eyes. Gu Lan smiled reassuringly at her.

"Don't worry, he won't be able to hurt me," he said gently.

Gu Lan wasn't worried about Wan Hun. If this man tried anything, Gu Lan would destroy the entire Land of Ruin without hesitation. The destruction of this place would cause more trouble for Wan Hun than for Gu Lan himself.

Land of Ruin was a key balance point in the world, especially for the powerful beings of the Immortal Realm. If their lives became eternal, the consequences could be dire.

Without hesitation, Gu Lan followed Wan Hun through the fiery rift. As they stepped into the flames, Gu Lan felt an overwhelming, powerful energy surrounding him.

Wan Hun did not waste any time. He glanced at Gu Lan before turning and disappearing into the depths of the flames.

"I know why you've come," Wan Hun's voice echoed in the air. "I'll give you three days. If you don't leave by then, you'll disappear along with this place."

Gu Lan, undeterred, focused on the task at hand. Hongmeng Sword materialized, its mystical power rising within him. If what Xue Lengyan had said was true, then he had no choice but to melt the Xuantian Iron using the Flame of Hell now.