Volume 5, Chapter 330 – The Imperial Consort Candidate? Not Impressive (Part 1)

Since she had come for the selection, Ouyang Tong could no longer wear her veil. Thus, her delicate face, one that could be considered beautiful even within the cultivation world, was now completely exposed to everyone’s gaze.

A pity. Though she was indeed lovely, her mistake lay in impersonating the famous Qi Huang while also standing within the imperial palace, a place already teeming with beauties. In such a setting, her looks simply weren’t enough!

Ouyang Tong had already realized this deeply, which was why she had been instinctively keeping her head lowered.

“Raise your head!”

Consort Hui commanded.

With no choice, Ouyang Tong clenched her teeth and slowly lifted her face.

“Heh, I’ve heard that Cheng Hongling is a peerless beauty, hailed as one of the Twin Moons of the Western Radiance Dynasty’s cultivation world. But looking at her now, I don’t see how she compares to any of our sisters here!”

Consort Hui wore an expression of disdain as she openly mocked her.

Ouyang Tong’s delicate frame trembled slightly, and she gradually lowered her head again.

‘What a blatant lie!’

Qi Huang nearly laughed in anger. While Ouyang Tong couldn’t compare to her, she was still a beauty on par with Liu Yingyue. And with her youth, how could she possibly lose to a few aging consorts long past their prime?

Lin Tu shot a faint glance at Consort Hui, his expression growing increasingly icy.

“Ah, sister, you flatter me too much. This old woman is long past her prime, how could I compare to such a young girl?”

Empress Zheng, standing nearby, quickly interjected with modesty. She knew that this fake “Imperial Consort Candidate” had likely been arranged by the emperor himself, so she dared not overstep.

Consort Hui froze. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined Empress Zheng would ever show humility. Truly, the sun must be rising from the west today.

“Sister, you’re far too modest. Even at sixty, this plain-looking girl wouldn’t hold a candle to you.”

Consort Hui, oblivious to the danger, continued her taunts.

“Indeed, her face isn’t half as striking as the mark between her brows. It seems rumors truly can’t be trusted. As for the Twin Moons of the cultivation world, even our Sixth Princess would be more deserving of the title than her.”

The extravagantly dressed Noble Consort chimed in, though her flattery was clearly directed at Consort Jin.

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Hearing these words, Ouyang Tong began nervously twisting the hem of her skirt.

“Sister Li, you praise her too much. Though my dear daughter Ran has some charm, she’s not much better.”

Consort Jin, being sharp-witted, responded with neither arrogance nor humility.

“The two elder sisters truly stand as paragons of the inner palace—broad-minded, virtuous, and kind.”

Consort Hui put on an exaggerated show of admiration before shifting her tone.

“However, while people may lie, the Phoenix Selection Token does not. I’ve heard she scored full marks in all six categories during her test. Whether it’s true or not, we’ll soon see.”

“Chief Steward Zhong, begin!”

Lin Tu sneered before giving the order to commence the selection.

Ouyang Tong, as if granted amnesty, hurriedly returned to the lineup.

“Your Majesty, this subject has another matter to report.”

At that moment, Chief Steward Zhou stepped forward and bowed.

“Speak.”

Lin Tu replied with slight impatience.

“Although a total of one hundred seventy-two Imperial Consort Candidates have arrived, one among them, Chen Yuzhu, contracted a severe chill along the way. She is now bedridden and unconscious, unable to participate in today’s selection.”

Zhou Shangyi reported dutifully.

Upon hearing this, Qi Huang tensed slightly. The success of her plan hinged entirely on Lin Tu’s reaction. If he were a ruler who insisted on waiting until the girl recovered—or worse, forbade her from leaving the palace until she was well—then complications could arise.

“What? A chill?”

Lin Tu’s brows furrowed again. His eyes flickered briefly before he declared, “To fall ill right before an imperial audience, does she intend to spread disease throughout the palace? Such audacity cannot be tolerated. Have her expelled at once.”

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“As you command!”

Zhou Shangyi bowed in acknowledgment.

‘Hah! So eager to condemn without cause!’

Qi Huang couldn’t help but scoff inwardly.

“What a fine emperor your Western Radiance Dynasty has! A bedridden Imperial Consort Candidate, unconscious and ill, and his first thought is to throw her out?”

Yaoyao, unable to hold back, sneered openly.

“But it’s precisely because he’s a tyrant that my plan can proceed so smoothly.”

Qi Huang smirked coldly. In truth, it was precisely because she knew Lin Tu’s character that she had dared to use a doppelgänger to feign illness in her place.

Soon after, Chief Steward Zhong stepped forward before the assembled candidates and produced a Phoenix Selection Token, explaining its purpose:

“Honored candidates, this object is called the Phoenix Selection Token. Its original version, known as the ‘Immortal Selection Token’, originated from a certain sect in the Central Continent and was used to identify cultivators. As its purpose was singular, it could only assess the quality of one’s bloodline. Later, imperial families adopted and modified it to select concubines.”

“However, through practical use, it became clear that its functions were too limited. Thus, it was refined further, gaining the ability to evaluate six criteria: appearance, figure, skin, scent, fertility, and voice.”

“Most of these are self-explanatory, but allow me to elaborate on ‘fertility’.”

Chief Steward Zhong’s tone turned grave.

“For ordinary women, fertility concerns only the future of a single family. But for imperial consorts, it concerns the rise and fall of an entire nation. Thus, the ability to bear children alone is insufficient, what matters more is the quality of the offspring. As such, the ‘fertility’ assessment incorporates the original function of the Immortal Selection Token, testing the purity and strength of one’s bloodline.”

The candidates listened patiently. Though most were already familiar with this, maintaining an air of grace was paramount.

“This means that if your fertility score is low, it could indicate either reproductive issues or an inferior bloodline, and vice versa. Given the importance of imperial heirs, this criterion carries immense weight. A low score here may result in disqualification, regardless of performance in other categories.”

Chief Steward Zhong added solemnly.

None of the candidates uttered a word, they all understood.

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“Now, let the testing begin. But before we proceed, I must remind you: the Phoenix Selection Token evaluates innate qualities. So abandon any thoughts of deception. No amount of cosmetics or alterations will influence your score.”

With that, Chief Steward Zhong retrieved the register and began calling names. Each candidate stepped forward in turn to undergo the test.

Lin Tu and the consorts watched closely, waiting for Ouyang Tong’s turn.

Qi Huang did the same. Once Ouyang Tong was eliminated, she could return to the Honghua Sect without worry.

Just then, the Thousand-Mile Communication Tube in Qi Huang’s robes vibrated. Retrieving it, she was surprised to see it was her main body contacting her. Given the vast distance between the capital and the Honghua Sect, Cheng Hongling had no choice but to use the artifact to communicate.

“Has the Immortal Alliance arrived yet?”

Cheng Hongling’s voice came through.

“The Immortal Alliance? What are they here for?”

Qi Huang was baffled.

“I informed them that you’ve regained your ability to cultivate True Qi. Naturally, they’d come to investigate.”

Cheng Hongling explained.

“What? Why would you do that?”

Qi Huang was stunned.

“Because I don’t trust Lin Tu! If Ouyang Tong is exposed during the test, you’d undoubtedly intervene to save her. At that point, the only way to leave would be to reveal your True Qi as before. But that despicable emperor has no principles, there’s no guarantee he’d let you go. Without the Immortal Alliance present to pressure him, it’s too risky.”

Cheng Hongling laid out her reasoning.

“Would he really dare to forcibly detain me in front of everyone?”

Qi Huang remained uncertain.

“Better safe than sorry.”

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Cheng Hongling replied firmly.

“Your foresight is sound, but tell me, have the Immortal Alliance representatives in the capital met you before?”

Qi Huang pondered briefly before asking.

“Yes. Four years ago, when I participated in the national Evergreen Conference, the alliance overseers were present. Elder Zuo was among them.”

Cheng Hongling answered immediately.

“Then what if they expose Ouyang Tong on the spot? They wouldn’t know what Lin Tu is scheming.”

Qi Huang voiced her concern.

“It won’t be an issue. First, my last national conference was four or five years ago. They haven’t seen me recently and wouldn’t jump to conclusions. Second, Lin Tu may be a dog, but he’s not a fool. He’d immediately explain his intentions to the alliance.”

Cheng Hongling’s logic was impeccable.

“Fair point, but…”

Qi Huang hesitated.

“Can we even trust the Immortal Alliance? Last time, that bastard Cai conspired with the emperor to sabotage me!”

“The fact that they’d go to such lengths only proves how much they value their reputation. As long as you safeguard your True Qi and don’t repeat last time’s naivety, the alliance won’t easily yield in such a public setting.”

Cheng Hongling spoke with absolute certainty.

“Let’s hope so.”

Qi Huang was finally convinced. Having them present was better than nothing.

“Your Majesty! Prince Kang, Princess Kang, and Elder Zuo of the Immortal Alliance request an audience!”

At that very moment, a guard rushed forward to announce their arrival.