Chapter 272: Ascending the Heavenly Stair, Zhong Zhou's Ten Heroes

Wang Cangyi and Lu Qing were undoubtedly unforgettable to the others—especially to those who had once made the difficult decision to journey from the countryside to aid the Wei Family. At the time, the Wei Family had been pushed to the brink of extinction. In that sense, Wang Cangyi had been, without exaggeration, the most formidable opponent Lu Qing and the others had faced two years prior.

Now, after so much time had passed, they were hearing his name again.

“They say that after Wang Cangyi’s defeat in Cang County, he returned to the Tian Cang Sect and entered deep cultivation, sealing himself away. He’s now a minor master of the Xian Tian Jing realm. Even more troubling—his chief disciple, his personal heir, has recently stepped into the Xian Tian Jing as well. This time, the Tian Cang Sect has sent three Tai Shang Elders. If they happen to run into you again, they might very well stir up trouble. Chen Laodaifu, you must remain cautious.”

“How so?” Lu Qing asked, curious. “Now that we’re in Sheng Cheng, can Wang Cangyi really defy the ban and fight within the city?”

Lin Zhi Rui chuckled. “There’s something you may not know, Lu Qing. The rule established by Sheng Shan—banning Xian Tian Jing combat within cities—applies across the entire world. But there’s one city that’s exempt from this restriction.”

“Sheng Cheng?” Lu Qing’s eyes widened slightly.

“Precisely,” Lin Zhi Rui smiled. “You should be able to sense it—there’s a peculiar energy within Sheng Cheng that suppresses martial cultivators’ strength. Even a Xian Tian Jing powerhouse would find their abilities greatly diminished inside the city. Moreover, Sheng Cheng hosts a deathmatch arena. If there are personal grudges, one can petition to settle them there. If you’re unaware of the city’s rules, you could easily find yourselves at a disadvantage.”

“I see,” Lu Qing nodded. “No wonder it’s called the number one city under heaven. Even its regulations are different.”

But then—another thought flickered in his mind.

If fighting was permitted in Sheng Cheng… then if he accidentally killed Wang Cangyi, it wouldn’t be a violation of the rules?

Lu Qing’s heart stirred with quiet intent.

As for Yan Canghai—Lu Qing had no doubt the man still remembered the past two years. After all, he had personally killed two of Yan Canghai’s disciples. Even if Wang Cangyi hadn’t known at the time, after so long, he would have surely guessed it was them. With such a blood feud, Lu Qing didn’t believe Wang Cangyi—so quick to take offense—could simply let it go.

A hidden enemy like that? Better to eliminate him before he strikes.

Lu Qing’s thoughts turned cold with resolve. Lin Zhi Rui, meanwhile, observed silently.

He was struck by the calmness of Lu Qing and Old Doctor when hearing of Wang Cangyi’s return. Even Ma Gu and Wei Zian, though surprised, showed no trace of fear. That gave Lin Zhi Rui pause. He began to suspect just how formidable Old Doctor truly was.

“Zhi Rui Ge Xia,” Lu Qing asked, “you once mentioned that Master, our master, has a certain fated opportunity within Sheng Shan. Is that still valid?”

“Of course,” Lin Zhi Rui replied. “A promise made by the Three Holy Lords themselves cannot be broken.”

“In that case,” Lu Qing pressed, “when might Master arrive to cultivate this opportunity?”

“Technically, anytime. But since your arrival was unexpected, I’ll need to report to Sheng Shan first—check whether anyone else is scheduled to enter the Sheng Chi realm.”

“Then I’ll leave it to you, Zhi Rui Ge Xia.”

“Not at all. It’s my duty.”

They chatted for a while longer, when suddenly, a loud clamor erupted outside—so thunderous it seemed to shake the heavens.

“Zhi Rui Ge Xia, what’s happening out there?” Lu Qing asked, intrigued by the excited, energetic tone of the noise.

Lin Zhi Rui listened a moment, then chuckled. “Nothing serious. It’s just some young talents from all over the realm, gathering again to attempt the Sheng Shan Heavenly Stair.”

“The Heavenly Stair?” Lu Qing and the others blinked in surprise.

“Earlier, I mentioned that for countless years, Sheng Shan has been veiled in mysterious energy, making it nearly impossible to climb. At the mountain’s base lies a celestial staircase—legend says it stretches straight to the peak. But ascending it is even harder than the ordinary trails. Each step increases the pressure, and only those with solid foundations and exceptional strength can even qualify to begin. Over tens of thousands of years, countless martial cultivators have tried—many of them Xian Tian Jing masters. Among the most gifted, some even managed to etch their names onto the stair itself. This is one of Sheng Cheng’s most famous features. Almost every martial cultivator who comes here wishes to attempt it—to see if they can leave their mark, or to measure themselves against the legendary geniuses of history.”

“Truly extraordinary,” Lu Qing murmured, his interest piqued. Sheng Shan was indeed the heart of the world. This Heavenly Stair was something entirely new to them.

“Since everyone’s so eager, why don’t we go take a look?” Lin Zhi Rui suggested with a grin.

“Good idea,” Lu Qing agreed. He too wanted to witness the wonder of Sheng Shan firsthand.

Only Hu Ze Zhi hesitated. “But… I—”

She thought of her own fate—the mysterious calamity she couldn’t decipher.

“Hu Gu Niang,” Old Doctor said gently, “since we can’t determine the source of your trial, why not set it aside for now? When it’s meant to come, it will come. Worrying too much only harms your body. It’s better to face it head-on than to hide.”

“Indeed,” Lu Qing added. “Just stay close to us. Rather than hiding, let’s be proactive. Maybe we’ll find a way to dispel your curse.”

Hu Ze Zhi nodded slowly. “I’ll follow Chen Laodaifu’s advice.”

With that, Lu Qing and the others followed Lin Zhi Rui toward the northern part of the city. Sheng Cheng was built around Sheng Shan, and the north was where the mountain’s base lay.

“Good heavens!” When they arrived, the sight stunned them.

The flat ground at the mountain’s foot teemed with tens of thousands of people. More importantly, their auras were powerful—almost all were true martial cultivators, well-trained and refined.

Even Wei Zian was awestruck. For Lu Qing, seeing so many cultivators gathered, their combined energy radiating like a storm, was overwhelming.

“That’s the legendary Heavenly Stair?” Lu Qing pointed ahead.

There, carved into the cliff face, rose a vast, white jade staircase—like a coiled dragon, winding upward into the clouds, disappearing into the mist above the mountain’s waist. Each step stood about a meter high and was wide enough to hold dozens of people at once. The sight was nothing short of miraculous.

As they stood in awe, a sudden cry erupted.

“Someone’s beginning the ascent!”

They turned just in time to see a flash of white—someone leaping high into the air, landing lightly on the first step. In a single bound, they’d climbed over ten steps.

A young man in white robes, holding a White Jade Fan, stood at the top of the leap. His face was strikingly handsome.

“Excellent! No wonder he’s one of the Zhong Zhou Ten Heroes—Bai Bufan just cleared thirteen steps in one move! Truly impressive!”

A roar of applause rose from the crowd.

“Bai Bufan?” Lin Zhi Rui murmured, raising an eyebrow.

“Zhi Rui Ge Xia, you know him?” Wei Zian asked.

“Of course,” Lin Zhi Rui replied. “This man is Bai Bufan, the chief disciple of the Qingyu Sect. His cultivation is extraordinary. It’s said he’s already forged his Spirit Soul Power—only a hair’s breadth from the Xian Tian Jing realm. Among the youth of Zhong Zhou, his name is legendary. He once held his own for ten full exchanges against a Xian Tian Jing novice, earning fame across the realm. And with his handsome looks, he’s become the idol of countless female disciples. Hence, he’s one of the Zhong Zhou Ten Heroes.”

Lin Zhi Rui spoke with ease, laying out Bai Bufan’s background in detail.

But after hearing it, Ma Gu and the others exchanged odd glances. Especially Wei Zian, who scratched his head.

Ten Heroes? Can beat a Xian Tian Jing beginner for ten rounds? That’s it?

He remembered the moment he’d watched Lu Qing and his ancestor spar. Later, he’d heard the ancestor himself say that if it had been a true life-or-death battle, he might not have won. And Lu Qing wasn’t just a martial artist—he wielded mysterious, otherworldly cultivation arts.

Now, Wei Zian thought, these so-called Ten Heroes… weren’t that impressive at all. Compared to Lu Qing, they were nothing.

Of course, he wouldn’t say it aloud. But Lin Zhi Rui, perceptive as he was, sensed the subtle shift in their expressions.

Just then, another cheer erupted.

A second figure leapt from the crowd, landing gracefully beside Bai Bufan on the jade steps.

A young man in brocade robes.

“It’s Situ Jin!”

“Now this will be interesting!”

“Will they fight up there?”

“Probably not. Who’d dare fight on Sheng Shan?”

“Let them fight! Let’s see who’s stronger!”

The crowd erupted in anticipation.

Lu Qing turned to Lin Zhi Rui.

“Situ Jin,” Lin Zhi Rui said with a faint smile. “A true disciple of the Tianyuan Sect. Also one of the Zhong Zhou Ten Heroes. And he and Bai Bufan have long been rivals—constantly competing, never letting the other gain the upper hand.”

“Zhi Rui Ge Xia,” Ma Gu asked, “what exactly are these ‘Zhong Zhou Ten Heroes’? Who decided on this title?”

“It’s a ranking made by enthusiasts—collecting the most famous, strongest young talents of Zhong Zhou and grouping them together. Similar titles exist—Ten Top Beauties, Ten Top Swordsmen, Ten Top Assassins, and so on. They’re all just playful rankings. Not always accurate, but those who make the list are undeniably exceptional.”

Lu Qing felt a strange mix of amusement and understanding. Of course—martial cultivators trained hard, striving for fame and power. Rankings weren’t surprising. Just like Tian Ji Lou had its Qian Long Bang.

“Ten Top Beauties?” Hu Ze Zhi asked, her interest piqued. “How beautiful must they be?”

“Truly breathtaking,” Lin Zhi Rui sighed. “Some are so radiant, a single smile can stir a thousand emotions—merely seeing them once can leave a man’s heart entranced. Others are icy and distant, yet their mere presence can purify the soul, banishing evil thoughts. And there are those who, with just a glance, can send a man into a trance—so mesmerizing, they’d willingly kneel and serve, even become a slave.”

Wei Zian and the others stared, mesmerized. How could a woman be so powerful, just by looking?

“You seem to have seen one of them,” Lu Qing teased, catching the faint melancholy in Lin Zhi Rui’s eyes.

“Lu Qing Xiao You jest,” Lin Zhi Rui said with a soft laugh. “Let’s watch the climb. Bai Bufan and Situ Jin have never liked each other. This time together on the stair—there’ll be fireworks.”

He didn’t confirm, but neither did he deny.

Lu Qing smiled and turned his gaze forward.

On the jade steps, the two figures stood side by side, their eyes locked.

“Situ Brother,” Bai Bufan said, gently fanning his jade fan, “didn’t expect you’d come to climb the Heavenly Stair.”

His casual elegance drew another wave of shrieks from the women below.

Situ Jin’s eyes flickered with annoyance—but he masked it quickly, smiling.

“Just a chance encounter. I came here to test my own strength. Didn’t expect to find you already ahead. Since you’ve made the first move, how about this—let’s race? Who can climb higher?”

“Race?” Bai Bufan’s eyes sparkled. “You want to challenge me?”

“Why not?” Situ Jin smirked. “We’re both called ‘Zhong Zhou Ten Heroes’—a title the world loves to compare. I’m tired of it. Let’s settle it here and now. Who can reach the highest step? The answer will be clear.”

“Seems you’re quite confident,” Bai Bufan said, his smile unchanging.

“Or are you afraid?” Situ Jin shot back.

“Fear?” Bai Bufan closed his fan with a soft snap. His smile faded. “I’m not afraid at all. Let’s see what you’re made of.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end