Chapter 272: Climbing the Celestial Ladder, the Top Ten of Zhongzhou

Chapter 272: Climbing the Celestial Ladder, the Top Ten of Zhongzhou

July 6, 2024

Wang Cangyi had left a deep impression on Lu Qing and his companions.

Back then, they had made a difficult decision to travel to the county town to aid the Wei family, who were on the brink of extermination.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Wang Cangyi was the most powerful opponent they had encountered two years ago.

Who would have thought that after such a long time, they would hear that name again?

"It's said that after Wang Cangyi's retreat from Cang County, he returned to Tiancang Zong and secluded himself for intensive training. Now, he's already a proficient master at the Innate Realm.

And his direct disciple also entered the Innate Realm six months ago.

This time, three Grand Elders from Tiancang Zong are here, and if he sees you again, he might deliberately pick a fight."

"Chen, my senior, you should be careful too."

"How is that possible? Are you saying that Wang Cangyi dares to break the rules and fight within the walls of the Holy City?" Lu Qing asked curiously.

Lin Zhirui laughed and said, "There's something that you might not know, Lu Qing. The rule established by the Holy Mountain, forbidding those at the Innate Realm from fighting within the city, applies to the entire world.

However, there is one city that is exempt from this prohibition."

"The Holy City?" Lu Qing began to understand.

"Yes, the Holy City," Lin Zhirui confirmed with a smile. "You should be able to sense the peculiar power within the Holy City, Lu Qing. It suppresses the strength of warriors.

Even Innate Realm experts would not be able to exert their full power here.

Moreover, there's a life-and-death arena in the Holy City, providing a place to settle personal grudges.

If you're unaware of the rules of the Holy City, you might end up at a disadvantage."

"I see," Lu Qing nodded.

No wonder it's known as the number one city in the world; even its rules are unique.

However...

Since it's permissible to fight in the Holy City, does that mean that if he accidentally kills Wang Cangyi, it won't be considered a violation of the rules?

A thought suddenly occurred to Lu Qing.

As for Yan Canghai, Lu Qing didn't believe that he had forgotten about what happened two years ago.

Aside from other things, Lu Qing had personally killed two of his direct disciples.

Even if Wang Cangyi didn't know about this at the time, with so much time having passed, he should have guessed by now that they were responsible.

Given such a deep-rooted enmity, Lu Qing didn't believe that Wang Cangyi, with his vengeful personality, would let it go.

Therefore, it would be best to find an opportunity to get rid of this hidden enemy.

As murderous intent arose in Lu Qing's heart, Lin Zhirui also became more cautious.

He noticed that Lu Qing and the old doctor remained unfazed upon hearing that Wang Cangyi was in the city.

Even Ma Gu and Wei Zian, though surprised, showed no sign of fear.

This gave Lin Zhirui a shock, and he began to have even higher speculations about the old doctor's strength.

"Elder Lin, you once mentioned that my master has a destiny with the Holy Mountain. May I ask if that destiny still holds true?" Lu Qing asked.

"Of course, it's still valid. This destiny was personally promised by the three Holy Masters, so it's definitely not false," Lin Zhirui replied with a nod.

"Since that's the case, I wonder when my master can go to the Holy Mountain to comprehend this destiny?"

"In theory, he can go at any time. However, your arrival this time was rather sudden, and I still need to report to the Holy Mountain about your intention to comprehend the destiny of the Holy Pool."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Elder Lin."

"You're welcome. It's my duty."

After some more casual conversation, a loud commotion suddenly erupted from outside, so loud that it seemed to shake the heavens.

"Elder Lin, what's happening outside?"

Lu Qing listened and found the noise to be rather exuberant, which sparked his curiosity.

Lin Zhirui listened as well and quickly understood what was going on. He smiled and said, "It's nothing serious. Probably some talented young men from somewhere who are planning to climb the Celestial Ladder of the Holy Mountain together."

"Climb the Celestial Ladder of the Holy Mountain?"

Lu Qing and the others were taken aback.

"Earlier, I mentioned that the Holy Mountain has been covered by a strange power for countless years, making it extremely difficult for climbers to reach the summit.

At the foot of the Holy Mountain, there's a Celestial Ladder that is said to lead directly to the summit.

However, climbing this ladder is even more challenging than the other mountain paths.

With each step, the pressure increases, and only those with a solid foundation and immense strength are qualified to climb it.

Over tens of thousands of years, countless warriors, including Innate Realm experts, have attempted to climb the Celestial Ladder.

Among them, the most talented ones managed to leave their names on the ladder."

This is one of the biggest attractions of the Holy City.

Most of the martial artists who come to the Holy City will want to give it a try and see if they can make a name for themselves on the Celestial Ladder.

Or they can see for themselves how far they fall short of those legendary, peerless geniuses in history."

"So mystical!"

Lu Qing and his companions were intrigued as soon as they heard about it.

This Holy Mountain is indeed the center of the world, and even this Celestial Ladder is something they have never heard of before.

"Since everyone is so interested, why don't we go and take a look at the excitement?"

Lin Zhirui suddenly suggested.

"Sure."

Lu Qing also wanted to take this opportunity to learn more about the wonders of the Holy Mountain, so he agreed.

Only Hu Zezhi hesitated, "But..."

She thought about her situation.

"Miss Hu, since we can't figure out where your calamity comes from, why don't we put it aside for now? When it's meant to come, it will come, and there's no need to worry too much about it. Overthinking can be harmful and can easily drag you down." The old doctor consoled her.

"That's true." Lu Qing also nodded, "As long as you don't stray too far from us, instead of hiding here, it's better to take the initiative. Maybe we can even find a way to eliminate the calamity."

Hu Zezhi thought it made sense when she heard this.

She knew nothing about her own calamity, so instead of worrying about it, she might as well join Lu Qing and the others on their tour.

Even if she really couldn't escape her calamity in the end, at least she wouldn't have come to the Holy Mountain in vain.

So she nodded slightly, "I'll listen to Elder Chen."

Immediately, Lu Qing and his group, led by Lin Zhirui, headed north toward the city.

Since the Holy City was built around the Holy Mountain, the foot of the mountain was to the north.

"So many people!"

When Lu Qing and his group arrived, they were astonished by the crowd at the mountain's foot.

There were thousands of people gathered in the open space at the foot of the mountain.

More importantly, these people were powerful and robust, almost all of them genuine martial artists.

Such a sight took not only Wei Zian but even Lu Qing by surprise. He felt a sense of awe as he sensed the overwhelming aura of blood and energy emanating from the crowd.

"Is that the legendary Celestial Ladder?"

Lu Qing looked at the gigantic staircase on the mountain wall ahead, a white jade-like structure that resembled a coiling dragon, winding its way up into the clouds and mist at the mountain's waist, with no end in sight.

Each step of the staircase was about one meter high and wide enough to accommodate dozens of people standing on it.

This spectacular sight left Lu Qing and his companions in awe.

Lin Zhirui was about to answer when a burst of exclamations suddenly came from the front.

"Someone's climbing the Celestial Ladder!"

Lu Qing and the others immediately looked forward and saw a white figure leap high into the air and then gently land on the white jade staircase.

In one go, he ascended more than ten steps of the staircase.

He was a handsome young man in white, holding a white jade fan in his hand.

"Amazing! As expected of one of the Top Ten in Zhongzhou, White Swordsman. With his first step, he climbed thirteen steps. Truly remarkable!"

Someone in the crowd cheered.

"Is it him?"

At that moment, Lin Zhirui let out a soft exclamation.

"Elder Lin, do you know him?" Wei Zian asked curiously.

"Of course, I know him. This young man is quite famous in Zhongzhou.

His name is Bai Bufan, and he is the true successor disciple of Qingyu Zong. His martial arts cultivation is extraordinary.

It is said that he has reached the realm of refining his divine soul power and is just a step away from the Innate Realm.

Among the many talented young people in Zhongzhou, he is highly renowned.

He once used his signature move, the Qingyu Sword Technique, to hold off a master at the Innate Realm for ten moves without losing, shocking all of Zhongzhou.

His handsome and elegant appearance has also won him the admiration of countless female disciples, earning him a place among the Top Ten in Zhongzhou."

Lin Zhirui explained in detail, revealing the young man's identity and background.

However, after hearing the information he provided, Ma Gu and the others looked strange, especially Wei Zian, who scratched his head.

One of the Top Ten in Zhongzhou, able to hold off an Innate Realm master for ten moves?

Wei Zian recalled the scene he had witnessed when Lu Qing and his ancestor had sparred.

Afterward, he had personally heard his ancestor say that if it had been a real life-and-death battle, he might not have been able to defeat Lu Qing.

Not to mention that Lu Qing also understood the mysterious art of cultivating immortality.

With that in mind, Wei Zian felt that this so-called Top Ten in Zhongzhou was not that impressive.

Compared to Doctor Lu Qing, he's far inferior and not worth mentioning."

Of course, Wei Zian wouldn't dare voice these thoughts.

But Lin Zhirui was a perceptive man; after introducing Bai Bufan's achievements, he sensed the strange reactions from Wei Zian and the others.

Fortunately, at that moment, another cheer erupted from the front.

A figure had leaped into the air from the crowd and landed on the white jade staircase next to Bai Bufan.

He was a young man dressed in a brocade robe.

"It's Si Tu Jin!"

"Now things are getting interesting!"

"Are those two going to fight up there?"

"Probably not. Who would dare to fight within the Holy Mountain?"

"I hope they do fight. It would be exciting to see who's stronger!"

Someone in the crowd immediately recognized the young man's identity, and voices filled with anticipation of a spectacle began to spread.

Lu Qing and the others turned to Lin Zhirui for clarification.

Lin Zhirui chuckled softly, "This young man is a true disciple of Tian Yuan Zong, Si Tu Jin. Like Bai Bufan, he is also one of the Top Ten in Zhongzhou.

It is said that the two of them have always been somewhat at odds, often competing with each other, neither willing to concede to the other."

"Elder Lin, you've mentioned the Top Ten in Zhongzhou several times. What is this title, and who made this ranking?" Ma Gu couldn't help but ask.

"The so-called Top Ten in Zhongzhou is a ranking created by some busybodies, listing together some well-known and exceptionally talented young people in Zhongzhou.

There are similar rankings, such as the Top Ten Beauties, Top Ten Swordsmen, and the Ten Greatest Assassins.

They are all rankings made by gossip-loving people and may not be entirely accurate, but those who make it onto these lists definitely have something extraordinary about them."

Lu Qing listened with a strange feeling in his heart.

However, he could understand the fascination.

For martial artists, who toiled tirelessly in their cultivation, the pursuit of fame and gain was a common aspiration.

It was no surprise that such rankings would be created, much like the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion's Hidden Dragon List.

"And there's a Top Ten Beauties? How beautiful must one be to make that list?"

Unlike the others, Hu Zezhi's interest was piqued by something else.

"Those who make it onto the Beauties List are indeed the most beautiful women in the world.

Some can captivate countless hearts with just a smile, while others can purify one's heart and eliminate evil thoughts with their icy demeanor.

There are even those whose mere glance is enough to bewitch people, making them willing to become their servants."

Lin Zhirui sighed.

Hearing this, Wei Zian and the others were filled with curiosity and awe, struggling to imagine what kind of beauty these women possessed to have such a profound effect on people.

"Seeing your expression, Elder Lin, it seems you've met one of the beauties on the list," Lu Qing teased with a smile.

"Young Friend Lu Qing, you jest," Lin Zhirui laughed lightly. "Let's continue watching. Bai Bufan and Si Tu Jin have always been rivals.

Now that they've both climbed the Celestial Ladder, we can expect a fierce competition between them."

Lin Zhirui didn't directly admit it, but his smile gave him away.

Lu Qing smiled back, no longer teasing, and turned his attention to the front.

On the white jade staircase, the two figures were exchanging witty banter.

"Brother Si Tu, I didn't expect you to have such leisure time to come and climb this Celestial Ladder," Bai Bufan said, gently swaying the white jade fan in his hand.

His carefree posture elicited more enthusiastic cheers from the ladies below.

Hearing those cheers, a flash of annoyance crossed Si Tu Jin's eyes, but he quickly suppressed it and smiled, "It's just a coincidence. I originally came here to test my own strength.

I didn't expect to see you here, Brother Bai.

Since we're both here, why don't we have a competition to see who can climb higher?"

"Oh? You want to compete with me?" Bai Bufan's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Indeed. You and I are both known as the Top Ten in Zhongzhou, though it's just an empty title. However, people often compare us, and I've grown tired of it.

So, let's take this opportunity to have a real competition.

Let's see who can climb higher on this Celestial Ladder.

That way, it will be clear who is stronger and who is weaker."

"It seems, Brother Si Tu, that you are quite confident," Bai Bufan said, his smile unchanged.

"Why, is Brother Bai afraid?" Si Tu Jin countered with a sneer.

"What is there to be afraid of?" Bai Bufan replied, his fan disappearing into his sleeve as his smile faded. "Very well, I accept your challenge!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end