Chapter 41: Walking the World Depends on

The aroma of Cotton Jade Crispy drifted through the air, reaching Li Hao from afar—Uncle Liu’s signature creation, made with his own hands. Though Uncle Liu was just a humble street vendor, his mastery of deep-fried crispy treats was legendary. His stall had thrived for years on the busiest street outside Divine General’s Residence, a testament to his skill.

The scent lingered at the edge of the plaza. By the time Li Hao arrived with Li Yuanzhao, the number of young people had thinned significantly—most had already rushed toward the Gate Ascension Stair of Tan Palace Academy. Yet, scattered among the stalls remained several lingering figures. Their attire marked them clearly as visitors from distant provinces.

It was a rare chance to taste Qingzhou’s local delicacies.

Li Hao spotted Uncle Liu’s stall, now forming a long queue. Most of the customers were women, and several servant maids in uniform stood in line, ordering on behalf of their masters.

Li Hao took Li Yuanzhao’s hand and joined the back of the line.

“Brother Hao,” Li Yuanzhao asked, his tone curious, “haven’t you eaten breakfast yet?”

Li Hao nodded.

“You wait here—I’ll get it for you.”

Without waiting, Li Yuanzhao shouted toward the stall with a loud, cheerful voice: “Uncle Liu! Two sets of morning snacks, please!”

His voice carried clearly. Heads turned. Those in line glanced over, noticing the two young men in fine silks and luxurious garments—undoubtedly wealthy heirs.

At the stall, Aunt Liu was busy collecting coins and serving customers. Hearing the shout, she looked up and froze—then her face lit up in a wide, warm smile. She recognized the voice.

“Ah! It’s Young Master Hao from Divine General’s Residence!” she called out, turning to her husband, Old Liu, who was flipping crisp pastries with a long ladle. “Quick! Make two portions for Young Master Hao!”

Old Liu paused mid-motion, startled. He glanced back, squinting through the crowd, and when he saw the slender boy at the end of the line—his face creased into a broad, genuine grin.

For vendors like them, scraping by at the bottom rung of society, powerful aristocrats usually looked down their noses, eyes filled with disdain.

But this Young Master Hao—ever kind, never condescending. Three years ago, he’d even sat cross-legged right on the ground at their stall, hawking their snacks with a laugh. That moment had nearly given the couple heart attacks—so overwhelmed with honor and surprise they’d never forgotten it.

“You little rascal…” Li Hao muttered, stepping forward to pull Li Yuanzhao back, but then saw Aunt Liu’s bright smile. He sighed, giving in. “Fine. Let’s go.”

He led Li Yuanzhao to the side of the stall, where they waited quietly.

Around them, the servant maids kept glancing over, hesitant, but silent.

But the young women in line—those who’d waited their turn—frowned, their expressions darkening. One snapped, “Why does he get to cut in line? That’s unfair!”

“Exactly!” another chimed in. “The boss isn’t being fair at all!”

Li Yuanzhao bristled, about to reveal his identity, to declare his status as a scion of Divine General’s Residence—until Li Hao gently placed a hand on his chest, silencing him.

There was no point in escalating it. Li Hao stepped forward, calm and composed. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold ingot, placing it gently on the counter.

“Ladies,” he said with a soft, warm smile, “no need to be angry. I’ve made it fair. Five times the price.”

Aunt Liu gasped, flustered. “Young Master Hao! We can’t accept this—” She reached to push the gold back.

“No need to return change,” Li Hao said gently, brushing her hand away. “Just consider it payment for the future.” His tone was kind, but firm—no room for refusal.

The small vendor, a seasoned survivor of the streets, understood instantly. She nodded, heart full of gratitude. “Yes, sir! Five portions, right away!”

Li Hao replied, “Make it five.”

“Of course!” Old Liu barked, already turning back to the wok.

With that, the queue erupted in murmurs. The girls were furious—sure, they could afford five times the price, but they hated being made the fools.

Within moments, five golden-brown Cotton Jade Crispy packages were handed over. Li Hao handed one to Li Yuanzhao and turned to leave the crowd.

“Wow… you really gonna eat all this?” Li Yuanzhao asked, eyeing the four remaining bags. He took a bite of his own, eyes widening. “Mmm… so good. No wonder you love these.”

Li Hao chuckled. He returned to the carriage, where Qingzhi and Li Fu stood guard behind the vehicle. He handed each of them a bag.

“Young Master,” Li Fu said, surprised, taking the package. “You haven’t gone to the Gate Ascension Stair yet?”

Li Hao shrugged. “Can’t face the trials on an empty stomach.”

Li Fu blinked, speechless. After five years of serving him, he knew better than to argue. He just nodded. The invitation was already in hand.

Li Hao glanced at Ming Bo, who sat on the carriage step. Though a member of Frost Snow Courtyard, the man had always treated him with respectful courtesy. Li Hao tossed him a bag.

“Thank you, Young Master Hao,” Ming Bo said, rising with both hands to accept it. Then, his expression flickered with the same confusion as Li Fu. “Young Master… you haven’t gone up the Gate Ascension Stair yet?”

“Just finishing my breakfast,” Li Hao said, smiling.

Ming Bo fell silent, stunned. At this rate, Yuanshao and Zhinin were likely already inside the academy’s mountain gate. And here was Young Master Hao, still lingering at the foot of the mountain—just as the rumors said. Utterly calm. Utterly relaxed.

After eating, Li Hao led the eager Li Yuanzhao through the crowd and finally reached the Gate Ascension Stair.

It wasn’t truly a staircase—it was a long, winding flight of steps, stretching up for a thousand levels, leading directly to the entrance of Tan Palace Academy. This was the academy’s first trial.

Climbing the steps alone was manageable—yet on the opposite side of the path, nestled against the forested mountain slope, shadowy figures darted and leaped through the trees. Ape Spirits—spirit beasts trained and tamed by Tan Palace Academy.

Those attempting the trial would be ambushed by these creatures mid-climb. If they couldn’t reach the summit within ten seconds of being attacked, they failed the first test.

It was no easy feat. Not only did one need strength at the Strength Integration Realm, sixth or seventh level, but also lightning-fast reflexes and sharp eyesight to dodge surprise attacks.

“Miss,” a maid holding an umbrella whispered nervously to the white-clad girl beside her, “this trial seems… tough.”

“Nothing difficult,” the girl replied calmly, her gaze scanning the crowd. “Just a minor first test. I’m not fazed.” Her eyes flickered with calculation. “What’s more concerning… are the opponents here.”

She had keen perception. Among the gathered, she spotted several noble families—some of higher standing than her own, others slightly lower.

“Miss,” the maid whispered, pointing left. “The two over there… aren’t they from Qingzhou’s Divine General’s Residence?”

The girl glanced over, recognizing the sleeve insignia. She nodded slightly.

At that moment, the two young men were just finishing registration.

A spark ignited in Si Xiaolan’s eyes. She stepped forward, joining the line.

What if they’re all just pretenders? she thought. I’ve heard the Li Clan are dragon-born. Let’s see how I stack up against them.

A determined light flickered in her eyes—quiet, fierce, unyielding.

“Name, age, home province.”

“Ji Prefecture. Sī Family.”

Si Xiaolan gave only her family name. The first registration was informal. The attendant glanced up at her, recognition flashing in his eyes.

“Enter,” he said, nodding. “You know the rules—no matter the method, you must reach the top within ten seconds.”

“Ten seconds?” A nearby noble youth in fine robes spoke with a bored tone. “Too long.”

Si Xiaolan glanced at him—another high-born from another province. Her eyes brightened.

“Miss,” the maid whispered, tugging her sleeve. “Should we wait for the next group? These people are all from powerful families…”

“Why fear them?” Si Xiaolan’s voice rang clear. “Walking the world isn’t about titles. It’s about real strength—earned with your own hands.”

She gave the maid a reassuring look, then stepped forward with the others. She wanted to test herself.

“Ready,” the elderly examiner, seated in meditation, murmured, lifting his eyelids.

All participants adjusted their breath, loosened their joints.

“Yuanshao, go!” Li Hao grinned, giving his younger brother encouragement.

Li Yuanzhao nodded fiercely. He was determined to pass this trial on his own strength.

Others glanced at Li Hao. The words felt odd—but no one questioned it.

Then, the old man gave the signal.

Whoosh!

A sudden gust of wind erupted. Li Yuanzhao shot forward like a cannonball, his body leaving a visible dent in the ground. In an instant, he’d already scaled a hundred steps. Then, with another leap, he surged ahead like a hurricane—reaching the summit in just three seconds.

Li Hao knew it wasn’t his full power. For a Circulation Realm Perfection cultivator like Yuanshao, this was still just warm-up.

Si Xiaolan’s eyes narrowed the moment she saw Li Yuanzhao launch. Her heart skipped. Then, she exploded into motion—blazing forward like a white streak of lightning. But she was quickly overtaken.

Midway, the Ape Spirits attacked. But she’d anticipated it—dodging with the grace of a butterfly, twisting mid-air, then dashing forward in three powerful strides. She reached the top in seven seconds.

At that moment, someone else arrived almost simultaneously.

Ten seconds passed. Of the twelve who started, only seven made it.

Those standing atop the mountain stared in stunned silence at the short, unassuming boy—small in frame, plain in face. Their expressions were filled with awe.

The sheer force of Li Yuanzhao’s movement—just the wind he left behind—had roared like a tiger’s roar.

Is this really a prodigy from Divine General’s Residence?

The gap was terrifying.

Si Xiaolan’s heart sank. She studied the boy—barely older than her, maybe a year or two. The humiliation burned deep. A crushing sense of defeat.

Then, someone noticed: only one of the two Divine General’s Residence youths had made it.

Others turned back. Their eyes widened.

A figure was slowly, calmly ascending the steps—unhurried, serene. The Ape Spirits didn’t attack.

“Brother Hao!” Li Yuanzhao waved from the top.

Moments later, Li Hao stepped onto the peak. He smiled at his younger brother.

“Did he pass?” someone asked, stunned. “Ten seconds are long past!”

The crowd murmured, confused.

A senior examiner, an Elder of the Trial Verification, spoke coldly: “You’ve all passed. Proceed to the Second Trial. The next test? It could cost your life. If you wish to quit, you may. There are other noble houses willing to accept apprentices.”

The words silenced them. They carried weight—confidence, authority.

“Did he really pass?” Si Xiaolan frowned, pointing at Li Hao.

“Of course,” the Elder said, unimpressed. “He has an Invitation.”

“An Invitation?”

“Tan Palace Academy has Invitations?”

The crowd erupted in shock. Eyes wide. Most had never heard of such a thing.

A boat sailed straight into the race—without needing to row. And the ticket? Granted by Tan Palace Academy itself.

Li Hao turned to the small, pure-white-clad girl, gave her a playful wink, and shook the Invitation in his palm before walking on.

Si Xiaolan stood frozen. Then it hit her—her earlier words: Walking the world depends on fists and feet.

Fists and feet? Pah. He’s got connections!

The thought burned. She stomped her foot hard, gritting her teeth. Then, with a fierce glare, she followed after him.

…

Soon, they reached the Second Trial.

Beyond the summit stood a sheer cliff edge. Below, chains were hammered into the rock face, stretching across the chasm to the far side. Each chain was spaced wide apart—only one could be stepped on at a time.

A thousand-foot drop. Walk a single chain?

Some paled. A few considered turning back.

Si Xiaolan’s pupils narrowed. Her palms grew slick with sweat. She glanced ahead—toward the two noble figures radiating power.

Now, no more invitations, I suppose?

She clenched her jaw, a quiet, bitter smile forming.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end