Chapter 272

Words : 2370 Updated : Sep 29th, 2025

Chapter 272Wang Cangyi and Lu Qing naturally had a deep impression of them. Back then, they had made a great decision to head to the county to help the Wei family. The Wei family was once oppressed to the brink of extinction. It could be said that Wang Cangyi was the strongest opponent Lu Qing and his companions had encountered two years ago. Unexpectedly, after so long, they heard that name again. "Rumor has it that after Wang Cangyi retreated from Cang County, he returned to the Tian Cang Sect and entered closed-door cultivation. Now, he is a skilled expert at the minor achievement level of the Precelestial Realm. Moreover, his first direct disciple entered the Precelestial Realm six months ago. This time, three Grand Elders of the Tian Cang Sect have come with him. If he encounters you again, he might deliberately provoke you. Elder Chen, you must be cautious." "What? We're in the Sacred City now. Does Wang Cangyi dare to break the rules and act within the city?" Lu Qing asked curiously. Lin Zhirui smiled, "There's something you might not know, Lu Qing. The Sacred Mountain's rule that forbids Precelestial experts from fighting within the city applies to the entire world. However, there is one city where this rule does not apply." "The Sacred City?" Lu Qing began to understand. "Exactly, the Sacred City," Lin Zhirui laughed. "You might have noticed that there is a strange force in the Sacred City that suppresses the strength of warriors. So even Precelestial experts fighting within the city won't have much impact. Moreover, the Sacred City has a life-and-death arena where personal grudges can be settled through a duel to the death. If you're unaware of the Sacred City's rules, you might suffer losses because of it." "I see," Lu Qing nodded. Indeed, the world's first city had rules unlike any other. However... If fighting is allowed in the Sacred City, does that mean if I accidentally kill Wang Cangyi, it wouldn't be considered breaking the rules? A thought suddenly emerged in Lu Qing's mind. As for Yan Canghai, Lu Qing didn't believe he had forgotten what happened two years ago. After all, he had personally killed two of Yan Canghai's direct disciples. Even if Wang Cangyi wasn't aware at the time, with the passage of time, he likely guessed it was them. Such a deep-seated hatred, Lu Qing couldn't believe that someone as vindictive as Wang Cangyi would let it go. So, for an enemy lurking in the shadows, it would be best to find an opportunity to eliminate him. As Lu Qing's murderous intent arose, Lin Zhirui also remained vigilant. He noticed that Lu Qing and the old doctor were unmoved by the news of Wang Cangyi's presence in the city. Even Mago and Wei Zi'an, though surprised, showed no trace of fear. This made Lin Zhirui even more cautious about the old doctor's strength. "Lord Zhirui, you once mentioned that my master has a fortune awaiting him in the Sacred Mountain. Does that still hold?" Lu Qing asked. "Of course," Lin Zhirui nodded. "Since the Three Holy Lords personally promised this opportunity, it is certainly real." "In that case, when can my master visit the Sacred Mountain to comprehend this fortune?" "In principle, any time is fine. However, since your visit was unexpected, I need to report to the Sacred Mountain to check if anyone is currently studying at the Sacred Pool." "Then I'll trouble you, Lord Zhirui." "Don't mention it. It's my duty." After chatting for a while, they suddenly heard a commotion outside, so loud it seemed to reach the heavens. "Lord Zhirui, what is happening outside?" Lu Qing listened for a moment, noticing that the noise was filled with excitement and couldn't help but feel curious. Lin Zhirui also listened and soon understood, smiling, "It's nothing major, probably a group of young talents gathering to climb the Heavenly Ladder of the Sacred Mountain." "Climb the Heavenly Ladder of the Sacred Mountain?" Lu Qing and his companions were taken aback. "Didn't I mention earlier that the Sacred Mountain has been shrouded in a mysterious force for countless years, making it incredibly difficult for climbers to reach the summit? At the foot of the Sacred Mountain, there's a Heavenly Ladder, said to lead directly to the top. However, this ladder is even more challenging to climb than other paths. With each step, the pressure increases. Only those with a solid foundation and great strength have the qualifications to ascend the ladder. For tens of thousands of years, countless warriors have attempted to climb the Heavenly Ladder, including many Precelestial experts. Some of the most talented have successfully left their names on the ladder. This is one of the Sacred City's most distinctive features. Most warriors who come to the Sacred City want to try climbing the ladder to see if they can leave their names on it. Or at least to gauge how they compare to the legendary heroes of history." "Such a marvel?" Lu Qing and his companions were immediately intrigued. No wonder the Sacred Mountain is the center of the world. Even this Heavenly Ladder is something we've never heard of before. "If everyone is so interested, why don't we go and join the excitement?" Lin Zhirui suddenly suggested. "Why not?" Lu Qing also wanted to take the opportunity to learn more about the Sacred Mountain's wonders, so he nodded in agreement. Sёarᴄh the NôᴠelFirё.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Only Hu Zezhi hesitated, "But..." She thought of her situation. "Miss Hu, since we can't predict the source of your calamity, why not put it aside for now? What's meant to come will come, so there's no need to worry excessively. Overthinking can harm your health and easily weaken your body," the old doctor comforted her. "Indeed," Lu Qing also nodded. "As long as you don't stray too far from us, instead of hiding here, it might be better to take the initiative. Perhaps we can find a way to resolve your calamity." Hu Zezhi thought for a moment and found his words made sense. She knew nothing about her calamity. Rather than living in constant fear, it might be better to enjoy her time with Lu Qing and his companions. Even if she couldn't escape her fate in the end, at least she wouldn't have wasted her trip to the Sacred Mountain. So she nodded slightly, "I'll listen to Elder Chen." Immediately, Lu Qing and his companions, led by Lin Zhirui, headed north toward the city. The Sacred City was built around the Sacred Mountain, and the northern part of the city was at the mountain's foot. "So many people!" When Lu Qing and his companions arrived, they were shocked by the crowd at the foot of the mountain. On the flat ground at the mountain's base, thousands of people had gathered. Moreover, these people were all powerful warriors with vigorous blood energy. This sight, which even startled Wei Zi'an and his companions, left Lu Qing in awe. He had never seen so many warriors gathered in one place, feeling the overwhelming blood energy. "Is that the legendary Heavenly Ladder?" Lu Qing saw a gigantic jade-like staircase on the mountain wall, winding like a dragon, stretching up the Sacred Mountain, disappearing into the mist halfway up, with no end in sight. Each step was about a meter high, wide enough to hold dozens of people at once. This miraculous sight left Lu Qing and his companions in awe. Just as Lin Zhirui was about to explain, a burst of exclamations erupted from the crowd ahead. "Someone is climbing the Heavenly Ladder!" Lu Qing and his companions looked up and saw a white figure leap high into the air, landing lightly on the jade staircase. In one move, they had ascended more than ten steps. It was a handsome young man in white, holding a white jade fan. "Impressive! As expected of one of the Ten Heroes of Zhongzhou, White Young Master took the first step and crossed thirteen steps. Truly extraordinary!" Cheers erupted from the crowd. "Is it him?" At this moment, Lin Zhirui let out a soft exclamation. "Lord Zhirui, do you know this person?" Wei Zi'an asked curiously. "Of course. His fame in Zhongzhou is not small. He is Bai Bufan, the direct disciple of the Qingyu Sect, with astonishing martial skills. It is said he has reached a profound level, only a step away from entering the Precelestial Realm. Among the young talents of Zhongzhou, his reputation is immense. He once used his Qingyu Swordsmanship to withstand ten moves from a Precelestial expert without falling behind, shaking Zhongzhou. Due to his dashing appearance, he is adored by countless female disciples and is hailed as one of the Ten Heroes of Zhongzhou." Lin Zhirui explained Bai Bufan's identity and background in detail. However, after hearing this information, Mago and the others had strange expressions. Especially Wei Zi'an, who scratched his head. The Ten Heroes of Zhongzhou, able to withstand ten moves from a Precelestial expert, that's it? He thought back to the scene where Lu Qing sparred with their ancestor. Afterward, he had heard their ancestor say that if it had been a real fight, he might not have been able to defeat Lu Qing. Not to mention that Lu Qing also knew the mysterious ways of immortality. Thinking this way, Wei Zi'an felt that these so-called Ten Heroes of Zhongzhou were nothing special. Compared to Lu Qing, they were far inferior, not worth mentioning. Of course, Wei Zi'an would never say these words out loud. But Lin Zhirui, being a perceptive person, noticed the odd expressions on their faces after introducing Bai Bufan. Fortunately, at that moment, another burst of cheers came from the front. It turned out that another figure had jumped out from the crowd, landing on the jade staircase, right beside Bai Bufan. This was a young man in brocade robes. "It's Situ Jin!" "Now this will be interesting!" "Will these two fight up there?" "They shouldn't, who would dare fight on the Sacred Mountain?" "I hope they do! It would be exciting to see who is stronger!" The crowd immediately recognized the newcomer and voiced their anticipation. Lu Qing and his companions looked at Lin Zhirui again. Lin Zhirui smiled, "This is Situ Jin, a direct disciple of the Tianyuan Sect. Like Bai Bufan, he is also one of the Ten Heroes of Zhongzhou. It is said that the two have always been at odds and frequently compete with each other, never conceding." "Lord Zhirui, we've heard you mention the Ten Heroes of Zhongzhou several times. What is this title, and who decided the rankings?" Mago couldn't help but ask. "The Ten Heroes of Zhongzhou is a ranking made by some enthusiasts, listing some of the most famous and powerful young talents in Zhongzhou. There are many similar rankings, like the Ten Great Beauties, the Ten Great Swordsmen, the Ten Deadliest Assassins, and so on. These rankings are not always accurate, but those listed are undoubtedly extraordinary." Lu Qing found it a bit odd but understood. Warriors, after all, seek fame and fortune through hard work. Creating such rankings isn't surprising. It's like the Tianji Tower's Hidden Dragon List. "The Ten Great Beauties? How beautiful must those women be to make that list?" Unlike the others, Hu Zezhi's interest was piqued by something else. "Indeed, those who make the beauty list are all top-notch beauties in the world. Some can captivate with a single smile, leaving anyone who sees them utterly entranced. Others, cold as ice, can purify one's soul with their mere presence, erasing any evil thoughts. Some can make people lose themselves with just a glance, willing to become slaves, utterly bewitched." Lin Zhirui sighed. Hearing this, Wei Zi'an and the others were spellbound, struggling to imagine how such beautiful women could exist, capable of enchanting someone with just one look. "From Lord Zhirui's words, it seems you have met one of these beauties." Lu Qing noticed a fleeting melancholy in Lin Zhirui's eyes and teased him. "You're joking, Lu Qing. Let's keep watching. Bai Bufan and Situ Jin are always at odds. Now that they are both on the Heavenly Ladder, a fierce competition is likely." Lin Zhirui smiled but didn't admit it. Lu Qing smiled slightly and stopped teasing, focusing on the front. On the jade staircase, the two figures were now exchanging words. "Brother Situ, I didn't expect you to have the same interest in climbing the Heavenly Ladder," Bai Bufan said, lightly shaking his white jade fan. His carefree demeanor drew even more screams from the women below. Hearing the cheers, Situ Jin's eyes flashed with disdain. But he quickly suppressed it and smiled, "It was a chance encounter. I originally intended to climb the ladder to test my skills. I didn't expect you to get here first. Since you're here, Brother Bai, why don't we have a competition and see who can climb higher?" "Oh, you want to compete with me?" Bai Bufan's eyes sparkled. "Indeed, both of us are called the Ten Heroes of Zhongzhou. Though it's just an empty title, people love to compare us. I'm tired of these comparisons. Why don't we take this opportunity to compete for real? Let's see who can climb higher on this Heavenly Ladder. Then, who is stronger will be clear." "It seems you're quite confident, Brother Situ," Bai Bufan said with a smile. "What's the matter? Are you afraid, Brother Bai?" Situ Jin taunted. "Why would I be afraid?" Bai Bufan closed his jade fan, his smile fading. "Alright, I'll compete with you this time!" Table of content

Chapter 272

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