Chapter 182 - 176: Climbing Again
Scabs formed over his wounds and fell away, revealing perfect, rosy-white skin. His withered qi and blood surged with vitality once more, roaring like thunder. His exhausted Divine Soul felt nourished as if by a spring rain, not only returning to its original state but even growing stronger.
Yet even after completely repairing all of Yu Changsheng’s injuries, less than half of the elixir’s power had been used. The remainder was fully absorbed into every part of his body, where it settled and began to slowly integrate, bit by bit.
’I didn’t need such a precious elixir at all. What a waste,’ Yu Changsheng thought. ’But I really made out like a bandit this time. All the garbage Magical Treasures I self-destructed before weren’t worth as much as this single Life-Returning Pill.’
’Besides, I also got Huang Suyu’s Hundred Treasures Pouch. Magical Treasures... I’ll have to see what’s inside later.’
With these thoughts, Yu Changsheng’s essence, qi, and spirit returned to their absolute peak in mere moments. He stood and bowed to Lu Ruikai once more.
"Thank you for the elixir, Sect Leader."
Whatever Lu Ruikai’s past attitude had been, he was treating him well for now, so the resentment in Yu Changsheng’s heart faded. He had even omitted the "Vice" from his title of Vice Sect Leader.
After all, the man was the Vice Sect Leader, one of the heavy hitters of the Wanxiang Sect. Offending him would do no good.
"Mm," Lu Ruikai said flatly. "If you’ve recovered, then get moving."
"Alright." Yu Changsheng nodded. Feeling the roaring power within his body, he exhaled, glanced up the Celestial Ladder, and then stamped his foot on a step. He shot upward like an arrow loosed from its bow.
The pressure on the Celestial Ladder had lessened during the battle between Yu Changsheng and Huang Suyu, but it was still under the influence of an array. In just that short time, the destroyed steps had already been fully restored.
Holding nothing back, Yu Changsheng passed the five-thousand-step mark in an instant. Even with the pressure doubling, it didn’t affect him in the slightest. He moved with extreme speed, rapidly reaching the six-thousandth step.
After the great battle and being restored by the Life-Returning Pill, Yu Changsheng felt his body was in better condition than ever—even better than before the fight.
He had now fully mastered his newly advanced Foundation Establishment Body, and his cultivation had progressed as well, reaching Qi Refining Peak. It seemed that Foundation Establishment was now just a single step away.
Although that single step was as wide as a heavenly chasm, Yu Changsheng was still exhilarated. This was, without a doubt, his moment of absolute peak performance.
Less than an hour remained before the end of the Celestial Ladder trial. In fact, most of the Trial Disciples had already finished. Some were automatically teleported back after reaching the five-thousandth step, while others had given up after struggling fruitlessly.
The disciples remaining on the trial above the five-thousand-step mark were few and far between. Higher up, there was only Gu Zhen and his small group.
Seeing Yu Changsheng’s rapid ascent up the Celestial Ladder, Gu Zhen and the others pursed their lips. No one gave up. Instead, they continued to push toward the higher steps.
In that moment, the trial turned into a contest between a handful of people, once again capturing widespread attention. The focus of the crowd, however, had now shifted from Gu Zhen and the others to Yu Changsheng.
In less time than it takes an incense stick to burn, he reached the seven-thousandth step with almost no difficulty.
Gu Zhen was right behind him, reaching the seven-thousandth step at nearly the same moment. Miao Wenlun hesitated, glanced at the two of them, and then shook his head with a bitter smile. He gave up and was teleported away.
Above the seven-thousandth step, an immense pressure swept over him once more, making Yu Changsheng’s body feel heavy. It wasn’t unbearable, however. After taking a moment to acclimate, he took another step and continued upward.
’Higher than the seven thousand nine hundred and ninety-ninth step... That means the eight-thousandth step...’
’Since the Wanxiang Sect was founded, the number of people who have made it that high can be counted on one hand. The weakest among them was at Foundation Establishment Peak...’
’I’m only at Qi Refining Peak right now, but with my exceptionally gifted body and Divine Sense, it might not be impossible to try...’
Yu Changsheng murmured to himself, taking one deliberate step after another. A flame seemed to burn within his eyes.
At the seven-thousand-step level, every step exerted enormous pressure, not just on the body, but on the Divine Soul as well. Huang Suyu’s previous limit had been the 7,200nd step, where he had been forced to stop and recover.
Yu Changsheng had now surpassed that limit. Although his speed was gradually decreasing, he did not stop, reaching the 7,500th step in an instant.
Behind him, Gu Zhen struggled to keep up, trailing Yu Changsheng by a single step. They were practically back-to-back, but judging by his state, Gu Zhen was already trembling, drenched in sweat, and desperately gritting his teeth. He was clearly nearing his limit.
In contrast, while a thin sheen of sweat had also appeared on Yu Changsheng’s brow, he was in a much more relaxed state than Gu Zhen.
Seeing this, Gu Zhen’s expression soured. When he looked up again, his eyes burned with a heaven-reaching battle intent and defiant resolve.
’I couldn’t measure up to Huang Suyu, but... you’re only at the Qi Refining realm! If I retreat from you without even putting up a fight...’
As this thought flashed through his mind, Gu Zhen struggled to take another step, continuing his ascent. But he was moving, and so was Yu Changsheng. The gap between them remained a single step; all Gu Zhen could see was Yu Changsheng’s back.
"That boy, Gu Zhen, has an excellent disposition."
A group of Elders, Lu Ruikai among them, were quietly observing Yu Changsheng. When they saw Gu Zhen following so closely, they nodded in praise.
"Although the boy’s aptitude is a little worse than Huang Suyu’s, his mindset is second to none. It’s rare to find someone who can face an opponent and not back down."
Elder Li remarked with an appreciative nod.
"To be honest, if nothing unexpected had happened, first and second place in this trial were expected to be decided between Huang Suyu and Gu Zhen. Who could have known things would turn out this way..."
Elder Hai said with a bitter smile after a moment’s hesitation.
"The grudges and conflicts of the Cultivation Realm... who can truly say who is right or wrong? It all comes down to fate."
Lu Ruikai said suddenly, his gaze fixed on Yu Changsheng’s figure, his expression thoughtful.
He then glanced down at Huang Suyu’s corpse and sighed softly. With a wave of his hand, the body vanished. All traces of him were gone.
’He was a promising seedling for the way of the sword, and he had his share of opportunities. What a pity...’
All the Elders fell silent; none dared to speak. Even Elder Li of Sword Control Peak looked as if he wanted to say something but held back, his expression dimming.
"What do you think? Can this Yu Changsheng reach the eight-thousandth step?"
Paying no more mind to Huang Suyu’s death, Lu Ruikai disposed of the body and asked nonchalantly.
"Well..." Elder Hai and Elder Cao lowered their heads in thought before shaking them after a long moment.
"It would be difficult. No one from the sect has reached the eight-thousandth step in a hundred years."
Lu Ruikai remained noncommittal. Still watching Yu Changsheng, he spoke without turning his head.
"Whether he reaches the eight-thousandth step or not, he is a promising talent of our Wanxiang Sect. It’s just a shame he isn’t a disciple of my Sword Control Peak; his path doesn’t align with mine. Otherwise, taking him as my own disciple wouldn’t have been a bad choice."