Dragon Tiger Mountain
Shi Ziqing finally activated some of his King Body’s power, which was an improvement. Lin Xu sweated profusely; he intended to fight before, but Shi Ziqing was incredible. Lin Xu was happy to witness his disciple’s improvement. The youth and Chen Li, on the other hand, were stunned their senior was injured against somebody lower rank.
Shi Ziqing and his opponent duked it out in a forest. Shi Ziqing turned up the intensity as the fight dragged on, eventually seizing all offence initiatives against the youth. Shi Ziqing focused all of his energy on offence for his last blow, launching a dual punch that scared off the youth.
A bell rang. The rock up ahead glowed, signalling the commencement of the convention. Lin Xu grabbed Shi Ziqing, who was spacing out, and raced to the venue.
Yang Tian told Qing Xiaoyue she had to embrace the same spirit Shi Ziqing demonstrated if she wanted to get anywhere in her cultivation journey. When he said cultivation was defying fate, Qing Xiaoyue just poked her tongue.
Lin Xu picked up a token and pressed it onto the rock, materialising a door and splitting the rock for them to enter. There was energy flowing, birds singing, fragrant flowers, a spiritual spring, a forest in the distance and towering ancient mountains on the other side. The Heaven and Earth Energy was barely sufficient, though. There was a platform with people on it up ahead. There were some old people. All of them were attired in dao robes and seated in chairs.
The four hundred people on the platform frowned at the sight of Yang Tian’s group for being late.
“Lin Xu, you’re acting more and more pathetic by the day. Who rocks up late to such an important event?” The cunning elder’s three disciples were not talented, but they held their ground.
More mockery came.
Shi Ziqing got angry again.
“Lin Xu, what did you bring two ordinary humans here for?!”
More cultivators chimed in.
Lin Xu performed a palm and fist salute. “I ran into a bit of a problem, so I was held back.”
An elder with white hair glared at Lin Xu. “Junior Brother, I told you to go and grab some spiritual tea for our fellow daoists, yet you are running late. Go grab them already.”
Lin Xu nodded. “I have brought it. I ran into a bit of situation.”
Cunning elder: “Hmph, every that has a membership in Dao Alliance came together to organise this. According to the rules, latecomers are automatically disqualified.”
The convention was a place to discuss cultivation experience.
Random: “If you wish to participate, you must climb the nephrite Nine Floors of Staircase of Heaven as self-taught cultivators have to.”
White-haired elder: “Junior Brother, don’t worry about it. I’ll give you the recording later.”
Lin Xu: “I must participate.”
Cunning elder: “Climb the stairs, then! You can’t blame us if you get hurt.”
Someone friendly: “Lin Xu, you’re too old. Stop being stubborn. You’ll get hurt.”
“I can’t, but Ziqing can!”
Lin Xu’s senior glared. “Quit joking. He can’t when he’s injured so badly.”
Shi Ziqing: “Shibo, I can!”
Lin Xu passed Shi Ziqing a blood pill. “Wait, have this.”
Shi Ziqing shook his head. “No, that is to extend your life. I do not need it.”
“What are you going to do if you are hurt? What is to be of my reputation? Go and make me proud.” Lin Xu shoved the pill into Shi Ziqing’s mouth.
Shi Ziqing stopped hesitating and climbed the stairs in bloody clothing.
The staircase was a test. Reaching the fourth step was impressive. The jade glowed gently. He felt tremendous pressure the second he took the first step. He clenched his teeth and took a second step. The pressure intensified, forcing him to bend over. He went red in the face. The blood pill’s contents dispersed. He howled and took a third step. Then, he felt wobbly. He roared and powered up. He waked onto the fourth step then walked back down the stairs.
People thought the staircase had malfunctioned.
“Junior Brother, has Ziqing improved?”
Lin Xu hoped for more from Shi Ziqing. “Why did you only take a few steps? Am I supposed to be proud of just that?”
Shi Ziqing: “…”
Lin Xu smugly asked the others, “So, can he participate now?”
Shi Ziqing’s will transformed at just the right moment and overcame the test of determination.
“Haha, King Body is extraordinary all right.” In a strange tone, the cunning elder added, “Come up you two. The two ordinary humans can leave.”
Qing Xiaoyue pointed to the stairs. “I want to climb Staircase of Heaven.”
Random: “Haha, a mere mortal wants to climb Staircase of Heaven? That’s hilarious.”
Glossary
*Shibo = your shifu’s senior.
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