Lu Qing and the others naturally had a deep impression of Wang Cangyi.
They made a great decision to go to the county town to help the Wei family.
The Wei family was once so oppressed that they were almost wiped out.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Wang Cangyi was the strongest opponent Lu Qing and his team encountered two years ago.
I never expected to hear that name again after so long.
"It is said that after Wang Cangyi was defeated in Cang County, he returned to Tiancang Sect and went into seclusion to cultivate diligently. Now he is a master who has achieved the minor completion of the Innate Realm."
His personal disciple also entered the Innate Realm half a year ago.
This time, the Tiancang Sect has three Supreme Elders. If they see you again, they might deliberately cause trouble.
"Senior Chen, you should still be careful."
"What? We're in the Holy City now. Does Wang Cangyi dare to defy the ban and make a move inside the city?" Lu Qing asked curiously.
Lin Zhirui laughed: "There is something that young friend Lu Qing may not know yet. The Holy Mountain originally set a rule that people in the Innate Realm are not allowed to fight in the city."
It is effective for the whole world.
But there is one city, in particular, that is exempt from this prohibition.
"The Holy City?" Lu Qing suddenly realized.
“That’s right, it’s the Holy City.” Lin Zhirui said with a smile. “Young friend Lu Qing should also be able to sense that there is some strange power in the Holy City that suppresses the power of martial artists.”
Therefore, even if a powerful expert at the Innate Realm fights in the city, it will not have a significant impact.
Furthermore, the Holy City has a deathmatch arena where people can apply to settle their personal grudges in the arena.
If you're not familiar with the rules of the Holy City, you might suffer because of it.
"I see." Lu Qing nodded.
As expected of the number one city in the world, even its rules are different from others.
but......
Since fighting is allowed 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.
Lu Qing didn't think Yan Canghai had forgotten what happened two years ago.
Putting everything else aside, he personally killed two of their personal disciples.
Even if Wang Cangyi didn't know about this at the time, so much time has passed that even if he was just guessing, he should have guessed that they were the ones who did it.
With such a deep-seated hatred, he didn't believe that Wang Cangyi, with his vengeful nature, could let it go.
Therefore, it's best to find an opportunity to kill such a hidden enemy.
Lu Qing harbored murderous intent, while Lin Zhirui kept a close watch on him.
Seeing that Lu Qing and the old doctor remained unmoved upon hearing the news that Wang Cangyi was in the city.
Even though Magu and Wei Zian were surprised, they did not show the slightest fear.
He was startled, and began to speculate more about the old doctor's abilities.
"Your Excellency Zhi Rui, you once said that your master had a fortuitous opportunity on the Holy Mountain. I wonder if that opportunity still counts?" Lu Qing asked.
“Of course it counts.” Lin Zhirui nodded. “This opportunity was personally promised by the three Holy Lords, so it must be genuine.”
"In that case, when will Master be able to go to the Holy Mountain to seek enlightenment?"
"In theory, it can be done at any time, but your arrival was sudden this time, so I need to report to the Holy Mountain to see if anyone wants to study the Holy Pool recently."
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Mr. Zhi Rui."
"No need to be so polite, it's just my duty."
Lu Qing and the others chatted for a while longer when suddenly they heard a commotion outside, so loud it seemed to reach the sky.
"Your Excellency Zhi Rui, what has happened outside?"
Lu Qing listened for a moment and found the noise to be quite excited and enthusiastic, which made him a little curious.
Lin Zhirui was also listening, and he quickly understood what was going on. He smiled and said, "It's nothing serious. It's probably because those talented young people from who-knows-where are planning to climb the Heavenly Ladder of the Holy Mountain again."
"Climbing the Heavenly Ladder of the Sacred Mountain?"
Lu Qing and the others were all taken aback.
"Didn't I just say that for countless years, the sacred mountain has been covered by a strange power that makes it difficult for climbers to take a step and reach the top?"
At the foot of the sacred mountain, there is a heavenly ladder that, according to legend, leads directly to the summit.
However, climbing this ladder is more difficult than climbing other mountain paths.
With each step up the ladder, the pressure increases; those without a solid foundation and formidable strength don't even qualify to ascend.
For tens of thousands of years, countless martial artists have tried to climb the Heavenly Ladder, including many experts at the Innate Realm.
Those with the most exceptional talent even managed to leave their names on the ladder to heaven.
This is also one of the most distinctive features of the holy city.
Most martial artists who come to the Holy City want to climb the Heavenly Ladder and see if they can leave their name on it.
Or perhaps one should consider how far one's own abilities compare to those historically renowned geniuses.
"So miraculous?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Qing and the others immediately became interested.
This sacred mountain truly lives up to its reputation as the center of the world; even this so-called Heavenly Ladder is something completely new to them, something they've never heard of before.
"Since everyone is so interested, why don't we go and join the fun?"
Lin Zhirui's heart stirred, and he suddenly made a suggestion.
"Alright."
Lu Qing also wanted to take this opportunity to learn about the wonders of this sacred mountain, so he nodded in agreement.
Only Hu Zezhi hesitated: "But..."
She thought about her own situation.
“Miss Hu, since we can’t figure out where your calamity comes from.”
Then let's put it aside for now. When it's meant to come, it will come. There's no need to worry too much.
Overthinking is harmful and can easily ruin your health.
The old doctor comforted her.
“That’s right.” Lu Qing nodded. “As long as you don’t stray too far from us, it’s fine. Instead of hiding here, we should take the initiative. Perhaps we can find a way to avert this calamity.”
Upon hearing this, Hu Zezhi felt that it made sense.
She was completely unaware of her impending doom, and rather than hiding in fear, she decided to travel around with Young Master Lu and the others.
Even if she ultimately cannot escape her fate, at least her trip to this sacred mountain will not have been in vain.
So she nodded gently: "I will listen to Senior Chen."
Immediately, Lu Qing and the others, led by Lin Zhirui, headed towards the north of the city.
Because the holy city was built against the holy mountain, and the foot of the holy mountain is to the north of the city.
"So many people!"
When Lu Qing and his group arrived at the location, they were all taken aback when they saw the crowd at the foot of the mountain.
At this moment, thousands of people gathered on the flat open space at the foot of the mountain.
More importantly, these people possessed powerful qi and blood, and almost all of them were true martial artists who had achieved success in their cultivation.
Such a scene was quite shocking, let alone Wei Zian and his group.
Even Lu Qing was somewhat shocked to see so many martial artists gathered together and feel the surging energy emanating from them.
"That's the legendary Heavenly Ladder?"
Lu Qing saw a huge, white jade-like staircase on the mountain wall ahead, winding and twisting like a dragon, extending towards the sacred mountain, hidden in the clouds and mist at the mountainside, with no end in sight.
Each step is about one meter high and very wide, enough to accommodate dozens of people standing on it at the same time.
This miraculous sight left Lu Qing and his companions in awe.
Just as Lin Zhirui was about to answer, a sudden exclamation erupted from ahead.
"Someone is about to climb the ladder to heaven!"
Lu Qing and the others immediately looked ahead and saw a white figure leaping high into the air and finally landing lightly on the white jade steps.
In one go, they climbed more than ten steps.
He was a handsome young man dressed in white, holding a white jade fan.
"Excellent! As expected of one of the Ten Heroes of Zhongzhou, Young Hero Bai has already crossed thirteen steps in his first step. Truly extraordinary!"
Immediately, someone in the crowd cheered.
"It was him?"
At this moment, Lin Zhirui let out a soft exclamation.
"Your Excellency Zhi Rui, do you know this person?" Wei Zian asked curiously.
"Of course I recognize him; he's quite famous in Zhongzhou."
His name is Bai Bufan, the eldest disciple of the Qingyu Sect, whose martial arts skills are astonishing.
It is said that he has reached a profound realm where he has honed his divine soul power and is only a hair's breadth away from the innate realm.
Among the many talented young people in Zhongzhou, he was extremely famous.
He once used his Azure Jade Sword Technique to withstand ten moves from a master at the initial stage of the Innate Realm without being at a disadvantage, which made him famous throughout the Central Plains.
Furthermore, due to his dashing and debonair appearance, he was pursued by countless female disciples and was hailed as one of the Ten Outstanding Talents of Zhongzhou.
Lin Zhirui spoke eloquently, recounting the identity and background of the young man in white.
However, after hearing the information he provided, Magu and the others looked at him strangely.
Wei Zian, in particular, scratched his head.
The Ten Heroes of Zhongzhou, able to withstand ten moves from a Xiantian Realm expert without being at a disadvantage, is that all?
He recalled the scene he had witnessed when Doctor Lu Qing was sparring with his ancestor.
Afterwards, he heard his ancestor say with his own ears that if it really came down to a life-or-death struggle, he might not be able to defeat Doctor Lu Qing.
Not to mention, Doctor Lu Qing also knows the mysterious and unpredictable methods of cultivating immortality.
Thinking about it this way, Wei Zian felt that the so-called Ten Heroes of Zhongzhou were nothing special.
Compared to Doctor Lu Qing, they are far inferior and not worth mentioning at all.
Of course, Wei Zian could never say these words aloud.
But Lin Zhirui was no ordinary person. After introducing Bai Bufan's deeds, he sensed the strangeness of Wei Zian and the others.
Fortunately, at that moment, another cheer came from ahead.
Another figure leaped up from the crowd and landed on the white jade steps, right next to Bai Bufan.
He was a young man dressed in brocade robes.
"It's Situ Jin!"
"This is going to be interesting!"
"What if those two start fighting up there?!"
"Probably not, who would dare to fight on the holy mountain?"
"It would be great if they fought, then we could see who's stronger!"
Someone in the crowd immediately recognized the person's identity.
And there were also voices of schadenfreude, wanting to see the show.
Lu Qing and the others then looked at Lin Zhirui.
Lin Zhirui chuckled: "This one is Situ Jin, a true disciple of the Tianyuan Sect. Like Bai Bufan, he is one of the Ten Outstanding Talents of Zhongzhou."
Furthermore, it is rumored that the two have always been at odds, constantly competing with each other, neither willing to concede.
"Your Excellency Zhi Rui, I've heard you mention the Ten Outstanding Figures of Zhongzhou. What is this title, and who ranked them?" Ma Gu couldn't help but ask.
"The so-called Ten Outstanding Talents of Zhongzhou is a ranking made by some busybodies. It is a group of well-known and talented young people in Zhongzhou.
There are many similar titles, such as the Ten Beauties, the Ten Swordsmen, and the Ten Killers of the World.
These rankings were compiled by well-meaning individuals and may not be accurate, but those included must possess extraordinary qualities.
Lu Qing felt a little strange.
However, he understood.
Martial artists train hard, but what they really pursue is fame and fortune.
It's not surprising that such a ranking would be produced.
Just like the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, didn't they also create that Hidden Dragon List?
"There are ten beauties? How beautiful must the people on that list be?"
Unlike others, Hu Zezhi's focus was on something else entirely.
"Those who can make it onto the list of beauties are indeed the most beautiful women in the world."
Some women possess a smile that can captivate a hundred hearts, enough to enchant anyone with just a single glance.
Some are as cold as ice, yet they can purify people's hearts and prevent them from harboring evil thoughts simply by their appearance.
Some women can captivate someone with just a glance, making them fall head over heels for them, willing to become their servants—that's truly remarkable.
Lin Zhirui sighed.
Wei Zian and the others were all captivated by her beauty, finding it hard to imagine what kind of woman could possess such charm that a single glance could make someone willingly become her servant.
"Judging from Your Excellency Zhi Rui's appearance, you must have seen the beauties on the list of beauties."
Lu Qing, noticing the fleeting sorrow in Lin Zhirui's eyes, teased him.
"Young friend Lu Qing is too kind. Let's continue watching. Bai Bufan and Situ Jin have never gotten along."
This time, climbing the Heavenly Ladder together will likely result in another fierce battle.
Lin Zhirui did not admit it, but smiled lightly.
Lu Qing smiled slightly, stopped teasing, and looked ahead.
Meanwhile, the two figures on the white jade steps were exchanging veiled barbs.
"Brother Situ, I didn't expect you to have such an interest in climbing this Heavenly Ladder."
Bai Bufan, dressed in white, gently shook the white jade fan in his hand and spoke in a loud voice.
This carefree attitude immediately drew screams from many women below.
Hearing the screams, a hint of disgust flashed in Situ Jin's eyes.
However, he quickly suppressed his anger and smiled, saying, "It was just a coincidence. I originally wanted to come here to climb and test my own cultivation."
Unexpectedly, Brother Bai got there first.
"Since that's the case, Brother Bai, since we have this rare opportunity today, why don't we have a competition and see who can climb higher?"
"Oh, you want to have a match with me?" Bai Bufan's eyes flashed.
"Indeed, you and I are both known as the Ten Heroes of Zhongzhou. Although this is just an empty title, people always like to compare us."
After comparing them all, I'm getting tired of it.
Why don't we take this opportunity to have a real competition?
Let's see who can climb higher on this ladder to heaven.
At that time, it will be clear who is stronger and who is weaker.
"It seems Brother Situ is very confident," Bai Bufan said with an unchanged smile.
"What, Brother Bai, you dare not?" Situ Jin said sarcastically.
"Why wouldn't I dare!" Bai Bufan closed his jade fan, his smile fading. "Fine, I'll compete with you this time!"
