I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 559: Immortal Palace Appears, Ascension to Immortality Ladder
Previously on I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors?...
Chapter 559: Immortal Palace Appears, Ascension to Immortality Ladder
"Are you aware of where you failed?"
With an extremely grave expression, Leng Qingqiu stared at her pupil and questioned her.
Qing'er replied: "This disciple should not have acted with such arrogance and insolence."
"No."
Leng Qingqiu emphasized each word: "You should not have impulsively invited them to join our Heartless Palace before their backgrounds were verified. Never forget, my Heartless Palace maintains a strict threshold for accepting disciples."
Qing'er was momentarily stunned by these words before bowing respectfully: "This disciple will keep your instructions in mind, Master. Are you unharmed, Master?"
Leng Qingqiu dismissed the concern with a wave of her hand: "I am fine. During that clash, I was merely negligent for a brief moment and sustained light injuries. A short session of meditation will suffice for recovery. However, should we encounter those cultivators from Wendao Academy again, do not be reckless."
"Yes."
The Heartless Palace disciples answered with deep respect. They were far from foolish; having witnessed the raw power of Nie Xiuyuan, they knew that further provocation would be inviting disaster.
The night passed by peacefully.
The various competing powers spent the evening quietly within their own encampments.
At dawn the following day, the Wendao Academy disciples resumed their journey, pushing further into the depths of North Jade Mountain.
Following behind Nie Xiuyuan, Wang Baole asked: "Senior Brother, it is quite odd that despite the lush vegetation of North Jade Mountain, not a single beast can be seen. Isn't that strange?"
Nie Xiuyuan smiled as he clarified: "This is actually quite simple to explain. Every beast possesses a powerful territorial instinct. Even though the Taotie is an Ancient Divine Beast, it remains a beast at its core. Not just the wild animals, but even we cultivators will be forced out the moment before North Jade Mountain seals shut."
Wang Baole nodded slowly and whispered: "I wonder where the essence blood of that Taotie is hidden?"
Nie Xiuyuan replied calmly: "There is no need to rush. If that beast's essence blood is within this mountain, we will surely claim it."
Wang Baole cupped his fists and said: "Then I must rely on Senior Brother to take charge and assist."
Nie Xiuyuan: "It is no trouble at all."
Throughout the following days, the pair continued to gather the scattered disciples of Wendao Academy.
Finally, after a week had passed, every disciple of Wendao Academy who had entered North Jade Mountain was reunited.
Nie Xiuyuan tasked Elder Huang with a roll call. Once it was confirmed that they had suffered no casualties, the massive group moved toward the primary peak of North Jade Mountain.
As the Wendao Academy group neared the main summit, the concentration of other cultivators began to increase.
Along the path, members of other factions instinctively moved aside when they saw the Wendao Academy contingent approaching.
Nie Xiuyuan and his group did not bother with pleasantries. They had come to North Jade Mountain to fight for opportunities, so there was no reason to be overly polite to rivals.
The main peak of North Jade Mountain was wreathed in swirling clouds and thick spiritual energy. From a distance, it appeared as nothing less than a divine immortal mountain.
Upon entering the area of the main peak, the overwhelming spiritual energy tempted many to sit down and begin Cultivation immediately.
Yet, the stronger the energy became, the more everyone burned with curiosity to see what lay at the summit.
The crowd ascended via a narrow mountain trail. As they breached the layer of mist and clouds, a golden, majestic, and grand palace—resembling a true immortal palace—revealed itself.
A grand staircase, carved from white jade, stretched directly toward the palace. Enveloped by the mist, it looked like an infinite, celestial ladder reaching toward the heavens.
Nie Xiuyuan and Wang Baole instinctively sent out their divine sense to scout the peak. They quickly realized their mental probes were repelled by a terrifying force as soon as they touched the perimeter of the jade stairs.
Hiss...
Wang Baole drew a sharp breath, muttering: "There is something bizarre about this immortal palace."
Nie Xiuyuan remarked: "I can feel the Power of the Dao."
Wang Baole asked: "Senior Brother, are you suggesting this immortal palace served as the cultivation ground for that Ancient Beast Saint?"
"Precisely."
Nie Xiuyuan clarified: "Only a Saint could harness the Power of the Dao to construct such a magnificent celestial ladder. Let us discover what trial has been left for us."
"Very well."
Having come this far, Wang Baole had no intention of turning back.
Lead by the two, the disciples of Wendao Academy began to step onto the stone stairs one by one.
The moment their feet touched the jade, a crushing pressure descended upon them.
Nie Xiuyuan and Wang Baole shared a knowing look and smiled, saying together: "It seems this Saint also enjoyed these types of games."
They were well-acquainted with such trials and did not feel intimidated.
As the group climbed higher, some cultivators began to lag behind under the strain.
Meanwhile, the elites from various other sacred grounds reached the base of the stairs and began their own ascent.
One day later.
Only Nie Xiuyuan and Wang Baole remained at the front of the Wendao Academy group. By this time, they had barely crossed the midpoint of the heavenly ladder.
Behind them, the Golden Cicada Buddhist Son, the North Abyss Crown Prince, and the Heartless Palace Saintess were leading their own followers to close the gap.
Other disciples from prominent sacred grounds were also catching up in succession.
Nie Xiuyuan glanced at the sky and smiled at Wang Baole: "Junior Brother, the day is growing late. Why don’t we sit here on the steps, have a few drinks, and enjoy a meal?"
He didn't shout, but his voice was clear enough for those following below to hear perfectly.
In an instant, numerous sharp gazes locked onto Nie Xiuyuan and Wang Baole.
Noticing the bewildered looks of the crowd, Wang Baole chuckled: "That sounds good. We’ll eat, rest for a while, and then resume tomorrow."
As they spoke, they cleared a space and sat down on the jade steps.
One produced a wine gourd from his storage ring, while the other brought out gourmet food. They completely ignored the stunned stares of the people behind them as they began their feast.
Before long, the air was filled with the rich scent of wine and savory food.
Gulp.
Even though the cultivators behind them were at least in the Nirvana Realm, they couldn't help but swallow hard at the tempting aromas.
The commander of the Black Dragon Army from the North Abyss Sacred Dynasty sneered: "Pure theatrics. If you lack the strength to climb further, just admit it. Why put on such a fake show of indifference?"
However, no one backed his claim. The three half-Saint experts present fully recognized Nie Xiuyuan’s true power.
The three of them felt no significant pressure at this height, so they knew Nie Xiuyuan was likely fine as well. His behavior, however, left everyone deeply confused.
Was it possible that Nie Xiuyuan intended to abandon the treasures within the Saint Palace?
The crowd eventually ignored the pair and continued their grueling climb.
Two hours later.
Having finished their meal and wine, Nie Xiuyuan and Wang Baole resumed their ascent.
After only a few dozen steps, they came across the Black Dragon Army commander who had mocked them. He was now soaked in perspiration, a faint saintly light flickering around him as he pushed his saint body to its limits to fight the pressure.
The two didn't say a word; they merely offered a faint smile and walked past him.
This effortless dismissal caused the commander’s focus to shatter. He opened his mouth to speak, but before a sound could emerge, his footing failed. With a loud thud, he went tumbling down the stone stairs.
Watching this, Nie Xiuyuan and Wang Baole shook their heads with a smile and continued upward. Soon, the figures of the North Abyss Crown Prince and the others came into view...