137: Chapter 137 Calm and Serene

Outside the Valley of Destiny, there was a sea of people.

An indescribable white jade staircase rose from the earth, piercing straight into the depths of the sea of clouds.

It seemed to connect the mortal world and the immortal realm, with no end in sight.

This was the Heaven-Ascending Staircase.

The ancient stone steps were covered in marks, each one seemingly telling an ancient legend.

An Aura from long ago rushed towards them.

Just standing beneath these stairs made countless Cultivators feel their own insignificance and a sense of awe.

The Liuyun Imperial City, and even the prominent forces from throughout the southern Eastern Desolation.

Almost all of them had gathered here.

Densely packed crowds blocked the huge plaza in front of the Heaven-Ascending Staircase.

However, today, the focus of tens of thousands of gazes was not this ancient miracle, but a single person.

"Look, that's Chu Xiao!"

"Hiss... it's him? The one who killed Murong Zi in a second with just one finger at the Piaomiao Chamber of Commerce?"

"That's right! I was there at the time. That scene... tsk tsk, Murong Zi didn't even get a word out before he was turned to ash!"

"Terrifying. This person acts so dominantly. I'm afraid no one will dare compete with him in today's selection."

Discussions rose and fell, and every gaze directed toward that direction was filled with complex emotions.

There was awe, fear, and curiosity.

There was also jealousy.

At the very front of the plaza, within an exclusive area set up by the Liuyun Imperial Family.

The top Prodigies from all paths gathered, and the atmosphere was so heavy it was almost tangible.

In the Xiaoyao Valley camp, Silver Bone was dressed in black, clutching a dagger, his eyes cold.

At this moment, he was staring intently at the figure not far away.

Beside him, a Xiaoyao Valley Elder lowered his voice and sent a message: "Silver Bone, are you sure you want to act on the Heaven-Ascending Staircase? That place is full of Restrictions. If something goes wrong..."

"What are you afraid of?"

Silver Bone sneered and replied: "I've already bribed a deacon from the Imperial Family responsible for maintaining the Formations. He will quietly activate an ancient killing Formation at a specific level."

"When the time comes, everyone will think Chu Xiao had bad luck and triggered a Restriction. Who would suspect us?"

"He was only able to kill Murong Zi in a second that day by relying on a consumable Divine Fire Secret Treasure. Now, he's just a toothless tiger. Killing him will be as easy as turning over my hand!"

Hearing this, a flash of greed appeared in the Elder's eyes, and he said no more.

On the other side, in the Taiyi Sword Sect area, Li Mu stood tall as a pine tree in his green robe with his ancient sword.

His gaze also fell upon Chu Xiao.

But unlike Silver Bone's malice, his eyes held a burning Battle Intent.

The ancient sword in his hand seemed to sense its master's intent, letting out low hums of Sword Qi, longing for a hearty battle.

In his view, Chu Xiao was a high Peak he had to cross on his path of the Dao of the sword.

However, as the center of the storm, Chu Xiao himself ignored everything around him.

While all the Prodigies were on high alert, secretly circulating their Qi.

Preparing to adjust their state to the Peak in the tense atmosphere.

Chu Xiao was actually leaning lazily against Yuan Muyu's fragrant shoulder, eyes slightly closed, breathing steadily as if he had fallen asleep.

That leisurely and comfortable posture was completely out of place with the heavy atmosphere around him.

Ever since he returned from the palace that day, he had obtained quite a bit of information from the Liuyun Dynasty's Emperor Emperor Ji Rulong.

First, to enter the Valley of Destiny, one must climb the Heaven-Ascending Staircase!

And only those who perform exceptionally well can enter the Valley of Destiny to obtain Opportunities.

Most importantly, if one could take first place on the Heaven-Ascending Staircase.

They could obtain the essence blood of the ancient Yao Beast, the Heavenly Martial Demon Dragon.

For such a reward, Chu Xiao was naturally determined to get it.

After all, in his eyes, these Cultivators were just nobodies by the roadside.

They weren't worth much effort at all.

Rather than preparing nervously, it was better to spend this time being intimate with Yuan Muyu.

Meanwhile, Yuan Muyu was dressed in snow-white clothes, but her body was stiff.

She felt the weight on her shoulder and the familiar scent of the man, and a blush appeared on her cheeks.

She didn't push him away, simply letting him lean.

This scene naturally fell into the eyes of another group not far away.

They were a group of young men wearing magnificent brocade robes, their clothing style completely different from the Cultivators of the Liuyun Dynasty.

There was an innate arrogance between their brows.

They didn't even have Sect Elders accompanying them, yet they occupied a better position than Xiaoyao Valley and Taiyi Sword Sect. The surrounding Cultivators avoided them, clearly indicating they had a significant background.

"Hmph, a bunch of frogs in a well, yet they dare call themselves Prodigies?"

The leading young man in magnificent clothes sneered, his tone full of contempt.

This person had a face like jade and eyes like stars; he looked very impressive.

But his eyes were different from ordinary people. Within his pupils, there were faint runes flowing.

Between opening and closing, divine light shone brilliantly.

He was the Third Prince of the top Central Continent force, the "Dayan Holy Dynasty," Huangfu Qi, Prince of the Central Sacred Dynasty, born with Saint Pupils.

His strength was unfathomable. Coming to the Eastern Desolation this time.

He was merely here with the mindset of sightseeing, and to pick up the prize for first place on the Hidden Dragon Ranking along the way.

Huangfu Qi, Prince of the Central Sacred Dynasty's gaze swept over Li Mu, and he shook his head dismissively: "The Sword Intent is acceptable, but the sword heart is impure. He has no hope of reaching the Peak of the Dao of the sword in this lifetime."

He then swept over Silver Bone, showing even more disdain: "A rat hiding its head and showing its tail, yet he dares to compete with the bright moon?"

Finally, his gaze landed on Chu Xiao, who was dozing off against the beauty's shoulder.

When he heard that this person was currently the most famous in the Eastern Desolation and hailed as the number one Prodigy, Chu Xiao.

The disdain on his face instantly turned into mockery.

In his view, this was no longer just arrogance.

It was a public insult to him and all the Prodigies from the Central Continent!

"As expected of a barbarian land, so barren that it can't even produce a decent person!"

Huangfu Qi, Prince of the Central Sacred Dynasty's voice was not suppressed at all; he spoke loudly, and it instantly spread across the entire plaza.

It drew everyone's attention.

"The so-called number one Prodigy is actually an ignorant sleepyhead who only knows how to act spoiled in a woman's arms! What a joke!"

As his voice fell, the crowd erupted.

Countless Cultivators showed anger on their faces.

Huangfu Qi, Prince of the Central Sacred Dynasty was not just insulting Chu Xiao, but the face of the entire Liuyun Dynasty!

But due to his status as a prince of a Central Continent Holy Dynasty, no one dared to speak up and refute him.

Silver Bone of Xiaoyao Valley had a look of schadenfreude in his eyes, while Huangfu Qi, Prince of the Central Sacred Dynasty watched on.

While Li Mu of Taiyi Sword Sect frowned deeply.

Everyone's eyes were focused on Chu Xiao.

They wanted to see how he would respond to this public humiliation.

However, to everyone's surprise.

Facing Huangfu Qi, Prince of the Central Sacred Dynasty's public provocation, Chu Xiao had no reaction.

He just whispered in Yuan Muyu's ear: "It might get a bit noisy in a moment. Stand a bit further away so the noise of these ants doesn't disturb your peace."

His voice was very light and gentle.

It was as if the turmoil of the outside world was not as important as a moment of peace for the person beside him.

Hearing this, a ripple formed in Yuan Muyu's heart.

She gave a soft "mm" and a hint of warmth appeared in her eyes.

This feeling of being ignored made Huangfu Qi, Prince of the Central Sacred Dynasty's eyelids twitch!

Anger surged in his heart!

"You!"

Visibly, his face instantly turned livid.

Qi surged around him, and a terrifying Aura exploded.

In his born Saint Pupils, divine light burst forth; he actually intended to strike directly!

Just at this tense moment, a majestic voice suddenly rang out.

"Silence!"

The Liuyun Emperor Emperor Ji Rulong, wearing a Nine Dragon Imperial Robe, was surrounded by a group of Imperial Family experts.

He appeared on the high platform in front of the Heaven-Ascending Staircase.

He just gave Huangfu Qi, Prince of the Central Sacred Dynasty a faint glance, and that invisible imperial pressure.

Caused Huangfu Qi, Prince of the Central Sacred Dynasty's surging Aura to stall.

Huangfu Qi, Prince of the Central Sacred Dynasty's expression shifted, but he eventually snorted and temporarily suppressed his anger.

He knew now was not the time. Once they reached the Heaven-Ascending Staircase, he had plenty of ways to make that fool regret coming into this world!

Emperor Ji Rulong's gaze lingered on Chu Xiao for a moment, a flash of complexity in his eyes, then he announced loudly: "Everyone, today is the day my Liuyun Dynasty selects the Seeded Spots for the Valley of Destiny!"

"The rules are simple. Step onto the Heaven-Ascending Staircase. The final top ten who can stand at the highest point will obtain the Seeded Spots!"

"To motivate you all, the Imperial Family has prepared grand gifts! Third place will receive a Heaven Rank High Grade Cultivation Technique! Second place will receive a half-step Dao Artifact!"

"As for first place..."

Emperor Ji Rulong intentionally drew out his voice, his gaze sweeping the plaza. Seeing everyone holding their breath, he slowly spoke: "The reward for first place is a whole bottle of essence blood from a genuine Returning Void Realm Yao Beast—the Heavenly Martial Demon Dragon!"

Boom—!!!

Returning Void Realm! Heavenly Martial Demon Dragon! Heart essence blood!

These words were like thunderclaps, exploding across the entire plaza!

Every Cultivator's breath stopped at this moment!

Many people's eyes turned blood-red, filled with fanaticism!

That was the essence blood of a Returning Void Realm Yao Dragon!

Even in the Central Continent, this was a supreme treasure that would cause countless old monsters to fight madly for it!

A single drop would be enough for a Soul Transformation expert to be reborn and have their cultivation soar!

And now, the reward was an entire bottle!

Even Huangfu Qi, Prince of the Central Sacred Dynasty, who had been arrogant, had his pupils shrink and his breathing quicken!

He hadn't expected that tiny Liuyun could actually produce such a treasure!

At this moment, all the Prodigies had only one thought in their minds.

Win first place at all costs!

Emperor Ji Rulong looked at the frenzied reactions of the people below and nodded in satisfaction.

This was the effect he wanted!

He took a deep breath, wasted no more time, and waved his hand!

"The selection begins now!"

The moment his voice fell!

Buzz—!!!

The entire Heaven-Ascending Staircase, which had been silent for ages, suddenly shook!

A visible white halo rose from the bottom of the stairs.

Instantly, it covered every inch of the 99,999 steps!

A terrifying pressure, as vast as mountains and as boundless as the sea, crashed down!

That pressure was formless and intangible, yet it felt as heavy as ten thousand tons.

It acted directly on the Physical Body and Divine Soul of every participant!

Pfft! Pfft!

At the edge of the plaza, some Cultivators who were only at the Nascent Soul realm and hoped to try their luck couldn't even withstand the first wave of pressure and coughed up blood on the spot.

Their faces turned pale as they collapsed to the ground.

And the Prodigies standing at the front also had their expressions change drastically!

"What terrifying pressure!"

"This is only the first step! How great will the pressure be further back?"

Everyone immediately circulated their Qi and summoned their protective divine light.

They put all their effort into resisting the terrifying force pressing in from all sides.

Li Mu's Sword Intent erupted, and an invisible Sword Qi surrounded him, isolating the pressure.

But his furrowed brows also showed that he was not at ease.

Silver Bone was surrounded by black Qi, and his whole body seemed to turn into a weightless shadow, moving through the gaps in the pressure with ease.

Huangfu Qi, Prince of the Central Sacred Dynasty sneered even more, his Saint Pupils opening and closing!

A beam of protective divine light burst from his body, and the terrifying pressure couldn't affect him at all.

He even had the leisure to scan the "locals" around him who were struggling to hold on.

Almost everyone's attention was on how to resist this pressure.

However, in this tense atmosphere.

Chu Xiao, who had been leaning on Yuan Muyu's shoulder, slowly opened his eyes.

He stretched, his face still holding a hint of laziness.

It was as if the terrifying pressure that could crush a Soul Transformation expert was nothing more than a breeze to him.

Almost all the Prodigies showed their skills immediately, and under the massive pressure, they took their steps, one by one, laboriously climbing the white jade steps.

With every step up, the pressure grew exponentially.

After just a hundred steps, some Prodigies were already drenched in sweat, their steps staggering as if they were carrying a mountain on their backs.

Huangfu Qi, Prince of the Central Sacred Dynasty, Li Mu, Silver Bone, and others, relying on their great strength, were temporarily in the lead.

But they also gradually slowed down, each step taken very steadily, not daring to be distracted.

On the entire Heaven-Ascending Staircase, there were sounds of heavy breathing and the muffled thuds of Qi collisions.

The atmosphere was tense to the extreme.

However, amidst this atmosphere where everyone was striving with all their might, the man who had always been the focus finally moved.

Chu Xiao didn't immediately activate his protective Qi like the others.

Instead, with his hands behind his back and wearing simple white clothes, he stepped onto the first white jade step as if taking a stroll.

One step, two steps, ten steps...

His pace wasn't fast, but it was incredibly relaxed.

The terrifying pressure that could cause a Nascent Soul Cultivator to explode on the spot fell on him and vanished without a trace.

It didn't cause even the slightest ripple.

He was like someone taking a stroll in his own backyard, leisurely and free, forming a sharp and stinging contrast with the surrounding Prodigies whose faces were flushed, who were drenched in sweat, and who were struggling with every step.

"Eya?"

On his shoulder, Xiao Hei, who was happily gnawing on a High-Grade Spirit Stone, tilted its little head curiously, seemingly not understanding why the people around were having such a hard time walking.

Chu Xiao smiled faintly and sent a Divine Thought into Xiao Hei's mind.

"Look at that fellow in the colorful clothes, his face is turned the color of a pig's liver. It's quite funny."

Xiao Hei followed Chu Xiao's gaze and saw a Genius from a small Sect, teeth clenched and body trembling as he stepped onto a new level. His face was indeed turned red and purple from the excessive effort.

"Eya!"

Xiao Hei suddenly found it very interesting and happily rolled over on Chu Xiao's shoulder.