Chapter 129: Ascending The Heavenly Stairs, Mechanism Man Array, Terrifying Heart-questioning Platform
Luo Wentian finished speaking, then smiled at the other group of standing Gang Yuan Realm experts:
“Everyone, follow me up the mountain first.”
These Ascension Stairs were used to test children who had not yet set foot on the martial path. Ning Qi had used a special ore material, supplemented by a simple Mysterious Gate Array Formation, which could multiply the pressure when walking on them, making it increasingly difficult the higher one went.
This stage tested willpower.
There were a total of nine hundred and ninety-nine steps. Those who could reach the peak were bound to be people with extraordinary perseverance.
This disciple recruitment would lay the foundation for the True Martial Sect for the next few decades. Unless there were special circumstances, there would not be such a large-scale recruitment of disciples again for a very long time. Ning Qi valued it greatly.
Now, with his martial realm deepening day by day, he was gradually realizing that to go further on the martial path, bone structure might not be the most important thing.
Excellent bone structure could let you have smooth sailing and rapid progress in the early stages, but martial way will could let you surpass those ahead and even break your own limits.
So he had set this Ascension Stairs test.
Luo Wentian led the many Gang Yuan Realm masters up the mountain and left. With their cultivation, a few leaps had already made them disappear into the distance.
This time, the sect was opening its gates widely.
Recruiting children was of utmost importance, but these Gang Yuan Realm experts could not be underestimated either.
After all, the True Martial Sect was currently in a somewhat awkward state. At the peak, there were Heavenly Sword True Person and Dragon Mountain Daoist shaking the world. The mid-to-low levels of Body Tempering Realm and Inner Yuan Realm could also dominate the martial world. Only Gang Yuan Realm had far fewer.
Up to this day.
Only the previous seven true disciples had stepped into the White Mist Realm. Although their talent was outstanding and their combat power surpassed ordinary White Mist Realm, as the True Martial Sect’s forces grew stronger, it was inevitably stretched thin.
Thus, the idea of recruiting other Gang Yuan Realm experts this time came about.
It served as a transition.
Once the True Martial Sect had more and more Gang Yuan Realm experts emerging, it could pass this awkward period.
Their test was naturally different from the children’s. Priority was given to examining combat power and temperament.
Watching Luo Wentian and the others leave.
Xiong Shi, who remained, continued:
“All participants in the test, pay attention. There are the following precautions for the Ascension Stairs.”
“First, no external aid is allowed. You must rely on your own will to reach the peak!”
“Second, no attacking other testers on the Ascension Stairs. Once discovered, qualification is immediately revoked!”
“Third, if you can’t hold on, call for help immediately. True Martial Disciples will bring you down the mountain.”
His gaze swept over the crowd, carrying a faint killing intent. The previous scene had gradually instilled reverence for this Punishment Elder in everyone. At this moment, they all nodded repeatedly.
“Then, I announce that the test officially begins!”
His words fell.
The children, who had long been prepared, began climbing forward in an orderly manner. They did not rush to compete for the lead, as True Martial Disciples had already explained the rules: it did not matter who reached the peak first, only how much time each individual took to reach the peak.
Otherwise, with nearly ten thousand people surging up at once, even if the Ascension Stairs were large enough, it would be impossible for everyone to start from the same line.
In the crowd.
A skinny little girl encouraged the thick-browed youth:
“Brother, come on!”
The thick-browed boy was also hyping himself up. He looked at some richly dressed boys around him, all strong and robust, but he had nothing except a determination to break the cauldrons and sink the boats.
The children stepped onto the Ascension Stairs one after another and immediately sensed something unusual.
Just stepping on, they felt a slight pressure. At first, it was still manageable, but every few dozen steps, the pressure would rise a level, making their little bellies tremble.
Climbing nine hundred and ninety-nine steps was already no easy task for a child under ten, let alone with increasing pressure.
Many children looked ahead at the distant, seemingly endless stone steps, and a sense of despair immediately rose in their hearts.
With their fighting spirit broken.
One after another began to give up.
True Martial Disciples shuttled above the Ascension Stairs, bringing down child after child.
This scene, in the eyes of other testers, invisibly intensified the pressure.
Those who could come here to participate in the test were mostly top performers among ordinary people, but now the test was too difficult. Having climbed only a third, half had already been eliminated.
The Ascension Stairs, originally packed full, suddenly became much emptier.
And this.
Was only the beginning.
More and more people fell behind, some actively forfeiting.
Some children even broke down directly into tears.
The seemingly simple Ascension Stairs were actually filled with immense challenges.
Xiong Shi, Ye Qinghe, and the others watched, unable to help but sigh:
“Little Nine’s Ascension Stairs is indeed not simple. Thinking about it now, the martial way is just like these Ascension Stairs—bottomless. To walk down the path firmly, one needs courage far beyond ordinary people. Those who can pass the Ascension Stairs test will surely have impressive future achievements.”
“If they can’t pass, even the best bone structure is in vain.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Unknowingly, they had forgotten that Ning Qi was only a little over ten years old.
Time passed.
The first stage of the test continued.
Many were approaching the peak.
Among them, a few outstanding seedlings caught their attention.
“That leading boy has steady steps, firm eyes, and robust muscles and bones. He is from the Lu Clan of Gaoyang, named Lu Mang.”
“The girl behind him is also good, skilled at borrowing force, very agile. If I remember correctly, she seems to be from an Ouyang Family in Qingzhou city, named Ouyang Yuxuan.”
“…”
The congregation commented one by one.
Satisfaction showed on their faces.
With the True Martial Sect’s prestige soaring, some famous families were also willing to send their promising juniors over.
At this moment.
The Ascension Stairs were already sparse.
The people stretched out very long.
Formed into several echelons.
By visual estimate, the last to reach the peak would be less than half a percent, that is, fewer than five hundred people.
The difficulty was self-evident.
Ning Qi and Dragon Mountain Daoist had stopped playing chess. The two walked to the window and gazed remotely at the peak of the distant Ascension Stairs, where Luo Wentian and others were waiting. Child after child who reached the peak stood joyfully. Having passed the Ascension Stairs this time, their will and temperament had been baptized, and their future martial path would be smoother.
Dragon Mountain Daoist sighed:
“Little Nine, this method of yours is truly excellent. Once this batch of disciples grows up, the True Martial Sect will truly be as steady as Mount Tai.”
Ning Qi just smiled lightly.
He let out a soft sound of surprise, his gaze showing some astonishment.
Dragon Mountain Daoist followed his gaze and was similarly shocked.
Near the top of the Ascension Stairs, a thick-browed, big-eyed boy was climbing with all his might. Almost all who should have reached the peak had done so. The boy used hands and feet together, his eyes filled with astonishing ferocity. Behind him trailed a faint bloodstain.
His hands and feet were worn raw.
The shoes on his feet were already tattered, but he continued upward firmly.
With Ning Qi and Dragon Mountain Daoist’s eyesight, it was naturally not hard to see that this boy’s internal power was almost exhausted, even participating in the test on an empty stomach. From his clothing, it was clear he came from an extremely lowly background.
Dragon Mountain Daoist let out a long sigh:
“This child has great perseverance.”
Ning Qi nodded in approval.
This was very rare.
The people at the peak naturally also noticed this boy.
By the time he exhausted his last bit of strength to climb the final step, Luo Wentian was already full of appreciation.
He personally walked over and offered food and water.
“Little fellow, what is your name?”
The boy was extremely nervous. He hadn’t expected to be noticed by such a great figure as Luo Wentian. He hadn’t even had time to rejoice in completing the Ascension Stairs before subconsciously stammering:
“I, I have no name. The villagers used to call me Gou Dan.”
Some around him showed disdain in their eyes, others respect, knowing how hard it was for the boy to reach this step.
Luo Wentian patted his shoulder and encouraged him with a smile:
“Gou Dan, right? Rest well, and work hard next.”
Gou Dan nodded vigorously, his heart surging with excitement.
At this moment.
Luo Wentian’s back figure was radiant in his heart. He wolfed down the food in his hand, somewhat regretting that his sister couldn’t share it. He resolved in his heart to definitely pass the test and become a True Martial Disciple!
Previously, he wanted to become a True Martial Disciple to have enough to eat, but now, he felt a subtle sense of belonging to the True Martial Sect.
Luo Wentian scanned the crowd and said loudly:
“First, congratulations on passing the Ascension Stairs test. Whether or not you become True Martial Disciples, this is a valuable experience for you, enough to take you further!”
“Now rest well, prepare for the next test, and also observe the strength of your martial predecessors to set goals for yourselves.”
The children’s eyes sparkled.
They realized that this was probably the test for those Gang Yuan Realm experts. For most of them, Gang Yuan Realm experts were already super great figures beyond reach.
Luo Wentian smiled at the many Gang Yuan Realm experts:
“Everyone, who will go first?”
The test format for Gang Yuan Realm was not difficult. The first stage was combat power, which he had already explained clearly.
And the objects to showcase combat power.
Were the mechanical men right in front of them. One only needed to hold out for a quarter of an hour under their siege to pass smoothly.
At this moment.
Everyone looked at those neither metal nor wood mechanical men with astonished gazes. Each was a zhang tall, full of sense of oppression. This was naturally also Ning Qi’s recent achievement, or rather, he had always dabbled in mechanical arts.
Previously, He Yan had found him some miscellaneous studies, giving him some enlightenment.
These mechanical men, though somewhat clumsy and unable to pursue enemies, became practical test tools after Ning Qi combined them with Mysterious Gate Array Formation.
From Body Tempering Realm to Inner Yuan Realm to Gang Yuan Realm, all levels were available.
This batch of mechanical men, after forming array, could pose a great threat to White Mist Realm. Only the top performers among them could pass.
Ning Qi and Dragon Mountain Daoist watched. With their eyesight, they could discern some clues when the many Gang Yuan Realm experts acted, perhaps even directly identifying their origins from their martial arts style—unless they had never learned those signature martial arts, it would be hard to conceal.
On the field.
Over a hundred Gang Yuan Realm experts were somewhat uncertain about the strength of these mechanical men.
But eventually, someone was willing to be the first to eat the crab.
A green-robed swordsman stepped out, eyes full of confidence:
“I’ll go!”
His words fell.
And he had already rushed out.
Clack clack clack clack.
A buzzing sound rang out, and all the mechanical men awakened from slumber, beginning to move.
Though their movements were clumsy, every action carried immense force. The whistling sounds made scalps tingle. After forming array, there was an airtight pressure, and with their extraordinary material, Gang Qi strikes only left white marks. The pressure came head-on.
Of course, this was a test, so the Gang Yuan Realm experts could not flee. In normal times, no matter how many mechanical men, they couldn’t pose much threat—their speed could easily create distance.
But now, actively under siege by the mechanical men, it was completely different.
The green-robed swordsman’s strength was extraordinary, upper-mid among everyone present.
But now he was struggling left and right, in constant peril. If not for his truly exquisite sword technique, he would have been eliminated. Even so, sweat beaded on the green-robed swordsman’s forehead, no longer with his previous disdain.
Everyone’s expressions changed.
The children who had just passed could not distinguish much. They only watched the legendary Gang Qi flying, sighing in amazement in their hearts. Gou Dan chewed on a hot pancake, his eyes full of longing. He hoped that one day he could become as strong as this green-robed swordsman.
A quarter of an hour passed in a flash.
The bell rang.
The green-robed swordsman felt relieved.
He immediately accelerated out of the mechanical men’s encirclement, a trace of reverence in his eyes. Martial world rumors were one thing, but experiencing the True Martial Sect’s foundation firsthand made his heart burn hotter, further firming his resolve to join the True Martial Sect.
The others thought similarly.
“Congratulations!” Luo Wentian said kindly with a smile.
He had been observing just now. This green-robed swordsman was indeed a good hand among White Mist Realm.
The green-robed swordsman quickly returned the courtesy, without any neglect.
With him as an example.
The others had a rough estimate. Though some were drumming in their hearts, having reached this point, retreat was impossible.
Gang Yuan Realm experts rushed out one after another.
The mechanical men array could accommodate over a dozen testing simultaneously.
In an instant.
Various Gang Qi shot out.
Blade Gang and Sword Gang filled the air.
The children’s eyes were full of amazement. If not for the occasion, they would have cried out. The Gang Yuan Realm experts they saw today outnumbered those from the past few years by far.
In the mechanical men array.
The Gang Yuan Realm experts each displayed their supernatural powers.
Some showed exquisite martial arts attainment, some had extraordinarily thick Gang Qi, some had powerful physiques, some had superb movement techniques…
In short.
Those with a specialty in some area could basically pass. Conversely, if mediocre in all, they naturally could not.
White Mist Realm experts were eliminated one by one.
They accounted for over seventy percent of the White Mist Realm. Only less than thirty percent could pass.
As for the rare few Jade Liquid Realm and one Core Elixir Realm, they passed easily. This combat power stage was originally meant to filter White Mist Realm.
Ning Qi watched, a ripple in his eyes.
Dragon Mountain Daoist turned and asked:
“Little Nine, how many did you spot?”
Ning Qi smiled lightly:
“Eight. These people really think highly of our True Martial Sect.”
Dragon Mountain Daoist was stunned.
He had only spotted four, but Ning Qi had spotted eight. He knew Ning Qi would not speak without basis. As Ning Qi pointed them out one by one, his face darkened with some anger.
And this was only what the two of them had spotted. There were probably some even more deeply hidden?
Didn’t that mean, among over a hundred Gang Yuan Realm, nearly ten percent were spies?
“Very good!” Dragon Mountain Daoist had anger in his eyes.
Ning Qi comforted:
“Master, don’t be angry. This is a good chance to catch them all in one net.”
He didn’t turn his head, just instructed:
“Tian Sheng, go take a trip.”
The current White Ape had extremely strong strength. Its bloodline was developing step by step, with extremely fast growth speed—not to be viewed with human eyes. Two years ago, White Ape could already fight White Mist Realm, now even more so. After lying low for so many years, it was time for White Ape to gradually showcase itself. Not everyone could completely stay low-key and restrained; appropriate showcasing was beneficial for better cultivation in the future.
Dragon Mountain Daoist’s gaze showed some astonishment, but he said nothing, instead somewhat expectant.
Joy surged in White Ape’s eyes. It understood Ning Qi’s meaning.
“Yes, Teacher!”
With that, it strode away, already eager to try.
In the distance.
All Gang Yuan Realm experts had finished testing.
Of the over a hundred Gang Yuan Realm experts, only about thirty-odd remained, including one Core Elixir Realm and seven or eight Jade Liquid Realm.
The eliminated White Mist Realm martial artists looked somewhat annoyed, but glancing at those left, they knew they were outmatched.
Luo Wentian comforted:
“Everyone is a talent. Unfortunately, our True Martial Sect’s foundation is insufficient to support so many experts in cultivation. Otherwise, I would want to take you all into the sect.”
“For those who failed to be selected this time, our True Martial Sect will also present a martial art. Since you all think highly of the True Martial Sect and came from afar, why not stay together to watch the test’s end before going down the mountain?”
At these words.
Everyone was stunned, then felt much more pleased. Regardless of the martial art’s grade, for the True Martial Sect to do this was already extremely respectful.
The crowd said repeatedly:
“Sect Leader Luo is too polite!”
Those who passed smiled even more. Imagine, the True Martial Sect was so generous to the eliminated. If they could successfully join, as long as they devoted themselves wholeheartedly in the future, how could they lack resources and martial arts?
This small action invisibly elevated the True Martial Sect’s prestige in everyone’s hearts once more.
Luo Wentian turned to everyone and said:
“Now all of you have passed the first stage. Only the second stage remains. If you pass the second stage on the Heart Questioning Platform, you will be True Martial Sect members!”
These words were not only to the Gang Yuan Realm martial artists who had passed the mechanical men array.
But also to the children who had climbed the Ascension Stairs.
The first stage was different for the two groups.
But this second stage was the same.
For this test, Luo Wentian had no intention of making seven or eight stages. It would be meaningless.
After chatting with Ning Qi.
For the new entry children, emphasis on perseverance and temperament.
For the recruited Gang Yuan Realm, emphasis on combat power and temperament.
This Heart Questioning Platform was the test for temperament.
“Heart Questioning Platform?” Someone slowly chewed the two words, eyes flickering somewhat.
Those with clear consciences were fine, but those with ghosts in their hearts felt uneasy.
These three words alone carried a sense of oppression.
With the previous Ascension Stairs and mechanical men array as precedent, no one thought this so-called Heart Questioning Platform was just for show.
This Heart Questioning Platform was naturally also Ning Qi’s creation.
He had previously created the wondrous secret technique Soul Capturing Eye Technique, then optimized it, combining several special precious materials and Mysterious Gate Array Formation to set up the Heart Questioning Platform. Those in it, if they relaxed their mind, would naturally follow the guidance and speak their innermost true thoughts.
True Martial Sect members could not be those who committed crimes or had crooked hearts.
Of course, this method was also spot-on for catching spies.
Luo Wentian smiled fully, the smile carrying some ill intent:
“Everyone, you are seniors. How about demonstrating for these little ones first?”
Under True Martial Disciples’ guidance, the crowd arrived at the edge of a high platform that could hold hundreds. Around the high platform stood green stone pillars of varying heights, engraved with various divine beast carvings, vaguely carrying some profound mystery, making them seem extraordinary at first glance.
Luo Wentian reminded:
“Everyone, relax. It’s just a simple little test. Once up, just relax your mind. The Heart Questioning Platform will not pry into your privacy. If you refuse to relax your mind, it’s a test failure.”
This was a flaw of the Heart Questioning Platform—it was merely a derivative of the Soul Capturing Eye Technique, after all.
If it could forcibly question the heart, that would be impressive.
Ning Qi thought perhaps even more wondrous power was needed for that.
But it wasn’t a big issue. Those unwilling to relax their minds definitely had problems. For disciple trials, they would naturally be willing.
The remaining thirty-odd Gang Yuan Realm experts exchanged glances.
But at this final step, giving up was impossible.
Even those with ill intent could only try with a fluke mentality.
The many children watched unblinkingly.
They too would face this Heart Questioning Platform test next.
As the thirty-odd sat cross-legged.
Luo Wentian’s expression gradually turned somber. He exchanged a glance with Xiong Shi and others, nodded silently, then Gang Qi shot out, activating the Mysterious Gate Array Formation in the Heart Questioning Platform.
“Everyone, relax your minds!” A majestic voice rang out.
In an instant.
A wondrous, profound fluctuation swept over the people on the platform.
“If to obtain a peerless martial art, you need to silence an innocent family, would you do it?” The majestic voice continued.
“People are selfish, heaven and earth will punish otherwise—naturally I would!”
“No!”
“Such an act is beastly, unwilling!”
…
The answers varied. Some closed their eyes tightly, but ferocity surged between their brows.
No matter how kindly they appeared, on the Heart Questioning Platform, their true thoughts would be thoroughly exposed.
Disciples around immediately recorded everyone’s answers one by one.
The majestic voice continued.
Questions pierced straight to the heart.
For example, when the True Martial Sect faced difficulty, retreat or fight; when encountering injustice, intervene or not. Various questions covered all aspects, to be considered together—after all, people were complex; a single question couldn’t decide anything.
The True Martial Sect wasn’t recruiting saints.
Priority went to those not harming the True Martial Sect’s core interests.
But those with extreme ferocity wouldn’t do—those who casually exterminated families were not on the same path as the True Martial Sect.
The majestic voice continued, asking the final question:
“You all, from which forces do you come?”
In an instant.
Answers came in all varieties.
“Protector of the Clear Spring Li Family, here for higher inheritance!”
“Scattered martial artist!”
Such answers were extremely normal.
But a few were extremely grating.
“Sacred Sect!”
“Southern Border!”
“Sword Asking Pavilion!”
“Formless Sect!”
Luo Wentian’s eyes narrowed.
Demonic Sect and Southern Border he had long suspected.
This Sword Asking Pavilion was likely after the True Martial Sword Stele.
And Formless Sect was the one squeezed to ninth gate by the True Martial Sect.
These two sects probably wanted to sneak in spies while the True Martial Sect was widely recruiting disciples, for convenience in future actions.
The watching crowd’s faces were horrified, especially the dozens of eliminated Gang Yuan Realm martial artists—even more so. The Heart Questioning Platform’s wonder had already made some uneasy, and now hearing those on it reveal their origins so directly, their hearts pounded.
Someone couldn’t sit still anymore. His Gang Qi surged, roaring:
“Wake up quickly!!”
This roar instantly awakened everyone on the Heart Questioning Platform.
The Gang Yuan Realm experts on the Heart Questioning Platform all looked horrified. Only now did they realize what they had said.
This Heart Questioning Platform was so terrifying!
