I’ve finally succeeded!
Lin Xun motionlessly stood on the stairs like a pine tree on a cliff.
A wisp of indistinct blue flickered in his mind-sea. When it flew past the many spirit stars, the originally silver spirit stars were instantly dyed in a gorgeous water-like glow.
After some time, the stars returned to their original color.
It was as if the wisp of blue light was lighting the stars up like lanterns. The only difference was that the lanterns would be extinguished when the blue light left.
In his mind-sea, the spirit stars went through a breathing-like cycle of being lighted and extinguished, creating an incomparably magical sight.
It was water imago power!
Although it was merely a strand, it still possessed immeasurable profoundness and was considered a type of dao manifestation.
Lin Xun could clearly sense an additional ‘beat’ in his soul that belonged to the ‘water’ dao. It allowed him to sense a certain type of dao power!
Water was kind, always living in harmony with all things and never seeking conflict. In its boundless majesty, water could become a swiftly falling waterfall that flowed over a thousand miles. It could destroy mountains and split the land, possessing a mighty force that can never be restrained. In small quantities, dripping water could pierce rock. Water was formless and wet and oftentimes, water could be identified as a small detail that will tell what will come.Its nature could be soft at times like the spring breeze and rain, and hard at times like the furious sea striking at the heavens.
Its qualities varied based on size and quantity and could be characterized as both hard and soft. Water was one of the keys that could explain the mysteries of the world!
Lin Xun finally gained enlightenment and realized the greatness of imago power. It was a deeper understanding of nature’s forces and could produce inconceivably terrifying power when mastered.
“Although it is merely a single strand, for me, it’s akin to seeing cultivation in a whole new light. I will need to continue to temper and refine my understanding until I manage to control the power of water and incorporate it into my cultivation!”
Lin Xun took a deep breath before he abruptly opened his eyes.
His aura seemed to change, now containing an additional trace of transcendent water-like clearness.
If the principal and the slovenly old man were to find out that Lin Xun had cultivated a strand of water imago power at the Spirit Sea stage, they would likely lose their composure.
Regretfully, both of them had their full focus on Gu Yunting at the moment due to the lightning tribulation he had drawn. Hence, they did not notice that the youth near Gu Yunting had broken the world’s common sense and achieved something that numerous amazing heaven prides had failed to do since the beginning of time!
If other cultivators knew about this, it would produce a huge uproar that would shake the entire cultivation world.
“Oh?”
By this time, Lin Xun also noticed that Gu Yunting was facing a heavenly tribulation. Lightning struck him from all directions, tempering his dao and body as he ascended to the next cultivation realm.
Divine fire condensed into a halo around Gu Yunting, bathing him in a sunset-like glow as he proudly faced the lightning like a god with unmatched might.
He’s such an incredible guy.
Lin Xun’s heart could not help but shiver in admiration. He had visited the Ancient Spirit World before and also seen numerous heaven prides like Bai Lingxi, Song Yi, Chi Cangfeng, the Rising Sky Marquis, and many others. However, almost none of them could compare to Gu Yunting.
Perhaps, only the older generation of heaven prides like the Little Sword Lord Xie Yuting could rival such an individual.
“Only in his twenties and yet he’s already going to become a Heaven Ascension expert. Not to mention, he also possesses the Dao Fire Golden Body. He’s definitely not going to be a background character if he enters the Ancient Wasteland Domain in the future.”
Lin Xun muttered to himself.
He was unable to advance for the moment because of the incomparably terrifying lightning tribulation. If he moved too close, he would definitely be caught up in its power.
However, it was also a rare opportunity. It was the first time Lin Xun had witnessed a cultivator’s lightning tribulation. Normally speaking, it was impossible to draw a lightning tribulation without heaven-defying foundations.
At the very least, from what Lin Xun knew, more than ninety percent of current Heaven Ascension experts had not experienced a lightning tribulation when they advanced.
From this, it was clear how much more incredible Gu Yunting was.
“Lightning tribulation. It’s said that in ancient times, only cultivators that survived lightning tribulations can be called true experts. I wonder if that’s true…”
Lin Xun silently felt the destructive power of the lightning tribulation as various thoughts swirled in his head.
A long time passed.
The thunderclouds dissipated and clear skies returned. Gu Yunting was meditating in a seated position on the ninety-ninth step while a nimbus made of lightning surrounded him.
He needed to stabilize his cultivation after the breakthrough.
His aura had clearly become different. It felt as if a true dragon was hibernating in his body that could awe the world with its supreme elegance.
Lin Xun silently observed for a moment before withdrawing his gaze and lifting his foot to take the next step.
He was satisfied with the strand of water imago power and decided to pour all of his focus and energy into climbing the Sky Stairs.
“What a pity. A young man like Gu Yunting will never stay in the Ziyao Empire. Only in the Ancient Wasteland Domain will he be able to shine.”
The slovenly old man sighed softly. Gu Yunting’s performance today had taken his breath away. It wasn’t rare for such a heaven pride to appear in the Ancient Wasteland Domain, but it was as rare as a unicorn’s horn in the Ziyao Empire!
The principal indifferently said, “I only hope that Heaven Axis Holy Land will not ruin his future.”
The slovenly old man was taken aback. All of a sudden, he chuckled and said, “It seems that you still can't fully accept what happened all those years ago.”
The principal did not comment.
“Tell me, how do you plan on treating Lin Xun?”
The slovenly old man’s expression turned serious, “Although he is tied to many karmas, he is still a rare talent. Do you plan on letting him destroy himself?”
The principal was silent for a moment before he answered, “A dragon hidden in the abyss will have to suffer far more before it can fly in the sky. For the time being, I can only say that I do not intend to interfere.”
“Tempering him huh?”
The slovenly old man icily chuckled. “I’m only afraid that he will face too many troubles and die young.”
The principal's eyes rippled slightly, but he ultimately did not reply.
……
Advance!
On Sky Stairs Mountain, the higher you climbed the more terrifying the power imprinted on the stone steps. Lin Xun had no choice but to circulate his full power in order to face it.
Ninety-first.
Ninety-second.
Ninety-third.
When he reached the ninety-ninth step, Lin Xun was drenched in sweat, panting heavily, and his complexion had become a little pale.
It was too exhausting even for him.
Fortunately, there was only a single step left!
Swoosh!
It was at this moment that Gu Yunting rose to his feet. Light seemed to flow across his body as his aura soared into the sky.
For a moment, he was a Heaven Ascension expert who could wield the forces of nature with a flick of his wrist.
However, he withdrew his aura a split second later and returned to his usual extraordinary, immortal-like composed appearance.
Gu Yunting could not help but be a little taken aback when he saw Lin Xun standing next to him on the ninety-ninth step. He soon withdrew his gaze as his expression returned to normal.
He was already different from Lin Xun and had surpassed the Spirit Sea stage to become a true Heaven Ascension expert who Lin Xun could only look up to!
An eagle would not pay attention to an ant on the ground because the two existed in completely different worlds.
This was Gu Yunting's current mindset. It was not a type of arrogance, but the mannerism of a superior existence.
Lin Xun had originally intended to say hi but stopped himself when he saw Gu Yunting's 'air of superiority’. With a carefree chuckle, Lin Xun turned away and took a step forward.
At the same time, Gu Yunting also stepped onto the final stone step.
Swish!
The two reached the final step at the same time. However, neither of them looked at the other.
“Is this the peak?”
Lin Xun looked around and saw rose-tinted clouds, rocks covered in vines, and orchids spitting out their fragrant perfume. The sun hung in the sky, sprinkling its gorgeous golden light to create a picturesque image of mountains and rivers. It was a magnificent scene that allowed one to appreciate both the smallness and grandness of nature.
Besides the beautiful scenery, there was honestly nothing special about the place.
Gu Yunting’s approach was even more straightforward. After a cursory glance, he turned around and left, white clothes fluttering as he disappeared into the horizon.
He did not even glance at Lin Xun from start to end.
“I only hope that you can still act like this if we meet in the Ancient Wasteland Domain in the future…”
Lin Xun sighed.
He has no ill feelings toward Gu Yunting, but he suddenly recalled the principal's words. He knew that Gu Yunting would definitely head to Heaven Axis Holy Land once he entered the Ancient Wasteland Domain, and the Heaven Axis Holy Land was a place that would bring disaster to Lin Xun!
Lin Xun could not help but worry that they might become enemies the next time they met, unlike today where things would end peacefully even if they ignored each other.
The principal was long gone when Lin Xun returned to the hut. He would remain unaware that the principal and the slovenly old man had watched him climb the Sky Stairs and conversed about his origins.
“It’s been roughly three hundred years since someone last reached the peak, but today, Gu Yunting and you managed to achieve it. How unexpected.”
The slovenly old man grinned.
“Elder praises me too highly.”
Lin Xun smiled and cupped his hands together.
“Little fellow, I believe you still don’t have a master. Why not consider taking me as your master?”
Desire flowed out in the old man’s eyes as if he was staring at a flawless piece of jade.
“Eh.”
Lin Xun was taken by surprise.
The slovenly old man offhandedly said, “Forget it, let me think about it again. After all, it was just a sudden whim, and I’m still not certain if you’re appropriate to inherit my legacy.”
Lin Xun nearly rolled his eyes.
What an insincere old man, I definitely can’t accept him as a master based on this attitude alone!
Not long after, Lin Xun retrieved his identity token and left.
“Sigh, what a pity. Why is this kid’s origins so special…”
The slovenly old man sighed.
The Great Affairs Hall.
The hall was bustling with activity as usual. Numerous students would gather here to exchange points for their desired goods or sign up for training missions.
“Ehh, isn’t that…Lin Xun?”
“What? He’s Lin Xun? He looks way too young.”
When Lin Xun arrived, he was immediately recognized, causing quite a commotion.
He had become quite a celebrity after the Dao Martial Department incident yesterday. Everyone knew of the amazing tale of how he had defeated Lan Yu, Jin Zhuliu, and the others before ascending to first place on the Spirit Sea Gold Rankings.
As such, Lin Xun naturally drew a lot of attention when he appeared in the Great Affairs Hall.