Yue Jianli.
Born with an innate understanding of the sword, she was the direct disciple of the top sect, the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion, and the youngest chief in the history of the sect.
Ranked second on the Heavenly Prodigy List.
Not because she was weaker than the first, but because she rarely took action, and her true strength was hard to gauge.
Li Ran, on the other hand, had even more titles.
The Hidden Gauze Sect Holy Son, the Reincarnation of an Immortal Emperor, an extraordinary genius carrying Dao patterns, and the future overlord who would dominate the world!
Due to his demonic sect background, he was not included in the Heavenly Prodigy List.
Many speculated that Li Ran could definitely rival the first on the list.
But those who had interacted with him knew that he surpassed all geniuses, a true genius in every sense!
Yet, these two outstanding young individuals of Terra were now firmly pressed on the stone steps, unable to lift their heads.
Yue Jianli's face turned pale, sweat dripping onto the cloud ladder. "Truly worthy of the Immortal Emperor's heritage. Even after thousands of years, this Dao principle remains irresistible!"
She had a strong premonition.
The steps, so close in front of her eyes, appeared as an unfathomable abyss. One more step forward, and she might face death!
"Don't you think this challenge is too difficult?" Li Ran suddenly spoke.
"Huh?"
Yue Jianli was taken aback.
In truth, she had long felt this way.
If it was just for the purpose of a trial, there was no need for such intense pressure. It felt like her entire being would be crushed.
"Are you suggesting..."
"The purpose of this trial is not to see who can reach the top. Instead, it's to make us kneel before him, showcasing his strength and dignity!"
Yue Jianli suddenly realized.
"It does feel that way... According to what you're saying, they never intended for us to reach the top?"
Li Ran nodded, "Just like the first two rounds, there's no need to reach the summit. The top three climbers should advance directly."
"I see."
Yue Jianli sighed in relief.
Li Ran glanced at her, "You seem quite happy?"
Yue Jianli furrowed her brows, asking, "What do you mean by that?"
"Being held down like cattle, bowing to this ridiculous palace in front of us, shouldn't you feel humiliated?" Li Ran said indifferently.
A flash of anger appeared in Yue Jianli's eyes, but she sighed afterward. "This is the Dao principle set by an ancient emperor. It's only natural to show respect..."
That was an ancient immortal emperor; feeling awe and fear was only normal!
They were only in the Golden Core stage. Reaching this stage was already something to be proud of.
"Normal? Nonsense!"
Veins bulged on Li Ran's neck. Despite the immense pressure, he stood up forcefully!
Every joint in his body crackled under the pressure, but his expression remained calm, and his figure stood tall like a spear!
"Don't act recklessly!"
Yue Jianli exclaimed, "Our goal is to enter the final trial. There's no need to risk our lives for the sake of showing off strength!"
She wasn't worried about him, but with the difficulty of this round, how terrifying would the ultimate trial be?
Without Li Ran, she didn't have the confidence to complete it!
If Li Ran wasn't there, she wouldn't have the confidence to complete it!
Li Ran looked at the palace in front of him, his voice cold and grim, "Making us kneel and worship here while he sits high in the clouds, looking down on us like ants..."
"What are you planning?" Yue Jianli's pupils contracted.
Golden light flickered around Li Ran, and mysterious ancient seals slowly appeared, as if engraved on his skin.
This was the first time he fully activated the Heaven-Seizing Art!
"I'm going to personally walk into the palace, get to his face, and see if this guy really has three heads and six arms!"
Li Ran took the first step!
Boom!
A deafening explosion, dark clouds covered the sky, and lightning flashed and thunder roared!
It seemed like the entire world was pressing down on Li Ran!
Yue Jianli suddenly felt a lightness on her body, knowing that the Dao principle was desperately trying to stop Li Ran and had no time for her.
But she didn't take advantage of the opportunity to climb to the top. Instead, she stared blankly at that figure.
Blood oozed from Li Ran's ears, but his posture remained upright like a spear!
He lifted his leg and took another step!
Crack!
A divine thunderbolt fiercely struck down, but it was absorbed by the mysterious ancient seals on him.
If divine thunder didn't work, it changed to flames, hurricanes, ice spears, even transforming into weapons, crazily slashing towards him!
Doing everything possible to stop Li Ran.
Yue Jianli covered her mouth.
He was right; the purpose of this round of the trial was not to let them reach the summit but to make them submit!
Li Ran, ignoring the onslaught of attacks, laughed madly.
"Heaven-Seizing Mechanism, subvert the heavenly Dao!"
"With my method, representing all methods, and my will, representing the will of heaven!"
"My Dao heart is firm, my will is like a rock. How can you make me submit?!"
A burst of golden light emitted from Li Ran, and against the relentless bombardment, he forcefully stepped onto the last step!
The world fell silent instantly.
All the pressure dissipated, and the overwhelming Dao principles receded like a tide.
Li Ran smiled triumphantly, "Damn, aren't you a bunch of losers..."
Before he could finish his sentence, everything in front of him blurred.
Even though this Dao principle had weakened over thousands of years, it was still something a Golden Core cultivator couldn't contend with.
At this moment, his meridians were dried up, and his spiritual power had been completely depleted.
Li Ran's vision darkened, his footing became unstable, and he seemed about to fall off the cloud.
At this critical moment, a slender hand gently supported his back, stabilizing his figure.
Li Ran looked at her in surprise.
Yue Jianli turned her head away and whispered, "Stand steady. Don't let that guy laugh at you."
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