On the distant horizon, wisps of purple smoke rose into the sky, coiling between heaven and earth to form a vast sea of purple clouds. Below, threads of rosy light burst forth, while divine rainbows danced in the air.
Gazing from afar, a sacred and majestic巨城 (giant city) came into view—lofty, imposing, and boundless in might. The air shimmered with multicolored beams, brimming with surging essence energy that coiled into the sky like war smoke, dazzling to behold.
Within the city, avenues stretched a thousand meters wide. Qingzhou City was enormous, like a world laid out before them. Shops lined the streets, each grand and imposing, their architecture wrapped in ancient charm. This ancient city, whose age was unknown, seemed to whisper tales of bygone eras.
Dao Ling's eyes filled with震撼 (shock). The scene before him was a riot of color—this was the bustling cultivation world, where heaven-earth energy surged abundantly.
"Don't be too amazed. Qingzhou City is large, but it pales compared to some martial holy lands," Ye Yun said, trotting over with her green silk hair fluttering. She was graceful and smiling.
"The world is so vast," Dao Ling breathed, filled with yearning for this great martial world.
Ye Yun nodded involuntarily. "It is. Seas separate provinces, challenging even powerful cultivators to cross. Ancient forbidden grounds or impassable primeval forests also divide regions, harboring ancient ferocious beasts and primal异种 (异种). These terrifying beings can shatter an ancient city with a single blow."
"Not to mention the distance between domains—unimaginable to ordinary people. No one knows the exact expanse of our Profound Domain. In the most prosperous areas, countless prodigies exist. At your age, some can move mountains and pull up peaks—true young天之骄子 (heaven's favorites) with peerless combat power."
Dao Ling swallowed, amazed. "So those are the real prodigies?"
Ye Yun nodded, looking deep into his eyes. "Don't sell yourself short. These forces stand at the world's apex. Their members are blessed by heaven, with endless treasures—rare potions, precious pills, origin energy, and earth-borne wonders. Even a pig could grow strong in such circumstances."
"Such things must cost a fortune," Dao Ling said, touching his sleeve. He had some rare ores but recalled the 4th-grade Foundation Establishment Liquid and Zi Yu casually throwing out treasures—there was no comparison to those blessed by heaven.
"Strive for them with your own strength," Ye Yun smiled, knowing such treasures were dreams for ordinary people.
After a moment of thought, Dao Ling's desire to become strong deepened. He试探道 (Try the Way), "By the way, do you know about the Spirit Channeling Pagoda?"
Ye Yun was surprised. *How does he know about that?* Tucking a lock of hair behind her shoulder, she said, "I do. Let me take you to see it."
"Me too!" Cheng Miaofu, who had been eavesdropping, quickly followed.
Walking down the street, Dao Ling scanned the crowd. He saw many formidable figures around his age, likely here for Star Academy's trials.
With a "hum," the ground trembled. Everyone stared at a purple-haired youth—terrifying, with purple lightning coiling in his eyes and a fearsome aura. As he walked, his steps were like mountains falling, making the earth shake. He could probably kick apart a ten-thousand-catty boulder.
The purple-haired youth, only fifteen or sixteen, was incredibly strong. His cold gaze flicked to Dao Ling, then away—he could sense Dao Ling's physical strength.
"So可怕 (terrible)! How old is he? His strength is terrifying!" Cheng Miaofu stammered, tugging Dao Ling's sleeve. "About your age!"
Dao Ling was also startled. The glance from the purple-haired youth had sent a shiver down his spine—his physique must be fearsome.
Hum! The sky howled with wind and flames. Each thread of red fire dried blood, causing everyone to retreat urgently. It was a crimson凶禽 (ferocious bird), wings beating as flames cascaded like waterfalls, shattering the vacuum. Its body radiated red fire, each strand like a crimson sword, vibrating with a铮铮 (clanging) sound.
"That's a Scarlet Fire Bird, a terrifying ferocious beast with a trace of Vermilion Bird bloodline."
"Right. Their clan has a talent神通 (divine ability) to unleash漫天火焰 (Flames everywhere), making them a headache in battle."
Elders around them discussed. This Scarlet Fire Bird clan was powerful, likely here for Star Academy—sure to rank in the top 100.
Dao Ling was shocked. He hadn't expected powerful ancient ferocious beasts to join Star Academy, nor had he thought the purple-haired youth might belong to one of the ten thousand clans. This was a world where myriad clans stood!
"Remember these beings. Don't provoke them, or you'll lose your life if you meet them in the trials," Ye Yun warned. The trials would begin in four days—dying then would be a waste.
Along the way, Dao Ling's eyes were opened to many terrifying existences, sparking a sense of urgency. The arrogance that had lingered in Qingshan Academy now transformed into motivation. The world never lacked prodigies, but they often fell young.
Dao Ling felt the nearby heaven-earth energy was extremely pure, flowing with vigorous life波动 (波动). After a few deep breaths, he felt refreshed and looked ahead.
There, standing on the ground, was a pagoda—lofty, reaching into the clouds, its body overflowing with brilliant divine light. Every inch of its stone walls emanated a Daoist rhyme. The pagoda was fearsome, like a supreme treasure blasting green light like great waterfalls, accompanied by rumbling sounds and golden runes. Each strand of energy was wrapped in vigorous life气息 (Breath)!
The Spirit Channeling Pagoda had ten floors. The higher one looked, the more dazzling it became—especially the top, which was as bright as a green sun, blinding the eyes.
Dao Ling was心惊 (startled). This was the Spirit Channeling Pagoda his lame father had mentioned!
"Can I reach the ninth floor?"
His sudden question, as if imbued with magic, silenced all surrounding chatter. People stared at him like he was a ghost, while Ye Yun blushed and stepped back, as if to say, *I don't know him!*
The moment Dao Ling saw the Spirit Channeling Pagoda, he sensed the ninth floor would be difficult, hence the question. He hadn't expected to startle so many.
"Haha! Where did this fool come from? Did he say he wants to reach the ninth floor? That's hilarious!"
"Probably a wildling. If he can reach the fifth floor, he should be proud—ninth floor? Impossible!"
"Since its existence, only renowned figures have reached the ninth floor. In recent years, only a few have managed it—all top human天骄 (heaven's favorites) of our Profound Domain, each with decisive combat power."
"Right. Those who reach the ninth floor are terrifying, and there are treasures there. They're continent-wide prodigies. This kid will probably be crushed into blood mist as soon as he steps on."
Mocking laughter arose. Dao Ling's face twitched. *Did my lame father set me up?*
The commotion quickly died down. Noticing Ye Yun keeping her distance, Dao Ling approached with a dark face. "What's that about?"
"Asking for trouble," Ye Yun rolled her eyes, explaining patiently, "Each floor of the pagoda is harder than the last. Reaching the ninth is near impossible."
"How hard?" Dao Ling clenched his fist, eager to try.
"The pagoda tests physical strength. The stronger your body, the higher you can climb!" Ye Yun said with a half-smile, expecting him to look glum. Instead, he touched his nose. "What about the tenth floor?"
Ye Yun's face froze, a黑线 (black line) of irritation forming on her forehead. Biting her red lips, she said, "Stop dreaming. Not even the most逆天 (heaven-defying) person can reach the tenth floor."
Many also doubted the tenth floor's existence, thinking it a trick. Most treasure pagodas had nine floors, following the Dao, but the Spirit Channeling Pagoda had ten—many believed the tenth floor was a myth.
"Jiu!"
A heaven-shaking cry sounded as a cyan phoenix bird flew across the sky, wrapped in spiritual energy and exuding a可怖 (terrible) aura that made many tremble. What frightened them was that this powerful异种 (exotic species) was merely a carriage bird.
The crowd was astonished. This phoenix bird must pull a carriage for someone extraordinary. A phoenix carriage burst from afar, radiating five-colored divine light like a flame, stopping outside the Spirit Channeling Pagoda. People exclaimed—it was likely a supreme treasure.
The curtain lifted, and a green-robed maiden emerged. Her raven hair was as smooth as jade, her legs slender and straight, her skin glowing with莹白 (jade-white) light. Her figure was perfectly formed, like a green lotus in bloom.