At the foot of Linjia Mountain, clusters of cultivators gathered, their eyes fixed on the divine glow enveloping the mountain. Many began to discuss the mysterious Light of the Chaos God.
Ling Qingzhu stood at the center of a small group that included Wang Yan, Huang Pujing, Qin Shi, and others.
"Cousin," Huang Pujing asked, frowning. "What exactly happened just now?"
"Try launching a light energy strike diagonally upward," Ling Qingzhu said calmly. "Use only a minimal amount of force."
Nodding, Huang Pujing condensed his Yuan Power and released a martial strike aimed at the shimmering golden curtain draped over the steps.
A strange phenomenon unfolded.
A faint golden ripple shimmered across the barrier. Huang Pujing's attack paused briefly—then violently reversed course, flying back toward him at even greater speed.
Startled, Huang Pujing froze.
Just before the strike landed, Ling Qingzhu flicked her jade-like hand, neutralizing it with a soft burst of power.
"What the hell?!" Huang Pujing's expression darkened with shock.
"As I thought," Ling Qingzhu said with a slight nod.
"What do you mean?"
"This light curtain is not just a shield—it's intelligent. It reflects both physical and energy-based attacks, not randomly, but with intent. That strike didn't just bounce away; it redirected toward the attacker."
"You're saying it has... intelligence?" Huang Pujing stared at the glow with disbelief. "A barrier that fights back?"
"You could say that," Ling Qingzhu replied.
She stepped forward, placing a foot on the first stair. The moment her sandal touched it, a powerful force pushed back against her body. Her face twitched slightly, but she stabilized herself.
"Physical force as well," she murmured. "If we want to reach the top, we have to endure this pressure step by step. Skills won't work, but self-protection martial arts and augmentation techniques should be effective."
"I'll go first."
With calm determination, Ling Qingzhu pressed forward. As soon as she stepped onto the second stair, the pressure intensified—roughly ten percent more than before.
The third step.
The fifth.
The tenth.
By the time she reached the twelfth stair, Ling Qingzhu's breath had grown heavier. Her inner vitality was steadily being consumed by the increasing burden.
Reaching the 111th step, her body suddenly trembled.
"The pressure just doubled!" she gasped, sweat beading on her forehead. The invisible weight surged with brutal intensity.
Behind her, a faint trail of sweat stained the stone steps. Her wings, usually pristine, glistened with droplets of exertion.
"One hundred and eleven steps," she murmured. "Out of a thousand and one… No wonder even the Supreme himself isn't helping. Just this barrier alone is enough to stop most cultivators."
Her heart surged with awe—and regret.
She bit her lip, thinking back to the tomb of the Nirvana cave, where she had received Ye Feng's treatment. She hadn't taken advantage of her Yin Fire physique then…
I should've been braver… Maybe it wouldn't just be admiration I feel right now…
"This damned light! I refuse to believe you can stop me here!"
A firm, youthful voice rang out from beside her.
To her surprise, another figure had reached the 111th step—just like her.
It was a girl.
Clad in light-white robes, the young woman's features were exquisite. Her eyes were wide and clear as a mountain lake, and her dark ponytail swayed gently behind her, brushing her slender waist.
There was a lively aura about her, but also an underlying sharpness—like a sword hidden in its sheath. Every movement carried a melody, as if the air around her sang in harmony.
Her hands were flawless, as delicate and pure as mutton-fat jade, her fingers long and graceful.
"Ying Huanhuan…" Ling Qingzhu recognized her instantly.
The youngest daughter of Ying Xuanzi, head of the Dao Sect—one of the Eight Super Sects in the Eastern Xuan Territory. Her status was beyond ordinary.
Ling Qingzhu's gaze flicked behind her. The assessment this time was unprecedented. Not only Dao Sect, but also Yuan Sect, Nine Heaven Palace, and other powerful factions had sent their disciples.
Ye Feng is attracting the entire Eastern Xuan world...
"Three hundred thirty-two!"
"Three hundred thirty-three!"
"Three hundred thirty-four!"
Ying Huanhuan gritted her teeth as she climbed with unwavering tenacity. Her face glistened with sweat, yet she refused to stop. However, just as she stepped toward the 335th stair—
Her legs buckled.
With a dull bang, her body jerked violently. Unable to withstand the pressure, she was launched backward like a cannonball.
Puff!
She tumbled down the steps, blood spilling from her lips, crashing into the crowd and forcing people back over three hundred meters.
The sheer impact left everyone stunned.
Ying Huanhuan sat up groggily, wiping the blood from her mouth. Her hands trembled slightly as she retrieved a few Yuanling Pills, swallowing them to replenish her vitality.
She coughed once, then stood up again.
Without hesitation, she continued walking back toward the mountain.
At the same time, another ray of light emerged from Ling Qingzhu's body. She frowned.
She tried to communicate with the embryonic plane of the Wu Dong Qiankun realm—but something was wrong.
She had lost connection.
"Even Taishang's power… is blocked?" she whispered, eyes wide.
The distraction was fatal.
In the next instant, both she and Ying Huanhuan were struck by the crushing force of the Chaos Light and sent tumbling down the mountain like shooting stars.
— Back atop the peak, Ye Feng watched silently through the projection.
"She failed too," Lin Qingtan said softly, biting her lip.
Ye Feng chuckled. "Foolish. I am the God of Creation. I shaped the very embryo of this world. How could the power of a lesser plane function within my Chaos Light?"
"But Master," Lin Dong asked cautiously, "don't you want her to pass?"
He glanced shyly at the projection of Ling Qingzhu. His gaze lingered—appreciative.
"Master… if you're not interested in her, then could I maybe—"
Ye Feng's eyes narrowed.
He turned slowly and stared at Lin Dong.
A thin, dangerous smile appeared.
"Lin Dong," Ye Feng said quietly.
"Yes, Master?"
"You've had a bit too much free time lately. Why don't you go clean all the mountain steps… and don't stop until this assessment ends."
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