The Chaotic Ladder, Pangu's Legacy, a single step to heaven, proving the Dao and attaining Hunyuan. All of these hold a fatal attraction to countless prodigies. For so many years, they have been lying dormant, desperately strengthening their foundations, piling up all kinds of hidden cards, all for this one moment—to set foot on the ancient path of the ladder, to break through it. Even without the Primordial Purple Qi, they can still obtain recognition from the Heavenly Dao, gain fortune, break the shackles of the void. Buzhou Mountain is the closest place to the Heavenly Dao.
Climbing to the summit, one can gain the favor of Heaven.Unknowingly, one breaks through shackles.
Under normal circumstances, it is impossible to ascend—unless you possess strength comparable to the great god Pangu. Otherwise, only when the Chaotic Ladder opens can there be a chance to climb to the top. It is like climbing Mount Everest—you must wait for the right time, the right conditions, before you can ascend. The principle is the same.
This is the first time the Chaotic Ladder has opened. Everyone knows there is great fortune within, but no one knows what exactly will happen inside.
They are pioneers, stepping in. It could be one step to the heavens—or burial in a foreign land.
Of course, this is all their own choice, and the consequences of their choice are their own to bear.
"It has begun, finally begun. Emperor Yi of Great Yi has already broken through to the Dao Proving Realm and attained the position of a mighty one. But if I can climb to the peak of the ladder, I can not only prove the Dao but also become a Hunyuan Saint. My realm will be a step higher. This is a shortcut to catch up."
"This is a race. The one who runs first may not win. The one who lags behind may still overtake. If I climb the ladder and walk the ancient path, I will attain the supreme Dao fruit. For this day, I have waited far too long."
"This time, Emperor Yi certainly cannot participate in the Chaotic Ladder. As the Lord of the Immortal Court, he no longer has the need to step onto the ancient path of the ladder. Without this powerful rival, we finally have space to shine. This is our time to display our strength."
Throughout the myriad races of the heavens, countless prodigies lifted their gazes to the void, excitement blazing in their eyes. This is the opportunity they had waited for, for countless years. They had long known of the Chaotic Ladder.
They knew as well that within it lay the chance to prove the Dao. If they truly succeeded and reached the peak, they would directly become peak experts of heaven and earth, qualified to dominate one side.
The Stone Emperor of the Spirit Race, the Holy Son of the Sacred Ape Clan, the Heavenly Maiden of the Phoenix Clan, the True Dragon Crown Prince of the Dragon Clan—all of them waited eagerly.
On the Chaotic Ladder lay immense opportunities. It was said that if one displayed great strength and talent, they might discover the legendary Creation Immortal Light. Any strand of Creation Immortal Light could allow one's cultivation to break through an entire major realm without hidden dangers, even transcend the limits of time. A moment would equal a thousand years, one's foundation becoming unshakably solid. Such an immortal light existed within the ladder. Whether one could find it depended on fortune and fate.
And, of course, only with sufficient strength could one hope to keep it.
These were the opportunities within the Chaotic Ladder.And Creation Immortal Light was not the only one—there were countless top-tier heavenly treasures, peerless immortal wonders, even world-defying artifacts. In theory, even an ordinary man could step in and emerge as a mighty powerhouse.
One could imagine how irresistible the temptation of the ladder's ancient path was to the prodigies of the world.
Ten years.
They still had ten years. Enough to prepare, to settle their affairs, and then stake everything on this path to the future.
That evening, in Great Yi, within Xuanhuang City, in the Immortal Palace, in the Imperial Garden—
Dozens upon dozens of exquisite jade tables carved from spirit jade stood, each seating stunning beauties of varied temperaments. At the central table sat Yi Tianxing, with Cai Yan and the Queen Mother of the West.
Yi Xianhuang and the other imperial children gathered around as well.
The banquet was vast, with over a hundred tables.Those present were either consorts of the Immortal Palace or direct descendants of Yi Tianxing.
This was a family banquet, held by Yi Tianxing in the palace.
Over the years, countless peerless beauties had entered the palace, becoming members of his harem. Naturally, children had been born continuously. Every year, more than a dozen were born. By now, Yi Tianxing had over three hundred children.
There were newborns still drinking milk, toddlers barely walking, children not yet fully grown, as well as adults like Yi Xianhuang who already governed territories and guarded the seas for Great Yi. Boys and girls alike were plentiful.
Each received the finest education. Upon reaching a certain age, they entered the army to temper themselves, battling ferocious beasts in distant seas. Some were even sent directly into small Demon Abyss to fight Eternal Night soldiers.
They had shed blood, suffered wounds, and brushed against the borders of death.Their experiences were no less than those of ordinary cultivators.
Once their tempering began, no conveniences were allowed. Only when death was imminent would hidden protectors intervene—but if they did, the score of that trial would be deducted.
The Yi imperial family had a complete system of training.
Yi Tianxing did not want a brood of parasites. As members of Great Yi's imperial family, they had two paths:to choose the road of strength and tempering, or to choose to live as ordinary nobles.
At the age of eighteen, each had to make their first life choice:
Become a crown heir and embark on the path of trials—life and death their own responsibility.
Choose to be ordinary, to live in wealth and leisure without privilege, to marry and bear children for the Yi family.
That choice determined their lives.
After choosing, they were allowed only one chance to change their decision, before the age of thirty. After that, the right was gone.
This was the right Yi Tianxing gave his children—to decide their own lives.
It was worth noting: up to now, none had chosen the path of being ordinary. Every single one chose the first road.
And tonight, they would face their second choice.
Maidens like butterflies flitted about, placing delicacies on the tables until the feast was dazzling and mouth-watering.
Yet no one lifted their chopsticks. Instead, all eyes turned toward Yi Tianxing at the center.
"Today is a family banquet," Yi Tianxing said calmly, sweeping his gaze around. "As always, there are no rules. We are family, eating a simple meal together. Whatever business there is, we will speak after the meal. The banquet begins now."
"Yes, Husband!"
"Yes, Father!!"
At this family feast, he was only a father, a husband to his wives.
He picked up his chopsticks first, attacking the food before him, with Cai Yan and the Queen Mother of the West smiling as they joined him.
The rest soon began eating and chatting.
Unnoticed, the feast reached its end. The maids cleared the tables, and Yi Tianxing gazed at his gathered children, his expression growing solemn.
"Xianhuang, you and your siblings have all grown up. At eighteen, each of you made your first choice in life. Now, you will face your second choice."
"The Chaotic Ladder atop Buzhou Mountain of the Primordial Continent has opened. In ten years, it will formally begin. That ladder's ancient path is filled with opportunities and fortunes, but also endless dangers and deadly trials. It is a stage for the prodigies of all races to shine, to seize destiny. As my children, from birth you already stand among the prodigies. If you wish, you may also contend for the fortunes on the ladder's ancient path. Whether you gain anything will depend entirely on yourselves. In the Chaotic Ladder, no one can interfere. Everything will rely on you."
"So your choice is this:
Go to the Primordial Continent, step into the Chaotic Ladder, and contend in blood with the prodigies of myriad races.
Give up this opportunity, and continue on your original path of cultivation and growth. Your future achievements will not necessarily be inferior.
The choice is yours."
His words bore no hint of coercion. The power of choice was theirs.
But as he always said—once you choose, do not regret. Even if on your knees, walk the road you chose.
"Father, will you participate in the ladder this time?" Yi Ziyang asked.
"I may go to Buzhou Mountain," Yi Tianxing replied, "but I will not participate in the contest of the Chaotic Ladder. If I were to go, what meaning would remain? This is a stage for the prodigies of the Eternal World, a shortcut for them to rise. For me, it is useless."
Indeed, with his identity and strength, he could not take part. If he truly entered, then none could stand at the summit. Who could compete for the Primordial Purple Qi? It would inevitably fall to him. That would destroy countless prodigies' opportunities.
His level was no longer the same.
He now stood on equal ground with Saints.
His perspective had changed accordingly.
Like in the pre-cataclysm era, there were corrupt officials everywhere, but when had the very top few ever been the ones to embezzle?
Yi Tianxing had already stepped beyond the ranks of his generation.