Chapter 129: Stairs to Heaven, Mechanical Man Formation, and Terrifying Platform of Inquiry

After Luo Wentian finished speaking, he smiled at the other group of Gangyuan Realm experts standing there:

"Everyone, please follow me up the mountain first."

This stairway to heaven is used to test children who have never embarked on the path of martial arts. Ning Qi used a special mineral material and supplemented it with a simple strange formation, which can double the pressure on people walking on it, and the higher they go, the more difficult it becomes.

This level tests willpower.

There are a total of nine hundred and ninety-nine steps, and anyone who can reach the top must be a person of extraordinary perseverance.

This time of recruiting disciples will lay the foundation for the Zhenwu School for decades to come. Unless there are special circumstances, disciples will not be recruited on such a large scale again for a long time. Ning Qi attaches great importance to this.

Now that his martial arts realm is deepening, he gradually understands that if he wants to go further in martial arts, perhaps his foundation is not the most important thing.

Excellent physique can allow you to go smoothly and make rapid progress in the early stages, but the will of martial arts can allow you to surpass others later and even break your own limits.

So he set the assessment of the Heavenly Steps.

Luo Wentian led many Gangyuan Realm masters up the mountain and left. With their cultivation level, they disappeared in the distance in just a few leaps and bounds.

This time the mountain gate is opened.

Recruiting children is the top priority, but these Gangyuan realm masters should not be underestimated.

After all, the Zhenwu sect is in a rather awkward situation now. The top fighters include Tianjian Zhenren and Longshan Taoist who are feared by the world. The middle and lower levels of the Tempering Body Realm and Inner Yuan Realm can also look down on the martial world. Only the Gangyuan Realm is much less numerous.

To this day.

Only the seven true disciples in the past had set foot in the White Mist Realm. Although they were talented and their combat power was beyond that of ordinary White Mist Realm disciples, as the power of the Zhenwu Sect grew stronger, they were eventually stretched to the limit.

Therefore, the idea of ​​recruiting other powerful people in the Gangyuan realm came into being this time.

It's just a transition.

As long as the Zhenwu Sect has more and more powerful people in the Gangyuan Realm, it can get through this awkward period.

The assessment for them is naturally different from that for children. The priority is on combat capability and character.

Watching Luo Wentian and the others leave.

Xiong Shi, who stayed here, continued to add:

"Attention all those who are taking the test. There are some things to be aware of when you are climbing the Heavenly Steps."

"First, you must not rely on external forces, but on your own will to reach the top!"

"Second, you are not allowed to attack other examinees on the Heavenly Stairs. If you are caught, you will be disqualified from the examination immediately!"

"Third, if you can't hold on, call for help immediately and a Zhenwu disciple will take you down the mountain."

He looked around at everyone with a hint of murderous intent. The previous scene had gradually made everyone feel in awe of this Punishment Elder, and they naturally nodded repeatedly at this moment.

"Then, I declare that the assessment officially begins!"

The words fell.

The children who had been prepared long ago began to climb forward in an orderly manner. They were not in a hurry to be the first, so a Zhenwu disciple had already explained the rules. It did not matter who reached the top first, but only how much time it took for each person to reach the top.

Otherwise, with nearly ten thousand people rushing up, even if the stairs are big enough, it would be impossible for everyone to start at the same time.

In the crowd.

The skinny little girl encouraged the boy with thick eyebrows:

“Brother, come on!”

The boy with thick eyebrows was also cheering himself up. He looked at some boys around him in fancy clothes, all of them strong and healthy. However, he had nothing but the determination to fight to the death.

The children stepped onto the stairs to heaven and immediately noticed something unusual.

As soon as they stepped on it, they felt a slight pressure. It was still easy at first, but after every few dozen steps, the pressure would increase by a level, making their stomachs tremble.

For a child under ten years old, climbing 999 steps is not an easy task in itself, not to mention the increased pressure.

Many children looked ahead, seeing the countless stone steps that seemed out of reach, and suddenly a feeling of despair arose in their hearts.

The spirit is lost.

Then people gave up one after another.

Zhenwu disciples shuttled back and forth on the stairs to heaven, bringing the children down the mountain one by one.

This scene in the eyes of other examinees invisibly increased the pressure.

Most of those who can come here to take the test are already the best among ordinary people, but now, the test is too difficult. Half of the people will be eliminated after just climbing one-third.

The stairs to heaven, which were originally packed with people, suddenly became much emptier.

And this.

It’s just the beginning.

Some people kept falling behind, and some people gave up voluntarily.

Some children even broke down and cried.

The seemingly easy stairs to heaven are actually full of great challenges.

Xiong Shi, Ye Qinghe and others watched and couldn't help but sigh:

"Xiaojiu, this Heavenly Stairs is indeed not simple. Now that I think about it, martial arts is just like this Heavenly Stairs. There is no end to it. If you want to keep going all the way, you need courage far beyond that of ordinary people. Those who can pass the test of the Heavenly Stairs will surely achieve great success in the future."

"If you can't pass, it will be useless even if you have the best bones."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Unconsciously, they forgot that Ning Qi was only a little over ten years old.

Time passes.

The assessment of the first level is still going on.

Many are close to reaching the summit.

Among them, several outstanding seedlings also caught their attention.

"The first boy had steady steps, a firm gaze, and strong muscles. He was from the Gaoyang Lu family and his name was Lu Mang."

"The girl behind is not bad either. She is good at leveraging force and very agile. If I remember correctly, she seems to be from an Ouyang family in Qingzhou City. Her name is Ouyang Yuxuan."

“…”

Everyone commented one by one.

A look of satisfaction appeared on his face.

The prestige of the Zhenwu sect soared, and some children from famous families were willing to send their potential children here.

now.

The stairs to heaven were already sparsely populated.

People drag a long way.

Divided into several echelons.

It is estimated that less than half of the people reached the summit, which is less than 500 people.

You can imagine how difficult this is.

Ning Qi and Taoist Longshan have stopped playing chess. They walked to the window and looked at the top of the Stairs to Heaven in the distance. Luo Wentian and others were waiting there. The children who reached the top stood there with joy. Their will and character had been baptized by walking through the Stairs to Heaven this time, and their future martial arts journey would be smoother.

Taoist Longshan said with emotion:

"Xiao Jiu, your idea is really good. Once this group of disciples grow up, the Zhenwu Sect will be as stable as Mount Tai."

Ning Qi just chuckled.

He uttered a light exclamation, his eyes filled with surprise.

Taoist Longshan followed his gaze and was also shocked.

Near the top of the stairs, a boy with thick eyebrows and big eyes was climbing hard. Most of the people who should have reached the top had already done so. The boy used his hands and feet, with an amazing ruthlessness in his eyes, leaving a faint trail of blood behind him.

Those are worn out hands and feet.

The shoes on his feet were already worn out, but he still moved forward firmly.

With the eyesight of Ning Qi and Taoist Longshan, it was not difficult to see that the boy's internal strength was almost exhausted, and he even participated in the assessment on an empty stomach. From his clothes, it was clear that the boy came from a very humble background.

Taoist Longshan sighed deeply:

"This boy has great perseverance."

Ning Qi nodded approvingly.

This is rare.

Naturally, everyone on the top of the mountain also discovered the boy.

When he used up his last bit of energy to climb up the last step, Luo Wentian's eyes were already filled with admiration.

He personally went over and delivered food and water.

"What's your name, little one?"

The boy was extremely nervous. He had never expected that he would be noticed by a big shot like Luo Wentian. He didn't even have time to rejoice that he had climbed the steps to heaven, and he subconsciously stuttered:

"I, I don't have a name. People in the village used to call me Goudan."

Some people around looked at him with contempt, while others looked at him with respect, knowing how difficult it was for the boy to get to this point.

Luo Wentian patted him on the shoulder and encouraged him with a smile:

"Goudan, right? Have a good rest and work hard next time."

Goudan nodded vigorously, feeling extremely excited.

This moment.

Luo Wentian's back was full of glory in his mind. He began to wolf down the food in his hand, feeling a little regretful that he couldn't share it with his sister. He made up his mind to pass the assessment and become a Zhenwu disciple!

In the past, he became a Zhenwu disciple because he wanted to have enough food to eat, but now, he has an inexplicable feeling towards the Zhenwu sect.

Luo Wentian looked around at everyone and said loudly:

"First of all, congratulations on passing the Heavenly Stage Assessment. Regardless of whether you can become a True Martial Disciple, this is a valuable experience for you and will allow you to go further!"

"Rest well now and prepare for the next test. It's also a good opportunity to observe how powerful your martial arts predecessors are and set goals for yourself."

Each child's eyes sparkled.

They realized that this was probably a test for those powerful people in the Gangyuan realm. For most of them, a strong person in the Gangyuan realm was already a super figure that was out of their reach.

Luo Wentian smiled at the many Gangyuan Realm experts and said:

"Everyone, who's going first?"

The assessment format for the Gangyuan Realm is not difficult. The first level is combat power, which he has just introduced very clearly.

And the object of demonstrating combat power.

There are only a bunch of mechanical men in front of you. You just need to hold out for a quarter of an hour under the siege of the mechanical men to pass the level successfully.

now.

Everyone looked in amazement at those mechanical men that were neither made of gold nor wood. Each one was a meter tall and full of oppression. This was naturally the result of Ning Qi's recent work, or in other words, he had always been dabbling in mechanical arts.

Before this, He Yan had found some miscellaneous knowledge for him to gain some insights.

Although these mechanical men were somewhat clumsy and unable to chase the enemy, after Ning Qi combined them with the strange formation, they became practical tools for assessment.

From the Body Tempering Realm to the Inner Yuan Realm and then to the Gang Yuan Realm, they are all available.

This group of mechanical men before us can pose a huge threat to the White Mist Realm after forming a formation, and only the best among them can pass.

Ning Qi and Taoist Longshan watched. With their sharp eyesight, they were able to see some clues when many Gangyuan Realm masters took action. Perhaps they could even tell their origins directly from their martial arts. Unless they had never learned those iconic martial arts, it would be difficult to conceal it.

On the court.

More than a hundred powerful Gangyuan realm masters were unsure of the strength of these mechanical people in front of them.

But in the end, there are people who are willing to be the first to try something new.

A swordsman in green came out, his eyes showing confidence:

"I'll do it!"

He finished speaking.

The people rushed out.

Click, click, click.

There was a buzzing sound, and all the mechanical men began to move as if awakened from a deep sleep.

Although his movements were clumsy, each one carried enormous force. The whistling sound made people's scalps numb. After forming a formation, there was an airtight pressure. In addition, the material was extraordinary, and the bombardment of the strong energy on it only left white marks. The pressure immediately came upon us.

Of course, this is an assessment, so the Gangyuan Realm powerhouses cannot escape. If they meet them at normal times, no matter how many of these mechanical men there are, they cannot pose much threat to them, as they can easily distance themselves from them with their speed.

But now that we are under siege by the mechanical men, things are completely different.

The blue-clothed swordsman is extremely powerful and is in the upper middle level in front of everyone else.

But now he was caught in a dilemma and faced danger on all sides. If it were not for his exquisite swordsmanship, he would have been eliminated. Even so, the blue-clothed swordsman was sweating on his forehead and no longer had the contempt he had before.

Everyone's expression suddenly changed.

However, the children who just passed by could not tell the difference. They just looked at the legendary flying energy and marveled in their hearts. Goudan's eyes were full of desire while he was chewing on a hot pancake. He hoped that one day he could become as strong as the blue-clothed swordsman.

A quarter of an hour passed in a flash.

The bell rang.

The blue-clothed swordsman felt relieved.

He immediately accelerated and rushed out from the encirclement of the mechanical men, with a hint of awe in his eyes. Rumors in the martial arts world were just one thing, but now that he had personally experienced the true strength of the Zhenwu School, his heart was even more excited, and he became more determined to join the Zhenwu School.

The rest of the people had similar ideas.

"Congratulations!" Luo Wentian smiled kindly.

He had just been observing and found that this blue-clothed swordsman was indeed a skilled fighter in the White Mist Realm.

The green-clothed swordsman quickly returned the greeting without any delay.

With his proofing.

The others also had a rough estimate. Although some people were worried, it was impossible for them to retreat since it had come to this point.

One after another, masters of the Gangyuan realm rushed out.

The mechanical human formation is large enough to accommodate more than a dozen people taking the test at the same time.

In an instant.

Various kinds of energy are flying.

The aura of swords and knives filled the place.

The children's eyes were full of amazement. If it weren't for the wrong occasion, they would have cried out in surprise. The number of Gangyuan Realm masters they saw today was much more than they had seen in the previous few years, far more than before.

In the formation of mechanical men.

The masters of Gangyuan Realm showed their magical powers.

Some showed exquisite martial arts attainments, some had strong and powerful Qi, some had strong physiques, and some had extraordinary body movements...

all in all.

If you have a skill in a certain field, you can basically pass. On the contrary, if you are just average, you will naturally not pass.

One by one, the masters of the White Mist Realm were eliminated.

It occupies more than 70% of the White Mist Realm, and only less than 30% of the White Mist Realm can pass.

As for the very few in the Jade Liquid Realm and the one in the Yuan Dan Realm, it was naturally easy for them to pass it. This combat power level was originally used to block the White Mist Realm.

Ning Qi looked at him, his eyes already showing some ripples.

Taoist Longshan turned around and asked:

"Xiaojiu, how many people did you spot?"

Ning Qi chuckled:

"Eight, these people really think highly of our Zhenwu Sect."

Taoist Longshan was stunned.

He only saw four, and didn't expect Ning Qi to see eight. But he knew that Ning Qi would not speak without a purpose. As Ning Qi pointed out one by one, his face darkened and he became a little angry.

This is just what the two of them have seen. Are there some that are even more deeply hidden?

Doesn’t this mean that among the more than one hundred people in the Gangyuan realm, nearly ten percent are spies?

"Very good!" There was anger in Taoist Longshan's eyes.

Ning Qi comforted:

"Master, don't be angry. It's a good opportunity to catch them all in one fell swoop."

He didn't turn around, but just reminded:

"Tian Sheng, you go there."

The White Ape is now extremely powerful, its bloodline is developing step by step, and its growth rate is extremely fast. It cannot be viewed from the perspective of a human. Two years ago, the White Ape was already able to fight against the White Mist Realm, and now it is even stronger. After being silent for so many years, it is time for the White Ape to gradually show itself. Not everyone can be completely low-key and introverted. Appropriate display will be beneficial to his future practice.

Taoist Longshan looked a little surprised, but didn't say anything. Instead, he seemed a little expectant.

Surprise flashed in the white ape's eyes, and he understood what Ning Qi meant.

"Yes, teacher!"

After saying that, he strode away. He was already eager to try.

far away.

All the powerful people in Gangyuan Realm have been tested.

Of the more than one hundred Gangyuan realm masters, only thirty or so were left, including one Yuandan realm master and seven or eight Yuye realm masters.

The eliminated White Mist Realm warrior looked a little annoyed, but after looking at the remaining people, he realized that he was not as skilled as others.

Luo Wentian comforted him:

"You are all talented people. Unfortunately, my Zhenwu Sect does not have enough resources to support so many strong people to practice. Otherwise, I would really like to accept all of you into the sect."

"For those who are not selected this time, our Zhenwu Sect will also offer a set of martial arts. This is to show that you all respect our Zhenwu Sect and have come from afar. How about we watch the assessment together before going down the mountain?"

As soon as these words came out.

Everyone was stunned, and then they felt much happier. Regardless of the level of this martial arts, it was extremely respectful for the Zhenwu School to have achieved this.

Everyone said:

"Master Luo, you're too polite!"

And those who passed the test were even more smiling. Just think about it, the Zhenwu Sect was so generous to those who were eliminated. If they could successfully join the Zhenwu Sect, as long as they worked hard in the future, how could they be short of resources and martial arts?

This small action invisibly raised the prestige of Zhenwu Sect in the eyes of everyone.

Luo Wentian turned around and said to everyone:

"Now that all of you have passed the first level, only the second level remains. If you can pass the second level, the Heart-Searching Platform, you will be a member of my Zhenwu Sect!"

These words were not only spoken to the Gangyuan realm warriors who had broken through the mechanical man formation.

This is also said to the children who step over the stairs to heaven.

The first level is different.

But this second level is consistent.

Luo Wentian did not plan to have seven or eight levels for this assessment, as it was meaningless.

After chatting with Ning Qi.

For children who have just started learning, perseverance and character are important.

The waving Gangyuan realm people focus on combat power and mentality.

This platform for questioning one’s conscience is where one’s character is tested.

"The platform for self-examination?" Someone chewed on these two words slowly, his eyes flickering.

It’s okay for those who have a clear conscience, but for those who have something to hide, there’s a bad feeling.

These three words sound oppressive.

With the previous stairways and mechanical man formation in front, no one thought that this so-called platform for self-examination was just a decoration.

This self-questioning platform is naturally Ning Qi's masterpiece.

He had previously created the magical secret technique of the Soul-Captivating Eye Technique, and then optimized it. After combining it with several special treasures and strange formations, he set up a platform for questioning the conscience. If the person in it relaxed his mind, he would naturally follow the guidance and speak out his truest thoughts.

Members of the Zhenwu Sect cannot be people who commit crimes or have evil intentions.

Of course, using this method, you can always catch spies.

Luo Wentian smiled, but there was something malicious in his smile:

"Everyone, you are the seniors, how about you demonstrate to these little guys first?"

Led by the disciples of Zhenwu, everyone came to the edge of a high platform that could accommodate hundreds of people. Around the platform, there were green stone pillars of different heights, on which were carved various mythical beasts. There was a sense of mystery that made people feel extraordinary at first sight.

Luo Wentian reminded:

"Everyone, relax. This is just a simple test. Once you go up, just relax your mind. This inquiry platform will not pry into your privacy. If you are reluctant to relax your mind, you will fail the test."

This is a drawback of the Heart-Searching Platform; after all, it is just a derivative of the Soul-Captivating Eye Technique.

If you can force yourself to examine your conscience, that would be quite amazing.

Ning Qi felt that perhaps a more magical power was needed to achieve this.

But it is not a big problem. If one is unwilling to relax, then there must be something wrong with him. And when it comes to disciple trials, he will naturally be willing to relax his mind.

The remaining thirty or so Gangyuan realm masters looked at each other in bewilderment.

But at this critical moment, it is impossible to give up.

Even if there are people with bad intentions among them, we can only try our luck at this time.

Many children also stared at it.

They will also have to pass the test of this platform of self-questioning next.

More than thirty people sat down cross-legged.

Luo Wentian's expression gradually turned gloomy. He exchanged a glance with Xiong Shi and the others and nodded silently. Then streams of energy flew out, and the strange formation in the Heart-Searching Platform was activated.

"Everyone, relax!" a majestic voice rang out.

In an instant.

A magical and mysterious wave swept across everyone on the stage.

"If you need to kill an innocent family in order to obtain a unique martial art, will you do it?" The majestic voice continued.

"If a man does not work for himself, he will be punished by heaven and earth, naturally!"

"Won't!"

"You beast, I don't want to do this!"

…

The people gave different answers. Some of them closed their eyes tightly, but there was a look of hostility between their brows.

No matter how kind you pretend to be, your true thoughts will be completely exposed in front of the questioning platform.

Disciples around immediately wrote down everyone's answers one by one.

The majestic voice continued to sound.

Each question goes straight to the heart.

For example, when the Zhenwu Sect is in trouble, should they retreat or fight? When encountering injustice, should they intervene or ignore it? All these issues involve many aspects and need to be considered in combination. After all, people are complex and a single issue cannot decide anything.

The Zhenwu sect does not want to recruit saints.

Those that do not harm the core interests of the Zhenwu Sect will naturally be given priority.

But some people with extremely violent tempers are also not acceptable. They will kill entire families at will. Such people are not on the same path as the Zhenwu Sect.

The majestic voice continued to sound, asking the last question:

"Where are you from?"

In an instant.

The answers vary.

"The Qingquan Li family is offering sacrifices to us, and we are here to obtain a more profound inheritance!"

"A scattered warrior!"

Answers like these are perfectly normal.

But there were a few responses that were extremely harsh.

"Holy Gate!"

"Southern Xinjiang!"

"Ask the Sword Pavilion!"

"Wuxiangmen!"

Luo Wentian narrowed his eyes.

He already knew about the Demon Sect and Southern Xinjiang.

This Wenjian Pavilion is most likely here for the Zhenwu Sword Monument.

The Wuxiang Sect was the one that was pushed down to the ninth position by the Zhenwu Sect.

These two sects probably also wanted to take advantage of the time when the Zhenwu Sect was recruiting disciples to insert some spies in, so that it would be easier to act in the future if there was any action.

Everyone watching around had expressions of horror, especially the dozens of eliminated Gangyuan Realm warriors. The magic of the Heart-Searching Platform had already made some of them nervous, and now when they heard those people at the Heart-Searching Platform actually say what they came for in this way, their hearts began to beat wildly.

Someone couldn't sit still anymore, his Qi was shaking, and he shouted angrily:

"Wake up quickly!!"

This roar instantly woke up everyone on the platform.

All the Gangyuan Realm experts on the Questioning Platform were horrified. Only then did they realize what they had just said.

This platform of self-examination is so terrifying!

(End of this chapter)