Chapter 155: The Second Stone Gate, Magic Ape Battles the Heavenly Star Chart

Huayang Mountain.

When Fang Xu returned to the Hall of Merit Transmission, it was already nearly midnight.

As he passed by Yunwan's small courtyard, he deliberately glanced at it; the courtyard gate remained tightly shut.

Three days ago, Li Xingchao had promised to return Yunwan, but now three days had passed and Yunwan still had not returned, leaving Fang Xu curious—did Li Xingchao still dare to defy Jiang Feng?

He shook his head and returned to his own dwelling.

After a simple wash, he immediately sat cross-legged on the bed and began today's cultivation.

Having reached the peak of the first level of Martial Master, he had never rushed to break through to the second level of Martial Master, simply because he did not want to, like other Martial Masters, casually inscribe an ordinary star chart within his body.

Fang Xu nodded: "Thank you, Master."

"Done, turned into a pretty boy." Looking at himself in the mirror, Fang Xu felt both amused and exasperated.

"Master usually stays in the Law Enforcement Hall; if you have any questions, feel free to come ask me anytime." Chu Ren Di spoke again.

It was said that around that time, Yu Shan Tianyi's temperament underwent a great change, and he began to extensively keep male favorites, disregarding some regulations of the Ascension Immortal Assembly.

On the vast platform at the peak, Chu Ren Di stood with hands behind his back, gazing at Fang Xu and saying: "The Ascension Immortal Terrace is a miraculous place; its restrictions mainly suppress and temper the martial artist's soul and spirit."

……

At this moment, Fang Xu stood on the sixth step of the seventh level, only two steps away from the eighth level.

By then, he would be able to use the second transformation of the Magic Ape Three Transformations.

At this moment, more and more outer sect disciples below could no longer bother queuing; they gathered below, staring at Fang Xu on the fifth step of the seventh level.

Once I break through to the fifth level of Martial Master, I should be able to instantly kill him with a single shock!

After pausing on the platform of the seventh level for a quarter of an hour, Fang Xu moved again, stepping forward with each foot leaving a print as he walked toward the dark red stone steps ahead.

Martial Masters who have reached the Great Perfection level usually can at most reach the fifth level; those who can ascend to the sixth level are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.

"Third level."

One disciple spoke up, advising.

At this moment, standing on the platform of the seventh level, Fang Xu's spiritual platform was already enveloped by the great bronze cauldron within.

When he first arrived before the Ascension Immortal Terrace, a crowd of outer sect disciples began to flatter and fawn over him.

The reason he did not take Jiang Feng as his master was because Fang Xu felt that Jiang Feng carried an added sense of coldness and indifference, seemingly a natural phenomenon after cultivation reached this level.

Suppressing his inner thirst for knowledge, Fang Xu felt he should first open the stone gate before him before saying anything else.

After the stewards and Chu Ren Di exchanged greetings, they all slowly left the main hall of the Law Enforcement Hall.

……

The people below tilted their heads upward, silently watching Fang Xu's tiny figure climb step by step; in the blink of an eye, he reached the fourth level.

The Casting Cauldron Star Chart of the first level of Martial Master had already shown him the power of special star charts.

I...

When Fang Xu arrived at the Ascension Immortal Terrace, many people were already queuing to apply.

Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Fang Xu's body surface began to show large amounts of frost; immediately after, the bed beneath him, everything in the room, the entire house, the small courtyard...

That a Martial Apprentice of the second level could reach the fourth level already exceeded these people's expectations, but considering Fang Xu was the first in the entrance examination and also a personally selected inner disciple by the Law Enforcement Steward spoken of in rumors, the crowd also felt it was normal.

Aside from doing odd jobs, challenging the Ascension Immortal Terrace is a very good choice.

A flush of red flashed across Fang Xu's face.

And accompanied by the Casting Cauldron Star Chart continuously strengthening his body, Fang Xu felt his current strength should be much greater than during his previous attempt.

Even he turned toward the silent Jiang Feng and said: "Master of the Hall, you must uphold justice for the Divine Weapons Hall!"

After reaching the fourth level, Fang Xu did not linger but directly proceeded toward the fifth level.

Fang Xu suddenly felt the pressure on his spirit and soul suddenly lighten; it seemed the bronze cauldron appearing in his spiritual platform had directly offset fifty percent of the pressure for him.

"Congratulations, Junior Brother Chu!"

One of them was naturally Jiang Feng.

Internal energy condensed into a cauldron, pressing down with the force of ten thousand jun, allowing each of his moves and techniques to carry the power of the cauldron; at critical moments, he could also, like when he dealt with Yu Shan Tianyi, condense a giant cauldron for attack.

The Ascension Immortal Terrace is located on Tianluan Peak, the highest peak of Huayang Mountain, constructed entirely of a strange dark red stone, with seven steps per level, and after seven steps comes a vast platform; no one knows exactly how many levels the Ascension Immortal Terrace actually has.

Moreover, Fang Xu felt Chu Ren Di's strength would not be much weaker than Jiang Feng's, and combined with the temptation of "adapting to circumstances," Fang Xu felt he was better suited for the Law Enforcement Hall.

The Divine Bridge appeared, connecting one acupoint after another; those previously unopened acupoints, at this moment, were forcibly blasted open by terrifying primordial energy, until the last acupoint was illuminated—

"However, as Master, I cannot interfere in this matter; if he insists you must clear the seventh level of the Ascension Immortal Terrace before he releases you, then you have no choice but to attempt it."

"Alright, from now on, this is your own matter as master and disciple; I will not interfere."

If the second star chart could be inscribed as Magic Ape Battling Heaven, his strength would necessarily increase significantly.

But this cold air spread too quickly; after rapidly occupying the entire acupoint space, it followed the vortex of the acupoint space and surged toward his body!

Could it be that my breakthrough took several days?

But Su Cheng is definitely someone I must kill; my current strength still lacks absolute certainty against him, so I will wait a bit longer.

"The path of bitter cultivation indeed allows him to transcend, with hope of breaking into the Martial Warrior Realm."

If I offend him, in future promotion missions, when I encounter danger, if he delays his action even slightly, I would very likely suffer serious injury, or even die on the spot.

However, because he has the potential to become a core disciple, the Law Enforcement Hall has not overly interfered.

But in the end, this matter reached Xu Changqing, who is known for protecting his own, and naturally agreed to this matter.

"This... the Ascension Immortal Terrace is not damaged..."

Unable to explain, he could only lie.

Now, why has the golden thunder still not appeared?

Upon hearing this, Tie Shan immediately shouted loudly, straining his voice.

After adapting to a few breaths, he looked at the stone steps ahead, then resolutely stepped up another level.

The solution to this problem is also very simple.

Since the last time he tried it, he now has another secret technique, the Kui Niu Strength.

"Alright, with your current strength, passing the seventh level of the Immortal Ascension Platform is no problem."

"Second, after being promoted to inner sect disciple, you indeed need to choose a master."

As Chu Ren Di's words fell, a terrifying pressure instantly enveloped Fang Xu!

Under this pressure, Fang Xu felt his soul as if shackled by a heavy chain, making him somewhat uncomfortable for a moment.

Fang Xu arrived before the Immortal Ascension Platform and saw again the two disciples responsible for guarding it.

"Senior brothers."

Originally he had no intention of getting involved in this matter, but because Chu Ren Di said the phrase "expedient measures in emergencies," Jiang Feng suddenly conceived the idea, wanting to strive a little, to lay some groundwork for resolving Fang Xu's conflicts with the various major powers of Yu State in the future.

The Immortal Ascension Platform mainly tempers warriors' souls and spirits; all inner sect disciples of the Ascension Assembly usually go to challenge it.

"It's over, no hope..."

"The fifth stone step—just two more and it's the eighth level!"

Wu Ling laughed and spoke.

Wherever it passed, everything would be instantly frozen!

"Fang Xu, don't think like that; the Ascension Assembly has this regulation, and snatching disciples happens often, everyone is used to it."

According to rumors, those who are addicted to gambling, unfilial to parents, and steal others' clothes causing death will go to the Frozen Ice Hell; I and these have nothing to do with it.

"Has the restriction on the Immortal Ascension Platform failed?"

"Fang Senior Brother, come forward."

"Disperse, disperse."

"Hall Master, why are you also snatching from us?!" Tie Shan said with a bitter face.

Even now he doesn't understand why the Ascension Assembly, clearly so strong, would establish such bizarre regulations, allowing subordinate states to have so many rights.

"And my Law Enforcement Hall disciples have the right to take expedient measures in emergencies..."

As Tie Shan's words fell, Yan Wu beside him immediately started complaining.

"Has he gone mad!?"

Since comprehending the Three Transformations of the Magic Ape, his understanding of this divine ability has always remained at the minor achievement stage of the first transformation.

Defy the three great iron rules of the Ascension Assembly!?

"What does 'using public property for private gain' mean? If you have the ability, let's fight—if you can beat me, the Stone Cliff Earth Palace is yours." Wu Ling rebutted arrogantly.

"Moreover, I can even arrange a few beautiful junior sisters as assistants for you; you just lie in the Service Hall cultivating, need not worry about anything, and each month you can obtain a large number of contribution points as reward."

He didn't know how long he had been in this ice-filled space until a thunderclap sounded, and above his head, tens of thousands of zhang of ice clouds were shattered by a terrifying force; Fang Xu's vision darkened, and he instantly returned to his own aperture space.

"Fang Xu, Mu is currently in the Hundred Herbs Hall; although you have no interest in alchemy, I, old man, now have the cultivation of a Martial Venerable Seventh Realm, and can still teach you a thing or two on the martial path."

"The restrictions inside the Immortal Ascension Platform mainly target the soul and spirit; Fang Senior Brother, if you cannot hold on, do not force yourself—injury to the soul is much harder to heal than bodily injury, and it easily leaves a lingering root of illness."

Fang Xu curiously looked toward Huang Qingzhou in the crowd and said: "Huang Senior Brother, what is this...?"

"Truly the seventh level!"

Feeling his consciousness gradually stiffen and lose the ability to think, Fang Xu couldn't help but wryly smile—this time he probably really is done for.

Walking out of the room, Fang Xu was about to go wash up simply, but suddenly discovered that the strange flowers and grasses he had planted in his small courtyard had all withered; not only that, the tall cedar tree at the courtyard gate was now bare and leafless.

"Protest! Protest!"

"Congratulations, congratulations!"

……

Until finally, the stone gate could no longer hold!

Seeing this, Fang Xu couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief in his heart.

Since everyone is so open-minded about it, I myself have nothing to worry about.

Fang Xu immediately spoke of Lu Zhiyuan's matter.

Fang Xu gazed at the seated high-level officials of the Ascension Assembly around him, slightly clasped his hands, and said: "Disciple Fang Xu, pays respects to the Hall Master, pays respects to all the Elders."

Fang Xu nodded.

At the same time, below, many queued outer sect disciples were now looking up at the peak of Tian Luan Peak; on the stone steps, Fang Xu's figure stepped upward step by step.

Moreover, under the shroud of the bronze great cauldron, Fang Xu's originally formless soul, like invisible smoke, was now gradually condensing and had already preliminarily taken on a human shape.

The second is Chu Ren Di.

"Guilty, kill; innocent, ascend the Life and Death Platform."

"The Yu State royal family—even if not surnamed Li, it can be Zhao or Wang; Senior Brother, why must you worry so much?" Chu Ren Di said lightly.

He had already tried this before, but at that time he had merely opened a crack.

Some inner sect disciples, upon hearing this, also noticed these things and all gaped in astonishment!

"It's over, this kid is ruined!"

Tonight, I must try again.

"Join the Law Enforcement Hall, and all disciples of the Ascension Assembly will see you and retreat three lodgings."

"The second level."

He and those powers of Yu State have grudges; sooner or later, they will settle the score.

Guarding the Stone Cliff Earth Palace, the Stone Cliff Heavenly Canon is one of the most important cultivation resources of the Ascension Assembly.

Hum!

A terrifying pressure instantly transmitted; if not for Fang Xu having already felt it once yesterday at his master Chu Ren Di's place, this sudden pressure would have made him instinctively retreat.

Passing the outer sect disciples, Fang Xu quickly came to the front of the line.

In my previous life, there was a legend of the Eighteen Levels of Hell in the mortal world.

Chu Ren Di said lightly: "It means we can ignore any rules outside the three ironclad rules of the Ascension Immortal Assembly and act as we please."

"Quick look! Senior Brother Fang has ascended to the fourth level!"

Still holding on!

Xu Changqing lowered his brows and eyes, speaking lightly: "The disciples within the sect all think my Hundred Herbs Hall disciples are not good at combat, so naturally I, as senior brother, also want a disciple who can uphold the sect's reputation."

More than ten outer sect disciples instantly showed a hint of disappointment on their faces, then could only grit their teeth honestly, endure the immense pressure, and slowly climb upward.

Upon hearing this, Fang Xu was momentarily at a loss for how to respond.

Vast, misty primordial energy surged out from that great vortex, quickly filling the aperture space, then flowed along the vortex of the aperture space toward Fang Xu's limbs and bones!

The stone gate opened, and Fang Xu immediately began constructing the second star chart within his body.

"Whether it's broken or not, just try it and you'll know. The disciples queuing behind have come up—let them try."

In the next moment, a bronze great cauldron suddenly appeared, directly enveloping his soul within it.

As for my strength, as long as I take on tasks at the Affairs Hall, I need not worry about lacking contribution points, nor lack opportunities to comprehend the Cliffside Heavenly Scripture.

As the elder in charge, according to Gu Qiu's words, Jiang Feng's strength may very well have already reached the half-step Elemental Martial Realm, making him truly the number one person of Yu State.

Among those present, he favored three people the most.

"Although Master said that law enforcement hall disciples have the right to act decisively in urgent matters, you must also not create unjust slaughter, especially among inner sect disciples."

Jiang Feng gave a faint smile: "Is it about that old ape?"

"Heavens! Too terrifying!"

Fortunately, this pallor remains within normal bounds—it merely looks somewhat like a milky-white scholar, harmless to humans and beasts alike.

Chu Ren Di looked at Fang Xu with great satisfaction and nodded.

"Senior Brother Fang."

Naturally, every sect wants a good disciple. Last time, everyone competed for the disciple Yu Shan Tian Yi, who ultimately chose to become a disciple of Yan Wu, leaving everyone envious.

Perhaps due to long-term oversight of the Law Enforcement Hall, Chu Ren Di appears somewhat aloof.

Then, in the next moment, he turned to Fang Xu and said: "Fang Xu, why not become my disciple? I guard the Cliffside Earth Palace. As my disciple, entering to comprehend the Cliffside Heavenly Scripture, I can grant you a discount."

Saying this, Jiang Feng also left the great hall.

The two sent more than ten outer sect disciples who had rushed to the front of the Immortal Ascension Platform upward.

"Could it be another Yu Shan Tian Yi?"

The seventh level of the Immortal Ascension Platform requires one to have reached the Martial Sovereign Realm to ascend.

Later, Fang Xu and Lu Qing Luo truly passed the entrance examination. Xu Changqing, concerned about his reputation, would not therefore alter his original decision to curry favor with the two new disciples.

"Senior Brother Fang, it's your turn next."

"Exactly, Iron Old Man, you take Fang Xu's debt—you still owe me ten thousand contribution points. So impoverished, how can you cultivate anyone?" Wu Ling also took the opportunity to express his dissatisfaction with Iron Mountain.

"Fang Xu, after becoming an inner sect disciple, have you decided whom to take as your master?"

"Iron Mountain Senior Brother, you said there would be fair competition—how can you act like this?"

When Fang Xu slowly awoke, he felt as if he had come to a world of ice and snow; looking around, everything was ice mountains emitting endless cold air, and the earth!

His cultivation is only at the second level of Martial Apprentice, known to all.

Immediately afterward, this pressure increased again.

Looking down from below, the entire Immortal Ascension Platform resembles a stone staircase connecting heaven and earth, its top vanishing into the clouds and mist of the sky, as if climbing to the end truly allows one to enter the immortal realm.

"Don't lose heart, Junior Brother Fang merely has the second level of Martial Master..."

However, the patterns on that great sword are far less intricate and profound than those on the sword I hold.

Chu Ren Di, who had been closely observing Fang Xu's reaction, originally feared this pressure would harm Fang Xu's soul and prepared to withdraw it at any moment, but suddenly noticed Fang Xu's originally pale face gradually regaining a hint of color, and his originally trembling body also stabilized—he couldn't help but feel curious.

After ascending one step, once his soul adapted to the pressure, he continued climbing to the next step.

Fang Xu felt somewhat moved.

"By the way, the Law Enforcement Hall is directly subordinate to the Immortal Island, and I am also a core disciple."

"If you can't adapt, just step directly to the eighth level—know that the pressure on the eighth level is twice as strong as that of the seventh step on the seventh level. Taking this step, his soul would likely be crushed directly!"

But fortunately, these strange inscriptions seem to be completing my divine ability, the Three Transformations of the Magic Ape.

After all, Fang Xu is now not only an inner sect disciple but also a personal disciple of the Law Enforcement Hall's steward—these two identities are both unattainable aspirations for these outer sect disciples.

At that time, the broken sword was extremely heavy, appearing simple and unadorned, but its actual weight could reach a hundred catties.

After some hesitation, Fang Xu slowly spoke to the crowd: "First, thank you, all stewards, for your favor toward the disciple. But I am only one person—choosing any one steward as master would inevitably offend the others."

Now only inner sect disciples remain; next, we can proceed to challenge the Immortal Ascension Platform, then rescue Master Lu Zhiyuan, and afterward go to the Affairs Hall to accept tasks, then rely on contribution points to use some resources of the Ascension Immortal Assembly for cultivation.

"Join my Hundred Herbs Hall—I dare not promise anything else, but medicinal pills are absolutely sufficient."

"They are all disciples of various stewards; if they haven't committed a death-worthy offense, try not to kill them outright."

Yan Wu gave a sheepish smile, then rose and approached Fang Xu with a cheerful expression: "Fang Xu, don't listen to them—joining my Affairs Hall is truly the best."

Back then, Jiang Feng, at the ninth level of Martial Master, successfully ascended to the seventh step of the seventh level.

Chu Ren Di said, and then had the required authority delivered to the peak of Tian Lü Peak, where the Law Enforcement Hall resides.

Consciousness sank into the body; Fang Xu arrived at the aperture nurturing the broken sword, gazing at the stone gate before him, which had only opened a crack, and began slowly adjusting his state.

But the difficulty now is that the apertures for constructing the Magic Ape War Heaven Star Chart still have four unopened, and my strength has only reached the peak of the first level of Martial Master—without breaking through to the second level of Martial Master, I cannot continue opening new apertures.

First, the skin and flesh—perhaps due to the energy and ice behind the stone gate of the second aperture space, his skin and flesh at this moment faintly feel like carved ice and jade.

Suddenly, the entire aperture space began to tremble violently; in the next moment, paths of ice rose from the stone gate!

"My Divine Weapon Hall now has only a few big and small cats—after great difficulty, I finally encountered a disciple I fancy; Fang Xu must be mine for the Divine Weapon Hall!"

But judging by the appetite of the aperture space, ordinary treasures simply do not qualify to become his life-bound artifact.

Because each level cleared yields a large amount of contribution points as reward, and as the level increases, the obtainable contribution points also increase.

Moreover, they are still outer sect disciples now, and when they go out to perform promotion missions in the future, they are very likely to encounter Fang Xu accompanying the inspection, and if they can get familiar with Fang Xu by then, it will also be quite beneficial.

"With each level ascended, the suppression on the soul by the restrictions increases, while conversely, the required combat is very little."

He now has no solution at all on his face.

"Master of the Hall, our Ascension Alliance has no branch masters who can take disciples, you..."

"Alright, come with me, Master."

"Tianyi condensed her soul into form at the Martial Master realm, but she also achieved this by using some secret technique of the Yushan State when she was at the Ninth Level of Martial Master."

On the dark red stone steps, although Fang Xu's each step was slow, each step was also very steady.

Fang Xu eased his breath and cupped his hands, saying: "I once followed Master Kulu in cultivating the path of asceticism."

But now, Yushan Tianyi is already dead.

Not satisfied with the seventh level, he actually wants to continue upward!

What monster is this!?

The first step!

As Fang Xu just stepped up, he suddenly felt the pressure on his soul at the spiritual platform increase by thirty percent!

After glancing at the already bright sky outside the window, Fang Xu slowly pushed open the door and walked out.

Even, the clouds floating above seemed to be composed of enormous ice.

"A soul with form, capable of achieving this at the Martial Master realm, is only Senior Sister Yushan Tianyi."

"Junior Brother Chu..."

"Why not join my Divine Weapons Hall? The Divine Weapons Hall has few people, and after you become my disciple, I can wholeheartedly cultivate you."

Gazing at the stone steps ahead, Fang Xu's eyes were resolute, and he directly stepped forward.

"Senior Brother Jiang, why not let Fang Xu stay in the Law Enforcement Hall?"

"Senior Brother Fang has moved again!"

"Could he be intending to directly step onto the platform of the eighth level!?"

"Let's do this: let me test your strength."

"Call me Master." Chu Ren Di interrupted his words.

"Only after passing the fifth level will there be mechanism puppets appearing, and these mechanism puppets are based on the cultivator's realm."

As the Elder in Charge of the Ascension Alliance of Yu State, Jiang Feng hopes that the grudges between both sides can be turned from major to minor, minor to nothing.

"Yanwu! Yanwu! Don't do this!"

These outer sect disciples also thought the restrictions on the Immortal Ascension Platform had failed, wanting to take this opportunity to ascend one more level, then gain more contribution points.

The strange light emitted by the bronze great cauldron gradually merged into Fang Xu's soul, which was still in its embryonic state.

Legend says that the Eighteen Levels of Hell include a level of Ice Hell; could it be that I am now in that Ice Hell?

That's not right either!

"Not bad, the seventh level is next." Seeing Fang Xu under such terrifying pressure on the soul, with only a slightly pale complexion, Chu Ren Di was very satisfied.

Huang Luzhou said with a bitter face: "Fang Xu, what have you been up to these days?"

At this moment, the inner sect disciples in the field also had solemn expressions.

Among the outer sect disciples, many were now nervously gripping their fists.

Fang Xu nodded; Old Yuan has been gone for several months, and still no news.

Crack!

The disciples in the Ascension Alliance are not many; Fang Xu's promotion to inner sect disciple and joining the Law Enforcement Hall quickly spread among the outer sect disciples.

That is indeed a true peak Martial Sovereign, and her body is that of a near-dragon-transforming giant python, with extremely strong defense; the bronze great cauldron being able to severely injure her proves the miraculous nature of the Star Chart of Casting Cauldrons.

But just these two steps made him feel as if facing a heavenly moat, difficult to cross.

Looking up at the scorching sun overhead, Fang Xu was very puzzled; now it is June, the height of summer, why are all these flowers and grasses withered?

Meanwhile, some inner sect disciples whose strength has reached Martial Sovereign are now discussing another matter.

At this moment, the bronze broken sword in his hand actually emitted a faint tremor, and then, under his gaze, the bronze broken sword suddenly burst forth with a ray of ancient bronze light!

The next moment!

The broken sword was restored!

To be precise, the lost sword tip and blade body at the front of the broken sword were replaced by a strand of ancient bronze strange energy, turning into a complete bronze great sword appearance!

In the main hall of the Law Enforcement Hall of the Ascension Alliance, when Fang Xu was brought there, Jiang Feng, Yanwu, Tieshan, Xu Changqing, and other executives of the Ascension Alliance were already seated in the Law Enforcement Hall.

Regarding Fang Xu's choice, Jiang Feng was not surprised.

Roar!

The acupoints were fully illuminated, and the phantom of the Battle Heaven Magic Ape instantly appeared; a roar seemingly from the ancient vast world echoed in Fang Xu's soul depths!

It is said that when Jiang Feng stood on the seventh stone step, he remained there for a full three days, even lifting one foot, but ultimately still did not dare to lightly step onto the eighth level.

"Fourth level."

Boom!

The terrifying pressure surged again, and the bronze great cauldron on the spiritual platform suddenly burst forth with a strange light!

In this light, the conditions of Wuling seem somewhat insignificant.

Fang Xu nodded: "Thank you, Junior Brother, for the information."

Yanwu also indeed suffered for a period of time.

The leakage of cold air is certainly due to my opening the acupoint stone gate, but this involves the inheritance of the Extension God, and I can affirm that others' acupoint spaces certainly do not have stone gates.

"Don't push yourself; even after reaching your limit, merely stepping onto one step could possibly harm your soul."

The Law Enforcement Hall is directly under the Immortal Island, Chu Ren Di is again a core disciple, and the "act according to circumstances" privilege of the Law Enforcement Hall disciples makes Fang Xu quite moved.

Jiang Feng nodded, also understanding that these matters involved personal privacy, so it was inconvenient for him to ask further.

With the identity of a disciple from the Law Enforcement Hall, as long as one does not violate the three major iron laws, one is virtually free from restraint.

As the two argued heatedly, Xu Changqing beside them spoke calmly:

Moreover... ghosts, yin soldiers, Yama?

Everything around was being frozen over, and consciousness had already plunged completely into endless darkness.

For such flattery, Fang Xu naturally would not refuse.

"Old Man Xu is just a vain, narrow-minded person, a useless nominal disciple—dead is dead."

"Too terrifying—could Fang Senior Brother's soul already rival a Martial Venerable?"

After passing through the passage ahead, Fang Xu quickly appeared beside an ancient stone staircase.

Upon hearing this, Fang Xu felt great joy in his heart.

"A few days ago, when you were in seclusion, large amounts of cold air leaked from your dwelling, freezing everything within dozens of miles—was this a divine ability?"

"Make way, make way—let Fang Senior Brother go first!"

The sword gleam rolled with thunder on its surface; this sword seemed capable of cleaving heaven and earth, causing the entire aperture space to tremble slightly.

In the blink of an eye, the sword gleam struck the tall stone gate before them, yet no sound was transmitted.

That is, to find one aperture within the apertures encompassed by the Demon Ape Battling Heaven Star Diagram and open the aperture stone gate.

Yan Wu finished speaking, then suddenly leaned close to his ear and whispered: "Let me tell you something—Yun Wan that girl has already taken me as her master."

"No, that's not right—I heard the Transmission Elder say that the limit of a Martial Master is the sixth layer; without the Martial Venerable realm, it's impossible to reach the seventh layer!"

Fang Xu blinked slightly, then respectfully clasped his hands and said: "Steward, what does 'handle flexibly according to circumstances' mean in this matter?"

"Certain." Fang Xu spoke with a solemn expression.

Seeing him give a definite answer, the remaining stewards all showed expressions of regret.

According to his knowledge, there are not few disciples in the Law Enforcement Hall—how does Chu Ren Di only have three personal transmission disciples?

Apparently noticing Fang Xu's doubt, Chu Ren Di said: "Those disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall are merely nominal disciples of mine; besides you and your two senior brothers, they are not even worthy of my attention."

"He is fine; the secret art will be completed in another ten or so days, at which point I will bring him back."

Terrifying cold air instantly permeated the entire aperture space, freezing everything visible within it.

Despite the others' words, Jiang Feng did not stop them, merely smiling faintly as he looked at Fang Xu.

Fang Xu continued stepping upward.

Regarding Fang Xu's queue-jumping behavior, the disciple in charge of registration said nothing and directly processed his application.

Gu Qiu once said that monster beasts' monster cores can increase the chance of a Martial Venerable breaking through to the Martial Warrior realm; he was very worried about the old ape's current situation.

But the problem is that the Cliffside Heavenly Scripture seems accessible as long as one spends contribution points to observe it.

"Look at Fang Senior Brother's step—doesn't it seem like he's not preparing to step on the seventh stone step?"

After withdrawing this soul pressure, he looked at Fang Xu and said: "Have you cultivated your soul?"

The third thing that moved him was Wuling.

Is this the pressure of the seventh layer of the Immortal Ascension Platform?

Fang Xu struggled to support himself, and just as he felt he was about to reach his limit, a low hum suddenly echoed in his spirit platform.

"To live in the same era as these monsters is truly our sorrow!"

As the crowd argued, a gaunt-faced middle-aged man in black clothes, radiating a strong killing intent, sitting opposite Jiang Feng, slowly opened his mouth.

She had only just stepped onto the seventh layer before falling down, her soul suffering considerable damage.

After removing these three iron rules, many other regulations remain—for example, prohibiting interference in the grudges of secular nations.

"You possess the ability to fight above your level, which I have also heard of; as your master, I no longer need to test your combat ability—now I mainly need to see whether your soul can withstand the pressure of the seventh layer."

As things stand now, the conflict between the two sides cannot be resolved.

Fang Xu looked bewildered, but ultimately still followed the two Law Enforcement Hall disciples out of the small courtyard.

"Steward, disciple has a matter to ask you." Fang Xu looked at Jiang Feng and suddenly spoke.

"If you join the Affairs Hall, I can arrange all your tasks properly and reliably—absolutely high-paying and also the simplest."

Watching Fang Xu charge the Immortal Ascension Platform seems even more tense to them than if they themselves were to attempt it.

Gripping the complete bronze great sword, suppressing all distracting thoughts in his heart, and employing all his trump cards, Fang Xu suddenly leapt up, grabbed the bronze great sword with both hands, and slammed it directly toward the distant stone gate.

Within the aperture space, a heaven-piercing sword gleam suddenly appeared!

Having adjusted his body to optimal condition, Fang Xu slowly reached out and summoned the floating bronze broken sword within the aperture space into his hand.

Now, there is still a star map in my mind—the Demon Ape Battling Heaven.

Jiang Feng also looked at him with some surprise and smiled faintly: "Chu Junior Brother, are you also moved?"

Some sharp-eyed outer sect disciples saw that Fang Xu's step was overly large, completely unprepared to step on the seventh stone step, as if he intended to stride directly to the eighth layer!

Upon seeing Fang Xu emerge, these people's gazes instantly converged on him.

His words made Fang Xu unable to resist giving a thumbs-up!

Finally, only Fang Xu, Jiang Feng, and Chu Ren Di remained in the hall.

Third!?

This broken sword was given to me by Ku Lun; at the time, I also didn't understand what grade this broken sword was as a weapon.

"Inner Sect Disciple Fang Xu."

"In my Ascension Immortal Association, I have always upheld mutual freedom in disciples choosing masters."

Some idle inner sect disciples at this time also heard the news, rushed here, and stood silently watching.

He is not a killer by nature.

Third stage, fourth stage, fifth stage!

After reaching this position, his forehead was already drenched in sweat!

Even with his soul protected by the bronze cauldron, he still felt as if a mountain weighing ten thousand jun pressed upon his soul, blurring his vision.

As Fang Xu stood dazed, two martial artists from the crowd, both at the Martial Venerable realm and wearing the robes of the Law Enforcement Hall, approached and said: "Your cultivation has leaked a great deal of cold air, freezing many herbs in the Hundred Herbs Hall. Please come with us."

These outer disciples were unlike Fang Xu; they had already gathered specific information about the Immortal Ascension Platform beforehand and knew the cultivation limits corresponding to each level.

Seeing the cold air closing in on his conscious form—just the leaking chill already made his consciousness feel frozen—Fang Xu was startled and hastily tried to fly away.

Hmm?

The moment he gripped the broken bronze sword, Fang Xu suddenly froze.

Saying this, Jiang Feng paused and added: "Including myself."

"Confirmed?"

"Disciple requests to join the Law Enforcement Hall."

Thus, he quickly arrived at the sixth level, then the seventh!

At this moment, the outer disciples below stared in stunned silence.

"Fang Xu, you're about to break through as the Hall Master—surely you have no time to teach me, so don't be foolish."

Fang Xu's gaze wandered among the stewards.

"Alas, I thought Senior Sister Tianyi had fallen, and we would finally have our chance—but now..."

After deep consideration, he ultimately chose the Law Enforcement Hall.

He wanted to comprehend them, but could not grasp a single point; the inscriptions seemed scattered and disconnected, with no clear beginning or end.

Only Martial Masters may attempt the Immortal Ascension Platform; most Martial Masters at the fifth realm can only reach the second level, those with exceptionally strong souls might climb a few more steps on the second level, but few can reach the third.

Seeing Fang Xu's tense expression, Tieshan couldn't help but laugh first: "Look at you scaring this little brat."

On the Spirit Platform, the bronze cauldron emitted a strange glow, undergoing subtle transformation under this terrifying pressure.

"Hurry! Fang Shixiong is now a disciple of the Law Enforcement Hall!"

After all, Yu State is the most powerful faction under the Ascension Alliance, and the Alliance does not wish to fall out with Yu State.

……

The last time he opened the stone gate within the inner meridian aperture, black lightning appeared; ultimately, golden lightning that spontaneously arose in the aperture space helped him break free.

"It moved! It moved!"

Chu Ren'ai waved his hand: "I dislike formalities; if you call me Master once, I accept, and this master-disciple bond is formed."

At the same time, his mind gained some obscure and difficult-to-understand information.

Fang Xu bowed slightly to the two.

Upon hearing this, Fang Xu's expression shifted slightly, then he said: "Master, if I have a deadly grudge with other disciples within the sect, what should I do?"

Hurrying to the gate, Fang Xu prepared to investigate, but saw several figures standing at his cottage's entrance.

The record for the Martial Master realm on Yu State's Ascension Alliance Immortal Ascension Platform is held by Jiang Feng.

Excluding him, only Jiang Feng and Chu Ren'ai remain.

Below, seeing him prepare to climb again, all outer disciples were dumbfounded!

However, bound by the Ascension Alliance's rules, if he were to openly settle scores with Yu State's factions, it would inevitably elevate personal grudges to a level harming Yu State's strength; then the Yu State royal family would surely intervene, and Jiang Feng estimates he would struggle to explain himself to the Yu Emperor.

Within the aperture space, golden lightning surged, its terrifying energy shattering the surrounding ice, and the stone gate protected by the hard ice was now bearing the bombardment of golden lightning!

Large chunks of ice were blasted into powder by the lightning, revealing the stone gate's surface.

Under these circumstances, he once again felt at ease.

"Tomorrow, go find Jiang Lu to apply—then it will be fine."

To take him as Master, I would become a disciple of the Yu State Ascension Alliance Sect Master—rising tide lifts all boats; in the Yu State Ascension Alliance, I would absolutely be the most honored inner disciple.

"Old Master Wu is using public tools for private gain—I protest!"

However, these two are already the personal disciples of Jiang Lu, the steward responsible for guarding the Immortal Ascension Platform.

"Why are you storming the Immortal Ascension Platform?" Chu Ren'ai asked curiously.

"The fifth level."

Hearing Chu Ren'ai's words, Jiang Feng sighed helplessly: "With you saying that, Senior Brother will find it very difficult."

Yu Mountain Tianyi initially used a secret method to give form to her soul, then relied on that embodied soul to successfully reach the seventh level.

"Is Senior Brother Xu also unable to hold back?" Yanwu saw this, looked slightly surprised at Xu Changqing.

Fang Xu was somewhat startled.

He was actually afraid of choosing whom to follow—or not—lest he offend the other stewards in the end.

【351) He never imagined he would one day become a sought-after prize, contested by powerful figures.

He never expected that one day he would become a hot commodity, fought over by all the big shots.

If not for this, would the tragic state of Fu Mountain State have occurred?

Jiang Feng let out a faint sigh, then slowly rose and said: "Regarding Fang Xu's matter, you all stop arguing."

"Did I missee? I feel Fang Shixiong is standing on the seventh level right now."

He truly feared Jiang Feng might not resist temptation and kill the old ape.

After enduring a strike as thick as a water barrel from purple-gold lightning, the entire stone gate, along with some surface ice, shattered instantly!

After the stone gate shattered, a massive vortex appeared, and all the cold air within the aperture space turned into specks of starlight, dissipating within the space.

"Reporting to the Hall Master, all stewards, Fang Xu has been brought." The two Law Enforcement Hall disciples bowed to the crowd, then turned and left the hall.

"You're bullying me with one leg? Come on, fight..."

Fang Xu froze for a moment and said: "Master... Master, do we not need to hold a disciple-acceptance ceremony?"

But Fang Xu didn't know where this was, nor how he had arrived here.

Seeing Yan Wu also rushing to grab people, Tie Shan instantly felt a huge threat and immediately shouted again.

"Did you see that iron stele? It's inscribed with the punishments for inner sect disciples who violate all the rules."

The outer sect disciples were discussing in a buzz, and the two inner sect disciples guarding the Immortal Ascension Platform also noticed Fang Xu standing on the seventh layer's platform, and they all rushed over, puzzled.

As soon as he said this, everyone in the hall was stunned!

The Immortal Ascension Platform is indeed a good place to temper the divine soul.

Ku Lun has always believed that hardship tempers the divine soul, and practicing the path of austerity indeed makes one's divine soul more resilient.

……

As Chu Ren Di's words fell, that pressure suddenly doubled!

Crack!

"The duties of the Law Enforcement Hall disciples are few; you can rest assured in your cultivation here."

After standing quietly like this for a quarter of an hour, Fang Xu suddenly noticed that under this pressure, the bronze great cauldron on his spiritual platform was actually undergoing some kind of transformation.

One of them spoke up to remind.

What situation!?

Others also nodded in agreement.

"Just watch, if Junior Brother Fang can ascend to the eighth layer, he will break the record left by the Sect Master back then in the Martial Master realm."

The secret method of the Close Technique and the supernatural powers stacked together, making Fang Xu feel that his body was now filled with explosive energy!

Actually, it was Mu Xuan and the other two who initially set the rule that reaching the seventh layer of the Ascension Immortal Platform would release someone; they were just teasing Fang Xu.

Fang Xu knows the three great iron rules of the Ascension Assembly: first, prohibit inner sect disciples from fighting each other; second, prohibit the slaughter of innocent ordinary people; third, prohibit privately imparting the Ascension Assembly's cultivation techniques and secret manuals to outsiders.

The stone gate in the second orifice space was opened, having endured the most primal energy nurturing, Fang Xu could clearly feel his body undergoing another subtle change.

"Fifth layer!"

At this moment, the pressure on the sixth stone step of the seventh layer seemed unable to stop him anymore.

"You old brat, don't know what's precious, driving away all the disciples."

Fang Xu clasped his hands and said: "Disciple understands."

Terrifying cold air, centered on Fang Xu's body, rapidly spread outward!

Fang Xu nodded, his steps firm as he stepped onto the dark red stone steps before him!

Know that after Yushan Tianyi and the giant python's bodies merged, their strength had already reached the peak of Martial Venerable, and even Gulong state Gu Qiu couldn't overwhelm her.

"Now, everyone in this hall, you may choose."

The originally bronze-colored skin became somewhat fairer, and the flesh looked even more crystalline and translucent.

Inside, Fang Xu's consciousness had already been completely frozen by this terrifying cold air.

But the extreme cold air behind the stone gate seemed endless; the surface ice on the stone gate, just shattered by golden thunder, was immediately covered by new ice!

However, Fang Xu, upon careful observation, had already found that the ice condensed hastily on the stone gate was becoming thinner and thinner, unable to withstand the thunder's bombardment; each bolt of golden thunder that fell would inflict serious damage on the stone gate's main body.

"There's one more thing; the disciple intends to challenge the Immortal Ascension Platform..."

Roar!

The Divine Ability Magic Ape Three Transformations surged forth, followed immediately by an ancient, vast aura emerging — the Kui Niu Strength Secret Technique!

And while using the Magic Ape Three Transformations divine ability, the self who had summoned the bronze great cauldron's avatar could yet inflict heavy damage upon it.

Fang Xu had a face full of question marks, himself these past few days…… wait, how many days?

In a world where the strong are revered, one must learn to enjoy everything that comes with status and strength.

Gradually, Fang Xu actually discovered that the surface of his divine soul was also emitting a strange light similar to that of the bronze great cauldron.

As soon as he spoke, several people in the hall instantly froze.

With the completion of these mysterious inscriptions, Fang Xu felt that his Magic Ape Three Transformations would soon reach great accomplishment, and ultimately achieve perfection.

"No way!!"

"This……"

"From now on, you will be my third personally transmitted disciple."

He knew of the grudges between Fang Xu and the great clans of Yu State; Chu Ren Di saying this was no different from encouraging Fang Xu and the great clans of Yu State to fight to the death.

Fang Xu's conscious body stood in the orifice space, a faint coolness came, like a heavy snowfall on a winter day, cold but not chilling.

Everyone began to persuade.

The black-clothed man didn't answer, slowly rose and walked to Fang Xu's front, squeezing out a stiff smile on his face and said: "Fang Xu, let me introduce myself, I am Chu Ren Di, an officer of the Law Enforcement Hall."

"Is the Immortal Ascension Platform broken?"

"If you join the Affairs Hall, you two will be together day and night, then form a good union, and by then it will also be a fine tale."

He knew that apprenticing to Wu Ling, with his high regard for him, secretly sneaking in to observe the Cliff Heavenly Canon should not be a problem.

The two nodded, directly gesturing for Fang Xu to continue walking upward.

Not to mention, his divine soul also gradually became more solid under this pressure.

As Fang Xu lifted his foot, the outer sect disciples all exclaimed in surprise.

Now, after a long time of nurturing, this broken sword seems to have become heavier!

Fang Xu curiously examined it; seeing that the broken sword had no obvious change, he continued to hold it, his gaze slowly turning toward the stone gate ahead.

The terrifying pressure increased again, Fang Xu's brows slightly furrowed.

"Fang Xu, I have something I want to ask you."

"Officer......"

Upon hearing this, the inner sect disciples all shook their heads.

Fang Xu's face instantly turned even paler!

At this moment, he felt as if a heavy mountain was pressing down on his soul, the terrifying power causing his soul to tremble uncontrollably.

"It's a cultivation method." After hesitating for a moment, Fang Xu spoke.

Leading Fang Xu out of the Hall of Law Enforcement and to the back mountain, Chu Ren Di pointed to one of the rather grand courtyards and said: "This courtyard will be your residence from now on."

However, most of these people are outer sect disciples who joined the sect at the same time as Fang Xu, and before becoming inner sect disciples, they have few ways to earn contribution points.

The surface of this bronze great sword is covered with flowing, colorful patterns; just a single glance makes one feel it is profoundly mysterious!

"These patterns..."

"The seventh step of the seventh layer of stone steps!"

Staring at the patterns on the bronze great sword, Fang Xu suddenly realized that this bronze great sword is actually extremely similar to the giant great sword he saw behind the Hall of Divine Weapons when he first arrived.

"Don't say it; if we don't mention his cultivation level, we wouldn't even feel ashamed. Being at the second level of Martial Master is already like this. If his cultivation reached the great completion of Martial Master, he would directly ascend to the ninth, even the tenth layer!"

One of them pondered for a long time and then murmured.

"You guys say, does Junior Brother Fang also have this kind of secret technique?"

"Master observes that your current cultivation is only at the second level of Martial Master; recently, you need to focus on raising your realm."

"Can your Hall of Divine Weapons' few big and small cats blame others?" Wu Ling couldn't help but tease: "Weren't there few disciples who initially joined your Hall of Divine Weapons?"

Fang Xu made up his mind; his second star chart must be the Battle Heaven of the Magic Ape!

Since embarking on the martial path, whether it was the eighth-rank martial technique *Nine Ape Staff* given to him by Lu Zhiyuan initially, or the martial technique he later created using the Five Animal Frolics, as well as the divine ability Magic Ape Three Transformations, all are deeply connected to apes in countless ways.

Fang Xu silently gazed at everything around him, and for a moment, he felt somewhat lost.

"Bitterness Wheel?" Chu Ren Di nodded: "He is an extraordinary person."

But as soon as their feet stepped onto the stone steps, a terrifying pressure directly enveloped them!

"I'm counting, one two three four five six seven…… one two three four……"

But this still seems not enough……

This information is presented in the form of strange inscriptions, just like the mysterious patterns on the cliffside heavenly scriptures, engraved in his mind.

"Quickly go inform the master!" The disciples below noticed this scene; the inner sect disciples guarding the Immortal Ascension Platform naturally saw it too, and immediately turned pale as they ran to find Jiang Lu.

The potential displayed by Fang Xu is already no less than that of Elder Jiang Feng, who holds the position of Elder; if he were to fall on the Immortal Ascension Platform this time, the Yu Guo Ascension Immortal Association branch would suffer a great loss.

Now, the only hope is to quickly get Jiang Lu to come over; perhaps he can still be saved!

(End of Chapter)