Chapter 535: Nothing More Than Climbing High (33 Today 1w)

"Is this Heaven Gate?"

Ren Yidao did not know how great a butterfly effect his casual framing had caused; he was currently standing within the front lines controlled by Beigan, gazing at the heaven-shocking spectacle in the sky ahead.

Before seeing the Central Divine Continent with his own eyes, Ren Yidao had only understood it from the rumors of others, and his impression of it remained at the level of a floating landmass, without a concrete concept.

But when Ren Yidao truly stood at the foot of Zhongzhou, he finally realized this heaven-shocking, mighty power.

A floating city?

No, no, no, this is clearly a floating continent.

And...

"It really is somewhat different from what I saw in my dreams. Although the size seems similar, it is more than two circles smaller than it was back then."

That's right, Ren Yidao was not actually seeing Zhongzhou for the "first time" in the true sense.

In that illusory dream, he had once ascended to the heavens and walked among those ancient and magnificent palaces.

But looking at it now, those gorgeous radiances were gone, there were no dragons or phoenixes dancing in the firmament, and even that seemingly unchanging Heaven Gate, while still imposing, appeared a few shades dimmer in his eyes.

"The form remains, but the spirit is gone," Ren Yidao shook his head, sighing in his heart.

Everything looked similar, but in reality, it had long since changed.

The glory of the ancient times had, after all, faded away into the world.

Time is the most ruthless thing of all.

However, after a moment of emotion, Ren Yidao's thoughts drifted away.

He had only caught a glimpse of the past; he was not some ancient relic, and he had nothing to be nostalgic about regarding the past.

All that is past is gone; for truly great figures, look to the present.

What's more, the past is not necessarily better.

After thinking for a while, Ren Yidao looked at the continent above his head and thought of another line of verse.

The carved railings and jade steps should still be there, only the rosy faces have changed.

"However, I have to reverse this; the rosy faces remain, but the carved railings and jade steps are no more, having turned into dust."

After chuckling and sighing for a while, Ren Yidao turned his head and nodded to the tall man standing behind him.

This person was clearly dressed as a civil official, but he looked even more like a warrior than a military general, with thick brows and large eyes, full of heroic spirit.

"Alright, many thanks to Lord Shi for your care. Sending me here is enough; you don't need to send me any further. I can leave on my own from here." Although this man was a Beigan official, Ren Yidao's attitude was quite respectful, performing the etiquette of a junior.

The reason was simple: although this was the first time Ren Yidao had met this person, he still recognized him.

Shi Mingwu, the current patriarch of the Shi Family, the Princess's husband, and also Shi Xue's father.

Well, frankly speaking, it is a good thing that Shi Xue's face resembles her mother's.

"Also, Lord Shi, please don't address me like that. Just call me Yidao. That title... I am really not used to it."

Ren Yidao had been hesitating before about how to address him—should he call him "Uncle Shi" like Shi Xue? Or "Brother Shi" like Shi Anqi? Or "Minister Shi" like Li Long?

Having too many identities is troublesome; one always has to consider these little things.

In the end, for safety's sake, he prepared to address him by his official title, but Shi Mingwu didn't care about that and gave him a huge surprise instead; the first sentence he spoke stunned Ren Yidao.

"Your Highness, His Majesty guessed that you would come here."

"... Who? Huh? Me?" A single title directly short-circuited Ren Yidao's brain.

"Your Highness? Since when did I become a prince?"

"Ah? You don't know?" Shi Mingwu was also a bit confused by his counter-question, not expecting the person involved to be unaware of this matter, and later he could only explain:

"The matter of conferring a title was announced by His Majesty when he returned to the palace this time. He said you are his younger brother, and by taking the top spot in the Immortal Sect Grand Competition, you brought glory to him."

"His Majesty was overjoyed and, overriding all objections, directly conferred a title upon you, giving you status equal to the three Sect Masters, allowing you to enter the palace with a sword and shoes, not having to hurry when entering the court, and not being addressed by name during worship."

Wow!

That's the three-piece set for rebellion!

This Brother Long of mine has ill intentions; could it be that he wants to test me?

Ren Yidao let his imagination run wild for a moment, then secretly curled his lip.

Don't test me, brother.

I, Huhu, am not interested in the imperial throne, but I am... very interested in the few golden flowers of your Li Family.

The matter of the title was just a small thing; although he, the person involved, hadn't been notified, it was nothing.

"That's fine, as long as he's happy. Speaking of which, what title did he confer upon me?"

"It hasn't been decided yet; the ministers are still discussing it. I was supposed to be there too, but I found those civil officials too long-winded, so I simply suggested coming here to guard the front," Shi Mingwu said with a look of disgust after mentioning those civil officials, completely forgetting the fact that he was one of them. "Does Your Highness have any desired title? I can help you pass it back; perhaps His Majesty will agree."

"Prince of Han? Prince of Yan? Prince of Jin? Prince of Great Xi? Uh... forget it, let them think of it themselves. I won't make any suggestions." After carefully scouring his remaining knowledge, Ren Yidao decisively chose to give up; he couldn't think of a single proper one.

Lao Ai, oh Lao Ai!

Changxin Marquis, oh Changxin Marquis, why did you die so early back then? Why were you only a Marquis and didn't manage to become a Feudatory King...

I am progressing too fast; I can't even play your memes anymore.

After pulling back and forth with Shi Mingwu for a while longer, this rigid Lord Shi finally compromised, but he still didn't act presumptuously, instead addressing Ren Yidao as Daoist.

"Daoist Ren, do you really intend to go alone? Why not take some soldiers with you? They know the patterns of the Heaven Gate, and it would be easier to have some support."

"Lord Shi, there is no need to persuade me further. I already understand the patterns, and the soldiers don't know the situation inside the Heaven Gate, so there is no need to let them risk their lives with me." Regarding this, Ren Yidao naturally declined; with his current strength, some weaklings would not be able to provide protection at all, but would instead become a drag and only add to his troubles.

"Besides, you see that I am alone now, but in fact, I have others guarding me, Canglan."

"Master, I am here." As soon as Ren Yidao finished speaking, a cold female voice sounded from the shadow behind him, making Shi Mingwu's eyes flicker slightly.

Before this, at such a close distance, he hadn't discovered anything at all!

A Dark Guard.

And very likely a top-tier Dark Guard, just like his clansman Shi Anqi.

"Since Daoist Ren has such a guard protecting you, then I understand. Please take care." Shi Mingwu stopped persuading, bowed, and then asked: "The next time for ascension will be soon; do you need me to help you suppress the others?"

Shi Mingwu's doubt was not groundless flattery; the situation inside Heaven Gate was unknown, and with no communication between inside and outside, even if someone were to kill for treasure within, no one would know.

If Ren Yidao did not want to expose his whereabouts, then naturally, letting him ascend to Heaven alone was best.

"No need, it's not a big deal, why go through such trouble? Just doing the same as everyone else will suffice," Ren Yidao declined Shi Mingwu's good intentions.

On one hand, there was no need for such a display; on the other hand, he was also curious if anyone would truly be so unafraid of death as to come looking for trouble.

Honestly, the current him was terrifyingly strong.

Truly.

If anyone truly blind enough to run into him did so, it would certainly be that person's good fortune.

In the end, although Shi Mingwu did not force the others into the next batch, he personally brought Ren Yidao to the very front of the line, leaving the crowd behind.

Ren Yidao did not refuse this, chatting with him calmly while ignoring the various gazes from behind.

Some displays were unnecessary, but there was no need to be modest about certain conveniences.

Shi Mingwu's act of abusing his power naturally drew the attention of others, and many frowned as they looked at Ren Yidao.

Being suppressed by the Imperial Court and forced to pass in batches was already infuriating enough, and now someone was cutting in line!

Damn bureaucrats!

So corrupt!

Many were resentful, but in the end, no one took the initiative to be the hero who insisted on fairness.

There was no other reason; they simply did not want to ruin their friendly relationship with the Beiqian Dynasty.

After all, the Northern Qian Dynasty had always been truly intolerant of nonsense; when they were unhappy, they would actually strike people...

Two middle-aged men looked at Ren Yidao and shook their heads, complaining incessantly via secret voice transmission.

"That person is walking ahead of us. I just saw him chatting happily with that Beiqian official; he must be another disciple from a noble family."

"Heh, another young person who doesn't know the immensity of Heaven and Earth. He doesn't want to be a proper noble disciple and insists on drilling into this death trap. He truly doesn't know what's good for him!"

Open resistance was not an option, but complaining behind their backs was something no one could find fault with.

"Um, could you two please lower your voices while conspiring? I can hear you, eh..." Ren Yidao's helpless voice drifted over, causing the two who were chatting mockingly to shut their mouths abruptly.

"Uh! That, we..."

These two had not expected the other party's perception to be so keen; they were using voice transmission!

We are both Void Refinement experts, and he could still hear that!?

Then this young man, could he be some old monster of the Formless stage who is skilled in maintaining a youthful appearance?

Ren Yidao was not angry about this, because he felt that what those people said actually made sense.

"If it weren't for my poor disciple, what kind of sane person would voluntarily drill into this place?"

Pity the hearts of parents everywhere.

A teacher for a day is a father for a lifetime.

Although I, Huhu, have no experience being a master, I have some rich experience in being a father!

As his master, although I haven't taught him much, I have truly done a great job on this point!

However, not everyone was complaining; a few people kept staring at Ren Yidao's back, feeling that his profile looked somewhat familiar.

"That person, could it be... Ren Yidao? The Dao Child of this generation of the Divine Path Sect?"

With the conclusion of the Immortal Sect Grand Competition, Ren Yidao's reputation was gradually spreading; if the events in Zhongzhou hadn't been so dazzling, his fame would have been even greater.

Some even cast their eyes toward the simple Long Sword hanging at Ren Yidao's waist, a look of envy flashing in their eyes.

"The Sanlu Sword, the number one in slaughter beneath a Supreme Treasure. The Sword Casting Hut is truly willing to lend this sword out! And they aren't afraid he might lose it... Heh, even if he is comparable to the Formless stage, so what? There are plenty of experts within Zhongzhou."

Outside Heaven Gate, there were the rules of the cultivation world, but once inside Heaven Gate, it was currently a lawless land.

Some people might be inferior to Ren Yidao in every way, but they were very interested in seeing him suffer.

Malicious, curious, probing... all kinds of gazes fell upon Ren Yidao, but they had no effect on him.

The world looks on with cold eyes, what does that have to do with me?

Let them think what they want.

Not long after, when the time reached the peak of noon, Ren Yidao nodded slightly to Shi Mingwu, leaped lightly with his feet, and landed on the head of a white fox that had appeared out of thin air.

Ying—

Accompanied by an illusory fox cry, he sat cross-legged on the white fox's head and flew toward the firmament.

His hair danced, and his robes moved with the wind.

Riding a white fox to fly to Heaven, drifting like an Immortal.

The laws of ascending Heaven Gate were naturally not as simple as just time; there were many hidden obstacles on the Path to Ascend to Heaven, and one risked death at any moment.

But none of these stopped the white fox for even half a step; those invisible dangers had nowhere to hide in his eyes, like a bright and smooth path, leaving the cautious crowd far behind.

"Another ascent to Heaven, but this time, the feeling is completely different. It's truly easy."

Just as Ren Yidao was about to pass through the Heaven Gate, he suddenly felt something in his heart. He looked back and down, seeing the miserable state of others ascending to Heaven, and suddenly felt like laughing.

"Spirit Transformation, Void Refinement—these are all considered great cultivators in the eyes of the world outside, but from this perspective, they are just as miserable."

All of them were cautious and careful, walking on thin ice, terrified that one slip of the foot would lead to all their efforts being wasted.

"Does that mean... if I could stand at a higher place and look back down, even those Immortals would actually look like this?"

That previous dream had allowed him to truly see many things; he had seen Human Immortals and the Demon God, and understood how powerful they were.

This did not make him afraid; on the contrary, it stirred the pride in his heart.

Ren Yidao thought for a moment, soon shook his head with a laugh, and turned to step into the Heaven Gate.

"I really am, my strength isn't high, but I think quite a lot."

"What's the rush? When that day truly comes, I will naturally know."

It is, after all, just ascending to a high place.

What difficulty could there be in that?