Joining Midway

Just as Yuan Ming focused on cultivation, Wu Yu and the Giant Tree King also reached the six-hundredth step one after another.

Yuan Ming opened his eyes and glanced at Wu Yu and the Giant Tree King before closing them again.

Though Wu Yu and the Giant Tree King were curious at the sight, neither dared disturb him. Each collected the reward they had earned from the old man Qing Xu.

Just as they hesitated over whether to move ahead and continue climbing, Yuan Ming suddenly opened his eyes, rose to his feet, and looked at the two of them.

"I intend to travel the rest of the way alone. You two should return," Yuan Ming said calmly but firmly, leaving no room for negotiation.

Hearing this, Wu Yu looked at Yuan Ming without much change in her expression, while a trace of shock and anger clearly flashed through the Giant Tree King's eyes.

"Wan Tianren, what do you mean by this?" the Giant Tree King demanded angrily.

"Exactly what it says. You two should stop here," Yuan Ming replied blandly.

"Fellow Daoist Wan, are you worried that we will compete with you for the Three Realms Immortal Ship? Rest assured, neither the Giant Tree King nor I have ever harbored such ambitions. We merely hope to reach the nine-hundredth step and obtain the reward there. That alone would satisfy us," Wu Yu said with a radiant smile, raising a hand to stop the Giant Tree King from erupting in anger.

Yet Yuan Ming remained unmoved. He shook his head. "You two stopping here is my decision."

Wu Yu's expression darkened as well, and a note of displeasure entered her voice. "Fellow Daoist Wan, must you truly be so harsh? We did not assist Sima Changqin in attacking you just