Ascension Stairway, Automaton Formation, the Terrifying Heart Inquiry Platform

After speaking, Luo Wentian smiled at the other group of the Gang Essence Realm experts who were standing there:

"Gentlemen, please follow me up the mountain."

This Heavenly Ascension Staircase is used to test children who have never embarked on the path of martial arts. Ning Qi used a special mineral and supplemented it with a simple Qimen Formation, which can greatly increase the pressure on people walking on it, making it more and more difficult the higher they go.

This stage tests willpower.

There are a total of 999 steps, and those who can reach the top must be people with extraordinary perseverance.

This recruitment of disciples lays the foundation for the True Martial Sect for decades to come. Unless there are special circumstances, it will not be possible to recruit disciples on such a large scale again for a long time. Ning Qi attaches great importance to this.

Now that his martial arts realm has deepened day by day, he has gradually come to understand that if he wants to go further in martial arts, perhaps Root Bone is not the most important thing.

Excellent Root Bone can give you a smooth and rapid advance in the early stages, but martial arts willpower can allow you to surpass others and even break your own limits.

Therefore, he set up the Ascending Heaven Staircase as the assessment.

Luo Wentian led a group of the Gang Essence Realm at the Gangyuan Realm up the mountain and left. With their cultivation levels, they disappeared into the distance in just a few leaps.

This time, the Mountain Gate were opened wide.

Recruiting children is of paramount importance, but these experts at the Gang Essence Realm should not be underestimated.

After all, the True Martial Sect is currently in a rather awkward situation. Its top combat power includes the Heavenly Sword Real Person and the Daoist Longshan, who are renowned throughout the world. Its middle and lower-level Body Tempering Realm and Inner Essence Realm cultivators are also able to dominate the martial arts world. However, it has far fewer cultivators at the Gang Essence Realm.

Even today.

Only the seven True Disciple of the past have stepped into the White Mist Realm. Although they are talented and their combat power surpasses that of ordinary White Mist Realm, as the True Martial Sect's power grows stronger, they are eventually finding themselves in a predicament.

Therefore, the idea of recruiting other experts at the Gang Essence Realm came about.

This serves as a transition.

The True Martial Sect can overcome this awkward period once more and more experts at the Gang Essence Realm are born.

The assessment for them is naturally different from that for children; priority is given to combat ability and character.

Watching Luo Wentian and the others leave.

Xiong Shi, who remained there, continued to add:

"Attention all participants in the assessment: Please note the following precautions when ascending the Heavenly Staircase."

"First, you must reach the summit through your own will, without relying on external forces!"

"Secondly, you are not allowed to attack other examinees on the Ascension Stairs. If you are found doing so, you will be immediately disqualified from the examination!"

"Third, if you can't hold on any longer, call for help immediately, and True Martial disciple will take you down the mountain."

His gaze swept over the crowd, carrying a faint aura of Sha Qi. The previous scene had gradually instilled a sense of awe in everyone towards this elder of punishment, so they naturally nodded repeatedly.

"Therefore, I hereby declare the assessment officially open!"

The words had barely left his mouth.

The children, who were already prepared, began to climb in an orderly fashion. They did not rush to be first, because the True Martial disciples had already explained the rules: it would not be based on who reached the top first, but only on how long it took each person to reach the top.

Otherwise, if nearly ten thousand people rush up, even if the stairway to heaven is large enough, it's impossible for everyone to be on the same starting line.

In the crowd.

The skinny little girl encouraged the boy with thick eyebrows:

"Go, brother!"

The boy with thick eyebrows was also encouraging himself. He looked at the other boys around him who were dressed in fine clothes and were all strong and healthy, but he had nothing but a do-or-die determination.

The children climbed the steps to heaven and immediately noticed something unusual.

As soon as they stepped onto the steps, they felt a slight pressure. At first, it was relatively easy, but every few dozen steps, the pressure would increase by a level, making their bellies tremble.

For a child under ten years old, climbing 999 steps is already difficult enough, let alone with added pressure.

Many children looked ahead, at the seemingly endless stone steps that appeared so far away, and a sense of despair rose in their hearts.

His spirits were broken.

Then one after another, people gave up.

The disciples of True Martial traversed the Heavenly Ascension Steps, leading the children down the mountain one by one.

This scene, witnessed by the other examiners, only intensified the pressure on them.

Most of those who are able to participate in this assessment are already outstanding individuals among ordinary people, but now, the assessment is too difficult; half of the people are eliminated after only climbing one-third of the way.

The once crowded steps to heaven suddenly became much emptier.

And this.

This is just the beginning.

People kept falling behind, and some voluntarily withdrew.

Some children even broke down and cried.

The seemingly easy Stairway to Heaven is actually fraught with immense challenges.

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

"Little Nine's Ascension Stairs is indeed extraordinary. Now that I think about it, the path of martial arts is just like these Ascension Stairs. There is no end in sight. To walk firmly all the way, one needs courage far beyond that of ordinary people. Those who can pass the test of the Ascension Stairs will surely achieve great things in the future."

"If you can't pass, even the best Root Bone is useless."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Without realizing it, they forgot that Ning Qi was only a little over ten years old.

Time passed.

The first stage of the assessment is still ongoing.

Many are already close to reaching the summit.

Several promising young players also caught their attention.

"The first boy walked steadily, with a firm gaze and strong bones. He came from the Lu clan of Gaoyang and his name was Lu Mang."

"The girl behind her is also quite good. She's adept at using leverage and very agile. If I remember correctly, she seems to be from the Ouyang Aristocratic Clan in Qingzhou City, and her name is Ouyang Yuxuan."

"..."

Everyone offered their comments.

A look of satisfaction appeared on his face.

The prestige of the True Martial Sect soared, and some famous Aristocratic Clan families were willing to send their promising disciples to the sect.

now.

The steps to heaven are already sparsely populated.

The person was dragging it out for a long time.

They were divided into several tiers.

Judging from the appearance, less than half a percent of the people reached the summit, which is less than 500.

The difficulty of this is self-evident.

Ning Qi and Daoist Longshan had stopped playing chess and walked to the window, gazing at the top of the Heavenly Ascension Steps in the distance. Luo Wentian and the others were waiting there. One by one, the children who had reached the top stood up with joy. Having walked the Heavenly Ascension Steps, their will and character had been cleansed, and their future path in martial arts would be smoother.

The Daoist Longshan sighed:

"Little Nine, your method is truly excellent. Once this batch of disciples grows up, the True Martial Sect will be as stable as Mount Tai."

Ning Qi simply chuckled.

He let out a soft "hmm," his gaze showing some surprise.

Following his gaze, the Daoist Longshan was also startled.

Near the top of the Ascending Stairs, a boy with thick eyebrows and big eyes was struggling to climb. Most of the people who were supposed to reach the top had already done so. The boy was using both his hands and feet, and there was an astonishing fierceness in his eyes. Behind him, a faint trail of blood was left.

Those were hands and feet that had been worn raw.

His shoes were already worn out, but he still persevered upwards.

With Ning Qi and Daoist Longshan's keen eyesight, it was not difficult for them to see that the boy's internal strength was almost completely exhausted, and he was even participating in the assessment on an empty stomach. Judging from his clothes, the boy came from a very low social background.

The Daoist Longshan sighed deeply:

"This child possesses great perseverance."

Ning Qi nodded approvingly.

This is very rare.

The people on the mountaintop naturally noticed the boy as well.

As he exhausted his last bit of strength to climb the last step, Luo Wentian were filled with admiration.

He went over personally and offered them food and water.

"Little one, what's your name?"

The boy was incredibly nervous. He hadn't expected to be noticed by such an important figure as Luo Wentian. Before he could even feel happy about having finished climbing the Heavenly Ascension Steps, he instinctively stammered:

"I... I don't have a name. People in the village used to call me Gou Dan (Dog Egg)."

Some people around him looked at him with disdain, 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? Get some rest and work hard next time."

Dog Egg nodded vigorously, his heart pounding with excitement.

This moment.

Luo Wentian's silhouette shone brightly in his eyes. He began to wolf down the food in his hands, feeling a pang of regret that his younger sister couldn't share it with him. He made up his mind that he must pass the test and become a disciple of True Martial!

He used to become a disciple of True Martial because he wanted to have enough to eat, but now he has a strange feeling about the True Martial Sect.

Luo Wentian around at everyone and said loudly:

"First of all, congratulations on passing the Ascension Staircase assessment. Whether or not you become True Martial Disciples, this is a valuable experience that will allow you to go further!"

"Now rest well and prepare for the next test. It's also a good opportunity to observe the formidable strength of your martial arts seniors and set goals for yourself."

The children's eyes sparkled.

They realized that this was probably the test for those Gang Essence Realm Gang Essence Realm, who were already unattainable super-powerful figures for most of them.

Luo Wentian smiled at the numerous experts at the Gang Essence Realm:

"Gentlemen, who wants to go first?"

The assessment format for the Gang Essence Realm is not difficult; the first test is combat strength, which he has already explained very clearly.

And the targets for demonstrating combat power.

These are just mechanical figures in front of you. If you can withstand their attacks for a quarter of an hour, you'll have successfully passed the level.

now.

Everyone stared in astonishment at the mechanical figures that were neither made of metal nor wood. Each one was several feet tall and exuded a sense of oppression. This was naturally Ning Qi's achievement in recent days, or rather, he had always been interested in mechanical arts.

Previously, He Yan had found him some miscellaneous knowledge, which helped him gain some understanding.

Although these mechanical figures were somewhat clumsy and unable to chase the enemy, Ning Qi combined them with Qimen Formation, making them practical tools for the assessment.

It includes realms ranging from the Body Tempering Realm to the Inner Essence Realm and then to the Gang Essence Realm.

This group of mechanical puppets, once assembled, can pose a great threat to the White Mist Realm; only the best among them can pass the test.

Ning Qi and Daoist Longshan watched intently. With their keen eyesight, they could discern clues from the actions of numerous experts at the Gang Essence Realm. They might even be able to deduce their origins directly from their martial arts styles. Unless they had never learned those signature martial arts techniques, it would be difficult to conceal their true nature.

On the field.

The hundred or so Gang Essence Realm experts were somewhat unsure of the strength of the mechanical figures before them.

But eventually, someone was willing to be the first to try something new.

A swordsman in blue robes stepped forward, his eyes radiating confidence:

"I'll do it!"

He finished speaking.

The person had already rushed out.

Click click click click.

With a buzzing sound, all the mechanical figures seemed to awaken from a deep sleep and began to move.

Although the movements were clumsy, every action carried immense force, and the whistling sound made one's scalp tingle. Once the Formation was complete, there was an impenetrable pressure. In addition, the material was extraordinary, and even when the Gang Qi was bombarded on it, it only left white marks. The pressure was overwhelming.

Of course, this is an assessment, so the experts at the Gang Essence Realm cannot escape. If they encountered these mechanical figures under normal circumstances, no matter how many there were, they would not pose a significant threat to them, as their speed would allow them to easily create distance.

But now that they are actively under attack from the mechanical forces, the situation is completely different.

The swordsman in blue was quite skilled, ranking above average among everyone else.

But now he was struggling and in grave danger. If it weren't for his truly exquisite Swordsmanship, he would probably be out of the game. Even so, the green-robed swordsman was sweating and no longer had the same contempt he had shown before.

Everyone's expression changed instantly.

The children who had just passed through couldn't tell the difference. They just watched the legendary Gang Qi shooting out, marveling at it. Gou Dan, while munching on a hot pancake, had eyes full of longing. He hoped that one day he could become as strong as this swordsman in blue.

A quarter of an hour passed in the blink of an eye.

The bell rang.

The swordsman in green breathed a sigh of relief.

He immediately accelerated and rushed out of the encirclement of mechanical figures, a hint of awe already in his eyes. Rumors in the martial arts world were one thing, but now that he had personally experienced the True Martial Sect, his heart burned even hotter, and his determination to join the True Martial Sect was even stronger.

The others shared similar thoughts.

"Congratulations!" Luo Wentian with a kind smile.

He had been observing this swordsman in blue robes, and he concluded that this man was indeed a skilled fighter within the White Mist Realm.

The swordsman in blue quickly returned the greeting, showing no sign of disrespect.

With him as a model,

The others had also made a rough estimate. Although some were hesitant, they had come this far and could not back down.

One after another, experts at the Gang Essence Realm rushed out.

The mechanical Formation is large enough to accommodate more than a dozen people taking the exam at the same time.

In an instant.

Various kinds of Gang Qi shot out.

The air was filled with the aura of swords and blades.

The children's eyes were filled with amazement. If the occasion hadn't been inappropriate, they would have already exclaimed. The number of experts at the Gang Essence Realm they saw today far exceeded the number they had seen in the previous few years.

Within the mechanical Formation.

The experts at the Gang Essence Realm each displayed their Divine Ability.

Some displayed exquisite martial arts skills, some possessed extraordinary Gang Qi, some had powerful physiques, and some had superb Movement Method...

all in all.

If you have a special skill in a certain field, you will generally pass; otherwise, if you are just average, you will naturally fail.

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

They make up more than 70% of those in the White Mist Realm, meaning that less than 30% of those in the White Mist Realm can pass the test.

As for the very few Jade Liquid Realm and one Yuan Pill Realm, they naturally passed through easily, since this combat strength barrier was originally designed to block those in the White Mist Realm.

Ning Qi watched, his eyes already showing signs of emotion.

Daoist Longshan turned his head and asked:

"Little Nine, how many of them did you identify?"

Ning Qi chuckled:

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

Daoist Longshan was stunned.

He had only identified four, but Ning Qi had actually identified eight. However, he knew that Ning Qi wouldn't make baseless accusations. As Ning Qi pointed them out one by one, his expression darkened, and he became somewhat angry.

This is only what the two of them noticed; there are some things that are much more deeply hidden.

Doesn't that mean that nearly one-tenth of the hundred-plus Gang Essence Realm are spies?

"Very well!" Daoist Longshan's eyes blazed with anger.

Ning Qi comforted him:

"Master, don't be angry. This is a good opportunity to wipe them all out in one fell swoop."

He didn't turn around, but simply gave the instructions:

"Tiansheng, 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 a human perspective. Two years ago, the White Ape was already able to fight against the White Mist Realm. Now it is even stronger. After being dormant for so many years, it is time for the White Ape to gradually reveal itself. Not everyone can be completely low-key and reserved. Appropriately revealing itself will be beneficial to its future cultivation.

The Daoist Longshan looked somewhat surprised, but he didn't speak; instead, he seemed to be expecting something.

A look of surprise flashed in the White Ape's eyes; he understood Ning Qi's meaning.

"Yes, teacher!"

After saying that, he strode away, already somewhat eager to try it out.

far away.

All experts at the Gang Essence Realm have completed the tests.

Of the more than one hundred experts at the Gang Essence Realm, only about thirty remained, including one at the Yuan Pill Realm and seven or eight at the Jade Liquid Realm.

The eliminated White Mist Realm warrior looked somewhat annoyed, but after glancing at the remaining people, he knew that he was simply outmatched.

Luo Wentian comforted him:

"You are all exceptional talents, but unfortunately, my True Martial Sect lacks the resources to support so many powerful individuals in their cultivation. Otherwise, I would truly like to recruit you all into our sect."

"Those who were not selected this time will still receive a martial arts manual from our True Martial Sect. This is a sign that you all respect the True Martial Sect for coming from so far away. How about we watch the assessment conclude together before heading down the mountain?"

Upon hearing this statement...

Everyone was taken aback for a moment, but then their mood improved considerably. Regardless of the martial arts' grade, the True Martial Sect had already shown them great respect by going to such lengths.

Everyone said in unison:

"Sect Leader Luo, you're too kind!"

Those who passed the assessment were all smiles. Just think about it: if the True Martial Sect was so generous to those who were eliminated, if they could successfully join the True Martial Sect, wouldn't they be guaranteed resources and martial arts training as long as they worked diligently?

This small act subtly and instantly raised the prestige of the True Martial Sect in the eyes of the people.

Luo Wentian turned to everyone and said:

"Now that you have all passed the first test, only the second test remains. If you can pass the second test, the Heart-Questioning Platform, you will become a member of my True Martial Sect!"

These words were not only spoken to the Gang Essence Realm warriors who had passed through the mechanical Formation.

This was also addressed to the children who had stepped onto the Heavenly Staircase.

The first two are different.

But the second hurdle was the same for everyone.

Luo Wentian didn't intend to set up seven or eight trials for this assessment; it would be meaningless.

After talking with Ning Qi.

For children just starting out, perseverance and character are crucial.

The beckoning Gang Essence Realm value both combat prowess and mental fortitude.

This platform for self-examination is a place to test one's character.

"The Platform for Asking the Heart?" Someone slowly pondered these two words, their eyes flickering slightly.

Those with an honest conscience are fine, but those with a guilty conscience have a bad feeling.

These three words alone have a sense of oppression.

With the previous Ascension Steps and Mechanical Man Formation as examples, no one thought this so-called Questioning Platform was just for show.

This platform for questioning the heart is naturally also Ning Qi's masterpiece.

He had previously created the miraculous secret technique of Soul-Capturing Eye Technique, and then optimized it. After combining it with several special precious materials and strange Formation, he set up the Questioning Platform. If the person in the platform relaxes their mind, they will naturally follow the guidance and express their truest thoughts.

A member of the True Martial School cannot be a criminal or a person of evil intentions.

Of course, this method is also very effective at catching spies.

Luo Wentian smiled broadly, but there was a hint of malice in his smile.

"Gentlemen, you are the seniors, how about you give these little ones a demonstration first?"

Led by the disciples of True Martial, the group arrived at the edge of a High Platform that could accommodate hundreds of people. Around the High Platform, there were blue stone pillars of varying heights, each carved with various Divine Beast, exuding a mysterious aura that made them seem extraordinary at first glance.

Luo Wentian reminded him:

"Relax, everyone. This is just a simple test. Once you're up there, just relax. This platform won't pry into your privacy. If you're unwilling to relax, you'll fail the test."

This is a drawback of the Questioning Platform, after all, it is merely a derivative of the Soul-Capturing Eye Technique.

If one could force a questioning of the heart, that would be quite impressive.

Ning Qi felt that perhaps even more miraculous power would be needed to do it.

However, it's not a big problem. Those who are unwilling to relax their minds must have a problem, while those who are willing to relax their minds are naturally willing to do so when it comes to disciple trials.

The remaining thirty-odd experts at the Gang Essence Realm exchanged bewildered glances.

But at this crucial moment, when it comes down to it, giving up is out of the question.

Even if some of them have ill intentions, at this point you can only try your luck.

Many children were also captivated.

They will next face the test of this platform of self-examination.

More than thirty people sat down cross-legged.

Luo Wentian's expression gradually turned somber. He exchanged glances with Xiong Shi and the others, nodded silently, and then bursts of Gang Qi shot out, activating the strange Formation within the Questioning Platform.

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

In an instant.

A mysterious and wondrous wave swept over the crowd on the stage.

"If obtaining a peerless martial art requires wiping out an innocent family, would you be willing to do it?" The authoritative voice continued.

"Every man for himself, or heaven and earth will punish him; that will naturally happen!"

"Won't!"

"This is the act of a beast! I will not do it!"

The responses varied, with some closing their eyes but revealing a fierce aura between their brows.

No matter how kind and benevolent one may appear, one's true thoughts will be completely exposed before the interrogation platform.

Disciples immediately began to record everyone's answers.

The authoritative voice continued to ring out.

Each question went straight to the heart.

For example, should the True Martial Sect retreat or fight when in trouble? Should they intervene or not when they encounter injustice? These are all kinds of issues that involve many aspects and need to be considered together. After all, people are complex, and a single issue cannot determine anything.

The True Martial Sect does not recruit saints.

Prioritize actions that do not harm the core interests of the True Martial Sect.

However, those with extremely violent tempers are also unacceptable; they are quick to wipe out entire families. Such people are not on the same path as the True Martial Sect.

The authoritative voice continued, asking the final question:

"Who are you from?"

In an instant.

The answers were varied.

"The Li family of Qingquan came here to receive offerings, hoping to gain access to a more profound Inheritance!"

"Rogue Person martial artist!"

Such answers are perfectly normal.

However, a few of the answers were extremely harsh.

"Holy Gate!"

"Southern Xinjiang!"

"Sword-Questioning Pavilion!"

"The Formless Sect!"

Luo Wentian narrowed his eyes.

He had long been aware of the Demon Sect and the Southern Frontier.

The Sword-Questioning Pavilion is probably here for the True Martial Sword Stele.

The True Martial Sect was the one that was pushed down from the ninth gate by the Zhenwu Sect.

These two sects probably wanted to take advantage of the True Martial Sect's recruitment of disciples to plant some spies in, so that they could act more easily in case of any future actions.

The onlookers were all horrified, especially the dozens of eliminated Gang Essence Realm warriors. The strangeness of the Questioning Platform had already made some of them uneasy, and now that they heard those people from the Questioning Platform reveal their purpose, their hearts pounded wildly.

Someone could no longer sit still; his Gang Qi surged, and he roared:

"Wake up right now!!"

This roar instantly jolted everyone on the Questioning Platform awake.

The experts at the Gang Essence Realm on the Questioning Platform were all horrified. Only then did they realize what they had just said.

This platform for questioning the heart is terrifying!