Li Yun stood with his hands behind his back as the aura that had seemed to merge him with heaven and earth gradually faded.
He Pingtian, Poison Granny, and One-Eyed Maniac stood outside the courtyard, their expressions conflicted.
As they watched the young man, emotions they could not put into words surged within them. They had seen him barely two weeks ago, yet he had grown stronger again. Not just a little stronger—he had undergone a transformation as profound as shedding his old skin and bones.
"Congratulations, Chief Lin! Your Martial Intent has reached Great Accomplishment!" He Pingtian was the first to clasp his fists.
Poison Granny and One-Eyed Maniac hurried to offer their congratulations as well.
Li Yun waved a hand. "It's only taken its first shape. I'm still a long way from Great Accomplishment."
He looked up at the sky, his gaze deep.
Just moments ago, when his Martial Intent had taken its first shape, he had faintly sensed a summons—a pull from somewhere above. It was as though a ladder existed over his head, and he could step onto it whenever he wished.
The Martial Dao Ladder!
So it had been there all along. He simply had not been able to sense it while his cultivation was insufficient and his Martial Intent impure.
"After Spirit Transformation comes the climb up the ladder."
With everything I've accumulated, I might be able to step straight onto it now. But... Li Yun pondered.
After a moment's thought, he suppressed the urge.
Before completing Spirit Transformation, climbing the ladder might not be certain death, but it would at least be dangerous. If he failed to withstand the crushing pressure of heaven and earth and his newly forged Martial Intent was scattered, the loss would be enormous.
Spirit Condensation first, then the