In just two short hours, all ten levels of the Heavenly Ladder had filled up.
Without a doubt, the highest level was occupied by Mu Chen and Xiao Xiao.
The ninth level held six survivors from the top ten of the Dragon Phoenix Record, including Su Biyue of All-Saint Mountain, Hong Yu of the Demon Sect, and Ding Xuan of the Giant Spirit Clan.
Below them were the various geniuses who enjoyed some renown in the Northern Realm.
Once the Dragon Phoenix Heavenly Ladder filled, the ancient stone platform—wrapped in the intertwined phantoms of a True Dragon and a True Phoenix, their heads and tails linked—vanished at once, slipping deep into the clouds.
Golden pillars of light shot into the sky, enveloping the gathered powerhouses of the Northern Realm.
The two pillars of light from the highest level were especially dazzling.
They were dark gold from top to bottom, thick and massive, as if filled with liquid.
Vast quantities of pure, dark golden Dragon Phoenix true blood roared down through the pillars, pouring endlessly into Mu Chen and Xiao Xiao's bodies and tempering their flesh.
The Dragon-Phoenix Body was terrifying beyond compare. No matter how much came, it swallowed every last drop.
An ancient pressure gradually rippled down from the highest level, washing over everyone.
Half a month later, most of the hundreds of geniuses on the Dragon Phoenix Heavenly Ladder had departed. Only a handful remained.
A True Dragon coiled majestically across Mu Chen's bare chest, constantly winding its way over him.
Across his broad back, a golden phoenix spread its wings, poised to soar.
Whoosh! He abruptly opened his eyes, shooting out two dazzling beams of golden light.
Between his joined palms lay a mysterious dark golden bone, covered in ancient markings, its mysteries unfathomable.
His Highness the