Unseen by anyone, the vast Five Elements Dao Principle was sensed and flowed into Han Xuanji's mind through the system.
He could clearly sense that among these insights, some interpreted the Fire Dao Principle possessing the vitality of life, while others perceived Fire Dao Principle possessing the essence of destruction.
Similarly, there is also an interpretation of the Water Dao Principle one of inclusiveness...
Some of these prodigies have even reached the deepest level of understanding of the Five Elements cycle.
Han Xuanji did not rush to digest all twelve insights at once, but instead climbed the Heavenly Ladder step by step, comprehending each one slowly.
At this moment, all his thoughts were focused on comprehending the Five Elements Dao Principle and climbing the Heavenly Ladder. With each step he took, he actively activated the Five Elements Dao Principle, merging with the pressure of the Heavenly Ladder's Principle, while simultaneously digesting a Five Elements comprehension rewarded by the system.
For others, climbing the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway is extremely stressful, with each step forward being difficult. However, for Han Xuanji, the climb became increasingly easier. As he absorbed the first two insights, he felt the pressure around him lessen, and his previously obscure understanding of the Five Elements Dao Principle became clearer.
"No, he seems to be attaining enlightenment!"
An older disciple exclaimed in surprise, his eyes filled with disbelief.
Enlightenment!
Enlightenment on the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway!
Everyone present knew what this meant.
Han Xuanji was not only not troubled by the pressure of the Heavenly Ladder, but was also rapidly comprehending the Dao of the Five Elements by utilizing the Dao essence of the Heavenly Ladder.
These words immediately caused an uproar among the crowd.
"Impossible! To comprehend the Dao on the very first time climbing the Heavenly Ladder? What kind of monstrous talent is this?"
"Could we have misread it? Or maybe it's just a coincidence?"
"Coincidence? Go up there and show me a coincidence!"
The surrounding chatter gradually subsided.
The initial mocking and skeptical gazes gradually gave way to surprise and disbelief. Many disciples of the Five Elements Pavilion also stopped talking and quietly watched Han Xuanji climb, as witnessing such a prodigy's enlightenment was a rare opportunity.
The bet between Wang Lin and Hun Hao had already attracted a lot of attention, and with the word-of-mouth among the Five Elements Pavilion disciples, many people were drawn to the scene, particularly those who were amazed by Han Xuanji's steady gait.
"Another prodigy has come to try; I wonder if he'll succeed."
Among the many disciples of the Five Elements Pavilion, many had tried to climb the Heavenly Ladder, but could not withstand the first hundred steps. Han Xuanji, however, had already steadily stepped onto the hundredth step, his expression still calm, and even his breathing was not disordered in the slightest.
"Yes, the last person to reach this position was a prodigy a hundred years ago. It's said that he was quite extraordinary, a very important figure."
"Alas, the trials left by our patriarch are far too difficult; we have disgraced him."
The crowd was abuzz with discussion, and many elders felt a pang of sadness.
The Five Elements Pavilion Master was incredibly powerful, virtually invincible at the Eternal True God Realm, yet none of his successors had ever reached that level; they were far too far behind.
At this moment, Hun Hao's expression gradually turned ugly. The sarcasm at the corner of his mouth had disappeared, replaced by solemnity and unease.
He stared intently at Han Xuanji's figure, thinking to himself:
"How is that possible? How could he step on it so easily?"
"Are all the rumors false?"
"Does he really possess the strength of S-Rank Heaven's Chosen?"
Hun Hao shook his head, still not believing that Han Xuanji truly complete the entire challenge. After all, the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway had over three thousand levels, and the pressure increased as you progressed. Passing the first hundred levels wasn't difficult at all, and even he had passed three hundred levels.
However, at this rate, Han Xuanji will soon reach level 200...
Hun Hao began to pray that Han Xuanji would slow down under the pressure, but Han Xuanji's pace did not stop for a moment; on the contrary, it quickened.
Two hundred, three hundred, four hundred...
"How... how is this possible?"
A disciple from the Five Elements Pavilion broke the silence first, his voice trembling with barely concealed shock:
"Last time I challenged the Heavenly Ladder, I only reached the 300th level before the pressure of the Principle overwhelmed Qi and Blood, making it difficult to even breathe. He's already at the 500th level, and he's doing it so easily?"
A young disciple rubbed his eyes, thinking he had misread it:
"And look... why is his pace getting faster and faster?"
Logically, the higher one goes on the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway, the greater the pressure should be, and the climber's steps should become increasingly heavy.
Han Xuanji, on the contrary, was initially slow, but as he continued upwards, he became more and more composed and skilled.
"Yes! This is outrageous! This is no ordinary person who rose to power through connections as rumored; this is clearly a true prodigy!"
Another disciple followed closely behind, his eyes filled with shock, even finding the rumor utterly ridiculous.
"There aren't many people in the entire Five Elements Pavilion who have reached level 500. By that logic, aren't we all useless?"
As Han Xuanji stepped onto the six hundredth step...
Hun Hao's pupils contracted, and he was completely speechless, staring intently at the figure calmly moving forward on the Heavenly Ladder, his eyes filled with disbelief.
He recalled the first time he tried the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway Ladder.
Three years ago, he confidently stepped onto the first step, believing that with the foundation of a direct descendant of the Soul Household, even if he couldn't reach the top, he could still achieve a good result.
And the result?
He felt immense pressure at level 300, was sweating profusely at level 380, and was eventually forced to give up at level 390.
That day, he descended the ladder to heaven, drenched in sweat and looking utterly disheveled.
Now, Han Xuanji has surpassed his achievements from back then, and it seems... he doesn't even feel any pressure.
He suddenly remembered the bet he had made with Wang Lin.
Wang Lin certainly couldn't be saying that he was betting Han Xuanji could directly ascend the Heavenly Ladder and step into the Five Elements Altar.
Instead, they were betting on Han Xuanji could climb the 1,800th step.
This is a watershed moment; without exception, those who can climb the 1,800 steps are all remarkable talents.
Moreover, the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway Ladder primarily tests one's understanding of the Five Elements Dao Principle; it does not mean that the other party's understanding is limited to that.
Hun Hao's unease grew stronger, yet even so, he refused to accept the fact that Han Xuanji was stronger than him, muttering to himself with a hint of self-deception:
"It's all fake... it's all fake! He's definitely faking it. Once he reaches level 1000, he'll definitely break down. That's for sure!"
Wang Lin stood right next to Hun Hao, clearly seeing the panic on his face. A smile played on his lips, and he spoke with a hint of mockery, deliberately raising his voice so that everyone around could hear:
"Brother Hun Hao, why aren't you saying anything? Are you scared?"
"Are you feeling unwell? Should you go and rest for a while?"