bookpub Chapter 38 True Teachings
Chapter 38 True Teachings
This scene immediately piqued the interest of everyone who was about to leave, and they all stood still to watch.
It's rare to see a situation where someone loses one match and immediately gets challenged by another.
Mo Zheng also stopped in his tracks and looked at the person who had spoken.
The young man, dressed in black, was tall and thin with ordinary features. He had a long sword hanging at his waist and a gentle smile on his face, yet for some reason, he exuded a sharp aura.
Without a doubt, this is a master swordsman, and his strength is definitely above that of You Chendong.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been confident enough to challenge You Chendong's swordsmanship after You Chendong's defeat.
Moreover, the bet was only one thousand taels, the minimum bet, which clearly showed that he genuinely wanted to spar with him.
Will you agree or not?
"Don't agree, don't argue. He's He Kuang, the sword maniac, who's obsessed with swords."
"Wang Yuan is right. He is an inner disciple and has passed through two levels of the Tower of Ascension. You are no match for him."
Wang Yuan and Zhao Tong clearly recognized the newcomers and quickly tried to persuade them.
Have you been able to pass through the two levels of the Tower of Ascension?
Mo Zheng's heart stirred, and he had already made up his mind.
Just then, a calm voice rang out:
"He Kuang, are you itching for a fight? You should go find Lan Jun. After all, you've been here together for three years. You two are the real rivals who should be competing against each other."
The speaker was none other than Zhou Xian, who said with a smile, "Or, you can challenge me to a duel. No bets are needed; you just need to contribute ten contribution points. How about it?"
"Zhou Zhenchuan..."
He Kuang's expression changed slightly. He couldn't afford to offend the famous figures on the True Inheritance Stele.
Even though Zhou Xian was ranked last, those who could have their names engraved on the True Inheritance Stele were all those who had passed the fourth level of the Tower of Ascension and had inevitably comprehended the mysteries of the Unity Realm.
He hadn't even made it to the third level of the Tower of Ascension. Wouldn't it be masochistic for him to duel with Zhou Xian?
Ten contribution points are a small amount of money, but he is obsessed with swords, not someone who likes to torture himself.
"The true disciple should challenge Senior Brother Fang Yang to a duel," He Kuang replied.
Fang Yang was the senior disciple of their lineage, ranking fourth among the true disciples.
"Looks like you're scared."
Zhou Xian shook his head and smiled, saying, "If I'm looking for Senior Brother Fang, then you shouldn't be looking for Junior Brother Mo. Why don't you try Senior Brother Qian's swordsmanship?"
Upon hearing this, Qian Zhongyou replied, "I've also heard of your reputation as the Sword Madman. You've challenged quite a few inner disciples. How about trying my blade?"
The two were clearly standing up for Mo Zheng.
Seeing this, Mo Zheng quickly cupped his hands to the two and said, "Thank you both, senior brothers. But since he has challenged me, I'll handle it myself."
"Hey, you little rascal, are you really going to agree? He's not on the same level as You Chendong," Zhou Xian advised.
The difference between even one level of external martial arts can be quite significant.
Just like the basic realm, it is further divided into minor achievement and major achievement. The major achievement level can completely overwhelm the minor achievement level.
The same applies to the realm of subtle understanding. The three levels of the Tower of Ascension represent the different levels of understanding of subtle understanding. The difference between each level is huge, making it impossible to challenge those levels.
"If Junior Brother Mo agrees, the bet of one thousand taels of silver can be waived," He Kuang quickly added.
Money was a minor matter; he was interested in learning swordsmanship, but most importantly, he wanted to help You Chendong regain some face.
After all, You Chendong had already joined his faction, and he would always seek revenge for any loss he suffered.
"Senior Brother He Kuang, I've long admired your name. I can accept your challenge."
Mo Zheng said with a smile, and He Kuang was immediately delighted.
"But not now. It will be after some time, when I have reached the same number of floors in the Tower of Ascension as you. I will definitely invite you to a duel. What do you think, Senior Brother He?"
This sudden turn of events caused He Kuang's joy to plummet. He was waiting for Mo Zheng to reach the same number of floors in the Tower of Heaven as him.
How many years will we have to wait? Two, three, or five years?
He might have already graduated, so what's the point of a duel then?
Seeing He Kuang's expression change from joy to disappointment, Mo Zheng couldn't help but laugh. He wasn't stupid. He had agreed to You Chendong's request because he was somewhat confident. But to deal with someone like He Kuang, who was far stronger than him, it was only right to wait until they were at a similar level before dueling. Otherwise, he would simply be beaten.
"You bastard..."
Zhou Xian and Qian Zhongyou also laughed. This junior brother Mo was obviously teasing He Kuang. He agreed first, and then came up with this condition, which made the other party's mood turn sour all of a sudden. He was quite wicked.
Seeing the mocking smiles on the faces of the people in front of him, He Kuang came to his senses and couldn't help but feel angry.
He said coldly, "Hmph, I'll remember you! I hope you won't..."
Before he could finish his harsh words, a cold voice suddenly interrupted him from behind:
"Please make way."
He Kuang, already displeased, suddenly erupted in anger, turning back and snarling, "So what if I don't allow it?!"
However, his anger lasted only a moment. When he saw the figure walking in through the outer door, he vanished without a trace, and even a hint of awe appeared in his eyes.
He was a young man dressed in white, carrying two guns on his back. He had a handsome face, a cold expression, and an arrogant air about him. He was like a piece of ice that had never melted on a snowy mountain. Just looking at him made people feel a chill.
Lan Jun, the deadly Lan Jun!
Everyone present recognized the identity of this genius who had the best chance of becoming a true successor.
Lan Jun stood there, quietly watching He Kuang, his eyes filled with even more coldness.
He Kuang shivered, quickly cupped his hands in greeting, and said respectfully, "Senior Brother Lan, I apologize for my rudeness just now. Please forgive me."
Disrespect is unacceptable; the so-called sword maniac is utterly insignificant in the face of the deadly spear.
Who in the entire martial arts academy doesn't know Lan Jun's murderous nature?
Normally, disciples of the martial arts hall only kill monsters to complete their monthly tasks and earn some money to meet their cultivation needs.
He would venture deep into the Daliang Mountains every few days, killing demonic beasts as easily as cutting grass. Each time he returned, he would bring back a large bag of demonic beast cores and materials. It was no longer for making money or cultivating; it was purely for slaughter.
Moreover, He Kuang had experienced Lan Jun's marksmanship firsthand, which left him with considerable psychological trauma.
Just one move.
He was pierced through in one move.
He was no match for Lan Jun back then, and now the gap between them is undoubtedly even greater.
"Get out of here."
The figure in white, carrying a gun, said calmly.
Upon hearing this, He Kuang had no other thoughts and sheepishly stood aside.
Lan Jun continued walking inside.
He no longer needed to speak; wherever he went, people made way for him, even his two true disciples, Zhou Xian and Qian Zhongyou, who gave him a path.
No one cares about Mo Zheng anymore, and no one cares about You Chendong either.
All eyes were focused on this unparalleled genius.
What is he here for?
This is the question in everyone's mind.
However, the answer came quickly.
"Master Zhao, I am going to challenge the Tower of Ascension. Thank you for your trouble," Lan Jun said.
"Go to the fourth level?"
The elderly man with silver hair raised an eyebrow as he looked at the cold, aloof figure in white robes carrying a gun below the platform, a look of surprise appearing on his face.
He said, "It's only been a year since you cleared the third level of the Tower of Ascension. Are you sure you want to try the fourth?"
Like a duel, attempting to conquer the Tower of Ascension involves sending a wisp of consciousness inside. If one is not confident in their ability to succeed, failure inside will also result in mental injury.
Moreover, each attempt to conquer the tower costs 100 contribution points, which is no small sum—a full 10,000 taels of silver.
Therefore, no one would consider attempting to climb the Tower of Ascension without being certain of success.
"Mm." Lan Jun nodded gently.
Immediately, everyone present was in an uproar.
Is Lan Jun really confident about climbing to the fourth floor of the Sky Tower?
It should be noted that once you pass the fourth level, you become a true disciple!
Today, the martial arts hall has more than 300 disciples, but only 20 are considered true disciples.
These people have been in the hall for at least six or seven years, while Lan Jun has only been there for three years.
If he succeeds, he will no longer be the most talented genius in the Martial Arts Academy in the last ten years. He can look at the history of the Liangzhou Martial Arts Academy and stand shoulder to shoulder with those geniuses who appear once every hundred or even several hundred years.
While everyone was lost in thought, Lan Jun had already stepped onto the high platform, handed over a 10,000 tael silver note, received something from the old man, and then his figure disappeared on the steps of the second level of the Tower of Ascension.
"Shall we attempt to ascend to the fourth level of the Sky Tower?"
Mo Zheng suddenly had an idea; he also wanted to try climbing the Tower of Heaven.
Sheng Youchen is nothing special; the other party is just one of the best among this year's freshmen.
In the entire martial arts hall, the truly dazzling ones were the true disciples like Zhou Xian and Qian Zhongyou, Lan Jun, and those senior inner disciples who had cultivated for many years and were preparing to break through to the level of true disciples.
How can we know the difference in strength between each other without climbing the Tower of Heaven?
As for contribution points, aren't they readily available? You Chendong just delivered 10,000 taels of silver to our door, which can be exchanged for 100 contribution points.
He planned to try his luck on the first level of the Tower of Ascension later. The others didn't leave either; they all stood in place, waiting for the outcome.
Even the injured You Chendong couldn't care less about going back to recover or holding a grudge against Mo Zheng; he only wanted to know the outcome of Lan Jun's attempt to break into the Tower of Ascension.
Is it really possible for someone to cross the fourth level in just three years?
Fortunately, the waiting time was not long.
"Um?"
On the fourth floor of the Tower of Ascension, in front of the same mirage pearl, the silver-haired old man suddenly widened his eyes.
What's inside is something you can't see unless you enter the Mirage Pearl World together.
But in fact, there are ways to determine this.
The simplest way is that if you can't get through, a wisp of consciousness will be destroyed, your spirit will be injured, and your body will naturally react. But if you can get through, that wisp of consciousness will be sent out, and naturally there will be no reaction.
The mist released by the mirage pearl was rapidly receding, indicating that the battle was over, and he could clearly see that Lan Jun's body had not changed at all.
This is clearly a case of forcing their way through.
The old man was simply waiting for further confirmation of the situation.
Two breaths later, Lan Jun, dressed in white and carrying a gun, suddenly opened his eyes. His expression was calm, his eyes were cold, and he showed no signs of mental injury.
He actually made it! He actually succeeded!
Upon confirming the result, the old man's face immediately showed astonishment. Even though he had seen many disciples advance to the level of true disciples, he couldn't help but praise, "Lan Jun, in just three years, you've already passed the fourth level of the Tower of Ascension! Amazing! Absolutely amazing! You definitely have a chance to become a direct disciple of a Martial Saint!"
It was precisely because he had seen so much that the old man knew how terrifying Lan Jun's cultivation speed was.
Although each level of the Tower of Heaven is more difficult than the last, Lan Jun has only been a member of the sect for three years.
At this rate of cultivation, there is definitely hope that he can pass the seventh level in seven years.
However, despite the joyous occasion of becoming a true disciple, Lan Jun remained calm and showed no delight. He simply asked coldly, "Now, am I a true disciple?"
"Yes, of course."
The old man finally came to his senses, then suddenly circulated his inner energy and shouted at the top of his lungs, "The fourth level of the Tower of Ascension has been passed by inner disciple Lan Jun, who is now eligible to advance to the True Disciple level!"
The sound was so loud, each word like a thunderclap, that it echoed from the Tower of Ascension and reverberated throughout the entire Martial Arts Hall.
After saying that, the old man immediately took out a token and handed it to Lan Jun, saying with great joy, "This is the certificate. Take this to see the headmaster, and you can have your name engraved on the True Inheritance Stele."
It's not easy to find a true disciple, but to find a true disciple who is like a prodigy is even rarer, occurring only once every few decades.
Thank you!
Lan Jun accepted the token, his face still expressionless, as if passing through the fourth level of the Tower of Ascension and becoming a true disciple was as ordinary as eating and drinking, and not worth any emotional fluctuation.
He cupped his hands in greeting, then turned and walked down the tower.
"You...you're not going to attempt the fifth level?" The old man couldn't help but ask as he saw the person about to descend the Tower of Ascension.
Once you've passed the fourth level of the true teachings, you'll eventually have to go up to the fifth level to see what it's all about.
"We can't get through."
The young man in white, carrying a gun, simply left those four words and disappeared around the corner of the stairs without looking back.
"This little guy has quite a personality; he's pretty cold."
The old man shook his head and smiled, ignoring him, and went to the corner to ring a bronze bell that was placed there.
……
In the lobby on the first floor of the Tower of Ascension, the crowd anxiously awaiting the results suddenly heard a sound.
It was still the voice of the person known as Master Zhao.
"Inner disciple Lan Jun has passed the fourth level of the Tower of Ascension and is eligible to advance to the True Disciple level!"
This voice was incredibly loud, and the shock and joy it contained were clearly conveyed to everyone's ears without any attempt to conceal them.
Everyone present who had passed through the Tower of Ascension immediately changed their expressions.
Shock, envy, jealousy, and many other emotions were expressed.
"Lan Jun..."
You Chendong clenched his fists, his eyes almost overflowing with shock and jealousy.
The first level of the Tower of Ascension had already exhausted him. He didn't even dare to think about the fourth level for the next two or three years. Yet Lan Jun had passed it after only three years of training.
"This guy!"
He Kuang's feelings were much more complicated than You Chendong's. He and Lan Jun had entered the Martial Arts Hall in the same batch.
In three years, he only managed to pass two levels, while his opponent passed four and achieved the position of true disciple...
The enormous gap left him feeling powerless.
Compared to such a peerless genius, it's really a blow to one's self-confidence.
Not only him, but everyone present was starting to question their existence. Even Zhou Xian and Qian Zhongyou looked shocked and helpless.
Passing through the fourth level of the Tower of Ascension and becoming a true disciple is nothing special. However, in these three years, a very small number of people are still wandering around as outer disciples!
Clang! Clang! Clang...
Just as everyone was in shock, a series of melodious and clear bell sounds rang out from the top of the Tower of Ascension, gradually spreading into the Martial Arts Hall.
……