443: final stage

His gaze continued to sweep upward, piercing through the faint Dao Principle Radiant Light, landing on the forefront of the Heavenly Stairway, upon the few figures who had already surpassed the height of nine thousand five hundred steps.

His sight involuntarily paused slightly on the cold, graceful figure among them.

Ling Xi.

Outside the Emperor's Tomb, the might of that single finger and those meticulous instructions remain engraved like a brand deep within his Divine Soul.

That was the most complete defeat on his cultivation path, yet it also became the opportunity for him to break down and rebuild, comprehending the Dao of Inclusiveness.

Seeing her again now, her steps remained stable despite the terrifying pressure, and her unfathomable strength caused the Battle Intent in his heart to surge like a wildfire.

Immediately afterward, when his gaze swept over the figure not far from Ling Xi—a figure with crimson hair flying, covered in blood, yet whose every step was as heavy as a mountain—his pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.

Mo Yu.

His former defeated opponent, the pure-blooded Qilin whose kirin dharma body he had shattered and whose Dao Heart had nearly collapsed, had actually reached this stage now?

He could actually walk shoulder-to-shoulder with figures like Xiao Ruobai and Ling Xi, advancing within this pressure Domain that even made him feel palpitations?

An extremely complicated emotion flashed through Wang Zhan's heart, containing surprise and scrutiny.

But more than that, there was an intense feeling of stimulation brought by the realization that he was being closely pursued by newcomers, some of whom were even catching up in certain aspects.

"The Golden Age truly is extraordinary."

Wang Zhan whispered internally. Immediately, all distracting thoughts were completely suppressed, leaving only the purest will to climb.

He stood up tall, his aura balanced and contained, his vital energy and the Dao Rhyme of Inclusiveness perfectly fused.

He took a step, moving upward once more.

This time, his speed was not fast; in fact, it could be called very slow.

But every step was incredibly steady and firm as a mountain.

Xiao Ruobai and the others, who were steadily advancing higher up, sensed this and turned their heads to look down.

It was Wang Zhan; he had arrived here too.

"Heh!"

Wang Xiaopang's eyes suddenly lit up. He gently nudged Mo Yu beside him with his elbow:

"Old Mo! Look down! Wang Zhan is here!!"

"Tsk tsk, this guy looks fierce again??"

Mo Yu looked at Wang Zhan, and a burst of Battle Intent instantly surged, but he immediately reined it in, no longer looking at Wang Zhan.

He wanted to fight Wang Zhan, but not now.

Xiao Ruobai took in Mo Yu's fleeting Battle Intent.

He said indifferently:

"After this matter is concluded, it's up to you."

As his voice fell, he took the lead and stepped upward again.

At this moment, Wang Zhan walked step by step, firmly and steadily moving up along the center of the Heavenly Stairway.

Slowly closing the distance between himself and the slow-moving figures of Chu Daolin, Qin Wuye, and the other four ahead.

Soon, Jiang Ruofeng watched Wang Zhan's figure gradually draw level with him, and then surpass him. His eyes were filled with disbelief.

"How is this possible..."

This reserve strength, this foundation that seemed to have no limit, made him feel a wave of powerlessness.

Wang Zhan did not look at them; his gaze was always fixed on the higher ground, watching the figures that had already turned into small dots.

Only when passing by Chu Daolin did their eyes cross for a fleeting moment.

A hint of extreme solemnity flashed in Chu Daolin's cold eyes. This person was a terrifying opponent.

At this moment, the entire Heavenly Stairway above the nine thousandth step formed a dynamic picture.

At the very top, Xiao Ruobai, Fang Hanyu, and Ling Xi were already approaching the nine thousand eight hundredth step!

Slightly below, Wang Xiaopang and Mo Yu followed closely, but their speed had noticeably slowed. Their figures swayed slightly in the storm, clearly enduring immense pressure.

Further down was Wang Zhan, who had just surpassed Chu Daolin and the others, steadily climbing upward.

Chu Daolin and the other four formed the third echelon, finding every step extremely difficult to climb.

Below the Heavenly Stairway, silence had long fallen, so quiet that a dropped needle could be heard.

Everyone held their breath, looking up at the Heavenly Stairway that towered into the clouds and shone with ten thousand rays of light, watching those figures that seemed like myths.

"Ten people! A full ten people have stepped onto the nine thousandth step or higher!"

An Elder from a Holy Land spoke with a trembling voice, tears streaming down his face.

"To reach the nine thousandth step means having the qualification to touch that supreme Realm, the or potential of a great emperor!

These are ten full Prodigies with the or potential of a great emperor! The Golden Age, this is the true Golden Age!"

"The reopening of Dao Zang Academy this time has actually drawn out so many true Dragons!"

"Who do you think can reach the summit? Battle Asura is definitely certain, and Sword White Robe and Azure Rakshasa probably can too!"

"That Little Fatty and Kirin Son seem to be struggling greatly. Wang Zhan has also slowed down now; it will probably be difficult for them."

"Chu Daolin and Qin Wuye are already close to their limits!"

The discussions rose and fell like tides, and everyone's hearts were in their throats.

Deep within Dao Zang Academy, inside the Mingxin Hall, the Elders led by True Person Xuanji were also staring intently at this scene through the Water Mirror, their shock beyond compare.

Ten individuals with the potential of an Emperor appearing simultaneously—this grand occasion far surpassed what was recorded in ancient texts.

In the deepest part of the Academy, the old Headmaster, Qing Xuzi, was so excited that tears streamed down his face.

A day passed quietly amidst this atmosphere of extreme tension and anticipation.

When the dawn of the second day tore through the darkness and scattered onto Dao Yuan Mountain, the situation on the Heavenly Stairway had become clear!

At the very top!

Xiao Ruobai, Fang Hanyu, and Ling Xi had already stepped onto the nine thousand nine hundred ninety-eighth step!

They were only one final step away from the legendary summit!

The Grand Dao phenomena surrounding the three of them had intensified to the extreme, as if they themselves were the Dao!

Behind Xiao Ruobai, the War God Phantom stood towering between heaven and earth.

Fang Hanyu merged with his sword, transforming into a sharp edge that split the heavens.

Black holes floated around Ling Xi, swallowing all light.

And not far below them.

Wang Xiaopang and Mo Yu were at the nine thousand nine hundred seventieth step!

The pressure here had materialized into solid Chaos barriers; every inch they advanced was like pushing a star!

Wang Xiaopang's plump face was pale, and the runes all over his body flickered on and off. Though slow, he was still advancing steadily.

Mo Yu's Qilin Battle Armor was mostly shattered, and he was covered in blood. He still grit his teeth tightly, following closely behind Wang Xiaopang.

Further down.

Qin Wuye and Lei Dong stopped at the nine thousand five hundredth step, covered in injuries, sitting cross-legged, and no longer able to climb.

Chu Daolin and Jiang Ruofeng stopped near the nine thousand four hundredth step, their faces pale, their eyes filled with unwillingness, but they could only sigh while gazing at the summit.

As for Wang Zhan!

He had overtaken the others and reached the nine thousand eight hundredth step!

Upon reaching this point, his speed was also as slow as a snail.

The Dao Domain around him had been compressed close to his body. His azure vital energy burned fiercely, clashing violently with the Chaos barriers, letting out thunderous roars.

Blood constantly spilled from the corner of his mouth, but his eyes shone terrifyingly bright, and he continued to move upward inch by inch!

At this moment, everyone's gaze was firmly locked onto the very top of the Heavenly Stairway, on those three god-like figures—Xiao Ruobai, Fang Hanyu, and Ling Xi!

They were already standing on the nine thousand nine hundred ninety-eighth step!

They were only one final step away from the summit!