Mythical Cultivation

Chapter 175: The Road to Mental Refining

As Wu Ming and the others around him stepped onto the ancient and mysterious stone steps, an indescribable, faint pressure quietly enveloped them. This pressure gently wrapped around their bodies like a veil, but it did not cause any substantial hindrance or discomfort. However, despite its insignificance, everyone's heart seemed to be shrouded by a dark cloud, and a faint sense of unease involuntarily emerged.

Fortunately, after some trial and error, everyone discovered they could still mobilize their inner energy with ease. This undoubtedly brought them a sigh of relief, as it at least meant that climbing the stone staircase wouldn't be an insurmountable obstacle. As long as they maintained sufficient stamina and patience, reaching the summit seemed within reach.

At this time, Hou Tiancheng couldn't help but say, "Is this stone staircase really okay? For some reason, I always feel that it is not as easy to climb as it looks!" His words revealed his deep doubts and worries.

Wu Ming on the side nodded slightly in agreement, and continued: "It is indeed as you said, I also have a hunch that things may not be limited to simply climbing stairs. Although there is a ban on flying here, the true energy can still be used normally. Even if the stairs are endless, with our strength, it should not be a problem." His eyes were deep and solemn, as if he wanted to see through the scene in front of him to see the truth hidden behind it.

Mei Lingshuang also agreed: "That's right, there will surely be unexpected variables waiting for us to deal with in the future. Everyone must not take it lightly." Her voice was crisp and pleasant, but with a bit of firmness and determination.

In this way, the group continued to move forward with their own thoughts, step by step towards the unknown heights.

"Why think too much! Just climb up with all your strength. If you really encounter any difficulties, the group of people in front will definitely be the first to show up. Look, haven't the people in front been climbing safely? Let them explore the way first. Why should we worry and be afraid?" Hou Tiancheng said in a firm tone.

Although Hou Tiancheng's initial words seemed rather rash and impulsive, his subsequent remarks were not without reason. After all, the hundreds of people ahead had undoubtedly become their most reliable guiding lighthouses. If they encountered any danger or mishap, they would be able to retreat calmly and unscathed.

However, at this moment, Huang Hao's words rekindled everyone's previously slightly relaxed anxieties. It turned out that Elder Ding had already explained to Huang Hao the special benefits of these stone steps. Huang Hao, having heard and witnessed his companions' conversation, knew they had been somewhat careless, so he immediately shared Elder Ding's earnest advice.

"How can it be that easy! These stone steps are not ordinary, they are the road to refine the mind! It is the place where Shenmu Sect specially uses to select disciples, and it contains countless mysteries. Moreover, the higher you go, the more difficult it will be! I heard that only a few people can successfully reach the top. At this moment, you only feel a little discomfort, but as you continue to climb up, the pressure you will bear will become greater and greater. Even if you use the power of true energy, I am afraid you may not be able to reach the top smoothly." Huang Hao told everything he learned from Old Ding.

"Is it really that exaggerated? Not really. I don't think it's that difficult. It's just an ordinary staircase. How difficult can it be?" Zhao Xiaohai couldn't help but mutter after hearing this.

"That being said, we should still be cautious. After all, even Huang Hao said so, so it's probably not just groundless rumors or deliberate scaremongering," Wu Ming, standing nearby, warned. Hearing Wu Ming's statement, Zhao Xiaohai realized he couldn't afford to be careless, and quickly put away his previous disdain.

Just after Wu Ming and his companions stepped onto the steps, the remaining monks looked at the mountain that was towering into the clouds and seemed to have no end in sight, wondering in their hearts how high the mountain was. If they only relied on their own legs to climb, they didn't know how long it would take to reach the top of the mountain.

So, they came up with an idea: could they speed up by flying with their swords? With this idea in mind, some monks immediately took action, trying to make their flying swords soar into the air.

But who could have predicted that, just as they were less than ten feet from the ground, they would suddenly feel an incomparably powerful pressure, like a mountain crushing an egg! In an instant, this terrifying force, like an invisible giant hand, fiercely pressed them back to the ground. Then, accompanied by a violent cough, a large mouthful of glaring scarlet blood gushed out from the monks' mouths.

In fact, for most cultivators from major sects or families, they knew very well that any important sect gate like this would often be carefully set up with formations and barriers that prohibited aerial flight. Therefore, they would not easily attempt to advance by flying with a sword.

Those monks who dared to take the risk were mostly solitary and helpless cultivators. Lacking extensive experience and systematic and comprehensive instruction, they had no knowledge of such basic common sense and ultimately suffered greatly, ending up in a miserable state.

They looked around and saw that the monks were staring at them with indifference and a hint of mockery, as if they were enjoying a ridiculous farce. Those who were spitting blood knew very well that there must be some secret hidden here.

What was detestable was that these people simply stood by and watched them make a fool of themselves, even revealing an expression of gloating. They glared at them fiercely, then quickly lowered their heads, pretending to be busy tending to their own injuries. But in reality, their eyes shone with resentment and hatred. At this moment, they regarded everyone present as their enemy, even Wu Ming and others who had nothing to do with this matter, but were inexplicably caught up in this misfortune.

After a few breaths, those few people finally managed to calm the surging hatred within them and carefully restrained themselves. Then, they slowly raised their heads and pretended to be calm as they asked the others around them what had happened. After some questioning, they learned that it was due to the no-fly formation set up in this area.

Then, they forced a smile on their faces, muttering, "Oh, my goodness, fellow Taoists, we are so ignorant!" However, the deep hatred behind these words only grew stronger. They secretly vowed that if they found the right opportunity, they would make the group that had humiliated them today pay a heavy price.