The Art of Subduing Dragons

Chapter 18

"Nine hundred! Nine hundred!"

Everyone present, except Luo Qingci, wore tense expressions. Gu Zhichao leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the ninth level of the Celestial Stairs, which had remained unmoving. Jiang Yuebai's eyes were wide open, his fists clenched, and Qin Jian was biting his teeth, continuously shouting in a low voice.

Disciples who had arrived outside the hall gathered in several circles, continuously discussing.

"Just one step away from reaching the nine hundredth level."

"Too impressive; I'm still around six hundred."

"According to the Master, no one has reached the nine hundredth level in over a hundred years. The last time was when the Zitan Jun and others did."

"He's passed nine hundred and one. He's still standing, and he can continue." Gu Zhichao's spirits were lifted; he stood up, his eyes brimming with excitement.

"It's not just him. Yue Wuxin and Hua Xuwan have also caught up." Qin Jian's eyes were fiery. Could it be that, like in the past, three disciples are appearing who surpass nine hundred at once?

"I didn't expect Yue Wuxin, who has always been silent, to be so outstanding at this stage." Gu Zhichao also noticed him.

The boy had a stern expression, profound and solemn beyond his years. Every step he took, he would pause for dozens of breaths before continuing.

Hua Xuwan was already struggling, but she managed to step onto the nine hundredth level. Although she couldn't steady herself and half-kneeled down, she didn't give up and continued to climb.

All eyes were on the top five who were challenging the nine hundredth level.

Especially Xu Mushan, who was now on the nine hundred and eighth step and seemed to be able to continue.

Every step beyond nine hundred was as difficult as reaching the heavens, not only in terms of mindset but also the physical burden, which even Golden Core cultivators might not endure. Each step was like walking on a knife's edge; if there was even the slightest misunderstanding, one would have to stop at that moment.

Xu Mushan's performance made everyone incredibly eager, to the point that even Xue Cheng had forgotten about Ruan Li.

Only Luo Qingci, upon noticing Ruan Li's absence from the scene, kept her head lowered, her sleeves concealing what she was doing.

No one paid attention to Ruan Li or to her. They were all focused on the new generation of talents.

People yearn to become geniuses themselves, and if not possible, they desire to have geniuses among them.

But Luo Qingci wasn't concerned with genius; she was only concerned with the heroine, or perhaps she wasn't concerned with the heroine because she already knew the outcome. She was just a bit concerned about the little dragon cub.

Ruan Li struggled greatly, every step taking a long time. She knelt on the ground, her face pale with an abnormal flush.

Her face was already covered in sweat, and her eyes, full of spirit and depth, were half-closed, her forehead pressed against the steps. Sweat dripped from her temples and lashes onto the steps.

Moments later, she extended her hand to the steps. Her fingertips, in contrast to her tense body, rested gently and relaxed, as if measuring the height.

In the small spiritual realm within Luo Qingci's sleeve, her figure and fingers were clearly reflected.

Suddenly, Luo Qingci noticed the step beneath her fingertips tremble slightly, as if it wasn't made of stone but of water.