Heavenly Ladder Mountain was the foremost mountain of the Central Continent. It was also known as the Land of Legacy and the Mountain of Sages.
It rose to a height of nearly a million zhang, its peaks grand and imposing, its bearing majesty beyond measure. The summits pierced straight into the heavens, vanishing amid frost, snow, and cloud.
What was most peculiar about this mountain was that craggy, bizarre rock formations were scarce upon it.
Instead, block after block of enormous rectangular stones lay in a great line, stretching upward from the mountain's base, forming a vast staircase.
But this staircase was so colossal that across the Central Continent, ancient legends held that this mountain could reach the Immortal Realm — a bridge between heaven and earth.
Surrounding Heavenly Ladder Mountain, history held many stories — stirring, mysterious, tragic, and joyful alike.
Heavenly Ladder Mountain was the holy site in the hearts of every Central Continent Gu Master, the place closest to the Immortal Court. Many Gu Masters sought immortality throughout their lives in vain, and before death, they chose to place their burial grounds here. A great portion of them, at the same time, arranged their legacies here as well.
Countless legacies were hidden within Heavenly Ladder Mountain, but only those fated could obtain them.
Every year, when the mist enshrouding the mountain dissipated, vast crowds would surge toward it. Many legacies would be claimed, and many new ones would be placed in turn.
But this year was different from all the rest.
This year, upon Heavenly Ladder Mountain, a Fox Fairy's Blessed Land had opened, drawing Gu Immortals into the world. After deliberation, they joined forces, sealed off the mountain, and arranged for their respective sect's juniors to engage in a grand competition.
Right now, at the foot of Heavenly Ladder Mountain, a fierce battle among young people was drawing to a close.
Ten thousand cranes soared together, swirling around Fang Zheng. Meanwhile, Wei Wushang gasped for breath, his robes tattered, trapped within layer upon layer of encirclement, his eyes locked onto Fang Zheng with a fierce glare.
"No, I haven't lost yet! I still have my trump card — I still have my ace!" Wei Wushang was at a disadvantage, but he refused to accept defeat.
Under normal circumstances, he might have already conceded. But here and now, who knew how many elite Gu Masters were watching their every move without blinking.
Wei Wushang represented not only himself, but also the Tower of Heavenly Envy behind him. And while everyone else's gaze was one thing, the Fairy Bixia — the woman he admired — was also watching.
"I cannot lose!" With this thought burning in his heart, Wei Wushang ruthlessly activated a Gu Insect within his Empty Orifice.
This Gu Insect was one he had always kept hidden. He had never used it, not even during important sect examinations.
The moment this Gu was activated, it produced a colorless, faint breeze that began to blow gently.
A tender wind swirled around him, lifting the hems of his robes, brushing against the tips of his hair.
But Fang Zheng felt as though he were facing a mortal enemy.
This was because Lord Heavenly Crane had already shouted a warning in his mind: "This is bad! This boy actually has a Hurt Wind Gu! Defend — put everything into defense! This Gu raises an ill wind that seems gentle and harmless but is in fact terrifyingly powerful. The boy from the Tower of Heavenly Envy is no weakling. It seems this is his trump card!"
The Hurt Wind blew in, and Fang Zheng abandoned all offense, pouring his entire strength into defense.
The Hurt Wind seemed delicate and soft, but wherever it passed, it made the flock of cranes cry out in anguish. Countless Iron-beaked Flying Cranes seemed to have their wings snapped as they plummeted miserably from the sky.
The Hurt Wind struck Fang Zheng's body, causing the protective light around him to flicker and sway ceaselessly.
Cold sweat dripped from Fang Zheng's forehead as he gritted his teeth and held his ground. True Essence from his Empty Orifice was consumed nonstop, channeled into his defensive Gu Insect.
The two held firm for a moment, until finally Wei Wushang sighed in resignation within his heart and ceased activating the Hurt Wind Gu.
It wasn't that he didn't want to keep fighting — it was that his Empty Orifice was nearly dry.
All Gu Masters shared a common trait: when their True Essence was exhausted, their combat strength would plummet to rock bottom.
Gu Masters from the First Transformation through the Fifth Transformation were all limited by their True Essence. Only those who transcended the mortal realm and reached the level of immortals — becoming Gu Immortals — could possess True Essence that was truly inexhaustible.
"I've lost." Wei Wushang's gaze dimmed.
He calculated clearly: right now his True Essence was depleted, and he had no strength left to fight. But Fang Zheng had been commanding flying cranes the entire time, consuming far less True Essence. He must still have plenty remaining.
"Brother Wei truly lives up to his reputation as an elite disciple of the Tower of Heavenly Envy — such unique and sharp methods have opened this junior's eyes and broadened my experience immensely. My True Essence has also been completely drained by you, brother! Let us call this sparring match a draw, shall we?" Fang Zheng said with a smile.
"What?" Wei Wushang's expression turned to shock.
What was Fang Zheng saying? He knew his own situation better than anyone. How could he possibly have a Gu that consumed Fang Zheng's True Essence?
But Wei Wushang quickly realized — Fang Zheng was lying.
"Fang Zheng is throwing me a lifeline so I can leave with dignity." Understanding Fang Zheng's intention, a complicated expression surfaced on Wei Wushang's face.
Disciples of prestigious sects could not act casually in most situations.
After all, they represented not only themselves but the sect behind them.
To make matters worse, with Fairy Bixia present, Wei Wushang truly could not afford to lose this battle.
Since Fang Zheng had proactively offered an exit, Wei Wushang hesitated for only a moment before clasping his fists and saying to Fang Zheng: "Brother Fang's youthful brilliance commands my admiration. The Immortal Crane Sect truly has deep foundations to produce a talent like yourself. This sparring match has benefited me greatly. Let us call it a draw, as Brother Fang suggests."
On the surface, this was what Wei Wushang said. But in reality, he secretly transmitted his voice to Fang Zheng: "Fang Zheng, you showed me mercy today, and I, Wei Wushang, will remember it. I will repay you in the future. However, Fairy Bixia is the woman of my heart, and I will not yield on that front. I will continue to accumulate strength, and one day I will spar with you again!"