Chapter 1281: Chapter 1278: The Sky Ladder (Third Update)

Outside were those of slightly lesser power, and further out it was the same.

By the time they reached the outermost edge, they were all ordinary cultivators, among whom there were many with haggard faces and worn clothes, clearly poverty-stricken disciples.

In comparison, the appearance of Xue An and Xing Yushu did not attract anyone’s attention.

Because everyone was focused on the high platform in the distance.

At that moment, a lucky cloud descended from the sky, landing directly on the high platform.

Once the cloud dissipated, there visibly stood a middle-aged man dressed in a gold-edged Taoist robe, radiant with vitality, yet his eyes and brows could not hide his arrogance.

Behind him were several respectful young Taoist attendants.

Such an aura made this man catch everyone’s attention as soon as he appeared.

The crowd then started to stir slightly, beginning to whisper and discuss amongst themselves.

“Hiss, the opening ceremony of the Golden Cauldron Pavilion is personally presided over by Elder Ci Yun this time?”

“Yes! In previous years, only a True Disciple from the inner sect was sent, but this time they sent an elder. It seems that this ceremony is going to be extraordinary!”

As the people whispered among themselves, they saw Elder Ci Yun showing a pleased expression and then said with a smile: “The once-in-a-decade opening ceremony of the Golden Cauldron Pavilion was supposed to be convened tomorrow. All of you who have traveled from afar should have rested for a day, but the Sect Leader had a sudden insight, so it was moved to today and will be personally presided over by me, Ci Yun!”

His voice was clear and resonant like the cry of a crane, spreading in all directions, instantly suppressing the noise of the crowd.

Many people showed a look of awe; without saying more, this feat alone was enough to prove the strength of Elder Ci Yun.

Therefore, the crowd instantly quieted down.

Ci Yun surveyed the entire venue, thoroughly enjoying the awe in everyone’s eyes, then nodded in satisfaction.

“Very well! Since that’s the case, without further ado, let’s begin the opening ceremony now!”

Saying this, he swept his robe sleeves.

In front of the plaza, beams of light began to appear, then they intertwined with each other.

And when the light faded away, there appeared to be a ladder.

The light on the ladder fluctuated, and one end reached straight into the sky, disappearing into the illusory clouds.

“The Heavenly Ladder!” someone exclaimed.

The opening ceremony, also known as, was actually a ritual used by major sects like the Golden Cauldron Pavilion to replenish new blood and select disciples.

This Heavenly Ladder was a secret technique.

If you are fated with the Tao and possess talent and aptitude, you can ascend the heavens; if not, progress is nearly impossible.

Thus, upon seeing the Heavenly Ladder, many people’s expressions turned solemn.

At this moment, Sheng Manyu gracefully stepped forward and bowed to Elder Ci Yun.

“Elder daughter of the Sheng Family, Sheng Manyu, greets Uncle Ci Yun!”

Originally full of pride, Elder Ci Yun’s face immediately filled with smiles upon seeing Sheng Manyu, “Oh, it’s Manyu! No need for such formalities! After all, you are about to join the discipleship of my brother Shui Jing; you will be fellow disciples soon, come over here!”

His words were full of affection.

Seeing this, Sheng Manyu smiled slightly, then nodded her head, “Thank you, Uncle Ci Yun! However, my younger sister is also here, why not let her try the Heavenly Ladder first?”

“Oh, we’re all family, why bother with the Heavenly Ladder? Everyone come over and rest a bit, then head back to the Golden Cauldron Pavilion!” Ci Yun said with a grin.

Sheng Manyu nodded and then dragged Sheng Miaotong out of the crowd and walked to the side.

At this moment, Sheng Miaotong felt full of confusion and sadness.

Because she felt it was all because of herself, that she had caused Xue An and the others to be caught in a desperate situation.

How is he now? Has he listened to my advice and left this place as soon as possible?

Thinking of this, Sheng Miaotong couldn’t help but sneak a peek at the crowd, but the square was so vast, where could she start looking for Xue An and Xing Yushu?

After the Sheng sisters smoothly passed the “assessment,” Lu Shifa also stepped forward very complacently, giving a hand-over-hand salute.

Upon seeing that it was the eldest son of the Lu Family, Ci Yun naturally passed him with a radiant smile.

The following process was similar for the other children of the noble families, though they were not treated as grandly as the Sheng sisters and Lu Shifa, but they too easily passed the assessment.

Even this unknown Su Junneng stepped forward, at first Ci Yun did not recognize him, but when Su Junneng took out that piece of paper.

Ci Yun then let him pass the assessment as well.

Very soon.

Most of the children from leading families at the forefront were selected.

Then it was the turn of those from slightly more ordinary families.

When facing these disciples, Ci Yun’s expression became much more serious.

But these disciples, before stepping on the ladder, would very astutely take out an item and hand it to Ci Yun.

With a natural flick of his robe sleeve, Ci Yun would accept it, and then their ascent on the ladder was quite smooth.

Soon, these wealthy children also mostly passed the assessment.

It was then followed by those from even more ordinary families…

In short, no matter the talent, if one hadn’t paid, they shouldn’t think of passing the assessment smoothly.

Therefore, it wasn’t long before a large group of disciples from ordinary families left the scene, their faces filled with despair.

Seeing this scene, Xing Yushu, standing at the edge of the square, was full of shock and unease, and finally couldn’t help but softly ask: “Sir…what should we do?”

But his words were met with no response, and Xing Yushu couldn’t help but feel startled as he looked up at Xue An, his heart chilling.

For at that moment, Xue An’s face was as cold as ice, watching everything that was happening with a frigid gaze.

Xing Yushu couldn’t help but swallow his saliva, wanting to say something, but he opened his mouth and then hesitated.

After an unknown period, maybe around an hour or so.

The noisy square had already become deserted.

Those who were eliminated had sadly left, while those who passed the assessment stood excitedly talking behind Ci Yun.

In the end, only Xue An and Xing Yushu were left standing at the edge of the square.

At this moment, all eyes instantly focused on the two of them.

Upon seeing that Xue An and his companion indeed had not left, Sheng Miaotong couldn’t help but secretly lament.

Sheng Manyu let out a slight cold snort and then exchanged a glance with Lu Shifa, stepping forward to Ci Yun and muttered softly.

Ci Yun, who was originally all smiles, furrowed his brows slightly upon hearing the words, then scrutinized Xue An and Xing Yushu approaching with a colder gaze, and then unnoticeably nodded, “Alright, I understand!”

Sheng Manyu heard this and coldly smiled, her eyes gleaming with triumph as she glanced at Xue An approaching with pride in her heart.

At this time, Xue An and his companion had already approached.

Ci Yun snorted coldly and said sarcastically, “Which of you wants to ascend the heavenly ladder and enter my Golden Cauldron Pavilion’s gate?”

Xing Yushu stepped forward, bowing with his hands and said, “Elder, it’s me! I…”