Son, Put Your Father To The Test (FF)

"Buzz!"

Suddenly, a dazzling light burst forth, instantly illuminating the previously dark cave, making it gleam with brilliance. The crowd gasped in unison.

In the center of the cave, the ground split open, revealing a nine-tiered staircase slowly rising from beneath the earth.

"Boom!"

An overwhelming force swept out like ripples in water, sending many people flying.

"Welcome to my abode," a majestic and ethereal voice echoed, carrying an air of mystery and eeriness.

"I imagine there are many of you in this cave now, though there may only be one. However, no matter how many or who you are, it doesn't matter to me. After all, I am already dead."

"To the point—everything I have accumulated in wealth and knowledge throughout my life is atop this Nine-Tiered Heavenly Staircase. Any martial artist below the Nirvana Realm who can ascend the staircase will inherit everything I've left behind."

"Note, only those below the Nirvana Realm. If anyone from the Nirvana Realm tries, they will surely die. As for those in the Tongtian Realm… heh, they might not die, but the staircase will self-destruct, and they will gain nothing."

"Alright, you're free to try."

With that, the voice faded away, leaving behind an air of mystique, but at the last moment, it seemed to lose some of its grandeur.

"Crack, boom!"

In a corner, an explosion erupted, sparks flying everywhere as a smoking metal shell was flung out, rolling on the ground a few times.

"Uh, what…"

Everyone stared dumbfounded at the metal shell on the ground, their expressions turning peculiar. The awe they had felt toward the esteemed elder who created this place quickly dissipated.

But soon, they snapped back to attention, their gazes burning with desire as they looked at the top of the Nine-Tiered Heavenly Staircase.

The so-called Heavenly Staircase wasn't very tall—just nine steps, really. It would take only nine steps to reach the top.

However, each step was shrouded in a semi-transparent golden light, exuding a heavy sense of pressure.

Everyone was eager to try but hesitated, looking at each other anxiously without making a move.

"The Blazing Sun Saber Sect is here to make the first attempt!"

Finally, a young man stepped forward. He was imposing and exuded an aura of confidence, his clothes billowing without wind, even his hair fluttering as if charged with power.

"That's a distinguished disciple of the Blazing Sun Saber Sect!"

"I've heard of Ning Han's exceptional prowess. He's one of the top geniuses of the younger generation in the Blazing Sun Saber Sect."

"Now that he's making the first move, will he…"

Before the onlookers could finish their thoughts, Ning Han's figure was suddenly sent flying back.

Gasp!

Everyone stared at him in shock.

Was that it?

He didn't even last three seconds! The real action didn't even outlast the build-up. This was disappointing, to say the least!

"I… I was careless," Ning Han muttered in shame, his face flushed as he tried to explain. He was about to give it another shot.

He had indeed underestimated the challenge.

But as he moved toward the staircase again, someone else beat him to it, even shoving him aside.

"If you can't do it, step aside."

A dignified young man in golden robes looked down at him, speaking coldly, "Don't waste everyone's time; no one wants to wait for you."

"Who are you calling incapable!"

Ning Han's face turned icy, and his demeanor shifted, his presence becoming as sharp as a drawn blade.

"Not satisfied? I only need one hand to deal with you," the golden-robed youth responded nonchalantly, extending his right hand. The force emanating from it made everyone's hair stand on end!

This was undoubtedly the power of someone at the peak of the Pure Yang Realm—perhaps even far beyond the ordinary peak!

"Arrogant!!"

Ning Han roared, drawing his saber. As a top talent of the Blazing Sun Saber Sect, how could he back down in front of so many eyes? Even if he couldn't win, he needed to show his spirit!

After all, he knew the golden-robed youth wouldn't dare kill him.

"Ning Han, Senior Brother!"

At that moment, a female disciple from the Blazing Sun Saber Sect ran up, blocking Ning Han's path, and whispered, "Senior Brother, don't act rashly. That's Yang Hong, the heir of the Eastern King's Manor. He's not someone we can afford to offend."

Ning Han's pupils contracted!

The heir of the Eastern King's Manor—this was a direct descendant of the royal family. Such a status was something he couldn't afford to provoke.

Immediately, he backed down in his heart, though he kept up a tough front. Snorting, he said, "Since my junior sister has pleaded on your behalf, I'll let this slide for now. But we'll see who comes out on top!"

With that, he left with his junior sister, heading out of the cave.

After all, he had no chance of claiming the inheritance, and even if he did, he wouldn't be able to hold onto it. Why stay and embarrass himself?

"Hmph."

Yang Hong smirked disdainfully. Some people, he thought, were as insignificant as ants, yet they were still so stubborn.

Was there any point in deceiving oneself like this?

Shaking his head with a faint smile, he approached the Nine-Tiered Heavenly Staircase. A bright red light flared up around him, like a raging fire.

"Boom!"

He stepped onto the first step, and a powerful pressure descended on him, crashing down like a tidal wave.

However, surrounded by the blazing red light, his body remained as steady as a mountain as he continued to climb.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

He started off quickly, but by the time he reached the fifth step, his pace slowed considerably.

His movements seemed to be slowed down a hundredfold, like a person struggling through a quagmire, inching forward.

Even so, his eyes burned with unyielding determination, his body brimming with inexhaustible strength.

"We can't wait any longer!"

"Let's go!"

There were plenty of other talents present, and seeing this, they were unwilling to let Yang Hong claim the prize unchallenged. They rushed forward.

Though Yang Hong was strong, many believed they had an equal, if not greater, right to the inheritance!

Immediately, a crowd surged onto the staircase.

But some were thrown off after just two steps, while others were flung away after only one step…

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

"Ugh!"

"Ahhh!"

Cries of pain filled the air as chaos erupted.

"Shall we give it a try too, junior brothers?" Zhao Yunsheng, standing beside Qin Zi, asked with a calm smile. His voice was steady but carried an undertone of immense confidence.

"You two go ahead. I'll sit this one out."

Qin Zi, who was still focused on keeping an eye on the Chu Yun Princess, answered distractedly. He noticed that she hadn't stepped onto the staircase, seemingly hesitant because of her dress. The powerful gusts on the staircase would lift the clothes of men, making them look heroic. But for her, dressed in a royal gown, the result could be embarrassing…

"Alright, I'll go with Junior Brother Wu then."

Zhao Yunsheng chuckled meaningfully before heading toward the Nine-Tiered Heavenly Staircase with Wu Cen, walking with a confident stride.

Zhao Yunsheng was indeed formidable.

He quickly reached the seventh step, positioning himself among the leaders on the staircase.

At the forefront, Yang Hong led the way, followed closely by a few others, separated by mere inches.

With their movements slowed a hundredfold, the competition among these young prodigies became even more intense.

Their veins bulged as they exerted every ounce of strength, their faces twisted in concentration. Even Yang Hong was no exception.

"Ahhh!"

"I won't lose!"

"The inheritance is mine!!"

Meanwhile, Qin Zi observed the fierce competition while keeping an eye on Chu Yun Princess, mentally commending Zhao Yunsheng's prowess. He estimated his own strength was probably about half of Zhao Yunsheng's.

"Hmm, though the others are strong, Zhao Yunsheng is clearly superior. He should be able to claim the inheritance," Qin Zi thought to himself.

Suddenly, as he glanced back at Chu Yun Princess, his pupils contracted!

He noticed several unfamiliar figures subtly closing in on her, forming a loose circle. Glimmers of cold light flickered from their sleeves!

"Watch out!"

Without hesitation, Qin Zi dashed over, wrapping his arms around Chu Yun Princess's waist.

"Whoosh!"

With a quick, protective spin, he dodged a concealed dart and flew out of the cave with her in his arms.

"You!!"

Chu Yun Princess, unaware of the assassins, was startled by the sudden embrace, her face turning pale with shock.

"Someone's trying to kill you!" Qin Zi urgently explained.

"You… How dare you!"

Chu Yun Princess froze for a moment before her face flushed with anger. Not only had this person taken liberties with her, but he also had the audacity to make up such a ridiculous lie.

Whoosh!

She raised her hand to strike his chest, but Qin Zi caught her delicate hand and pulled her in closer, securing her in a tight grip.

"No time to explain. Let's go!"

With that, Qin Zi sped out of the cave, carrying her along.

"Uh…"

Several witnesses who happened to see this were stunned for a moment before they processed what had just happened and cried out.

"Someone's kidnapped Chu Yun Princess!!"

Well, that escalated quickly. From zero to kidnapping in a heartbeat!