"Little girl, this young man's situation is similar to Yang Hao, whom we encountered in Danling City." Elder Han said in a low voice, looking at the youth before him with a hint of confusion.
As everyone was pondering the youth's identity, Nan Yunting stared intently at the young man's back, his fists clenched tightly, veins bulging on his forehead, his eyes filled with rage and killing intent.
"Ji Yuanlong!" Nan Yunting gritted his teeth.
This person was Ji Yuanlong!
Everyone was stunned. This was the first time they had seen the number one prodigy on the Eastern Continent's Prodigy Ranking. It was also this young man who had snatched the top spot on the Eastern Continent's Prodigy Ranking, which Nan Yunting had held for years. No wonder Nan Yunting harbored such hatred for Ji Yuanlong.
"Is he Ji Yuanlong?" Mu Qingqing murmured softly, "His aura is so strange."
"Not only that, but he also conceals a wicked, sinister energy. This energy makes me uncomfortable," Elder Han said.
Mu Qingqing nodded.
When it was Mu Qingqing and her three companions' turn, whispers inevitably rippled through the crowd.
"What's going on with Four Symbols Academy this year? They only sent three people who don't look that impressive to participate in the Eastern Continent Grand Competition."
"For Four Symbols Academy to be the number one academy in the Eastern Continent, this is truly astonishing."
"Exactly, they don't even have one person who looks strong."
Everyone shook their heads. Outside the Star Gazing Tower, Liu Yuanhao listened to the discussions outside. His expression was somewhat displeased. Outsiders simply didn't understand the situation at Four Symbols Academy. However, he could do nothing about it and could only pin his hopes on Mu Qingqing and the other three, hoping they would bring him a miracle.
To Liu Yuanhao's surprise, Mo Qian, Liu Muming, and Bai Ting all lit up more than 85 crystals. This number of lit crystals also surprised those present. Although this result was not comparable to the prodigies who had just performed, it was still an excellent achievement. It was a very good score, even potentially ranking in the top fifty. Liu Yuanhao breathed a sigh of relief; at least he could report back.
"Although Four Symbols Academy has fewer participants this year, the quality of the students is quite high."
"After all, it is the number one academy in the Eastern Continent. The students it cultivates must be extraordinary."
...
Mu Qingqing looked at the people around her, feeling a little speechless. These people were so good at changing their tune. Just moments ago, they were saying Four Symbols Academy was inadequate, and now, in the blink of an eye, they were praising them. However, she didn't have the time to pay them any mind. Instead, she focused intently on the jade pillar before her. She knew that her second personality was currently controlling Xin Ci's body, and the power displayed was not comparable to that of the first personality. She had to be careful to avoid damaging the jade pillar and causing unnecessary trouble.
Mu Qingqing extended a finger, controlled her power, and gently tapped the jade pillar, producing a crisp sound. This action caused the surrounding onlookers to burst into mocking laughter.
"Hahaha, this kid is too foolish. Does he really think a casual touch can light up the crystals?"
"Exactly, I think he's here to entertain us."
"Hahaha, this person is clearly an idiot. He really thinks this jade pillar is brittle, and a light tap will..."
As one young man reached this point, he suddenly stopped. Not only him, but everyone's eyes were about to pop out of their sockets. The jade pillar actually lit up with a layer of white light. Subsequently, the crystals within the jade pillar began to flash, finally settling on ninety-eight crystals.
"Hiss!"
Everyone gasped in unison.
"Heavens! What kind of monstrous talent is this? He lit up ninety-eight crystals with a mere tap! How is this possible?"
"Damn! Is this person a top-five genius on the Eastern Continent's Prodigy Ranking? But why does he only seem to be at the early stage of the Heavenly Realm?"
...
Everyone present was stunned, their gazes towards Mu Qingqing filled with disbelief and astonishment. Even prodigies like Nan Yunting and Ji Yuanlong turned their attention to Mu Qingqing.
"Who exactly is this kid? He lit up one more crystal than I did," Nan Yunting murmured to himself.
Ji Yuanlong revealed a hint of twisted amusement on his face. "Hehehe, a genius, is he? I love crushing geniuses the most!"
The white-haired, bandaged woman let out a cold snort and turned her head away. Mo Qian, Liu Muming, and Bai Ting were also amazed by Mu Qingqing's talent. They hadn't expected Xin Ci's strength to grow so much in the few months since they parted ways on the Flying Cloud Boat.
While everyone was in shock, Mu Qingqing felt a pang of embarrassment. She had intentionally held back a lot, but still, she had accidentally lit up ninety-eight crystals. She had likely become the focus of attention for all those prodigies now.
Shortly after, the attendants of the Star Gazing Tower completed the records for everyone. They walked up to everyone with their record books and announced, "There are a total of eight thousand seven hundred and sixty-eight participants in this Eastern Continent Grand Competition. Next, you will face the first trial of the Eastern Continent Grand Competition: Ascending the Sky Ladder!"
"But where is the so-called Sky Ladder?"
"And we are currently inside the Star Gazing Tower."
Everyone asked, not understanding where the Sky Ladder was.
Then, a wall within the Star Gazing Tower slowly opened, revealing a straight staircase leading upwards on the inner side. The staircase was exceptionally wide, spanning over a hundred meters. Furthermore, it ascended directly into the clouds, its height unknown and its end unseen.
"This is the Sky Ladder!" the attendants within the Star Gazing Tower declared. "Your task in this stage is simply to reach the very top to pass the Sky Ladder assessment. You may begin at your leisure. The time limit is ten days. Those who fail to reach the summit within ten days will be eliminated!"
With that, the attendants retreated outside the Star Gazing Tower. The more than eight thousand Eastern Continent geniuses all headed towards the entrance of the stairs. Here, apart from prodigies like Nan Yunting and Ji Yuanlong, everyone else was at the mid-to-late stage of the Heavenly Realm.
"We'll go ahead." Bai Ting said, taking the first step onto the staircase.
"This Sky Ladder is quite interesting. I, this young master, will be the first to reach the summit!" Liu Muming chuckled and strode towards the stairs. Mo Qian followed closely behind the two, also ascending the stairs.
As Mu Qingqing was about to step up, a hand reached out and grasped her shoulder. She suddenly felt a strange aura behind her, and a cold sweat broke out on her forehead. Turning around, she saw Xuan Kong. He was smiling at her and said, "Brother Xin Ci, I trust you are well. We meet again."
Mu Qingqing frowned slightly. She hadn't expected Xuan Kong to appear so suddenly. Moreover, with her spiritual abilities, she hadn't detected how he had approached her so silently.
"You are truly a phantom, appearing out of nowhere," Mu Qingqing shot Xuan Kong a glare and said.
Xuan Kong rubbed his nose and chuckled a few times. "Isn't it just that I wanted to give Brother Xin Ci a surprise?"
"A surprise? I'd say it's more of a fright," Mu Qingqing pouted and said.
Xuan Kong scratched his head, chuckling awkwardly, and didn't argue.