Chapter 412 (1/2)
Chapter 412: Qualifications
Translator: Thyaeria Editor: Thyaeria
Second highest step of the Nine Heavenly Steps
As Mu Chen’s figure appeared on the stone platform present under the attentive gazes of countless people, gazes filled with various kinds of emotions, ranging from elation, darkness, curiosity or indifference shot out from the seven figures present on this step…
As he landed, Mu Chen raised his head, shooting a look at the place where everyone had focused their attention on. Including Xia Youran, there were only seven figures present here. However, he knew that the seven people in front of him might truly be the top figures within the younger generation of the Northern Heavens Continent. Although he had yet to cross hands with them, he was already able to feel that every single one of them possessed strength that far exceeded that of Wu Dong, and even that Qing Hu who had tried to obstruct him just now.
These people were the truly stumbling blocks towards his goal.
Naturally…there was still the greatest stumbling block for him to overcome.
Mu Chen’s gaze shot towards the ordinary and seemingly unspectacular-looking Mo Xingtian, with the latter’s deadpan eyes staring right back at him. Present within those eyes was not a single bit of emotional fluctuation, with not even any killing intent present within them. From the looks of it, it appeared as if he was a moving corpse without a single shred of emotion, causing people’s blood to run cold.
However, Mu Chen knew that this Mo Xingtian might well be the most thorniest opponent that he would face here.
Following the appearance of Mu Chen, the initially quiet and stifling atmosphere seemed to become even more pressurising. Quietly walking over, Xia Youran grasped Mu Chen’s hand as she pulled him back to one side, not allowing him to become the focus of attention, and rescuing him from the stifling atmosphere that had converged on him.
“Why are you so late?” Xia Youran whispered.
“I’ve gotten slightly injured then, so I had to take a rest for a while,” replied Mu Chen with a faint smile, before retrieving the Wind Resistance Pearl out. Passing it back to Xia Youran, he said, “Thank you very much, Senior Sister Xia.”
Receiving over the Wind Resistance Pearl, Xia Youran gave a sweet smile as she said, “Not bad. You’re quite capable to actually rush all the way here. Look’s like I’ve underestimated you.”
Looking over towards the stone platforms in front of him that were radiating with pressure, Mu Chen asked, “What is this all about?”
The group of fellows present had stopped at this step, not going up, nor taking any action, resulting in such a pressurising atmosphere to form. Like pieces of wood stuck to the ground, they looked at each other in consternation, causing Mu Chen to be unable to make any sense of the scene present before him.
“The Divine Spiritual Baptism will descend from there…” said Xia Youran as she pointed towards the position at the highest point of the Nine Heavenly Steps. Presently, there was a gigantic clump of light, radiating with boundless brilliance, akin to a sun. Faintly, Mu Chen was able to discern the rather boundless and frightening fluctuations radiating from there.
“Over there?” repeated Mu Chen as he slightly gawked.
“The higher one stands within this Nine Heavenly Steps, the greater one would be able to absorb the “Strength of Baptism”. As for those people below, the “Strength of Baptism” they can absorb is only the scraps remaining from those present at the top…” said Xia Youran with a smile. ” However, the current problem is, who, exactly, are those people that have the qualifications to stand at the highest step? The Strength of Baptism isn’t endless without any bounds. The smaller the number of people present at the highest step, the greater the
Strength of Baptism available for each individual to absorb.”
Only at this moment did Mu Chen realise what was going on. Before he had reached the Nine Heavenly Steps, there were already seven people present at the second highest step. Clearly, it was not possible for all seven of them to stand at the highest level. If that was to happen, it would be no different from the second highest step, which all of them were standing on. Thinking along the lines, none of them would be willing to share that limited Strength of Baptism equal amongst those seven. In such a situation, if there was a ruthless person whose strength far exceeded the rest, which would immediately suppress everyone else and stand firm by himself at the highest step to enjoy the most perfect Strength of Baptism, there would be less confusion. However, the problem before him now was that there was no such person that possessed the strength to suppress the entire crowd.
Even someone as strong as Mo Xingtian might not possess the confidence to proclaim himself being able to defeat the other six by himself and climb to the top.
Therefore, before the Strength of Baptism appeared, they had fallen into this confusingly sticky situation. As of now, with the addition of Mu Chen, the situation had become even harder to disentangle.
A slight feeling pricked Mu Chen’s mind, causing him to notice Liu Ying standing not far away from him, sending a sinister gaze towards his body.
“The places on the second highest step are already filled. I’m afraid that they can no longer hold any more people.” Liu Ying’s indifferent-sounding voice rang out, breaking the pressurising atmosphere present here. Instantly, the gazes from all of the other people present on the second highest step turned towards Mu Chen. Clearly, they had sensed the antagonistic meaning present behind Liu Ying’s words.
However, none of them were unhappy about this, since all of them had some ill feelings towards Mu Chen, who had seemingly popped out of nowhere and was attempting to split their share of the strength of baptism.
After all, the seven people present here could be considered to be familiar with each other’s strengths, with fear and dread towards one another present in each other’s hearts. However, how could this Mu Chen, who had suddenly popped out from nowhere, be considered as anything? Strength at Heavenly Completion Stage Initial Phase…although his combat prowess was indeed astonishing, to the point that even Qing Hu was unable to obstruct him… didn’t he see Qing Hu and the rest staying obediently on the third highest step, not even daring to attempt to barge up here?
The difference in strength was clearly separated in this place akin to two different dimensions. One could only stand at a step in accordance to one’s level of strength, before acknowledging one’s fate and absorbing surplus Strength of Baptism leaking from the top. As for whether one could obtain the baptism, that would have to count on one’s fortune…
“Liu Ying!” Upon seeing Liu Ying speaking out, Xia Youran immediately knew that he would be antagonistic towards Mu Chen, causing her eyebrows to wrinkle up.