“Well, the Moonlight Pagoda is quite extraordinary. Various scenes and challenges appear inside, and they differ each year, so I can’t give you specifics.”
Yang Danlin thought for a moment and said, “However, results have always been calculated based on survival time.”
“Survival time?”
“Yes, dying inside the Moonlight Pagoda doesn’t mean actual death; you’ll be transported outside. But remember, even though it’s not real death, your soul will still be severely damaged, and it’ll take a month or two to recover. So, try not to die if you can help it!”
Yang Danlin explained, “Generally, the longer you stay in the Moonlight Pagoda, the more benefits you gain, so results are calculated based on that.”
“I see.”
Ling Xiao nodded and said, “But Elder Yang, you don’t die, but can you be trapped inside?”
“Yes, that’s possible. There was once a disciple who was bound inside and still hasn’t come out, and those who went in later never found any trace of him.”
Yang Danlin replied.
“Sounds quite dangerous.”
Ling Xiao said this, but a smile appeared on his face.
“Don’t be reckless, lad. If something seems impossible, don’t attempt it. Many times, people see rich rewards and rush in recklessly, only to be killed and sent out.”
Yang Danlin warned, “You’ve got a sharp eye and should be able to judge danger. Absolutely don’t attempt what you can’t achieve, or it’ll do you no good.”
“This junior understands. Master, are you coming with me?”
Ling Xiao shouted to Yuan Zun in the beast ring.
“Of course, I want to see what this tower-climbing ceremony is all about,” Yuan Zun said.
“No way! The Moonlight Pagoda is extraordinary. If a strong being hides in the beast ring, it’ll be detected!”
Yang Danlin hurriedly said, “That would ruin Ling Xiao’s ceremony.”
“Bad luck, then forget it.”
Yuan Zun was a bit helpless but couldn’t risk his disciple’s future for his curiosity.
Ling Xiao released him from the beast ring, handed him to Yang Danlin for safekeeping, asked about some preparations, and returned to his cave to cultivate.
There were still three days left, and even if he couldn’t break through in cultivation, he could still make progress in other areas.
In those three days, Ling Xiao’s cultivation didn’t break through, but he reached the peak of the early sixth level of the Mortal Realm. With a slight push, he could likely advance to the mid-sixth level.
He decided to attempt this in the Moonlight Pagoda.
However, his sword soul clone successfully condensed thirteen forms, finally allowing him to start practising the sword techniques of the *Shadow Transformation Sword Art*.
Additionally, his *Heavenly Dragon God Finger* and *Soul Dice* smoothly reached the fourth level in those three days, moving from minor to major mastery.
These were rather unique martial arts.
The *Heavenly Dragon God Finger* was most suited for human-dragon or primordial golden dragon forms, with immense power, a dragon clan technique.
The *Soul Dice* was a soul clan martial art, using soul force, making it Ling Xiao’s powerful trump card, best paired with martial law.
…
Three days later, Ling Xiao arrived early at the inner sect square, waiting to enter the Moonlight Pagoda.
All fifty disciples had gathered.
The ten seeded disciples stood at the front, with the rest behind.
Among the ten, only two were core disciples: Tantai Lingzi and Shen Tianlin.
Tantai Lingzi, ranked sixth, was at the late eighth level of the Mortal Realm.
Shen Tianlin, ranked tenth, was at the early eighth level.
There was also Li Zonghao, pushed out of the top ten core disciples by Shen Tianlin, also at the early eighth level but weaker in combat.
However, the most attention was on Bai Feifei.
Despite losing to Ling Xiao in the quota contest, her strength was undeniable, and Ling Xiao had used some less-than-honourable tactics.
Thus, many in the sect had high hopes for Bai Feifei, believing she might gain more benefits in the Moonlight Pagoda than anyone before, possibly even breaking the records of Sect Leader Chang Yueying and Demon Flame Heavenly Lord.
Of course, Tantai Lingzi, Shen Tianlin, and Li Zonghao were also highly anticipated.
The two geniuses, Ming Tian and Leng Hao, were also expected to shine.
But the most unpredictable was Ling Xiao, not even an inner sect disciple.
Some said he was weak, yet he defeated the formidable Bai Feifei.
Others said he wasn’t strong, relying on unorthodox methods to win.
His presence was truly an unknown factor.
Among the crowd, Zhao Zhi felt excited.
Though he knew his strength might not yield great opportunities, entering the Moonlight Pagoda guaranteed some benefits, even if small, and he was content with that.
“Brother Ling, be careful in the Moonlight Pagoda. Bai Feifei and Shen Tianlin may ignore someone like me, but they’ll definitely target you.”
Zhao Zhi was now more worried about Ling Xiao.
“Thanks for your concern, Brother Zhao, but don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”
Ling Xiao smiled and said, “Once inside, you and Yu Ling stay close to me. I can’t promise to get you to the end, but I’ll make sure you both gain something before coming out.”
The tower-climbing ceremony was a trial for individuals.
However, inside the Moonlight Pagoda, cooperation was possible.
For Zhao Zhi and Dai Yuling, he’d do his best to help, but if it didn’t work out, there was little he could do.
After all, the ceremony was full of opportunities but also dangers. A single misstep, even for someone at the ninth level of the Mortal Realm, was meaningless.
Death came regardless.
So, he wasn’t optimistic about Bai Feifei, that foolish woman.
Strength alone wasn’t enough.
Without experience or adaptability, it was useless.
“Looks like Brother Ling has everything under control. I was worrying needlessly.”
Seeing Ling Xiao’s confidence, Zhao Zhi knew he’d been overly concerned. His job was to stay alive.
That was probably the greatest help he could offer Ling Xiao.
Ling Xiao smiled, saying nothing.
He didn’t know much about the ceremony, but his confidence came from his versatility.
Be it strength, cultivation, formations, alchemy, or adaptability, he excelled. The ceremony was a trial, not a death sentence.
There would surely be opportunities for those inside to gain benefits.
