The First Marquis of Daxuan

"If it were possible to do it, it wouldn't be impossible, but there's no need for it."

Su Mu pondered for a moment and said, "Some people just deserve to die."

In Su Mu's view, there is no point in doing something like losing without killing someone just to show off.

This Heavenly Venerable is quite hypocritical.

This also shows that Jue Tianzun is an absolutely self-centered and selfish person.

Those who deserve to die should not be killed; if they are left alive, who knows how much harm they will cause to the world.

Ning Hongchen blinked, suddenly unable to utter the words she had prepared.

"Fine, you're all perverts."

After a long while, Ning Hongchen finally complained helplessly.

"In terms of talent and comprehension, you may not be inferior to Jue Tianzun, but your current strength is far inferior to Jue Tianzun, so don't underestimate him."

Lei Tianzun said in a deep voice, "If you can really collect the Chaos Record, then you may have a chance to catch up with Jue Tianzun in the future."

"Why waste time talking so much nonsense? Just go to Nanheng Mountain and give it a try."

Qi Lingyun said, "Take back that Chaos Diagram from Jue Tianzun, and let that bastard taste what it's like to be crushed!"

Qi Lingyun ground her little tiger teeth, her face full of resentment.

Women can be far more ruthless than men when they hold grudges.

…………

A few days later.

At the foot of Nanheng Mountain.

Mount Hengshan soars into the clouds, and at its foot lies a bustling little town.

This was completely different from the Daoist temple that Su Mu had imagined for the number one person in the world.

For a moment, Su Mu was somewhat dazed.

Looking at the bustling market and hearing the enthusiastic shouts of vendors, Su Mu felt for a moment that he had come to the wrong place.

Su Mu was stunned for a moment before he came to his senses.

Lei Tianzun and Qi Lingyun were right; some people had indeed used the steps on Nanheng Mountain as a place for trials.

Those who come here for trials naturally need food, clothing, shelter, and supplies such as weapons and elixirs.

Over time, a market town formed at the foot of Nanheng Mountain.

Since there was still some time before the day he had agreed upon with Liu Rufeng, Su Mu wasn't in a hurry to go to Nanheng Mountain. Instead, he strolled around the market.

The market had only one street, about three hundred feet long, which was densely packed with many shops.

Su Mu watched with great interest as he walked along.

He even discovered some rare ores and medicinal herbs, and couldn't resist spending some spirit stones to buy them.

Just as Su Mu was about to reach the end of the long street, he suddenly saw a group of people surrounding a person walking down the mountain path of Nanheng Mountain.

Su Mu had exceptional hearing and overheard the compliments coming from those people.

"Brother Du has now crossed the threshold of seven thousand steps. Given time, he will surely be able to reach the summit of Nanheng Mountain."

"Brother Du reached the 7,000th step in just three months, breaking the mountain climbing record of the Heavenly Profound Realm. If Brother Du were in the Heavenly Fate Realm, he would probably have rushed to the summit in one go."

"Brother Du is only 180 years old this year. It's only a matter of time before he breaks through to the Heavenly Fate Realm."

"..."

A group of people surrounded a young man who looked to be in his late twenties, praising him one after another.

The young man, with a reserved expression, bowed to the crowd.

"Heavenly Profound Realm, seven thousand steps..."

Su Mu looked at the young man thoughtfully.

According to Lei Tianzun and Qi Lingyun, the gravity on the steps of Nanheng Mountain doubles with each step climbed.

Seven thousand steps—that's seven thousand times the gravity, something no ordinary Heavenly Profound Realm martial artist could withstand.

Even Su Mu, when he was in the Heavenly Profound Realm, might not have been able to do that.

You should know that Su Mu cultivates the Eight-Nine Mysterious Technique.

If Su Mu can't do it, what are the chances that others can?

No wonder these people praise him so much; this young man surnamed Du does indeed have some talent.

Su Mu was lost in thought when the group of people passed by him.

Su Mu subconsciously moved aside, and the man surnamed Du turned his head to look at Su Mu, his gaze lingering on Su Mu for a moment before shifting away.

Before he could look away, Su Mu noticed a hint of doubt flash in the eyes of the man surnamed Du.

This discovery aroused Su Mu's curiosity.

Su Mu's visit to Nanheng Mountain was low-key; apart from Lei Tianzun, Mao Jiu, Qi Lingyun, and Ning Hongchen, no one knew he was there.

Moreover, he used the Eight-Nine Mysterious Techniques to conceal his aura and change his appearance.

Even if people who know him are there in person, they will only see him as an unremarkable, ordinary martial artist in the Heavenly Profound Realm.

Such people are not exactly everywhere at the foot of Nanheng Mountain, but they are certainly not particularly noticeable.

After all, those who come to Nanheng Mountain for training are generally of decent cultivation level.

The man surnamed Du's reaction just now clearly showed that he had some doubts about Su Mu's identity, but it seems that he ultimately failed to see through Su Mu's disguise.

Even so, it is enough to prove that the man surnamed Du is extraordinary.

Su Mu's disguise skills were superb; even in front of the Cangqiong Sect Master Fu Canglan and the Martial Sect Master Wu Zu, he did not reveal the slightest flaw.

How could someone as lowly as the Heavenly Profound Realm be able to discover the clues?
Furthermore, seeing that this man surnamed Du had climbed the seven thousand steps of Nanheng Mountain with his Heavenly Profound Realm cultivation, Su Mu became even more curious.

"Brother, may I ask who this Brother Du is?"

Su Mu grabbed one of the people in the crowd and asked in a low voice.

"You don't even recognize Brother Du?"

The man glanced at Su Mu and said with a disdainful look, "Brother Du's name is Du Rongcheng. He is an unparalleled genius. At only 180 years old, he has already cultivated to the peak of the Heavenly Profound Realm, and is only one step away from the Heavenly Fate Realm."

However, don't underestimate Brother Du just because he's not at the Heavenly Fate Realm; his strength is actually no less than that of someone at the Heavenly Fate Realm.

Three months ago, when he first arrived at Nanheng Mountain, he defeated a true Heavenly Fate Realm expert on the mountain's steps.

The man spoke eloquently, his face full of excitement.

Anyone who didn't know better would think he was talking about his own achievements.

Su Mu became increasingly puzzled as he listened. How could someone with the cultivation level of Heavenly Profound Realm defeat a Heavenly Fate Realm cultivator?

He certainly sounds like an extraordinary genius.

Back then, Su Mu's cultivation level in the Heavenly Profound Realm was only enough to fight against a Heavenly Fate Realm expert by relying on his many methods, and it was hard to say whether he could win.

So, this man surnamed Du is even stronger than I was back then?
That said, if he's so strong, why is he only at the Heavenly Profound Realm at the age of 180?

Su Mu was already at the peak of the Heavenly Fate Realm before he was even a hundred years old.

"What school or sect does this Brother Du Rongcheng belong to?"

Su Mu asked.

"let me tell you."

The man lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "This is what I heard, I can't guarantee it's true. I heard that Brother Du is the illegitimate son of the Heavenly Venerable Jue Tianzun, and he's venturing into the steps of Nan Heng Mountain this time to acknowledge his ancestors."

The Celestial Venerable Jue said that if Brother Du could ascend Mount Nanheng, he would acknowledge Brother Du as his son.

Su Mu: "..."

The illegitimate son of the Supreme Celestial?
No wonder this person said they couldn't guarantee the truth; it's amazing that they could come up with such a rumor.

Based on what Su Mu heard from Lei Tianzun and the others, it is highly unlikely that Jue Tianzun has any illegitimate children.

Even if such a scenario existed, it wouldn't happen that someone climbs Nanheng Mountain and immediately recognizes their son.

However, such rumors are probably deliberately spread by someone with ulterior motives.

I don't know what the purpose of the person spreading this rumor is.

Was it a deliberate attempt to link Du Rongcheng with Jue Tianzun?

Su Mu seemed to be deep in thought.

Suddenly, a voice shouted.

"Brother Du is treating everyone to drinks. We're having a feast at the Nanhengshan market today, and all expenses will be on Brother Du's tab!"

A cheer echoed down the long street.

For most martial artists, the cost of food and drink is nothing, but it's always better to save a little.

Hearing the cheers around him, Su Mu frowned slightly.

See Weizhi book.

This tactic of inviting everyone to spend money may seem childish, but it is actually a good way to win people's hearts.

While proclaiming his relationship with the Supreme Celestial, Du Rongcheng is also trying to win people's hearts. It seems that he has big ambitions.

"Brother Du is indeed magnanimous, worthy of being the man who broke the mountaineering record of the Heavenly Profound Realm."

The passerby exclaimed with admiration, "Seven thousand steps! Not to mention the Heavenly Profound Realm, even few in the Heavenly Fate Realm can reach such a height!"

I heard that even the Martial Ancestor only reached eight thousand steps back then, and Brother Du is about to surpass him.

The passerby was very talkative, and he kept talking even when no one asked him anything.

From his words, Su Mu also gained some information that he did not know before.

He had only just learned that the Martial Ancestor had also climbed Mount Nanheng, and that he had only climbed up to eight thousand steps.

As far as Su Mu knows, it seems that only Heavenly Venerables like Lei Tianzun and Qi Lingyun have ever managed to climb to the top of the mountain.

Su Mu looked up at the towering Nanheng Mountain, and his interest was piqued.

Ignoring the commotion, he turned and walked towards Nanheng Mountain.

He wanted to see how many steps he could climb.

…………

Du Rongcheng was enjoying the praise from everyone. He subconsciously turned his head to look in the direction of Nanheng Mountain and saw a figure walking towards the steps of Nanheng Mountain.

"Huh? Is it him?"

Du Rongcheng's heart stirred slightly.

Having just returned from a mountain climb, he inadvertently caught a glimpse of Su Mu, and a strange feeling welled up inside him.

It felt like meeting someone like me.

But when he carefully observed Su Mu, he found nothing.

The other party looked like an ordinary martial artist at the Heavenly Profound Realm.

However, that strange feeling lingered in his mind.

Seeing that the other person was also going to climb the mountain, a thought involuntarily popped into his mind.

"Someone's climbing the mountain again. Let's go see how many steps he can climb."

Du Rongcheng spoke up.

"It's just a Heavenly Profound Realm cultivator. Reaching a hundred or so steps is nothing special. What's so interesting about that?"

"A martial artist said."

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by another person.

"If Brother Du wants to see it, then let's go and take a look together."

Before they could reach a conclusion, Du Rongcheng had already started walking up the mountain.

Everyone saw this and followed him one after another.

…………

When Du Rongcheng and the others arrived at Nanheng Mountain, Su Mu had already stepped onto the 9,999 steps.

These 9,999 steps are like a straight ladder to heaven, leading from the mountainside of Nanheng Mountain to the summit. The last section is hidden in the clouds and mist, making it difficult to see its true appearance.

These steps are as white as jade, spotless. Only those who have walked them know that climbing this small step is as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Du Rongcheng's eyes widened, a look of surprise on his face.

Within his line of sight, he saw Su Mu strolling leisurely up the steps, having already climbed dozens of steps in the blink of an eye.

Not only Du Rongcheng showed a surprised expression, but the other martial artists who followed also showed shock.

"Who is this person? How can he have such strength?"

"Looks unfamiliar, not sure."

"Breaking through a hundred! For someone in the Heavenly Profound Realm to break through a hundred, although not as good as Brother Du, is still considered an outstanding achievement."

Everyone was talking about it.

In the time it took to speak, Su Mu had already crossed a hundred steps, and he was still going uphill without slowing down at all.

This scene left everyone stunned.

Putting everything else aside, even Du Rongcheng's speed in climbing this mountain is slightly slower.

A martial artist noticed Du Rongcheng's expression and said, "This man is showing off his skills and doesn't know how to conserve his energy. Just watch, he won't be able to walk for long before he runs out of energy and falls down the steps."

Du Rongcheng nodded almost imperceptibly.

Although this seemingly ordinary guy gave him the feeling of being one of his own, he still didn't believe that the other person could break his record.

Du Rongcheng climbed seven thousand steps, while this guy only climbed a hundred. He's far behind.

"It's not bad to watch the excitement. It's rare to see a martial artist at the Heavenly Profound Realm who dares to overestimate his abilities and climb Mount Nanheng."

Du Rongcheng said.

Everyone agreed.

The voices of these people drifted into Su Mu's ears on the wind, but Su Mu simply smiled and paid them no further attention.

There are 9,999 steps, and there are still many more. It seems I need to speed things up, otherwise I might not be able to finish before sunset.

Feeling the weight of gravity pressing down on him, Su Mu thought to himself.

He quickened his pace.

pedal!
pedal!
pedal!
Su Mu climbed two steps at a time without stopping.

call!
The onlookers all gasped in surprise.

Two steps at a time?
Is this person crazy?

Du Rongcheng's chest heaved violently twice.

Even he had to adapt step by step when climbing the steps of Nanheng Mountain.

Keep in mind that with each step you climb, the force of gravity doubles. If you don't get used to it, your body could easily collapse under the pressure.

Stepping over two steps at once, the rapid increase in gravity puts a significant strain on the body.

"Does anyone know this person's identity and background?"

Du Rongcheng's face darkened, and he said with a grim expression.

The group looked at each other and shook their heads.

“Brother Du, I know all the powerful people in the world, but I have never heard of this person before.”

"A martial artist said."

"I do remember someone, but his cultivation level is not quite the same."

"Another martial artist said."

"Who?"

Du Rongcheng asked in a deep voice.

"Xu Xian".

The martial artist said, "I've heard of Xu Xian before when I was in Spring Breeze City. He looks somewhat similar to me."

Who was Xu Xian?

Du Rongcheng said.

"I don't know. Xu Xian's origins are mysterious. He was originally brought back by Ji Yu'an from Chunfeng City. I only know that he is powerful, but I really don't know his specific background."

The martial artist shook his head.

Where is Ji Yu'an?

Du Rongcheng said, judging from his appearance, it seemed like he couldn't wait to call Ji Yu'an over for questioning.

"I heard he's retired."

The martial artist said, "There has been no news of him in the martial arts world for a long time."

"Five hundred steps already, that's fast!"

A gasp interrupted Du Rongcheng's questioning, and everyone looked up.

Su Mu had already climbed five hundred steps and was still moving forward at a pace of two steps per step, with almost no change in speed.

The martial artist who had previously said that Su Mu didn't know how to conserve his energy and would become slower and slower later looked grim.

It's not that they don't know how to conserve energy; they simply don't care about the hundreds of times the force of gravity!

Look how easily they're doing it; they could climb hundreds more steps without any problem!

"Brother Du, before this, the highest a Heavenly Profound Realm martial artist could climb was 1,500 steps. Do you think Xu Xian could climb to such a height?"

One of the martial artists couldn't help but whisper.

"It's not certain whether he is Xu Xian or not. Even if he is, he's just a rogue cultivator. I think a thousand levels is his limit."

"A thousand steps is the limit of your imagination, but it may not be the limit for others."

"Judging from how relaxed he looks, I think he can climb at least two thousand steps."

"Are you all blind? Have you ever seen anyone climb a mountain so easily? Two thousand steps? Who are you looking down on? I think he can climb at least five thousand, and it's not impossible for him to even surpass Young Master Du."

Some people fawned over Du Rongcheng, while others disliked him.

However, everyone's attention is now drawn to the person on the mountain path steps.

Everyone was curious about how high this seemingly ordinary guy who suddenly appeared could climb.

Du Rongcheng had stopped talking at this point.

His expression became extremely solemn.

Just when his plan was about to succeed, this troublemaker suddenly appeared.

Is this a coincidence, or is it something someone did on purpose?
If someone did this intentionally, who was it?

Du Rongcheng's eyes flickered, a dangerous glint brewing deep within them.

The martial artists standing next to him suddenly shivered, feeling the temperature around them drop several degrees. They looked around in confusion.

The discussions and speculations of the crowd did not affect Su Mu's speed in climbing the mountain.

In the time it takes to eat a meal, he had already climbed 1,500 steps.

An hour later, he was already standing at the height of the three thousandth step.

This speed has far surpassed that of Du Rongcheng.

It took Du Rongcheng a full ten days to climb the three thousand steps.

That wasn't all; Su Mu continued upwards, his speed undiminished.

The murmurs of the crowd had gradually subsided.

Everyone held their breath, staring intently at the mountain path steps.

Now everyone can see that this seemingly unremarkable guy is terrifyingly strong, possibly even stronger than Du Rongcheng.

Climbing a thousand steps in an hour? Is that even human?

If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they wouldn't have believed it was real.

They wouldn't even dare to dream of such a thing.

Another hour passed, and Su Mu crossed the four thousandth step.

In another hour, there will be five thousand steps.

Only then did his speed finally slow down, no longer taking two steps at a time, but continuing to climb one step at a time.

Seeing this, Du Rongcheng couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

He was genuinely worried that Su Mu would climb all the way to the top of the mountain at this speed.

Fortunately, this person wasn't entirely without pressure.

"Hmph, breaking my record isn't that easy. Even if you really were sent by the man surnamed Liu, don't even think about ruining my plans!"

Du Rongcheng sneered inwardly.

"He's gone up to the 5,500th step, and his speed has slowed down again."

One of the martial artists breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It seems he may not be able to break Young Master Du's record either."

Previously, Su Mu walked upwards step by step, as if taking a stroll, hardly stopping for a moment.

But now, he pauses for a few breaths after each step.

Although the time it takes is negligible compared to previous climbers, it is still a change from Su Mu's previous relentless pace.

Everyone thought this was a sign that Su Mu was physically exhausted.

“I told you, he didn’t know how to conserve his energy before, and look, he can’t do it now.”

The martial artist who previously said Su Mu couldn't climb very high now thinks he can do it again and says sarcastically.

Many martial artists nearby glanced at him with disdain.

You call this unacceptable?

If you could climb a few hundred steps at his current speed, we would all give you a thumbs up!
You're someone who can't even climb a few hundred steps, so what gives you the right to look down on a genius who can climb five thousand steps?
Regardless of whether this person can ultimately break Young Master Du's record, he will definitely become famous.

He became famous overnight!

This is what everyone is thinking.

Some quick-witted individuals have already begun secretly sending messages to inquire about Xu Xian.

If a genius suddenly appears, you should try to recruit him if possible, or at least befriend him beforehand.

As for whether this person is Xu Xian, we'll have to find out first.

"No, he's definitely not at the Heavenly Profound Realm!"

Seeing that Su Mu had already crossed six thousand steps and was getting closer and closer to his own record, Du Rongcheng suddenly said in a deep voice.

Others may not know, but Du Rongcheng himself is aware of his situation.

He was able to climb seven thousand steps because he was carrying a powerful treasure.

Otherwise, even with his physique, he could only climb up to six thousand steps at most.

He didn't believe that any Heavenly Profound Realm cultivator could have a stronger physique than him!
This is impossible!

A physique at the Heavenly Profound Realm could not withstand six thousand times the gravity!
How could this man possibly do what Du Rongcheng couldn't?
This person must be hiding their true cultivation level!
Du Rongcheng had no idea that his casual remark had revealed the truth.

Even if Su Mu is still at the Heavenly Profound Realm, these six thousand steps are no challenge for him.

"Not a Heavenly Profound Realm cultivator? I know who he is!"

A martial artist suddenly exclaimed, "If it's him, then everything will be fine."

Young Master Du is indeed far inferior to him.

If he were here to climb the steps of Nanheng Mountain, it would be that simple.

"Who are you talking about?"

Du Rongcheng's face darkened. He stared at the martial artist and said coldly, "You say this young master is inferior to whom?"

Du Rongcheng's tone was so cold it could freeze the other person into an ice cube.

Du Rongcheng was no less capable than anyone else in his life. If he hadn't been so young, even Liu Rufeng wouldn't have been able to compare to him.

Now this bastard actually says he's inferior to others!
Tolerable or unbearable!
"he is the one--"

The martial artist showed no fear, and said, enunciating each word clearly, "Su Mu!" (End of Chapter)