The Journey of Immortal Cultivation-Chapter 276 - 169 Mortal Ascends the Heavenly Ladder_2

Therefore, the "Hao Jing" currently standing in this five-person team is actually Ning Xiaoxian in disguise. Aside from having identical appearances, even their clothing and hair decorations are indistinguishable. The plain-colored curved hem deep robe that Ning Xiaoxian is wearing is fashioned after Hao Jing’s garments. This style of attire, tightly fit with a slit front, exposing the feet, is more convenient for movement and is a favorite among many women who roam the wilderness. The real Hao Jing is currently in a deep slumber within the God Demon Prison, under the watch of Qiongqi, to ensure she won’t wake up within the ten days while the secret realm is open.

Ning Xiaoxian dared to switch places with Hao Jing using a High-level Disguise Pill, confident that the leaders sent forth from the various Immortal Sects this time would not surpass the Golden Core Stage and would not be able to see through her disguised face. As for the other team members, they might find Hao Jing unusually silent today, but that would be the extent of their suspicion. The woman isn’t usually talkative anyway, and today marks the once-in-a-decade opening of the Heavenly Ladder, so it’s not strange for one to feel a bit tense.

The area where she stands now is a large flat ground located halfway up the back mountain of Qingjing Mountain, roughly the size of a soccer field. The entrance to the secret realm is situated in front of a century-old tree, and her team is one of over sixty teams assembled before this tree. Excluding the members from the Immortal Sects, there are about three hundred mortals intending to enter the secret realm.

This number is the conclusion reached by the four Immortal Sects after many years of trial and error; after all, the secret realm only yields five treasures for each opening, so sending in more people would be pointless. This arrangement doesn’t meet opposition from the mortals. Humans are social creatures, and in the wilderness, the common practice of forming groups to fight monsters is welcome—more companions mean more security. The secret realm has opened hundreds of times, and mortals have a general understanding of it. If a lone individual were to venture inside, they would likely meet a very grim fate.

Her hearing is sharp, and while standing with her head bowed in the team, she is actually carefully listening to the conversations of the Immortal Sect disciples. She hears an elder from another sect laughing loudly at Elder Xing from Yunxiao Palace, saying, "If our Qixia Sect secures another treasure this time, I’ll talk to our Sect Leader and say there’s no need for the mortals to compete any further next time." Essentially, each of the four Immortal Sects can procure one treasure, leaving one remaining. Qixia Sect has managed to obtain two treasures three consecutive times at the Heavenly Ladder, so their arrogance and contempt in the remark are quite pronounced, displeasing members from the other three sects.

Ning Xiaoxian shakes her head. It seems that the Heavenly Ladder is no longer held in high regard by the Immortal Sects; otherwise, Qixia Sect wouldn’t have sent such an incompetent leader who lacks both personal quality and cultivation.

Elder Xing speaks coldly, "Who will claim the prize remains to be seen; Fellow Daoist Zhan might do well to watch and wait." His words are forceful, but he feels disinterested, considering the sect actually sent him to preside over the Heavenly Ladder. An elder, with whom he usually disagrees, set off yesterday to the north to attend the World Conference held by the Great Sects at the Heavenly Pillar. The difference in treatment between people is just too great, isn’t it?

For a moment, the area falls silent again, the Immortal Sect disciples lose interest, whereas the mortals at the entrance are eager and prepared for action. Ning Xiaoxian silently shakes her head, lamenting the stark division between the immortal and mortal worlds, a chasm as distinct as clouds and mud. Mortals risk their lives for a small profit, only for the treasures they retrieve to be selectively chosen by the cultivators.

Time quietly slips away. Elder Xing drops an hourglass to the ground, and finally, the last grain of sand trickles down.

It is 9 a.m., the designated time!

Ning Xiaoxian’s eyes widen in anticipation of witnessing the manner in which the secret realm’s gates open. The space next to the large tree in the plaza suddenly ripples like a breeze disturbing the surface of a tranquil pond, the amplitude of the ripples increasing and vaguely revealing glimpses of another landscape, still unclear.

It’s only then that Elder Xing firmly instructs the mortals below him, "Get ready, it’s time to enter."

Without any earth-shattering phenomena or even the slightest sound, ten breaths pass before the entrance stabilizes enough to allow three carriages to pass through side by side. Ning Xiaoxian’s team is directly in front of the entrance; she can see a world of lush vegetation and interspersed waters inside, without any other particularly remarkable features.

"Is that... a swamp?" She thinks uncertainly.

At that moment, the team leader Pang Hai utters a low command, "Move," following the team in front. Not just him, all the mortals on the field proceed toward the secret realm entrance with solemn expressions.

Suddenly, a disturbance arises from the edge of the plaza, several teams scatter. The expressions of the Immortal Sect disciples tighten, but upon clarifying the situation, they can’t help but scoff, "Mortals do love to make a fuss over nothing, even scared half to death by Lord Qi’s arrival?" It is Elder Xing from Yunxiao Palace who utters a light sigh, "Why has Lord Qi come here all of a sudden today?" 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Suddenly, at the side of the field, a huge multicolored figure appears—it’s none other than the Qishou that had once bought salt-baked chicken in Shuangyu City. Its eyes intensely scan the entrance to the secret realm and then all the people present. When its gaze lands in Ning Xiaoxian’s direction, the giant eye suddenly brightens but quickly sweeps past as if nothing happened.

Inwardly, she feels a trace of unease. Judging by Elder Xing’s reaction, the Qishou typically doesn’t visit to watch the opening of the secret realm; what then prompted this sudden appearance? A deviation from the norm usually indicates trouble, not to mention that Qiongqi had already informed her that despite being referred to as a Ren Beast, Qishou is indeed a true demon!

Elder Xing raises his voice respectfully towards the Qishou, "Lord Qi, is there any guidance for your visit today?" (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)