Chapter 438 - 234: Divine Soul Trial! Jiang Che Ignites the Crowd! The Final Trial Begins

He didn’t lift his foot to take another step, nor did he turn to descend the ladder.

He simply lowered his head slightly, seeming to adjust his breathing, or perhaps contemplating something.

And so, he stood quietly on the forty-ninth step.

Across the plaza, the clamor born of surprise began to subside.

Tens of thousands of pairs of eyes were all fixed on that tall, straight-backed figure in black.

The forty-ninth step.

This was the dividing line between the Third Layer Peak of the True Master Realm and the Fourth Layer of the True Master Realm!

It was a massive hurdle!

For most Martial Artists at this Realm, that single step was often an insurmountable chasm.

"Can... can he go any further?"

Someone in the crowd murmured softly, their voice tinged with hope.

Then, a passionate voice suddenly rang out, shattering the crowd’s silence:

"Push through! You can do it!"

The voice was a spark that instantly set a dry prairie ablaze!

"Go, Jiang Che! Get past it!"

"Don’t stop! Show us where your limits truly lie!"

"Go! Go!!"

A tidal wave of shouts surged, spreading from a few scattered individuals until it engulfed the entire plaza!

It wasn’t just the Cangyun Sect disciples, nor was it limited to the people from Cangzhou Prefecture.

Even the ordinary Martial Artists from other small, remote states—those with mediocre talent who had long endured the scorn and mockery of geniuses from the Great States—were now red in the face, pumping their fists and screaming themselves hoarse!

In that moment, Jiang Che was no longer just himself.

He had become a symbol, a spiritual totem representing the underdog’s triumph and the weak overcoming the strong!

Those in the lower Realms saw a reflection of themselves in him. They saw the idealized version of themselves that they yearned to become but could never reach!

Every step Jiang Che took felt like a declaration of war on their behalf against the rigid hierarchy of the Martial Arts World!

...

On the high platform.

The three top Sect Elders, who had remained impassive until now, were drawn in by the overwhelming fervor from below, their gazes falling once more upon the figure in black.

"Heh, this young man is rather interesting, to be able to incite such a public outcry."

Daoist Wu Wei of the Myriad Phenomena Dao Sect flicked his duster, a hint of amusement flashing in his world-wise eyes.

A thought suddenly struck him, and he recalled the furtive gaze that had probed him before the assessment began.

’Could it be... that incredibly audacious kid from before was him?’

At this thought, the smile on Daoist Wu Wei’s lips widened. "Interesting. Very interesting."

"He’s merely playing to the crowd."

Elder Su Wuming of the Haotian Sword Sect, however, snorted coldly, his expression impassive. "Cultivation is a personal journey that relies on one’s foundation. The distance of a single step can be the difference between heaven and earth. His foundation is still shallow. Forcing a breakthrough will only injure his Divine Soul."

"Fellow Daoist Su, your words are a bit too absolute," Daoist Wu Wei said with a faint smile. "I observe that this child’s aura is steady and his spirit is contained. Perhaps... it’s not impossible for him to take another step."

"Oh?" Su Wuming raised an eyebrow, a sharp glint like a sword’s edge flashing in his eyes. "Since Fellow Daoist Wu Wei thinks so highly of him, why don’t we make a wager?"

"Wager on what?"

"Let’s wager on whether he can pass this fiftieth step! If he makes it, this Sword Intent Marrow Cleansing Talisman of mine is yours. If he fails, you’ll give me that treasured Hundred Herbs Brew of yours!"

Su Wuming’s skepticism toward Jiang Che wasn’t just due to his personality. As a Sword Cultivator, he believed in steady, step-by-step progress and loathed "dark horses" like this, whose seemingly explosive growth might actually hide a weak foundation.

Daoist Wu Wei laughed heartily. "Excellent! Since Fellow Daoist Su is in the mood for some sport, I will take that bet!"

He then turned to Master Xuan Kong. "Master, would you care to join?"

Master Xuan Kong, clad in a kasaya, put his palms together, a compassionate yet diplomatic smile on his face. "Amitabha Buddha. Monks do not lie, nor do they gamble. I shall simply act as a witness."

The old monk seemed easygoing, but he was the type who wouldn’t release the hawk without seeing the hare—he had no intention of offending either party.

With the wager set, the three men’s gazes once again focused on the Celestial Ladder.

...

As if in response to the crowd’s roars, or perhaps having finally gathered enough strength...

...Jiang Che, who had been standing motionless, suddenly raised his head.

A brilliant light burst forth from his deep-set eyes!

He lifted his right foot.

And brought it down!

BOOM!!!

Under the expectant gazes of the entire crowd, Jiang Che’s foot landed firmly on the fiftieth step!

"He made it!!!"

"The fiftieth step! He did it!!"

The entire Xuanwu Plaza erupted in a deafening, earth-shattering cheer!

The roar was so immense that it even caused the surrounding residences to tremble!

However, Jiang Che didn’t stop.

Though his body had begun to tremble slightly and fine beads of sweat dotted his forehead, his steps remained firm!

Fifty-one!

Fifty-two!

With every step he took, the terrifying pressure on his Divine Soul increased exponentially, as if countless great mountains were simultaneously crushing his Sea of Consciousness!

But Jiang Che’s eyes only grew brighter.

In the preparation area for Cangzhou Prefecture.

Qin Wuya’s eyes were glued to that figure.

He had been jealous of Jiang Che, unwilling to be surpassed.

But in this moment, watching that figure shouldering everyone’s hopes and climbing step by step, the jealousy in his heart inexplicably transformed into a fiery passion!

"Jiang Che! Get up there, damn it! Don’t you dare bring shame to Cangzhou Prefecture!"

Qin Wuya couldn’t help but roar in a low voice.

At this moment, Jiang Che was no longer his rival.

He was a hero representing Cangzhou Prefecture, fighting for them all in this Capital City teeming with experts, in front of all Forty-Three Prefectures!