Jun Changxiao wasn’t in a hurry to challenge the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower. First, to give Old Zhen more time to comprehend formations, and second, to wait for Xiyu Hall to provide more intelligence.
Currently, from the gathered information, the summary of the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower could be condensed into four words—extremely dangerous!
“Sect Master.”
Li Luoqiu said: “After scholars proposed that the formations were damaged and inheritances could no longer be obtained, no sects have entered the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower for several thousand years.”
“Besides danger with no benefits—only fools would enter.” Jun Changxiao said.
Li Luoqiu paused, then carefully examined the sect master, muttering internally: “He doesn’t look foolish though.”
“Is there other intelligence, like what exactly is inside the tower?” Jun Changxiao asked.
Li Luoqiu said: “The Ten Directions Certain Death Tower has ten levels total. Each level resembles a small world. Since its creation, only people have reached the sixth world.”
“Seems quite difficult.” Jun Changxiao said.
Li Luoqiu continued: “Those who entered the sixth world were from ancient times. As for modern martial artists, the highest only reached the third world before giving up.”
“The higher you go, the greater the chance of obtaining inheritance?” Jun Changxiao asked.
“Yes.”
Li Luoqiu said: “But that was also in ancient times. Now with internal formations destroyed, among martial artists who entered and came out alive, no one has obtained any inheritance.”
“What inheritances exist inside the tower?”
This was what Jun Changxiao cared about most, and what would determine whether to take the risk.
Li Luoqiu said: “According to records, the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower sealed many special physiques—some related to metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, others related to lightning and wind systems. It can be said to encompass everything.”
Jun Changxiao stroked his chin, saying: “This does have value in exploring.”
Regarding physiques, he didn’t need one—after all, he had Xingyun Continent’s strongest fire-type Holy Flame Physique.
But disciples didn’t!
For example, Li Qingyang and Xiao Ziji—if they obtained powerful physique inheritances inside the tower, their strength would definitely improve further.
“It’s decided.”
Jun Changxiao said: “After next month’s mountain gate opening to recruit disciples concludes, I’ll lead disciples to challenge the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower.”
However, a new problem emerged.
When challenging this dangerous forbidden zone, how could they let the world know? How could they demonstrate the sect’s formidable strength?
“News can be spread, but how to prove it?” Jun Changxiao murmured.
The Ten Directions Certain Death Tower was similar to Demon Valley—both belonged to enclosed spaces. Everything experienced by those who entered was completely unknown to the outside world.
“If we could set up imaging formations for real-time live broadcasting, that should solve the problem.” Jun Changxiao found Zhen Dejun and explained his idea.
“Setting up imaging formations isn’t the problem, but…” Zhen Dejun paused briefly, saying: “Whether we can transmit the images from inside the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower might be somewhat difficult.”
“If there’s difficulty, overcome it. I’ll leave this matter to you.” Jun Changxiao said.
“Understood.”
Zhen Dejun now had another task in formation comprehension. Although challenging, fortunately he had the capable assistant Shangguan Xinyao. Research shouldn’t be a problem.
…
The establishment of the high-grade Spirit Gathering Formation marked another increase in Wangu Sect disciples’ cultivation speed.
Of course.
Jun Changxiao wasn’t satisfied with this, because the Thirty-Two Wondrous Formations also had Supreme-grade and Ultra-grade sections containing formations extremely significant for cultivation improvement.
For example, the Five Elements True Essence Grand Formation from the Supreme-grade section—although not a spiritual energy gathering formation, it greatly aided disciples cultivating the Five Elements Mirror Heaven Formula.
“Take it slow, no rush.” Jun Changxiao said.
…
Early in the month.
Disciple recruitment arrived as scheduled.
This time Jun Changxiao raised assessment difficulty, again choosing the quality route.
“Sect Master.”
Ning Duzui reported: “Entry-level disciples total 2,200. One hundred were assigned to Xiyu Hall, 500 to Wolf Cavalry Hall, 40 to Medicine Hall, and 10 to Formation Hall.”
Each month during disciple recruitment, each hall spared no effort recruiting people. So if Wolf Cavalry Hall suddenly deployed four to five thousand wolf cavalry in the future, there was no need for great surprise.
“Mm.”
Jun Changxiao reviewed the detailed list, saying: “These new entry-level disciples must be well cultivated. Strive to adapt them to the sect’s various martial equipment as quickly as possible.”
As sect disciples grew more numerous, he delegated many matters, only needing to sit in the great hall giving instructions. Not like before when he even had to personally distribute pills and martial technique manuals.
…
“Sect Master.”
Li Luoqiu said: “Xiaomo sent word—he accepted a mission at Taixuan Holy Sect and will return to the sect in a few days under that pretext.”
“Perfect timing.”
Jun Changxiao stroked his chin, saying: “We can bring him along to challenge the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower.”
A few days later.
Su Xiaomo, using the excuse of descending the mountain for a mission, returned to Wangu Sect.
“Senior Brother Su!” Li Fei gave him a hug, saying: “Without you, I’ve been so lonely.”
Both specialized in movement techniques and enjoyed sparring and playing soccer together, so their relationship was very good.
“Get lost!”
Su Xiaomo shoved him away and headed straight for the dining hall, saying: “Senior Sister Liu, quickly serve the food!”
His primary mission returning to the sect was to make up for all the delicious food he’d missed!
Soon, various delicacies were served. Su Xiaomo devoured them like a whirlwind, looking as if he’d been starving for days.
“Senior Brother.” Liu Wanshi sat beside him, propping her chin with one hand, saying sadly: “You’ve lost weight again.”
After returning to the sect, Su Xiaomo first went to the Space-Time Secret Realm after eating heartily, then to the Trial Tower, and finally teamed with fellow disciples to challenge the Life-Death Secret Realm.
“Senior Brother, how are Taixuan Holy Sect’s martial techniques?”
“In quantity, they have more than our Wangu Sect, but in quality they’re far inferior!”
“Senior Brother, does Taixuan Holy Sect have many female disciples?”
“Many indeed, but in appearance they can’t compare to our Wangu Sect senior sisters.”
“Senior Brother, heard you’ve advanced to outer sect disciple—that’s quite fast!”
“Not to brag, but as long as the sect master doesn’t recall me, becoming a personal disciple… no, becoming an elder is no problem!”
Jun Changxiao, who had just walked out from the inner courtyard, heard Su Xiaomo boasting to fellow disciples on the martial arts field and murmured: “Having an undercover agent advance to elder level seems quite interesting.”
“Xiaomo.”
“Come here a moment.”
“Yes!”
Su Xiaomo stood and entered the great hall.
Jun Changxiao said: “Work hard climbing the ranks at Taixuan Holy Sect. Strive to reach elder status.”
“Ah?”
Su Xiaomo was immediately dumbfounded.
“Of course.”
Jun Changxiao said: “When this seat closes the net, if you can become Taixuan Holy Sect’s sect master, that would be even better.”
“…”
Su Xiaomo’s mouth twitched.
“Just now was habitual showing off in front of fellow disciples—the sect master actually took it seriously!”
Jun Changxiao said: “This will be very difficult, but this seat will create opportunities for you. For example, when Taixuan Holy Sect disciples encounter danger during training, you’ll turn the tide, winning fellow disciples’ respect and high-level attention.”
Su Xiaomo scratched his head, saying: “Sect Master, if that’s the case, this disciple will probably need to remain undercover at Taixuan Holy Sect for a very long time.”
“No problem.”
Jun Changxiao said: “This seat won’t forget you. When the day comes to close the net, I hope you’ve successfully infiltrated Taixuan Holy Sect’s inner circle and become a high-level member.”
“Yes!”
Su Xiaomo straightened his back, saying: “I will not disappoint the sect master’s high expectations!”
“Work hard.”
Jun Changxiao walked down, patting his shoulder: “Young man.”
This day, Su Xiaomo’s mission evolved from investigating Lu Qianqian and Fang Lingyu’s matters.
In the future, whether high mountains or steep cliffs stood before him, he would press forward relentlessly, climbing upward until the day the sect master closed the net, standing at the mountain peak and seriously telling those below: “Sorry, I’m an undercover agent!”
…
“Extra, extra!”
“Sect Master Jun is leading disciples to Zhongzun Province to challenge the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower!”
“Extra, extra…”
Young voices spread through major provincial cities, like bombs dropped in water, immediately setting off towering waves!
“Just challenged two third-rate evil sects, now challenging the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower—has Sect Master Jun gone mad?”
“This forbidden zone that’s existed for millennia—hasn’t anyone challenged it for several thousand years?”
“Supposedly the formation foundation was damaged, and the various inheritances inside no longer appear. Him leading disciples in is no different from suicide, right?”
If the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower still had formation protection and retained its original functions, even though extremely dangerous inside, one could understand exploring it—after all, wealth is found in danger.
But now with damaged formations and lost inheritances, taking such risks to explore was truly completely unnecessary!
“In my view, Wangu Sect wants to urgently prove their strength, which is why they’re doing such thoughtless things.”
“Many sects, upon learning this news, have already headed to Zhongzun Province.”
“They probably want to see how Wangu Sect frantically tests the edge of life and death.”
“Let’s go, let’s go join the excitement.”
Consequently, when Jun Changxiao departed, various rogue cultivators and family forces who received the news rushed there.
The fastest to arrive were still Zhongzun Province martial artists, because they had received news of Wangu Sect challenging the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower several days earlier.
This was Jun Changxiao’s deliberate doing.
Because he needed more people to witness it to raise his Heroes Compete for Supremacy List ranking.
“This kid…” Upon hearing this matter, Mu Changhong’s face showed helplessness: “As expected, he won’t be comfortable unless courting death!”
That very day, he hastily headed to Zhongzun Province.
First, since it wasn’t a sect war, nobody would say anything if he went. Second, his daughter was also going along.
…
East of Zhongzun Province stretched a very long mountain range. In the central area of dense forests stood a complex building cluster that, judging from the moss covering it, was clearly extremely ancient and remote.
At the end of the building cluster stood a stone tower that didn’t appear particularly tall.
Because nobody had come to clear it, it was long since wrapped in vines and tree leaves, as if wearing a ghillie suit, hidden among the wilderness.
Swish!
Swish!
Suddenly, beams of flowing light flew from the forest, then landed gracefully on the relatively spacious grassland before the stone tower.
“Elder Gong, long time no see!”
A sect big shot who had arrived early cupped his fists with a smile.
Looking around, one could see several hundred martial artists had already gathered here. Judging from their emanating auras, quite a few had reached Wang level, and there were even Huang-level cultivators.
“Swish!”
Space trembled slightly as Dazun Imperial City’s City Lord Han appeared out of thin air, then landed on the grassland.
“City Lord Han!”
Big shots from various sects cupped their fists in greeting.
City Lord Han scanned the area, asking: “Wangu Sect’s people haven’t arrived yet?”
“No.”
A martial artist said: “We’ve been waiting several days. Could they have changed their minds midway and stood us up?”
“Unlikely.”
City Lord Han said: “That kid sent word half a month ago saying he’d challenge the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower. He shouldn’t go back on his word.”
“Whoosh—”
Suddenly, a beam of flowing light flew from the distant sky, arriving before the stone tower at extremely fast speed.
When the light dispersed, Jun Changxiao smiled and cupped his fists, saying: “City Lord Han, long time no see—I’ve missed you greatly.”
“…”
Seeing this shameless fellow who frantically advertised at the Dragon-Tiger Competition, City Lord Han nearly couldn’t resist rushing over to pin him down on the grass and rub his face in it.
“Sect Master Jun, why are you alone?”
“The disciples are all behind.”
“Sect Master Jun, the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower was established by ten Wudi back then. It’s extremely dangerous inside. Are you certain you want to lead disciples to explore it?”
“Naturally.”
“…”
Everyone fell silent.
No benefits inside yet still going in—this guy truly didn’t value his own and his disciples’ lives.
Before long.
Jiang Xie, Old Zhen, Li Qingyang, and other disciples arrived one after another, then stood before the sect master.
Having thoroughly understood the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower, Jun Changxiao remained quite cautious. He not only brought the lineup that cleared difficult mode without injury but also brought Ding Xingwang.
“Sect Master Jun.”
City Lord Han said: “Your esteemed sect can only enter ten people to challenge the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower.”
“There’s even a limit on numbers?” Jun Changxiao said.
City Lord Han shook his head: “Not only are there limits on numbers, but also restrictions on realm and age. Martial artists who’ve reached Semi-Saint or Saint level and above, as well as those over a hundred years old, cannot enter.”
As a veteran Wusheng, his understanding of the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower definitely exceeded what intelligence-gathering Xiyu Hall could match.
“This is problematic.” Jun Changxiao said in frustration.
He had originally planned to have Old Ding anchor the team with several Huang-level elders accompanying.
Now with restrictions on numbers, realm, and age, only he himself, Jiang Xie, and the disciples met the criteria.
“Old Zhen.”
Jun Changxiao asked: “Are you a hundred years old yet?”
“…” Zhen Dejun said: “I’m over three hundred years old.”
Jun Changxiao exclaimed desperately: “Then how the hell are you supposed to go in and repair the formations!”
Zhen Dejun said: “I’ve already sensed the formation aura. As long as I can establish communication with it, whether I enter or not doesn’t matter.”
“That’s good, that’s good.”
Jun Changxiao’s hope rekindled.
“However.”
Zhen Dejun said: “I’m worried there might also be a formation hub inside. So sect master, you’d better bring Xinyao along—that way the three of us can coordinate from inside and outside.”
“Mm.”
Jun Changxiao agreed.
City Lord Han said: “Sect Master Jun, the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower’s formations are already damaged—no one can obtain inheritances from within anymore. Han here believes your esteemed sect has no need to explore it.”
“Jun here has traveled thousands of miles to come here and definitely won’t easily change his mind. Whether it’s mountains of blades or seas of fire inside the tower, I will lead my disciples to explore it.” Jun Changxiao said.
“You have courage!” City Lord Han said.
“Old Zhen.”
Jun Changxiao said: “Prepare.”
“Yes!”
Zhen Dejun walked to an open area, waving both hands. Formation flags flew out, then were systematically inserted into the grassland.
“Buzz!”
Flowing light flashed, rushing into the clouds.
Gradually, a mirror-like light screen appeared suspended in midair.
“Imaging formation?”
City Lord Han looked at Zhen Dejun, considerable shock rising in his heart. To set one up so casually—this person’s understanding of formations must be extremely profound!
“City Lord!”
Just then, a voice transmitted over thousand-mile distance: “The imaging formation used for the Dragon-Tiger Competition was suddenly activated, and the mirror formations connected to each province were also activated simultaneously!”
“What?”
“Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!”
As City Lord Han stood dumbfounded, the skies over cities in each province gradually distorted as hidden mirror imaging formations appeared one by one.
Dozens of formation masters within Dazun Imperial City were sweating profusely trying to repair it, but the main formation was completely hijacked—they couldn’t penetrate it at all, let alone shut it down!
“Didn’t the Dragon-Tiger Competition just end recently? How did the imaging formation activate?”
Martial artists in the city looked up, bewildered.
Whoosh!
Just then, an image appeared on the light screen—a devastatingly handsome face occupied the entire view, shouting: “Everyone, what you’re seeing now comes from Zhongzun Province’s Ten Directions Certain Death Tower. This seat is about to lead disciples to explore it, witnessed by the entire world!”
Holy crap!
It’s that guy again!
Seeing Jun Changxiao’s face, martial artists across the entire continent immediately recalled the fear of being dominated by his insane advertising previously!
Standing on the grassland beside the stone tower, City Lord Han’s facial expression was extremely colorful. He also realized that the imaging formation suddenly activating from concealment was definitely related to this guy!
“City Lord Han.”
Jun Changxiao transmitted: “Borrowing your imaging formation system—this seat will compensate you with ten thousand artificial spirit stones.”
Hearing ten thousand artificial spirit stones, City Lord Han’s previously grim expression turned to smiles: “It’s been thousands of years since anyone challenged the Ten Directions Certain Death Tower. Naturally, we should let the world witness it immersively. Sect Master Jun, feel free to use it as you please.”