The Qiupo Courtyard was situated in the West City, specifically in its most prosperous district. Although it was inside the city, the group had to traverse a stretch of plain and forest before arriving before several towering peaks. Just as Jian Xin assumed the Qiupo Courtyard was located atop those mountains, a flash of light crossed a man's eyes, and he said coldly, "This peak is the Qiupo Courtyard's introductory peak for the Qi Gathering Stage. There are seventy-seven thousand, seven hundred and seventy-seven steps upon this mountain. You must reach the summit before noon to be considered accepted. Though you possess entry quotas, the geniuses within the courtyard are as numerous as clouds and utterly unconvinced by you. Therefore, the elders have ordered an introductory trial!" With that, the man led the group right to the base of the mountain. "The elders are waiting for you at the top. Remember, you are forbidden from consuming elixirs!" Without another word, the man executed a footwork technique, swiftly leaping across dozens of steps and vanishing from everyone's sight.
"Something is amiss." Gazing at the heavenly ladder that practically pierced the sky, Jian Xin looked thoughtful. Behind them, several youths strode onto the steps, moving with extreme speed and disappearing from view within the span of a few breaths.
"Indeed, something is amiss, yet I am foolish and cannot perceive the truth."
Chapter 153