Chapter 14: Ascending the Divine Steps
Unknowingly, the afterglow of the setting sun spilled into the Hall of Worship through the window lattices, dyeing the solemn hall in a faint golden-red hue. Qian Yang had endured the pressure of a Spirit Emperor-level for an entire afternoon. From initially trembling all over and having difficulty breathing, to gradually adapting, and even being able to slowly circulate spirit power to temper his meridians within the pressure, his body and spirit power were quietly transforming in this relentless "honing."
This method of using external pressure to refine the body was something recorded in ancient Spirit Hall cultivation methods, similar in principle to how high-level Spirit Masters tempered themselves against powerful spirit beasts or domains—only here, the one suppressing him was a Titled Douluo-level expert.
"Alright, Old Second, withdraw the pressure," Qian Daoliu spoke slowly, his gaze falling on Qian Yang, his eyes full of gratification. This child was not only blessed with terrifying innate talent, but his willpower and endurance even surpassed that of many veteran Spirit Masters. Such heart and temperament were far rarer than raw strength.
Gold Crocodile Douluo nodded with a smile upon hearing this and withdrew the dark-gold spirit power pressure, though there was still a trace of lingering interest in his expression. Losing the restraint, Qian Yang let out a long breath, his tense muscles finally relaxing. Sweat slid down from his forehead along his cheeks, yet it could not conceal the sharp light in his eyes.
He walked quickly toward Qian Daoliu and Gold Crocodile Douluo. As soon as he steadied himself, Qian Daoliu asked with a faint smile, "How was it? How did this afternoon's tempering feel?"
Qian Yang wiped the sweat from his brow. A confident smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. "The spirit power in my body feels far more condensed than before, and my control has improved significantly. Grandfather… if this were Spirit Saint-level pressure, could I withstand it?"
"You brat, just made a little progress and already thinking too far ahead," Qian Daoliu chuckled. He raised his hand and lightly tapped Qian Yang on the forehead, his tone filled with indulgence. "Spirit Saint pressure is on an entirely different level. Wait until you reach the peak of Spirit Elder—Rank 39—before thinking about that."
After laughing, Qian Daoliu's expression gradually turned solemn.
"Come with me. I'll take you somewhere."
As his voice fell, a gentle yet majestic golden light spread from his body. The pure Angel God power flowed like a stream, converging toward the Angel statue at the center of the Hall of Worship. As the divine energy poured in, the base of the statue slowly emitted a low rumble, and a crack quietly opened.
A radiant golden light gate emerged.
Within the gate, streams of golden light flowed like liquid, exuding an ancient and sacred aura—this was not ordinary spirit power, but a trace of divine power left behind by the Angel God.
"Gold Crocodile, stay here and guard. No one is allowed to approach," Qian Daoliu instructed.
"Understood, Big Brother." Gold Crocodile Douluo nodded, his aura faintly spreading to cover the hall, ensuring absolute security.
Without further words, Qian Daoliu stepped into the light gate, and Qian Yang followed closely behind.
The moment they passed through—
The scenery changed abruptly.
They appeared at the foot of a towering mountain peak.
The entire mountain was bathed in a faint golden glow, like a sacred pillar connecting heaven and earth. A long path of white jade steps extended upward, winding into the clouds, as if leading directly to the divine realm.
The moment Qian Yang stepped into this space, a subtle resonance occurred within his body.
The Taiji diagram in his dantian began to rotate faster, the Yin-Yang energies circulating in balance. At the same time, a faint red glow flickered from within his left hand—the God-Slaying Spear seemed to be responding instinctively, as though stimulated by the sacred power of this place.
"Xiao Yang," Qian Daoliu said slowly, his tone carrying rare solemnity, "this is the most important core of the Qian Family—the Angel God Legacy Secret Realm. In the future, this is something you and Xiao Xue must protect with your lives."
Qian Yang looked up at the mountain peak, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "Grandfather… is the Angel God here?"
Qian Daoliu shook his head slightly. "This is only the inheritance space left behind. The true divine presence is beyond mortal reach."
He raised his hand and pointed toward the stone steps.
"There are a total of nine hundred and ninety-nine steps. Each step contains sacred pressure left behind by the Angel God. It can temper the body, purify spirit power, and even strengthen one's Martial Spirit."
"The higher you go, the stronger the pressure becomes. Try it yourself—you will understand."
Qian Yang's lips curved slightly.
He already recognized this mechanism—this was essentially the same concept as the Seagod's Light from Sea God Island described in ancient records, using layered pressure to stimulate potential. However, the energy here was far purer and aligned with sacred attributes, making it especially suitable for someone of the Angel lineage.
Without hesitation, Qian Yang took a deep breath and stepped forward.
His right foot landed firmly on the first white jade step.
"Boom!"
The moment his foot touched the step, a vast and sacred pressure descended instantly, far surpassing the Spirit Emperor pressure from earlier. It was as if an invisible divine mountain had fallen upon him.
His knees buckled instantly, slamming onto the step with a heavy thud. Veins bulged along his arms, and his face flushed red under the immense force.
"Hold on!" Qian Daoliu's voice came from behind, calm yet encouraging. "This sacred pressure will not harm you—it will refine you. Endure it!"
Qian Yang gritted his teeth. Supporting himself with both hands, he forced his spirit power to circulate. His body trembled violently, but he did not collapse.
Bit by bit, he pushed himself upward.
After several breaths, he managed to stabilize his posture.
The Taiji diagram rotated steadily, neutralizing part of the incoming force, while his spirit power adapted to the pressure.
A flash of determination appeared in his eyes.
Without hesitation, he stepped onto the second stone step.
"Buzz—!"
The pressure multiplied instantly.
Golden ripples spread outward, crashing into his body like waves. This force not only suppressed his spirit power but also carried a purifying attribute, attempting to dispel the faint killing aura within him.
His bones creaked audibly. His legs gave out, and he was slammed flat against the step.
The cold jade surface pressed against his palms, bringing a sharp, stinging sensation.
"I can't stop here!"
Qian Yang roared inwardly.
At that moment, he released the suppressed force within him—the God-Slaying Spear appeared once more, its dark-red aura erupting.
He planted the spear firmly against the step, using it as support.
The killing intent clashed violently with the sacred pressure, producing a faint sizzling sound. The two opposing energies intertwined around him, forming a chaotic yet balanced field.
With this support, Qian Yang slowly forced himself upright again.
Sweat dripped from his face, instantly evaporating upon contact with the golden aura.
He raised his head and looked toward the third step, his eyes burning with intensity.
This… was exactly the kind of tempering he needed.
He drew in a deep breath, gathered all his remaining spirit power into his legs, and prepared to leap forward.
"Hah!"
With a sharp shout, his body shot forward.
But the moment his foot approached the third step—
A terrifying pressure, several times stronger than before, erupted instantly.
"Bang!"
It struck his chest like a colossal hammer.
Qian Yang's vision blurred. His spirit power was thrown into chaos, and even the glow of the God-Slaying Spear dimmed under the overwhelming force.
He was sent flying backward, completely unable to resist.
"Xiao Yang!"
Qian Daoliu had already anticipated this. His figure flickered, and he appeared mid-air, catching Qian Yang securely. Gentle Angel power flowed into Qian Yang's body, stabilizing his chaotic energy.
Qian Yang leaned against him, breathing heavily. His face was pale, but his eyes shone with excitement rather than frustration.
"Grandfather… the third step… its pressure is at least several times stronger than the second!"
Qian Daoliu looked at him and couldn't help but smile, both amused and helpless.
"You've just been sent flying and you're still this excited."
He glanced at the ascending steps.
"The pressure of these nine hundred and ninety-nine steps increases exponentially. The third step is already beyond what a Rank 30 Spirit Elder should withstand."
He paused slightly, his gaze softening with pride.
"The fact that you held on through the first two—and even dared to challenge the third… has already far exceeded my expectations."