Chapter 53: Stand Firm, Dammit!

Chapter 53: Stand Firm, Dammit!

Lin Xuan's heart trembled, but at this moment, Lin Chang'an's heart was unwavering.

With one foot planted on the ninth step, a terrifying pressure surged instantly, nearly causing Lin Chang'an to lose his footing and fall.

Lin Xuan desperately wanted Lin Chang'an to give up, yet he also didn't want him to, feeling deeply conflicted.

"Patriarch, perhaps we should let Chang'an give up. The eighth step is already impressive, and the Upper Three Heavens Divine Realm is well within reach," Lin Wen and Lin Wu said to Lin Xuan, unable to watch any longer.

To their surprise, Lin Xuan merely shook his head slightly. "Chang'an's ambition is comparable to the Nine Heavens Divine Sparrow. I respect his choice. By my order as Patriarch, from this day forward, Chang'an shall be a direct descendant of the Lin family and shall enjoy the highest honors."

Not a single member of the Lin family present objected. For such a genius, providing such treatment was only fitting!

"Arghhh—!"

The veins on Lin Chang'an's neck bulged, and his skin turned a bright crimson.

Shangguan Chan, who was ahead of him, was startled by his state. Looking back at his agonizing struggle, her heart skipped a beat for some reason, followed by a frantic pounding.

"Chang'an, well done!"

Lin Fan glanced at Lin Chang'an and took a deep breath, filled with admiration for him.

"Wow, that Jian Shiyi actually made it to the tenth step!"

"I've never heard of this Jian Shiyi before. To be such a prodigy... that's incredible!"

"Tsk tsk, who knew the Sword Worship Sect was hiding such talent? They've been keeping such a genius under wraps."

"With a genius like this, the Sword Worship Sect is bound for greatness!"

"..."

The crowd's praise failed to bring joy to the Sect Master of the Sword Worship Sect, who remained expressionless.

Lin Xuan observed this scene, thinking deeply. This Jian Shiyi possessed an air of nobility that did not belong to Huaqing Prefecture. There was something suspicious.

Standing on the tenth step, Jian Shiyi seemed largely unaffected by the pressure. In contrast, Qiu Chen and Cui Wu had already reached their limits; the tenth step was out of reach, and they were forced to stop at the ninth.

By now, most people on the Heavenly Ladder had reached their limits, with only a few still climbing.

Shangguan Chan, Jian Shiyi, Lin Fan, and Lin Chang'an were the four most prominent figures.

"Lin Chang'an has reached the ninth step!!!"

The entire venue erupted in gasps and shock!

To be only at the third level of the Kaiyuan Realm at eighteen years old was certainly not considered top-tier talent, but to force his way to the ninth step was truly terrifying!

Cui Wu and Qiu Chen looked at Lin Chang'an with eyes full of admiration.

However, a layer of killing intent also flickered in Cui Wu's eyes. This man from the Lin family must die!

Yang Hong and Yin Jun's faces turned even more ashen. They hadn't expected a "waste" who was only at the third level of the Kaiyuan Realm at eighteen to actually overtake them.

They had now become complete laughingstocks!

They felt like finding a hole to crawl into. The more they had postured when they first stepped onto the stage, the more humiliation they felt now.

"Chang'an, are you alright?"

Lin Fan looked at the panting, exhausted Lin Chang'an and asked with concern.

"Hehe, don't worry, Uncle. I won't die," Lin Chang'an grinned.

The crowd was momentarily stunned by his words.

What did he mean, "won't die"!?

This is supposed to be a test, so why does it feel like a life-and-death battle!

Shangguan Chan pursed her lips. Looking at Lin Chang'an, she said softly, "Here, this is my handkerchief. If you don't mind, you can use it to wipe the sweat from your forehead."

Lin Chang'an froze slightly, looking at the beautiful maiden before him, somewhat confused. He didn't seem to know this Shangguan Chan.

"Thank you, lady."

Lin Chang'an did not refuse her kindness. He took the handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead somewhat roughly.

The fragrant handkerchief was instantly stained with the scent of sweat.

"Ahem, Miss Shangguan, I'm sorry. I've soiled your handkerchief. I'll return it to you once I've washed it," Lin Chang'an said, looking at her somewhat sheepishly.

"It's fine, don't worry about it," Shangguan Chan replied, her face flushing slightly as she feigned indifference.

"Chang'an, pay attention to yourself. I'm going to continue upward."

Seeing that Lin Chang'an's condition had improved slightly, Lin Fan headed toward the tenth step.

The tenth step seemed to come naturally to him!

"Whoa! Lin Fan has stepped onto the tenth step!"

"Incredible! Simply incredible!"

"This is the 'waste' you were talking about? Then I'm a piece of trash!"

"Good grief, the Bai family has no vision. A genius like this was actually publicly rejected by the Bai family!"

The comments fell on the ears of the Bai family members, causing many of them to feel embarrassed.

Bai Rong, in particular, was extremely mortified.

"There is no need to pay them any mind. It is merely the tenth step. Yuran is not someone a commoner like him can match. Yuran's destiny lies in the Eastern Province, perhaps even the entire Great Desolation. Her perfect match will surely be a super genius from the Spirit Martial Sect!" Bai Lao spoke calmly.

Hearing this, the crowd found it quite reasonable.

On the Heavenly Ladder, Cui Wu and Qiu Chen had become numb. Was this really the "waste" the Bai family spoke of?

If this is a waste, then tell me, does a waste have the potential for ten steps?

Shangguan Chan did not continue upward; instead, she walked alongside Lin Chang'an.

Lin Chang'an stared at the tenth step, exerting every ounce of strength to climb. However, the immense pressure felt as if it were trying to snap his spine. At this moment, his head was nearly pressed against the step, looking utterly wretched.

Seeing this, Shangguan Chan felt a pang of heartache for some reason. She repeatedly wanted to tell him to give up, but the words would not leave her throat.

"Brother Lin, you and that Lin Chang'an are quite impressive," Jian Shiyi said calmly on the tenth step, glancing at Lin Fan and then at the struggling Lin Chang'an.

Lin Fan was confused, but Jian Shiyi continued, "I cannot go any higher. It is time for me to descend."

Lin Fan was stunned. What did that mean?

Lin Fan could sense that Jian Shiyi had not yet exerted his full strength. Why was he stopping?

While Lin Fan was still wondering, Jian Shiyi had already jumped down from the Heavenly Ladder.

The crowd was puzzled, but seeing that the Sect Master of the Sword Worship Sect remained silent, they stopped paying attention and began speculating privately.

On the ladder, Lin Fan continued to climb, reaching the eleventh step!

Once again, the crowd was shocked.

As for Lin Chang'an, he was struggling frantically between the ninth and tenth steps, his muscles bulging and veins popping!

In fact, blood was faintly beginning to seep from his nose, ears, and even his eyes!

"Chang'an!"

The members of the Lin family stood up in unison, filled with worry.

"Stand firm, dammit—!"

Lin Chang'an let out a hoarse roar, finally managing to stand on the tenth step.

On the tenth step, Lin Chang'an was now bleeding from his facial orifices, his body completely drained of strength, swaying precariously.

As his body wobbled and he was about to fall, Shangguan Chan suddenly caught him in her arms.

Lin Xuan took the opportunity to rush over, taking the exhausted Lin Chang'an from Shangguan Chan's embrace.

"Thank you, Miss Shangguan. You truly are a kind-hearted girl."