Dual Cultivator with a cultivation system Chapter 601: Ch-601: Climbing the steps

Next, Tian Chenyu alongside Mu Bingxue made their way through the inner court zone, where the crowd stayed far more composed. A number even spotted them as Eternals.

"Hey, look, that seems like the fresh Core Disciple we've heard whispers about."

"Hmm, rumors say he's from the Tian Family."

"Oh, yet another Eternal."

"Sigh, how I envy being born an Eternal. They leap straight to Core Disciple status, sparing us the grueling trials and endless missions."

Tian Chenyu and Mu Bingxue paid no heed to the murmurs, but upon reaching the sword-shaped entrance, a sharp tingling assaulted their skin.

"What's causing this tingling feeling?" Mu Bingxue furrowed her brows, sensing her skin on the verge of piercing by countless needles.

"That’s Sword Intent," Tian Chenyu explained, well-acquainted with the stinging vibe. Though aimed their way, unlike Mu Bingxue, it barely fazed him—like myriad needles scraping against unyielding rock.

Step. Step.

Tian Chenyu and Mu Bingxue shifted their gazes to an approaching elder, his face lit with a grin.

He glanced at Tian Chenyu and inquired, "Are you Tian Chenyu and Mu Bingxue?"

"Yes," they both answered, nodding while arching brows in curiosity about his approach.

"I see—you're the talent the sect master personally scouted," the elder bobbed his head in satisfaction before adding, "I've come to detail the trial required for your official Core Disciple promotion."

"I thought he already held Core Disciple rank," Mu Bingxue questioned, eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"Indeed, that's correct—you do. Yet the sect master insisted on the test, confident you'd ace it, especially since you're escorting a servant," the elder clarified, pressing on amid their puzzled looks. "To bring an Eternal servant, you must bear them up, for the sect allocates resources to them too. Every Core Disciple with attendants endured this rite. It's a one-time ordeal," he elaborated.

"I understand," Tian Chenyu acknowledged with a nod, then queried, "So, what's the challenge?"

"Spot those stairs? Climb them with her under the barrage of sword intent. Reach the top, and you've succeeded," he described, as Tian Chenyu gave an affirming nod.

Moments later, the elder stepped back, signaling Tian Chenyu to begin the ascent. The instant his foot touched the first stair, a stinging wave hit his frame, akin to countless metal needles battering solid concrete.

Tian Chenyu advanced to the second step, where the force intensified twofold.

He pressed onward up the staircase, drawing attention from Inner Court Disciples by the fifth step.

"L-Look over there! Multiple figures are scaling the stairway at once!"

"Huh, that has to be the legendary new Lord Eternal from the tales."

"The strain must be twice the standard trial since he's hauling someone along."

"Heavens... solo ascent is brutal enough, but he's dragging another up too!"

"Can't fault him. Check the stunning woman he's aiding—she's a kingdom-shattering beauty whose smile could fell empires! I'd never abandon her either. And that figure—hell, it'd tempt sages to shatter celibacy vows for a steamy night."

"What else to expect? She's lovelier than any companions the Eternals paraded before."

Core Disciples took notice as well, eyeing him with intrigue.

"Oh, so he's the Tian Family prodigy, eh?"

"Damn, his attendant outshines mine. Think he'd swap her for a thousand pure and seasoned temptresses?"

"Keep dreaming. Don't you feel she's an Eternal too?"

"Holy—you're spot on. One Eternal serving another is a rarity. What bribe did he dangle?"

"Still, that Tian Clan fellow's quite the looker. Perhaps my clan could arrange a union with him."

As onlookers fixated on Mu Bingxue, Tian Chenyu ascended to the fourth step effortlessly.

Yet right as he mounted the second step, the crushing weight on his body surged double. The piercing sharpness sharpened fiercely.

"You alright, Chenyu?" Mu Bingxue inquired, noting his shifting expression.

"Yeah, I'm good. Just caught off guard by the sudden pressure spike," he assured with a nod.

Shortly after, Tian Chenyu set foot on the fifth step.

While he pressed on with his steps, the intensifying pressure kept building relentlessly. Both the velocity and force of the piercing agony grew sharper. Turning his head, he glanced at Mu Bingxue, who appeared utterly unaffected, yet her eyes betrayed a flicker of concern directed at him.

Upon mounting the 35th step, a fresh wave of pressure crashed over him, creasing his forehead in a deep frown. Now, it resembled countless diamonds hammering into unyielding concrete, far beyond the prior assault of metallic needles.

The elder, having slipped away briefly before coming back, stared at Wang Ming with eyes stretched wide. ’He already passed when he reached the 30th step. I should stop him.’

Right as he moved to intervene, a voice resonated inside his mind, causing him to freeze rigid. ’Stop, don’t interfere. I want to see the limits of my personal disciple.’

’Personal disciple?’ the elder screamed silently within. Rigidity seized his frame as he gawked at Tian Chenyu in utter shock. It was inconceivable that the sect leader would claim a personal disciple. Should word spread, jealousy would consume the others to death, glaring daggers at Tian Chenyu—especially those once denied the sect master’s favor.