Seeing the cliff ahead, Wu Chengcheng's expression also turned grim.
Given the height of the cliff, even a fifth-grade异士 (yishi) would be severely injured if they fell!
Most of the 异士 present were only first or second grade, with a few third-graders. Without some special means, they would essentially be blocked from entering the Zhengyi Sect's mountain gate.
"It's so difficult just to enter the mountain gate. Is the Zhengyi Sect that arrogant?"
"Exactly. We traveled thousands of miles to get here, only to be given such a difficult trial. Who can possibly pass this?"
"I think the Zhengyi Sect is deliberately making things difficult for us, not wanting us to enter. They call themselves a righteous sect, bah! Such petty people!"
"..."
After the mist dissipated and the cliff was revealed, many 异士 who came to challenge the mountain gate lost their composure. They began to curse loudly at the edge of the cliff, almost dragging the ancestors of the Zhengyi Sect into their abuse!
Among these uninvited small sects and rogue cultivators, there were too many opportunistic individuals, including those who planned to sneak into the Zhengyi Sect to gain some benefits.
Every time the mountain gate trial began, there were always many who, upon realizing their hopes of freeloading were dashed, would erupt in furious curses.
Therefore, the disciples of the Zhengyi Sect were mostly accustomed to such scenes. The few disciples responsible for maintaining order nearby didn't even change their expressions upon hearing the foul language.
They disdained arguing with losers.
"A bunch of trash. You can't even pass this little difficulty, and you still dare to cultivate?"
At this moment, a black-haired youth in a white shirt and jeans let out a cold snort, immediately stirring up a huge commotion around him.
Many 异士 present instantly focused their anger on the black-haired youth!
"Who are you? Spouting nonsense here?"
"Anyone can act cool. If you've got the guts, fly over there!"
"This kind of person deserves a beating! If we all beat him, he'll behave!"
The group of 异士 were already frustrated and had nowhere to vent their anger. Now that the black-haired youth had proactively stepped forward to attract their attention, he became the perfect target for everyone's fury.
Towards the讨伐 (taofa) of the 异士, the black-haired youth's eyes were filled with disdain. He summoned his Bagua array disk, and the Qimen formation manifested around him, instantly enveloping the surrounding 异士!
"Wuhou Qimen?"
"He's from the Zhuge family of Xichuan!"
Upon seeing the black-haired youth's methods, the faces of those 异士 instantly changed.
The Zhuge family of Xichuan was a clan comparable to the Zhengyi Sect, with immense power. They were not people that a group of rogue cultivators could afford to provoke!
In an instant, those who had been cursing loudly fell silent, tucking their tails between their legs and moving away from the black-haired youth, fearing being targeted by him.
The black-haired youth swept his disdainful gaze over everyone, then, to everyone's shocked surprise, he leaped forward across the thousand-zhang cliff, eliciting gasps of astonishment!
The black-haired youth shouted, "Gen position · Earth Dragon!"
Rumble!
The earth bulged, forming a stone dragon, which shook many 异士 at the cliff edge to the sides, flipping them onto the ground.
The black-haired youth stepped onto the head of the stone dragon and, to everyone's stunned gaze, crossed a hundred meters, landing steadily on the opposite bank of the cliff!
Even many renowned figures in various circles on the opposite bank were astonished by the strength displayed by the black-haired youth.
"That kid from the Zhuge family must be one of the most outstanding geniuses of this generation, right?"
"This old man heard that the Wuhou Sect recently produced two geniuses. I wonder if he is Zhuge Yexun or Zhuge Yehan. With this child in the Wuhou Sect, their ranking in the next Dragon Department statistics should surpass the Zhengyi Sect."
"However, that kid's expression is so gloomy. Why do I feel like he's here to cause trouble?"
Some renowned figures on the opposite bank whispered amongst themselves, discussing the black-haired youth.
Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaoxia, standing on the other side, watched the black-haired youth approach, a flicker of worry in her eyes.
She knew very well that Zhuge Yexun was dead, killed by people from the Tianluo Ghost King.
The black-haired youth who had arrived was Zhuge Yehan, Zhuge Yexun's elder cousin.
After the Zhengyi Sect notified the Zhuge family of the tragic news of Zhuge Yexun's death, the Zhuge family of Xichuan reacted very strongly. Several elder seniors immediately emerged from Shu land and flew towards Daocheng.
Zhuge Yehan happened to be near Daocheng. Now, with his grim expression as he challenged the mountain gate, it was clear he was here to demand an explanation from the Zhengyi Sect.
The Zhuge family believed that Zhuge Yexun's death in Daocheng was inextricably linked to the Zhengyi Sect.
And now, the Zhengyi Sect hadn't even found Zhuge Yexun's body, making it impossible for them to prove their innocence.
If the Zhuge family were to be more forceful and demand an explanation from the Zhengyi Sect, the Zhengyi Sect would not be able to shoulder this blame.
This way, the Wuhou Sect might fall out with the Zhengyi Sect.
This was something no one wished to see.
"Master Ye still has no news, and his phone isn't being answered. Could something have happened?" Zhang Xiaoxia murmured to herself, filled with worry.
After Zhuge Yehan was the first to cross the hundred-meter canyon, many more 异士 among the crowd displayed their divine abilities, either walking on the wind or flying with objects, and they all crossed the canyon.
The rogue cultivators who had shone brightly were also noticed by renowned figures from various factions, who intended to extend an olive branch to them.
Ye Ling and Wu Chengcheng stood at the edge of the cliff. Those who had the ability to cross had basically done so. The remaining ones either lacked the skill or were not specialized in this path, so they could only give up challenging the mountain gate and return home.
Wu Chengcheng sighed, "Alas... bad luck this time. If it were rock climbing or tightrope walking, I might have been able to try. But this hundred-meter canyon, I can't cross it."
Ye Ling smiled, "I'll take you across."
"Can you take me across, little brother?"
Wu Chengcheng feigned surprise, her eyes sparkling.
Seeing Wu Chengcheng's excited and thrilled expression, Ye Ling could only smile inwardly.
If she didn't know she had fourth-grade cultivation, most people would truly be fooled by her acting.
"It's not a difficult matter. After all, we are teammates, and we should help each other."
With that said, Ye Ling grabbed Wu Chengcheng's hand, leaped forward, drew a perfect arc in the air, and landed steadily on the opposite bank of the canyon.
The renowned figures who were discussing the geniuses they had just seen were so startled that they stood up from their seats after catching a glimpse of Ye Ling's jump!
The explosive power displayed by Ye Ling in that jump was something even many renowned figures present could not achieve!
"Who is that? Why have I never seen him before?"
"With such explosive power, anyone within ten meters of him would be instantly killed, with no way to defend!"
"This is truly a gem! And he has been unknown until now!"
In an instant, a great commotion erupted among the renowned figures. All eyes were focused on Ye Ling. Even Zhuge Yehan, not far away, stared intently at Ye Ling, his eyes deep, his thoughts unknown.
"Little brother, you're amazing!"
Wu Chengcheng exclaimed to Ye Ling with feigned surprise, acting like a girl being carried by a great expert.
Ye Ling still held Wu Chengcheng's hand and transmitted his voice, "How long are you going to test me? I am the person in charge of this mission. No matter how much suspicion there is, there should be a limit."
"If you treat people like fools, don't blame me for turning hostile."
Hearing Ye Ling's threat, Wu Chengcheng instantly realized that Ye Ling had seen through her identity. Her expression changed slightly, and she quickly said, "Sorry, team leader. This was all ordered by Number One. He suspects your identity, which is why he asked me to test you."
Ye Ling sneered, "A mere team member dares to test me?"
"Where is he now?"