章 29: First Place
"If he takes another step and reaches the 100th step, it would undoubtedly offend those four."
"This is exhilarating, truly exhilarating! I never thought someone from my Rivertown would set a record like this!"
Throughout the stadium, various discussions buzzed about his astounding performance. The Heaven's Gate competition had been held for many years, yet no one had ever ascended to the top of the stairway. Now, he was merely one step away from establishing an enduring, unbreakable record.
The Elders of the Sunrise sect shook their heads with smiles. When they first met him, they never expected him to be so extraordinary—a true marvel of nature.
However, just as he was about to reach the 100th step, Celina gave him a deathly glare and spoke in an icy tone. "Don't!"
"You've already proven your worth. Don't let your stubbornness ruin your life." It was evident that Alex was issuing a veiled threat to the world's greatest assassin.
"With your level of talent, I'll immediately make you an inner disciple at Silver Moon and personally assist you in your cultivation," she added, emphasizing the word 'personally' and offering a seductive laugh.
"Bitch," Gaya bluntly said.
"Your future is promising. Stay where you are, and I'll extend the same offer as Sadie," said another.
Adam smiled at him and calmly said, even as Alex delivered another warning, "but if you dare to take one more step, then you should be prepared for the consequences of ignoring our advice."
Michael wasn't one to bully others, but these four were attempting to bully him in their own way, using different tones to compel him to stay put.
Maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, he instructed the system to activate the teleportation spell should they attempt to attack him. He locked eyes with Alex, displaying no hint of fear.
"Is there a rule that says I can't reach the 100th step?"
The shock on their faces was palpable. Typically, young contenders would shower them with compliments and wouldn't dare to defy their wishes. However, Michael not only acted arrogantly in their presence but also challenged them openly, making sure the entire crowd heard his question. Any attempt to harm him would not only disgrace the sects but also anger the royal family and the King of Bredia.
"No, but..." Celina tried to say something, her teeth gritted in frustration. Before she could finish her sentence, however, Michael boldly took another step, landing on the final 100th step, now standing side by side with them.
As he did so, Alex's expression underwent a complete transformation. A wave of terrifying aura exploded from his body, and a bone-chilling frost began to form around his hands.
Adam, on the other hand, was taken aback by the sudden turn of events but didn't react as aggressively as Alex. He shook his head and stood beside Michael, recognizing that there were no rules against reaching the 100th step, making it a fair accomplishment.
On the opposite side, Sadie emitted a strange moan and blushed intensely. The eccentric behavior of these Silver Moon girls was becoming increasingly unsettling.
The crowd watching the spectacle had grown highly excited. None of them had ever anticipated witnessing the 70th step record being shattered, let alone someone reaching the 100th step and standing shoulder to shoulder with the four renowned disciples.
"Holy moly! He actually made it to the top!"
"We've just witnessed history in the making, folks!"
"Where did he come from? What's his real name? He didn't back down even in the face of those four big shots – he's earned my respect!"
"From now on, the entire kingdom will know the name 'Ghost'!"
"But he made a huge mistake by offending them. Look at Alex's expression – he looks like he's out for blood!"
"Disrespecting a big shot like him will never end well. I'm sure the Morning Stars will make his life harder in the next round."
The onlookers buzzed with gossip and opinions, while members of the Sunrise sect began to express concerns for Michael's safety.
"You've just made a grave mistake, human," Gaya warned him, but Michael paid her no attention, his gaze fixed on the accumulating experience points. He now possessed enough points to reach Body Refining stage level 6 and had already replenished the badass points he had spent on the Energy Devourer spell.
"This journey was worth the risk," he thought to himself. He knew that taking that final step would offend Alex, a prominent figure in the kingdom, but the rewards he had reaped justified the gamble.
"No one has ever disrespected me like you just did, Ghost. You will pay for that!"
Alex radiated an overwhelming killing intent that could intimidate anyone. However, Michael couldn't help but find the situation amusing when he realized that Alex's anger was converting into experience points for him. This spell was truly legendary and overpowered – he could now earn experience points by provoking someone's anger.
Alex Fisher had been raised with immense privilege from the moment of his birth. Born into one of the most influential families in Bredia, he had been blessed with exceptional talent for cultivation, substantial wealth, and a striking appearance that combined an attractive body with a handsome face. His upbringing had instilled in him a profound sense of entitlement, pride, and ego.
To Alex, being born into such privilege meant that he occupied a higher echelon than most. Who was this Ghost, an apparent nobody with no significant background, to show him such blatant disrespect? This notion infuriated him, igniting a burning rage that was difficult to contain.
"You've crossed a line!" Celina seethed, her anger evident.
Michael, on the other hand, tilted his head slightly, resembling a puzzled puppy as he furrowed his brows.
"Who are you again?"
"You really want to die, don't you?" Alex retorted, his expression growing colder, and his aura dripping with intense killing intent. Meanwhile, Michael reveled in the growing influx of experience points, his heart brimming with joy.
"Alex, take a look around you," Adam intervened, his voice steadying the situation. "We're at the Heaven's Gate competition to assess and represent the Morning Star sect. There is no rule here that forbids someone from reaching the top. Are you going to attack him merely for achieving this feat?"
Adam's words served as a reminder to consider the reputation of their sect before taking any action that might bring disgrace upon it.
"You can dictate my actions once you defeat me within five attacks, Kane," Alex responded, fully aware of the expected retort. Adam clenched his teeth in frustration but remained resolute.
However, after Adam's warning, Alex decided to restrain his killing intent. He realized that going any further could lead to severe consequences, including punishment from the elders for tarnishing the competition's reputation. The worst-case scenario would involve the king, and that could result in the crippling of his cultivation or even a death sentence.
"I'll spare you this time," he said coldly before descending to the ground, landing gracefully on a flying spear alongside Celina.
Sadie, however, wasn't ready to give up. She tapped Michael's shoulder and extended her offer once more. "My proposal still stands, and I'll even recommend you to become a core disciple."
Michael politely declined her offer, his decision already made. "I appreciate it, Miss, but I've already chosen to join another sect."
The first round of the competition had reached its conclusion, and as disciples and young participants began descending from the stairway, they paused to eavesdrop on Michael's revelation of his chosen sect.
"Oh?" Sadie raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Given the circumstances with Alex and Adam, the Morning Star and the other sects seemed unlikely destinations for Michael.
"Which sect?" she inquired.
"The Sunrise Sect,"
His response left the crowd in shock. The young man had chosen none other than the Sunrise Sect, the least prestigious and seemingly weakest sect among the options. Even those who couldn't secure a spot in the major sects usually opted for other respected alternatives within the kingdom, making Michael's choice all the more bewildering.
Sadie wore an unusual expression, clearly surprised by Michael's decision to join the Sunrise Sect, given his earlier display of strength and the circumstances with the Morning Star and other sects.
"Are you absolutely sure about this, Ghost?" she asked, seeking confirmation.
"Yes," Michael replied firmly, determination gleaming in his eyes. "I've given my word, and I won't go back on it now."
Sadie sighed, accepting his decision. "Very well. Should you ever change your mind, remember that my sect's doors are always open to you."
Gaya couldn't help but add a snide remark, though only within Michael's mind. "Like we'd ever join your..." He stopped himself before finishing the sentence.
As Michael reached the ground, he was met with hostile glares from many Morning Star disciples. His victory in the competition, combined with the incident involving their senior members, had marked him as an enemy in their eyes.
"Don't expect the next round to be as forgiving," a voice whispered to Michael as he turned to see a red-haired youth standing before him. Behind the youth stood a group of followers who appeared to be his minions.
Michael was puzzled. "Who is this guy, and when did I get on his bad side?"
For someone to pose a threat to him, they would need to be at least at the Body Strengthening stage level 2, and none of these youngsters seemed to meet that criterion.
Shrugging off the encounter, Michael continued toward the Sunrise Sect members, who regarded him with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.
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