The Prodigies War

Of course, the supreme heaven prides who had absolute confidence in their strength naturally weren’t in a hurry to move.

Instead, most of them were waiting to observe which paths the opponents they were wary of would choose before making their decision.

This would allow them to avoid troublesome opponents as much as possible and achieve the aim of ‘kings not meeting.’

As for how to judge who was a ‘king’ who shouldn’t be provoked, each heaven pride had their respective standards that could not be generalized.

For example, in the eyes of top heaven prides, the supreme heaven prides were ‘kings’ that they should never mess with.

On the other hand, these supreme heaven prides would evaluate their fellow supreme heaven prides’ combat power and cultivation differently.

"Lin Xun, I'll be going ahead!"

Xiao Qinghe made his judgment, waved to bid farewell to Lin Xun, and headed off toward one of the golden light paths.

"How boring. Aren’t all the paths the same?"

A’lu also strode forth, and his tall, mountain-like figure made a beeline for the nearest path. It was a simple, brute-force-like method.

"Lin Xun, you have to keep up your guard. Although there are many experts from the various ancient orthodoxies participating, each orthodoxy has pinned their hopes on a single most powerful disciple."

Zhao Jingxuan’s voice-transmission rang out in Lin Xun’s ears.

"Although the others also possess the qualifications to participate in the competition, they are nothing more than supporting characters."

Lin Xun asked, "Supporting characters?"

"Yes, but don't underestimate them. These supporting characters have another purpose. Firstly, to guard against their sect's strongest expert being ganged up on and obstructed by others.

"Second, to attack and hinder the strongest experts of the other sects!"

According to Zhao Jingxuan, the Little Giants List Competition wasn’t a straightforward clash of individual combat power.

In order to maximize the likelihood of reaching the top thirty-six, the ancient orthodoxies would dispatch numerous core disciples to participate together to support their strongest expert.

In this way, they would reduce the risk of being ganged up on during the mountain climbing and mountain guarding sections.

Moreover, due to the competition and sometimes hostility between ancient orthodoxies, it was inevitable for them to clash and sabotage each other.

Such things often happened in previous iterations!

In short, the Little Giants List Competition wasn’t only a contest of individual strength, but also an indirect battle between the many sects.

Lin Xun was alone and had feuds with the disciples of numerous factions. Hence, Zhao Jingxuan judged that he would be targeted by many people while climbing the mountain.

Therefore, she cautioned Lin Xun to be extra cautious during the competition.

"Don't worry, I’m already itching for them to come at me!"

A cold arc rose from the corners of Lin Xun's lips as his gaze swept over Chu Beihai, Jin Muyun, Li Qingping, Yu Lingkong, and Gou Yanzhen who had all yet to make a move.

Lin Xun withdrew his gaze, selected a golden light path, and dashed toward it with his sleeves fluttering behind him.

"He’s about to go crazy again. It seems that their earlier hostility and threats have left him very unhappy and has fanned the flames of his anger."

Zhao Jingxuan was taken aback. Her clear eyes seemed to flow in thought as a trace of helplessness appeared on her beautiful face.

Although they hadn't seen each other for years, no one present understood Lin Xun's nature better than her. He had never been someone who would willingly take such things lying down.

……

"Begin the operation!"

Upon witnessing Lin Xun's departure, thick killing intent flashed in Chu Beihai's eyes.

The Heaven Axis Holy Land disciples around him immediately moved. They rushed toward the path Lin Xun had chosen.

……

Li Qingping indifferently commanded the Azure Sea Sect disciples around him, "Obstruct him at all costs!"

There was no ‘real death’ on the Immortal Sacred Mountain because of its Laws.

Even if the body was destroyed and the spirit killed, it would only result in a ‘fake death,’ and the participant would be ‘revived’ by the Immortal Sacred Mountain’s Laws.

Simply put, it was impossible for a cultivator who climbed the Immortal Sacred Mountain to die!

Of course, the caveat was that the participant would be eliminated after a ‘fake death.’

……

"It's delusional for a lower plane country bumpkin without the backing of any sect or clan to aim for the Little Giants List! "

"I believe you guys already know what to do, right?"

Intense hatred flashed in the depths of Yu Lingkong's eyes. He would never forget the shame that Lin Xun had brought upon him during the Dao Lantern Festival.

The Longevity Land disciples nearby set off to comply with his command.

……

"I don't need you guys to protect me or help me against the other factions. All you have to do is stop that little scumbag! He must not be allowed to successfully guard the mountain!"

Gou Yanzhen's black robe fluttered around him. His scarlet pupils were filled with sinister cruelness.

Too many Black Nightmare Sky Dog Clan experts had died at the hands of Lin Xun in the West Infinity World and the East Victory World.

As such, Gou Yanzhen would not have idly sat by even if Gou Xuxing hadn’t requested help.

……

"See? Many factions are already after him. The Omega Sword Sect can't be left behind. You guys go too. It's time to teach Demon God Lin a painful lesson!"

Jin Muyun's voice sounded with decisiveness and murderous intent.

……

The disciples of numerous factions moved out one after another. The path they chose was exactly the same as Lin Xun's, which caused many of the experts’ expressions to turn strange.

Earlier, they had already guessed that Lin Xun would be targeted during the climb.

However, they never imagined that the ancient orthodoxies would reveal their fangs and claws so quickly!

"With only one incense stick of time and so many forces already targeting him, will Demon God Lin still have a chance to be ranked on the Little Giants List?"

Several of the neutral experts couldn't help but inwardly sigh. They did not feel optimistic about Lin Xun’s chances.

"They've gone too far. Is this how ancient orthodoxies act?"

Zhao Jingxuan also witnessed these scenes. Her ink-black brows furrowed as disgust, disdain, and anger surged in her clear eyes.

"You reap what you sow. These are the negative consequences he has to bear for creating so many grudges."

Yan Zhanqiu stood beside her with his hands behind his back. His dignified figure resembled a lone cliff and his expression was indifferent and calm.

Just as Zhao Jingxuan was about to say something, she saw their Spirit Treasure Holy Land disciples also begin to move out.

The chosen path was also the same as Lin Xun's!

"Senior Brother Yan, is this your idea?" Zhao Jingxuan's heart shuddered as waves rose within it.

Yan Zhanqiu didn’t answer. Instead, he pointed at a path in the distance and said, "Junior Sister Jingxuan, there is only one incense stick of time for the climb so we can't afford to delay. I've already helped you choose the most suitable path. It’s the one over there."

Zhao Jingxuan's expression fluctuated in uncertainty. She stared at Yan Zhanqiu as flames burned deep in her eyes.

In the end, she calmly said a single sentence, "I’m very disappointed in you!"

Her tone was akin to stagnant water, without any ripples or fluctuations.

After which, she turned around and left without glancing back.

A hint of stubbornness emanated from her leaving figure.

Yan Zhanqiu silently watched her disappear into the golden mountain path. Moments later, he suddenly sighed and shook his head.

His usual calm and indifferent expression only returned when he looked toward the path Lin Xun had chosen.

"Ultimately a little lacking."

Yan Zhanqiu soon withdrew his gaze.

Before coming here, he had done some research on Lin Xun and knew that he usually relied on two things to turn danger into fortune time and time again.

One was the King-level forbidden array.

The second was the Saint treasure.

Due to the restrictions and Laws on the Immortal Sacred Mountain, no one could set up any arrays or use Saint treasures.

This was equivalent to cutting off Lin Xun's greatest reliances.

Under these circumstances, it wasn’t going to be easy for him to climb the mountain, and the chances of successfully guarding the mountain were even more abysmal.

……

The mountain climbing section was the first stage of the Little Giants List Competition.

Thirty-six mountain paths paved with golden light led to the thirty-six peaks.

Everyone was a competitor and clashes could occur at any time whether it be someone trying to block the way or hinder another.

The golden light path was fifty feet wide, and it felt like treading on a flowing rainbow.

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Ancient rugged rocks rose on both sides of the path, covered by cryptic and eternal restriction power that made it such that no one dared to approach.

Lin Xun chose the ninth path, and his starting timing wasn’t too early or overly late.

However, it was also the time when the number of climbers was at its highest. The fifty-foot-wide golden path led straight up like a great road built to reach the golden clouds of heaven.

Numerous figures could be seen desperately scrambling up the path.

Rumble!

An invisible pressure surged at Lin Xun from all directions, causing him to sink slightly the moment he stepped foot on the path.

"As expected, the mountain climbing section isn’t as simple as it looks." With a deep breath, Lin Xun circulated his qi to resist and neutralize the pressure.

It didn’t take long for a battle to erupt on the path ahead. If he tried to pass, he would inevitably be caught up in the fighting.

Lin Xun frowned but didn’t stop. A formidable pressure erupted from him as he marched straight ahead like a sharp blade.

Bang bang bang!

The experts who were currently locked in battle were considered great talents in the ancient orthodoxies and geniuses among the younger generation. When Lin Xun’s pressure unfurled, however, they were immediately knocked away as if a divine mountain had smashed into them.

The luckier ones fell to the side of the path.

Those more unfortunate ones were knocked straight off the golden light path and could only shriek in indignation as they were eliminated by the Immortal Sacred Mountain’s Law Power.

Lin Xun didn't even glance at them as he continued on his way.

He wasn’t being unreasonably overbearing. After all, the mountain climbing section was ultimately a competition. Anyone who decided to participate had to be ready to face the risk of being eliminated and could not blame anyone but themselves.

Similar scenes frequently occurred on all thirty-six paths.

The curtains were finally drawing on the Little Giants List Competition!