The King of Xiuxianjuan returns to modern times and becomes a landlord

Within the water mirror, a winding path ascended to the heavens, like a giant dragon circling between heaven and earth. Each step seemed to carry the rhythm and laws of heaven and earth, emanating a mysterious aura. On this path leading to the first test of the Hundred Steps—the illusionary realm—all forms of life were revealed.

Some, gifted with extraordinary talents, ascend to the 100th step in an instant, like a meteor streaking across the night sky, entering the unique illusionary realm of the 100th step. Their figures streak brilliantly through the air, seemingly transcending the constraints of time, each step imbued with endless mysteries. From the moment they step onto the 100th step, they are enveloped in a world of illusion, reliving the secrets buried deep within each of us.

Others, however, kept their feet firmly on the ground, taking one step at a time, steadfastly treading the thousand-step path. Their pace was slow, but each step was remarkably steady, as if they were in some subtle communication with the laws of nature. Sweat dripped from their foreheads, dripping onto the stone steps before evaporating instantly, transforming into an invisible force that sustained them as they continued on their journey. Their eyes were filled with determination and perseverance, as if they were measuring out the long road to a dreamland with their own feet.

Among these people were some exceptionally gifted individuals, neither impatient for success nor content with mediocrity. At each step, they paused, closed their eyes, and began to cultivate. Among them were Mu Ya and her companions, their figures standing out on the steps. Mu Ya's graceful figure, like a fairy among the trees, resonated with the surrounding natural elements with each practice, drawing upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Gu Yanqing and several other exceptionally gifted individuals were also immersed in their cultivation, their auras growing increasingly powerful and profound, as if every breath triggered subtle shifts in the universe.

Before the water mirror, the scenes along the path to heaven unfold like a vivid scroll, capturing the myriad forms of life and the hardships and glories of the path of cultivation. Whether they are the powerful who ascend swiftly, the down-to-earth practitioners, or the geniuses who cultivate as they go, each one, in their own way, demonstrates their dedication and pursuit of the path of cultivation. And on this long and challenging journey, every step will become a solid foundation for their journey to a dreamland and extraordinary achievement.

Ming held a bunch of crystal-clear grapes in one hand, and with the other, she delicately plucked a grape and placed it in her mouth, a playful smile on her face. Through her water mirror, she observed the crowd hastily climbing the Hundred Steps and swiftly entering the illusionary realm, a sneer curling her lips. She said disdainfully, "They're so impatient that their path to immortality has become narrow." At the same time, she turned to look at the group behind them, cultivating on the Heavenly Path, and couldn't help but sigh, "They're truly resourceful; they know how to use the Heavenly Path to elevate themselves."

The other bigwigs in the corner had long since grown tired of Ming's incessant chatter. Ever since the people inside had embarked on the Path to Heaven, she hadn't stopped talking. However, when they caught a glimpse of Ying Ni sitting beside Ming, they immediately swallowed their thoughts. Ming and the others weren't afraid; at worst, they'd just lose face and gang up on her. But Ying Ni was different. She could rewrite fate. In a fight with her, they'd only be the ones on the receiving end.

"Is there anything special about that road?" asked a venerable man, his brow etched with the immensity of mountains and rivers, his eyes penetrating, gleaming with the wisdom and calmness of a worldly insight. His nose was straight, as unyielding as the back of a sword. A few shallow wrinkles on his forehead, like sword marks, bore the marks of countless sword swings and the tempering of his soul. Though his skin was slightly rough, it radiated a healthy glow.

Ming and Ying Ni looked at him, recognizing him as the venerable swordsman they remembered. He had once protected a city, but after his successor was appointed, he retired to the underworld, always charging into the forefront of the underworld's many wars. Ying Ni and Ming both held this venerable in a certain respect.

"This isn't an ordinary path to heaven," Ming revealed the truth about the path, then looked at Ying Ni, as if seeking confirmation. Ying Ni didn't respond. She simply said, "This is the path that those who seek immortality must climb. By completing this path, one can transform their spiritual energy into immortal energy. However, things are different now than when they first became immortals. They can't transform immortal energy on this path, but they can purify their spiritual energy and expand their meridians. Most importantly, they've already experienced trials similar to those on the path to heaven, so by the time they become immortals, they'll have more experience than others."

Everyone present felt a surge of emotion upon hearing these words. After all, this was the stairway to immortality! Countless thoughts and aspirations surged through their minds, but upon meeting Ying Li's emotionless eyes, all of them instantly vanished, as if overwhelmed by an invisible force. They once again cast their gaze upon the water mirror, carefully examining the young talents who stood a step ahead of the crowd. Upon closer inspection, they discovered that these young men appeared to be independent cultivators, not from aristocratic families. Finally, their hearts settled, thankful these weren't descendants of their own clans, secretly rejoicing that perhaps their clan still had a chance to emerge victorious in this competition.

On the treacherous road to the sky, Mu Ya, Gu Yanqing, and other like-minded partners are challenging the limits of gravity with unprecedented tenacity and perseverance. They have chosen the most difficult path - climbing up step by step with their own physical strength, without any spiritual power.

With each step they ascended, their steps grew heavier, as if they were carrying a heavy burden. Even so, they refused to give up. At each new height, they paused, closed their eyes, focused, and breathed, allowing their bodies to recover. Sweat trickled down their cheeks, dripping onto the steps before evaporating instantly, leaving behind only mottled traces.

As time went on, they gradually fell behind the other climbers. Those who chose to use their spiritual powers, easily overcoming numerous obstacles, began to surpass them. Some people politely cast contemptuous glances, as if to say, "See, this is the result of not relying on spiritual power." But many others unabashedly hurled sarcastic remarks: "Huh, you think you can reach the sky with just your own strength? What a pipe dream!" "Give up! Don't embarrass yourself here."

Despite all the ridicule and sarcasm, Mu Ya, Gu Yanqing, and the others remained unmoved. Their gazes remained resolute, their steps steady. In their hearts, they held an unshakable faith—no matter how difficult the road ahead, as long as they persevered, victory would eventually dawn.

Some young cultivators from prominent families noticed the secret and began to emulate the methods of Muya, Gu Yanqing, and others. Seeing their leader emulate Muya and the others, these followers of the nobility followed suit. After a period of persistence, they were pleasantly surprised to find that their meridians had expanded and the flow of spiritual energy had increased. They gradually realized that this seemingly difficult climbing method was actually a dual training of body and spirit, allowing them to advance further on the path of cultivation.