Translated by Sean, Desmond Edited by Lifer, Fingerfox
“To think there’s such a difference, looks like the difference is pretty big.” Jiang Chen nodded.
“Of course, those core disciples that enter the Profound Connection Divine Palace receive preferential treatment. To be clear, there are three levels amongst the disciples, the first level are the newcomers, to reach the second level, one must go through a trial, after you succeed in that trial, you’ll receive three essence crystals. The third level numbered only less than 100 people. The eight Arhats, they’re a level lower than the three dragons, they’re all Peak Divine Kings. Don’t ever go against those guys.
“Anyway, it’s not easy to reach the Half-Step Hierarch Realm, you may not even reach it after 50,000 years and that’s normal. Plus, don’t slack off in refining those crystals. Only then can you advance faster by entering those two places. The longer you stay in the Heavenly Dragon Prison and the Thunder Cloud Zone, the greater you’ll grow.”
Gu Maolu told everything he knew to Jiang Chen. The latter was grateful towards him. Although he looked flamboyant at times, he’s actually a good person.
“Is there no other way of obtaining those essence crystals except for refining them?” Jiang Chen frowned and asked.
“There is, the Heaven Ascension List! There are 500 disciples on top of the list, the top-30 ones are from the Inner Palace and Senior Yu Chenglong ranks 34.” Gu Maolu said with a serious expression.
“Don’t think about it, not just anyone could reach the Heaven Ascension List. Only those monsters can, it’s rare to have newcomers enter the top-500 after 10,000 years of cultivation.” Gu Maolu could see that Jiang Chen was itching to go, and so he gave him some advice.
“What about you? Senior Brother.” Jiang Chen grinned and looked towards Gu Maolu.
“Darn it! Do you have to ask that?! I barely entered the list.” Gu Maolu’s expression darkened and clicked his tongue.
“Haha looks like I misspoke.”
“Bah, let’s not talk about that, I won’t disturb your rest, call me when you want to enter the Heavenly Dragon Prison and the Thunder Cloud Zone after 10 or 20 years, I’ll lead you and find you some good spots.” Gu Maolu said.
“Alright!” Jiang Chen smiled and said his goodbye.
Ten days later, crowds gathered before the Heavenly Dragon Tower. Jiang Chen did not expect that there were at least 3000 people. 3000 Divine Kings was a sizable force outside. Weren’t there only 200 newcomers?
Jiang Chen calmed down and thought. Only once in 10,000 years could one enter the Profound Connection Divine Palace. To have this many people, their history must be at least 2 millions years.
“There are so many Divine King experts here, such a sight to behold.”
“Divine Kings everywhere, no wonder the Profound Connection Divine Palace is so powerful.”
“So many Divine King experts, but only a handful of them would reach the Hierarch Realm.”
Countless disciples sighed and felt pressured. How many of them could reach that stage? One that’s looked upon by many others!
A thought came to everyone’s mind – the path of cultivation is harsh!
“Follow me, after you enter the Heavenly Dragon Tower, you’ll understand its magnificence after you try refining the essence crystal.”
Gu Maolu led the Lone Dragon County group and entered the Heavenly Dragon Tower.
Jiang Chen felt a scorching flame burning within his body, the surrounding temperature was terrifying, like it could even refine the cultivators after entering the place.
“Why is this flame so familiar?” Jiang Chen frowned.
However, the formidable flame did not affect him just that it felt familiar.
“Fricking hot! This Heavenly Dragon Tower is like a giant cauldron.”
“Yeah, looks like this is not better compared to the Lightning-Gathering Peak.”
“I’m almost out of breath, the fire spiritual qi in this place is too thick.”
The newcomers were feeling extreme pressure; the remaining 3000+ disciples entered the tower without hesitation even though no one was leading them.
There were 4 instructors in the tower, the same instructors that Jiang Chen and the others saw previously, they were meditating with their eyes closed.
“From today onwards, all of you are official members of the Profound Connection Divine Palace, your next task is to meditate in this tower for the next ten days. Ask your seniors if you have any questions.” The female instructor said and continued her meditation.
“There will be a flame burning within your heart, you’ve completed the first step if you’re able to refine an essence crystal for the next ten days. You don’t need to be disappointed if you fail, continue refining them within the limits of your body.” Gu Maolu said.
Countless disciples started to meditate and refine the essence crystal.
Jiang Chen sat and meditated as he refined the essence crystal, the surrounding flame was condensed by Jiang Chen, reforged and refined… the first essence crystal was born!
Only half an hour has passed.
Jiang Chen frowned. That flaming red essence crystal held a savage energy, but there’s nothing special about it…is the point of this to train the will of the disciples?
Jiang Chen did not think much about it as the more crystals he had, the longer he’s able to enter the Heavenly Dragon Prison.
In ten days, Jiang Chen did not rest and just focused on refining crystals, 50 crystals were refined. However, he wasn’t satisfied with it, he thought that he could’ve been faster.
In ten days, out of the 200, only half of them managed to refine one.
“You can exit the place when you’ve refined a Heavenly Flame Crystal, rest for ten days and come back here. Repeat this cycle, otherwise, you’ll harm your body as the flame poison will invade and no one can save you. They were some who stubbornly continued and died because of this.” Gu Maolu said.
“Jiang Chen, did you manage to refine a crystal?” Gu Maolu looked towards Jiang Chen.
“Yeah. I’m just a little short.” Jiang Chen said.
“Trash, I’m done.” Qin Feng said proudly with disdain.
He managed to defeat me because I’m not at my peak at that time. Looks like he’s not my match.
“Just a little short on refining the 51st Heavenly Flame Crystals. To think it’s this easy to refine a Heavenly Flame Crystal?” Jiang Chen smiled.
Qin Feng’s smile froze.
Everyone gasped with a shocked expression. Including the female instructor as her sharp eyes opened and looked towards Jiang Chen.
