Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Fallen Divine Sect

Passed down through generations, every one of the million spectators present understood the meaning conveyed by the strange phenomena appearing on the stone tablet.

Though the phrase "reaching the summit" was often spoken aloud, it was mostly with a mocking tone. No one truly believed anyone could stand at that very pinnacle. Even Bing Long, who had reached the final step, was regarded as a peerless prodigy in their eyes.

What lay beyond that final step? No one knew.

Fan Caobao ascended the stone steps without hindrance and reached the very top. After surveying the surroundings and finding no further path, he exhaled and sat down on the ground, muttering curses under his breath.

Though he had paused and continued along the way, his pace was still several times faster than others. Moreover, the mental strain from personally destroying the illusions of someone he cared for within the demonic barrier was beyond ordinary comprehension.

Panting and sticking out his tongue, Fan Caobao stood up in confusion, unsure of what to do next. He cursed inwardly, regretting not clarifying matters with Chen Hongxu before climbing.

Scratching his head and about to retrace his steps to the surface to ask, a gentle mist began to rise along the Talent Ladder, gathering at its summit.

White fog churned atop the ladder, and suddenly a pillar of yellow light broke through the clouds, enveloping Fan Caobao entirely.

"Comfortable," was the sole thought in Fan Caobao’s mind. He groaned softly and instinctively scratched his crotch.

Because the mist had gathered at the top of the Talent Ladder, many powerful onlookers caught sight of this scene. Their expressions shifted from fervent excitement to uncertainty.

Lady Kuang and the Five Swords exchanged strange looks, their eyes twitching involuntarily. Could this lecherous man standing atop the summit truly be the unparalleled genius who had conquered the Talent Ladder? For the first time, they doubted the validity of this aptitude test.

Bathed in golden light, Fan Caobao felt his body brimming with strength. He exhaled a breath of yellow energy and shouted, “Brother Chen, I’ve won! I’m number one!”

Suddenly, thunder rumbled through the swirling clouds. Following the yellow light came a brilliant white beam shooting down.

Fan Caobao was terrified and didn’t have time to savor his triumph. In the blink of an eye, he darted away from where he stood.

At that very spot, a bolt of heavenly lightning struck, shaking the stone steps violently as if they were about to collapse at any moment.

Blinking, Fan Caobao cursed his bad luck and turned without looking back, rushing swiftly down the Talent Ladder.

The onlookers buzzed with speculation. No one had ever seen anyone reach the summit before, so none could say what would happen next. But why did that fleeting figure look as if it were fleeing for its life?

Chen Hongxu smiled wryly and shook his head, cursing, “Rarely has someone’s words held such authority, yet they fail to properly comprehend it. Truly an idiot. But the rules he spoke of will surely make life difficult for those who climb this ladder in the future.”

Having ascended only one step himself, Chen Hongxu spoke arrogantly as if he knew everything.

...

Not long after, Fan Caobao appeared beside Chen Hongxu, panting heavily. He bent slightly, lowering his eyes submissively as he sought approval. “Brother Chen, did I do alright?”

Chen Hongxu nodded without comment but then recalled something, kicking Fan Caobao and scolding, “Why so slow? With your inherited aptitude, there shouldn’t be any demonic barriers. You should be able to ascend a hundred steps at once and reach the summit in minutes.”

“Ha ha!” Fan Caobao laughed awkwardly, embarrassed to explain, “I fell asleep.”

Chen Hongxu’s eyes blazed, as if about to strike, but was stopped by others rushing forward.

Lady Kuang and the others, unclear about the relationship between Chen and Fan, offered a few kind words for Fan Caobao. Yet, everyone knew their true intention was to claim this shameless scoundrel for themselves.

Chen Hongxu stood with his hands behind his back, while Fan Caobao cautiously nodded and kowtowed. The crowd watched in stunned silence. Why did this most unparalleled young genius behave so differently?

The Five Swords sighed, ceasing to speculate on Chen Hongxu’s identity. Casting a benevolent glance at Fan Caobao, he began to explain the next steps:

“Since everyone has tested their aptitude, it is now time to freely choose a sect. Choose carefully, for the sects also have the right to decide.”

In other words, if your aptitude is insufficient, don’t aim too high, lest you be rejected by the sect and left with no path forward.

After some hesitation, everyone made their choices. Those ranked around fiftieth were naturally coveted by many sects and, after some subtle negotiations, all had found a place.

The top ten, however, were never up for grabs. Many had already been pre-selected by sects, who had no doubt paid great prices and offered substantial benefits for such talents.

The boisterous discussions lasted nearly an hour, with many flushed faces and heated expressions. Then, everyone quietly fell silent, noticing that the young man ranked first, surnamed Fan, had yet to choose.

The Five Swords was the first to extend an olive branch. After being rejected, he showed no resentment. Though Fan Caobao’s aptitude was peerless, he was not a swordsman. It was good if he could be won over, but there was no regret if not, as he had already secured Zhang Shufang, ranked fourth, and Bing Long, ranked second.

After seven refusals, with the exception of the female-only Miaoyin Sect, no others remained. Among the onlookers with strength and background, excitement surged once more. Could it be another upset—that the top genius would decline the sects and choose a noble family instead?

Selling oneself was out of the question. As for marriage alliances, that was not impossible. After all, if a royal appeared in the family in a thousand years, even at worst, they could rival these great sects. The crowd anxiously pondered how best to show their sincerity.

Though Fan Caobao was shameless, under the fierce gazes of a million eager eyes ready to strip him bare, he shyly lowered his head and hid behind Chen Hongxu like a demure lady afraid of being seen.

“Brother Chen, how exactly should we choose? Do you have your eye on some noble lady and plan to sell me off?” Fan Caobao babbled, more confused than worried.

Now that he knew Chen Hongxu was tied with him for first place—one counted ascending, the other descending, yet first was first—he bore no sense of entitlement.

He was clear in his mind that if Chen really wished to reach the summit, he could do so effortlessly, unlike his own exhausting struggle, interrupted by bouts of the urge to urinate and other humiliations.

The Five Swords looked at Chen Hongxu with curiosity, sensing that the latter was the decision-maker. He no longer underestimated the inscrutable youth. He could tell that Fan Caobao’s respect was sincere.

“I remember there are supposed to be nine great sects. Why are there only eight here?” Chen Hongxu asked, ignoring the question.

His voice was loud enough that the crowd heard. Most looked confused, seemingly unaware that beyond the Eight Great Sects, there was a ninth.

Those affiliated with the Eight Great Sects trembled, especially the Five Swords and Lady Kuang, whose reactions were most severe.

Exchanging a glance, Five Swords and Lady Kuang hesitantly asked, “The Luo Shen Sect?”

Chen Hongxu nodded. Fan Caobao’s eyes gleamed. Damn, there really was a hidden sect. Hmph, almost fooled by those second-rate sects—Nine Vein Sword Sect, Miaoyin, and the likes—all vulgar and common, none as imposing as the name “Luo Shen.”

Suddenly, someone burst out laughing, followed by a chorus of laughter and whispers. Fan Caobao finally understood that this so-called sect was nothing but a façade, a place of empty reputation.

“The sect with only a janitor?”

“The sect without any inherited scriptures, cultivation techniques, or combat experience?”

Five Swords’ face grew grave as he gazed meaningfully at Chen Hongxu and Fan Caobao. “Is this your intention or his?”

“Brother Chen means what I mean,” Fan Caobao said, showing loyalty. If he hadn’t yet understood Chen’s true meaning, he might have spun a heartbreaking tale of their childhood bond.

“The janitor of Luo Shen Sect said before the test began that the sect would never find suitable disciples and thus did not come,” Five Swords hesitated, then added, “Though your aptitude is peerless, Luo Shen Sect’s ways are strange and cannot be judged by ordinary standards. Don’t waste your efforts in vain.”

Chen Hongxu smiled faintly, indifferent, shook his head, and carried Fan Caobao away.

The Five Swords looked on somberly, sighing at their retreating backs.

Lady Kuang, hearing the crowd still mocking Luo Shen Sect, wore a rare expression of disdain. If Luo Shen could claim the status of one of the Nine Great Sects based on a single janitor, that meant this janitor’s strength was enough to rival an entire great sect.

Otherwise, in Wu Emperor City, the many second-rate sects would have long since been supplanted.

“Luo Shen, Luo Shen—surely not really ‘fallen god.’ Who dares to bear such a name?” Five Swords pondered the origins of sect names, sighing deeply.

No outsider could understand the meaning behind his sigh. Even Lady Kuang, perceptive as she was, could not grasp why Chen Hongxu, who possessed imperial-level sword energy, had rejected the Nine Vein Sword Sect.

The chapter of Hidden Saint 38, featuring the Luo Shen Sect, has now concluded!