Chapter 4835

Kai and his team stepped into the second level.

The world here appeared slightly better than the first level—but only just.

Despite some minor improvements, the landscape remained barren, the spiritual energy thin, and resources scarce.

Nan Batian took in the desolate scene and sighed. “I can only imagine how many challengers have passed through the first and second levels. Even if there were once ample resources, they would have been depleted by now.”

“The cultivators of this world are hunted like prey. Without resources, their lifespans are drastically shortened, and they eventually wither away…”

“I believe that in another hundred years, this world will also collapse and be replaced by a new one.”

Throughout the vast universe and countless galaxies, minor worlds like this were insignificant in the eyes of the great immortals of the Heaven Realm.

“Let’s go. We need to ask around and figure out where the guardian of this level is,” Kai said, gazing at the endless mountains before him. He had no clear direction in mind.

“Mr. Chen, I suggest we split up to search. It’ll be faster that way,” Nan Batian proposed.

“Good idea. Here, take this sound transmission jade slip. Whoever finds the guardian first should notify the others immediately,” Kai said, handing over the jade slip.

Nan Batian nodded, took the jade slip, and vanished in an instant.

“Let’s move,” Kai said, taking Lin Keting’s hand as they flew over the mountainous terrain.

Along the way, they occasionally encountered cultivators, but all of them were challengers from the Heavenly World.

Strangely, they had yet to see a single native cultivator from this level.

“This doesn’t make sense… Have all the second-level cultivators been wiped out?” Kai murmured, his brows furrowed in concern.

Just as he and Lin Keting continued their search, two figures rapidly approached.

It was Hong Yao and Lan Yao, the sisters who had also entered the second level.

“Mr. Chen, you reached the second level so quickly?” Hong Yao asked in surprise.
“Mr. Chen is truly remarkable! He cleared the first level with ease!”

Lan Yao chimed in, offering her own flattery.

Lin Keting rolled her eyes at the two sisters. She couldn’t shake the feeling that they had ulterior motives—were they trying to steal Kai from her?

If both of them pursued Kai together, she was certain he wouldn’t be able to resist. After all, twin sisters were an irresistible temptation for most men!

“You two are still on the second floor? Haven’t you found the guardian yet?” Kai asked.

“We did, but he’s far too strong. The two of us stood no chance against him,” Hong Yao admitted with a helpless sigh.

“So for now, we’re just wandering around, gathering resources to train. We’re hoping to improve our strength before attempting another challenge.”

“Take me there. Maybe I can help you clear this level,” Kai said confidently.

“Mr. Chen, the Heavenly Ladder must be challenged individually. How can you help? If outside assistance worked, my sister and I would’ve advanced long ago,” Lan Yao pointed out.

“Just take me there first. I’ll explain later,” Kai said, unable to hide his excitement. He hadn’t expected to find the guardian so easily!

Hong Yao and Lan Yao exchanged glances before nodding. Without further hesitation, they led Kai toward a distant mountain.

As they landed on a wide clearing at the mountain’s peak, the ground suddenly trembled beneath them. The entire mountain shook violently.

Then, from within the trembling earth, a man in a simple cloth robe emerged, walking toward them at a steady pace.

His gaze swept over the group before he frowned slightly. “Go back and train some more. With your current strength, do you really think you can pass?”

“Senior, we’re not the ones challenging you this time. Master Chen is,” Hong Yao quickly explained.

The robed man turned his eyes toward Kai, sizing him up with clear disdain.

“A mere third-level Mahayana cultivator? Even weaker than you two… I’m not interested.”