C235 Martial Master Path(2)

Below, Yuen Tianshan was startled by the crowd's cheers. He had intended for just a few friends to shout, but suddenly everyone joined in, leaving him a bit embarrassed. He quickly shouted to explain, “Senior Brother Woo, I swear I didn’t organize this. The outer disciples just started cheering on their own…”

“Senior Brother Woo was unstoppable in the Mystic Trace Realm, and we admire him!”

“That’s right, Senior Brother Woo has brought honor to our sect, and we fully support him!”

Voices continued to shout.

At this moment, Woo Zhengyang realized that his victory in the Mystic Trace Realm, where he had outshone the Heavenly Martial Academy and other forces, had truly stirred the hearts of many disciples in the Profound Heaven Sect. Initially, Woo Zhengyang had been accused of harming fellow disciples, which caused some unease. However, once he proved he had no choice, many began to see things more clearly.

Ironically, the elders of the Profound Heaven Sect lacked the passion of the outer disciples. They were more concerned about potential trouble for the sect.

Having always fought alone, Woo Zhengyang wasn’t usually concerned with others’ opinions, staying true to himself. But suddenly having so much support filled him with emotion. He waved to the crowd below and continued ascending the steps.

The latter part of the Martial Master Path was nearly vertical, each step fraught with danger. But for Woo Zhengyang, who had faced countless perils, this was nothing. He pressed on, step by step, undeterred.

As he neared the summit, Woo Zhengyang paused. The final stretch, about 130 feet, was the steepest and lacked any steps, only a few uneven pits.

Below, the crowd dared not shout or even breathe loudly. Despite the distance, they strained their eyes to follow Woo Zhengyang's every move, aware that he was at the most critical point of the Martial Master Path.

Then, to everyone's astonishment, Woo Zhengyang began to retreat.

"What's happening? Is Senior Brother Woo giving up?"

"No way! Have you forgotten his nickname, the Madman? He wouldn't be deterred by a mere path."

"Exactly. If he were quitting, he'd call for help. Everyone knows it's easier to go up than down. A misstep could be dangerous."

The crowd buzzed with speculation, while those overseeing the path were equally puzzled. They were stewards of the Inner Sect's assessment hall.

"I think Woo Zhengyang doesn't realize he can ask for help. Let's assist him!"

"Steward Liu, that's against the rules!"

One of the stewards was about to lower a rope to help Woo Zhengyang, but another steward stopped him. The one who intervened was none other than Zhang Tia, the former outer sect steward.

Woo Zhengyang heard Zhang Tia's voice and looked up, noticing that quite a few people were waiting for him at the top of the Martial Master Path. Zhang Tia's gaze was dark and brooding.

This guy actually made it into the inner sect. It must have been Yue Jiuxiao who promoted him.

"Woo Zhengyang, you can ask for help. Even if you can't enter the inner sect now, there will be other chances. Climbing down on your own is too dangerous!" the steward who was about to lower the rope advised.

"He's the infamous Woo Zhengyang. Even if he backs down, he'll do it on his own. Asking for help? No way," Zhang Tia sneered.

"Thank you for your kindness, but it's not necessary," Woo Zhengyang replied to the steward.

The steward assumed Woo Zhengyang was too proud to ask for help after Zhang Tia's taunt. He sighed, shook his head, and said, "Just be careful then!"

Woo Zhengyang nodded and continued his descent.

Time passed slowly, and it took him as long as it takes for an incense stick to burn to descend a few yards. With each step, it seemed like he might fall, keeping everyone on edge and making them sweat with anxiety for him.

"Senior Brother Woo, knowing when to advance and retreat is also the mark of a hero!" someone advised from below.

"Alas! It's no use. If Senior Brother Woo were the type to compromise, he wouldn't have the reputation he does now. Besides, if he were easily swayed, the events that followed wouldn't have happened. Would we still have the Senior Brother Woo we know today? Our Profound Heaven Sect wouldn't have made such a name for itself in the Mystic Trace Realm!"

"You’re right. I remember an elder once saying that for a Martial Dao cultivator, talent and opportunity are important, but they come second to having a steadfast heart in the martial path. Back then, I doubted that such a heart could surpass talent and opportunity, but Senior Brother Woo has proven it true."

"Yeah, his physical training has allowed him to surpass us in such a short time. Senior Brother Woo's dedication to the martial path is truly unshakeable!"

"Wait... it looks like Senior Brother Woo has stopped!"

Amidst the chatter, someone suddenly shouted. Everyone turned to see Woo Zhengyang standing still after that warning, not moving forward.

"Could it be? Is Senior Brother Woo going to compromise?"

Many had this thought flash through their minds. It was a scene they both hoped for and dreaded because Woo Zhengyang was a benchmark for many. If he truly compromised, that benchmark might not fall, but it certainly wouldn’t stand as tall!

As everyone’s thoughts swirled with complexity, Woo Zhengyang moved...