Chapter 274: The Black-White Academy, and the Legendary… Tower of Ascension!

Hearing this, Feng Qingcang merely shook his head with a wry smile.

What was there to say about strength after being overwhelmed by a younger generation?

Still, it left a bitter taste.

With Meng Changqing’s strength, he could have challenged far stronger opponents.

It was simply bad luck for him to cross paths with such a prodigy.

Such was fate, and he thought no more of it.

“Chief Meng, if you have no pressing matters, why not stay a night within my family’s territory?” Feng Qingcang’s expression turned solemn as he extended the invitation. “Allow my family to show you the hospitality befitting a guest.”

After all, as the head of a clan, he had a broad perspective.

Understanding Meng Changqing’s immense potential, he immediately resolved to form good relations.

“Then I will impose upon your kindness,” Meng Changqing glanced at the sky and nodded.

“Please.” Feng Qingcang’s face lit up with delight as he led the way.

The two departed together.

Some younger members of the Feng clan were confused.

Why extend an invitation to someone who had caused their family to lose its place on the Heavenly Rankings?

The loss was significant.

“Mind your looks! The head of the clan’s vision is beyond your comprehension!” The elders of the clan glared at them.

“Yes, losing the Heavenly Ranking spot is a pity, but what can be said when you’re outmatched?

“Moreover, if we can forge ties with such a prodigy, the future benefits could well surpass the Heavenly Rankings!”

Hearing this, they suddenly understood.

—

That night…

In an opulent palace, cups clinked, and laughter filled the air.

Meng Changqing and Feng Qingcang sat in the host’s seats, watching the Feng family’s beautiful women perform lively dances.

The atmosphere was festive.

“Chief Meng, have you decided on your title yet?” Feng Qingcang asked with a smile.

“Not yet. I’ve never been good at choosing names.” Meng Changqing shook his head.

“I’m the same. In the end, the Wanxiang Pavilion decided on ‘Lishui Marquis’ for me.” Feng Qingcang laughed, “Over time, I grew indifferent to changing it, as people in the surrounding regions had become used to it.”

Hearing this, Meng Changqing’s eyes flickered with thought.

Indeed, first impressions were strong, and changing it later seemed unnecessary.

So, what should his title be?

Titles endure, even into the future when one ascends to the Royal Path Realm.

After pondering for a while, Meng Changqing gave up, recalling he was not skilled at naming things.

He decided to leave it for another time.

“Chief Meng, where are you heading next?” Feng Qingcang asked curiously.

Generally, prodigies from the Four Regions who came to the Central Province would roam far and wide before considering returning home.

At Meng Changqing’s current level, as a titled Marquis, returning home now would be a grand triumph.

“The Black-White Academy.” Meng Changqing did not conceal his plans.

Walking the Invincible Path meant being open and upright, especially with the protection of his sect master.

As for his reasons for visiting the Black-White Academy, there were two:

One, Mo Xiaoyu was already there.

Two, the Demon Abyss.

He had yet to condense his third true domain. Apart from his cultivation being slightly lacking, his spiritual refinement was also insufficient.

He needed to absorb demonic energy to temper his spirit and will.

Otherwise, even reaching the ninth level of the Marquis Realm would not allow him to condense his third domain.

And the Black-White Academy had a Demon Abyss of a very high level.

In the Central Province, the Black-White Academy was considered a powerful and ancient force, often referred to as the fifth Holy Land.

Meng Changqing’s sect leaders had been there before and even trained there, forming numerous connections.

The Grand Elder had suggested that he visit the academy to learn and gain experience.

“Is it for the Tower of Ascension three years from now?” Feng Qingcang asked.

“The Tower of Ascension?” Meng Changqing was puzzled.

The name was unfamiliar; he had never heard of it.

“You don’t know about the Tower of Ascension?” Feng Qingcang was surprised.

He had assumed Meng Changqing’s goal was the tower.

“Please, enlighten me.” Meng Changqing’s interest was piqued.

He felt the Tower of Ascension must be extraordinary.

“Legend has it that the Tower of Ascension was the weapon of the Black-White Academy’s first master.

“It is one of the rare supreme Saint Artifacts known to exist openly in the cultivation world!

“It contains a vast, mystical space.

“It has a total of one hundred floors.

“Each floor passed grants Ascension Rewards.

“These rewards include rare and precious treasures!”

Feng Qingcang explained.

“A Saint Artifact?” Meng Changqing’s gaze sharpened.

Artifacts were classified as: Ordinary Artifacts, Hundred Refinements Artifacts, Spirit Artifacts, Blood Artifacts, Heavy Artifacts, Dao Artifacts, and Divine Artifacts.

Even Divine Artifacts were considered rare, let alone the legendary Saint Artifacts.

His current sword, Crimson Sky, was merely a Blood Artifact.

But Crimson Sky was a renowned blade with great potential — it could become a Dao Artifact or even a Divine Artifact.

According to ancient records, once a weapon ascends to the Saint-level, it ceases to be a mere weapon. It could be considered a living being capable of embarking on its own cultivation path.

“What are the rewards?” Meng Changqing asked curiously.

“Too many to list. But whatever you can imagine. Marquis items, top-tier resources, techniques, weapons, it’s all there.” Feng Qingcang’s tone was filled with longing.

“Are there treasures for repairing root bones or physical bodies?” Meng Changqing immediately asked.

One of his reasons for staying in the Central Province was to find such treasures.

His aunt’s root bones had been destroyed. Without repairing them, she could not return to the cultivation path.

But such items were exceedingly rare, and he had found no leads so far.

“Of course.” Feng Qingcang answered without hesitation.

Hearing this, Meng Changqing’s eyes lit up with joy.

It seemed the Black-White Academy was a destination he could not miss.

“Can anyone enter the Tower of Ascension?” reining in his excitement, Meng Changqing asked.

“Yes, the Black-White Academy is unlike conventional sects. It functions more as an academy and is relatively open. Additionally, this was a rule established by the first master.

“Whenever the tower opens, anyone in the world can enter.

“However, there is a restriction on the cultivation level. No one above the Marquis Realm can enter. This is because experts beyond the Marquis Realm wield laws of power that could cause irreparable damage to the tower.”

Feng Qingcang explained.

“I see.” Meng Changqing nodded in understanding.

“The Tower of Ascension at the Black-White Academy is one of the great events in the Central Province. When it opens, even the Holy Lands cannot ignore it.” Feng Qingcang remarked.

“Would the Holy Lands care about this?” Meng Changqing raised an eyebrow.

“The Holy Lands possess vast resources and may not care for the tower’s treasures. But they covet… the tower itself!” Feng Qingcang explained, “It’s said that anyone who ascends all one hundred floors gains control of the entire Tower of Ascension, becoming its master.

“And the tower is considered the finest auxiliary Saint Artifact in the cultivation world!

“Even the Holy Lands are envious of it.

“However, no one has ever reached the hundredth floor. The highest anyone has reached is the ninety-seventh.”