Meanwhile, in the deepest reaches of the imperial palace, a middle-aged man watched silently, his heart filled with astonishment. He had never expected that the miraculous phenomenon appearing once a century would bloom so brilliantly.
This was the Heavenly Path. Causing a stir on the Heavenly Path was enough to indicate exceptional talent, foretelling a future as a peerless prodigy. If he could serve the Heavenly Court, his prospects would undoubtedly be immense.
Rumble…
At that very instant, Lu Fan ascended another step, directly reaching the fourth tier. The Heavenly Path even rumbled, leaving the Northern American County Princess both shocked and brimming with boundless joy.
He was acutely aware of what entering the fourth step signified. Such formidable talent would surely capture the attention of the Heavenly Court, potentially earning him an official position within its ranks, which was hardly an exaggeration.
Liu Ruyan stood by, also slightly surprised. Even she hadn't anticipated Lu Fan reaching the fourth step. She could clearly feel the immense pressure of the Heavenly Path, and those who could ascend to the fourth step were certainly no ordinary individuals.
Within the Heavenly Path, Lu Fan continued his climb, his gaze growing solemn. He hadn't expected the Heavenly Path's pressure to be so intense, so much so that it made him feel disoriented. Even now, on the fourth step, he was struggling to endure.
"Keep going, you must keep going!"
The Northern American County Princess silently urged him on. If Lu Fan could cross the fifth step, he would be an unparalleled, ancient prodigy, sure to be noticed by the royal family. Perhaps he could even become a great general and a member of the Heavenly Court—an unparalleled honor.
"If he can cross the fifth step, he'll likely be a hot commodity in the future!" Prince Bai Long smiled faintly. "Even many of us princes will have to show him respect and seek his assistance!"
"Prince Bai Long speaks too lightly. Princes hold considerable authority within the entire Heavenly Court. Even if he were to cross all the steps, he could not be compared to a prince!" the Northern American County Princess replied with a gentle smile.
"While that may be true, with his talent, he is destined for great things," Prince Bai Long's eyes gleamed, a hint of wistfulness in his gaze, as if he were deeply concerned about this matter.
Concurrently, throughout the imperial palace, many people had gathered outside, gazing towards the sky. They were all filled with curiosity, wondering which monstrous talent had appeared to cause such a significant disturbance, leaving them in awe.
"It's truly unexpected that such a terrifying presence exists within this imperial capital!"
Upon the city walls of the imperial capital, a young man held a wine pot, drinking leisurely. He appeared remarkably nonchalant, surrounded by a group of young noblemen who exuded an air of uninhibited freedom.
"Prince Beicheng, this is an excellent prospect. If he can be brought under your command, it will undoubtedly be like adding wings to a tiger for the prince in the future!"
A young master chuckled, taking a sip of wine. He seemed somewhat tipsy, his entire demeanor appearing rather sluggish.
"While that may be so, I have no interest in the struggle for imperial power!" Prince Beicheng smiled, his expression growing more indifferent, as if imperial power held no sway over him.
"Prince Beicheng is no ordinary person. He is the current second prince, and in terms of both strength and status, he far surpasses the other princes!" another young man interjected. "If he can gain this person's assistance, his chances of success will be even greater, for his future is limitless. To cross the fourth step at such a young age…"
Unfortunately, before the man could finish speaking, another rumble echoed from the Heavenly Path. Lu Fan had directly reached the fifth step, appearing unsteady, his very form trembling. He seemed caught off guard.
Witnessing this scene, everyone present was utterly stunned. They clearly hadn't expected Lu Fan to actually achieve it, and so effortlessly, leaving them trembling with disbelief.
"The fifth step, he's actually reached the fifth step!"
Everyone exclaimed in disbelief, their gazes fixed upon him, filled with immense surprise.
Meanwhile, Lu Fan's brow furrowed, sweat beading on his forehead. He could clearly feel the Heavenly Path's pressure, a formidable force that made it difficult for him to breathe, his heart filled with a sense of panic.
"The fifth step!"
Prince Bai Long stood frozen, his eyes shining with golden light. Such an individual needed to be under his banner; only then could he receive his aid. If someone else were to poach him, he would never let Lu Fan go.
"He really reached the fifth!"
A touch of emotion flickered in the Northern American County Princess's eyes. He was deeply shocked, never having imagined that Lu Fan could truly accomplish this, and with such apparent ease, as if it were nothing in Lu Fan's eyes.
At the same time, Lu Fan continued to sweat, entering a state of detached clarity. His gaze grew somewhat indifferent as he bore immense pressure.
"If this continues, he might not survive!"
Liu Ruyan spoke, "Such powerful Heavenly Dao pressure is simply unbearable for ordinary people. It would be best to have him come out quickly!"
The Northern American County Princess nodded in agreement. He could clearly sense that Lu Fan was exhausted and struggling to cope. Such a situation was extremely unfavorable and could lead to unnecessary trouble at any moment.
Meanwhile, Lu Fan did not stop. He pressed forward, his aura reaching its peak, a chilling intensity emanating from him.
As time passed, more and more people in the imperial capital gathered to watch. They were all puzzled as to why Lu Fan could reach the fifth step, as no one had accomplished this in a century.
With the Heavenly Dao's intensifying pressure, Lu Fan suddenly stopped. He turned to look at the crowd in the imperial capital, his senses returning to him. He did not advance further but slowly stepped off the Heavenly Path. He knew that displaying too much excellence would inevitably attract attention, which would be extremely detrimental to him.
Watching Lu Fan depart, the Northern American County Princess's face lit up with joy. Lu Fan's withdrawal signified that he had reached his limit and was no longer in mortal danger.
After Lu Fan had completely exited the Heavenly Path, the Northern American County Princess smiled and said, "I truly didn't expect your strength to be so formidable, to even reach the fifth step. It truly leaves us in the dust!"
"Thank you for the compliment!" Lu Fan replied with a wry smile. "I almost couldn't hold on just now. If I hadn't been resolute, I wouldn't have made it to the end. However, the fifth step is likely my limit."
"To have walked the Heavenly Path at all is commendable, let alone reaching the fifth step!" Prince Bai Long smiled.