They didn't seem worried about the two failing. The best thing about the [Ascension Pagoda] was that you could challenge it countless times.
If you failed, you could just keep challenging.
But even so, there were still many people who didn't want to continue fighting.
Initially, the [Ascension Pagoda] was very popular, but later it became a place for geniuses to cultivate.
Some people truly couldn't defeat it.
And the [Ascension Pagoda]'s design was that the easier the challenge, the lower the reward.
For those that were hard to pass, there was truly no chance at all.
But this didn't apply to Zhang Xiaohu and Liang Zifan. Their strength could keep up, not only due to their cultivation techniques, aptitude, and other factors, but most importantly, their hard work.
From beginning to end, Zhang Xiaohu was the epitome of effort.
While others had some time for romance, he felt that diligent cultivation suited him best.
Shen Yingxue sometimes complained that while others who teamed up for trials in the cultivation world had found true love, if Zhang Xiaohu had been even a little more romantic, he would have won her over.
Zhang Xiaohu and the Nine Heavens Fiery Emperor appeared on the big screen.
Zhang Xiaohu faced the Nine Heavens Fiery Emperor, the [Floating and Sinking Bead] fell into his hand, and determination flashed in his eyes. Gritting his teeth, he was the first to charge towards the Nine Heavens Fiery Emperor.
After ascending to immortality, the Nine Heavens Fiery Emperor's oppressive aura was terrifying, with endless flames swirling around him.
These flames then gathered into a fiery saber, which was the Nine Heavens Fiery Emperor's exclusive artifact, the [Heavenly Burning Blade]. His flames were also known as [Heavenly Burning Flames].
The name "Heavenly Burning" was no exaggeration.
This flame grew more powerful by continuously devouring the willpower, vital energy, and fighting spirit—all positive battlefield elements—of enemies. Essentially, the more battles it fought, the more formidable the flame became.
The moment this flame erupted, the sky trembled violently, and then he slashed down furiously at Zhang Xiaohu.
Endless fierce flames dyed the sky red, tearing apart the firmament.
Zhang Xiaohu directly transformed into the Body of Dao Fire, attempting to block this strike.
However, his flames were learned from the Nine Heavens Fiery Emperor. The Nine Heavens Fiery Emperor was his progenitor, and coupled with the advantage of realm suppression, Zhang Xiaohu was immediately forced back to his original form.
This was within his expectations. He kept approaching the Nine Heavens Fiery Emperor, the [Floating and Sinking Bead] spinning around him. A small monk appeared above the [Floating and Sinking Bead].
The little monk's eyes were as resolute as Zhang Xiaohu's.
Under normal circumstances, the [Floating and Sinking Bead] fought independently. With a spirit artifact, Zhang Xiaohu no longer needed to control it.
This bead wasn't used much later on because it wasn't suitable for wielding weapons and didn't match Zhang Xiaohu's cultivation techniques. Therefore, at this stage, having it act as an auxiliary attacker was the most reasonable approach.
"Boom!"
The Six Paths True Fire appeared on Zhang Xiaohu's body. His right hand held the [Six Paths Fire Wheel], his primary output weapon.
He advanced, and the Nine Heavens Fiery Emperor also advanced.
This was an Immortal Emperor with a domineering combat style. If you wanted to engage in close combat, he would engage in close combat. If you wanted a long-range duel, he would also duel at long range.
Zhang Xiaohu knew he had no chance of winning in a long-range exchange.
Only in close combat could he find some openings.
The combat footage of the two was truly captivating, with flames flying everywhere.
Even space seemed to warp slightly.
All the spectators stared with wide eyes, clenching their fists, appearing more nervous than Zhang Xiaohu himself.
As a symbolic figure of a underdog's rise, people had a special affection for Zhang Xiaohu. Even those who were prone to jealousy wished for his success, hoping he would continue his legend.
The bullet comments on the live streaming platform were filled with cheers.
"Cheer for me!"
"Oh no! His flames seem to be suppressed!"
"Ah! He got hit!"
"Dodge it, dodge it!"
"......"
Everyone was cheering for Zhang Xiaohu, but in the close-quarters combat, Zhang Xiaohu couldn't gain any advantage and was struck across the chest.
The scorching flames eroded his flesh, but to inflict damage on the Nine Heavens Fiery Emperor, he had to trade wounds.
"Sky-Roaring Tiger!"
"Roar!"
Zhang Xiaohu roared, transforming into a giant tiger made of flames and pouncing at the Nine Heavens Fiery Emperor.
However, a red light flowed in the Nine Heavens Fiery Emperor's eyes, and then a massive fiery demon appeared behind him.
"Heaven-Shattering Fiery Demon!"
The giant fiery demon, wielding a world-destroying fiery blade, slashed towards the giant tiger that Zhang Xiaohu had become.
Many viewers covered their eyes, and with an explosion, the screen went black...
Zhang Xiaohu seemed to have made a wrong choice. Even in a combat simulation, there was a huge gap in cultivation between him and the Nine Heavens Fiery Emperor. He was still challenging opponents above his level and trying to confront them head-on with immortal techniques, which was bound to put him at a disadvantage.
The spectators sighed and shook their heads, then shared their opinions in the bullet comments.
"There's a direct gap in cultivation. Going head-to-head isn't a good choice."
"Moreover, his cultivation technique is suppressed. I think to win, he needs to exploit something the Nine Heavens Fiery Emperor lacks."
"Can Senior Immortal help him cheat?"
"......"
Meanwhile, his companions watching the live broadcast from in front of their televisions all leaned back in their chairs in unison.
As companions who had fought for many years, they naturally hoped for Zhang Xiaohu's success.
As the one with the lowest aptitude among them, Zhang Xiaohu bore immense pressure. Unlike the heartless Liang Zifan, he knew what shame was.
Li Qingyun said, "I think this head-on confrontation was a test, a test of how strong the Nine Heavens Fiery Emperor's combat power is after ascending to immortality."
Bai Nianchen nodded and said, "Since it's historical combat footage, there are clues to follow. Perhaps if Xiaohu unleashes a big move, the opponent will also unleash one. If Xiaohu doesn't advance, he'll fight at range. If Xiaohu gets close, he'll fight hand-to-hand..."
"This is only the first round. It's too early to draw conclusions."
"Should we send Xiaohu a message to give him some pointers?"
"Forget it. Xiaohu isn't as clueless as you think. He has his own ideas and strategies. Let's not be armchair generals."
"......"
Listening to the chatter, Shen Yingxue remained silent for a moment, then pretended to be playing on her phone and sent Zhang Xiaohu a message.
At this moment, Liang Zifan's screen also went black.
"Zifan also lost. This Nine Tribulation Thunder Emperor is truly ferocious, feels as ferocious as Big Teng!"
"I think a brute is easier to deal with!"
"Indeed. The Nine Tribulation Thunder Emperor looks like the type to get riled up easily, similar to Big Teng."
Wang Teng: "??? "