Upper Scenic Celestial, Chessboard Peak.

Chessboard Peak is not one of the Nine Peaks of Upper Scenic Celestial.

But this peak is very special, from a distance it looks like a tall tower standing proudly among the mountains.

The entire peak is covered with lush and verdant primeval forest, with a path spiraling upward leading straight to the summit.

And at the summit of Chessboard Peak, there are numerous uneven stone platforms.

Like a gigantic chessboard — hence the name Chessboard Peak!

On regular days, only a few Daoist Cultivators climb to the top of Chessboard Peak to absorb the morning’s purple qi for cultivation.

But today, the summit is especially lively, with hundreds of disciples from Upper Scenic Celestial and Martial Artists gathered here.

Participating in the triennial Nine Peaks Grand Competition!

When Zhang Yuan ascended Chessboard Peak, the scene before his eyes left him astonished.

He saw three large airships prominently parked on three different stone platforms.

Airships!

At first, Zhang Yuan thought he was seeing an illusion.

However, the three airships sitting there were definitely not illusions or a mistake of his eyes.

These airships resembled the ones from Zhang Yuan’s past life, with a streamlined, cigar-shaped upper body, a rectangular cabin suspended below, secured by ropes.

"This is the Flying Ship."

Su Jingyao, who ascended Chessboard Peak with Zhang Yuan, said with a smiling face: "It can soar a thousand feet into the sky, fly through clouds and mists, and travel a thousand miles a day. It’s the prized artifact of our Upper Scenic Celestial Sect!"

According to Su Jingyao, these three flying ships are large Profound Artifacts, capable of carrying dozens of people on a journey of tens of thousands of miles, without needing to land, and unaffected by wind, rain, or thunder.

Of course, the cost of a flying ship is extremely high, and even a powerful sect like Upper Scenic Celestial only has seven!

Using the flying ships requires the approval and authorization of the Elder Council or the Sect Leader.

Ordinary disciples fundamentally do not have the privilege to ride them.

Today, because of the Nine Peaks Grand Competition, the sect commissioned three flying ships to transport the competing disciples.

Under the leadership of an Elder, Zhang Yuan, along with Su Jingyao, boarded one of the flying ships.

The cabin of the flying ship was quite spacious, more than sufficient to accommodate forty or fifty people.

However, the interior was extremely simple, without any excess decorations or furnishings, with a smooth and clean deck laid with straw mats for the passengers to use.

Both sides of the cabin had transparent windows made of pure, flawless crystal used as glass.

Allowing one to enjoy the view outside.

After sitting down, Zhang Yuan observed for a moment and speculated that this flying ship had something to do with the Celestial Beings. It was most likely "invented" by the latter and then modified locally.

He had made some guesses about the origins of the Celestial Beings long ago.

And now he could basically determine that the latter’s world must possess a highly civilized world.

Its technological level undoubtedly exceeded Zhang Yuan’s original world!

The Celestial Beings had descended to this world for hundreds of years, and the impact must be profound.

Next time he sees similar products of technological civilization, he won’t be as surprised.

At the same time, Zhang Yuan believed that the Celestial Beings’ group must be trying hard to control the impact of this clash of different civilizations.

To let this world keep its inherent cultural characteristics as much as possible!

Otherwise, he would have seen many more things that are vastly different!

Whoo—

A majestic horn sounded.

The thick ropes detached from the airship.

Under the influence of an invisible force, the flying ship Zhang Yuan was on began to ascend slowly, drifting forward silently.

When the flying ship flew out a hundred steps, it suddenly turned to the right and its speed suddenly increased.

Sitting in the cabin, Zhang Yuan even felt a strong sensation of being pushed back!

Many people who were boarding a flying ship for the first time, like him, lurched unexpectedly and almost fell on the deck.

Interesting!

Zhang Yuan swayed, regaining his balance.

He gazed out through the crystal window.

With strong perception, Zhang Yuan discovered that the acceleration of this flying ship was not due to its own engine, but because it entered a special wind belt, like a ship sailing with ocean currents.

And it is precisely because of the existence of the wind belt that Chessboard Peak became the launch point for the flying ships.

Otherwise, why bother with such trouble!

Utilizing the power of the swift wind, the flying ship’s speed kept increasing and it ascended higher.

After passing through the clouds, it became stable.

The passengers in the cabin, who were holding their breath due to nervousness, finally exhaled a breath of air.

Sitting next to Zhang Yuan, Su Jingyao curiously asked: "Have you ever taken a flying ship before?"

She noticed that during the acceleration and ascent of the flying ship, Zhang Yuan remained calm and composed, without the slightest abnormality.

In stark contrast to the people around them.

Zhang Yuan chuckled and said: "No, this is my first time, it’s quite interesting."

Su Jingyao was speechless.

She had taken flying ships many times and had always felt extremely thrilled each time, let alone the first time.

But Zhang Yuan was too calm.

Of course, Su Jingyao didn’t think Zhang Yuan was lying.

Because there was no need.

After some thought, she explained the specific rules of this year’s Nine Peaks Grand Competition to Zhang Yuan in detail.

This year’s Nine Peaks Grand Competition is set in Cyan Profound Secret Realm.

Cyan Profound Secret Realm is one of the Eight Great Secret Realms of Upper Scenic Celestial, also part of the "Eight Gates and Eight Extremes Profound Celestial Array."

The Eight Gates and Eight Extremes Profound Celestial Array is an Ancient Strange Array, its origin unknown, studied by Upper Scenic Celestial for hundreds or even thousands of years, and only a fraction has been understood.

The Eight Gates Profound Yang Thunder Annihilation Array that suppresses Mo Yuan was derived from the Eight Gates and Eight Extremes Profound Celestial Array!

And the eight extremes of the Eight Gates and Eight Extremes Profound Celestial Array are the Eight Great Secret Realms.

Each secret realm is a treasury of resources, producing various heavenly materials and treasures, also the training ground for Upper Scenic Celestial disciples.

The Eight Great Secret Realms have evolved over unknown years, containing rare exotic beasts and deceitful monsters.

In fact, the bizarre monsters in the secret realms only appeared in the last few hundred years, and their cause is unknown, but they have greatly impacted the stability and balance of the secret realms.

This has led to eradicating the deceitful monsters in the secret realm becoming the most common "event" in the Nine Peaks Grand Competition.

This year is no exception.

The one who collects the most Evil Infants in the Cyan Profound Secret Realm is the ultimate victor!

This means not only killing a large number of deceitful monsters but also relying on luck to condense the Evil Infants.

After all, the probability of using a Condensing Evil Talisman to absorb and condense the eerie evil qi into a substantial form, transforming into an Evil Infant, is relatively low.

While Su Jingyao whispered and spoke quietly with Zhang Yuan, he keenly noticed the unusual gazes from around him.

Most of these gazes were hostile, filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred.

There were also undisguised animosity!

Undoubtedly, Zhang Yuan, participating in the Nine Peaks Grand Competition this time, is not only facing fierce competition but may also encounter unexpected dangers, even plots.

He was already mentally prepared for this!

Half an hour later, the three flying ships began descending one after another.

Eventually, they stopped in a huge valley!