Evan Chu opened his eyes. At this moment, all eight thousand supreme-grade Starstones in the Chaos World space had transformed into pure Stellar Power, circulating within Evan's body.
Unfortunately, while this amount of power could let an ordinary Saint leap straight into the Saint Lord Realm, it only pushed Evan Chu from mid Saint to late Saint.
His realm had only advanced a little, but the power was undiminished. At this moment, Stellar Power surged within Evan Chu's body. He began to wonder—if he could absorb those ten thousand Star Crystals, what realm would he reach?
But for now, he couldn't act. The Chaos Spirit had warned him that if he tried to absorb the Star Crystals now, most of their power would be wasted—his realm was still too low to fully absorb their strength.
Even ordinary Saints can at most absorb mid-grade Starstones. For Evan Chu to absorb eight thousand supreme-grade Starstones in one go is already heaven-defying. He couldn't continue absorbing more right away, or the power would interfere and fail to fuse perfectly.
Entering with the power of the Big Dipper, then adding the Crimson Demon Star and Blood-stained Demon Star, and now using these eight thousand supreme-grade Starstones as a breakthrough, he finally stepped into the second turn of Ninefold Stellar Transformation.
Evan Chu let out a long breath. It was only the second turn—still a long way from the peak of Ninefold Stellar Transformation.
Actually, for him, there was nothing else he needed—quietly refining the Big Dipper, Blood-stained Demon Star, Crimson Demon Star, and those ten thousand Star Crystals, breaking through to the fifth turn would be a natural process.
But such a long time would definitely take more than three million years—and truly reaching the peak of Ninefold Stellar Transformation and stepping into the Saint Emperor Realm would take even longer.
So, to accelerate everything, Evan Chu could only fight for it!
Then, let the next trial begin!
Whoosh!
The environment around Evan Chu shifted again. Now he stood in a sealed space of pure white light, with nine massive golden stairs before him.
Welcome to the second trial. This is the Ninefold Heavenly Staircase Space. Your task is to step onto the Ninefold Heavenly Staircase, endure its dangers, and climb to the summit to enter the next Star Gate. There, good things await you.
It was Lord Jun Yang's voice again. Evan Chu looked at the Ninefold Heavenly Staircase before him, thinking to himself—there's no way it's as simple as just climbing these steps.
Meanwhile, outside, the four Hall Masters and Henry Lin all stared at Lord Jun Yang, making his old face flush with embarrassment.
"Jun Yang, what did you put behind the Ninefold Heavenly Staircase?" Kade Xing asked curiously.
"It's nothing much... I just redirected the Star Gate at the top of the Ninefold Heavenly Staircase to lead into the Mystic Star-Sea. I want to see what attribute this kid's natal star really has—knowing that will help cultivate him in the future, right?"
"Oh, so that's it. But acting on your own like this violates dynasty law. Go to the Punishment Hall and 'collect your reward' later."
"Yes, Hall Master." At this moment, Lord Jun Yang's face was as dark as the bottom of a pot—he hadn't expected his little trick to be caught by all four Hall Masters.
It's all this brat's fault! Every trial he clears is different from everyone else—he dragged all four Hall Masters here and got me punished. Just wait till you come out, I'll make you pay!
Just as Lord Jun Yang was suffering, two more of the Seven Thrones arrived.
The Seven Thrones each command their own legion. Four legions are usually at war outside the Frostbane Dynasty, while three are stationed in Frostbane territory, rotating duties.
Recently, Mad-Blade Li of the Mad-Blade Throne has been in seclusion, trying to break through. By his side was the Mystic-Ice Throne, both early-stage Holy Emperor Realm powerhouses—top tier among the Seven Thrones.
They had just come out of seclusion and, sensing the commotion here, hurried over.
"Heh, let this guy get what he deserves for being so arrogant—he's overdue for a Punishment Hall beating," Mad-Blade Li gloated, grinning at Jun Yang and Mystic Ice.
"Well, he's the youngest genius among the Seven Thrones—the Holy Emperor's favorite. He should be a little arrogant. But you're right, Mad-Blade, stubborn types like him do deserve a lesson."
Seeing Mystic Ice and Mad-Blade Li mocking him, Jun Yang's face turned even darker. Even without his own legion present, it was humiliating to be insulted in front of the four Hall Masters.
"Just you wait, old geezers! Once I break through to the Holy Emperor Realm, I'll hang you up and beat you one by one!"
Jun Yang had this confidence—he was the strongest and most talented among the Seven Thrones.
At that moment, Lord Jun Yang couldn't help but burst out with a curse. The four Hall Masters, Mad-Blade Li, and Mystic-Ice all stared wide-eyed at the Starglaze Mirror in disbelief.
Only Henry Lin remained calm—he had always had immense faith in Evan Chu.
Inside the Starglaze Mirror, Evan Chu faced the Ninefold Heavenly Staircase. Without any preparation, he simply stepped forward—crossing five tiers in one stride!
What did this mean? It meant Evan Chu's foundation and talent were already far beyond everyone present—and with ease!
"Quiet! No talking—just watch!" Magnus Liao barked. No one spoke again; all they could do was pant and stare at Evan Chu in the Starglaze Mirror.
The Ninefold Heavenly Staircase exists to test a person's talent and foundation. Those with great talent and deep roots can walk it with ease, while the weak struggle with every step—most can't even take the first.
The higher one climbs on the Ninefold Heavenly Staircase, the more terrifying their future achievements.
But no matter how strong your talent, climbing the stairs shouldn't be this easy, right? Take Lord Jun Yang for example—he managed to reach the eighth tier, on par with the Hall Masters, higher than most of the other Seven Thrones.
He reached the eighth tier in just three months—a full two months faster than the quickest Hall Master. That's why he's called the Frostbane Dynasty's youngest genius, even though he's already over a million years old.
Back then, when Lord Jun Yang tried to climb the first step, it was extremely difficult. After each step, he needed five days to recover before moving again.
He spent several days recovering after the second step, and when he reached the seventh and eighth tiers, he needed half a month to recover before each step. As for the ninth tier, he couldn't do it at all—his foot barely lifted before he was sent out of the space.
The Ninefold Heavenly Staircase is a true test—only those who stand on the ninth tier can reach the final Star Gate. In Frostbane Dynasty history, aside from the First and Second Person, no one else has ever reached the ninth tier.
When it was revealed that Evan Chu was the Third Person, Lord Jun Yang immediately moved the Star Gate from the seventh or eighth tier to the ninth—he was certain Evan would reach the top.
But seeing Evan Chu cross five tiers in a single step—the shock was beyond words!