You Have to Play It Safe to Cultivate Immortality

Ji Qiu was born into poverty. During the 999-step stone staircase trial to enter the Qixuan Sect, he faces harsh guards, mockery from the well-dressed young masters, and malicious sabotage from Zhao Mang of the Demon Tiger Gang. He struggles all the way to the top with his frail companion on his back. When he is shoved from the exposed ledge by the enormous bronze gate, an old man carrying a ruler takes notice of his resilience, praising how his “mortal bones can withstand the heavens’ might.” Ji Qiu is admitted to the inner sect as an exception, breaking through the obstacle that “poor boys can’t cultivate to immortality”...