Chapter 32

Zhuochuan, having climbed this mountain before, found it much easier this time. However, he soon realized that leading a group was very different from climbing alone.

When he climbed alone, he moved with ease and agility, leaving the professional mountaineers like Syster in awe. There was a reason for this. When he arrived in the mountainous area and began his ascent, he discovered that his modern-world body, not just his brain, had been enhanced. His memory and computational abilities were heightened, and his physical attributes were also being actively improved by his soul. In the modern world, his activities were usually low-intensity, such as walking, so he hadn't noticed these changes. But once he started moving, he realized that his reaction time, flexibility, and endurance were far superior to those of ordinary people, even surpassing professional athletes.

He was not unprepared, despite the life-threatening challenge ahead. His powerful memory had allowed him to gather countless pieces of information and techniques about mountaineering before the climb. He had also read many autobiographies and insights from mountaineers in the new world, all of which he had memorized.

His strong computational ability was not limited to numbers. During the climb, he subconsciously processed parameters such as wind direction, snow and ice coverage, crack extensions, and terrain undulations, organizing them into data sets in his mind. He then mapped out the best route for the climb. Route-finding is, in fact, a significant area of study in the mathematical field of graph theory.

Under these conditions, he managed to climb the Gongga Minge Peak, which, though much lower than the world-famous Mount Everest, was even more treacherous, in just three days.

However, it was clear that climbing alone was very different from leading a group. His advantages could only be partially shared with others, such as the route. His physical advantages, of course, could not be shared, and at most, he could offer some support.

Katie, the blonde woman, was the one he supported the most. They were close to the summit, and the group's physical energy was nearly depleted. However, they could not stop to rest. Everyone knew that resting before reaching the summit meant a high likelihood of failure, or even death. They had to push through with all their might.

Fortunately, with his help, the omnipresent ice cracks no longer posed a threat, which greatly relieved Syster, who understood their danger.

The team, including Zhuochuan, now consisted of seven people. Zhuochuan noticed that, besides Syster and Katie, there was another Chinese member. The man introduced himself as Yuan Xiaobing, a 37-year-old millionaire who was passionate about mountaineering, which was actually a very expensive hobby.

The other three members were a black man from South Africa and two white men from Russia, all of whom were avid mountaineers.

Zhuochuan had previously not understood why these people would risk their lives and spend a significant amount of money (preparation for such treacherous peaks is extensive and costly) to climb mountains. After personally reaching the summit, he understood. Despite the harsh weather, the few minutes he spent there were enough to experience the magnificent scenery and the profound impact of looking down at the earth and the distant horizon. This greatly expanded his horizons and elevated his soul.

He could sense that his soul's power would increase, but with less than a month left, it was clear that he couldn't rely on this method to gain much more.

After all, a single climb takes a long time. Even with his advantages, he was still free-climbing. Climbing a peak like Mount Everest would require official approval, which could take more than half a year.

The seven people, with Zhuochuan leading, climbed cautiously and silently.

Previously, they were behind Zhuochuan and far away, so they could only see him climbing nimbly but not his specific movements. Now, being closer, they understood how he managed to climb so nimbly.

They were facing a steep slope of about four to five meters, almost vertical at 90 degrees. Such a slope was extremely dangerous, typically requiring the use of steel spikes to create footholds and handholds. With the slope covered in ice and snow, it was even more dangerous. If the holes were not solid enough or too slippery, the climbers could fall, rolling down into the abyss.

This was why a climbing team was necessary. Climbing alone was too dangerous, but with a team, they could support each other with ropes. If one person fell, the others could rescue them, though in extreme cases, they might have to cut the rope to save themselves.

As they watched from below, Zhuochuan did not use the steel spikes they offered. Instead, he grabbed a few protrusions, seemingly knowing they were strong enough to support his weight. Most climbers would not dare to grab such protrusions, as many were weakened by weathering and could crumble under pressure.

Zhuochuan climbed the steep slope in just a few steps.

"Oh my God, even the most agile monkey can't match him," Katie covered her mouth in surprise, but Syster quickly waved to signal her to be quiet.

The other six were also amazed. They could do such movements, but they dared not, as a single mistake could lead to a fall.

"Throw the rope up," Zhuochuan gestured without speaking.

Syster tied the rope to a steel spike and threw it up, landing it near Zhuochuan.

Zhuochuan grabbed the rope and tested its strength. Just as he was about to secure it, he noticed a slight indentation on one side. A set of data about the parameters required for professional climbing ropes flashed in his mind. He frowned, leaned out from the steep slope, and shook his head vigorously, gesturing with the rope before throwing it back down.

Syster was taken aback. He understood Zhuochuan's meaning. The rope was from a professional climbing equipment company in Austria, a well-known brand called EDEIWEISS. He had used this brand multiple times before without any issues.

Although Zhuochuan was an expert climber, he had no specialized climbing equipment. Syster did not believe that Zhuochuan could detect any problems with the rope, which was new and had only been used for this climb.

However, it was clear that Zhuochuan did not want to use this rope. Syster, still relying on Zhuochuan, borrowed a rope from another team member, tied it to a steel spike, and threw it up again.

Zhuochuan examined the rope and found it to be normal. He looked around, found a protruding rock, checked its condition, tied the rope to it, and signaled that everything was okay.