The Three Rankings of Heaven, Earth, and Man

The so-called Heaven, Earth, and Mortal Rankings are manifestations of the Heavenly Dao's will.

Those who make it onto the rankings receive gifts from the Heavenly Dao—an immense temptation for cultivators!

However, the three rankings do not open simultaneously.

The first to open is the lowest-tier Mortal Ranking.

Anyone under thirty years of age may participate, competing in cultivation speed, strength, and innate talent.

In essence, the Mortal Ranking serves as a preliminary selection, eliminating the majority who lack the qualifications.

Thus, the Mortal Ranking is also the most fiercely contested, whether through open competition or covert schemes.

Some even resort to hunting down talented individuals to secure a spot for their own factions.

Danger and opportunity go hand in hand!

Mu Yunyao had experienced the previous cycle of the Heaven, Earth, and Mortal Rankings and was one of its beneficiaries.

However, Mu Yunyao valued her freedom above all, so she never formed or joined any faction back then.

All these years, she had only taken on one disciple—Chen Chang'an.

"Senior, this time, the Heaven, Earth, and Mortal Rankings seem... a little unusual."

Hearing Wang Tianji's words, Mu Yunyao frowned briefly before quickly grasping his meaning.

Indeed, something was amiss.

"You mean the rankings haven't opened directly, correct?"

Last time, the moment the rankings appeared, they opened immediately. The Heavenly Dao's will manifested, announcing their commencement, audible and visible to the entire world.

But this time, Tianji Pavilion had already uncovered the news, and the major factions likely knew as well.

Yet the Mortal Ranking remained unopened, leaving many puzzled.

"Where are the Heaven, Earth, and Mortal Rankings now?"

"Still at Cloudsoaring Peak?" Mu Yunyao asked.

Last time, the rankings had appeared atop Cloudsoaring Peak—three scrolls of different colors. As each ranking opened, the corresponding scroll would vanish from the peak and manifest in the sky.

"Correct, they remain at Cloudsoaring Peak."

"However... the peak is now enveloped by an immense energy barrier, making it impossible to approach, let alone ascend."

"At present, one can only see three distinct-colored lights flickering at the summit from afar," Wang Tianji reported truthfully.

After hearing his words, Mu Yunyao merely glanced at him before vanishing without a trace.

Only after she left did Wang Tianji and the others finally exhale in relief.

"How terrifying... Who exactly is she?"

"Pavilion Master, do you know her?"

Wang Tianji gave a helpless smile. He truly didn’t know Mu Yunyao’s identity, but since she was acquainted with his family’s ancestor, she was undoubtedly no ordinary figure.

"Such individuals are not for you to casually inquire about."

"Be careful not to invite disaster."

"Whoever she is, she is far beyond our reach."

"Remember, from today onward, whether it’s Chen Chang'an or Chen Yunxuan, they are friends, not enemies to Tianji Pavilion."

"Keep a close watch on Chen Yunxuan. Offer assistance when appropriate—understood?" Wang Tianji said sternly.

"Yes, Pavilion Master."

"Let’s go. It’s time to return."

"Yes."

Meanwhile, Chen Chang'an and his group did not linger for long, as their destination was the capital, not a leisure trip.

"Yunxuan, our plan is to reach the capital within a month."

"Have you set any goals for yourself during this time?"

Chen Chang'an’s sudden question left Chen Yunxuan momentarily confused. What goals?

"Ancestor, do you mean... cultivation?" Chen Yunxuan asked.

"Precisely. Though you’ve reached the first level of the True Qi Realm, it’s nothing remarkable."

"Among those your age, many surpass you in both cultivation and strength."

"If you don’t push yourself, how will you stand out among them?"

"Your guidance is wise, Ancestor. Yunxuan will remember it well."

"Starting now, here is your task: by the time we reach the capital, your cultivation must not be below the ninth level of the True Qi Realm."

"Can you do it?" Chen Chang'an asked.

Not below the ninth level? That meant at least the peak of the ninth level—or even the Transcendent Realm?

With only a month, was it truly possible?

Chen Yunxuan felt nervous, but even more so, exhilarated.

"Yunxuan will not fail," he declared with unwavering determination.

"Good. Then let this journey be your proving ground."

"Yes, Ancestor."

Ten days later, Swallow Return City

Chen Zhengyuan stood before the assembled Chen family, his voice trembling with emotion.

"After today, our Chen family will no longer be a minor clan in Swallow Return City."

"Our journey to the capital is to reclaim our former glory as the foremost family."

"But remember—the Great Zhou Kingdom is only our starting point."

"We must not disappoint the Ancestor. Do you understand?" Chen Zhengyuan said solemnly.

"Yes, Family Head!"

"Move out!"

Following Chen Chang'an’s instructions, Chen Zhengyuan had delayed their departure by over ten days.

During that time, he and the Chen family had not slacked but continued relentlessly improving their cultivation.

"Hahaha!"

"Good thing we arrived in time—almost let the Chen family slip away!"

The moment Chen Zhengyuan and the others stepped out, they were met by a group of eight.

Hearing their words, Chen Zhengyuan showed no surprise, as if he had anticipated their arrival.

"Just as the Ancestor predicted—they came," he thought coldly.

"What a nuisance. A puny Chen family, and we had to travel all this way."

"Don’t anyone dare steal my kills. I can wipe them all out myself."

"No way. Then the rest of us came for nothing. There are enough Chen members to go around."

"Hahaha, enough arguing. Let’s see who bags the most."

These men were from the Supreme Purity Sect, sent by the Fifth Prince’s uncle to exterminate the Chen family.

In the uncle’s eyes, the Chen family wasn’t even worth his personal attention—such a move would be beneath him.

Did the Chen family deserve his direct action?

So he casually dispatched eight men.

To these eight, the Chen family’s current actions were no different from fleeing.

"You think a handful like you can annihilate my Chen family?"

"Delusional."

"Judging by your attire, you’re from the Supreme Purity Sect, correct?"

"Do you truly believe no one in the Great Zhou Kingdom dares oppose your sect?" Chen Zhengyuan said coldly.

"Hah! Such bold words."

"Indeed, within the Great Zhou Kingdom, none dare oppose the Supreme Purity Sect."

"What? Does the Chen family have the guts?" the leader sneered.

"Why wouldn’t we?"

Chen Zhengyuan let out a cold laugh and wasted no words, striking immediately.

With a swing of his long blade, a massive arc of sword light surged toward the crowd.

Sensing the power behind Chen Zhengyuan’s attack, the onlookers couldn’t help but shudder in fear.

This is bad!

Who said the Chen family had no experts?

Chen Zhengyuan’s strength was clearly at the Transcendent Realm!

"No!"

Amidst the furious roars of the eight opponents, Chen Zhengyuan annihilated them all with a single strike.

"The Supreme Purity Sect truly doesn’t take us seriously," he muttered.

"Fortunately, they arrived late, giving me enough time to break through to the fifth level of the Transcendent Realm."

"I wonder where the old ancestor and Yunxuan have gone by now."