Another one of Chen Chang'an's people

"Age: 21, Cultivation: Supreme Realm First Layer, Combat Power: 89 Stars—qualified."

89 Stars?

It was actually 89 Stars?

And this was achieved with just Supreme Realm First Layer cultivation?

Didn’t that mean this person’s combat prowess far surpassed even Gu Xian'er and the others?

Things just got interesting!

This was truly getting exciting!

Could this mean the rankings of the top five on the Human Ranking were about to be overturned?

"My heavens, 80 Stars was already an unreachable dream, yet this person’s combat power reached 89 Stars—just one step away from 90!"

"Terrifying, each one more monstrous than the last!"

"Who is he? Is he Li Qiye, ranked fifth on the Human Ranking?"

"Exactly, he’s Li Qiye. I just heard people discussing it."

"A prodigy, another peerless prodigy—one absolutely no less formidable than Chen Yunxuan."

"I’m really curious, just what kind of person could have nurtured a monster like Li Qiye."

"Surely, Li Qiye’s background must be extraordinary."

"No, Li Qiye’s origins are actually very simple—even shockingly so."

"Oh? You know his background?"

"Indeed. Li Qiye is a descendant of Li Jingyun, the founder of the Benevolent Hall."

"Benevolent Hall? Why haven’t I heard of it?"

"Because it’s not a major power. Its strongest members barely reach the Supreme Realm. Most importantly, Li Jingyun died many years ago—Li Qiye essentially has no backing."

"What? Someone with no background… could he really have cultivated alone to reach such heights?"

"Hard to say."

As the crowd buzzed with discussion, Li Qiye glanced at the test monument’s results and nodded in satisfaction.

Achieving such strength was something he had never dared imagine before.

Yet, Li Qiye’s calm demeanor left many puzzled. Was this guy emotionless?

Why was there not a flicker of feeling in his eyes?

"Master?"

When Li Qiye spotted Chen Chang'an in the distance, his impassive gaze finally stirred—with excitement.

Under the stunned gazes of the crowd, Li Qiye walked over and knelt before Chen Chang'an.

"Disciple Li Qiye, paying respects to Master!"

Disciple? Li Qiye? Paying respects to Master?

Holy—

You’ve got to be kidding!

Li Qiye is actually his disciple?

This world has gone mad!

Now, three of the top five on the Human Ranking are connected to Chen Chang'an?

Is he single-handedly raising the most monstrous talents in the entire Profound Realm?

"To think Li Qiye is Chen Chang'an’s disciple?"

"Unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable. Rankings three to five are all closely tied to him."

"At least Chen Yunxuan and Ye Zhiqiu aren’t connected to him… right?"

"Don’t speak too soon. Ye Zhiqiu is uncertain, but don’t forget—Chen Yunxuan shares his surname."

Same surname?

Damn, you’re right.

Chen Yunxuan and Chen Chang'an—could they be related?

No way…

Please tell me it’s not true.

This is terrifying.

Does that mean all top five on the Human Ranking are linked to Chen Chang'an?

Just who is Chen Chang'an?

"Good. Your progress is swift."

"Have you entered the state of Emotionless Severance?" Chen Chang'an asked.

"Yes, Master. I’ve reached the final stage. Soon, I’ll enter the phase of Emotional Return."

Chen Chang'an nodded approvingly. Li Qiye’s advancement had exceeded his expectations.

To transition from Emotionless Severance to Emotional Return so quickly—his comprehension was truly frightening.

His worldly training must have yielded great gains.

Though his emotions and mental state were affected by the Emotionless Severance, he had controlled it well.

This had been Chen Chang'an’s greatest concern, but Li Qiye’s temperament proved far more mature and steady than anticipated.

"Excellent."

To Li Qiye, Chen Chang'an’s approval was the highest reward.

His relentless cultivation wasn’t just to fulfill his ancestor Li Jingyun’s dying wish or to avenge him.

It was also to earn Chen Chang'an’s recognition—and to catch up to his footsteps.

"Rise. Let me introduce you."

"This is Gu Xian'er, third on the Human Ranking—my maidservant."

"This is Gu Fengyao, fourth on the Human Ranking… consider her my fiancée."

Huh?

"Consider her my fiancée"?

What kind of phrasing is that?

Gu Fengyao shot Chen Chang'an an unhappy look. Was being his fiancée some kind of disgrace?

Truthfully, Chen Chang'an held no special affection for her. He still couldn’t fathom why his master had arranged this.

If not for Mu Yunyao’s insistence, he likely would have refused back then.

"So these two are also connected to Master."

"Then should I address her as…"

"No need. Address each other freely—you’re peers."

"If titles must change, it can wait for the future," Chen Chang'an said lightly.

"As you command, Master."

Chen Chang'an swept his gaze over the crowd and smiled.

"By now, you’ve all heard—Li Qiye is my disciple, Chen Chang'an’s."

"When he ventures out in the future, I hope you’ll show him some courtesy."

The crowd could only offer awkward smiles.

Courtesy? A figure like Li Qiye needed their courtesy?

In less than a century, these prodigies would ascend to the Emperor Realm, becoming supreme overlords.

By then, it’d be them showing courtesy to the rest!

But of course, no one dared say that aloud. They could only nod with forced smiles.

"Most have arrived."

"Those two rascals are here too."

"Though…"

Chen Chang'an sensed the auras of Chen Yunxuan and Ye Zhiqiu approaching at full speed.

Yet, after scanning for a long while, he detected no trace of Wu Mingdao.

As the sixth-ranked on the Human Ranking, why wouldn’t he participate in the Earth Ranking competition?

Had he given up?

Chen Chang'an couldn’t understand it, but everyone chose their own path. He wouldn’t interfere.

Still, his remark—"those two rascals"—made many hearts skip a beat.

Which two?

Surely not the ones they were thinking of?

Damn, if true, Chen Chang'an was defying the heavens!

"They’re here!"