Chapter 70: The Rankings

As the siblings approached the military camp, they heard loud noises from inside the gates.

Curious, Zhi Xin’er entered and spotted the imperial envoy.

“Zhi Xin’er greets the Marshal.”

She performed a salute and reported their mission’s completion.

“We’ve obtained the bone technique. Here’s the imprint.” She handed over a box.

“Well done, General Zhi.”

The Marshal, a Yuan Ying Stage powerhouse equivalent to Mo Shan, the demon king, accepted it.

“What’s this…?”

Not being military-born but a clan disciple sent for training, Zhi Xin’er showed little fear of Marshal Wu. Beside her, Zhi Mo peered curiously at the booklet in the Marshal’s hand.

“Nothing confidential—just the new ‘Heaven,’ ‘Earth,’ and ‘Human’ Lists.”

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These Three Lists appeared five centuries ago to help the court manage affairs and prevent accidental disrespect toward seniors. The Human List tracked rising talents—mostly Foundation Establishment prodigies. The Earth List included clan elders and core figures, mainly Yuan Ying Stage experts with rare Golden Core exceptions. The Heaven List held fewer than ten names, all at least Transformation God level.

The first Heaven List five hundred years ago crowned “Living True Immortal Master Xue”—Zuo Meng’s alias—as number one. Positions two through seven went to imperial and demon tribe elites.

Though rumors claimed Master Xue had died, the court never removed him. His palm strike that obliterated Ask Immortal Pavilion’s Deputy Master in Suzhou remained etched in the Emperor of Chu’s memory, keeping him atop the list.

“Same old list! Only the Human rankings change…”

“This time’s different.”

Knowing the siblings’ background, Marshal Wu handed them the booklet—soon public anyway.

“One Sword Immortal—Zhao Zheng?!”

Zhi Hua gasped upon seeing the Heaven List revisions.

Master Xue, undefeated for five centuries, now ranked third. Topping the list were Zhao Zheng and Chess Sage Du Fan!

The notes explained: Zhao Zheng stormed the demon imperial city alone three months back, slaying the Transformation God Black Tiger Demon King before escaping ten demon kings and two demon emperors. This feat earned him first place.

Second-ranked Chess Sage Du Fan, another of Zuo Meng’s core disciples, specialized in formations. Two months prior, he infiltrated Great Chu’s imperial city to steal the Sacred King’s chess manual. When caught, he held off Emperor of Chu, National Master Zhang He, and Eunuch Wan—three Heaven List experts—without casualties, shocking the realm.

Though formidable, Zuo Meng’s lack of slain Transformation God opponents relegated him to third.

“Grandpa Xue can’t be third!”

Zhi Xin’er bristled. Six centuries hadn’t dulled her belief in Grandpa Xue’s supremacy—both top contenders were his students.

“Right! Grandpa Xue’s the strongest!”

Young Zhi Mo had never met the legend but grew up hearing stories. To him, Grandpa Xue remained his mother’s sole true relative, beyond reproach.

Six hundred years erased Zhi Hua’s blood relatives.

“None doubt Master Xue’s power,” Marshal Wu chuckled. “But I don’t decide rankings.”

Lists were tools for control, he knew—like believing some land where “everyone earns three million.” Rankings existed; reality differed.

Tai Chu Immortal Gate

Their Blessed Ground resembled an oversized cage more than paradise. Unchanged for six centuries, disciples cycled through without lasting impact. This impermanence spared them Great Chu’s scrutiny after Master Xue’s absence.

“Sister Yu, still no word from Uncle Xue?”

Six centuries of Closed Door Meditation—even absentee leaders showed face occasionally.

“No. Mr. Xue might truly…”

Exhaustion tinged Yu Ruyi’s voice. Appointed acting Headmaster when Zuo Meng vanished, she’d held the role six hundred years. Even sect members now believed their founder had perished.

“No! You don’t know him—he’s lazy! He’ll reappear someday, lounging in his rocking chair, saying ‘Little Zhi Hua, follow your heart.’”

Zhi Hua clung to this last familial bond. Multiple partners and son Zhi Mo couldn’t fill the void—only Zhi Xin’er’s father briefly mattered. Others were loneliness’ byproducts.

Centuries changed many. Sometimes she wondered: without cultivation, she’d be dust.

“Rest. New disciples arrive tomorrow.”

The latest batch had departed, leaving the Blessed Ground desolate. Zhi Hua let her children train abroad partly to escape this silence.

Buzz!!

As Zhi Hua turned to leave, energy rippled from the hidden chamber where Zuo Meng once meditated.

Yu Ruyi froze. Their eyes met.

“Could it…?”

Wordless, both flew toward the chamber.