52. The world.

Noah felt strange. 

Suddenly transmigrated to this world. 

Greeted by a raging storm, howling winds.

 Recalling those experiences still brought fear. 

Then, granted a manor, an omnipotent system.

 A perfect system. Though the first task seemed trivial.

Yet, resolved in the end.

 Then, took in a Golden Core expert, a group of mortals, old and young, all handsome men, beautiful women, upright, as servants—a smooth start.

A journey to the peak was beginning.

Suddenly realized, these "mortals" were princes, princesses, state preceptors, generals of the Five Great Dynasties.

From Lalatina's words, this was Strong Bull Mountain of the Moonlight Empire. Crucially, Luna was a princess, deeply cherished by the emperor. With a princess of this dynasty as a maiden, was conquering Wolfspire Citadel still vital?

 Wait, something's off? What is it?

Oh, the task required breaking through to Golden Core, strength topping Wolfspire Citadel… Could the Moonlight Empire not be a mortal dynasty?

"Lalatina, I've long been secluded. How are cultivation realms divided outside, and what's your realm?"

Lalatina, though slightly puzzled, answered obediently.

"Manor Lord, many cultivation paths exist. My region focuses on Confucian and Martial Paths. I practice the Confucian Path, divided into seven ranks: Apprentice, Scholar, Great Scholar, Confucian, Great Confucian, Sage. I'm a Confucian."

"The Martial Path also has seven ranks: Martial Apprentice, Martial Warrior, Martial Master, Great Martial Master, Martial Ancestor, Martial Saint, Martial Emperor."

"Beyond these, Immortal Path cultivators, also seven ranks: Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Spirit Transformation, Void Refining, Tribulation Stage."

"Heaven and earth align human clans to seven ranks, corresponding across paths."

Noah, gazing at the girl before him—beautiful, a princess, high realm. A true heaven's favored daughter. An image flashed: Lalatina on a high platform, waving, countless men, including him, falling at her feet. A sense of smallness, weakness surged.

 This girl before me, beyond my reach.

Shaking head… Composing…

What's wrong? In this world, you're the protagonist, a reincarnated Great Emperor. Why such lowly thoughts? Yes, I'll have many such outstanding girls by my side.

"Lalatina, come massage my shoulders."

Feeling waves of comfort, her soft, slender, fair hands—a masterpiece of creation. A faint rose-like fragrance. Massaged by a noble princess. Recalling this morning's intimacy, a thrill.

Oh, she mentioned a celestial phenomenon, what was that?

Without suspicion, she answered.

"Before my wedding night, the sky showed a nebula constellation phenomenon, ten stars falling, causing the capital's dragon vein to tremble, awestruck. Similar events occurred everywhere, all converging here in homage. I hadn't fully married, so tradition required me to lead a team to investigate. Others came for the same reason."

Noah, silently summoning, System, how was the Celestial Convergence Frame activated?

System responded.

A video played, detailing the entire process.

Reclining, smiling, This system, truly…

If I caused this, I'll bear the consequences.

Just resolved a war among the Five Great Dynasties. Countless lives saved, a grand merit, immense virtue.

Lalatina, seeing Noah deep in thought, stood quietly, massaging.

Silence… serene…

Boldly, she asked, voice soft, brimming with gentleness.

"Manor Lord, do you find today's cultivation ranks different from before?"

Noah, in high spirits, replied casually.

"I recall realms vaguely divided into nine ranks, up to twelve with great effort."

"Are there only three paths now—Confucian, Martial, Immortal?"

Lalatina, hearing this, pondered. Ranks had long been thus. Yet the Manor Lord spoke of nine ranks before… Must ask more.

"Yes, as I know, only these three. It's been ages since anyone ascended to immortal realms. Elders say the path is far harder now."

"Manor Lord, this junior dares a bold request. Could you share your insights on this?"

Kneeling, head bowed, solemn.

Noah sighed, lifting her. "Told you, no need for that."

Her expectant eyes met his. Panicking, A mere mortal like me, knowing nothing of realms or great Dao…

But refusing? Would disappoint her. Fine, wing it. Who'll verify?

"Times differ, my era unlike yours. Take this as reference."

"As I recall, the great Dao splits into three thousand lesser paths—Confucian, Martial, Sword, Alchemy, Talisman… and more. Immortal Path isn't one path. Heaven and earth divide into three realms: Immortal, Mortal, Divine. Immortal Realm gathers light, pure essence, its beings called immortals. Divine Realm holds heavy, dark matter, its beings called divines. Mortal Realm, between, balances both. If one leans too far, they drift to that realm. Heavy divine essence pulls to Divine Realm, same for immortal essence. Barriers block cross-realm travel. To enter Immortal Realm, shed all but immortal essence…"