Chapter 7: The Outer Sect Ranking Battle Begins
---
A month had passed since Han Ye, Luo Xin, and Luo Jin entered the Holy Land of Beginning.
During this time, they had adjusted to life in the Outer Sect, steadily cultivating and familiarizing themselves with the sect's structure.
Han Ye's daily routine was simple—morning cultivation, afternoon sparring, and evening meditation. Unlike others who had innate talent, he had to rely on discipline and effort to improve.
His wives, however, progressed at a rapid pace. Luo Xin and Luo Jin had already reached Spirit Sea Realm, Level 6, while Han Ye was still at Level 4.
Though he lagged behind, he didn't feel discouraged. He understood that his true strength lay in his unique cultivation method—his synchronization with his Dao Companions.
One morning, as Han Ye finished his meditation, a loud gong echoed across the sect.
"Attention, all outer disciples! The first Outer Sect Ranking Competition will be held in three days! All disciples below Spirit Sea Level 8 are eligible to participate! The top fifty will receive rewards, and the top ten will be granted special cultivation resources!"
Excitement spread through the sect like wildfire.
Luo Jin's eyes sparkled. "Husband! We have to join!"
Luo Xin nodded. "This is an opportunity to test ourselves. The top ten rewards could help us break through faster."
Han Ye clenched his fist. This was his chance to step out of obscurity.
The Outer Sect Ranking Competition was held every three months. It was a chance for disciples to prove themselves, gain rewards, and rise in status.
Only the top fifty would receive rewards, while the top ten would gain access to higher-quality cultivation resources, battle techniques, and a chance to be noticed by the Inner Sect Elders.
For someone like Han Ye, this was a critical opportunity.
The competition was divided into three rounds:
1. Elimination Round – A free-for-all battle where only 500 disciples would advance.
2. Challenge Round – One-on-one duels where the top 100 would be determined.
3. Final Ranking Battles – A tournament-style battle to determine the top 10.
---
The Elimination Round: 3000 to 500
The first round was a massive battle royale held on a colossal floating platform that could hold over three thousand outer disciples.
The rules were simple:
If you fall off the stage, you're out.
If you surrender or become unconscious, you're out.
The last 500 standing will move to the next round.
"BEGIN!"
A deafening gong signaled the start, and chaos erupted instantly!
---
Han Ye's Strategy
The weaker disciples were quickly eliminated as stronger ones formed temporary alliances to survive.
Han Ye didn't immediately engage in combat like others. Instead, he observed the battlefield, dodging unnecessary fights while conserving energy.
Luo Xin and Luo Jin, however, were different.
Luo Xin wielded her frost-imbued sword, swiftly freezing opponents' limbs before knocking them out of the stage.
Luo Jin, with her twin daggers, danced through the battlefield, striking with precision and speed, taking down opponents twice her size.
Meanwhile, Han Ye relied on his agility and reflexes, using footwork to evade attacks and deliver counterstrikes when necessary.
30 minutes passed.
The battlefield had drastically changed. Only 700 disciples remained.
Han Ye had defeated multiple opponents by exploiting their weaknesses, while Luo Xin and Luo Jin had already secured their spots in the top 500.
"Time to stop hiding," Han Ye muttered.
As two disciples rushed at him, he smoothly sidestepped, swept their legs, and sent them tumbling off the platform.
Moments later, the gong sounded again.
500 disciples remained. The first round was over.
---
Challenge Round: 500 to 100
The second round was one-on-one combat in a designated dueling arena.
Each disciple had to win at least three matches to secure a spot in the top 100.
Han Ye's First Match: Against Meng Yu
Meng Yu, a Spirit Sea Level 5 disciple, was known for his raw physical strength and heavy saber techniques.
As soon as the fight began, he launched a massive downward strike aimed at crushing Han Ye.
BAM!
The impact shook the arena, but Han Ye had already dodged, leaving behind an afterimage.
Meng Yu's eyes widened. "Fast!"
Han Ye countered instantly, striking at Meng Yu's unguarded side, making him stagger.
The battle lasted only five minutes.
Han Ye's fluid movements and well-timed strikes overwhelmed Meng Yu, forcing him to surrender.
---
Luo Xin and Luo Jin won their matches effortlessly, securing their places in the top 100.
After two more battles, Han Ye also secured his spot.
Now, only the top 100 remained.
---
Final Ranking Battles: The Top 10
The remaining disciples were placed in a bracket-style tournament.
First Round: Han Ye vs. Lin Fei
Lin Fei, a spear-wielding disciple, specialized in explosive attacks and long-range thrusts.
From the start, he relentlessly attacked, sending sharp spear thrusts at Han Ye from multiple angles.
But Han Ye dodged each attack with precise movements, weaving through the barrage effortlessly.
The moment Lin Fei overextended his thrust—Han Ye struck.
Using a palm technique, Han Ye redirected the spear's momentum, sending Lin Fei crashing to the ground.
Victory: Han Ye!
---
Quarterfinals: Han Ye vs. Bai Rong
Bai Rong was a speed-focused swordsman, faster than any opponent Han Ye had faced so far.
His sword slashes came in a blur, leaving afterimages in the air.
Han Ye countered by predicting Bai Rong's movements, using minimal movements to dodge and counterattack.
It was a battle of patience.
In the final moments, Han Ye feinted an attack, forcing Bai Rong to overcommit—then struck with a decisive palm to the chest.
Bai Rong collapsed.
Victory: Han Ye!
---
Semifinals: Han Ye vs. Luo Jin
Facing his own wife in battle was a strange feeling.
Luo Jin smirked. "Husband, I won't hold back!"
The fight was fast-paced, both exchanging rapid blows. Luo Jin's dagger techniques were unpredictable, while Han Ye's evasive movements made him hard to hit.
But in the end, Han Ye narrowly won by exploiting a small opening in her defense.
Victory: Han Ye!
Luo Jin pouted. "You better win the whole tournament now."
---
Finals: Han Ye vs. Zhao Feng
Zhao Feng, the previous top-ranked outer disciple, stood across from Han Ye, eyes full of arrogance.
"You're just a fluke," he sneered. "I'll end this in three moves."
As soon as the fight began, Zhao Feng unleashed a powerful thunder-infused punch.
BOOM!
The force cracked the stone platform.
Han Ye barely dodged, feeling the air pressure cut across his face.
Zhao Feng's attacks were brutal and overwhelming, each strike containing the power of thunder.
But Han Ye remained calm.
Instead of meeting force with force, he used a defensive counterattack strategy, avoiding direct clashes while targeting Zhao Feng's weak points.
20 minutes passed.
Zhao Feng's movements slowed, his energy drained from his excessive attacks.
Han Ye saw his opening.
With a perfectly-timed palm strike to Zhao Feng's chest, Han Ye sent him flying off the stage!
The arena fell silent.
Then—
"Winner: Han Ye!"
---
The Aftermath: A Rising Star
The entire sect was shocked.
A disciple at Spirit Sea Level 4 had defeated a Level 7 powerhouse!
The elders took notice.
"This boy…"
"He has the potential to reach the Inner Sect!"
Elder Wu personally handed Han Ye his reward—a set of top-grade spirit stones and a rare martial technique.
As Han Ye stepped off the stage, Luo Xin and Luo Jin ran up to him, their eyes filled with pride.
Luo Jin hugged him. "Husband, you were amazing!"
Luo Xin smiled warmly. "You've proven yourself today."
Han Ye grinned.
He had no system, no golden finger—only hard work and his wives by his side.
But today, he had taken his first true step toward greatness.
And this was only the beginning.
--