076 : The New World’s Rules.

Lin Tian's breath was ragged as he sat up, his body trembling.

The world around him was dimly lit, a small wooden room with a simple cot, a wooden table, and a single flickering lantern. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment, the walls lined with ancient scrolls.

He instinctively reached for his power—but nothing answered.

His once boundless energy was gone. His golden-black aura, the overwhelming force that had shaped and unmade worlds—completely erased.

And worst of all—he could feel pain again.

Lin Tian clenched his fists, his golden eyes flickering in the dim light. "Whoever did this to me… you better hope I never find you."

But before he could process further—the mechanical voice returned.

[Welcome to the Ultimate Ascension System.]

[System Initialization Complete.]

[New World Detected: Realm of Sovereigns.]

Lin Tian's eyes narrowed. "Realm of Sovereigns?"

[This is a world governed by a unique power system.]

[Cultivation does not exist. Qi does not exist.]

[Instead, power is determined by Sovereign Titles—mystical authorities granted to those who ascend in the hierarchy of this world.]

Lin Tian's frown deepened. "A world without cultivation?"

This was completely different from everything he had known. No meridians to temper, no realms to ascend through sheer willpower.

He had spent lifetimes mastering the Dao, breaking limits, defying fate.

But now?

He was back at the bottom.

And yet…

A smirk crept across his lips. "Fine. Let's see what this world has to offer."

Because no matter the system—Lin Tian would rise again.

Lin Tian stood up, his muscles still weak from the transition.

He reached out, trying to sense anything—energy, cosmic force, even the faintest trace of his old abilities.

But there was nothing.

This world was completely different.

No Qi. No divine power. No natural laws guiding ascension.

Instead, a new structure governed everything.

And the moment Lin Tian stepped toward the door, the System displayed a new message.

[Initiating Host Data Integration.]

[Transferring Memories of Previous Body.]

Lin Tian's head snapped back as memories flooded his mind.

This body… was not his own.

It belonged to another Lin Tian. A weak, powerless scholar who had spent his life studying ancient texts, hoping to unlock the mysteries of the Sovereign Titles.

A man who had lived in a world where power was not earned through cultivation—

But granted by the Divine Sovereign Thrones.

And the moment Lin Tian processed that—the System updated.

[New World Authority System Detected.]

[Realm of Sovereigns operates under the Divine Throne System.]

[Each Sovereign Title grants unique, reality-defining abilities.]

[The Strongest Titles:]

Sovereign of War – Can command armies with absolute control.

Sovereign of Death – Can erase life with a single decree.

Sovereign of Time – Can manipulate time itself.

Sovereign of Fate – Can rewrite destinies at will.

Sovereign of Creation – Can manifest reality from thought alone.

And at the very top…

The Supreme Sovereign – The One Above All.

Lin Tian's golden eyes burned.

"So that's how this world works…"

Power wasn't earned.

It was granted.

Sovereigns weren't cultivators.

They were chosen.

And the only way to obtain a Sovereign Title?

Kill the one who holds it.

Lin Tian grinned.

"So, that's the game in this world?"

Good.

He had played worse.

And now?

He was going to take everything.

A sudden knock at the door interrupted Lin Tian's thoughts.

"Young Master Lin! The Exam for the Sovereign Trials is starting soon!"

Lin Tian frowned, the memories of this body surfacing.

The Sovereign Trials.

A sacred event where new candidates fought for the chance to earn a Lesser Sovereign Title.

The previous Lin Tian had been too weak to qualify. A scholar with no combat ability, mocked by even the lowest servants of the city.

But now?

Lin Tian chuckled.

He might not have Qi.

He might not have his old cultivation.

But if this world's rules dictated that only the strongest could take power—

Then he was about to climb faster than anyone had ever seen.

He pushed open the door.

And for the first time—he stepped into this new world, fully prepared to take it for himself.

Because whoever ruled this Realm of Sovereigns?

Their throne now belonged to him.

The city streets were bustling with energy, filled with thousands of people rushing toward the grand Sovereign Arena.

Massive banners waved in the air, each one bearing the symbol of the current ruling Sovereigns.

Lin Tian's eyes scanned the city.

It was beautiful—towering spires of ancient architecture mixed with divine formations, vast courtyards filled with students preparing for the Trials, warriors sharpening their weapons in anticipation.

But none of that mattered.

Lin Tian had one goal.

Find the fastest way to the top.

And if this world dictated that power was only granted by defeating a Sovereign?

Then he would simply kill his way to the peak.

His golden eyes gleamed with excitement.

"This should be fun."

And as he stepped forward—

The Sovereign Trials began.

The Sovereign Arena was a massive structure, stretching miles into the sky. Thousands of spectators filled the stands, waiting for the most important event of the year—the Sovereign Trials.

Lin Tian walked through the main gates, his expression calm but sharp.

Around him, young warriors, nobles, and scholars murmured in excitement and tension.

This was the moment where ordinary people could ascend.

Where the weak could take a throne.

Or where they would die trying.

A booming voice echoed across the arena.

"WELCOME, CHALLENGERS!"

At the center of the stage, a grand overseer in golden robes stood, radiating power. His voice carried authority as he raised his hands.

"Today, the Sovereign Trials shall begin! Those who pass shall be granted the right to challenge for a Lesser Sovereign Title!"

Excitement surged through the crowd.

Lin Tian smirked. "Then let's get started."

Before any combat began, the first test was simple—a measure of potential.

A massive crystal pillar stood at the center of the arena.

Each participant had to touch it.

The crystal would then determine their worth, assigning them a rank:

Mortal (Weakest)

Iron Talent

Silver Talent

Gold Talent

Sovereign Seed (Highest)

The strongest competitors always landed in Gold Talent or Sovereign Seed.

Lin Tian watched as the first challenger stepped up.

A young man placed his hand on the crystal—it glowed silver.

"Silver Talent! Next!"

One by one, warriors stepped forward.

Most landed in Silver or Gold.

And then—one of the strongest stepped up.

A cold, arrogant youth with a black robe and piercing blue eyes. He placed his hand on the crystal—

And it erupted in golden flames.

"SOVEREIGN SEED!"

The crowd roared.

The overseer smiled. "A true talent! Next!"

And then—Lin Tian stepped forward.

The moment he placed his hand on the crystal—

BOOM.

The entire pillar cracked.

The arena fell silent.

And then—the crystal exploded.

The overseer staggered back, eyes wide.

"I-Impossible…!"

The crowd stared in shock.

Because Lin Tian's rank…

Could not be measured.

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