Chapter 131 - The Top Ten on The Ranking, Each Has Their Own Opportunity. Live or Die, It Depends on Themselves

At the very moment when the Sword Saint, Dugu Jian, emerged victorious, both the Daoist Mu and the Sword Saint were instantly kicked out of the arena.

In the next instant, the Virtual Arena in the sky also vanished without a trace.

The sky once again cleared up.

At the same time, the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking glowed faintly.

The words on it refreshed one by one.

[Nine Provinces Sword Ancestor Ranking (Great Grandmaster Realm)]

[Rank 1 – Sword Saint Dugu Jian]

[Rank 2 – Daoist Mu]

[Rank 3 – Shen Lang]

[Rank 4 – Fu Nian]

[Rank 5 – Xiao Yaozi]

[Rank 6 – Yan Nantian]

[Rank 7 – Xiao Meng]

[Rank 8 – Xue Yiren]

[Rank 9 – Mohist School Giant]

[Rank 10 – Xue Xiaoren]

The moment this Sword Ancestor Ranking was revealed, everyone was dumbfounded.

Aside from the Sword Saint at the top, nearly everyone else on the ranking came from the Qin Dynasty or Ming Dynasty.

Did the other dynasties have no one at all?

Cultivators from the Qin Dynasty and Ming Dynasty were brimming with pride.

In contrast, the cultivators from the other dynasties felt extremely frustrated.

In their hearts, their own dynasty's Great Grandmasters were supposed to be the most invincible.

Especially since several Great Grandmasters who had previously demonstrated their Sword Techniques on the stage had been directly eliminated.

It was a pity.

==========

On a main road leading from the Qin Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty.

Ge Nie, Jing Tianming, Wei Zhuang, and others walked slowly along the path.

But at this moment, the atmosphere within the group felt a bit tense.

Especially Wei Zhuang, whose face was dark as if everyone owed him millions of coins.

"Hahaha, uncle, this is too funny."

"This white-haired bad guy keeps bragging day and night about how powerful his Sword Techniques are."

"And look at him now. He didn't even make it into the top ten of the Sword Ancestor Ranking."

"Doesn't seem that great after all!"

Seeing Wei Zhuang stumble like this, Jing Tianming was absolutely thrilled.

Even more excited than if he had made it onto the Sword Ancestor Ranking himself.

"You little brat, you're asking for death!"

Wei Zhuang gritted his teeth.

If it weren't for the fact that he encountered the Sword Saint Dugu Jian three times on the stage, how could he have been knocked out of the top ten?

This Sword Ancestor Ranking was clearly unfair.

If your luck was bad, you could easily be eliminated.

With his strength, he believed he should at least be ranked 2nd on the Sword Ancestor Ranking.

The rest weren't his match at all.

"Tianming, mind your manners. Xiao Zhuang merely lacked a bit of fortune, that's all."

"Hmph, I've heard people say that luck is also part of one's strength."

"If this bad guy were truly invincible, even with bad luck, he should still have made it onto the ranking."

"Not being on the ranking only proves that his strength is lacking!"

Jing Tianming held a deep grudge against Wei Zhuang.

With such a great opportunity to mock him, how could he possibly let it slip?

Besides, with Uncle Ge Nie by his side, he had no fear for his safety.

Wei Zhuang clenched his teeth, itching to cut down this hateful little brat on the spot.

==========

Ming Martial World.

Assassin Group Headquarters.

"Congratulations to the leader for making it onto the Nine Provinces Sword Ancestor Ranking!"

A group of assassins smiled as they offered their congratulations to Xue Xiaoren, seated at the top.

Xue Xiaoren, also known as Xue Baobao, was the second master of the Xue Family Manor in the Ming Dynasty and the younger brother of the "Sword Fanatic" Xue Yiren.

He was also the leader of the Assassin Group, known for practicing only the sword of killing.

His swordsmanship was extraordinary.

Yet seeing himself only ranked 10th on the ranking left him deeply dissatisfied.

Being placed below his elder brother, Xue Yiren, was even more humiliating.

The flattering words from his subordinates sounded especially grating to his ears.

Was this something to celebrate?

This felt more like blatant mockery.

He looked at the "Little Grass" Heaven Dao Reward. He had wanted to destroy it at first.

But after thinking it over, he decided to consume it.

He wanted to become even stronger.

Before, his goal was to surpass his elder brother, Xue Yiren.

But now, it seemed his brother wasn't as powerful as he had imagined.

He needed to set his sights even higher.

He wanted to compete against the top sword cultivators in all of Nine Provinces.

This time, many hidden sword cultivators hadn't shown up. Otherwise, he might not have even made the top ten.

His goal had changed.

He wanted to become a Sword Immortal.

Not just that, he wanted to make it onto the Sword Immortal Ranking!

The Sword Immortal Ranking was the highest honor every sword cultivator in Nine Provinces aspired to.

Even being ranked 10th on that ranking would be beyond imagination.

With the Golden Ranking revealed, Xue Xiaoren's vision broadened.

Perhaps in the future, he would become even more terrifying.

==========

Qin Dynasty.

At a secret base.

Ever since being besieged by the Qin Army, the Yin Yang School, and the Net Trap, the Mohist School Mechanical City had been completely destroyed.

The Mohist School Giant was forced to flee constantly with his followers.

Fortunately, the Mohist School force was still strong, and the remnants of the Six Kingdoms supported them in secret. That was how they had survived.

"Congratulations, Giant, for making it onto the Sword Ancestor Ranking!"

Zhang Liang smiled as he offered his congratulations.

"Sigh, Sir Zifang, there's no need to mock me."

"The Mohist School has fallen to such a state. The fault lies entirely with me."

"Compared to the entire Mohist School, a mere shred of individual bravery means nothing."

The Mohist School Giant felt rather uneasy as well.

He had hoped to use the Sword Ancestor Ranking to raise his name and bolster the prestige of the Mohist School.

But he had clearly overestimated himself.

If not for a few Great Grandmasters getting unlucky and being eliminated mid-competition, he probably wouldn't have made it into the top ten.

Anyone paying attention to the stage matches could see that the so-called Mohist School Giant wasn't truly powerful.

With such a "weakling" leading them, the future of the Mohist School looked bleak.

Rather than strengthening the Mohist School, his appearance on the ranking might have done the opposite.

Although Xiao Yaozi, Xiao Meng, and even Fu Nian weren't much stronger either, at least they had powerful backers behind them.

But what did the Mohist School have?

"No, individual strength is ultimately just a lone cultivator's valor."

"To overthrow the tyrant Qin Dynasty and restore the Yan Kingdom, what's truly needed is strategy."

"Uniting many allies and working together to topple Ying Zheng's rule, that is the correct path."

Thinking this, the Mohist School Giant's bitterness gradually faded.

Even the Mohist School was just one part of his greater plan.

Overthrowing the Qin Dynasty and restoring Yan was his true goal.

Even though he held the title of Mohist School Giant and had responsibilities, he didn't really care about them.

His expression quickly changed, and he began to exchange pleasantries with Zhang Liang.

==========

Ming Dynasty.

Xue Family Manor.

Xue Yiren looked at the ranking and his expression changed slightly.

Then a more powerful aura emanated from his body.

"Hahaha, excellent. I didn't expect myself to be this weak. I've been too blindly arrogant all along!"

"From this day forward, I won't be anymore!"

"Sword Immortal!"

"I will absolutely become a Sword Immortal!"

"And I will absolutely make it onto the Sword Immortal Ranking!"

Seeing how low he was ranked didn't discourage him, instead, he laughed heartily.

His fighting spirit was reignited.

He even completely ignored his younger brother Xue Xiaoren, who had started a killer organization elsewhere.

==========

Ming Dynasty.

Inside a guesthouse.

Two stunning women sat at a table by the window.

One of them was elegant and refined, wearing a green daoist robe and holding a famed sword named Qiuli. Her demeanor was cold and unapproachable.

The other was even more beautiful, like a goddess from a painting.

Her presence was just as impressive, although her eyes occasionally revealed a hint of melancholy.

"Sister Xiao Meng, I see you made it onto the Sword Ancestor Ranking, but you don't seem to care at all."

"You're neither happy nor sad, as if it were just an ordinary thing."

"Your state of mind is amazing. I could never reach that level."

The ethereal beauty spoke in admiration, tinged with surprise.

"It was just a few rounds of sword contests. So what if you win? So what if you lose?"

"Why be happy? Why be sad?"

"With my heart focused solely on the Dao, mastery of the sword will come naturally when the Dao is attained."

Xiao Meng was calm, expressionless, and occasionally performed a few daoist hand seals.

"Besides, Yuyan, your strength is not weak. Even I may not be able to defeat you."

"It's just that you don't practice swordsmanship."

"Otherwise, your name would be on that ranking too."

Xiao Meng never underestimated Wang Yuyan.

Her talent was in no way inferior to her own.

Indeed, the more she traveled through Nine Provinces, the more she realized there were many prodigies out there.

Her sect elders used to say she was the most gifted genius in all of Nine Provinces. She had almost believed them.

If it weren't for the Golden Ranking, she would still be living in ignorance.

Geniuses like the Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao were beyond comparison.

Even among those she met on her journey, many were just as outstanding.

Even Wang Yuyan, whom she had met by chance, surpassed her in some ways.

She decided not to seek out the Ming Emperor for a Dao discussion just yet.

She would first spar with others of her level.

Once she broke through to the Land Immortal Realm, it wouldn't be too late.

Otherwise, she might not even be deemed worthy in that monster's eyes.

Everyone had their own reaction to making it on the ranking. Each one was different.

==========

Ming Martial World.

Evil Valley.

"Uncle Yan, has your strength finally fully recovered?"

"That's great!"

A handsome, spirited young boy said happily.

"Xiaoyuer, thank you for taking care of me all these years."

"Uncle Yan, if it weren't for you, I would've died back then. I should be the one thanking you!"

"Enough of that. Now that I've fully recovered, it's time to reenter the Martial World and avenge your father."

"Uncle Yan, are you talking about Jiang Qin?"

"No need to look for him. He's already dead."

"So Jiang Qin was actually the so-called Jiangnan Hero, Jiang Biehe!"

"Unfortunately, he wasn't killed by me but by his own daughter."

"Oh? That girl named Jiang Yuyan?"

"Exactly. She's quite something now. She ran off to the Han Dynasty and became an Imperial Consort."

"She's practically wrecked the entire Han Imperial Court."

"Nowadays, the Han Dynasty is full of chaos and war, and countless innocent lives have been lost."

"Jiang Yuyan is even worse than her father Jiang Qin."

"Forget her. She has nothing to do with us. Since Jiang Qin is dead, it's time to settle the score with the Flower Shifting Palace and the Twelve Zodiacs."

As he spoke, Yan Nantian's aura exploded.

A murderous gleam flickered in his eyes.

"Good. Uncle Yan, how could I miss out on avenging my father?"

"Well said. You are indeed the son of Jade Gentleman Jiang Feng."

"Uncle Yan did not misjudge you."

"We'll take our revenge together."

As for making it onto the Sword Ancestor Ranking, Yan Nantian never even mentioned it.

He didn't care in the slightest.

Right now, his only thought was to avenge his sworn brother Jiang Feng.

==========

Qin Dynasty.

Dao School Human Sect Headquarters.

"Master, congratulations on ranking 5th on the Nine Provinces Sword Ancestor Ranking. From now on, the Human Sect will be known throughout Nine Provinces."

"Indeed. Even Master Xiao Meng of the Heaven Sect couldn't defeat you."

"If one day you manage to merge the Heaven Sect into our Human Sect and reorganize Dao School, you could become the true head of the Dao School lineage."

Xiao Yaozi coughed softly, stopping the disciples from speaking nonsense.

Merge the Heaven Sect?

What a joke.

Though he was tempted, he dared not act on it.

The Heaven Sect still had a Land Immortal Realm cultivator, Bei Mingzi.

If he acted arrogantly, Bei Mingzi could easily slap him to death.

Being the Human Sect leader meant nothing. Bei Mingzi would not hesitate.

All this time, Bei Mingzi had stayed quiet only out of respect for the Dao School tradition and to preserve the Dao School legacy.

Whether the Qin Dynasty was eventually overthrown by the remnants of the Six Kingdoms or the opposite, at least Taoism would survive.

Right now, Xiao Yaozi's only goal was to secretly support the Six Kingdoms' alliance in overthrowing the tyrant.

The feud between the Heaven and Human Sects was not a top priority.

==========

Little Sage Manor.

"Senior Brother, why are you so worried after making it onto the Sword Ancestor Ranking?"

Yan Lu looked at Fu Nian with curiosity.

"Sigh, I'm concerned about Ying Zheng."

"And about the future of Little Sage Manor."

Fu Nian shook his head with a sigh.

"Why? As long as the Master is here, Ying Zheng wouldn't dare go too far, would he?"

"Junior Brother, you're half right. I've learned that Emperor Ying Zheng has Mythical Realm cultivators at his side, and Heavenly Human Realm cultivators are nothing to him."

"If he truly wanted to destroy Little Sage Manor, we wouldn't be able to stop him."

"I used to think I was close to reaching the Land Immortal Realm."

"But after experiencing the sword duels, I realized that the Land Immortal Realm is far beyond me."

"Not to mention the Sword Saint at the top, even the Daoist Mu could easily defeat me."

"So what about those at the Land Immortal Realm?"

"And those Mythical Realm cultivators at Ying Zheng's side?"

"Little Sage Manor is in grave danger."

Fu Nian constantly worried about the safety of the manor.

Especially now, as Ying Zheng's hostility toward the Hundred Schools of Thought and the Six Kingdoms Alliance had become overt.

If not for fear of other nations, he would have already acted.

Even so, his patience was wearing thin.

Not long ago, the Mohist School Mechanical City was completely destroyed.

Next in line was likely Little Sage Manor.

If Mythical Realm cultivators were deployed, what could the manor do to resist?

Should they surrender?

That thought filled Fu Nian with frustration.

Ying Zheng was not the rightful Emperor they had chosen.

==========

Ming Dynasty.

Near the Southern Coast.

Far from the clamor of the Martial World, this place had the feel of a hidden paradise.

"Shen Lang, didn't you say you didn't want to be involved in any martial conflicts?"

"Yet now you've gone and competed in the duels?"

"And you came back ranked 3rd on the Sword Ancestor Ranking. Isn't that a bit too high profile?"

"It won't be long before someone tracks us down."

Wang Lianhua sneered at the always-smiling Shen Lang, clearly blaming him.

"My hand itched. I couldn't help myself. Looks like I still have a long way to go before becoming a true master of the sword."

"But it doesn't matter. I just want to live my peaceful little life."

"Hmph. It's not that simple."

"Your enemies won't let you off so easily."

"I bet Chai Yuguan will find this place soon."

"Qiqi will be dragged down with you."

"By the way, Shen Lang, do you remember that boy named A Fei?"

At the sudden mention, Shen Lang's expression changed.

He had suspected it, but to hear it confirmed... After that accident all those years ago, the result had truly come to pass.

Was this luck or misfortune?

If Zhu Qiqi found out, she would never stop nagging him.

And with Wang Lianhua's love of stirring up trouble, things would get even messier.

Perhaps Qiqi already knew by now.

"Wang Lianhua, you've harmed me again!"

"Hahaha! Life's been so boring lately. Watching you squirm is the best entertainment!"

==========

Wudang Mountain.

"Master, it's Uncle! He actually ranked 2nd on the Sword Ancestor Ranking!"

Yu Daiyan looked at the ranking, delighted.

The Daoist Mu was a senior elder of Wudang and Zhang Sanfeng's Junior Brother.

He held immense prestige within Wudang and a Half-Step Land Immortal Realm, earning the deep respect of all disciples.

Often, while Zhang Sanfeng was secluded in meditation, the task of teaching fell to the Daoist Mu.

Even the Seven Heroes of Wudang had received his instruction.

Though they called him uncle, he was like a second master to them.

Seeing his success, everyone was overjoyed and offered sincere congratulations.

"Indeed. Though only ranked 2nd, he may soon break through to the Land Immortal Realm."

Zhang Sanfeng stroked his beard and smiled in admiration.

Though slightly regretful he had not made it onto the Sword Immortal Ranking, his strong Dao heart quickly dispelled any lingering thoughts.

His Junior Brother's achievement brought great honor to Wudang.

"By the way, Uncle has been going down the mountain frequently these years. What has he been doing?"

"Most likely working hard for Wudang's cause again."

Yu Daiyan silently pondered.

==========

Ming Martial World.

Ghost Manor Headquarters.

The leader dressed as the Daoist Mu was inside the grand hall, assigning tasks to his many ghost-like followers.

He was constantly preparing to grow his forces.

Only after a long while did he dismiss them.

"Hmph. Rank 2 on the Sword Ancestor Ranking?"

"Sword Saint Dugu Jian truly lives up to his name. But I will catch up and surpass you eventually."

Though he had lost to the Sword Saint, the Daoist Mu was not discouraged.

There would be plenty of chances in the future.

The Land Immortal Realm was the true start of the martial path.

As long as he persevered, he would defeat the Sword Saint one day.

But in the depths of his heart, he had always had a greater rival.

Zhang Sanfeng.

A towering figure in his mind.

All along, his greatest goal was to surpass that mountain.

"Senior Brother, you've completely changed."

"You're no longer the man I once knew."

"Wudang can only flourish in my hands."

"One day, I will defeat you and take the position of Wudang's leader."

"And the first step is to break through to the Land Immortal Realm."

Muttering to himself, the Daoist Mu took out the Heaven Dao Reward, Sword Grass.

It was a Twelve-Leaf Sword Grass.

Even at Half-Step Land Immortal Realm, it would still provide massive benefits.

Unfortunately, the Sword Ancestor Ranking wasn't heavily valued by the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking.

So the reward wasn't very precious.

If he had ranked lower, it would have been even worse.

Without hesitation, he swallowed it.

An overwhelming sword aura spread across his body.

His momentum surged.

Whether he could break his shackles now depended entirely on his foundation and preparation.

==========

Han Martial World.

Sword Cottage of the Sword Saint Dugu Jian.

"Hahaha! Wonderful! I thought my days were numbered, but Heaven Dao has rewarded me with such a treasure."

"With this, I can finally mend my inner flaws."

"Reaching the Land Immortal Realm will no longer be difficult."

"Hahaha! Nameless, just wait. I won't lose to you again!"

Originally, the Sword Saint had planned to head to the World Association and settle things with Xiong Ba before his death.

But unexpectedly, the sword duels had granted him a chance at survival.

And he had seized it.

The Dao Heart Pill.

The Heaven Dao Reward for being first on the Sword Ancestor Ranking.

With it, he could repair the cracks in his heart and perfect his sword intent.

The bottleneck to the Land Immortal Realm would no longer stop him.

In the future, he might stand before Nameless once more for a final duel.

This time, there would be no need for Nameless to hold back.

With excitement, the Sword Saint swallowed the pill.

Whether he could grasp this last thread of life.

Whether he could break free from his cocoon and soar.

It all depended on him.

If he succeeded, the world would gain a new Heavenly Human Realm Land Immortal.

And not just any Heavenly Human Realm cultivator, but a true Sword Immortal.

If he failed?

Then he would have no path left.

Only death awaited him.

No one could save him.