Chapter 119: Renowned Throughout The World, Blade And Sword Clash
The Great Yan Heavenly Human Ranking differs from other Martial World rankings like the Hidden Dragon Ranking or Core Elixir Ranking. This is the only ranking issued by the Imperial Court, with extremely high credibility. Making the list means being famous throughout the world.
Thus, the triennial update of the ranking generates immense anticipation across all of Great Yan.
This time, the ranking update was delayed by a few days. Upon receiving the news, He Yan rushed back to the True Martial Sect at once.
In the past, True Martial Sect disciples paid attention to the Heavenly Human Ranking, but that lofty list was too distant from them. Now, however, it was different—the True Martial Sect had such a peerless expert overlooking Great Yan!
Heavenly Sword True Person!
After He Yan brought back news of the Heavenly Human Ranking, the entire True Martial Sect was abuzz.
Dragon Mountain Daoist was equally attentive, and a few remaining True Disciples on True Martial Mountain, like Ning Qi and two or three others, also hurried over upon hearing the news.
Inside Mingwu Pavilion.
He Yan excitedly opened a gold-edged booklet.
“Master, look! Heavenly Sword Senior made the list!” His face flushed with excitement. He had rushed back to the mountain nonstop just to share this joyful news immediately. He felt a sense of shared glory.
Everyone looked over.
On the final page, it read:
Heavenly Human Ranking 36th, Heavenly Sword True Person.
Followed by lines of small text detailing Heavenly Sword True Person’s information, battle records, and some speculations.
“Heavenly Sword True Person, age unknown, past experiences unknown, currently residing on True Martial Mountain. When Demonic Sect Heavenly Human expert Old Demon Lin sought to destroy True Martial Mountain, a Heavenly Sword appeared out of nowhere, severely wounding Old Demon Lin…”
“Afterward, five Demonic Sect Heavenly Humans gathered at True Martial Mountain, and Heavenly Sword True Person blocked one of them with a horizontal sword…”
“Based on Heavenly Sword True Person’s two displays of combat records, and given that he has never shown his face, it is highly likely he held back some strength. Thus, ranked Heavenly Human Ranking 36th.”
Besides the extensive text, a master painter had illustrated based on descriptions, capturing a bit of the divine bearing of Heavenly Sword True Person’s Heavenly Sword appearing out of nowhere. It inspired longing in viewers. Leaving aside strength for the moment, in terms of sheer flair, few on the entire Heavenly Human Ranking could surpass this Heavenly Sword out of nowhere.
The True Disciples were all thrilled.
They occasionally showed expressions of astonishment.
Zhuang Chen couldn’t help but say:
“If possible, I truly hope Heavenly Sword Senior could give me some pointers.”
He was obsessed with Sword Dao, and now his sect had such a peerless swordsman. Naturally, he itched to learn. However, he knew Heavenly Sword True Person almost never appeared—not even his own master, Dragon Mountain Daoist, saw him often. He could only sigh inwardly.
Dragon Mountain Daoist listened, stroking his beard with a smile, and couldn’t help giving his young disciple a strange look.
Heavenly Sword True Person making the Heavenly Human Ranking pleased him somewhat. It would greatly boost the True Martial Sect’s prestige, laying the foundation for future expansion and paving the way early for the world’s Daoist Sects’ standings.
He had known there was some hope of making the Heavenly Human Ranking, but it wasn’t certain. Now that it was settled, he naturally felt joy.
But Ning Qi felt somewhat helpless.
Truth be told, he would rather not be on this Heavenly Human Ranking himself.
The Martial World was a massive vanity fair, and the Heavenly Human Ranking was its focal point, easily inviting trouble—especially for his awkward ranking, which would draw covetous eyes and even challenges from many.
Better to stay low-key.
But since he was on it, talking about it now was pointless. He could only think positively as much as possible.
“For the sect’s development, it’s definitely more benefit than harm. It also has some deterrent effect on the Demonic Sect. However, we should be cautious of the Southern Border Alliance. If they previously suspected us, this listing might draw even more attention.”
Still, Ning Qi wasn’t too worried.
His actual strength far surpassed Heavenly Human Ranking 36th. He had progressed further lately. If he used all his means, he might even be able to spar with King Zhenbei.
Zhuang Chen’s curious words drew his attention:
“Heavenly Sword Senior is already this strong. Who are the ones ranked ahead of him?” His eyes held aspiration.
Ning Qi was also somewhat curious.
Though the Heavenly Human Ranking didn’t include all experts, its reference value was extremely high. Learning more now could help if he faced them later.
He Yan smiled, flipping through the Heavenly Human Ranking while introducing them like treasures in his collection. He occasionally mentioned rumors and anecdotes not recorded on the list—he had always been interested in various miscellaneous knowledge.
“Heavenly Human Ranking 35th is a Lei Prefecture expert. He entered last time and hasn’t acted in these three years, so he dropped one spot…”
“…”
“This is Green Ox Senior. Last time he was 33rd, now he’s advanced one to 32nd. This is thanks to his prior feat of wiping out a Dead Fire Abyss branch. Not only that, the Demonic Sect later sent people to trouble Green Ox Senior, but he resolved them all one by one. This indirectly propelled him further up the Heavenly Human Ranking.”
The crowd listened enraptured.
Tales of these peerless experts were always especially fascinating.
But Ning Qi only paid slight attention. With his current strength, these Heavenly Human Ranking experts at the bottom no longer caught his eye.
He lingered a moment above Green Ox Swordsman’s ranking, after all, this one was most familiar.
He felt some emotion.
At the prior Heavenly Human Ceremony, Green Ox Swordsman had been immensely imposing, but in a blink, Ning Qi had left him far behind. If Green Ox Swordsman fought him now, he would be easily suppressed.
He Yan continued.
The triennial Heavenly Human Ranking didn’t change much overall. The further forward, the more so—mostly regulars, with minor adjustments based on recent activities. After all, Heavenly Human Realm experts had long lifespans. Rumor had it the Imperial Court was planning to change the update cycle from three years to five or even ten, but it was still under discussion.
Ning Qi eyed the experts one by one.
Mainly starting from the top twenty, he paid closer attention.
“Between 20th and 10th, there are three Daoist Sect experts and two Buddhist Sect experts. The rest are from major sects. No lone experts. It seems lone martial artists lack resources and inheritance, living quite hard.”
Ning Qi reflected inwardly.
In the early Martial Way stages, lone martial artists could contend with sect martial artists, catching up via fortuitous encounters. But the further along, the harder. Someone like Carefree Lord, achieving Heavenly Human Realm on his own, was already the peak among lone martial artists.
He Yan continued:
“Among the top ten, there’s one we’ve actually met.”
Everyone reacted.
King Zhenbei!
Ning Qi looked over and immediately showed astonishment.
King Zhenbei was not 9th, but 7th—advancing two spots at once. The Heavenly Human Ranking never faked rankings; its credibility was strong. That meant King Zhenbei had grown stronger, or had hidden his strength before.
Ning Qi closely read the small descriptive text.
“Heavenly Human Ranking 7th, King Zhenbei, real name Li Xuanyang. Began Martial Way at six, gradually rising in the royal family. Enlisted at eighteen, battling Northern Barbarians. Entered White Mist Realm at thirty, enfeoffed as marquis. Core Elixir Realm at fifty, Heavenly Human Realm at sixty, enfeoffed King Zhenbei the same year… He fused his martial arts into Heaven Suppressing Fist, suppressing countless Northern Barbarians, his prestige resounding…”
Ning Qi assessed inwardly.
“Heavenly Human at sixty? Indeed a peerless prodigy. Among the world, he’s absolutely among the fastest cultivators. No wonder at under 150 he’s so powerful. That fist technique with such artistic conception is called Heaven Suppressing Fist?”
He continued reading and sure enough saw the recent battle record update.
“Ten powerful Northern Barbarian Heavenly Humans led an army to besiege King Zhenbei, intent on advancing south, but were routed single-handedly by King Zhenbei. Three killed, seven fled, army annihilated…”
“These ten Heavenly Humans definitely weren’t ordinary. King Zhenbei’s strength isn’t simple.” Ning Qi mused. He had thought after his recent progress he could spar with King Zhenbei, but now it seemed there might still be a gap. As everyone knew, the higher the Heavenly Human Ranking, the greater the gaps.
The gap between each of the top ten might exceed the gap of the five below.
He lingered longest on the top ten experts, memorizing what He Yan said.
Finally, his gaze fell on the top three.
In any field, the top three were unavoidable topics, especially first place.
“Heavenly Human Ranking 3rd, Blade Demon. Emerged twenty years ago, blade techniques eerie as demons. One blade severed a mountain peak, directly slaying the then-3rd on the Heavenly Human Ranking…”
“Heavenly Human Ranking 2nd, General Yanwu. Commands Great Yan’s myriad army, lifetime of battles, extremely prestigious in the Great Yan military…”
“Heavenly Human Ranking 1st, Listening Wind Elder. Rumor has it he was blind from youth, but possessed martial intelligence. Comes without shadow, goes without trace. Unshaken for sixty years…”
Ning Qi studied the top three experts.
The 3rd, Blade Demon, was the faith of most swordsmen. Previously, swordsmen had overshadowed swordsmen worldwide, but Blade Demon’s emergence directly stole all swordsmen’s thunder. After all, the strongest swordsman was only 5th-ranked Sun Chasing Sword King.
However, swordsmen overall ranked higher than swordsmen on the Heavenly Human Ranking, and outnumbered them by two—originally tied, but Heavenly Sword True Person entering at 36th had just squeezed out the prior 36th, Thunderous Blade Venerable.
Second was the Great Yan Dynasty’s General Yanwu. Named after Yanwu, his status was clear. Ning Qi had thought since it was the Imperial Court’s Heavenly Human Ranking, first would go to their own, but unexpectedly he was second.
Perhaps this was a manifestation of the Great Yan Heavenly Human Ranking’s credibility.
“But this Listening Wind Elder seems extremely dominant too. Physically disabled yet topping the list for sixty years.”
He was somewhat amazed.
Undoubtedly, these experts stood truly at Great Yan’s peak. Without Great Yan Martial Saint, they were the strongest.
“These should all be true Heavenly Human Perfection, perhaps with Three Flowers of Essence, Qi, and Spirit gathered for such power.” Ning Qi closely examined their battle descriptions—severing mountains, shattering ground, boiling rivers and seas—far beyond ordinary Heavenly Human Realm.
“I wonder if they’ve begun advancing toward Martial Saint Realm?”
The world’s experts were countless, yet Martial Saints few.
Ning Qi felt this viewing of the Heavenly Human Ranking yielded great gains.
He compared his own combat power.
He felt that once he reached Core Elixir Realm, he should fear none of them, even suppress them.
“However, the Great Yan Heavenly Human Ranking doesn’t include all peerless experts—like Demonic Sect, Southern Border Alliance, Northern Barbarian experts, exotic beast experts. Some Martial Arts Sects likely have hidden foundations too. And it’s certain the Great Yan Dynasty hides some off-list.”
This was normal.
Some chased fame and fortune, others disdained it. The Great Yan issued this Heavenly Human Ranking for better rule, naturally not exposing all foundations—just enough to deter.
Still, Ning Qi felt even counting the hidden ones, few in the world could rival the Heavenly Human Ranking top three.
Everyone finished viewing the Heavenly Human Ranking, all astonished.
He Yan laughed:
“Our talents probably won’t make the Heavenly Human Ranking, but Master will surely enter in the future. Once Little Nine and Little Ten grow, they’ll enter too. Then, our True Martial Sect with four Heavenly Human Ranking peerless experts will stun the world!”
The group was expectant.
Dragon Mountain Daoist shook his head with a wry smile, picking up a ruler to tap He Yan:
“Don’t belittle yourselves. Your senior brothers’ talents are all good. Future matters are unclear. With opportunity and accumulation, you might soar. How can you predict the future now?”
He Yan had mocked himself for not entering the Heavenly Human Ranking, but as master, Dragon Mountain Daoist naturally encouraged.
The disciples bowed respectfully, solemnly saying:
“Disciples will remember!”
…
The Heavenly Human Ranking update stirred a storm across Great Yan—a triennial grand event.
Countless awaited eagerly, even setting up bets long ago on ranking changes among the experts.
Top-ranked experts naturally drew the most eyes.
But one also attracted much attention.
That was Heavenly Sword True Person.
The only one this time to displace a prior expert onto the list.
Many had already bet on him heavily, with attention not less than the top twenty.
Moreover.
His identity was somewhat special.
Because Heavenly Sword True Person was a swordsman.
Great Yan’s sword-blade rivalry was always fierce. Whether swordsmen or swordsmen wanted supremacy. From bottom to top, nothing escaped comparison—from local numbers of swordsmen and swordsmen, famous sword and blade techniques, to Core Elixir Realm and Heavenly Human Realm Sword Dao and Blade Dao experts.
The Heavenly Human Ranking was the focal point for swordsmen and swordsmen.
In a sense, Heavenly Sword True Person’s listing broke the deadlock.
All states buzzed with discussion.
Swordsmen rejoiced, utterly thrilled.
“Heavenly Sword True Person listed, now Heavenly Human Ranking 36th. We swordsmen hold ten spots, you swordsmen only eight—far behind!”
“Swordsmen reign supreme. At least until the next Heavenly Human Ranking update, that’s fact!”
Their faces beamed with smiles, a sense of venting triumph.
But swordsmen refused to yield.
“Swordsmen reign? Dare say that to Blade Demon Senior? Blade Demon Senior dominates Heavenly Human Ranking 3rd, overlooking all.”
This was swordsmen’s faith. Blade Demon’s existence gave swordsmen utter confidence.
“Sun Chasing Sword King at 5th isn’t necessarily inferior to Blade Demon—they just haven’t clashed. Even if Blade Demon Senior edges ahead slightly, it changes nothing: we outnumber you by two on the Heavenly Human Ranking, and overall rank higher.”
At these words.
Swordsmen were speechless, feeling stifled. It was fact, irrefutable.
But someone immediately retorted strongly:
“Hmph! Heavenly Sword True Person is strong, but the Heavenly Human Ranking isn’t infallible. I say he’s not necessarily stronger than Thunderous Blade Venerable. Don’t forget—if you defeat a Heavenly Human Ranking expert above, you replace them. Blade Demon Senior did just that back then!”
Swordsmen were instantly furious:
“Such sophistry! Why don’t you have Thunderous Blade Venerable challenge Heavenly Sword True Person? You won’t shed tears without a coffin!”
In a moment.
Swordsmen and swordsmen made increasing noise.
Debates and quarrels echoed everywhere, some even escalating to fights.
Heavenly Sword True Person was merely the spark.
Root cause was the long-standing blade-sword rivalry.
Everyone hoped their weapon was unrivaled worldwide. Smart people knew strength came from self, not weapon, but the masses often lacked reason and held vanity.
Even experts got swept up.
Plus some stirring trouble for fun fanned the flames, making strife fiercer daily.
Some truly sought out Thunderous Blade Venerable.
…
Southern Border Saintess flipped through the new Great Yan Heavenly Human Ranking with interest, eyes showing some astonishment:
“Great Yan truly has experts like clouds. If the world’s Martial Arts Sects united with Great Yan heart and soul, Great Yan would have unified the world long ago. We’d have to submit fully or flee to the Hundred Thousand Mountains’ depths.”
Snake Granny was always proud, but now nodded in agreement.
If she made this Heavenly Human Ranking, she wouldn’t rank too high.
“This may be our chance. With the Heavenly Human Ranking out, world eyes converge here. We’ve held still before—now erase all prior traces, regroup. No need to continue cultivating Blood King Gu in Qingzhou, but leave some eyes.” Snake Granny’s voice was hoarse.
Southern Border Saintess nodded slowly:
“Exactly my thought. Silent so long, time to act. Demonic Sect has shrunk back hard lately; we’ve only found minor strongholds. But we’ll settle this grudge eventually.”
“Right. Without establishing prestige, future actions can’t proceed.” Snake Granny hesitated, “But confirm targeting only Demonic Sect?”
Southern Border Saintess rose, gazing out the window with a light laugh. Her veil shifted, revealing a glimpse of peerless beauty:
“Of course not. Granny, did you notice Heavenly Sword True Person listed?”
“Naturally. Just 36th, but shows strength to do it. Saintess plans to verify? If I see Heavenly Sword True Person act, I can judge if he hides true power essence.”
Snake Granny was cautious too. Though Heavenly Sword True Person showed only swordsman power, who knew if hidden. What if he was really a ‘Poison Sword True Person’?
Mainly, Heavenly Sword True Person had clashed with that prior Demonic Sect expert skilled in poisonous power. Linking them worried her.
Just one look—no one’s power essence could fool her two treasure snakes.
Saintess laughed lightly:
“No need for us to act. Someone will do it for us.”
Snake Granny puzzled.
Saintess continued:
“Great Yan blade-sword strife is longstanding. Heavenly Sword True Person listing is the spark. Thunderous Blade Venerable, squeezed out by him, was already unwilling. Now with many swordsmen petitioning, he has open reason to challenge. He’ll surely go for Heavenly Sword True Person.”
“Then we just watch, see his reality. If unrelated, no more wasting time on True Martial Sect. Prepare a gift for Demonic Sect properly.”
Cold light gleamed in her eyes, black skirt billowing with killing intent.
As Southern Border Saintess, with Southern Border Alliance suffering such a loss to Demonic Sect, she wouldn’t let it go. She came to Qingzhou on mission—not to slink away doing nothing.
“Then we…?”
“Add fuel, watch the show.” Her light laugh tinkled like silver bells.
…
The world’s blade-sword strife intensified, wind direction unknown but suddenly ferocious.
Initially just nameless small fries arguing.
Gradually, somewhat famous experts joined, then even established veterans. Some sensed wrong, but were swept up.
In the Martial World, one was not one’s own master.
Sometimes had to consider sect and family behind. Weak aura invited bullying; repeated, got ridden over.
Slowly.
More and more swordsmen urged Thunderous Blade Venerable to challenge Heavenly Sword True Person, to uphold swordsmen’s name.
Unclear when.
The trend shifted, as if Heavenly Sword True Person and Thunderous Blade Venerable represented blade-sword strife’s ultimate showdown. Many knew momentum uncontrollable, but unstoppable.
Thunderous Blade Venerable hadn’t responded yet, seemingly wavering.
On True Martial Mountain.
News reached naturally.
True Martial disciples were indignant.
Sword or blade first, they were True Martial disciples. Outsiders challenging their foundation naturally angered them.
But all firmly believed if Thunderous Blade Venerable dared come, Heavenly Sword True Person could easily suppress.
They had witnessed Heavenly Sword’s might, holding mysterious adoration for Heavenly Sword True Person. Many felt Heavenly Human Ranking lowballed him at 36th.
Dragon Mountain Daoist wryly smiled, feeling his prior joy premature.
Boosting fame was good, but baseless challenges bad.
Originally just normal Heavenly Human Ranking shuffle.
But coinciding with blade-sword strife, drawn into invisible vortex.
Dragon Mountain Daoist entered Seeker’s Courtyard late night.
Ning Qi cultivated, Gang Qi roiling like thunder. The slight disturbance startled Dragon Mountain Daoist. Ning Qi slowly opened his eyes, knowing his master’s intent.
“Little Nine, if Thunderous Blade Venerable really challenges, what then?” Dragon Mountain Daoist hesitated, then said, “Perhaps claim Heavenly Sword True Person has left the mountain, wandering the world?”
Not worried his disciple couldn’t handle, but many eyes would gather. If someone pierced Heavenly Sword True Person’s true identity, it would backfire, bringing bigger trouble.
Better lose face than lose big.
Ning Qi inwardly helpless—had worried listing would bring trouble, and it did. But uncontrollable. Good thing he foresaw, creating Formless Gang Body.
“Master, this won’t do.”
He stood, smiling and shaking head, walking alongside Dragon Mountain Daoist.
“This can’t be avoided. Blade-sword strife needs an outlet. If Heavenly Sword True Person isn’t on True Martial Mountain, the mountain won’t know peace—endless prying eyes and challengers later. Since trouble’s here, meet soldier with general, earth with flood.”
“If Thunderous Blade Venerable comes, not just win—win cleanly, lest endless future trouble.”
Dragon Mountain Daoist worried:
“But… Heavenly Human experts watching then won’t be few. Won’t expose your identity?”
Ning Qi laughed:
“Master, rest assured. Disciple has it handled.”
Ning Qi’s voice calm.
He disliked trouble, not feared it. Trouble at door meant solve it. But inwardly hoped Thunderous Blade Venerable wasn’t so shallow, challenging over vain fame.
Dragon Mountain Daoist’s worry eased greatly, face showing gratification.
He wanted to pat Ning Qi’s head, but found Ning Qi reached his shoulder.
Unnoticed, his young disciple had truly become True Martial Sect’s pillar.
