roccoschili Chapter 182 Fame Spreads Throughout Sword Tower City, Rank 1 on the Heavenly Ranking Shines in 4 Dir
Chapter 182 Fame Spreads Throughout Sword Tower City, Rank 1 on the Heavenly Ranking Shines in 4 Dir
The first day's rankings were suspended in the air.
One by one, large golden characters, exuding a strange and foul aura, appeared on the list.
Inside Sword Tower City, regardless of whether they were nobles or commoners, cultivators or mortals, everyone looked up at the sky, their gazes falling on the name at the top of the list. The three words "Zhou Qingfeng" were like sharp knives piercing straight into everyone's hearts.
"Alas, as expected, the top spot on the Heavenly Ranking has fallen into Zhou Qingfeng's hands." Although the powerful and wealthy had anticipated this, they still felt a bit envious and jealous the moment the result was revealed.
"How many years has it been? And now, another peerless genius has emerged from the first family. The family's fortune is truly abundant."
"After the Three Absolutes, another peerless genius has emerged. The first family with a ten-thousand-year heritage truly lives up to its name!"
Even the first player in the game, Jianta, wasn't always at its peak. It experienced ups and downs until the first player, Taibai, rose to prominence, worked diligently, and revitalized the first player, finally returning to its former glory.
When the First Taibai clan was around, it controlled twenty-eight main cities and supported twenty-eight standing legions. At that time, the First Taibai clan was a war machine.
The overall development strategy is to sustain war through war and to exhaust the military.
The entire territory, spanning 30,000 li, belongs to the First Family.
After the First Taibai soldier committed suicide to atone for his sins, the First Family and Sword Tower City were preserved, but the other twenty-seven main cities and fiefdoms of the First Family were divided and distributed to other city lords by the imperial family.
Even so, the First Family did not fall out of the top tier of the empire.
Sword Tower City did not decline as a result.
However, under the First Lady's leadership, the First Family's strategic direction shifted.
No longer engaging in militarism, using war to sustain war, or expanding territory.
Instead, they began to focus on economic development, talent cultivation, and recuperation.
In addition, the Sword Tower has successors, with Ma Dalang, Mao Erlang, and the Third Miss all being peerless geniuses of the new generation.
The three men established a formidable reputation and were known as the Three Masters of the Sword Tower, maintaining the Sword Tower's glory and splendor.
However, the situation took a sharp turn for the worse. After the Three Masters of Sword Tower, no new generation of peerless geniuses emerged.
The world's top geniuses frequently emerge, and they are all listed on the Heavenly Ranking in every edition of the Genius Competition.
But no one has ever been able to claim the top spot on the Heavenly Ranking again.
Years have passed, and the world has changed; the new generation has become the middle generation.
The first red leaf is deeply entangled in a love affair and completely disappears from public view.
With his reputation tarnished and his future ruined, Ma Dalang could only resort to doing shady, underhanded work in the shadows.
In the eyes of the world, Mao Erlang is fair and selfless, punishing evil and promoting good, protecting the people, driving away evil spirits and demons, maintaining order, and blessing the region with good weather and abundant harvests. In addition, he is brave in battle and wins more often than he loses.
Such a perfect heroic image is fully capable of representing Sword Tower in the spotlight.
But how could such a thing maintain the glory and splendor of the First Family? After the Three Absolutes, no more peerless geniuses emerged, which meant that the First Family was losing talent and was declining.
This is a very dangerous signal.
If this continues, the middle generation dies out and the new generation can't keep up, then the First Family will fall from the top tier of the empire to the second tier, or even the third tier, and gradually decline.
However, at this very moment, an unparalleled genius suddenly appeared.
The first representative of the new generation of leaders made a dazzling appearance in front of everyone.
This means that after the first family mastered the three unique skills, there is now a successor.
Upon seeing this, the people of Jianta were instantly filled with excitement and became the first to erupt in cheers. They roared like a tidal wave, their hearts filled with excitement, madness, and worship. Only by raising their arms and shouting could they release their inner emotions.
"Number one on the Heavenly Ranking: Zhou Qingfeng!"
"Number one on the Heavenly Ranking: Zhou Qingfeng!"
"Number one on the Heavenly Ranking: Zhou Qingfeng!"
At this moment, Zhou Qingfeng was showered with glory and his fame soared.
From then on, when people mentioned Zhou Qingfeng, they no longer referred to him as a "little lackey." Instead, the first impression that came to mind was Zhou Qingfeng, the number one on the Heavenly Ranking.
The Heavenly Ranking is a list of universally acknowledged geniuses in this turbid and evil world. Only by ascending to the Heavenly Ranking can one be considered a first-rate genius of the era, and to claim the top spot on the Heavenly Ranking is to be an unparalleled genius.
This is universally acknowledged and there is no controversy about it.
Furthermore, his deeds will be spread to every corner of the Python Sparrow Empire, and novelists will use his story as a blueprint to create one after another grassroots hero stories of overcoming adversity, and write a separate biography for him.
Indeed, the top spot on the Heavenly Ranking is a prestigious honor. The Heavenly Pride Competition has been held for 1,998 years, yet only 666 people, including Zhou Qingfeng, have ever reached the top of the Heavenly Ranking.
Spanning two thousand years of history, countless stars have shone throughout the long river of time, yet only a few hundred have received this honor. Zhou Qingfeng certainly deserves a separate biography, and not only should he be included, but his biography should be written in great detail.
With the top spot on the Heavenly Ranking already decided, everyone turned their attention to the other rankings. Although the top spot was dazzling, weren't all those who made it onto the Heavenly Ranking dazzling as well?
If a few ordinary people emerge from among them, they will immediately attract the covetous eyes of countless powerful figures, who will definitely spend a fortune to recruit them into their own forces for cultivation. Even those who fail to make it back from the world competition are all top-notch talents of their time, but they are simply unlucky and unable to make it onto the Heavenly Ranking.
"Second on the Heavenly Ranking, Ye Tingxiu."
"Third on the Heavenly Ranking, Xiao Hongyun."
"Fourth on the Heavenly Ranking, Cheng Wuquan."
"Fifth on the Heavenly Ranking, Du Yanran."
"Sixth on the Heavenly Ranking, Duan Hongsu."
"Seventh on the Heavenly Ranking, Tantai Minglan."
"Eighth on the Heavenly Ranking, Qin Xinsu."
"Ninth on the Heavenly Ranking, the first is Duanmu."
"Tenth on the Heavenly Ranking, Mao Yuling."
"Eleventh on the Heavenly Ranking, Ma Tianci."
"Ranked twelfth on the Heavenly List, Zhu Jianxin."
"Tenth on the Heavenly Ranking, Ke Lan."
"The fourteenth on the Heavenly Ranking is Song Ye."
"Fifteenth on the Heavenly Ranking, Wuchun Mountain."
"Ranked sixteenth on the Heavenly Ranking, Stars Like Rain."
"Ranked seventeenth on the Heavenly Ranking, the first is Jade Capital."
"Ranked eighteenth on the Heavenly Ranking, the first is Jinse..."
The contestants saw their names listed on the leaderboard.
He clenched his fist excitedly and shouted, "Wow, I did it! I've made it onto the Heavenly Ranking!"
"Hahaha, I'm on the Heavenly Ranking! From now on, who will dare to underestimate my Cheng Wu Fist even a little?"
"Fate is truly wondrous. I never imagined that I, Xiao Hongyun, would one day rise to third place on the Heavenly Ranking."
"I'm only second on the Heavenly Ranking? I refuse to accept this!"
While some are happy, others are sad. The 42 geniuses who failed to make the list are very unwilling. They had clearly made it to the final arena, but they were just a little bit short. They just missed the top spot on the Heavenly Ranking.
If you want to be listed on the Heavenly Ranking, you'll have to wait three years.
But three years later, everyone present had reached the Devouring Fiend Realm. Even if the age was right, the realm was not right, and even if the realm was right, the age was not right. If they missed it, they would miss it forever.
With a casual wave of his hand, Mao Erlang raised Zhou Qingfeng from the spot, allowing him to stand before the world and receive their attention. He then slowly spoke, "Zhou Qingfeng, on behalf of the Sword Tower, I hereby bestow upon you the title of number one on the Heavenly Ranking and reward you with the champion prize of this Heavenly Pride Tournament—the Holy Ring!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a gilded jade thumb ring flew out of Mao Erlang's sleeve and landed on Zhou Qingfeng's thumb. Zhou Qingfeng looked down and saw that the jade thumb ring was unremarkable, just like a gorgeous ornament.
Related memories flashed through my mind quickly.
The Record of the Five Turbidities and the Precepts discusses the sacred precepts.
The Holy Ring, a Fiend-grade magic artifact, is a superior magic artifact made using the secret techniques of the first family. It was crafted by the first family's exclusive Fiend-level weapon refiner over three years. Only the number one on the Heavenly Ranking is qualified to possess this Holy Ring.
It can store items and can become invisible.
It can summon nine immortal, malevolent ghosts.
It can slow down aging and awaken the fire of evil.
This magical artifact is a multi-functional artifact, its main feature is practicality, and it has no useless abilities. However, it can only be used by cultivators in the Devouring Fiend Realm. Even if cultivators in the Devouring Calamity Realm infuse it with magic power, they will not be able to activate it.
Wearing the holy ring and standing there, even if others don't know who you are, they will know that you are awesome, extremely awesome. You will be superior to others wherever you go, and others will treat you with the utmost courtesy and respect, and dare not be negligent in the slightest.
Standing high above, Zhou Qingfeng clenched his fist and raised his arm, proclaiming loudly, "I am Zhou Qingfeng! I have taken the top spot on the Heavenly Ranking! I did it! I have proven with my actions that we, the people of Sword Tower, are truly the best in the world!"
"Zhou Qingfeng, Zhou Qingfeng, Zhou Qingfeng~~~" Millions of Sword Tower citizens frantically raised their arms and shouted Zhou Qingfeng's name. Their cheeks were flushed, their eyes were bloodshot, and they shouted with all their might, their cries like a mountain roaring and a tsunami crashing.
After the three defeats, someone finally reclaimed the glory of the Sword Tower people. As citizens of Sword Tower, they are proud of it. For the next three years, no matter where they go, their identity as Sword Tower people will make them feel proud and honored.
Even if they come from the capital, the people of Sword Tower can still hold their heads high and say: So what if they're from the capital? They were still killed by our young master Zhou Si. If you're so capable, why don't you try to take the top spot on the Heavenly Ranking!
At this moment, all the other geniuses became mere supporting characters, receiving no prizes whatsoever.
Because that's how it is in the first place's territory and rules.
There are only those who are first and those who are not first.
Of course, it's not that the first company doesn't give out prizes, and the prodigies don't benefit at all. Just the glorious resume of being on the Heavenly Ranking alone makes them highly sought after, and they can get whatever they want.
The Heavenly Ranking Competition has come to a perfect end today.
The entire Sword Tower City will be in a frenzy for fifteen days, with various celebratory programs taking place one after another. The streets and alleys will be filled with jubilation, and the replicated rankings on the Heavenly Ranking will be continuously announced throughout the city for fifteen days, with the names of the Heavenly Ranking champions being sung!
Foreign families and sects do not choose to leave immediately. They usually choose to stay for a few months, or even a year. After all, they have gone through a lot of hardships to come to the Sword Tower. Now that they are here, why are they in such a hurry to leave?
These aristocratic families and celebrities aren't here to work; they won't compete with the city's residents for jobs. As long as they stay in Jianta for a day, they'll spend money, and with more spending, the common people will have some extra money.
On the way back to the manor, Zhou Qingfeng sat in a carriage, with guards clearing the way in front and on both sides, and a large number of maids and servants serving him. This was the standard configuration for a top noble of Sword Tower to go out on the street.
Normally, Zhou Qingfeng wouldn't need to do that, but for such an important occasion as attending the awards ceremony of the Tianjiao Competition, he couldn't just do whatever he wanted; according to the rules, he had to travel in a respectable manner.
"Jin Wei".
"Young Master, I'm here."
I want to drink milk tea.
"same as usual?"
"Ah."
Upon hearing this, Jin Wei stopped the carriage and then strode towards the teahouse.
Zhou Qingfeng lifted the curtain and looked out at the ordinary people coming and going. There were also many out-of-towners dressed in strange clothes in the teahouse. A team of city guards was patrolling the street to maintain order.
Soon, Jin Wei returned with a cup of lychee black tea with ice.
This milk tea comes in a bamboo cup with a thin bamboo straw.
Zhou Qingfeng took a sip of the lychee black tea, feeling his excitement subside somewhat. After this battle, his reputation soared, and he was now in the eyes of the entire world.
This kind of prestige cannot be bought with hundreds of billions of dollars, because even if you spend all your money on charity, you still can't make everyone in the world, from the upper to the lower classes, know your name.
However, through the Heavenly Pride Competition, he achieved in one fell swoop what others might not be able to accomplish in hundreds or even thousands of years. This will play a crucial role in the future development of himself and the Zhou family.
For example, when building a territory, the territory needs to attract people. What can attract them? Of course, it is by relying on its rising prestige to attract free people to settle in its territory.
For example, when building a clan, the clan needs to develop, which requires people, and therefore needs to reserve talent. Reputation can also attract some talented people who have no background or connections, who are always unsuccessful and constantly hitting walls to come and join them.
For example, if someone holds a core position but lacks prestige, they cannot control others.
For example, if someone has a high enough reputation, they will have to think twice before trying to kill them.
When you don't have reputation, you feel that it's completely useless, as it's neither wealth nor power. But once you have it, you'll understand why so many people pursue it.
This explains why, in historical records, from kings and generals to chivalrous knights, people have placed great importance on reputation.
In short, having prestige can even change a death sentence to a life sentence, or a life sentence to a pardon.
Now that the plan to greatly enhance one's prestige has been achieved, the next step is to go into seclusion to cultivate and raise one's cultivation level to the Devouring Fiend Realm as soon as possible, so as to officially take up the post of Deputy Commander of the Censorate.
The key is to avoid the limelight. At this critical juncture, every word and action of one's own will be magnified a hundredfold. Any careless move or word can become a stain and be deliberately smeared by some people with ulterior motives. In that case, the reputation one has worked so hard to gain will be destroyed.
Moreover, having killed the prince, he should refrain from flaunting his power in public for the next few years.
Back at his residence, Zhou Qingfeng spent fifteen days with his uncle and Shui'er. During these fifteen days, he neither cultivated nor dealt with trivial matters, but simply enjoyed happy times with his family.
Fifteen days later, the hype surrounding the Heavenly Pride Tournament had gradually subsided, and people returned to their normal lives. However, people still talked about the Heavenly Pride Tournament and Zhou Qingfeng.
Zhou Qingfeng changed into civilian clothes and arrived at the gate of the City Lord's Mansion once again.
"Young Master, how long will this seclusion last?" Jin Wei asked, clasping his hands in greeting.
Zhou Qingfeng put his hands behind his back and smiled slightly: "I don't know. After I leapfrog into the next realm, I want to focus on cultivation for a while. If there are any important matters that you are unsure about, just send someone to tell me."
Jin Wei bowed and clasped his hands in greeting: "Yes, young master."
Zhou Qingfeng patted Jin Wei's arm: "I trust you to get things done. I'm off!"
After saying that, Zhou Qingfeng turned around and strode towards the city lord's mansion, casually taking out his pass token and flashing it at the red-armored axemen on guard.
"Welcome back to the City Lord's Mansion, Fourth Young Master." The red-armored axemen standing guard at the entrance of the City Lord's Mansion gave a salute as they watched Zhou Qingfeng enter the City Lord's Mansion.
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