The Strong Ranking Tournament represented the highest pinnacle of the Inner Academy—a battlefield where only the true elites dared to stand. Those who etched their names onto the Strong Ranking were destined, at the very least, to become Dou Wangs in the future.
A higher rank meant richer cultivation resources, and the rewards reserved for the top ten were enough to drive anyone mad with envy.
Wu Hao had also fought his way onto the ranking through sheer, unyielding strength.
The days flew by.
Soon, the tournament was upon them.
After spending some time with Yun Yun and Ya Fei, Xiao Jietian left Eternal Heaven World with Xun'er.
When the two arrived at the central plaza, the venue was already packed—no, overflowing. Xiao Jietian took Xun'er's hand and led her through the exclusive passage reserved for Strong Ranking contestants.
Along the way, anyone who recognized him immediately stepped aside, clearing a path.
"Tian Ge," Xun'er tilted her head, her voice carrying a hint of teasing, "it seems you're quite renowned here. Everyone yields the moment they see you."
Xiao Jietian flicked her nose gently. "It's just a pity my Xun'er isn't competing."
"With Xun'er's meager strength, I'd only embarrass myself," she replied with a light laugh, clearly basking in his affectionate gesture.
"Little girl, trying to fool me now?" He raised an eyebrow. "I may not be able to sense your exact cultivation, but you're far from ordinary. Who knows—perhaps even I might not be your match."
His guess wasn't baseless. Xun'er was almost certainly a Dou Wang—and not a low-star one at that.
"Xun'er simply didn't wish to face Tian Ge, so she chose not to participate." Her smile remained serene. "If Tian Ge wishes to know my strength, Xun'er will tell you. Anything."
"No." Xiao Jietian stopped walking, turning to cup her cheek. "I'd rather see the moment you shine in all your glory than hear you simply tell me about it."
He released her and walked ahead.
Xun'er stood frozen for a moment, his words replaying in her heart.
Then, slowly, her lips curved into a smile so radiant it seemed to steal the breath from everyone nearby.
Since Tian Ge wishes to see it…
Then I will show you.
She silently committed that resolve to memory and hurried to catch up.
The central plaza was divided into five enormous stone platforms—the battle arenas for the tournament.
Xiao Jietian swept his gaze across the stands and quickly located the high platform reserved for Pan Gate.
Xiao Yan, Wu Hao, and the other members had arrived early to secure one of the best viewing positions. Other platforms nearby were occupied by factions flaunting their badges.
These days, no one dared provoke Pan Gate.
A faction with three Strong Ranking members—one of them a genuine Dou Wang. Anyone with sense would rather provoke Wolf Fang than touch Pan Gate.
After all, Pan Gate's motto was infamous: Offend one, answer to all.
"Tian Ge."
"Gate Master!"
Xiao Jietian acknowledged their greetings with a nod and strode to the front, resting his hands on the railing as he gazed down at the battle stages.
"Tian Ge, this competition feels far more refined than the Inner Academy selection trials," Xun'er said softly, taking her place beside him.
"It doesn't matter." His tone was calm, almost indifferent. "Once I step onto that stage, there won't be any true opposition."
Xun'er heard no arrogance in his words—only quiet, absolute certainty. Her lips curled faintly, her eyes reflecting unwavering faith in him.
Given Tian Ge's strength, even among the Inner Academy's elders, few could truly match him.
Behind them, Xiao Yan and Wu Hao exchanged low remarks.
"Xiao Yan, Xun'er's strength is clearly remarkable. Why isn't she competing?" Wu Hao asked, genuinely puzzled.
"Perhaps she simply doesn't enjoy fighting." Xiao Yan paused, recalling distant memories. "She's always been… distant. Aloof, even. The only one she's ever truly warm toward is Tian Ge."
"What a pity," Wu Hao sighed. "Otherwise, Pan Gate could've claimed another Strong Ranking spot."
He grinned ruefully, thinking of the blood and sweat he'd poured into securing his place. "I just hope I don't draw you two monsters—or those other terrifying freaks. That'd be awkward."
The two continued their low conversation, their bond forged in shared obsession: battle, cultivation, and the relentless pursuit of strength.
Then, the plaza erupted.
A chorus of wolf-whistles and shouts rose from the male students, loud enough to shake the stands.
Xiao Jietian and the others turned.
A silver-haired figure emerged from the passage, exquisite and icy-beautiful, leading a group of elegant young women. It was Han Yue, accompanied by members of her faction, Moon Spirit.
Han Yue's gaze swept the stands, searching for an empty spot.
"Senior Han Yue." Xiao Jietian's voice, calm and clear, carried across the space and landed softly in her ear. "If it pleases you, you may join us. The view here is quite good."
Han Yue's gaze flickered—almost imperceptibly—toward Xun'er.
But Xun'er noticed.
A serene smile graced Xun'er's lips. A moment later, a sound transmission passed between the two women.
Han Yue's expression shifted. Then, without a word, she led Moon Spirit toward Pan Gate's platform.
Xiao Jietian, with his cultivation, naturally detected the transmission. But its contents remained beyond his reach.
Han Yue quickly ascended the platform. After greeting Xiao Jietian, Xun'er, and the Pan Gate members, she quietly took her place beside Xun'er.
As the manager of Pan Gate's affairs, Xun'er had interacted with Han Yue on several occasions.
The two began conversing softly. But something was… off.
Han Yue seemed almost timid beside Xun'er. She even erected a barrier of Dou Qi to shield their conversation. Through the faint shimmer, Xiao Jietian caught glimpses of Han Yue's flushed cheeks—and her furtive glances in his direction.
Xiao Jietian's brow furrowed slightly.
Something's not right.
Twelve out of ten—something is definitely going on.
But he wasn't one to pry. Girls formed friendships in strange ways; he'd long since accepted that. And any relationship, no matter how close, required space—not suffocating possession.
He withdrew his attention and turned his gaze back to the arena.
More Strong Ranking powerhouses continued to arrive.
Liu Qing and Lin Xiuya exchanged brief glances. In the previous tournament, Liu Qing had lost to Lin Xiuya by the narrowest of margins.
Liu Qing, ever restless, even threw a challenge Xiao Yan's way.
And Liu Fei? She pressed herself behind Liu Qing like a tortoise retreating into its shell, not daring to show her face.
As for Yao Sheng, he kept his head low, wishing he could simply vanish.
He still remembered kneeling on that cold floor. He remembered the overwhelming, suffocating pressure that had crushed him without mercy. Remembered the utter hopelessness.
He couldn't even muster resentment anymore.
"Gate Master Xiao Jietian." Liu Qing cupped his hands, his expression serious. "I hope to one day exchange a few moves with you."
"Of course." Xiao Jietian nodded calmly. "You're always welcome."
He didn't dislike Liu Qing. Proud, yes. Arrogant, certainly. But not a bad sort.
Lin Xiuya, Yan Hao, and the others also greeted Xiao Jietian with respectful smiles.
The strong commanded respect wherever they went.
Well—except, perhaps, for the so-called Children of Destiny.
"Xiao Yan Zi." Xiao Jietian's tone was casual, but his gaze carried weight. "Confident you can break into the top ten?"
Beside him, Xun'er and Han Yue paused their conversation in unison. The two, now inexplicably close like sworn sisters, turned their attention toward the brothers.
"I… I'll do my best—"
"Hmm?"
Xiao Yan caught the subtle shift in Xiao Jietian's brow. His spine straightened immediately.
"I will definitely make it into the top ten!"