Silence filled the Ash Throne.
Aljeon sat on the ancient throne, one hand resting against his cheek as his gaze remained fixed on the massive holographic planet floating before him.
A world with over eight billion people.
Five empires.
One hidden ruler.
And a single Grandmaster Late Stage cultivator guarding everything on behalf of the Blue Phoenix Sect.
To most people, that information would be terrifying.
To Aljeon, it was simply… interesting.
"System."
"Yes, Host."
"I want more information about cultivation ranks."
The interface flickered and a large panel appeared before him.
---
Cultivation Ranks
The system displayed the complete hierarchy.
Rank 1 – Elite
Early / Mid / Late
Rank 2 – Expert
Early / Mid / Late
Rank 3 – Master
Early / Mid / Late
Rank 4 – Grandmaster
Early / Mid / Late
Rank 5 – Hero
Early / Mid / Late
Rank 6 – King
Early / Mid / Late
Rank 7 – Emperor
Early / Mid / Late
Rank 8 – Sovereign
Early / Mid / Late
Rank 9 – Saint
Early / Mid / Late
Rank 10 – Divine
Early / Mid / Late
---
Aljeon nodded slowly.
"So the strongest person on this planet is only Rank 4."
[Correct.]
"And I'm Rank 1."
[Elite – Late Stage.]
He leaned back slightly.
"That means the gap is three entire realms."
If he fought the Grandmaster directly, the result would be obvious.
But Aljeon had never been someone who liked fighting personally.
Why swing the sword yourself when you could control the battlefield?
He glanced at the assassin kneeling before the throne.
"System."
"Yes, Host."
"Points come from killing cultivators, correct?"
A new panel appeared.
---
Points From Killing Cultivators
Rank 1 – 1 point
Rank 2 – 10 points
Rank 3 – 20 points
Rank 4 – 50 points
Rank 5 – 500 points
Rank 6 – 2,500 points
Rank 7 – 10,000 points
Rank 8 – 30,000 points
Rank 9 – 50,000 points
Rank 10 – 100,000 points
---
Aljeon studied the numbers carefully.
"Hmm."
"So weak cultivators are nearly worthless."
But that didn't bother him.
Because the planet had billions of people.
Even if only a small fraction were cultivators, the total number would still be enormous.
He tapped the throne slowly.
"I should test something."
He looked at the assassin.
"You will go down to this planet."
The assassin lowered his head.
"As you command, Master."
"But you will not attack randomly."
Aljeon's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Target criminals."
Murderers.
Bandits.
Slave traders.
Cultivators abusing their power.
If someone had to die for his system, it might as well be people the world didn't need.
The assassin nodded.
"Understood."
Before sending him away, Aljeon asked one more question.
"System."
"Yes, Host."
"How strong are the empires on this planet?"
The holographic map expanded again.
Five massive territories appeared.
---
The Five Empires
The Sun Empire
Golden deserts stretched endlessly across its territory.
Huge cities of white stone and golden towers rose under a blazing sun.
Priests in radiant robes led armies that worshiped the light itself.
Vibe: Bright, powerful, holy.
The empire believed the sun was divine.
Yet despite its glory, the system displayed another detail.
Taxation to Blue Phoenix Sect: 80%.
The empire was barely holding itself together.
---
The Iron Union
Snow-covered mountains.
Massive iron cities.
Endless mines and colossal forges.
Their soldiers wore thick metal armor and marched in disciplined formations.
Vibe: Tough, industrial, cold.
The strongest military on the planet.
Yet their people worked themselves to exhaustion.
Because 80% of their resources were taken by the Blue Phoenix Sect.
---
The Jade Throne
Green valleys and ancient palaces.
Elegant nobles.
Scholars.
Wealth beyond imagination.
This empire had ruled for thousands of years.
Vibe: Elegant, ancient, wealthy.**
But even they were suffering.
Heavy taxation had slowly drained their treasury.
---
The Storm Realm
An empire of islands and jagged mountains.
Fierce warriors.
Wild tribes.
Constant battle.
Lightning storms covered the skies.
Vibe: Aggressive, wild, unpredictable.**
They fought constantly for survival.
Yet even they were forced to send 80% of their wealth to the sect.
---
Finally, the system zoomed toward the last empire.
---
The Eternal Star
A vast territory filled with sprawling cities and advanced technology.
Massive highways.
Floating vehicles.
Endless lights shining at night.
Unlike the other empires, their culture was calm and forward-thinking.
Vibe: Futuristic, vast, and quiet.**
Yet even they were slowly collapsing.
Because they too were forced to surrender 80% of everything they produced.
---
Aljeon stared at the map quietly.
All five empires were being drained.
Year after year.
Generation after generation.
The Blue Phoenix Sect didn't even need to rule them directly.
They simply took most of their wealth and let the empires struggle to survive.
Aljeon chuckled softly.
"A parasite empire."
He leaned back on the throne.
But his eyes remained on one specific territory.
The Eternal Star.
Advanced technology.
Stable governance.
Large population.
If any empire had the potential to rise again…
It would be that one.
Aljeon whispered quietly,
"Maybe I'll support that empire."
But not yet.
First he needed power.
More power.
He looked at his interface.
Points Remaining: 90
Without hesitation he spoke.
"System."
"Yes, Host."
"Summon nine more assassins."
Dark mist filled the Ash Throne again.
One by one, nine assassins appeared.
Ten elite warriors now knelt before him.
"Your mission is simple," Aljeon said calmly.
"Descend to the planet."
"Find criminals."
"Kill them."
The assassins spoke in perfect unison.
"Yes, Master."
The next moment—
They vanished.
And somewhere far below, on a world of eight billion people and five struggling empires, ten silent hunters began moving through the shadows.
While far above the planet, sitting on a throne outside reality itself…
Aljeon watched the board.
Waiting.
Curious to see how many points the world would give him.