I am a high-level martial arts master.

"Ninth place!!!"

"Where did this monster come from?"

"Ranked ninth on their first appearance on the list?"

"What term?"

Countless geniuses of the Universe Realm stared at Ye Li with astonished looks, their eyes revealing a strange expression.

Their eyes fell on Ye Li, observing him intently.

It's absurd that someone who's only made the list for the first time at around eighteen or nineteen years old.

He was probably of commoner origin, not the son of a genius or a grandmaster!

The significance of entering the Starry Sky Martial Arts Realm for the first time is different.

Because this represents the first appearance of these prodigies, most of those included in the rankings can only struggle to hover between 990 and 1000. To break into the top 900 is even more outrageous.

As a result, this boy actually made it directly to 9th place...

In an instant, countless speculations flooded the minds of these prodigies, the most prevalent being:

"Time extension ability!!!"

The so-called time extension is to stretch one's own time with the universe, so as to spend ten or a hundred times more time in a month.

For example, Ye Li's entry for "Swiftness".

It is achieved by swapping one's own time with the external time, so that the ratio of one's own time to the external time is 1:4.

These prodigies immediately became suspicious.

Ye Li's first appearance on the list was achieved through time extension.

After all, once you reach the level of a grandmaster, you can touch the mysteries of time.

This is exactly what they mean by "one minute of preparation requires ten years of hard work"!

There have been instances before of scheming martial artists who secretly worked hard in the secret realm for over a decade, then pretended to jump into the top 200 on their first appearance on the list to show off. And based on these prodigies' understanding of the forces within the Universe Realm...

In Zhongzhou, celebrate! Celebrate! Also! In the Three Kingdoms.

The most mysterious country, Yi Kingdom, which has the least contact with the outside world, wields the power of time.

There are even rumors that in the Kingdom of Yi, countless citizens are immortal! Everyone is born with innate qualities!

Some of the geniuses of the Universe Realm sneered inwardly, looking down on this behavior:

"Hmph, you've been secretly cultivating for over a decade, only to pretend to be a genius and get on the list?"

Just as everyone was pondering, a soft laugh rang out in the Starry Sky Martial Arts Realm, breaking the silence:

"Ah, it's the Heavenly Pride King. He made it into the top ten on his first appearance on the list. He must have put in a lot of hard work behind the scenes."

The crowd looked in the direction of the voice and saw a young man sitting leisurely to the side, wearing a moon-white robe embroidered with intricate star patterns and dragon designs in unknown silver thread, which was dazzling and exuded an air of nobility.

His long, slender fingers rested casually on the armrests, their fingertips rhythmically tapping the starlight-filled surface of the chair. His slightly upturned eyes held a condescending, scrutinizing gaze.

Beneath the young man, in the very center of the stone seat back, a number, written in a bold and elegant style, gleamed brightly:

[First Place]!!!

"It's Ji Xun, the number one prodigy!"

"Why is this guy directly attacking the newcomers?"

"That's right, I remember when Ji Xun first appeared on the Prodigy Ranking, he got 15th place. Now someone has entered the ranking at 9th, breaking his record!"

Following Ji Xun's words, the entire ranking list fell into an awkward silence.

Those newly listed on the Prodigy Ranking were puzzled, but the veterans who had been on the list for several years showed knowing and amused expressions. They all knew that Ji Xun was petty.

Or rather, it was absolute arrogance!

As the owner of the unique golden legendary entry in the universe.

Reaching the Martial Saint realm is merely his starting point; he has every right to be arrogant!

【I Am the Only One in All Realms】: Every year, he can forcibly bind himself and devour a powerful being of equal strength from the outer realms! This will cause his power, aptitude, foundation, talent, experience, and skills to double every year! This is an absolutely terrifying ability, far beyond what orange-level attributes can match.

Even compared to the "enlightened mind of the Dao", it is absolutely incomparable.

【Myriad Realms, Only I】represents that every year, Ji Xun will have a brand new cultivation system.

The upper limit of this cultivation system is no less than his strongest strength last year.

His aptitude, innate talent, and comprehension will all increase accordingly.

Even with bad luck, you can at least double your strength in a year.

If you're lucky, you might randomly get some incredible cultivation system.

For example, practicing the "Dragonless Heart Method" can greatly enhance one's strength.

Therefore, Ji Xun, who possessed such qualifications, was sought after by the forces in the Northern Territory on the very first day of awakening his affixes.

Even powerful figures from the other four domains crossed over to try and capture him.

The conflict, which had just ended after a bloody battle, was finally won by the Northern Jade Star Immortal Sect at a great cost.

There was no need for the list of the nation's most outstanding talents; Ji Xun's name had long been renowned throughout the Five Regions.

After three years of secluded cultivation within the sect, he achieved his fourth fusion with another self and made his debut on the Prodigy Ranking, ranking 15th, almost breaking the record in the Universe Realm.

Then, it took them a year to climb from 15th place to second.

After the fifth fusion of self and other, he publicly declared that he would fight Du You, the number one genius of the Western Regions!

The battle between the second and first place winners on the Prodigy Ranking attracted the attention of the Five Domains at the time.

For the sake of the two battles to come, the Jade Star Immortal Sect forcibly crossed a region, allowing Ji Xun to step over Du You and ascend to the top.

At less than 20 years old, in the prime of his life, he earned the title of the number one person below the Innate Realm in the Universe.

Revered by hundreds of millions of people, countless believers in the five regions worship him as a deity, and even innate grandmasters treat him with utmost respect.

Arrogance and conceit are to be expected.

But at this moment, under Ji Xun's gaze.

Just as he was dominating the rankings, Ye Li, this scheming fellow who appeared out of nowhere, actually broke his own record of 15th place and managed to climb to ninth.

This naturally displeased him. What kind of thing dares to be bigger than me?

At this moment, Ji Xun was filled with displeasure, staring down at Ye Li with a condescending gaze, his tone carrying the mockery and scrutiny of a superior looking down on a subordinate. Ye Li, of course, knew Ji Xun's name.

He first heard about the list of the most outstanding talents in the world a year ago, when Ji Xun defeated Du You and ranked first.

I've gotten a general idea of ​​the recent rankings over the past few days and I roughly understand why the other party is unhappy.

But what does the other person's displeasure have to do with me?

He was covered in breath as soon as he came in; it's all because everyone else spoiled him!

Ye Li slowly raised his eyes, his gaze calmly meeting that of Ji Xun, who was ranked first.

Instead of showing any anger at being offended, a smile appeared on his face that made Ji Xun somewhat uncomfortable.

"Effort?" Ye Li's tone was casual and matter-of-fact.

"To be honest, I'm a rather lazy person. As for cultivation, I'll just let things take their course. I should have known better than to work so hard. I accidentally surpassed Brother Ji's 15th place."

"Brother Ji, your golden attribute is known throughout the world, unlike me who is unknown. In comparison, it would be bad if people outside described me as a useless person with a golden attribute."

"Brother Ji, you won't be angry if I call you trash, will you? Hey, Brother Ji, why is your face red?"

Ye Li spoke casually, his expression concerned, seemingly indifferent, responding to Yin and Yang with Yin and Yang.

Upon hearing Ye Li's response, the expressions of the group of prodigies who had been watching the show became even more pronounced.

Although young people are not afraid of tigers, they were all very happy to make the once arrogant Ji Xun suffer a setback.

Upon hearing Ye Li's words, Ji Xun's breath hitched.

His fair skin instantly turned red, and even the fine veins on his forehead could be seen throbbing.

Since his debut, everyone who has met him has been extremely polite to him; even grandmasters give him a wide berth.

But at this moment, this martial artist from a small country who has just entered the Starry Sky Martial Realm dares to humiliate him in public like this?

"Good! Very good!" Ji Xun practically spat out the word through gritted teeth.

"I'll remember you! A mere ninth place, yet you dare to bark like that! You think you have the right to be arrogant just because you've only reached this point with a little bit of talent? Wait until you see me in person, and I hope your mouth will still be as tough as it is now!"

Ye Li: "Scattered soldiers!"

Simple bad breath, ultimate enjoyment.

"you!!!"

Ji Xun angrily pointed at Ye Li, about to unleash a torrent of curses, but was interrupted by a sudden, unusual event.

Buzz!

An indescribable, seemingly primordial power suddenly descended, instantly enveloping the entire Starry Sky Martial Arts Realm.

All communication of thoughts, fluctuations of the soul, and even the release of emotions were all gripped tightly by an invisible giant hand at this moment, falling into deathly silence. The space, which was tense just a second ago, instantly fell into a vacuum-like stillness.

Ji Xun opened his mouth, but the vicious words that were about to burst out were stuck in his throat.

All the prodigies, regardless of their ranking or origin, felt that supreme will at this moment.

"This is at least the pressure of a Grandmaster... or even a Martial Saint!" Ye Lixin said.

This willpower was many times stronger than the dragon girl's that he had sensed before; it was an absolute crushing defeat in terms of realm.

"What is Daqing trying to do?"

Many of the prodigies who had previously entered the rankings thought to themselves, "This kind of situation has rarely occurred before."

A sense of awe, stemming from an instinct for life, arose spontaneously, causing everyone to involuntarily suppress all distracting thoughts and focus their consciousness entirely on the depths of the dome where starlight converged.

It felt like an eternity had passed, yet also like a fleeting moment.

A voice resounded directly at the core of the soul of every prodigy.

It is vast, magnificent, and indifferent, devoid of any emotion, yet it contains an unquestionable absolute authority:

"quiet."

Just two words were enough to make the entire spatial barrier of the Martial Arts Realm resonate.

The voice continued to resound, as if proclaiming the laws of the universe:

"The Great Qing Immortal Dynasty has established an alliance with the various factions in the Southern Territory."

"On the first day of next month, the Southern Territory National Fortune Arena will be open for the geniuses of the five regions to compete."

"Those listed on the Prodigies Ranking of all nations in the Universe, regardless of their origin, can, based on their ranking on the list, draw starlight to descend upon the Southern Territory and engage in fierce battles to determine their superiority!"

"The victor shall enjoy supreme glory and inherit the destiny of heaven and earth."

Upon hearing that voice, most of the prodigies showed a dismissive expression.

The so-called "battle of the elites" is nothing more than a competition to pit them against each other for the top spot.

For a mere empty title, are they really willing to risk their lives and travel all the way to the Southern Barbarians to fight?

Does Daqing think they're stupid or what?

If we win, that's fine, but what if we go all the way there, all anxious and confused, only to get beaten to death? Wouldn't that be embarrassing?

But even as the group pondered, the voices from the heavens did not cease.

"The champion of the battle of the prodigies..."

Dao Yin paused slightly here before slowly saying:

"…Bestowed with the qualification to comprehend the Heavenly Tome: [Gathering Qi of Calamity]!"

boom!

Although their thoughts were imprisoned and they could not communicate.

But when the four words "Heavenly Book Secret Method" were clearly uttered by Dao Yin.

The expressions on the faces of everyone in the Starry Sky Martial Arts Realm all turned to shock.

fanaticism!

An uncontrollable frenzy!

Heavenly Book!

That is a legendary existence, containing the ultimate secrets that point directly to the heavens and the earth, and is an unparalleled treasure that martial artists dream of!

Its value far surpasses that of any grandmaster's lineage.

It could even trigger a war between the five regions, and for a Grandmaster, it might be more valuable than a talent with an orange attribute.

At this moment, the anger in Ji Xun's eyes was instantly replaced by a burning, almost greedy intensity.

The same applies to other exceptional talents.

Those ranked higher, such as the second, third, and fifth place, had sharp glints in their eyes, their fighting spirit burning fiercely.

Those ranked lower, though knowing their chances were slim, could not remain calm under such temptations, given the opportunity to participate in such a grand event.

"The Great Qing Dynasty...have they gone mad?!"

"A celestial book! That's a celestial book! A treasure even a martial saint would covet!"

"They just released them like that?!"

"We must participate, at all costs!"

Ye Li sat upright on the ninth purple-gold stone throne.

On the surface, he appeared calm and composed, but inside he was completely bewildered.

A heavenly book?

What kind of cryptic book is this?

Seeing the fervor on the faces of the group of geniuses, Ye Li knew that the Great Qing Dynasty had definitely offered an irresistible temptation.

However, his cultivation time is still short, and this celestial book must be something incredibly powerful; he is not yet qualified to access it. "Gathering Qi of Calamity... Could it be some kind of cultivation technique related to destiny?"

Ye Li's mind raced: "Go back and ask that dragon girl, she should know what this is."

At this moment, Ye Li discovered that the old dragon girl next to him seemed to be quite capable; that girl knew a lot of things.

The voice paid no heed to the turbulent emotions of the geniuses below:

"The rules for the contest will be relayed from Starlight to the Five Realms."

"You should all strive to improve yourselves."

As the last syllable fell, the absolute pressure that had enveloped heaven and earth receded like a tide.

The communication between voice and thought in the Starry Sky Martial Arts Realm was restored instantly.

However, the anticipated uproar did not erupt immediately.

Everyone's expression was constantly changing.

No one is paying attention to the so-called dispute between Ye Li and Ji Xun anymore.

Even Ji Xun no longer glanced at Ye Li, no longer considering him worth the slightest effort; his mind was preoccupied with the matter of the Heavenly Book.

The gathering time for the Starry Sky Martial Arts Realm is approximately within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

Originally, it was intended to give the geniuses of the five regions an opportunity for cross-regional exchange.

At this moment, however, they were so shaken by the news that they had no desire to chat and planned to relay the message to their respective factions as soon as they logged out. While each was lost in their own thoughts...

A young man looked at Ji Xun and said:

"Brother Ji, I believe you are also prepared to participate in this competition of the prodigies."

The boy's provocative words immediately drew everyone's attention.

His attire was out of place with the ancient-style environment around him. He wore a well-tailored modern white shirt and dark trousers. He had a pair of exquisite non-prescription glasses perched on his nose, and his eyes behind the lenses were calm and sharp.

Beneath him, on a stone seat, was written the words "Second Place".

It was none other than Du You, who had once been trampled underfoot by Ji Xun!

Looking at his defeated opponent, Ji Xun smiled calmly.

"What brings you here, Brother Du? Are you still brooding over your failure a year ago?"

Ji Xun's appearance left Ye Li speechless.

This guy isn't just targeting himself.

So he acts like this to everyone, always ready to breathe on them.

Du You's expression remained unchanged as he calmly said:

"After my defeat at Brother Ji's hands last time, I have learned my lesson and devoted myself to cultivation for a year. Now my strength is vastly different from what it was years ago, so I would like to cross realms and have another match with Brother Ji."

"However, since this competition of prodigies offers the Heavenly Book as a prize, why not take this opportunity to have another battle with Brother Ji in the Southern Barbarian Lands?" Upon hearing this, a hint of arrogance appeared on Ji Xun's face as he said:

"I consider this victory to be my for the taking; there's no need for you to fight for it anymore."

"But if anyone doesn't know when to back down and still wants to take risks, I won't mind defeating you again."

mad!

Unprecedented arrogance!

But this time, faced with Ji Xun's declaration, none of the martial artists were prepared to back down.

For the sake of the Heavenly Book, they were all prepared to put in their utmost effort and fight with all their might for a victory!

Looking at the proud Ji Xun, Du You smiled and said:

"Very well, I look forward to my battle with Brother Ji."

Ye Li stood on the stone seat, looking at the scene. No one was paying attention to him anymore, allowing him to observe everything from an outsider's perspective.

The time it takes for an incense stick to burn quietly passed, and everything before my eyes blurred once more.

As the starlight of the Starry Sky Martial Arts Realm dissipated, Ye Li's consciousness returned to the quiet room of the Azure Dragon Gang in Guangming City, as if he had only had a brief but intense dream. He opened his eyes, golden light flickering in them for a moment before settling into a deep gaze.

"How are you? Just now your soul was blown away. You were probably taken away by the guiding light of the Ranking of the Prodigies of All Nations. How do you feel?"

The remnant soul of the Dragon Girl emerged from the side, speaking leisurely.

After a moment of silence, digesting what he had learned from the gathering, Ye Li finally spoke slowly:

"What is this 'heavenly book'?"

"A book written in the heavens?"

The Dragon Girl looked at Ye Li strangely and said, "Why are you asking this as soon as you get back?"

Ye Li did not hide anything and recounted everything that happened during this spiritual gathering.

As Ye Li finished speaking, the Dragon Girl's red lips parted slightly, and shock and disbelief flowed from her bright dragon eyes as she said:

"Qing Kingdom would actually use a celestial book as the prize for this competition? What a grand gesture."

"So, what exactly is the Heavenly Book?" Ye Li asked.

The Dragon Girl remained silent for a moment, and then finally spoke:

"The so-called 'heavenly book' is actually epic text entries!"

Ye Li: Huh? ? ?

Hearing this, Ye Li was also stunned. Orange-colored entry? What does that mean?

Didn't they say that entries can't be given?

Seeing Ye Li's stunned expression, the Dragon Girl explained:

"Unlike the four lower-level affixes of white, green, blue, and purple, epic affixes are unique."

"As long as an epic affix exists in this world, there will absolutely be no second affix with the same effect. This is something even a Martial Saint cannot change." "You can think of an epic affix as a unique position. Unless the position becomes vacant, it can never be replaced."

The dragon girl paused, then continued:

"Although the Martial Saint cannot make two people sit in one fruit position, he can force the fruit position to remain vacant so that no one will follow him."

Seeing Ye Li's puzzled look, the dragon girl explained:

"All you need to do is break the fruit into pieces and destroy it. Once the fruit is shattered, no one can completely occupy it."

"Things that have been broken into pieces and sealed away are called celestial books!"

"The qualification to comprehend the Heavenly Book is to understand the core rules of the epic entries and obtain a unique cultivation method for each entry."