Although his Aptitude was acceptable, he neglected his Cultivation due to his single-minded pursuit of restoring his kingdom, ultimately gaining a resounding reputation but lacking commensurate strength.
Later, he gradually fell behind, unable to stand shoulder to shoulder with the main characters.
He even became inferior to You Tanzhi, completely degenerating into an insidious and cunning villain, relegated to a second-rate character.
Unexpectedly, in this world, Murong Fu could reach the top twenty of the innate ranking.
Is the Martial Arts environment here stronger? Or has he himself been enhanced?
Xuzhu wiped the wine from his face and advised,
“Senior Brother, one must not underestimate the heroes of the world.”
“Tianji Tower has stood for many years for a reason.”
“Besides the innate ranking, there is also a heavenly pride ranking.”
“The heavenly pride ranking lists ten people, all under twenty years old, and each has the potential to achieve the Realm of a Land Immortal.”
“There’s a saying in the Jianghu: Those on the innate ranking may not necessarily be on the heavenly pride ranking, but anyone on the heavenly pride ranking is definitely on the innate ranking.”
“That heavenly pride ranking is truly where peerless Prodigies gather.”
Upon hearing this,
Fahai's interest was piqued.
The innate ranking might be a mixed bag, but those on the heavenly pride ranking must be genuine Prodigies and Geniuses.
“Junior Brother Xuzhu, who is on that heavenly pride ranking?”
As a Transmigrator, he had long heard of various experts.
He wanted to see if any of the Geniuses on this list were future powerhouses he was familiar with.
Xuzhu slowly replied,
“The heavenly pride ranking has not changed for many years, as those true Prodigies have always been on the list.”
“Changes only occur if a more astonishing newcomer replaces an old one, or if an original member turns twenty.”
“The last change to the list was three years ago.”
“That change was due to Yihua Palace’s Young Palace Master, Hua Wuque, joining the list, ranking tenth.”
“As for the rest, Junior Brother is not clear.”
Hua Wuque?
Fahai was slightly startled; this person was indeed a legendary figure.
Hua Wuque, the son of the world's most handsome man, Jade Lang Jiang Feng, had his true identity hidden due to special circumstances.
He had two Masters, the two Palace Masters of Yihua Palace — Yaoyue and Lianxing — both top experts in the world.
Hua Wuque possessed extraordinary Aptitude and received the full extent of Yaoyue and Lianxing's teachings, making him incredibly powerful.
In the original story, he became a revered powerhouse, known as one of the “Peerless Twin Prodigies” alongside his biological brother, Little Fish.
His Aptitude was exceptional, inheriting his father Jiang Feng's talent and Aptitude, astonishing even the two Palace Masters of Yihua Palace.
Under the meticulous guidance of two Great Grandmasters, he became famous in the Jianghu at a young age.
The “Shifting Flowers and Connecting Jade” he Cultivated was Yihua Palace's most exquisite Martial Art, known as “Shifting Flowers and Connecting Jade, Invincible to Gods and Ghosts.”
This technique required exceptional talent, profound Internal Energy Foundation, and precise foresight.
Lacking any one of these three made it difficult to achieve mastery.
It was beyond the reach of ordinary people, yet Hua Wuque wielded it with ease, demonstrating his astonishing Comprehension Ability.
He indeed had the potential to challenge the Realm of a Land Immortal.
Yet, he was only ranked tenth.
Indeed, everyone on this heavenly pride ranking was an extraordinary individual.
It seemed this list was truly where the most valuable talents resided.
Far incomparable to the innate ranking.
He wondered if Nangong was also on this list.
Nangong was not yet twenty years old.
Judging by Li Yishan's comment: “Ten years in the pavilion, no one below, all beings above,”
she should be able to rank among the top of the heavenly pride ranking.
“There is also a Earth ranking specifically for Grandmasters, listing and ranking the top hundred Grandmasters.”
“And a Heaven ranking for Great Grandmasters, with fifty spots.”
“There’s even a god ranking for Heavenly Human Realm experts, recording all known Heavenly Human Realm experts in the world.”
Hearing this, Fahai was deeply moved.
It seemed Tianji Tower had profound heritage and was not simple.
To dare to rank Great Grandmasters and even Heavenly Human Realm experts,
how could they do such a thing without sufficient strength?
Great Grandmasters and Heavenly Human Realm experts, which one of them wasn't a highly respected individual in the Martial Forest? How could they allow themselves to be judged by others?
Yet, Tianji Tower dared to do so publicly, indicating the immense power of the force behind it, which should not be underestimated.
“Additionally, there is a rouge list for evaluating beautiful women.”
At this point, Xuzhu's expression seemed a bit unusual.
Fahai smiled, a monk could also have moments of infatuation.
“…Furthermore, there is a Divine Weapon ranking, listing all the Sharp Weapons in the world.”
“Anyone on the list can receive guidance on their Cultivation from Tianji Tower experts and enjoy discounts at their affiliated businesses.”
“The higher the ranking, the greater the discount.”
Upon hearing this, a faint light flickered in Fahai's eyes.
It seemed his guess was correct; the power behind Tianji Tower should not be underestimated.
Receiving their guidance was of extraordinary significance.
Tianji Tower, though detached from worldly affairs, was deeply intertwined with the human world, truly extraordinary.
“Tianji Tower's businesses are diverse, covering various Domains such as shops and pharmacies.”
“They even have dealings with the world's richest man, Wan Sanqian.”
“Tianji Tower branches are spread everywhere; wherever there are people gathered, their presence is found.”
“As long as one makes it onto a ranking, they can enjoy the many conveniences provided by Tianji Tower.”
“Therefore, many experts aspire to be on the rankings, not just for widespread fame, but also for the benefits behind it.”
This Tianji Tower truly had unique aspects, and more than just a few.
Fahai nodded slightly, his mind churning with thoughts.
While the rankings brought fame, they could also expose secrets and even invite disaster.
To mitigate this, they offered Martial Arts guidance and store discounts as feedback to those on the list.
This way, being on the list was both an honor and a practical benefit.
Who could refuse?
This move alleviated the concerns of those in the Jianghu.
Cultivating Martial Dao was inseparable from resources; as the saying goes, scholars are poor, but Martial Artists are noble, and not everyone had ample conditions.
Not everyone came from prestigious families or large sects.
Cultivation items were rare and hard to come by; if one could make it onto a ranking, they would have the opportunity to acquire what they needed at a lower price.
With such tangible benefits presented, who wouldn't be delighted?
Including Heavenly Human Realm and Great Grandmaster experts made those on the list feel even more validated.
The capabilities displayed by Tianji Tower were indeed not to be underestimated.
As the two conversed, the inn suddenly became noisy.
Everyone looked over, only to see a group of people dressed in Xingxiu Sect attire walking in.
“Senior Brother, the one leading them is the Xingxiu Sect’s Senior Brother — Zhaixing Zi, who is on the innate ranking.”
Hearing this, Fahai looked up.
The man was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a handsome face and a hint of coldness in his brows.
Zhaixing Zi walked directly towards their table.
Zhaixing Zi, Senior Brother of the Xingxiu Sect, Ding Chunqiu's first Disciple, possessed Innate Realm strength, and was listed on the innate ranking!
The ranking of Xingxiu Sect Disciples was not based on the order of entry or age, but solely on strength.
Zhaixing Zi being able to hold the position of Senior Brother and be on the innate ranking showed his extraordinary strength.
Furthermore, the Xingxiu Sect excelled in using poison; from Ding Chunqiu onwards, the entire sect was proficient in toxicology, employing vicious methods and committing numerous evil deeds.
Therefore, the Xingxiu Sect had a notorious and infamous reputation in the Jianghu.
As Senior Brother, Zhaixing Zi naturally carried this notoriety.
Everyone in the inn looked at him with expressions of terror, their eyes filled with fear.
Zhaixing Zi savored the feeling of being surrounded by reverence, his expression quite smug.
But when he saw the bald monk, his face instantly darkened.
The monk remained completely unresponsive, still drinking wine and eating meat, entirely ignoring his presence.
Zhaixing Zi's temper flared.
How dare a renunciant drink wine and eat meat?
What was most infuriating was that someone dared to ignore him?
Seeking death!
Anger surged in Zhaixing Zi's heart, and he slowly approached with a group of Xingxiu Sect Disciples, finally stopping in front of the table where Fahai sat.
“Monk, this spot is mine, now scram.”
Everyone heard this and, seeing that Zhaixing Zi was deliberately causing trouble, couldn't help but shake their heads and sigh.
This Little Master's luck was truly terrible; he must have offended this evil star somewhere.
Xingxiu Sect Disciples were always troublesome, each employing ruthless methods.
Among them, Senior Brother Zhaixing Zi was the most terrifying.
This Little Monk had provoked him, so his fate was likely grim.
But Fahai continued to eat and drink as if everything around him had nothing to do with him.
Zhaixing Zi's temper flared. In all these years, no one had ever disrespected him like this. This monk was simply tired of living!
“Little Bald Donkey, didn't you hear me tell you to scram?”
“Do you want me to give you some poison to liven things up?”
A sinister smile appeared on Zhaixing Zi's lips.
Every member of the Xingxiu Sect was skilled in using poison, and as Ding Chunqiu's head Disciple, he was a Master of this Dao.
Many Jianghu figures, even stronger than him, had fallen victim to his poisons and lost their lives with just a moment of carelessness.
How long could an unknown Little Bald Donkey last?
He was the Senior Brother of the Xingxiu Sect; who wouldn't be respectful when they saw him?
Wherever he went, no one dared to disobey his words.
Yet, this monk dared to ignore him!
Even if he was poisoned to death, he could only blame himself for seeking death.
Fahai's expression remained calm, completely unfazed.
But Xuzhu couldn't bear this situation.
At this point, he had not yet had his fortuitous encounter; he was just a Little Monk who had Cultivated Martial Arts for three years.
His Aptitude was mediocre, and after three years, he hadn't developed any real skills.
Facing the famous Zhaixing Zi, Xuzhu felt a chill in his heart.
He whispered a warning, “Senior Brother Fahai, it's about time we left.”
Fahai, however, remained unmoved, still devouring his food with relish.
This action completely enraged Zhaixing Zi!
His voice was cold, filled with killing intent:
“Since you seek death, don't blame me for being merciless!”
As soon as he spoke, the surrounding people immediately scattered, fearing involvement.
That monk was doomed; they didn't want to get dragged into it.
Looking at Fahai from afar, a hint of pity arose in everyone's hearts.
What a shame for such a fine young monk.
It was said that Zhaixing Zi's methods against enemies were always vicious; first, he would cripple their Martial Arts, then feed them potent poisons, leaving them wishing for death but unable to die.
The Xingxiu Sect's use of poison was unparalleled, and very few people who encountered it lived to tell the tale.
This monk was truly foolish today.
Xuzhu was already too scared to speak a complete sentence:
“Senior Brother… let's go quickly.”
The Xingxiu Sect, Zhaixing Zi, these people were indeed not easy to deal with.
Fahai put down his chopsticks and casually wiped his mouth.
“They are nothing but a pack of stray dogs, spoiling my appetite. Just kill them.”
“What's there to be afraid of?”
Zhaixing Zi sneered, “What a sharp-tongued Little Monk! I'd like to see if you truly have such ability!”
“You, go! Cripple his limbs and turn him into a human stick!”
Zhaixing Zi casually ordered a Disciple, whose Cultivation was in the Acquired Realm, to attack.
He saw that Fahai was too young and had no aura of a strong person.
In his opinion, he was at most an ordinary Acquired Martial Artist, not worth his personal attention.
He could just send any Disciple to deal with it.
The named Disciple immediately rushed forward.
He snarled, “Little Bald Donkey, remember in your next life not to speak carelessly and provoke those you shouldn't!”
With that, he unleashed a palm strike, aiming directly at Fahai's vital points.
Just as everyone averted their gaze, holding their breath for Fahai, believing him to be certainly dead.
Fahai, however, raised his hand and also struck out with a palm!
In an instant, the Xingxiu Sect Disciple's head exploded like a bursting melon!
He was actually smashed to pieces by Fahai's palm!
In a flash, the entire place fell silent, a deathly hush!
Everyone was stunned on the spot!
This scene left Xuzhu dumbfounded, and he gasped sharply, looking at Fahai with an expression of disbelief.
How could this be!
He had originally thought that this Senior Brother Fahai, being so young, would naturally not have very high strength.
Who would have thought, he would give him such a great shock!
One palm strike killed an Acquired Realm expert!
His strength was clearly underestimated!
Xuzhu's heart trembled incessantly.
Even more surprising was that this Senior Brother Fahai was not only strong but also utterly merciless in his methods!
He directly smashed a person's head, causing brains to splatter everywhere!
On Shaoshi Mountain, in the temple where Xuzhu resided, there were also many experts and Seniors, but they never resorted to killing.
Even when facing villains, they would only subdue or injure them.
Someone like Fahai, who so cleanly and decisively took a life, and in such a bloody manner, was unheard of.
This left Xuzhu momentarily unable to recover.