https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-244-Rising-Talent-Gale-Wind-Rankings/13026345/
Chapter 245: Two Months
Chapter 245: Two Months
In the spacious courtyard of the Chen Manor, two figures crossed paths, their swords flashing in the sunlight. One was Chen Mu's younger sister, Chen Yue, dressed in a vibrant outfit, while the other was Ning He.
Ning He had reached the Perfect Sinew Transformation stage, but as they exchanged blows, she couldn't gain the upper hand. Their sword lights intertwined, making it difficult to discern who was superior. Chen Yue, despite only reaching the Great Accomplishment stage in Body Tempering, exhibited stronger sword techniques than Ning He. Not only had she mastered the sword techniques of the Kan Water lineage, but she also possessed two sword skills from the Gen Mountain lineage.
"Yue'er has become so formidable."
"Indeed, Xiao He might not be able to defeat her now."
In the nearby pavilion, two figures watched the sparring in the courtyard. One, with a serene expression and a hair bun, was Xu Hongyu, while the other, wearing a light-colored skirt, was Yu Ru.
Both women intently observed the duel between Chen Yue and Ning He.
Yu Ru, now a graceful young lady, had fully matured, but her martial cultivation had only reached the Perfect Muscle Transformation stage, failing to advance to the Perfect Sinew Transformation level. After all, not everyone could easily surpass this hurdle, and her innate talent wasn't particularly high.
However, her martial cultivation level didn't affect her much. She still frequently visited the Chen Manor and often stayed there. Although it might be slightly unconventional for a younger sister-in-law to reside at her brother-in-law's house, Xu Hongyu and the others didn't pay much attention to such customs. The close relationship between Chen Yue and Yu Ru was even more evident.
Xu Hongyu glanced at the sparring between Chen Yue and Ning He, then turned to Yu Ru beside her, gently stroking her hair. "Little Ru, have you found anyone you like recently?"
"No, I haven't..."
Yu Ru's cheeks flushed at the mention of this topic.
In reality, at Yu Ru's age, having passed twenty without reaching the Perfect Sinew Transformation stage meant she wasn't destined for greatness in martial arts. Even as a direct descendant of the Yu family, she was already of marriageable age.
Her situation was unique. Aside from being cared for by Xu Hongyu since childhood, the fact that she and Chen Yue were like sisters meant that the entire Yu family wouldn't dare interfere in such matters. Chen Yue was Chen Mu's only sister, and her status in Biyu Province was such that even Prefect Xue Huai Kong would treat her with respect.
Moreover, Xu Hongyu had once proposed a marriage between Yu Ru and Chen Mu, an idea known to several generations of the Yu family. Although it eventually led to Xu Hongyu marrying Chen Mu, the fact remained that this had happened, and no one dared to casually arrange Yu Ru's marriage.
At most, they would let her choose for herself, but she had no such intention, so it was put on hold.
Xu Hongyu sometimes felt guilty about the situation she had created. Watching Yu Ru, she suddenly asked, "What if I asked you to marry your brother-in-law?"
"Huh?"
Yu Ru, who had only heard half of it, subconsciously wanted to say she had no intention of marrying, but upon hearing the latter part, her words stuck in her throat. Her face turned even redder, and she said, "Hong, Sister Hongyu, how could that be?"
Xu Hongyu shook her head. "It's not a problem. This is ultimately my fault. I know you like him, and in this Jade Province... no, in this Crystal State, there are few young talents who can compare to him. How could you not be smitten after frequent interactions with him? Even if he always treats you as a sister and focuses on martial cultivation, we'll have to wait for his return, and I'll help talk to him."
As the offspring of a Fifth Viscera Realm cultivator, one's descendants naturally possess extraordinary talent. It's only natural for them to spread their branches and leaves, continuing the bloodline. Moreover, Chen Mu was an unparalleled genius, almost unrivaled in the entire state. Not only in Biyu Province but also in the capital of Crystal State, there were countless influential families more prominent than the Yu family, all willing to form alliances through marriage with Chen Mu. Xu Hongyu didn't see any issue with this.
Furthermore, Yu Ru was like a sister to her.
She was concerned that Chen Mu might be too engrossed in martial arts and only treated Yu Ru as a sister. In the end, she could only try to see, even though she and Chen Mu hadn't seen each other for two years.
"But, but..."
Yu Ru's face turned red, and she stammered, unsure how to respond.
Just then, a clash of sword lights between Chen Yue and Ning He caught everyone's attention. They separated, sheathed their swords, and Ning He smiled at Yu Ru, "Don't worry, Little Ru. If Sister Hongyu can't convince him, I'll help. This isn't entirely Sister Hongyu's responsibility; Brother also has a part in it. Who else could be as impressive, making our Little Ru admire no one but him?"
"Yue, Yue'er..."
Yu Ru, embarrassed by Chen Yue's words, wanted to find a hole to hide.
The courtyard's onlookers couldn't help but smile at her.
Even Ning He inwardly exclaimed that Yu Ru was so lucky. Chen Mu's current status and position meant that if he had the intention, just in Biyu Province, families would eagerly line up their daughters for him to choose. Yet, only Yu Ru could be close to both Xu Hongyu and Chen Yue, and even Chen Mu treated Yu Ru as a sister, taking care of her.
Seeing Yu Ru's embarrassment, Chen Yue smiled and changed the topic. "Speaking of which, I wonder how Brother is doing over there."
Ning He pondered and replied, "The road to Amethyst Province is remote, so it takes a long time for news to reach here. However, yesterday's news was quite recent, and we might have a result in the next couple of days."
Recently, news had been circulating about the various young geniuses on the Rising Talent Ranking in Amethyst Province, but there was no mention of Chen Mu. If they hadn't obtained some information from the Seven Mysteries Sect, they would have wondered if he had gone to Amethyst Province.
As everyone's thoughts turned to Chen Mu, a maid suddenly rushed into the courtyard. It was Ku'er, Chen Mu's personal maid.
"Madam, Miss... there's news about the master. It's spreading outside, saying that the master is on the Rising Talent Ranking, and he's ranked twenty-seventh."
"The little girl spoke between gasps."
These words left everyone in the courtyard stunned, each momentarily lost in confusion.
"Twenty-seventh?"
Chen Yue's expression was peculiar, "Are you sure you heard correctly?"
Although Chen Mu had dropped to the thirties in the previous Rising Talent List, rising to twenty-seventh would still be an improvement. But half a year ago, she had heard that Chen Mu had gained fame by slaying demons at Cloudy Peak Pass and had already cultivated the Skyward Primal Concept. Even if he didn't make it into the top ten this time, he shouldn't be ranked twenty-seventh; it seemed too far back.
Could something unexpected have happened? For a moment, Chen Yue looked at Ning He and the others in surprise and uncertainty.
Xu Hongyu and Ning He were also momentarily stunned. They had been closely following Chen Mu's affairs, and they too found the twenty-seventh rank rather odd.
Just then, someone from the front courtyard came to report:
"The Wang family has sent someone to congratulate the master and offer their gift..."
"The Yu family has come to offer congratulations..."
"Protector General Xie Changfeng has come to offer congratulations..."
"Prefect Xue Huai Kong has come to offer congratulations..."
A continuous stream of reports poured in, leaving everyone in the courtyard astonished.
Although somewhat perplexed, Xu Hongyu reacted quickly, signaling to Chen Yue and the others to change their attire and head to the main hall.
In the main hall.
Not only were figures from Jade Province like Xue Huai Kong and Xie Changfeng present, but even the head of the Yu family, Yu Zuyi, was there at some point, chatting and laughing with the other families from the inner city.
"Grandfather, how come you're here too?"
Xu Hongyu arrived at the main hall and bowed to Yu Zuyi.
Yu Zuyi smiled warmly, "Chen Mu has accomplished such a great feat, stirring up all eleven provinces of the Cold Northern Circuit. How could I not come?"
What great feat? Xu Hongyu turned to look at Xiao He, who was following behind her, both of them perplexed.
Yu Zuyi noticed Xu Hongyu's expression and couldn't help but chuckle, "You don't know? Chen Mu defeated Zuo Qianqiu on the Celestial Cloud Veil Heavenly Ladder and claimed the top spot. He's now the number one rising talent in the Cold Northern Circuit."
This news left not only Xu Hongyu and Xiao He, but also Chen Yue and Yu Ru, who were hiding behind, stunned. Their eyes widened in astonishment.
Rising talent... first place?
Yu Ru glanced at Chen Yue beside her, whispering in confusion, "Isn't it twenty-seventh?"
Although her voice was low, and they were at the back of the main hall.
But the people in the main hall were no ordinary individuals. Even Yu Zuyi, a Bone Forging Realm master, let alone the Protectorate General Xie Changfeng and the Prefect Xue Huai Kong, both Five Viscera Realm masters, were present.
Xue Huai Kong was standing nearby, and a complex emotion flashed through his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. At the same time, he looked at the astonished Xu Hongyu and said, "Not only did Chen Mu, the True Disciple, rank first in the Rising Talent List of the Cold Northern Circuit, but he also made it onto the Gale Wind Rankings. He's currently ranked twenty-seventh, the first Five Viscera Realm practitioner to make it onto the list since the establishment of the Horizon Sea Pavilion."
Gale Wind Rankings, twenty-seventh!
Perhaps in terms of potential or other factors, it wasn't as renowned as being first on the Rising Talent List, but for Xue Huai Kong and the others, the Gale Wind Rankings held even greater significance. It represented absolute strength!
This was a group of the most elite individuals, second only to Grandmasters. Those ranked at the top could even rival Grandmasters, and their status far surpassed that of ordinary Five Viscera and Six Viscera Realm practitioners. They had truly stepped onto the ladder of Grandmasters!
This was an entirely different concept.
If Chen Mu had only topped the Rising Talent List, no matter how extraordinary his talent and fame, Xue Huai Kong, as the Prefect of Jade Province, wouldn't have personally come to offer congratulations. After all, in terms of martial cultivation, they were essentially on the same level. Moreover, Xue Huai Kong's position as Prefect and his family's deeper influence in the Seven Mysteries Sect meant he had more important matters to attend to.
But making it onto the Gale Wind Rankings was different. Even though it wasn't a true Grandmaster, it meant standing on the ladder of Grandmasters. His status was now comparable to that of the Inspector General Yan Jingqing. Furthermore, everyone knew that Chen Mu had made it onto the Gale Wind Rankings while still in the Five Viscera Realm, and his future achievements would not stop there. Going further up the rankings, he would even surpass ordinary Grandmasters.
Therefore.
Even the Prefect had to personally visit, not daring to be negligent.
Upon hearing Xue Huai Kong's words, Xu Hongyu, Ning He, and the others behind them in the main hall were all taken aback. They were all too familiar with the significance of the Gale Wind Rankings. Every name on the list was a renowned figure, and even the last-ranked was the Inspector General Yan Jingqing, a lofty existence!
The difference between the Rising Talent List and the Gale Wind Rankings was immense. The Rising Talent List was, at most, a stepping stone to the Gale Wind Rankings, and not every name on it would have the opportunity to make it onto the latter. But once on the Gale Wind Rankings, one became a true powerhouse capable of dominating an entire state.
Twenty-seventh!
Could it be the Gale Wind Rankings?! Seeing Xu Hongyu and the others also in a state of shock and awe, Xue Huai Kong couldn't help but sigh inwardly. It was a missed opportunity for the Xue family, but at least they hadn't crossed paths with Chen Mu in a way that led to irreconcilable conflict, unlike the He family, who faced annihilation.
...
At the same time.
In the Jade Province Prefecture's Inspection Office.
At the top floor of the hall, the interior was empty, but the Prefect Pang Xiangyun maintained a respectful stance, waiting outside. After an unknown duration, the hall suddenly flickered, and Yan Jingqing appeared silently, taking measured steps inside.
"Prefect Yan."
Pang Xiangyun immediately bowed and then handed over several intelligence reports, saying, "Prefect Yan, I've heard that Chen Mu, the True Disciple, is ranked first on the Rising Talent List and twenty-seventh on the Gale Wind Rankings..."
"Hmm, I've already heard."
Yan Jingqing calmly took the intelligence reports and booklets from Pang Xiangyun. He first glanced at the Rising Talent List and then placed it on the table. Next, he picked up the Gale Wind Rankings and flipped through the pages.
The first page.
'Wandering Hermit Hua Yunsheng'.
No sect, no school, a solitary figure in the Cold Northern Circuit.
(End of Chapter)
Title: The Rising Talent
Chapter 2:
"Yin-Yang Demoness Xia Yuge"
...A member of Harmony Sect, she specializes in the Yin-Yang Domain and is a close rival to Huayunsheng.
Chapter 3:
"Heartless Sword Lin Han"
...A disciple of Skyward Sword Sect, founder of the Heartless Sword Dao, and master of the Heartless Sword Domain.
"The top three have remained unchanged for over a decade."
Yan Jingqing flipped through the pages, making his way to the twenty-seventh.
Pang Xiangyun stood by respectfully, refraining from interrupting. He understood these were merely Yan Jingqing's musings.
Indeed, anyone listed on the Gale Wind Rankings had the potential to reach the pinnacle of martial arts, the Grandmaster level. Some, like Lin Han, were born in the same era as Jiang Changsheng and shared the same sect, but they were always overshadowed by Jiang Changsheng. Despite numerous challenges, Lin Han never won, and his martial spirit eventually faltered, preventing him from breaking through the Mystic Gateway and achieving Grandmastery.
However, after failing to reach Grandmastery, Lin Han rose again, reigniting his belief. He established a new sword technique, the Heartless Sword, and within a few years, he mastered the Heartless Sword Domain, claiming the third spot on the Gale Wind Rankings.
Others, like Huayunsheng, faced setbacks on their path to Grandmastery. According to rumors, Huayunsheng was attacked by a rival sect while attempting to break through the Mystic Gateway, managing to escape with her life. However, the damage to her Mystic Gateway was irreversible, forever losing her chance at Grandmastery.
Those at the top of the rankings were once potential candidates for the peak of martial arts.
Lower-ranked individuals, like Yan Jingqing, also had the potential for Grandmastery. Pang Xiangyun knew that Yan Jingqing had suffered a setback in his youth, falling into a romantic trap that left him despondent for a decade. Though he eventually recovered, the lost time cost him his chance at Grandmastery.
---
Yan Jingqing flipped to page twenty-seven, carefully reading each word. Finally, he sighed, "I once said that within ten years, he would reach the Gale Wind Rankings. I never expected it would only take two years... To cultivate the Heaven-Earth Concept is indeed a testament to his ability, insight, and determination."
When he heard about the Cloud Veil Peak incident, he initially thought Chen Mu would follow Qin Mengjun's path, focusing on the Skyward Primal Concept. But Chen Mu ultimately grasped the Earthly Root Concept, the strongest and most challenging path in the current era.
Domains are challenging to comprehend, but once mastered, they are undisputed proof of one's prowess, placing them at the top of the Gale Wind Rankings. This is not limited to the Cold Northern Province; across the entire Great Wilderness, they would be among the strongest below the Grandmaster level.
Passing through the Mystic Gateway is difficult, but once achieved, one can become the top martial artist of their era.
---
Chen Mu was unaware of the stir he had caused in the eleven provinces of the Cold Northern Province.
Alone, he stood atop the Celestial Cloud Peak, as if blending into the heavens and earth, continuously comprehending the mysteries of the Skyward Primal Concept. It seemed as if he might ascend to the heavens, yet he remained grounded.
Looking down, he noticed the peak was now empty, devoid of any Rising Talent List disciples.
Nearly a month had passed since he defeated Zuo Qianqiu and claimed the Celestial Heaven Sword Diagram atop the Celestial Cloud Peak. Below, a vast and thick cloud sea had once again enveloped the entire mountain.
The swirling clouds and dense Skyward Primal Energy created a pressure that was beyond what ordinary individuals below the Grandmaster level could withstand. As a result, Yuan Yingsong, Xuangang, and Huanyue had all retreated, unable to endure it any longer.
Only Chen Mu remained.
Though not a Grandmaster, his strength had reached the level of the Gale Wind Rankings, placing him among the top martial artists below the Grandmaster level. Additionally, he possessed a complete understanding of the Heaven-Earth Concept, which helped mitigate the pressure of the Celestial Cloud Peak.
He stood motionless, like an immortal, for nearly half a month before finally concluding his meditation.
"It's been almost two months," Chen Mu mused, rubbing his forehead as a strong hunger stirred in his stomach.
This meditation on the Celestial Cloud Peak was slightly less profound than his previous experience with the Ground Origin Green Lotus Seed. He remained aware of the passing of time, fifty-five days in total.
His meditation ended not solely due to hunger but also because the Skyward Primal Energy on the peak was becoming increasingly dense, making it harder for him to endure. He had thought his Heaven-Earth Concept would allow him to remain on the peak for an extended period, but it seemed he had overestimated himself.
While his Heaven-Earth Concept could control and suppress the surrounding Skyward Primal Energy, the increasing intensity was becoming too much for his body to handle. His organs struggled to circulate the Skyward Primal Qi, and his Primordial Energy was gradually depleting, unable to keep up with the consumption.
"No wonder only true Grandmasters can climb the Celestial Cloud Peak regularly. After passing through the Mystic Gateway, they cultivate various 'Martial Bodies,' allowing them to withstand even the densest heavenly energy like fish in water."
Chen Mu's heart stirred with realization.
It was about time.
Though he continued to gain insights from the heavens and earth, they were not as profound as his initial experience on the peak.
He summoned the system panel with a thought.
Martial Arts: Heaven-Earth Concept (Step 2)
Experience: 20,913 points
"Excellent."
Satisfaction flashed in his eyes as he recalled his journey. From comprehending the Earthly Root Concept in Amethyst Province to battling Zuo Qianqiu for the Celestial Heaven Sword Diagram and meditating on the Celestial Cloud Peak for nearly two months, he had accumulated over 20,000 experience points and could now perform two simulations of the Heaven-Earth Concept.
(End)
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