Chapter 49: The Champion of the Heavenly Pride Rankings, the Divine Maiden of the Celestial Pavilion, Jiang Xiqi

"You were chosen as the one to help me overcome my emotional tribulation; there's nothing improper about it. If you prefer the three of us together, I wouldn't object..." Ling Tian was momentarily stunned, listening to Chu Xuan's cool and distant voice, unable to imagine such words coming from her lips.

It was the kind of thing she could say, but Ling Tian felt embarrassed even to hear it. Three people together—did he look like someone who would want that?

Beside him, Hu Yunying's eyes widened in disbelief. This girl seemed so quiet and refined, yet somehow more audacious than herself!

Three people together—just the thought made Hu Yunying's ears flush red. She prided herself on being unconventional and straightforward, but in this matter, it felt rather improper. She quietly cursed in her heart, then nervously glanced at Ling Tian. Would he actually entertain such an idea? If so, would she agree or refuse?

"Ahem, Saintess Chu Xuan, there's really no need to be so... open-minded," Ling Tian coughed, rejecting her suggestion, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

After his words, he caught a glimpse of Chu Xuan's disappointed expression and couldn't help but twitch his mouth. "Wait, what's with that look of disappointment?"

After this little farce, they hurriedly tidied up their clothes. Xiao Ding, with dark circles under his eyes, had already arranged breakfast.

"Eat, then let’s be on our way," Xiao Ding said calmly to Ling Tian and the others.

Ling Tian twitched his mouth. Was there something wrong with this? Maybe not, but it sounded uncomfortable.

"Ling’er, here are clothes for you to change into, these are spirit stones, this is some spiritual energy, and here is food..." Xiao Ding fussed over Xiao Ling’er, packing her things as if he were an anxious mother.

A mother's heart is anxious when her child travels a thousand miles; how true the saying is.

"Sigh, Sect Master Xiao, if you’re so worried, why not just come along with us?" Ling Tian sighed, watching Xiao Ding follow them onto the Dragon Eagle, and couldn't help but ask.

Honestly, why not just leave together?

"In any case, safety is paramount," Xiao Ding said earnestly to Xiao Ling’er, shot Ling Tian a glare, and then stepped down.

"Father, farewell!" As the Dragon Eagle soared high, Xiao Ling’er, who had remained silent, finally broke down and shouted.

Xiao Ding watched the Dragon Eagle recede into the distance, wiped at the tears at the corner of his eyes, and thought, what a windy day...

"Is it really appropriate for this young lady to return with us?" On the Dragon Eagle, Luo Changsheng's gaze fell on Hu Yunying. He said nothing, yet conveyed everything.

Since they had left the secret realm, he sensed Hu Yunying's uniqueness.

There is a difference between beastkin and humans, and compared to Xiao Ling’er, there was another distinction.

"It isn’t appropriate, which is why we’ll help her first and then return," Ling Tian didn’t speak first, waiting for Luo Changsheng to raise the issue, so he could take the initiative.

He was certain Luo Changsheng would speak up.

"Well..." Luo Changsheng mused for a while, offering no definite answer—he couldn’t. How to put it?

The beastkin are not as taboo to humans as the demons are. Humans and demons are adversaries, but beastkin occupy a middle ground.

They have no clear allegiance and aren’t overly opportunistic. Whichever side is stronger, they lean toward, yet never strike harshly at the weaker.

Thus, humans’ hatred of beastkin is very regional.

"I’ll consult the Elder," Luo Changsheng said after some thought, then went aside to contact Luo Qingqiu.

Seeing this, Ling Tian relaxed. He believed Luo Qingqiu would not oppose his plan.

Ling Tian had weighed many things before acting, including the relationship between the two races.

The White Tiger clan was among the elite of the beastkin, and the Phoenix clan even more so. This matter involved both—if there could be a breakthrough, it would not be a wasted journey.

Furthermore, it concerned his own family...

"Are we really heading to the beastkin lands?" Xiao Ling’er asked, a little excited. She hadn't expected to go there so soon.

After all, her mother was from the Phoenix clan.

To visit that place, Xiao Ling’er was naturally willing.

Ling Tian nodded to confirm.

"Wherever you go, I’ll go; staying by your side is enough," Chu Xuan declared immediately, seeing Ling Tian’s gaze settle on her.

After all, her tribulation required her to remain at Ling Tian’s side.

"The Elder wishes me to accompany you," Luo Changsheng returned not long after, looking at Ling Tian with a peculiar expression.

He now suspected Ling Tian might be Luo Qingqiu’s illegitimate son. If he were only a disciple, how could there be such favoritism?

He asked what to do should the beastkin attempt violence.

Luo Qingqiu had only given three words: "Kill without mercy!"

This protective stance was clear beyond words.

Of course, Luo Changsheng would never say so in front of Luo Qingqiu.

"This favor will never be forgotten!" Hu Yunying straightened, her eight words firm and powerful.

Ling Tian waved his hand—everyone had their own motives...

...

"Do you think the Heaven’s Will Pavilion’s ranking of prodigies will change?"

"If the sleepers and reincarnates don’t emerge, probably not."

"Did you hear? The Ling family’s second Divine Son, Ling Xiao, has broken through to the Saint realm, possesses the Thunder Dragon body, and is unrivaled in battle..."

"The Ling family is always formidable; their talent is nothing new. I heard an unmatched sword prodigy has appeared in the Chaos Dao Domain."

"A sword prodigy? How strong could they be?"

In the Profound Dao Domain, beneath the Heaven’s Will Pavilion, many cultivators debated.

Today was the day the Heaven’s Will Pavilion released the Prodigy Ranking, so the atmosphere was lively.

"Fellow Ling Xiao, it seems the top spot on the Prodigy Ranking belongs to you!" Jiang Tian praised sincerely, gazing at Ling Xiao, whose purple brocade robe and handsome looks made him stand out.

The previous top spots had all been Ling Xiao’s, so nothing should change.

"Fellow Jiang Tian, you flatter me; your own strength is impressive," Ling Xiao replied with a gentle smile, as refreshing as a spring breeze.

"Don’t be modest, Ling Xiao. Among the younger generation, who doesn’t know you?" Jiang Tian said, paused, then continued, "The Divine Maiden of Heaven’s Will Pavilion has summoned the prodigies for a gathering. It will be an honor if you could share your wisdom then."

"Naturally," Ling Xiao nodded. His purpose here was precisely for the Divine Maiden—partly admiration, partly seeking the chance to become a Saint.

Sainthood was not easily attained.

"The ranking is opening!"

The crowd buzzed, turning to see yellow paper floating in midair, names appearing one by one.

Starting from the hundredth, each name drew exclamations.

Those listed rejoiced; those not, sighed in disappointment, lamenting their fate in an era of monsters.

For rogue cultivators, sects offered generous rewards to recruit them.

Ling Xiao sipped tea, seemingly unmoved by the Prodigy Ranking outside.

True prodigies always reveal a little, while hiding much.

"Second place: Ling family, Ling Xiao!"

The announcement shocked everyone—Ling Xiao was only second this time!

So who was first...?

Ling Xiao paused in his tea room. Had another prodigy revealed their true strength?

The previous top names had not changed; the order had simply shifted—meaning someone had risen unexpectedly!

"Interesting," Ling Xiao smiled, without jealousy or anger.

He welcomed rivals, especially among the younger generation.

"First place: Luo Qiu Holy Land, Tian Ling!"

"See, I told you—it’s that sword prodigy from the Chaos Dao Domain!"

The cultivator who had mentioned Ling Tian earlier was ecstatic, gloating to the one who had doubted him.

You looked down on him, but now he’s ranked number one!

"How could this be? How is he first?"

For a moment, Tian Ling’s name was on everyone’s lips.

His image stones were selling out everywhere.

Even scenes from the Flame Domain secret realm featuring Lin Chuchen were circulating.

He had fought from Dao Palace to King Peak, crossing an entire realm, as if it were nothing—truly rare.

It meant that Tian Ling had reached such cultivation at five or six years old, astonishing all.

As for how this battle was broadcast, it was thanks to Yan Chen’s efforts.

He didn’t want Ling Tian to develop his talents in peace. The tallest tree in the forest always faces the wind.

Fame invites trouble, as the saying goes.

"Tian Ling..." Ling Xiao murmured, finding the name strange.

"Interesting, very interesting—I truly wish to meet him!"

A fierce battle spirit ignited in Ling Xiao’s eyes.

"Xi Qi, you must help me. My brother and I depended on each other since childhood, and now his bones are gone. I can’t swallow this anger; I must have revenge!"

Inside Heaven’s Will Pavilion, Lin Chuchu pleaded, her face full of hatred, to the Divine Maiden Jiang Xiqi.

She knew her close friend could divine all things. Hearing of Lin Chuchen’s fate, she had rushed to the Chaos Dao Domain, but Tian Ling was already gone.

She was unwilling to let it go and wanted to know his whereabouts.

"Chuchu, listen to my advice—let this go," Jiang Xiqi replied, dressed in green robes, exuding immortal grace.

She could not divine Tian Ling’s fate herself.

With that, she left the room.

"This vengeance will be repaid!" Lin Chuchu clenched her teeth, eyes filled with venom.

...

"Achoo! I feel like someone’s talking about me," Ling Tian rubbed his nose, his words prompting the three women to secretly scoff. Everything about him was fine—except his mouth.

"Up ahead is the Profound Dao Domain. Beyond that lies the beastkin territory; we’re almost there," Ling Tian stretched, after days of travel, feeling sore.

The Dragon Eagle cried twice, its eyes full of grievance. Its wings were about to spark. Did anyone ask? Why don’t you fly instead?

"Roar..." Suddenly, a voice sounded and a flood dragon forced the Dragon Eagle to halt.

From the luxurious carriage pulled by the flood dragon came a mocking voice: "Well, well, no wonder you looked familiar—it’s my defeated subordinate!"