"They've all left?"
Ian Song flipped upright on his bed, sensing that not only had the black‑robed elder who snuck into the Song Residence vanished, but even the two obscure auras outside the estate had disappeared as well.
He'd also witnessed the scene where the black‑robed elder got slapped—someone had just slapped a Tribulation realm expert out of nowhere, and that elder surrendered immediately. That meant the one who slapped him was vastly more powerful!
Who did it?
The old man's face floated up in Ian's mind. Who else could it be?
Looks like my suspicions were spot‑on—the old guy really is playing dumb to hide his strength. But what level is he, anyway? Late Tribulation realm?
Or maybe... an immortal?
In the blink of an eye, a few days went by. Spies from other factions kept popping up around the Song Residence, but no Tribulation realm experts showed up again. Clearly, that night’s events had shaken everyone.
Of course, Ian Song’s name was spreading like wildfire these past few days—almost everyone in the capital had heard of him by now.
Just a casual stroll outside, and tons of cultivators would come up to greet him and pay their respects.
That day.
A Phoenix Heaven Church Outer Sect disciple arrived to deliver a notice to Ian Song: tomorrow morning at the hour of chen, he could come to the Phoenix Heaven Church Outer Sect plaza to duel Stone Shuyue, ranked 500th on the Rising Talents Ranking.
Stone Shuyue—female, just over two hundred years old, cultivation at early Soul‑Departure realm. Half a year ago, she challenged for the 500th spot and successfully entered the Rising Talents Ranking.
Since joining the Rising Talents Ranking, she has accepted sixteen challenges and won every time. She even challenged the 499th place once, losing by just a single move.
In the upper room of an inn in the Imperial Capital, two delicate‑featured young women were chatting.
"Junior sister, did you find out who tomorrow’s challenger is?"
The one called 'junior sister' was a girl in green, looking a bit hesitant.
"What’s wrong? Is the challenger really strong?" Stone Shuyue, dressed in white, saw her junior sister’s expression and couldn’t help but ask again.
Zoe Zhou gave a wry smile. "Not just strong—he’s ridiculously strong. Senior sister, you’re probably about to lose your spot on the ranking!"
Hearing that, Stone Shuyue was a bit unconvinced. "Why don’t you tell me about him?"
"His name is Ian Song," said Zoe Zhou.
Stone Shuyue had only just arrived in the capital today, so she hadn’t heard Ian Song’s name yet.
"Which sect is he from?"
"Not sure exactly which sect, but his cultivation is already late Soul‑Split. And get this—he just arrived in the capital and was immediately invited to Shangguan Manor, where he offended Haitang Shangguan’s admirer, Vergil Beigong...!"
Zoe Zhou went on, sharing everything she’d learned about Ian Song, getting more and more excited as she spoke—her eyes even shining with admiration.
Ian Song met their gaze and smiled, nodding politely to the two women.
"Young Master Song is so young," said Zhou Xiaoqing with a sigh.
"Indeed."
Stone Shuyue couldn't help but nod in agreement.
"The time has come. Stone Shuyue, ranked 500th on the Rising Talents Ranking, please come up to the stage," announced the Phoenix Heaven Church Outer Sect disciple.
Stone Shuyue's figure flickered as she landed gracefully atop the high platform.
"Now, challenger Ian Song, please come up to the stage."
With a single step, Ian Song landed on the high platform as well.
"Young Master Song, I know I'm not your match. Please show mercy," said Stone Shuyue, cupping her fists.
"Alright!" Ian Song nodded. This wasn't arrogance—his cultivation was already more than a major realm above hers, and his combat strength was something she could only look up to.
"Then I won't hold back—here I come!"
With that, Stone Shuyue drew her spirit sword and floated toward Ian Song, launching her attack.
Ding!
Ian Song flicked his finger, sending out a thread of qi. With a crisp ring, Stone Shuyue's spirit sword flew from her hand.
Stone Shuyue felt a deep sense of frustration, but she didn't make a fuss and immediately conceded defeat.
"I announce that the 500th place on the Rising Talents Ranking now belongs to Ian Song!" declared the Phoenix Heaven Church Outer Sect disciple at just the right moment.
News of Ian Song's successful challenge and entry into the Rising Talents Ranking spread quickly, making many current listees uneasy.
Ian Song had already issued a challenge to the 499th place and was awaiting arrangements from the Phoenix Heaven Church.
"Young Master Song, Elder Ouyang is waiting for you over there. Please come with me," said the Phoenix Heaven Church Outer Sect disciple with a smile as Ian Song was about to leave.
"Alright!"
Ian Song didn't refuse and followed him to a small courtyard.
"Greetings, Elder Ouyang," Ian Song said with a smile, cupping his fists in salute.
"No need to be so polite, Young Master Song. I'm just an Outer Sect elder of the Phoenix Heaven Church. But actually, I'm not the one you're meant to meet—come with me!"
"Alright!"
Elder Ouyang was very cordial, patiently introducing the scenery along the way to Ian Song, even faintly trying to curry favor.
After about half an hour, Elder Ouyang brought Ian Song to a grand hall. The smile vanished from his face, replaced by solemnity, and he called out loudly, "Outer Sect Elder Ouyang Tianyi brings Ian Song as ordered!"
"Let him come in!" came a gentle voice from inside the hall.
"Young Master Song, make the most of this opportunity. I'll take my leave now!" Elder Ouyang whispered to Ian Song, then departed. Ian guessed that the person inside the hall was likely a high-level Inner Sect figure, maybe even someone of greater status.