All the living beings on Douluo Continent saw the introduction to the Combat Power Ranking, their eyes filled with anticipation and longing.
As long as they made the ranking, they would gain the chance to become gods—to reach the hundredth level and ascend to godhood.
There was no living being in the world who could resist such temptation.
"My lord, can someone really become a god by making the ranking?"
Far away in Star Dou Forest, Di Tian gazed at the Sky Screen, his emotions beginning to stir.
Ever since Asura God had split the Dragon God in two, the Divine Realm had imposed a rule.
Soul Beasts could not become gods!
Every time he underwent a divine tribulation, he had failed.
That was why he hated every god in the Divine Realm, wishing he could storm it at once and make the Dragon Clan's might known.
"I don't know!"
"But there should be hope!"
"I can sense the power of the Heavenly Dao coming from the Sky Screen."
"This power is beyond anything we can imagine."
"Beneath the Heavenly Dao, even gods are mere ants!"
"Perhaps we can borrow the Heavenly Dao's power and return to the Divine Realm."
Silver Dragon King Gu Yuena had already awakened when the Sky Screen first descended.
She had been observing it ever since, trying to see if she could use its power to heal her injuries.
If she could recover completely, she would return to her peak and regain the strength of a peak Quasi-God King.
"My lord, do you think you and I can make the ranking?"
Di Tian was thoroughly worked up.
If that were really possible, then there was hope.
"If it ranks only those on the Douluo Plane, the two of us could definitely claim first and second place."
"I hope the Sky Screen doesn't disappoint me!"
"It's time for our Dragon Clan to fight our way back into the Divine Realm!"
Gu Yuena was a little excited, but she remained calm.
She could guess that this so-called Sky Screen was probably a game devised by the Heavenly Dao.
And if it was a game, then it was bound to have unknown loopholes and uncertainties.
The gods of the Divine Realm were already the Heavenly Dao's most loyal dogs, its most obedient slaves.
What if the Heavenly Dao changed its mind?
"The Sky Screen will surely give us hope."
Di Tian clenched his fists, silently hoping it would help him fulfill his long-cherished wish.
"Grandpa, it's the Combat Power Ranking. Anyone who makes it can become a god!"
"With your strength, you're sure to make the list."
Seeing that Tang Chen did not want to acknowledge Tang San, Tang Xiao could do nothing but steer the conversation toward the Combat Power Ranking.
He would have to figure out what to do about Tang San later.
If all else failed, he could reform Tang San, lock him up by force for a while, and then he'd be off the Scumbag Ranking, wouldn't he?
"Mm, with my strength, I can certainly make the list."
"Looks like even Heaven wants me to reach the hundredth level and become a god soon!"
"Though that old codger Qian Daoliu has a chance too!"
"But none of that matters!"
"Once I become a god, I won't have to fear anyone!"
"Hahahaha! We're going back to the sect!"
Tang Chen threw his head back and laughed, then turned to leave, giving no thought at all to how Ning Fengzhi and Yu Yuanzhen felt.
From beginning to end, Tang Chen had never taken the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect or the Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect seriously.
In fact, those two great sects weren't even worthy of being called the Upper Three Sects alongside the Clear Sky Sect.
Besides, Ning Fengzhi and Yu Yuanzhen were his juniors. As their elder, he had no need to show them any respect.
"Sect Master Yu, Sect Master Ning, I'm truly sorry. My grandfather has always been like this. Please don't take it to heart."
"Brother Tang is deeply grateful for your generous support. The three of us are one, and if you ever need anything, just say the word. The Clear Sky Sect will do everything in its power to stand with you and work toward our common future!"
"Once the Clear Sky Sect has moved back to its old grounds, you must come for a drink. We can discuss our plans together!"
Tang Xiao did not dare ignore Ning Fengzhi and Yu Yuanzhen. He quickly apologized to them and made his position toward the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect clear.
After all, the two of them had just given him such wholehearted support. He could not repay kindness with betrayal—that was not the Clear Sky Sect's way.
Besides, Tang Xiao had always wanted the Upper Three Sects to unite as one, with the Clear Sky Sect taking the lead.
Only then could the Clear Sky Sect become the true number-one sect on Douluo Continent and fight Spirit Hall to the bitter end.
"Brother Tang, you're too kind. We'll certainly come."
Ning Fengzhi and Yu Yuanzhen exchanged a glance, then returned the courtesy.
Tang Xiao's words reassured them, but also worried them.
Regardless, they had no choice now. They could only huddle together with the Clear Sky Sect for warmth.
Otherwise, they would face Spirit Hall's retaliation and be picked off one by one.
"Good. That day isn't far off!"
"You two, I'll be on my way!"
Tang Xiao shook hands solemnly with Ning Fengzhi and Yu Yuanzhen, then led the five elders away.
After exchanging a few polite words, Ning Fengzhi and Yu Yuanzhen also returned to their sects and ordered everyone to stay on high alert.
"The Combat Power Ranking. Interesting."
"Looks like I won't be able to keep my strength hidden."
"But it doesn't matter. As long as I can become a god and claim the rewards, nothing else matters!"
Bibi Dong could no longer contain her joy.
Becoming a god was her second-greatest wish, surpassed only by her deep love for Duan Changsheng.
"Grand Consecrator, you can finally become a god!"
"You've been waiting a long time for this day, haven't you?"
Golden Crocodile Douluo appeared before Qian Daoliu, his eyes filled with resolve.
No matter the cost, he would fight for a place on the list—even if he had to give his life for it.
He had already lived long enough. He didn't care whether he lived a few years more or less.
"Yes, I really have waited too long!"
"Becoming a god is my greatest wish."
"Uncle Jin, you have a chance too."
"Across Douluo Continent, there aren't many stronger than you."
"This nephew offers his congratulations in advance!"
Qian Daoliu excitedly patted Golden Crocodile Douluo on the shoulder, sincerely hoping to see him make the ranking.
Then Spirit Hall would have two people who had become gods.
"Grand Consecrator, I'll do my best!"
When Golden Crocodile Douluo heard Qian Daoliu call him "Uncle Jin," he was instantly moved.
He hadn't heard that form of address in nearly a hundred years.
It seemed he had to make the ranking, no matter what!
"Hey, Duan, how about we have a chat?"
Just as Duan Changsheng was putting away his Masked Superman outfit, a handsome young man responsible for overseeing the Sky Screen suddenly appeared out of thin air and greeted him with a grin.
"Sure. Come with me."
When Duan Changsheng saw him, his brows creased slightly. He took the young man to a quiet little tavern.
He could tell that this man was very interested in him, and had some kind of ulterior motive.
Could he have taken a fancy to him and want him to...?
No way. That wasn't his thing.
"Duan, don't be nervous. My tastes are perfectly normal. I'm not interested in you that way."
"I just wanted to talk."
The handsome young man seemed to have read his mind. He hurried to explain, afraid Duan Changsheng might misunderstand.
"That's a relief!"
"Go on, what do you want?"
Duan Changsheng secretly let out a breath and asked outright what he wanted.
No one visited the Three Treasures Hall without a reason!
This guy was definitely up to no good.
"It's something good, actually. But before we get to that, let me introduce myself."
"My name is Zi Chen. I'm the incarnation of the Heavenly Dao, and I oversee the Sky Screen Gold Ranking, adding a little fun to the world."
"I came to see you because I want you to inherit my position."
"If you agree, I'll use the Sky Screen to make you the one in charge of the Sky Screen Gold Ranking."
"From then on, you'll be second only to the Heavenly Dao. Everything in the world will be under your control. Even gods will be playthings in your hands!"
"What do you think?"