Making the Dragon and Tiger Ranking, Winning Fame Across the World

Looking towards the figure in red in the distance, Yu Tunzhou did not approach, but instead called out from afar, "Is that the heroine Feng Yan Lengfeng? Zuo Qiantao and Zhang Tianyang perished together. Before he left, he asked me to tell you that Zhang Tianyang and the others have joined forces with Deng Canglan!"

Without waiting for a reply, he walked straight into the depths following the black wind.

High above the ruins, the woman in Hongyi gazed at Yu Tunzhou figure without uttering a word, her gaze indifferent.

This person was just with Deng Canglan, but suddenly spoke up to say that he was there on behalf of Zuo Qiantao to deliver a message. I wonder what his trick is this time.

Moreover, this person is now braving the windstorm to move forward, clearly indicating that he possesses a [Heavenly Court Fragment].

Only nine Heavenly Court Fragment have appeared in the world so far, corresponding to the number of the Nine Heavens.

The Great Yan Family possesses two.

The evil sorcerer possessed two of them.

The Daoist School possessed the most, with as many as three.

The Buddhist School has no demands of the Heavenly Court; it is said that they have been searching for the location of the sacred Buddhist School site.

Of these last two, one is far away in the Northern Dark Sea, and the other belongs to someone overseas.

In the past, these people were elusive and impossible to find.

Only when the Heavenly Court appears in the mortal world can we possibly see them gathering here.

Was that person from the Northern Dark Sea, or perhaps from overseas?

Or perhaps, a new [Heavenly Court Fragment] has been created?

Yu Tunzhou braved the black wind as he advanced, finding it increasingly difficult. The black wind seeped into his flesh and bone marrow, like countless tiny knives gently scraping him. Even with the aid of Meditative Concentration meditative state, he still gritted his teeth.

If he wasn't mistaken, the three people he had encountered not long ago were all top-ranked experts on the Human Ranking.

That young man surnamed Deng, who can rival Feng Yanleng, must be at least a top ten prodigy on the Human Ranking!

Form Refinement Perfection, or has it already attained Divine Ability?

He hasn't even mastered the Form Refinement yet. If he relies solely on medicinal baths and Inner Qi nourishment, it will take him two or three months just to train his bones. Then he will need to seek harmony between his Blood Qi and qi to achieve full mastery of his Blood Qi.

If you want to catch up with these people, you have to be tough on yourself.

Yu Tunzhou set himself a small goal first: to first make it onto the Human Ranking, and then to become famous throughout the world!

Several days later.

Guanhai Commandery, Zhang Family East Garden.

In early summer, the sun was blazing, but the waterside pavilion in the East Garden was cool and refreshing, without a trace of heat.

Inside the pavilion, there were two large ice buckets filled with seasonal fresh fruit.

Having just finished his martial arts practice, Zhang Tianyang strode into the pavilion and directly asked the martial arts attendant arranged by his Lineage, "The Three Rankings haven't been released yet?"

The man beside him said in a deep voice, "Young master, the results were posted half an hour ago, and I have already sent someone to buy a copy."

Zhang Tianyang hummed in agreement, his tone intrigued. "Did I make the list?"

"Young Master currently lacks actual combat achievements, which is why he hasn't been included in the Dragon and Tiger Ranking. However, he has been included in the Dragon and Tiger Reserve Ranking this time. We're just waiting for Young Master to produce some actual combat achievements so that he can leap into the Dragon and Tiger Main Ranking!"

Zhang Tianyang shook his head unhappily and said, "This list has really too many requirements. I have now opened one of my apertures and possess the Ultimate Art of Observing the Sea. How can I be at the bottom of the Human Ranking?"

"It's difficult to judge a Form Refinement realm based solely on its pure cultivation level; therefore, battle records are what truly matter," Wu Sui said with a smile. "Young Master's strength is certainly sufficient. Once we set off to travel the martial world next month, I expect he'll quickly rise to the lower middle ranks of the Human Ranking."

"Mid-to-lower tier—" Zhang Tianyang sighed, his gaze deep, "They're far inferior to Feng Yanleng and the others. Has that madwoman's ranking improved?"

"That guy who fought Deng Canglan not long ago is now ranked fifth on the Human Ranking, while Deng Canglan is ranked sixth."

"They've made it straight into the top five?!" Zhang Tianyang exclaimed in shock.

The man quickly explained, "Two of the top five have reached the age limit, so they have been removed from the list."

Zhang Tianyang still frowned and asked, "Throughout history, how many people with Form Refinement Perfection have managed to rank in the top five of the Dragon and Tiger Ranking?"

"Not many, but there are always some," the man said softly. "It's just that this person's momentum is probably not just in the top five; he might even top the Dragon and Tiger Ranking with his Form Refinement cultivation!"

Zhang Tianyang's expression was uncertain.

He had been persuaded to cooperate with Deng Canglan to deliver a fatal Feng Yanleng Yan Leng, but unexpectedly, his plans backfired, and the encirclement was also thwarted by the storm.

He quickly suppressed his State of Mind turmoil.

It's too late for regrets now, not to mention that the Guanhai Zhang Clan and Feng Yanleng's lineage were never compatible.

He was prepared to hear some good news.

"Where do I rank on the Dragon and Tiger Reserve Ranking, and where does that guy Zuo Qiantao rank?"

The man chuckled, "Young Master's ranking is just above Zuo Qiantao's, placing fifth on the Reserve Ranking."

"Fifth?" Zhang Tianyang frowned. "Besides Jiang Yunshang, Gu Qian, Xie Linhai, who else is ahead of them?"

News travels frequently among powerful Aristocratic Clan; if a family produces a genius, the news will spread throughout the entire family in no time.

In particular, this trip to the Heavenly Court ruins has given a clear picture of the talented martial artists of the prime age from various families.

He had just listed three people, all of whom were stronger than him in terms of raw skill, but like him, they lacked experience in the martial arts world and had no real combat record.

Based solely on their actual strength, they could all be ranked around the fortieth on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking.

The number of 49 spots on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking is fixed.

The man said in a deep voice, "The number one Reserve Ranking is Yu Tunzhou."

"Yu Tunzhou?" Zhang Tianyang asked in confusion, "Which sect does Yu Tunzhou belong to? I didn't see him on this trip to the Heavenly Court?"

"Young Master, have you forgotten about Luofu Grotto-Heaven?" the man reminded him with a wry smile.

Zhang Tianyang suddenly remembered and roared, "What right does a martial artist who just emerged from his cave have to bully Laozi? Just because he's Immortal Seed?!"

Knowing that his young master despised those so-called Immortal Seed, the man quickly replied, "That's right, the Jixia Academy and the Star Palace have acted unfairly this time, which will inevitably provoke a backlash from the people!"

Zhang Tianyang took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and asked, "What was his reason for reaching the summit?"

The man dared not speak for a moment.

"Explain!"

The man had no choice but to bite the bullet and say, "The reason given on the list is: This young man has risen to prominence within Luofu, undeniably surpassing all Luofu peers and earning a place among the Immortal Seed; his talent is beyond question."

"Secondly, this young man first consulted the Martial Ancestor of Fist at Luofu Temple, and then unleashed his fist to disperse the Martial Fortune. The magnitude of his spirit and the weight of his Fist Intent are rarely seen throughout history."

"Given time, this young man will surely become another Feng Yanleng, Deng Canglan, or even— Lu Huaiqing! Therefore, his first-place ranking on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking today is well-deserved, and his future is promising—"

A sharp crack shattered the silence in the pavilion, and the man immediately fell silent. Porcelain shards flew everywhere, and cool tea leaves were spilled all over the ground.

"This is truly rare, a well-deserved honor?" Zhang Tianyang smashed his teacup, still finding it laughable. "Who exactly wrote this issue's Dragon and Tiger Ranking candidate list?!"

"This ridiculous reason puts someone who just emerged from the cave and has only just begun their Form Refinement journey ahead of me in line?!"

"Young Master, keep quiet!" the man hurriedly said. "This Reserve Ranking was personally compiled by Mo Shougui, the previous leader of the [Star Palace], and he is a close friend of the family head! Don't let anyone else hear this—"

"It's that damned bald Daoist priest—" Zhang Tianyang said through gritted teeth, his brows furrowed in gloom.

Star Palace.

"Junior brother, your decision to defy the majority and list Yu Tunzhou as the top candidate is bound to cause quite a stir."

An elderly man with White Brow spoke slowly.

Before him stood a bald Mo Shougui priest, none other than Old Mo Little Mo had mentioned, who had once appeared in Luofu Grotto-Heaven.

--

Mo Shougui chuckled and said, "The future is promising, the future is promising."

The White Brow old man glanced at him sideways. "That reason won't work."

Mo Shougui his eyes. The list has already been released; what can happen if it doesn't pass the test?

However, recalling the grand scene of thousands of peaks paying homage to the Great Mountain that day, Mo Shougui couldn't help but say, "This kid certainly deserves to be ranked first among the candidates; it's only a matter of time before he enters the top five."

The White Brow old man stood up and sighed, "So be it. It's already been sent out anyway. If there's a backlash, you'll have to bear the consequences yourself."

Mo Shougui glanced at the list in front of him.

Let's not even talk about the one from the Jiang Household; overall, he's not as good as Jiang Yungu.

Gu Qian, that kid, it just so happens that his master asked him to help keep his temper in check, killing two birds with one stone.

As for Zhang Tianyang?

Mo Shougui touched his bald head and couldn't help but recall the time he visited the Zhang Household in Guanhai and the brat who dared to mock his bald head.

Tsk, Little Mo is the most vengeful.

However, none of these are the reasons why Mo Shougui placed Yu Tunzhou as the first candidate.

The real reason was that Lu Huaiqing had found him before leaving and said that the ridiculous title his Star Palace had given him back then was simply unbearable, and he hoped that he could make some progress under Yu Tunzhou's guidance.

Mo Shougui sighed.

Fame is pressure, and pressure is motivation. Fish Yu Tunzhou Yu Tunzhou, grow up soon!

Return from Heavenly Court.

After resting for a night, Yu Tunzhou discovered the coordinates of the Southern Heavenly Gate were grayed out the next day, indicating that it was temporarily closed, so he did not stay at the Daoist temple any longer.

After bidding farewell to the abbot, he traveled along the Eternal Spring Mountain Range, crossing mountains and valleys, and after a week, finally arrived at the jurisdiction of Jade River Commandery.

From here, go north to the next prefecture city, and you will reach the Northern Plains.

On this day, Yu Tunzhou stood in front of the city gate of Pinghu County, waiting to enter the city.

When passing through the city gate checkpoint, we waited in line for a full half hour. The inspection was extremely strict. I don't know if this was the usual practice or if something had happened in the county town.

After finally getting to his turn, the city gate guard, after seeing his travel permit and credentials, was visibly taken aback, almost unable to suppress a smile, and his tone was much gentler than before. "This Daoist priest, is this your first time traveling?"

Yu Tunzhou asked in confusion, "How did you figure that out?"

The guard laughed, "A martial artist like you who has entered the country, and comes from a Daoist temple recognized by the Great Yan like [Eternal Spring Temple], why would you need to queue with ordinary people? You'll see, next time you should go over there."

He pointed to a spot about ten meters away, where only one guard was stationed. He hadn't seen any pedestrians for half an hour, and whenever a martial arts-looking fellow passed by, he would ask him questions.

Yu Tunzhou couldn't help but ask, "Is it the same in every county?"

"They're largely the same, but there might be temporary rules in some places."

The Yu Tunzhou— it was obvious.

"Oh, and just a quick reminder, Master Dao, there's a curfew in the city lately. After the drum sounds at 9 PM, you can no longer go out on the streets. Please be careful, because if anything goes wrong, we'll have to notify your sect, which would cause unnecessary trouble."

The guard held the road guide in both hands and handed it back to Yutunzhou. His tone was respectful but not flattering or timid, and he was just right. He was accustomed to seeing wealthy people and children of aristocratic families in this city gate all year round.

"Has something happened in the city?" Yu Tunzhou asked curiously.

Hai Shi, which is after 9 PM.

The guard glanced around, then glared at the guy behind Yu Tunzhou who was craning his neck to eavesdrop, and the guy immediately shrank back.

"Two things. First, something's happened at the Yuhe Zhang Household, and they're investigating throughout the city," the guard said in a low voice. "Second, there have been some heretical thieves from the Incense-Smelling Cult lurking in the city recently, and they're said to be quite skilled. Be careful, Daoist."

Yu Tunzhou nodded and tossed a piece of silver to the guard, who caught it with lightning speed, his smile and respect growing even stronger.

Has the latest Human Ranking been released?

"The county seat released its list four days ago, and ours was released two days ago as well," the guard couldn't help but say. "This time, there are quite a few new faces on the list, especially the Reserve Ranking, which I heard has caused quite a bit of controversy."

"Oh?" Yu Tunzhou's heart immediately felt itchy. "Where can I buy it?"

"Just find a teahouse or restaurant that's crowded!"

Yu Tunzhou thought to himself, "As expected of someone who guards the city, these are all experiences from the martial world."

He didn't ask any more questions, after all, there were still quite a few people queuing behind him, and strode into the city.

The guard watched Yu Tunzhou leave, then chuckled. Such a naive young hero was truly a rare sight.

He had heard of the name [Eternal Spring Temple] before. It was from the neighboring county town and had quite a reputation. He had heard that it had produced some extremely talented people in the past.

He put the loose silver into his pocket, and when he looked at the next person, his expression instantly changed.

"Take it one at a time, what's the rush? Are you in a hurry to be reborn?"

Walking through the city, Yu Tunzhou pondered.

Jade River Commandery is the territory of the Yuhe Zhang Household, and when it comes to the Yuhe Zhang Household, one has to mention that guy Zhang Qinghe.

He and Zhang Qinghe had some initial disagreements in the cave, but they had later reconciled. At the pre-departure gathering, Zhang Qinghe got completely drunk. Before collapsing, he grabbed Cao Jianjia's clothes and wouldn't let go, saying he would definitely challenge him fair and square in the future. In the end, Cao Jianjia, with a dark expression, dragged him down the mountain by the back of his collar.

Judging by the time, it's already late June, and the Luofu Dao Contention should have ended by now. I wonder if Zhang Qinghe has returned yet.

He wanted to ask if Brother Xie and the others had already laid the Immortal Foundation.

Along the street, Yu Tunzhou found a tavern with a lot of people in the world. As soon as he entered the door, he saw a birdcage hanging inside the store, with a parrot inside. He found a seat next to the window and sat down, ordered a pot of wine and ordered three kilograms of beef.

--

Are the Three Rankings of Heaven, Earth, and Man available for sale?

"Sir, fifty copper coins. You can browse freely here, but you can't take it away."

Yu Tunzhou taken aback. "Wasn't it one tael of silver?"

"Hey, this thing was indeed worth a tael of silver when it first came out of the list, but it's been a few days now, it's not worth that much anymore!"

Yu Tunzhou, tsk tsk, this thing is practically a bone-breaking weapon.

This price is much cheaper than the method that Brother Deng mentioned.

"Give me one."

"Okay! Please wait a moment."

Yu Tunzhou glanced around the tavern; it was quite crowded and noisy with so many people.

"Sir, the wine and meat have been served."

"These are the Three Rankings of Heaven, Earth, and Man, as well as the Human Ranking Reserve. Please take your time to look through them, as long as you don't soil them or take them out of the store."

Yu Tunzhou, pushed aside the wine pot and cups, casually picked up a few pieces of beef and stuffed them into his mouth, preparing to eat while watching.

"Yu Tunzhou! Yu Tunzhou!"

Yu Tunzhou nearly spat out the beef and suddenly looked up.

Who's calling him? Does he know someone here?!

His gaze swept over the sound and found it came from the parrot in the cage.

The latter was hopping around, flapping its wings, and calling his name.

This left him speechless.

How did this bird know his name?!

The men in the tavern couldn't help but turn around to look. One of them laughed loudly, "Boss, did you teach yourself to fly like that, or did you learn it from somewhere else?"

Behind the counter, the shopkeeper smiled and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, saying, "There's just been so much talk about it these past two days; this silly bird has heard it so much that it'll start imitating."

"Haha, I understand, I understand. This person suddenly appeared out of nowhere, becoming famous in the martial arts world before even entering it. Tsk tsk, in the past, only the top geniuses of each family would receive such treatment."

"This person's early life was nothing short of legendary, almost on par with that of the one from the Northern Dark Continent. I wonder if he'll become another Lu Huaiqing in the future!"

"Have you heard? Jiang Yunshang from the Jiang Household has openly invited that person to spar, but the person hasn't responded yet."

"What's there to respond to? This person is nowhere to be found; they haven't even shown their face yet!"

"No, who is this Jiang Yunshang? We haven't heard of any famous members of the Jiang Household in recent years."

"Look, isn't this it?" someone chuckled. "It's obvious they're trying to climb to the top by using Yu Tunzhou."

"That's right. In previous years, when each family's top disciple was born, there was always a lot of hype to create. Now, there's no need for that at all; it's all ready-made!"

"I've heard more than that! You've all heard about the relationship between the Jiang Household and Hero Lu, and this Yu Tunzhou is rumored to be Hero Lu's disciple!"

Yu Tunzhou's ears were already perked up.

He picked up a slice of beef and put it in his mouth. In his great mood, even this ordinary braised beef tasted exceptionally delicious.

As for Jiang Yunshang...

Jiang Yungu- gu's brother?

Want to step on yourself to get ahead?

Let's ask Jiang Yungu first.