Three Years (II)

Cangxuan, autumn of the third year of Yongning.

Luoyang, the Office of the Grand Zhongzheng.

A nine-story building stands in the east of Luoyang, its entire body a bluish-gray, with flying eaves and brackets, exuding a magnificent aura.

A huge stone tablet stands in front of the building, with three large characters engraved on it. "Hidden Dragon Rankings," also known as "Under-Heaven Wind and Cloud Rankings."

It was established by the Cangxuan Chen Clan, who have been in charge of the Nine Ranks Zhongzheng System of Evaluation for generations, in conjunction with many immortal clans and the ruling court.

Every hundred years, the Chen Clan would release a list to evaluate cultivators across the land, even ranking the immortals and granting them some shady distribution rights.

The Under-Heaven Wind and Cloud Rankings (Hidden Dragon Rankings) is divided into the Foundation Establishment Profound Rankings and the Purple Mansion Earth Rankings, each listing one hundred people.

Those who make it onto the Foundation Establishment are all the cream of the crop among the younger generation in Cangxuan. Those who make it into the top ten are the objects of contention among various forces, and are known as the kings of the younger generation.

Of course, compared to the high-ranking cultivators in the heavens, the Foundation Establishment is nothing more than an ant, so it can only be given a little more attention.

Those who make it into the top three of the Earth Rankings and are fortunate enough to survive are almost guaranteed a future Golden Core Heavenly Rank, destined to be beings who stir up the winds and clouds of the world.

Today is the day the Profound Rankings is released.

The area in front of the Chiang Kai-shek's residence was packed with people.

There were immortal disciples, Rogue Cultivator from humble backgrounds, sect elders, and imperial officials.

Everyone looked up at the nine-story building.

On the rooftop, a figure slowly emerged.

The head of the Chen family, Chen Jiuping, Purple Mansion Peak and is a Grand Righteous Official of this generation.

He stood with his hands behind his back, looking down at the dense crowd below, and spoke calmly.

"In the third year of Yongning, the Under-Heaven Wind and Cloud Rankings and the Foundation Establishment Profound Rankings were opened."

He raised his hand and waved.

A golden light shot out from the rooftop, transforming into a giant scroll that hung in mid-air.

The scroll slowly unfurled.

One name after another appeared, and everyone held their breath, staring intently at the scroll.

Tenth place: Wang Jingzhi of the Langya Wang Clan. Commentary: His fury is like the raging flames of the Nine Netherworlds, his sharpness domineering.

Ninth place: Chen Hui of the Yingchuan Chen Clan. Comment: Steadfast as a mountain, as stable as a rock.

Eighth place: Xiao Mingjing of the Xiaqi Xiao Clan. Comment: Cold to the bone, arrogant and aloof.

Seventh place --

Three words appeared on the scroll.

Ye Jinyu

The commentary followed immediately. "Jinyu is a beautiful jade. It can be called the precious jade of the Ye Clan."

Based on the Bifeng Yin Fire, he established the Pure Yin Calamity Dao Foundation. In the Battle of Wind Abyss, his advances and retreats were measured, his plans far-reaching. Though he hasn't yet made a move, his momentum is already established. If this child grows up, he will surely become a powerful figure.

A murmur arose from the crowd.

"Ye Jinyu? The young master of the Ye Clan!"

"He reached the Foundation Establishment Late Stage in just three years and ranked seventh on the Hidden Dragon Rankings?!"

"You don't know what happened in the Wind Abyss Ruin Realm? Sima Ruiming was crippled by him, yet this Young Master Ye escaped unscathed. He's no ordinary person!"

"That's true... but only seventh? Who are the top six?"

The scroll continues to unfurl.

Sixth place: Xie Clan Xie Daoyun. Commentary: A phoenix soaring through the heavens, a dragon among lakes. Xie Qingying's cousin, Foundation Establishment Late Stage, with exquisite water magic.

Fifth place: Wang Maohong of the Langya Wang Clan. Commentary: Flowing Light Heavenly Fire, fast, accurate and ruthless. A scholar's appearance with the heart of a warrior. Tempered by the Wind Abyss and abysses, he becomes ever sharper.

Fourth place: Chen Yingchuan Chen Clan of Chen Yi. Commentary: The Yellow Sand Cold Moon, he walks alone in the dark. This child has a deep and unfathomable nature.

Third place --

The scroll shone brightly.

Sima Chengming.

Commentary: "A direct descendant of the Sima Clan, the youngest brother of the current supreme being. At the Foundation Establishment Peak, he had a fortuitous encounter in his youth, unexpectedly obtaining the Thunderous Qi of the Nine Heavens, thus achieving the [Purple Thunder Profound Vista] Dao Foundation. This person rarely makes a move, yet he wins every battle. It is said that his Thunder Method has reached the divine level, making him virtually invincible below the Purple Mansion level."

An uproar erupted in the crowd.

"Sima Chengming? Isn't he... Purple Mansion?"

Pfft—Suddenly someone chuckled softly.

"Purple Mansion? He cultivates the Nine Heavens Thunder? His virtues are inconsistent, his State of Mind is incomplete, and he is unable to break through ignorance. He was lucky to break through the realm in the past, but he never expected... he never expected to become the first cultivator who fell into the realm and is still alive."

And this time... they actually lost their number one spot on the Hidden Dragon Profound Rankings! They even dropped to third place?

"Be careful what you say! The Sima Clan is, after all, the imperial family!"

Second place --

Xiao Xianyun

Comment: "Xiaqi Xiao Clan, Golden Light Sword Physique. Foundation Establishment Peak, even comprehended sword intent. In terms of combat strength, this person could be considered the number one Foundation Establishment."

"Xiao Xianyun! A complete sword maniac!"

"He's only second? Then who's first?"

Everyone's anticipation grew even stronger.

The scroll slowly unfurled.

First place--

Sima Linxun!

The room fell silent after the comments were made.

Immediately, a deafening scream erupted.

"Sima Linxun!"

"It's that legendary number one genius of the Sima Clan!"

"Wasn't he supposed to be in seclusion? How did he get on the list?"

The commentary on the scroll was very long.

"Sima Linxun, the grandson of Sima Honglin, and the eldest son of the current Emperor of the Sima Clan, is fifteen years old and at the Foundation Establishment Peak. He draws upon the Spring Rain Thunder Gang, which All Things Live and Water Vein Marsh Spirit, thus forging the foundation of the Dao of Creation."

He forged the [Spring Rain Hong Method]! This person Foundation Establishment at the age of ten, Foundation Establishment Middle Stage age of twelve, and Foundation Establishment Peak at the age of fifteen.

The Sima Clan made an exception and was granted the title of king!

That's right, Foundation Establishment and Conferment of Kingship! And he's even being conferred the title of Prince of Wei!!

It is said that he was already capable of breaking through to the Purple Mansion realm, but he suppressed his cultivation level to hone his foundation. In terms of talent, he is the best in Cangxuan over the past century. In terms of combat strength, no one below the Purple Mansion can rival him. Therefore, he is ranked first on the Foundation Establishment Rankings.

Someone in the crowd murmured.

"Spring Rain Hong Method... Sima Linxun... The character 'Lin' is so precious! It's... the title of that True Lord of the Sima Clan... What an honor!?"

"Shh, keep your voice down, are you out of your mind?"

The scroll continued to unfurl, but this time, attention was drawn to the seventeenth position.

Zhengxian!

The Youyan Fierce Bow!

Commentary: "Born a hunter from Youyan, he entered the Dao through archery and is now in the Foundation Establishment Late Stage. In the Wind Abyss Ruin Realm, he defeated Ye Anlan with one arrow, injured Ye Jinxuan with one arrow, and repelled Ye Jinming with one arrow, gaining fame with just three arrows. This young man's archery skills are fast, accurate, and ruthless. If properly trained, his future is limitless. However, due to his humble origins, he is currently ranked seventeenth."

Someone scoffed.

"A hunter? Ranked seventeenth?"

"How dare the Chen Clan defy public opinion! When did they become so indiscriminate in their dealings with people?"

"Hmph, a poor family is a poor family. So what if they're talented? Without resources, without Cultivation Method, without powerful backers, they'll just fade into obscurity sooner or later."

Yangzhou, the Cloud Mist Ye Clan.

Ye Jinyu stood in the courtyard, looking at the copy of the Langya List in her hand, her face expressionless.

Ye Jinming stood beside him and smiled.

"Young Master, seventh place is already quite good. To be in the top ten on your first appearance on the list, there are only a handful in Cangxuan."

Ye Jinyu remained silent.

He just looked at the review.

"Ye Clan's precious jade?!"

Baoyu? His plans are far-reaching... Though he hasn't made a move yet, his influence is already established...

Ye Jinyu smiled.

"Chen Clan, you certainly know how to flatter."

Ye Jinming said, "Young Master, why do you say that?! The Chen Clan is certainly objective and fair! All the cultivators in the world are in their eyes. You can't hide it if you want to."

"Sima Linxun... have you ever seen this person before?"

Ye Jinming shook his head.

"Never seen him. It's said he's been in seclusion and never shows his face. It's said that he's the most powerful Sima Clan in this generation. Although people like Sima Ruiming are also geniuses, compared to him, they're like clouds and mud."

Ye Jinyu remained silent for a moment.

"Spring Rain Hong Method..."

He murmured.

"Interesting."

Ye Jinyu glanced at him.

"Speak your mind."

Ye Jinming took a deep breath.

"Young Master, what should we do next? The Cangxuan River is unfathomable... The True Lord has instructed you to act as you see fit."

Ye Jinyu raised her hand to interrupt him and said softly.

Yangzhou.

Yangzhou?

"Yes." Ye Jinyu nodded. "Fourth Uncle is the Governor of Yangzhou. Yangzhou, specifically Guangling, is located in the heart of Jiangnan, close to Huainan. He can make immediate decisions about any disturbances."

Then, Ye Jinyu raised her head and looked north.

Looking towards Luoyang, the capital city.

Three years have passed; time flies.

"I wonder what kind of person Sima Linxun is, who dares to accept the title of Prince of Wei?"

Luoyang, the residence of the Prince of Wei.

In a secluded courtyard, a young boy stood with his hands behind his back.

He was dressed in a black robe adorned with gold and jade, his face exceptionally handsome. He possessed the radiance of a celestial being descended to earth, as bright as the moon, yet also the deep and focused gaze of a hawk or wolf from the Sima Clan.

Of course, what stands out most is his composure beyond his years.

This person was none other than Sima Linxun.

He also had a copy of the Hidden Dragon Profound Rankings in his hand.

He stared blankly at the top name on the list.

"First," he murmured.

Behind him, the old servant bowed and asked, "Your Highness, are there any candidates on this list who catch your eye? What do you think?"

Sima Linxun did not answer.

He simply raised his head and looked up at the sky.

Thunderclouds churned in the sky.

He raised his hand and gently shook it.

A bolt of lightning descended from the sky, landing in his palm and transforming into a purple lightning dragon that coiled and swirled.

"Ye Jinyu," he suddenly spoke.

The old servant was taken aback.

"Does Your Highness know this person?"

Sima Linxun shook his head.

"I don't know him."

He looked at the thunder dragon in his palm, a smile playing on his lips.

"But we'll get to know each other someday."

He raised his hand, and the thunder dragon vanished.

He turned and walked deeper into the courtyard.

The old servant watched his retreating figure, wanting to say something but holding back.

In the end, all he did was bow deeply.

Luoyang, the imperial court.

The young Emperor Sima sat high on his throne, his crown obscuring most of his face, making it impossible to see his expression.

Sima Chengzhong was the eldest son of Sima Honglin. The Sima Clan decided to support him as the emperor, the supreme ruler of the secular world.

It wasn't that he was particularly talented or exceptionally gifted; it was simply because his father was a powerful and influential True Lord, and his eldest son was the most outstanding prodigy of the Sima Clan, as well as his father Sima Honglin's most beloved descendant.

He's never really been comfortable sitting here.

The people below the court were making a lot of noise, and he couldn't quite understand what they were saying. He only knew that they were always arguing, always quarreling, and always saying things he couldn't understand.

They're arguing again today!

"To connect the north and south, we need a canal! Digging a canal is the most important thing right now!" an old minister in purple robes declared passionately.

"Your Majesty, the wealth of Jiangnan is unparalleled. If a Grand Canal could be built connecting the north and south, then grain from Jiangnan could reach Luoyang directly, and the wealth of Jiangnan could fill the national treasury!"

"This is a feat that will last for generations, a legacy that will endure for eternity!"

Behind him, dozens of people echoed his sentiments.

"I second that proposal!"

"Once the canal is opened, the north and south will be united, and the country will be forever secure!"

On the other side, someone stood up to refute this.

"Open the river? Easier said than done!"

Where did the tens of millions of laborers come from? Where did the hundreds of millions of Spirit Stone come from? The Northern Frontier suffering from a severe drought, You and Bing and Bing are plagued by locusts, and the Luo River has dried up—all these things have been rendered utterly useless!

"Are you trying to kill enough people by opening the river now?"

"Absurd!" the old minister in purple robes glared angrily. "It is precisely because of these frequent disasters that such a large-scale project is necessary! Work-for-relief has saved countless lives! You are all short-sighted; how could you possibly understand such a grand plan!"

The two factions argued endlessly, spitting as they spoke.

Sima Chengzhong looked at his ministers and felt exhausted.

He looked down and saw his own imperial robe.

On the hem of the imperial robe, there was a dried, dark red stain.

That was blood.

It is the blood of an old minister.

The old minister returned from the Northern Frontier, barely clinging to life.

Ignoring his own safety, he knelt straight down at his own feet, covered in blood, screaming hoarsely.

"Your Majesty! A severe drought has struck the Northern Frontier, and people are resorting to cannibalism, exchanging their own children! I have witnessed it firsthand; human flesh is as cheap as dogs and pigs!"

"Your Majesty, we beseech you to execute the treacherous and corrupt officials in the court, open the granaries, and distribute grain to save the millions of people from their suffering!"

His blood stained the emperor's robes.

But the old minister died, and he offended some people in the palace, including some of the Sima Clan's relatives.

"Do not remove this garment; it contains the blood of a loyal minister."

Sima Chengzhong at the dark red bloodstain on the hem of his clothes, remaining silent for a long time, silently admonishing himself.

So he left behind this garment, this blood-stained robe.

"Your Majesty? Your Majesty?"

A sound can be heard.

It was a voice that used great Law Power and Divine Ability to isolate the court from the turmoil and chaos.

Sima Chengzhong raised his head.

It is Sima Honglin.

His father was also the true ruler of the Great Jin.

"My son, what are you thinking about?"

Sima Honglin's voice was gentle, revealing no emotion.

Sima Chengzhong shook his head.

"Nothing. Is there something you need, Father?"

Sima Honglin looked at him, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

"Recently, good news has been frequently reported, the world is at peace, and the seas are calm and the rivers are clear! The Sima Clan, princes and nobles, with music and song, have utterly defeated the barbarian tribes, beheading 100,000. The barbarians have fled far away and will not dare to invade the south for ten years."

Sima Chengzhong nodded.

"Good, good."

Sima Honglin continued, "The Emperor's Imperial Grace of Rain and Dew in Huainan have already covered the Jiangnan; the Luo River has risen again, and the people's hearts have turned to him."

Sima Chengzhong nodded again.

"Good."

Sima Honglin looked at him and suddenly smiled.

Do you know what it means for the seas to be calm and the rivers to be clear, for the world to be at peace? What is good news? What is something to be happy about?

Sima Chengzhong was taken aback.

Sima Honglin walked up to him, leaned down, and whispered in his ear.

"A victory is good news."

"As for unpleasant news, it will never appear in reports of victory."

He straightened up and patted his son on the shoulder.

"Your father loved you very much in the past, but you should be more sensible by now."

Sima Honglin turned and left the hall.

Sima Chengzhong him, his expression complex.

He suddenly spoke.

"Father."

Sima Honglin stopped in his tracks.

"In the past, I asked why we don't eat meat porridge, but my father was tolerant of me and said that I have a compassionate heart and a pure nature."

The son knew he couldn't shoulder the heavy burden of the Lineage, so he remained mediocre and unproductive.

But today, I wish to ask, what that old minister who was given death said... is it true?"

Sima Honglin did not turn around.

What do you think?

"If you believe it's true, then it's true. If you believe it's false, then it's false."

"The affairs of the world boil down to just you and me, and that child Sima Linxun..."