Three days later.
A shocking piece of news sent ripples throughout the entire Tianyuan Empire.
The Hidden Dragon Ranking had been updated once again!
Many people hurriedly purchased and opened the ranking to see what had changed.
To their astonishment, a new name appeared on the list, and it held an exceptionally high position—third place!
Wen Qingxue, 14 years old, Innate Realm Triple.
"Wow! Is this the youngest Hidden Dragon Ranking genius in history? Just 14 years old!"
"Not only that, she directly ranks third upon entering the list. This is unprecedented!"
"Incredible! At 14, I haven't even become an official martial artist, and she's already a top-level Innate Realm expert, ranked on the Hidden Dragon Ranking."
Amidst their shock, people read further into the information.
Wen Qingxue, 14 years old, Innate Realm Triple cultivation, Qingzhou, Fenghe Region, the daughter of a top-level sect Grand Luo Sect Elder, a core disciple of the sect.
[Famous Achievements]:
- In the Year of Tai Sui 3023, on January 4th, during an escort mission outside Cining City, she single-handedly killed three Innate Realm experts, one of whom was a wanted criminal, Miao Zhen, at the Innate Realm Eighth level.
[Combat Performance]:
- During the confrontation, she beheaded three Innate Realm experts in an instant, suggesting her body techniques are at the level of Grand Mastery or higher.
Seeing this, everyone was even more flabbergasted.
"At 14, breaking through to the Innate Realm is one thing, but her martial talent is off the charts! She's already achieved a level of mastery in a Heaven-grade martial art, no wonder she can challenge higher-level opponents."
"In another year or two, even if she only advances in cultivation, she could contend for the top spot on the Hidden Dragon Ranking!"
"Wait, Fenghe Region... sounds familiar?"
"Wait a minute, wasn't there a young man named Jiang Heng who made quite a name for himself from Fenghe Region? And he was from the Grand Luo Sect too!"
"My goodness! A pair of twin prodigies!"
Someone then scrolled back up to the rankings on the front page and noticed that Wen Qingxue's entry had pushed all the lower-ranked names down by one position. Jiang Heng, who had been in the tenth place, was now pushed out of the list.
"What a shame! The glory of having twin prodigies didn't materialize."
"But who knows, maybe we'll witness some excitement. Pushing fellow sect members out of the Hidden Dragon Ranking might not sit well with Jiang Heng. He might challenge other geniuses to prove himself."
Once again, the Grand Luo Sect attracted the attention of many, sparking numerous discussions.
Within the Grand Luo Sect, a special meeting was convened.
At the Fifth Peak, in the Elder's Council Chamber.
"Everyone!"
"Our sect has produced another genius-level disciple on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, and her talent seems to surpass even Jiang Heng's."
"I propose, in accordance with our tradition, that we promote her to a True Disciple. What are your thoughts?"
Previously, Jiang Heng had been promoted to a True Disciple despite being in the Qi Condensation Realm, so no one objected to Wen Qingxue's promotion.
After unanimous approval, Elder Sun suddenly spoke up, "Every True Disciple is an elite talent the sect has invested significant resources in. However, if, after becoming a True Disciple, they consistently fail to meet the expectations their talent suggests, should we consider removing them from that position?"
"For instance, someone who was promoted to True Disciple but has not yet broken through to the Innate Realm."
Elder Sun glanced at Bai Haocang with a sly smile. Although he didn't name names, everyone knew he was referring to Jiang Heng.
The other Core Elders waited, curious about Bai Haocang's response.
"If you're talking about Jiang Heng, he has already broken through to the Innate Realm," Bai Haocang replied.
Elder Sun's expression froze momentarily but quickly returned to normal, his smile seeming insincere as he said, "Oh? Congratulations then!"
"However," he continued, "despite his talent, his performance still doesn't quite match the title of Hidden Dragon Ranking genius or the treatment of a True Disciple."
"In addition, the Sacred Ground has shown no interest in inviting him."
"So, while his talent played a role in initially entering the Hidden Dragon Ranking, it's clear that his unique cultivation method was the main reason for his exceptional combat ability."
"As he progresses into the Innate Realm and beyond, he won't be able to maintain these advantages and will inevitably become an ordinary genius."
Elder Sun's words hung in the air, leaving the fate of Jiang Heng's True Disciple status uncertain.
Bai Haocang calmly raised his eyes and glanced at Elder Sun.
"What do you mean?" he inquired.
Elder Sun continued to smile politely and said, "My meaning is that the sect belongs to everyone, and naturally, everyone should strictly adhere to the sect's rules. The treatment for each individual is well-defined."
"We shouldn't give special rewards just because of personal relationships."
"Of course, in the past, Jiang Heng did bring some honor to the sect, so there's no need to retract what has already been given."
"As long as we arrange his position based on his current strength, that should satisfy everyone!"
"What do you all think?"
The other core elders exchanged glances.
One of them raised a hand and spoke, "I believe there's no need for that."
"Within the sect, we've never heard of disciples being demoted."
"Moreover, Jiang Heng used to be on the Hidden Dragon List and brought a lot of honor to the sect. If we immediately demote him just because he fell off the list, it would make the Dalu Sect seem petty, and it would disappoint our disciples."
"Furthermore, being included on the Hidden Dragon List means that his talent and strength received recognition from the Qianshan Tower. Regardless of whether Jiang Heng deserves the title, he's undeniably a top-tier talent. That much is certain."
"Even if he doesn't match up to the position of a true disciple, we don't need to embarrass a talented disciple just to save a bit on resources."
Other elders agreed with this sentiment.
Bai Haocang remained silent.
Elder Sun, with a stern expression, continued, "I understand your point."
"But we can't just let an undeserving disciple enjoy the highest treatment in the sect, can we? That's unfair to other disciples."
"So, I propose we give Jiang Heng a test."
"If he passes the test, it proves he deserves the treatment of a true disciple."
"If he fails, it's because of his own abilities and talents being insufficient. Even if we demote him, we can't blame the sect for being heartless."
"What do you all think?"
At this point, Elder Sun's lips curled into a subtle smile.
Bai Haocang finally spoke, his tone indifferent, "Since that's the case, I agree with Elder Sun's proposal. Let's arrange a test for Jiang Heng and let the results speak for themselves."
With Bai Haocang, who was Jiang Heng's master, agreeing, the others naturally had no objections and voiced their agreement.
Elder Sun, sitting in the corner, revealed a victorious smile.
"Now, let's discuss what kind of trial would be suitable for Jiang Heng," Bai Haocang continued.
Elder Sun quickly spoke up again, "Since we want to test if he's qualified for the treatment of a true disciple, it should be a trial of true disciple level."
"I suggest he participates in the upcoming Qingzhou Alliance Martial Arts competition next month!"