Book 2: Chapter 2: The Heavenly Pride Ranking

Vol 2 Chapter 2: The Heavenly Pride Ranking Cao Ziyu chuckled and shook his head.   “Then I won’t need it for now,” Lin Jing replied reluctantly.   The cost of a cultivation cave made him hesitant. For now, he decided to explore the academy and its surroundings before making a decision. After all, he had endured three months in the wilderness—how much worse could this be?   Who would have thought that his first day at Hidden Dragon Academy would have him potentially homeless?   “Many students live outside the academy and only come when there are lectures by renowned teachers. That’s not an issue; Hidden Dragon City is quite safe,” Cao Ziyu assured him. “If you manage to achieve a purple or golden fortune dragon aura, perhaps a teacher might take you as a disciple and provide you with a cultivation spot.”   “Now, hold out your hand. I’ll imprint the Hidden Dragon Seal.”   Lin Jing extended his right hand, choosing to avoid his left, which bore the Sacred Wood Seal from the Ice Soul Gu. Having the two seals overlap could cause unforeseen complications.   Pop!   Cao Ziyu pressed the seal onto Lin Jing’s hand. The image of a coiled white dragon appeared briefly before vanishing.   “And with that, your induction is complete. I look forward to the day your name resonates throughout Hidden Dragon Academy,” Cao said, disappearing into thin air without so much as leaving an introductory pamphlet or a student badge.   “Is this academy even legit?” Lin Jing muttered, staring at his hand. The seal seemed to suffice as proof of his identity for now. It looked like he’d have to figure out the rest on his own.   “A place that trains Immortal Officials? Of course, it’s unreliable,” Elder Divine Pine scoffed, floating out of Lin Jing’s pocket. “But that guy, Cao, was quite powerful—Nascent Soul Perfected level, with considerable combat prowess.”   “Senior, who’s stronger, you or him?” Lin Jing asked.   “What do you think? He’s just a Nascent Soul! But the academy is filled with experts, so I’m not exceptional here,” Elder Divine Pine replied smugly. “Now you see why I insisted you build some strength before coming here. The core of the Hidden Dragon Arts is power. Go find an easily handled Foundation Establishment cultivator and beat him up. That’ll kickstart your Hidden Dragon Arts.”   “Fighting Foundation Establishment cultivators as a Qi Refining disciple? That’s something only the most talented sect prodigies can manage. Doing so would make you a sensation!”   “See? My efforts were for your own good,” Elder Divine Pine concluded, clearly pleased with itself.   Lin Jing said nothing, while the Pine Leaf Mouse and dragon carp shuddered at the memory of their grueling battles with the wooden man.   Hopefully, the academy’s Foundation Establishment cultivators would be easier to defeat.   “Senior Cao mentioned the academy doesn’t teach combat techniques. What exactly does it teach? Administrative skills?” Lin Jing asked.   “Before students graduate, they’re sent to remote cities as lords to validate their learning. The academy teaches them how to govern a city!”   “For example, agricultural cultivators might teach you how to farm and improve a city’s agriculture.   “Geomancers might show you how to plan urban layouts with optimal feng shui.   “Diviners could teach you how to read people’s fates and personalities, helping you identify talent.   “In short, the academy covers all sorts of subjects—except combat techniques!”   “Of course, without strength, you won’t be able to learn much. But as the teacher said, you can gain fame in other ways. Crafting an immortal pill, forging an immortal artifact, or taming an immortal beast could also make you famous.”   “Isn’t that even more absurd?” Lin Jing said. “It’s probably easier to slay a Dao Seeking expert!”   “Exactly. That’s why power remains the most reliable path,” Elder Divine Pine replied. “Speaking of which, have you heard of the Heavenly Pride Rankings from Tianji Pavilion? It’s a shortcut to mastering the Hidden Dragon Arts—worth keeping an eye on.”   The Heavenly Pride Rankings, published by Tianji Pavilion, were divided into three lists: Heaven, Earth, and Human.   Only the most exceptional geniuses across the cultivation world made it onto these rankings. The lists weren’t limited to the Ancient Domain but were revered throughout the Celestial Kingdom and beyond.   For academy students, making it onto the rankings was a surefire way to gain massive fame and accelerate their Hidden Dragon Arts.   “Start with the Human Ranking,” Elder Divine Pine suggested. “The Hidden Dragon Arts are crucial. Attend every lecture the academy offers.”   “Don’t overlook these courses just because they don’t teach combat. The true power of the Hidden Dragon Arts comes from official positions. Strong governance requires mastering city management. The academy’s teachings are invaluable for that.”   “I understand. I might not excel in other areas, but I’m a seasoned student,” Lin Jing replied. “Still, with our current strength, getting onto the rankings seems impossible.”   He glanced at the Pine Leaf Mouse and dragon carp—one at the ninth layer of Qi Refining, the other at the eighth.   Lin Jing recalled that even the 100th place on the Human Ranking was a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator capable of defeating perfected Foundation Establishment demons.   “There’s no rush! Focus on Foundation Establishment first. The rankings cap at thirty years of bone age, so you’ve got time,” Elder Divine Pine reassured him.   The Human Ranking was for cultivators under thirty years old and below the Core Formation stage.   The Earth Ranking was for those under sixty and between Core Formation and Nascent Soul stages.   The Heaven Ranking was for those under one hundred and at the Nascent Soul stage.   Given that cultivators in these stages typically lived for hundreds or thousands of years, the age restrictions made the rankings truly exceptional.   “For now, find a regular Foundation Establishment cultivator to challenge. Get your Hidden Dragon Arts started!” Elder Divine Pine urged. “I won’t stay with you inside the academy, but I’ll intervene if you’re in danger.”   Leaving behind a protective pinecone, Elder Divine Pine withdrew, leaving Lin Jing standing outside the pavilion with a sigh.   Sёarch* The nôvelFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. “Let’s go,” Lin Jing said, after some thought, leading the Pine Leaf Mouse and dragon carp to explore.   ...   Strolling through Hidden Dragon City, they soon left the academy and followed the aroma of food to a bustling tavern named Immortal’s Delight.   “Sir, why are you carrying your own ingredients? We don’t offer cooking services!” the waiter exclaimed, eyeing the dragon carp in Lin Jing’s meditation staff.   “Blub!!” The dragon carp, furious, puffed out flames in protest.   “Squeak, squeak...” The Pine Leaf Mouse chuckled, secretly agreeing that the dragon carp looked like a fine ingredient—its tender meat, fragrant aroma, and spicy marination made it perfect for hot pot.   “Have some tact. This is my spirit beast,” Lin Jing retorted.   “My apologies, sir. Please come in,” the waiter said hastily.   Finding a seat, Lin Jing perused the menu. But a nearby conversation caught his attention.   “Have you heard? Fang Shilin, a Hidden Dragon Academy student, has set up an arena in the southern part of the city. He’s aiming for a hundred consecutive wins in same-level duels. Do you think he can pull it off? He’s only at the early Foundation Establishment stage.”   “How could he? How much true essence can an early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator have? And where will he find so many opponents?”   “He’s the Young Valley Master of Everlasting Spring Valley. Their cultivation techniques allow rapid recovery of true essence. He’s probably relying on that to endure a gauntlet of challengers and gain fame. Even if he doesn’t achieve a hundred wins, the publicity alone is worth it. These academy students love making waves.”   Lin Jing exchanged a glance with the Pine Leaf Mouse.   Everlasting Spring Valley? A sect specializing in wood techniques?   Elder Divine Pine had mentioned finding an easy target—and this seemed like fate.