Kapitel 14: The Young Qilin Ranking
Mo Qingkuang didn't know about the subsequent developments, but since his actions raised suspicion, he decided to quickly collect flowers and accomplish his goal. Then, he enters the main hall to take advantage of the chaos.
Upon entering the main hall, he was surprised by the scene inside. Over two hundred people were engaged in a fierce battle, with shouts and screams echoing throughout. The main hall, spanning about an acre, was supported by dozens of massive stone pillars.
The pillars were intricately carved with various flower patterns, vivid and lifelike. What astonished Mo Qingkuang was the unusual material of the pillars; despite the intense fighting involving many casualties, they showed no signs of damage. There was not a trace of blood even on the pillars.
Numerous stone tables were arranged in the hall, each with a small stone box. Some boxes were already opened, while others were protected by glowing red restrictions, yet to be unlocked.
"These are the hidden treasures left by the Flower-Plucking King," Mo Fan whispered.
"Ancestor, many of the restrictions have already been broken, and there are too many people for too few resources," Mo Qingkuang remarked.
With more than two hundred people in the hall, each vying for a share, the situation is understandably intense, especially considering the presence of stronger individuals seeking to claim even more.
In the centre of the main hall, on a throne entirely woven from flowers, sat a middle-aged man with a handsome face. The throne, made of flowers, had remained vibrant and full of life throughout the years.
"Friend, have you just arrived?" A voice came from beside him.
"And you are..." Mo Qingkuang turned to see an eighteen-year-old young man with handsome features, and he politely introduced himself, "I am Zhong Nian, a disciple of the Dazhi Gate. May I know which sect or school you come from?"
"I am without any sect or school, just a wanderer from the countryside," Mo Qingkuang replied casually after giving Zhong Nian a once-over.
"Haha, for a wandering cultivator like yourself to dare to step into this muddy water, it shows considerable confidence in your own strength," said Zhong Nian, acknowledging Mo Qingkuang's self-assured demeanour with a smile.
Mo Qingkuang inquired, "The hall is currently in intense conflict, and since everyone is here for the treasures, why isn't Brother Zhong participating in the competition?"
Zhong Nian, with a wry smile, responded, "Friend, you may not know, but our Dazhi Gate is a small faction, and we are aware of our limited strength. It's better not to participate and avoid unnecessary disgrace."
"If you don't intend to compete, why did you come in the first place?"
Zhong Nian smiled confidently, "Haha, our Dazhi Gate has always made a living from intelligence. There is a saying that circulates in the Tianxuan Empire, do you know it?"
"What saying?"
"The arrival of the Gate reveals the truth."
Zhong Nian explained, "Our Dazhi Gate does not engage in conflicts. We sustain ourselves by selling information. This Flower-Plucking King's tomb is such a significant event; there must be something interesting happening."
"I only need to know the situation inside, how the talented individuals are doing. That's enough for me to report back."
"You see those two fighting near the throne," Zhong Nian pointed out.
Mo Qingkuang looked over, seeing a young man in green and a white-robed woman. The young man, in a handsome green robe, radiated a yellow light from his fists, indicating he was a martial artist.
The white-robed woman, slender and wearing a white dress, with a veil covering her face, had a cold and decisive demeanor. Her palm carried a blue light, also demonstrating her martial prowess.
"That young man is Song Qian from the Song family in Xuannan City. He's a second-rank Martial Master. His constitution is somewhere between earth-grade and heaven-grade, making him the top disciple among this year's new recruits to the Yuan Sword Sect!" Zhong Nian explained.
"He was recognized by an elder during the disciple recruitment competition and became a personal disciple. Due to his earth-attribute physique, he was granted the earth-grade technique 'Earth Vein Mantra.' His strength has greatly increased since then, and he currently ranks 67th on the Young Qilin Ranking."
'So, this is Song Qian. His strength is indeed formidable, and his talent surpasses mine.'
"The woman in the white dress is also extraordinary. She is Princess Han Yan, the ninth princess of the Central Provice's Royal Family. At the age of seventeen, she is a first-rank martial master, rumoured to have an earth-grade aptitude as well. She also practices the royal family's secret art, 'Ice Emperor Technique,' and is ranked 81st on the Young Qilin Ranking."
"It turns out to be a contest between the royal family and the Yuan Sword Sect. But judging by the current situation, the royal family's strength seems insufficient to compete with the Yuan Sword Sect. The ninth princess, Han Yan, is gradually falling into a disadvantage," Mo Qingkuang observed the intense battle and murmured to himself.
"By the way, what is this Young Qilin Ranking you mentioned?" he asks Zhong Nian.
Zhong Nian, pretending to be reserved, cleared his throat, "The Young Qilin Ranking is a ranking of young talents under twenty years old compiled by our Dazhi Gate. There's also the Hidden Dragon Ranking, Grandmaster Ranking, and so on."
"The Hidden Dragon Ranking is for young talents under thirty years old. You should know that for Song Qian and Princess Han Yan to make it onto the Young Qilin Ranking at the ages of sixteen and seventeen respectively speaks volumes about their talents. Generally, those on the Young Qilin Ranking have been disciples of their respective sects for several years."
"Oh? What about Lin Yang from Tiannan City? Is he on the list?" Mo Qingkuang couldn't help but ask. He is eager to know Lin Yang's position among the younger generation in the Tianxuan Empire.
"Lin Yang? It is said that he has a heaven-grade aptitude and a fire attribute physique. He entered the ranks at a young age but has been stagnant for ten years due to unknown reasons. Recently, he has risen abruptly, breaking through eight grades within three months."
"He is currently at the peak of the martial artist realm, practising an undisclosed technique. In his most recent appearance, he defeated Mo Qingkuang, a pseudo-martial master, in the disciple recruitment competition in Tiannan City. Due to his limited achievements and significant fluctuations, he is temporarily ranked 99th on the Young Qilin Ranking."
"99th? And what about Mo Qingkuang?" Mo Qingkuang couldn't help but ask about his own name.
"Friend, our Dazhi Gate makes a living by selling information. The information I just provided was complimentary. If you have further questions..." Zhong Nian rubs his thumb against his index finger, making a hesitant expression.
Damn! Is he asking me for money!?
Mo Qingkuang was speechless. However, driven by curiosity about himself, he took out a silver ingot from his pocket and threw it to Zhong Nian.
Zhong Nian happily accepted it and took a bite. He then smiled and said, "Thank you. Mo Qingkuang took forbidden medicine, was defeated by Lin Yang, and suffered meridian destruction. Today, news of his fall has spread. While alive, he was a pseudo-martial master, defeated by Lin Yang, who is ranked 99th on the Young Qilin Ranking. Since the Young Qilin Ranking only records the top one hundred, Mo Qingkuang did not make the list."
"I..." Mo Qingkuang was infuriated, wanting to strangle the guy in front of him.
'Five taels of silver for not making in the list? And all the information is about my embarrassing defeat? What about all my unbeatable victories in Tiannan City?'
Seeing Mo Qingkuang glaring at him fiercely, Zhong Nian's heart trembled, and he explained with a wry smile, "Friend, do you perhaps have some history with Mo Qingkuang?"
Not just some history —I am Mo Qingkuang!
"No history!" Mo Qingkuang snorts without good grace. At this moment, he has 'died,' and it wouldn't be wise to reveal himself and invite unnecessary trouble!
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein