Chapter Ten: When Will I Ascend to the Azure Clouds

When the Tianji Pavilion first established its ranking, this selection criterion was questioned multiple times. However, the response from the Tianji Pavilion was simple yet powerful—regardless of knowledge, realm, or even the cultivation of spirit and temperament, it is the culmination of all these that constitutes comprehensive strength. The Qingyun Ranking evaluates comprehensive strength, and the best, indeed the only, method of judgment is through victory and defeat.

Upon seeing these words, Chen Changsheng recalled the accounts in the book and realized that what was engraved on the blue stone wall was indeed the legendary Qingyun List

The middle-aged woman did not expect him to be aware of the existence of Aoyama-kun, and said expressionlessly: "Aoyama-kun was at the top of the Qingyun Ranking two years ago"

Chen Changsheng sighed, remaining silent for a long time, then looked at the middle-aged woman and said earnestly: "You probably don't believe it, but I came to Kyoto to change my fate... Although it has nothing to do with the marriage contract, the words 'fate' hold no persuasive power for me."

In the Divine General's residence, a middle-aged woman stood before Madam Xu, her expression impassive as she said: "Madam, I must say, this child is quite remarkable. If given the opportunity, he will surely grow rapidly. With some favorable circumstances, he could have a very promising future."

The middle-aged woman gazed towards the stone wall behind the side gate and said, "But unfortunately, no one in the world would think that the young lady should marry you"

The middle-aged woman noticed that at first, his head was slightly lowered, and his body was somewhat hunched, appearing somewhat desolate and fatigued. However, after a short while, his body gradually straightened, and his head began to rise, as he started to look levelly at the crowd on the street and the setting sun in the distance

Chen Changsheng asked: "Why did he make the list? Is it because he does not want to lose to Miss Xu?"

Chen Changsheng sighed, realizing that it was difficult for him to find any comfort in this matter, as those involved were people of high status. As for himself, not to mention ascending to the prestigious rankings... even the thought of making it onto the college admission list was exceedingly challenging. Indeed, they were two worlds apart.

The Qingyun Ranking records the young talents of the world. In our Great Zhou Dynasty, there is an abundance of talent, with more than ten individuals on the list just from the capital. The Tiandao Academy has four, and the Zhaixing Academy has three. However, compared to the Southern Changsheng Sect and Huai Academy, this is not particularly outstanding. It was only after my young lady made the list that the balance of victory and defeat between the North and South was determined

Only his senior brother knows that this detail indicates he is already very angry

At the entrance of every academy in Kyoto and elsewhere, there is a list of distinguished names known as the "Qingyun List." The academy intends to use these illustrious names to inspire students to strive for excellence and to enhance the cohesion among classmates. However, the effect has not been very positive—students are well aware that there is no possibility for them to be included on the Qingyun List. Those names evoke admiration and reverence in them, leading to a sense of despair.

The middle-aged woman stared at him, her gaze slightly cold

The middle-aged woman was momentarily taken aback, not expecting that despite having expressed herself so clearly, he still refused to let go

Frost returned to her room, staring blankly at the table for a long time, reflecting on the conversation she had overheard outside the lady's door. She felt a sense of agitation and unease, and after pouring herself half a pot of cool tea, she still could not calm down. She knew that being able to overhear so much was merely the lady's intention for her to hear... The lady was aware that she often corresponded with the young lady, and deliberately let her hear these words, naturally intending for her to convey this matter to the young lady, as a form of notification. The young lady certainly could not marry that fellow named Chen Changsheng, but was it really necessary to go to such lengths? Would the young lady agree?

The middle-aged woman said: "... it is only related to fate. Even if you are the most outstanding ordinary person, you will always be an ordinary person, while the young lady has never been an ordinary person since her birth. You were born as a human, she was born as a phoenix, and the gap between the two is as vast as heaven and earth"

The middle-aged woman withdrew her gaze and solemnly said to Chen Changsheng: "You are indeed very outstanding. Although you have not succeeded in washing your marrow, you still possess the ability to gain admission to those academies. However, the gap between you and the young lady is too great... This has nothing to do with hard work, talent, or effort. You are continuously climbing upwards on your life's path, and I believe you can reach very high peaks. But the young lady has long since left that place. If you stubbornly wish to follow her, what awaits you will inevitably be the thunder that descends from the heavens."

Chen Changsheng did not know what to say, but when praised, he felt the need to respond. After a moment of thought, he said two words: "Thank you"

... ...

She walked to the edge of the table, laid the paper flat, dipped her pen in ink, thought for a moment, and began to write a letter

The middle-aged woman remained silent for a long time

The twilight shines upon the youth, as if it were ablaze

I have never seen such a disciplined young man, whose dietary habits and daily routines are controlled with remarkable strictness and perfection, without any bad habits or entertainment. He cherishes time so much that I always feel as if someone is chasing him, or that a whip is constantly striking him, yet he does not make those around him feel anxious. It is evident that he enjoys life, or rather, existence... He does have a slight obsession with cleanliness; on the first day, I counted that he washed his hands a total of seven times, and he must have had more than five handkerchiefs.

I... am very afraid of dying. Chen Changsheng's voice was as hard as iron, "... Therefore, the first thing I did upon arriving in Kyoto was to go to the Divine General's Mansion to annul the marriage. Just yesterday, I was also preparing to take the entrance exams for the Heavenly Dao Academy or the Star Picking Academy, and then I would choose a day to annul the marriage... But I am very sorry, I have really changed my mind now.

At the very top of the blue stone wall, a line of text is engraved: "Good winds often lend their strength, sending me up to the azure clouds"

Chen Changsheng followed her gaze and saw that the blue stone wall was densely engraved with many names. This was behind the main gate of the academy, and it was not the list of entrance examination results, so what kind of list was it? He suddenly recalled that the day before, behind the gates of the Tiandao Academy and the Zhaixing Academy, he seemed to have seen a similar stone wall, which was also engraved with many names

As the sun set in the west, Chen Changsheng walked across the street, moving further away with the crowd

Akiyama-kun ... ...

Chen Changsheng fell silent, then recalled the true dragon reincarnate mentioned by the maid Shuang'er, a genius universally recognized as the perfect match for Xu Yourong.

... ...

So it turns out... it is fate again

When he said this, his expression did not change much; only his breathing became slightly heavier, though it was difficult to notice.

He asked: "Earlier you mentioned that the gap between Miss Xu and me is unrelated to talent, and unrelated to effort. So, what exactly is it related to?"

This logic is likely difficult for ordinary people to understand, but Madam Xu comprehended it. She did not expect that the woman truly admired Chen Changsheng. She recalled the words spoken by Xu Shiji that night in the study, gave her a deep glance, and said: "Many people are watching the Divine General's residence... especially those old fellows who refuse to give up. If any scandal arises within the residence, even if it does not affect the overall situation, Her Majesty the Holy Empress will certainly be displeased. Therefore, this matter must be handled with caution. It would be best to obtain the marriage certificate through peaceful means. If in the end, that young man still insists on his pitiful pride or seeks greater benefits, then he can only die quietly. This would also bring some trouble, but eliminating the source of the trouble can be considered a solution."

At such times, saying thank you is somewhat amusing, somewhat endearing, and very commendable

... ...

Chen Changsheng's gaze moved over the names on the Qingyun Ranking. Those names were quite unfamiliar to him, and he occasionally spotted some strange surnames, possibly belonging to young powerhouses from the Demon Realm, or perhaps to talented individuals from the indigenous tribes in the southern forests. Suddenly, he saw Tang Tang's name in the thirty-sixth position. Remembering how that young man in the green attire at the Tiandao Academy spoke of the origin of his name, Tang Thirty-Six, he couldn't help but smile happily, feeling a great sense of pride and glory for him.

Ultimately, his gaze reached the highest point of the stone wall, where he saw the name that hung alone up there, high and somewhat solitary, appearing even more indifferent and proud in its solitude, the name he recognized, the name he should be quite familiar with—Xu Yourong

There are countless strong individuals on the mainland, but geniuses always emerge from youth—the Qingyun Ranking is a leaderboard for those under the age of twenty. The names that can ascend the Qingyun Ranking are, without exception, the core disciples of various countries and sects who are being cultivated with utmost effort, or exceptionally gifted prodigies. As long as they do not fall midway, these names will ultimately become true powerhouses

Madam Xu did not expect that this woman, who had followed her for decades and had always been loyal, would actually speak up for that child. She frowned and said, "What do you want to say?"

Chen Changsheng looked at the middle-aged woman and said, "Since I have done nothing wrong, why should I change anything?"

The middle-aged woman's expression became serious as she said, "Aren't you afraid of death?"

The middle-aged woman said: "Of course, the young lady cannot marry him... However, to suppress and humiliate him like this is worse than killing him directly. Otherwise, if he is given a chance to turn things around in the future, even if the household is not afraid, there will still be some trouble. Moreover... I thought that young man was quite decent, so why act this way?"

The middle-aged woman said: "Two years ago, Qiu Shanjun broke through the sitting and observing realm ahead of time, and now he is the top of the Golden List."

Chen Changsheng gazed silently at the name at the top of the stone wall. The marriage certificate had been kept by him for the past four years; he had read it many times. He was well aware of her maiden name and her age. By this calculation, this young lady from the Xu family was invincible on the Qingyun Ranking at the age of twelve... Indeed, the blood of the true phoenix is truly remarkable.

It seems that I have not done anything wrong

... ...

Chen Changsheng quietly looked back at her and said: "Unless you recognize what you have done wrong, remember my name"

She looked at Chen Changsheng, her eyes reflecting a complex array of emotions: "I have been observing your daily life for the past few days. I have never seen a young man of your age exhibit such discipline. Moreover, in these four entrance examinations, what you have demonstrated is quite rare and commendable... Sometimes I even think, if I had a daughter, marrying her to you would be a good choice.

The middle-aged woman gazed at the stone wall, unable to conceal her pride, nor did she feel the need to hide it. She said calmly: "... Two years ago, when the young lady first made the list, she was placed directly in the top position, and since that day, she has never fallen from it. As for those young geniuses behind her, not only is it difficult for them to catch up, but even to get close is quite challenging"

The Qingyun Ranking does not inquire about knowledge, status, or sect, nor does it differentiate between genders; it only considers strength. The sole restriction is that those who make the list must not exceed the age of twenty. There have been several instances where individuals of relatively lower realms occasionally defeated stronger opponents of higher realms, thus placing them higher on the list—this has led to considerable dissatisfaction.

In fact, I admire you greatly