Earth.
A full century has passed since Shen Lian departed.
In the span of these hundred years, Earth has undergone tremendous change and unprecedented development.
Among all the transformations, the most remarkable is the rise of the Shen family from Long Guo.
This century marks the hundredth year since the Great Awakening of Earth.
In this new era, humanity has fully ventured into space, and countless cultivators and explorers have begun traversing the stars.
Projects on gene editing, nuclear fusion, and laser weaponry have reached their pinnacle.
Today, the Dragon Kingdom stands as the unchallenged global superpower.
There is no comparison.
Over the past hundred years, the Dragon Kingdom has far outpaced former world powers like the Beautiful Country, surpassing them in virtually every field.
This meteoric rise is thanks to one force—
The Shen family of Qingshui City.
Over this century, the Shen family has become a symbol of legend.
Since the great migration of humankind, the Shen clan has received key state support. Their economy soared, and their influence grew with every passing decade.
Tianjiao geniuses emerged from the family one after another, branching out and thriving in all major industries across the world.
Some established multinational conglomerates, monopolizing global economic lifelines.
Some dedicated themselves to scientific research, delving into genetic engineering and sacrificing their health in relentless pursuit of progress.
Some focused on military innovation, creating advanced and devastating weaponry.
Others joined government ranks, becoming regional administrators and shaping national policy.
Still others rose through the military, commanding armies in the millions.
In short—
The Shen family has fulfilled the prophecy that everyone becomes a dragon.
They now stand as the undisputed hidden rulers behind the Dragon Kingdom and perhaps the entire world.
Suddenly—
A thunderous roar echoed across the sky.
In that instant, the void above Earth split apart.
A flow of primordial energy surged outward.
Billions across the globe raised their eyes in shock.
Through the ruptured void, a golden, ancient light radiated across the heavens, veiled in boundless chaos and suspended in midair.
A grand voice rang out.
The Ranking of the Heavens and the Worlds.
This list spans all dimensions, ranking the top one hundred universes across the infinite multiverse.
The booming voice, vast as thunder rolling through eternity, echoed in the minds of all beings on Earth.
"The rankings of the heavens and the worlds?"
For a moment, the world fell into stunned silence.
Then, a wave of excitement exploded.
"Humans are the primates of all beings! Earth must be number one in the multiverse!"
"Hmph! Over the past century, our starships have roamed countless galaxies and met intelligent alien civilizations. But before Earth's might, they all bowed like chickens and dogs!"
"No question about it. Earth will rank first among all universes!"
"Our only threat is ourselves!"
One voice after another rose in confident declarations.
During this era of explosive technological progress, human mentality had transformed just as rapidly.
Confidence surged. Faith strengthened.
Pride and ambition radiated from every person.
Confidence is power.
But Earth's pride had already tipped into arrogance.
This was no fault of the people.
It was simply that Earth's progress over the past hundred years had been too fast.
Like a beggar who suddenly becomes the world's richest person, the people had become blinded.
They had lost their humility.
"We're ready for the list! Earth will take the number one spot for sure!"
Billions waited in anticipation, united in certainty.
…
…
Qingshui City, Pingdingshan.
The ancestral home of the Shen family, cloaked in mystery and reverence across the world.
"Grandma!"
A young Shen disciple rushed up the stone steps toward a weathered villa perched atop the mountain.
The residence, ancient and modest, retained the decor of a bygone century.
Its white walls had long faded to gray, overtaken by creeping vines.
To outsiders, it would be shocking that the main courtyard of the exalted Shen family remained so unadorned.
Yet despite its age, the estate was pristine and dignified, not neglected but steeped in a quiet solemnity.
"Grandma!"
The young man burst into the great hall, panting, eager to speak.
But before he could utter a word, the old woman stepped forward.
"Don't shout. I already know."
Shen Qingqing, the matriarch of the Shen family, approached with the help of two attendants.
Though she was nearing one hundred and twenty years old, her posture remained dignified.
She wore a simple Tang-style jacket, a sandalwood cane in her hand, her silver hair immaculately combed.
Yet behind her composure, fatigue was etched into her features.
"Grandma, let me help you."
The disciple quickly quieted, stepping forward with gentle care. He took her arm and replaced the attendant beside her.
"Please, be careful."
Together, they exited the villa and stepped into the open air.
Their eyes lifted to the heavens.
"The rankings of the heavens and the worlds?"
Shen Qingqing's gaze narrowed slightly.
And deep within her memory—
A long-buried figure suddenly reawakened.