Naturally, transforming from a cultivation sect into a Destiny Dynasty was practically impossible. The foundation could not be reversed—it could go from more to less, but never from less to more. This was a foundational issue, determined from the beginning. The forces behind it were equally unfathomable. The most crucial factor was simple: strength. A powerful Immortal Sect could dictate the rise and fall of countless Dynasties.
There was no mystery—only strength mattered.
Whether Immortal Sect or Demonic Sect, both drew upon Heavenly Fate as their root. They gathered Fate and, in the case of orthodox sects, also cultivated merit. The thicker the merit, the greater the benefits to oneself. Demonic Sects, however, ignored such things. They acted willfully and without restraint, unconcerned with external bindings. Whether to cultivate merit or not depended entirely on personal will.
No one would force it—and forced actions wouldn't earn merit anyway.
"One conversation with you is worth ten years of study. I've learned a great deal," Yi Tianxing said, nodding sincerely.
"You flatter me, Your Majesty," Qing Yunzi replied with a smile before continuing, "Destiny Dynasties have rankings—and so do cultivation sects. They are divided from One-Star to Nine-Star, nine tiers in total. One-Star is the lowest, Nine-Star the highest."
🟨 [Cultivation Sect Rankings – 1 to 9 Stars]
One-Star Sect: Simply a gathering of Sea of Divine Origin Realm cultivators, with their strongest barely at the Life Chart Realm. Weak in strength and influence—considered minor sects.
Two-Star Sect: A sect with a century of heritage, numerous Life Aperture Realm cultivators, and at least five Life Chart Realm experts. Stronger, with regional influence.
Three-Star Sect: Boasts several centuries of heritage, complete techniques, and must have a Manifestation Realm (Tier 4) cultivator overseeing it. Only then can it be recognized as a Three-Star Sect.
Four-Star Sect: A thousand-year heritage, with at least one Nascent Soul Realm cultivator presiding. Strong enough to dominate a region.
Five-Star Sect: This is where a sect may be called an Immortal Sect, requiring at least one Yang God Realm cultivator—pure Yang, stepping into the gates of longevity. Capable of ten-thousand-year inheritance.
[FIVE-STAR sects = minimum level to be called Immortal Sects]
Six-Star Sect: Must have a True Spirit Realm grand cultivator, able to stir seas and skies, twist nature, and change the heavens with a thought. As long as they live, their sect endures.
Seven-Star Sect: Possesses a Dao Platform Realm grand cultivator, thus becoming a Holy Land. These sects stand at the peak of the world, capable of altering the world's very balance.
Eight-Star Sect: Backed by a cultivator at the Dao Proving Realm. Referred to as Supreme Holy Lands or Supreme Grand Doctrines, they are eternal and indestructible.
Nine-Star Sect: A sect whose Dao spreads across heaven and earth, eternally immortal, untouchable by heaven or earth.
[NINE-STAR sects = legendary, cosmic-scale immortal powers]
Qing Yunzi openly shared this information without reservation. These were basics all cultivators knew—nothing to hide.
"Hisss..." A soft gasp escaped from the women nearby.
Just from the descriptions, the immense power of these sects was terrifying—so overwhelming that the mere appearance of an Eight-Star or Nine-Star Sect would bring devastating shockwaves. Entire world orders would be reshaped.
"I wonder, what rank is the Qingshan Immortal Sect?" Yi Tianxing asked curiously. Deep down, he felt a chill. It was fortunate the Heavenly Dao had sealed these Immortal Sects, preventing them from easily interfering in worldly matters. Otherwise, the common people would suffer immensely. The destruction these sects could unleash was unimaginable.
"Our Qingshan Sect is a Five-Star Sect," Qing Yunzi replied with a smile.
That meant they were officially recognized as an Immortal Sect. Their foundation was deep. If a True Spirit Realm cultivator emerged in the future, they could rise to Six-Star status. In this age of merging realms and abundant opportunity, breakthroughs were more achievable than ever. Many cultivators wouldn't even want to leave seclusion now—the chance to comprehend the Dao was simply too precious.
"Five-Star Sect." Yi Tianxing nodded to himself. That explained how the Qingshan Sect had withstood the Ice Crystal Clan's invasions.
"By the way, do you know anything about the Heaven's Chosen from the time of the realm fusion?" Yi Tianxing asked.
[Heaven's Chosen / 天眷者 (Tianjuan Zhe): individuals blessed by fate, hidden fates, great luck, and endless opportunity]
"How could we not?" Qing Yunzi showed a strange expression. "Heaven's Chosen are blessed with great destiny. Even their fate is hidden from the heavens, cloaked in mystery. They are marked by fortune, lucky by nature, and find incredible opportunities easily. Their cultivation progresses rapidly—becoming powerhouses is almost inevitable. They are the remnants of the former age."
Even Qing Yunzi could not help showing admiration. Heaven's Chosen were practically cheat codes incarnate. As long as no accidents occurred, they would definitely rise to greatness. Still, talent alone didn't guarantee success—some things couldn't be determined by aptitude alone.
"Did the Qingshan Sect receive any Heaven's Chosen?" Yi Tianxing asked quickly.
"No. When the realms fused, the powerful sects fought over them. We couldn't compete with those top-tier sects. Later, Heaven itself intervened, and we could only watch helplessly," Qing Yunzi said, clearly regretful.
Having a Heaven's Chosen not only meant a top-tier disciple, but also enhanced the sect's Fate, creating a powerful feedback loop. The benefits were incalculable.
"Do you happen to have contacts in other sects that might help investigate some matters?" Yi Tianxing continued.
"Could it be that His Majesty has a relative or friend taken by a sect? Or... is His Majesty himself a Heaven's Chosen?" Qing Yunzi asked, eyes sharp. The way he looked at Yi Tianxing suddenly changed.
If he was indeed a Heaven's Chosen, then the rise of the Great Yi Dynasty made perfect sense. With the backing of fate, great accomplishments were inevitable.
"You're correct. I am a Heaven's Chosen. My adoptive parents and younger sister were separated from me. She was taken by a sect, but I still don't know which one. I hoped to ask if you might help me look into it. It's been ten years—I miss her dearly," Yi Tianxing said calmly.
There was no point hiding it. Revealing this identity could actually help his cause and give other forces a rational explanation for his rapid rise.
"I can try to inquire. But Qingshan Sect is only a Five-Star Sect. Most of our contacts are with others of similar rank, perhaps some Six-Star sects. Anything beyond that is beyond our reach. Frankly, I wouldn't get your hopes up. The ones who could act back then were not ordinary sects," Qing Yunzi admitted.
"Do your best. That's all I ask." Yi Tianxing smiled and nodded. Then he changed the topic. "What's your opinion of Xuezhou?"
"You intend to conquer Xuezhou?" Qing Yunzi didn't hesitate. "Qingshan Sect fully supports the Great Yi Dynasty. If you can seize the region, we're willing to accept your decrees. The local human population would gladly join. But don't expect it to be easy—Xuezhou is home to many powerful forces. Even the Ice Crystal Clan couldn't fully suppress them."
Yi Tianxing nodded. "I've heard of forces like the Corpse Demon Hall, Dragon Valley, and Myriad Abyssal Depths. Do you think they'll oppose the Great Yi?"
"Myriad Abyssal Depths can be left alone for now," Qing Yunzi said. "But Dragon Valley must be approached with caution—the dinosaur race is terrifying. And the Corpse Demon Hall supposedly commands a vast undead legion—immune to blades and fire, fearless in battle. If they're pushed, they might ally with the Ice Crystals. That would be... troublesome."
These were no minor factions. Their power was formidable.
Meanwhile, in the Ice Crystal Royal Court, a suffocating tension hung in the air. The Ice Crystal King's face was dark enough to freeze the room.
"What should we do? The Great Yi Dynasty is coming in full force, holding nothing back. Worse, the god who descended onto Xuezhou was one of their own. Clearly, they've been targeting us from the start. Even the Ice Soul Immortal-Slaying Blade, a congenital spiritual treasure, has been stolen. That's a catastrophic loss. What do you all propose we do next?" the Ice Crystal King asked coldly.
The losses from this battle were enormous—all their ice crystal eggs had been devoured by the Iron-Blood Great Wall and turned into fuel.