After the chaos of the Beast Tide, silence fell upon the Inner Realm.
Ashwin, Rika, Bala, and Yuvan lay sprawled on the ground, panting heavily. Their bodies were bruised, robes torn, and spiritual energy nearly depleted. But… their eyes burned with something new.
Resolve.
Elder Han slowly walked toward them, his hands behind his back. "Not bad. You survived the First Trial."
Ashwin coughed, "Trial? That was a massacre."
Bala groaned. "Was that a test or a punishment?"
Rika chuckled bitterly. "We almost died."
Yuvan adjusted his spectacles. "But we didn't. And we grew."
Elder Han gave a faint smile. "Good. Then you're ready."
He pointed his cane at the skies. "Raise your heads."
Above them, clouds shifted, revealing a golden pillar descending from the heavens. It glowed with celestial light, and as it slowly embedded into the center of the courtyard, runes began etching themselves across its surface.
Lines of text emerged—names, ranks, numbers, and strange symbols of power.
It was…
The Divine Ranking Board.
"What now?" Bala muttered.
Elder Han tapped his cane. "This is no ordinary list. The Divine Ranking Board records and ranks every student within the academy across all domains—combat prowess, potential, comprehension of Dao, contribution, and karma."
Yuvan's eyes widened. "But we're the only four students here."
A deep rumble answered.
"That is no longer true."
Hundreds of streaks of light suddenly shot across the skies from various directions, descending into the academy like shooting stars. Men, women, beasts in human form, and even spiritual entities materialized across the academy's plazas.
They were cultivators of different ages, races, and bloodlines—all drawn by some mysterious force.
Bala blinked. "W-What just happened?"
Rika gripped her spear. "More students?"
Elder Han spoke calmly. "The Dao Ancestor's will resonates with the multiverse. When the Heaven Defying Academy truly activates, it calls the fated—those qualified to walk this path. Some are reborn, some transmigrated, some awakened from ancient slumber."
He pointed to the Divine Ranking Board.
"Look."
The top of the pillar now displayed:
??? – Realm Unknown – Dao: Eternal Sovereignty
??? – Void Beast – Dao: Cosmic Fangs
Lin Fei – Human – Dao: Infinite Sword Domain
Meiling of the Fallen Sky – Spirit Fox – Dao: Illusory Heaven
Ashwin – Human – Dao: Eternal Lotus Flame
Rika – Human – Dao: Phoenix Spear Rebirth
Bala – Human – Dao: Thunder Devouring Path
Yuvan – Human – Dao: Written Reality Script
Ashwin's eyes widened. "I'm… fifth?"
Rika frowned. "I'm right behind you."
Bala chuckled. "At least we're all up there."
Yuvan whispered, "Who are those people above us?"
Elder Han's eyes narrowed at the first two names. "Even I cannot see their full identities. But know this—ranking is not permanent. You must climb or be surpassed. The board rewards the top ten with unique blessings and cultivation resources. The first-place reward… is rumored to grant the Dao Insight Crystal, capable of simulating any Dao you desire."
Yuvan's breath caught. "A Dao simulator?!"
Just then, the young man appeared again, sipping his tea on a nearby wall. He looked up at the sky and chuckled.
"They're all gathering now…"
He turned to the four students and said softly,
"Let the Dao Wars begin."