The Rankings: A Storm of Contenders

Yi Gui Sanren once ranked every sect in the martial world according to its overall strength, assigning each a single-character verdict. The rankings came to be known as the Heavenly Rankings. In first place was the Zhi clan. The praise read, “The breath of heaven and earth begins when it meets Zhi.” Its verdict was “Divine.” In second place was the Cangqiong Sect of the Xuan Yi Kingdom. The praise read, “A myriad of aspects, insight into the subtlest details.” Its verdict was “Mysterious.” In third place was the Yan Yi Manor of the Great Yuan Kingdom. The praise read, “The people have a heart, but the techniques have no form.” Its verdict was “Spiritual.” In fourth place was the Tenglong Manor of the Great Yuan Kingdom. The praise read, “Meritorious in providing pills, it ultimately shapes heaven and earth.” Its verdict was “Transformation.” In fifth place was the Qingyi Palace of the Luodan Kingdom. The praise read, “When the pill breaks and the qi is spent, mist and shadow appear once more.” Its verdict was...