Chapter 3
She encountered something that had never appeared in her previous life.
“It’s still here?”
Before her lay a series of strange characters.
These characters were visible only to her, as if they would exist eternally as long as she did not make a choice.
The system...
In both her past and present lives, she had never seen anything like this.
“The vastness of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths is beyond measure, and I certainly do not claim to be all-knowing.”
“Could this be the power I have never encountered before?”
Ying Bing lowered her gaze for a moment, her thoughts shifting.
【Ding! Binding successful.】
【Host: Ying Bing.】
【This system is the unparalleled genius system, dedicated to helping the host achieve an invincible path.】
Ying Bing’s expression remained calm, showing no particular reaction.
An invincible path?
She had already walked that road once.
Her rise had been an invincible journey, shining like a hero among the stars, unmatched in brilliance.
In her past life, even the Emperor Yu could only match her with special means.
At her peak, she could only be found in the annals of history, where her rivals were few and far between.
In this life, she would only grow stronger!
【Completion rewards will grant the chance to become an immortal.】
At that moment, the system displayed another message.
Ying Bing’s breath caught for a moment.
Immortal!
This was a term that existed only in legends!
It was said that in every era, a unique ‘immortal’ would appear in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.
Above all living beings, it represented true transcendence, true immortality.
However, since the establishment of the Yu Dynasty, the path to immortality had become a mere legend, as if that road had been completely severed, adding an air of mystery to it.
This was also the greatest secret pursued and contested by the Nine Heavens throughout the ages.
With no way to ascend to immortality, she confidently chose the most difficult path, one that had only been successfully traversed by a handful throughout history.
But in the end, she had still fallen just short...
Could this so-called system truly offer a chance at immortality?
Ying Bing steadied her emotions and asked, “What does the challenge entail?”
【This system will encompass all peer genius martial artists within a certain area and rank them once a month.】
【After the rankings are announced, rewards will be distributed based on the host’s position.】
【Current ranking range: Eastern Wilderness Region.】
In an instant, a wealth of memories flooded Ying Bing’s mind.
Not only the rules of the system but also various restrictions.
For instance, no external factors could interfere with the challenge.
The existence of the system could not be disclosed, nor could one intentionally yield to the opponent.
Such measures effectively closed off any shortcuts.
However...
A ranking of geniuses?
In her past life, she had been synonymous with genius and prodigy in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.
Now, with the memories of her previous life, retracing her martial path would only make her stronger than before!
If what the system said was true, it would undoubtedly shorten her time to return to the peak and even allow her to step into the unknown realm.
Even if it was an exaggeration, she had nothing to lose.
Punishment for the defeated?
In both her past and present lives, she had never experienced the taste of being overwhelmed by others.
The Central Continent was renowned for its talented individuals and favorable geography, yet after her departure, the younger generation had been overshadowed, almost afraid to mention the word ‘ice.’
Some old monsters even disguised themselves, suppressing their realms to challenge her, only to be forced to reveal their true forms.
And they still lost.
【Notice: Would you like to activate the punishment mechanism?】
【If activated, the rewards will be even more generous, but you will need to complete the punishment for the defeated after the rankings are announced.】
“An opportunity I can’t pass up.”
Ying Bing’s choice was clear.
She would undoubtedly be at the top.
This punishment was practically nonexistent for her.
This was not arrogance.
Maximizing rewards for something she had already accomplished—why not?
【Punishment for the defeated activated successfully!】
Ying Bing pushed the door open and stepped outside.
“Morning.”
Not far away, a young man had just opened the door.
Their eyes met, and Li Mo grinned, revealing a smile as warm as spring.
Compared to yesterday, the shadow on his face seemed to have lifted, adding a touch of handsomeness to his demeanor.
In just one night, he appeared to have transformed into a sunny young man.
It seemed he had changed somewhat from the distant memory she held.
---
**Chapter 3: Entering the City and Living Together**
Early in the morning, the inn was bustling with activity.
There were many young men and women from other families, some practicing martial arts outside, while others were heartily enjoying their breakfast.
On the central table, various breakfast items were laid out.
Li Mo casually grabbed a meat bun, glancing sideways at the girl next to him.
Before her lay only a bowl of plain porridge, as bland as her appearance.
“Just eating this in the morning isn’t enough.”
Li Mo pushed a plate of eggs toward her.
Ying Bing remained silent, merely lifting her gaze to meet his.
The girl seemed somewhat weak, her lips devoid of color, and her sickly appearance added a touch of fragility to her beauty.
But anyone who found themselves caught in those beautiful eyes would likely feel a twinge of guilt.
“Cough.”
Li Mo felt a bit embarrassed.
Thinking back on his past actions made him want to dig a hole and hide.
Apologizing was the least he could do.
“I’m sorry for what happened before. I don’t expect a few words to mend things. If you’re still upset...”
“It’s fine.”
Ying Bing peeled the eggshell, speaking lightly.
Li Mo was taken aback.
He saw no insincerity on her face.
Rather than forgiveness, it felt more like indifference.
Those past events seemed hardly worth her concern.
If she didn’t care, there was no need for forgiveness.
“Alright then.”
Li Mo forced a smile.
He realized he had read too many novels and had assumed too much.
He had to admit, Ying Bing’s reaction aligned with the evaluation of a person with a divine perspective.
Those who remain unperturbed by praise or blame often go further.
And indeed, that was the case.
Ying Bing continued to eat, no longer giving Li Mo any further attention.
She had witnessed countless grand events, each more spectacular than the last.
Aside from her family, the memories of her humble beginnings were hardly worth a page in her life story, long swept away to some forgotten corner.
In her distant memories, Li Mo had been of mediocre talent, barely making it into the Qingyuan Sect.
After wasting a year in the outer sect, he was eliminated.
By that time, she had already become the most dazzling figure among her peers.
Li Mo seemed to have changed somewhat.
But it didn’t matter.
His name would likely not even appear on the ranking list of the Eastern Wilderness Region in the future.
They might not even count as passing figures in each other’s lives.
She never let herself be distracted by those who were irrelevant.
Across from her, Li Mo’s eating slowed for a moment.
【Investment successful: Invested: one egg, one bowl of porridge.】
【Calculating rewards...】
【Congratulations, host! Reward: one thousand taels of silver notes.】
【One thousand taels of silver notes】: “Issued by Hengtong Money House, usable at all major banks.”
Li Mo felt a strange sense of emotion.
If only she could eat a bit more.
With three meals a day, she could easily amass a fortune.
Tonight, she must prepare a midnight snack!
...
Two days later.
In the distance, a magnificent city appeared, like a colossal beast stretching beneath the heavens.
Ziyang Prefecture was one of the twelve prefectures of the Eastern Wilderness, with nine counties and thirty-six districts. It was said that before the establishment of the Great Yu Dynasty, this place had once been the ancient capital of a previous dynasty, flourishing with talented individuals and prosperity.
However, an unprecedented disaster of beast tides had ravaged the Eastern Wilderness for hundreds of years, turning its glory into mere remnants of the past.
It wasn’t until the Martial Emperor ascended the throne, pacifying the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, and rewarding the meritorious, that the first patriarch of Qingyuan Mountain, who had contributed greatly, was granted the title of Ziyang.
After thousands of years of governance, the area finally regained its vitality and prosperity.
The city of Ziyang, built upon the ruins of the ancient capital, truly displayed an extraordinary atmosphere.
Fifty miles beyond the city lay the renowned Qingyuan Mountain Range.
“We’ve finally arrived.”
“So this is the prefectural city? It’s huge! Standing at the city gate, I feel like an ant.”
“It’s so lively! A prefecture must be bustling with people.”
“Recently, Qingyuan Sect is recruiting disciples, so it’s no wonder there are so many people.”
...
The flow of carriages was immense, and the grand city gates were bustling with noise, like a dam bursting with water.
Looking toward Qingyuan Mountain, many people showed expressions of longing.
The Great Yu was a nation built on martial prowess, with sects governing the world!
In the skies above Ziyang Prefecture, there was only one cloud, and that was Qingyuan Sect!
The young people from various counties and districts were already bursting with excitement, shouting and cheering.
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