In a perfect world, you start by relying on your own strength.

"So, which number is this now? Seventeen or eighteen?"

Someone in the crowd murmured a question; the constant updates had gradually numbed everyone. The spiritual light on the stone tablet flickered every few moments, as if it had become the norm.

"It's the eighteenth, and it's the one with the best technique." The cultivator beside him replied in a daze.

Wind, fire, thunder, lightning, water, earth, wood, metal, movement and speed, physical strength, qi and blood... all these domains were broken one by one.

With his extraordinary understanding and application of runes, Shi Geng could turn even ordinary magical techniques into something magical.

He swept across the entire area, and his name was densely packed on the stone tablet, making it particularly eye-catching.

Shi Geng was concentrating on refining his magic technique, preparing to create a new list of the most powerful control techniques, when suddenly a dark cloud appeared out of thin air above his head, lingering in mid-air for a long time, and no matter how much power he used, he could not dispel it.

The surrounding clamor instantly fell silent. This was because the Void God Realm itself had become enraged. Its continuous attacks on the large blue stone had crossed the bottom line of this spiritual world, and this was a stern warning from the Void God Realm.

"Hahaha, what a blessing from heaven! I've actually been warned by the Void God Realm and become an unwelcome person here!"

"Serves him right. This kid kept using the channel to boost his rankings, and now he can finally shut up."

Laughter erupted from the crowd. The constant record-breaking was making everyone restless; if this prodigy continued to break records, their Dao hearts might be affected and become unstable.

"Look, many of the great clans' prodigies have been so discouraged that they look dejected and have no will to live."

Someone pointed to the distance, their tone slightly teasing.

With records being broken one after another, the confidence of these prodigies collapsed. If they cannot get over this sense of defeat and their minds become clouded, their future cultivation path will likely be greatly hindered.

"Now things can finally quiet down."

Someone let out a long sigh of relief, their face filled with a sense of relief. This prodigy was simply too much trouble, constantly breaking records and making everyone present feel extremely tormented.

Before the relaxation in everyone's hearts had dissipated, suddenly runes burst forth, and a phoenix with colorful feathers shattered the rosy light and soared into the sky, its dazzling light filling the air as it flew straight toward Shi Heng.

"It's the Goddess of War from Zhulu Academy!" someone in the crowd exclaimed in surprise.

"Rumor has it that this woman is incredibly powerful and unpredictable; otherwise, she wouldn't be worthy of such a reputation."

The five-colored phoenix parted the stagnant dark clouds and arrived in an instant. The woman was clad in full-body gilded armor. Although the armor was heavy, it could not conceal her graceful figure. She was voluptuous and well-proportioned, with a slender waist and long, straight legs. Bathed in the golden light, she possessed a unique and unparalleled heroic and elegant charm.

She wore a golden helmet, revealing most of her face. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes like autumn water, and her skin was as white as jade. Her beauty was unparalleled. Her armor accentuated her heroic spirit as well as her elegant charm. Her outstanding temperament made her unforgettable at first glance.

Her gaze fell on Shi Geng, her pearly white teeth slightly visible, and she invited him, "I would like to invite you to join Zhulu Academy."

No one present was surprised. Given the child's extraordinary talent, it was only natural that Zhulu Academy would take the initiative to recruit him first.

Before Shi Geng could respond, a shimmering animal skin floated down from the sky. The runes on its surface flickered, and on it stood a group of women in white, each with graceful bearing and ethereal beauty, like fairies who had strayed into the mortal world.

The leader spoke softly, "Young brother, our Heaven-Mending Pavilion cordially invites you to join us for cultivation."

Following closely behind, more than ten groups of forces appeared one after another, all extending their intentions to recruit Shi Geng.

Those who came were all top-tier forces; the ordinary clans and sects remained silent. They knew that they had no confidence to compete with such powerful lineages as the Zhulu Academy, the Butian Pavilion, and the ancient families, so they simply waited and saw what would happen.

In an instant, all the major forces gathered together, and all eyes were focused on Shi Geng.

"Um, can I select all?"

Shi Geng's eyes burned with greed as he scanned the assembled top powers with predatory intent. These powers had long histories and possessed a considerable collection of treasures.

The various treasures, such as inherited techniques, legendary artifacts, and rare elixirs, made his heart itch with desire, and he almost drooled on the spot.

Upon hearing this, everyone's lips twitched violently.

"Good heavens, this guy is way too greedy! Joining any of the top forces is an opportunity that countless cultivators would kill for, and he actually wants to join them all?"

The people from the top forces present had different expressions. Even the usually aloof and arrogant Valkyrie couldn't help but twitch her lips and stare at Shi Gen speechlessly.

"Cough cough, is that not allowed?"

Shi Geng scratched his head, looking a little embarrassed. He knew the request was really outrageous, but he was actually having trouble choosing between them.

Ancient aristocratic families possessed profound foundations and abundant resources, but they were also subject to numerous rules and constraints, which led him to exclude them first.

After considering all the options, it seems that Zhulu Academy and Butian Pavilion are the most suitable, but it is still difficult to decide between the two.

Shi Geng's gaze swept lightly over the Valkyrie before turning to the group from the Heaven-Mending Pavilion beside him, having already made his decision.

Zhulu Academy and Butian Pavilion are equally renowned, both being top-tier sects with ancient lineages and unfathomable foundations. However, Shi Geng is not currently lacking in combat techniques. The only thing that has caught his attention is the Butian Pavilion's supreme inheritance—the Butian Technique.

This ancient and precious technique is mysterious and powerful, and is known as "able to mend the heavens". It has the miraculous effect of turning the tide and bringing the dead back to life.

It excels at repairing all things in the world. When its cultivation reaches its peak, it can even repair shattered voids, broken heaven and earth, and damaged laws of heaven.

Shi Gen's gaze slowly swept over the representatives of the various factions. They stared at him with varying degrees of tension, anticipation, and confidence, each hoping that Shi Gen would choose their faction.

The atmosphere within the entire initial area was heavy and tense, as if even the air itself had frozen.

Shi Geng took a deep breath, and his gaze finally fell on the representative of Butian Pavilion, an old man in a blue robe with a kind face, but his eyes revealed an indescribable profundity.

"I choose... to join the Heaven-Mending Pavilion." Shi Geng's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

These words instantly changed the atmosphere in the hall. Some representatives of various factions showed disappointment, while others breathed a sigh of relief.

Upon hearing that Shi Geng wanted to join the Heaven-Mending Pavilion, a hint of joy flashed in the eyes of the old man of the Heaven-Mending Pavilion. He raised his hand and waved it gently. A strange object slowly appeared in his palm as light flowed around it.

This object is neither gold nor stone, its surface covered with layers of mysterious and unpredictable ancient patterns.

"This is our Heaven-Mending Pavilion's token. With it in hand, your status within the pavilion is completely different. Whether it's precious medicine or rune techniques, you can get priority access."