After transforming into a fairy, I, in my simulation, wreaked havoc in the cultivation world.

A few days later, you looked at the sticky, clingy Ikegawa beside you and pushed him away with a look of disgust.

"Don't you have anything important to do?"

"My mother said, 'My most important thing is to spend time with you.'"

[Ikegawa, undeterred, pressed closer again.]

"Oh, I've heard that you never listen to your aunt before."

You chuckled, but inwardly felt quite helpless.

[Since that day, it's as if this kid has opened the door to a new world. Besides sparring with you during the day, he also makes the most of his evenings to ask you for advice.]

What a diligent and studious student!

[After all, being with you not only increases my combat experience, but also grants me the bonus from the Jade Marrow Body during dual cultivation—the benefits are numerous.]

However, the other party wasn't stingy; they gave you quite a few pills to improve your cultivation during the Foundation Establishment stage, and even gifted you that high-grade spiritual artifact called the "Soul-Shaking Bell."

"What's this about Lin Bufan that you told me about yesterday?"

Unable to resist his pleas, you nestled comfortably in his arms, then casually asked a question.

"That kid's ruthless!"

[Ikegawa embraced his young wife with satisfaction, a hint of admiration appearing in his eyes.]

"It is said that he was a direct disciple of the Heavenly Profound Sword Sect. A month ago, within the territory of the Extreme Dao Sect, he killed two direct disciples at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage and ambushed and killed dozens of late-Qi Refinement cultivators. In the end, he even managed to escape from a Golden Core elder and leave triumphantly."

Upon hearing this, your fingertips paused slightly; you seemed somewhat dazed at the mention of that name again.

[In a mere twenty years, the speed at which the chosen one has progressed is truly terrifying.]

[The opponent must already possess the combat power of the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, no! Or even the late-Foundation Establishment stage.]

However, the fact that they ultimately escaped from a Golden Core cultivator only shows that everyone was overthinking it. No matter how powerful a Foundation Establishment cultivator is, they can't cause any trouble for a Golden Core cultivator.

That kid Lin Bufan must have used some powerful god-level skill!

"Xuanhuang Prefecture has a Heavenly Pride Ranking, which is dedicated to recording the best cultivators below the Golden Core stage. That kid immediately took the twentieth spot on the list."

[Ikegawa, oblivious to your unusual behavior, continued enthusiastically:]

"After all, escaping from a Golden Core cultivator... that feat is simply unbelievable. However, many people believe he must have used some kind of external object, and it can't be attributed to his own strength."

"The Ranking of Prodigies?"

A hint of doubt flashed in your eyes; why had you never heard of it before?

"Oh, that thing was created by the Wuxiang Tower ten years ago. It not only has the Heavenly Pride Ranking, but also the Hidden Dragon Register and the True Monarch Record."

Upon hearing this, you frowned slightly. "If you're going to cultivate immortality, just focus on cultivating immortality. What's the point of all this empty, unrealistic stuff?" But at the same time, a bad feeling crept into your heart.

Based on your 10,000 hours of literary appreciation experience in your past life, the appearance of something like this signifies a major upheaval in the world.

"Is there any other information about that Wuxiang Tower?"

"The Wuxiang Tower is extremely mysterious. No one has yet been able to uncover their origins. This force has remained out of the public eye for many years, and when they reappear, they will announce their presence on those three lists again."

Upon hearing this, Ikegawa shook his head.

"It's said that they're not only present in Xuanhuang Prefecture, but also in other regions."

"Where does my husband rank on the list of prodigies?"

Seeing that you couldn't get any useful information out of him, you raised an eyebrow and glanced with a hint of mockery at the man who was making unwanted advances towards you.

【"Forehead..."】

[Ikegawa paused in his actions, chuckled awkwardly a few times, and then said with a lack of confidence:]

"I was aiming to make the list last time, but unfortunately I made a mistake..."

"Hmm... Ha... Hahahaha!"

You tried to keep a straight face, but the other person's goofy expression was just too funny to resist.

However, this also indirectly illustrates the general situation of combat strength on the Heroes Ranking; it's clear that only those at the peak of Foundation Establishment can easily make it onto the list.

[Thinking back to how Lin Bufan immediately secured twentieth place upon entering the rankings, you couldn't help but sigh. He truly deserves the title of "Child of Destiny"; this ranking alone will undoubtedly attract a great deal of hatred.]

[As expected, Ikegawa blushed. He raised his hand and opened the protective barrier in the room, then his deep eyes stared straight at you.]

【"My husband~"

You smile sweetly and reach out to wrap your arms around his neck.

"Hmph! Pleading won't work, I..."

"No, what I want is the detailed list of names on that ranking."

【"......"

Looking at your innocent, big eyes, Ikegawa was speechless for a moment.

With a flick of his sleeve, he extinguished all the lights in the room, vowing to restore his authority as husband today!

【...】

Another twenty years have passed.

On this day, the usually quiet Yuhuamen residence was filled with a cacophony of voices.

The disciples hurried through the halls and corridors, where lanterns and decorations were everywhere, as if they were making preparations in advance.

As noon approached, the largest square in the center of the mansion was bustling with activity, with many people dressed in outer sect attire gathered there.

"Young Madam, the Mistress requests your presence."

You are sitting cross-legged on a jade-like futon, and slowly open your eyes upon hearing the sound.

Forty years have passed since you left the Heavenly Profound Sword Sect. Time has left no trace on your face; instead, it has bestowed upon you a pure and ethereal charm, making your appearance even more perfect and your temperament even more refined than before.

"What is it?"

[You didn't get up immediately. Twenty years is but a fleeting moment in the path of cultivation, but it's enough for you to establish yourself in the Jade Maiden Sect and cultivate a few trusted confidants.]

"Today is the preliminary round of the Phoenix Cry in the Purple Heaven Grand Competition. The Mistress hopes that you can step forward to preside over it."

Because of Chi Chuan, Chi Chuan's mother, out of affection for him, has gradually begun to let you manage some minor matters.

Today's actions are likely intended to formally introduce you to the other branches of the Jade Maiden Sect.

As for the Phoenix Cry Purple Heaven Grand Competition, it's not that you don't want to participate; on the contrary, you very much want to participate, but unfortunately, your strength is not yet sufficient to step into that kind of prestigious gathering.

You gaze at the shimmering light at your fingertips and sigh inwardly, "Still not quite there."

[For twenty years, you have diligently cultivated day and night with the help of the Jade Lotus Sect's resources, yet you are ultimately limited by your spiritual root and remain stuck at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. It will likely take you quite some time to break through to the late stage.]

[Your cultivation level is still relatively low. Nearly forty years of continuous seclusion has inevitably affected your state of mind. Going out for a while would be beneficial.]

After all, your doting husband is also participating, and as a good wife, it's only natural to go and cheer him on.

[After you rose, you slowly stepped out of the room. Your loose and comfortable robes quickly transformed into flowing light. As your toes crossed the threshold, the light instantly solidified into a long, moon-white dress woven with gold.]

[With flowing sleeves and a jade belt cinching her waist, a jade hairpin is tucked diagonally into her hair, accentuating her beautiful features, making her appear dignified yet elegant.]

"Young Madam!"

The disciples waiting outside were momentarily stunned, then quickly lowered their eyes and bowed, not daring to look at them again.

"Okay, lead the way."

Your tone was cool and aloof, your attitude distant yet not arrogant; your every gesture exuded the dignified bearing of a sect matriarch.

Your residence is not far from that central square; it only takes the time it takes to drink a cup of tea to reach its edge.

【Hiss~】

The moment you entered, countless gasps of astonishment filled the air.

You calmly scanned the area, then paused for a moment in a certain corner, before a subtle smile curved your lips.

This is truly...a coincidence!

...