"This must be a cultivator in the Mahayana stage!" Ye Xiruo asked somewhat uncertainly.

"More than that." Could it be the Tribulation Transcending stage? Good heavens, aren't the old monsters at the Tribulation Transcending stage supposed to have seen through the mortal world, detached themselves from worldly affairs, and single-mindedly pursue the Dao, ready to transcend tribulations and ascend at any time? How could they easily emerge from the mountains, and now two more have appeared? The only explanation is that the Pill King Palace attaches great importance to this Heavenly Ranking Competition. As a top power on the continent, the Pill King Palace has sent such a lineup, so one can imagine that the Taiyan Divine Dynasty, Taiyan Divine Sect, Saintess Peak, and Ten Thousand Swords Sect are probably not much different. This shows how dangerous the Heavenly Ranking Competition is.

Jingli took something out of her bosom and tossed it into the air. It transformed into a small, exquisite three-story pagoda, its entire body a luxurious purple, shimmering with a dazzling light.

Ye Xiruo's first thought was of the Crystal Palace on Saintess Peak, which should be on the same level as this Amethyst Pagoda—a celestial artifact.

"Alright, everyone, go inside."

The people inside the hall quickly transformed into streaks of light and entered the pagoda. The pagoda appeared small and exquisite from the outside, but its interior held a hidden world. Everyone entered the first level, which remained empty. Ye Xiruo and Xiu Qiyu stood together, and Si Hao and Zishu quickly joined them.

"Where is Master?"

Zishu pointed up; it turned out they were going to the second floor.

The purple pagoda transformed into a streak of light, hurtling towards the center of the continent. Simultaneously, on Saintess Peak, a crystal palace soared into the sky, flying towards the continent's center. At the Myriad Swords Sect, a massive sword light tore through space, sending the Taiyan God flying towards a golden, dragon-shaped deity.

Major powers across the continent mobilized, with streaks of light frequently flashing across the sky. Independent cultivators and lone travelers also set off, causing a complete upheaval throughout the Taiyan Continent.

The Heavenly Ranking Competition concerns the fate of the human race and the destiny of every individual. Even those who are not strong enough to participate in the Heavenly Ranking Competition will silently pray in their hearts when they see the streaks of light in the sky, wishing for the prosperity and longevity of the human race.

The pagoda moved very quickly, and like the Crystal Palace, one could see the outside scenery through its structure. The prodigies were initially interested in looking around, but eventually grew tired of it and began to close their eyes and meditate. Xiu Qiyu and Ye Xiruo were no exception.

Overall, the journey was relatively smooth. The few chance encounters with the demon ships were all brief clashes that ended quickly, as if they were all tacitly planning to postpone the battle until the Heavenly Ranking Competition.

After the human forces saw the amethyst pagoda, they greeted each other and then went their separate ways.

After flying for three full days, the pagoda slowly came to a stop. Jing Li appeared before everyone for the first time.

"We're almost at Tianbang City. Get ready to go down."

Tianbang City was built upon the Heavenly Ranking, boasting a long history and profound cultural heritage. It has developed into a magnificent and prosperous ancient city. Tianbang City only opens its gates to welcome the elites of all races after the Heavenly Ranking is revealed. Once the Heavenly Ranking competition concludes, Tianbang City will also disappear along with the Heavenly Ranking.

Throughout history, many have sought the secrets of Heavenly Ranking City, but Heavenly Ranking City seems to be connected to the Heavenly Ranking in some mysterious way. This existence, transcending the rules, has left countless people empty-handed. Yet, the allure remains, with many hoping to unveil the mysteries of the Heavenly Ranking.

There's an unwritten rule in Tianbang City: no one is allowed to fly within the city, regardless of their status or cultivation level. Therefore, the Purple Crystal Pagoda stopped outside Tianbang City, allowing everyone to dismount and enter on foot.

"Once you're in Tianbang City, don't cause trouble. If others want to cause trouble, just play along." This was indeed her master's style, leaving Ye Xiru somewhat speechless.

The walls of Tianbang City were forged from a dark bluish-black ore, engraved with countless arrays. Over the long years, the towering, imposing walls had become weathered and worn, yet their majestic grandeur remained undiminished. The three large characters of "Tianbang City" were ancient and weathered, but gazing upon them for too long seemed to devour half of one's soul. These three characters possessed immense power; Ye Xiruo's intuition told her that they were the core of Tianbang City, its very soul.

"Don't stare at those three words, or you'll turn into an idiot." This was the master's lazy reminder.

Xiu Qiyu also gripped Ye Xiruo's hand tightly in an instant: "Little Ye, are you alright?"

"It's alright." The three big characters "Tianbang City" are probably more for protection. If they don't provoke us, they probably won't attack us right away.

"Ten high-grade spirit stones per person."

"Um, this fee is a bit too high. In Danwang City, it's only ten mid-grade spirit stones!" Ye Xiruo pouted. "Heartless Tianbang City."

After handing over the spirit stones, the group quickly went inside. The Pill King Palace had stood on the continent for many years and had its own strength in Tianbang City. It was an ancient pavilion near the city center, with a design somewhat similar to the residence of the Holy Maiden of Saintess Peak, exuding a sense of vicissitude and antiquity.

Jing Li led the group from the Pill King Palace inside quite naturally.

A middle-aged man with gray hair, a tall stature, and good spirits came out to greet them.

"Greetings, Palace Master." Sixty years had passed in the blink of an eye, and the Palace Master had changed from the Throne to this handsome young man. Yet, Chen Shu showed no disdain, nor did he carry any luggage; he trusted the Throne's judgment. If he weren't truly satisfied, how could he have entrusted the Pill King Palace to him with such confidence?

"Uncle Chen, thank you for your hard work."

All those assigned to Tianbang City are forbidden from leaving the city for life unless they swear an oath to the Heavenly Dao, vowing never to reveal any information about Tianbang City. They will live in Tianbang City forever, appearing with the birth of the Heavenly Ranking and disappearing with the end of the Heavenly Ranking competition, until they leave voluntarily or perish.

"The rooms are ready. I'll have someone lead you to rest. Your Highness, please proceed to the third floor."

"Go and rest! Those who don't want to rest can go out for a walk. Don't forget what I said."

"Yes, Lord."

"Eldest brother, second brother, Xiu Qiyu, bring the third brother with me."

Alright! Amidst the envious and jealous gazes of everyone, the three of them followed closely behind Jing Li upstairs.

"Third brother, you live next door to me, so try not to go out these next couple of days."

"Yes, Master."

"The three of you, no matter what happens, you must do everything in your power to protect the third brother's life, understand?"

"Understood, Master/Palace Master."