Cultivation Online

Chapter 2048: Esteemed Guests

After staring at the rankings for a moment, Tian Yuexing suddenly snapped out of his daze.

His head whipped around—

“You!” he exclaimed, eyes locking onto Yuan.

“What about me?” Yuan calmly responded.

“How did you acquire 200 points when I clearly finished the fourth trial first?! You cheated!” Tian Yuexing questioned, even throwing cheating accusations.

Yuan lifted his head to look at the points, and sure enough, he had 500 points while Tian Yuexing only had 385 points.

He shrugged and replied, “How am I supposed to know? I didn’t make the rules, nor do I know how it works.”

Hearing their exchange, Senior Bai stepped forward and said, “Allow me to explain the scoring system.”

“The first person to complete a trial is awarded a full one hundred points, and each person who finishes after that receives five points fewer than the one before.”

“In this case, you received a hundred points for finishing first,” Senior Bai said, glancing at Tian Yuexing.

“However, the fourth trial is unique in the way that it has two finish lines. While you completed the first, Yuan went above and beyond and managed to reach the peak of the mountain, which is substantially harder, hence the two hundred points.”

“He climbed to the peak of the mountain?! That’s impossible!” Tian Yuexing exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief.

He vividly remembers the Supreme Sword Aura radiating from the summit being near perfection. Even with his level of talent, he was still far from reaching that level.

The thought that Yuan’s Supreme Sword Aura was so vastly superior to his own was almost too much for Tian Yuexing to accept.

However, what truly irritated him was the possibility that he might never get to surpass Yuan again and reclaim first place.

There was only one trial left, and he was still 115 points behind. Even if he finished first and earned the full 100 points, he would still fall short—unless, by some miracle, Yuan were to be disqualified during the trial.

As if Senior Bai could read Tian Yuexing’s mind, he suddenly spoke, “There is still a chance to catch up in the final trial. Though it won’t be easy, it’s possible.”

“Is that true?!” Tian Yuexing trembled with excitement, and his eyes reignited with ambition.

Senior Bai nodded, “Yes. I can’t give you any details, but it’s definitely possible.”

Hearing this, Tian Yuexing turned to look at Yuan and said, “Why don’t we both take a rest and enter the final trial at the same time, a week from now? Unless you’re too afraid of me passing you, that is.”

Yuan smiled behind his mask and said, “You don’t need to provoke me. If you want me to slow down for you, just ask.”

“T-That’s not it!” Tian Yuexing blurted out, clearly flustered by Yuan’s words.

Yuan casually took a seat on the platform and said, “Clearly, the last few trials have worn you out. I’ll give you a week to catch your breath.”

Tian Yuexing trembled, a burning sensation creeping across his face, as if Yuan’s words had slapped him harder than any hand ever could.

But he held his tongue, afraid that saying anything might make Yuan change his mind and proceed to the final trial immediately.

Though he had managed to get some rest during the fourth trial, the mental strain still weighed heavily on him. He needed the time, whether he admitted it or not.

And so, the two began their rest in preparation for the final trial.

However, while Tian Yuexing focused on restoring every ounce of his strength, Yuan appeared far more relaxed. Though his expression was hidden behind a mask, the audience couldn’t shake the feeling that he wasn’t cultivating at all but just sitting there casually, as if simply waiting for Tian Yuexing to finish.

As the two rested, the audience buzzed with speculation over who would ultimately claim first place.

While many were undeniably impressed by Yuan, the majority still placed their bets on Tian Yuexing. Despite everything that had happened, they believed that the number one genius of the Nine Heavens would not allow himself to be overtaken in the end.

As the days went by, more and more people gathered at the Gates of Heaven, drawn by the growing anticipation surrounding the final trial and the rivalry between Yuan and Tian Yuexing.

On the sixth day of their rest—just one day before the final trial was set to begin—a new commotion stirred within the Gates of Heaven.

But this time, it wasn’t caused by any of the participants.

The source of the commotion was a grand silver carriage, steadily approaching from a distance. Draped in a majestic silver-and-blue flag bearing an unmistakable emblem, it radiated an aura of unquestionable prestige and authority.

Surrounding the carriage was a formidable escort—an entire contingent of God Ascension realm cultivators—moving in perfect formation as it advanced, further emphasizing the significance of its arrival.

The moment the audience caught sight of the emblem, a hush fell over the crowd. Regardless of status or cultivation, everyone rose to their feet and bowed their heads in silent respect, paying wordless tribute to the ones within the carriage.

Noticing the sudden shift in the crowd’s behavior, Yuan turned his gaze toward the approaching carriage. His eyes narrowed at the emblem, a flicker of recognition flashing behind his mask.

When Senior Bai noticed them, he flew off the platform without a word, making his way toward the newcomers to personally welcome them.

The carriage came to a halt moments later, and one of the God Ascension realm cultivators opened the door. From within, two figures emerged, each exuding a presence that immediately commanded the crowd’s attention and awe.

“Welcome to the Gates of Heaven, esteemed guests from the Celestial Family,” Senior Bai greeted them respectfully.

The newcomers were none other than members of the Celestial Family—the number one family in the Nine Heavens and the direct bloodline of the Celestial Emperor himself.