radicalducati Page 637
Page 637
"Xiang Shaoyu, ranked eighth on the Dragon and Phoenix List, is twenty-five years old and possesses the unparalleled qualities of a hegemon!"
"Fu Hongxue of the Demonic Sect, outside the ninth level of the Dragon and Phoenix Ranking, wields a blade of vengeance, an unparalleled swift saber!"
After saying that, Zhang Xiaoshan fell silent.
Because these are all geniuses he knows. There are too many geniuses in the Nine Provinces, so the Dragon and Phoenix Ranking naturally has more than ten.
Anyone who meets the requirements can be included in the Dragon and Phoenix List.
Zhang Xiaoshan has relaxed the ranking system, with 100 as the limit.
After all, the Dragon and Phoenix Ranking is not about conquest and slaughter, but a form of propaganda and protection. However, various forces will also remain hidden.
After all, a genius who has been exposed is not necessarily completely safe.
There is competition for fame and fortune everywhere, especially in this kind of open and aboveboard competition. The pressure of competition is extraordinary, and intrigue and trickery will inevitably follow.
However, with the Zhang family and the five major powers protecting them in the early stages, it should be the safest period.
Chapter 750 The List of Heroes? Hero Island?
"Zhang didn't know much about the newcomers in the martial arts world, and most of the people he knew were younger and older than him."
Therefore, the number of people on the Dragon and Phoenix List will be determined after collecting some information and obtaining their consent. The maximum number of people on the Dragon and Phoenix List can be increased to one hundred.
Upon hearing Zhang Xiaoshan's explanation, the assembled heroes couldn't help but smile in relief.
At Zhang Xiaoshan's level, even top experts wouldn't catch his eye, and those who could catch his eye were all exceptionally talented.
Therefore, the nine people on the list will basically all become unparalleled masters in the future.
"Then may I ask, young master, who is Fu Hongxue?"
Since the young master described him as a blade of revenge, if he kills someone, shouldn't we kill him too?
"The Blade of Vengeance? It's a demonic blade that could bring slaughter."
However, his enemy is Ma Kongqun, and in truth, he was just a tool being used.
"683" is a man who clearly distinguishes between gratitude and resentment, and he will not easily draw his sword.
If he were to die on the path of revenge, it would naturally fall into the category of feuds and vendettas, and would be the most typical example.
Zhang Xiaoshan naturally wouldn't care about Fu Hongxue's life or death.
Even if Fu Hongxue's knife is incredibly fast, he wouldn't put his neck up for someone to chop, and besides, it has nothing to do with him.
"Those who make the list must be of good character and not kill innocent people indiscriminately."
In this way, the martial arts world of Kyushu will be vibrant, and righteousness will endure. This is also the purpose of Zhang establishing the five lists.
As for the blacklist? It's a list of those who "if I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening," a list for those vying for power!
"Young master is benevolent and righteous!"
Hearing Zhang Xiaoshan describe the martial arts rankings in such a refined and elegant way, others might have suspected his sinister intentions.
But the Zhang family truly has the qualifications to restore order to the martial arts world.
The Heavenly Ranking suppresses those who are suppressed, the Black Ranking reveals those who are enlightened, and the Dragon and Phoenix Ranking discovers those with potential in the martial arts world.
"As for the Heroes Ranking and the Popularity Ranking, they are based on reputation in the martial arts world."
The Xia Ke Gang, for example, was mainly composed of heroes of the martial arts world such as Yan Nantian, the greatest hero of the Nine Provinces, the Seven Heroes of Wudang, and Lu Xiaofeng. Its purpose was to encourage martial arts masters to act chivalrously and uphold justice.
The same applies to the Ranking of Heroes; all those listed are prominent figures in the martial arts world, such as key figures in major events, dark horses who suddenly emerge, or powerful figures who stir up the winds of change…
Upon hearing Zhang Xiaoshan's interpretation of the remaining two lists, everyone immediately understood his purpose.
The Heroes Ranking is meant to encourage martial arts masters to establish correct chivalrous values.
The popularity rankings, on the other hand, are like a curse; once you're on the list, you're bound to be watched, and it all comes down to who's lucky.
"Then, young master, to whom do you intend to submit the five examination papers?"
Zhao Gao looked at the five lists beside Zhang Xiaoshan, his eyes gleaming.
To control a list is to possess the power to stir up storms and unleash devastation, much like the Investiture of the Gods.
Even Zhang Sanfeng was extremely concerned, because if this were to deal with Wudang, simply making Wudang the top choice would suffice.
Naturally, no one dared to offend Zhang Sanfeng so openly.
"The candidates for the five lists?"
The Heavenly Rankings remain largely unchanged year after year, and any changes to the list invariably signify major events in the martial arts world. Therefore, this ranking is placed at Wudang!
The Heavenly Ranking and Wudang?
Everyone chose to remain silent. As Zhang Xiaoshan said, this list doesn't change much over the years, so it doesn't have much effect.
Besides, those who spread rumors about the top-ranked experts are simply asking for trouble.
Zhang Xiaoshan unleashed the Dragon Pearl. The instant the Dragon Pearl covered the Heavenly Ranking, a surge of primordial energy appeared out of thin air and poured into the Heavenly Ranking scrolls.
Seeing such a bizarre scene, everyone was immediately shocked.
"To prevent the list from being falsified, Zhang used the power of the Dragon Ball to strengthen the jade slip. This is an ability that no other Dragon Ball has. Therefore, there will never be a second volume of the Heavenly Ranking in the world."
Unless Zhang manufactures another one!
The crowd erupted in uproar, though they felt Zhang Xiaoshan's statement was too absolute.
But Zhang Xiaoshan's methods are indeed remarkable; at least he won't just create a random ranking list to cause trouble.
To establish a list that everyone can trust, it's not enough to just publish it; it requires absolute credibility and strength.
Zhang Xiaoshan undoubtedly has this qualification.
Even if others are high-profile and create a list, no one will pay attention.
"The Black List is extremely ruthless, and the challengers are also the most frequent, stirring up the entire land."
The Demonic Sect roams the Nine Provinces, its masters numerous and powerful. The Evil Emperor, having attained enlightenment through demonic cultivation, has reached the pinnacle of divine power. Therefore, I, Zhang, entrust the Black List to the Evil Emperor. Does anyone have any objections?
The Demonic Emperor of the Demonic Sect Takes Control of the Black List?
Even though it was predicted, everyone's eyes still lit up.
Oppose?
Let alone the three Grandmasters of the Demonic Sect, they were even at the level of the Evil Emperor Celestial Realm, and their Nascent Soul realm was above Zhang Sanfeng's, so no one dared to refute them.
With the same merit enhancement, Zhang Xiaoshan threw the Black List to the Evil Emperor of the Demonic Sect.
"The Dragon and Phoenix Ranking is a list of rising stars in the martial arts world, with the aim of encouraging younger generations and protecting their smooth growth."
Whether it's the righteous path or the demonic path, both undoubtedly have concepts of righteousness and demonic nature.
Therefore, Zhang wanted to hand over the Dragon and Phoenix List to the Empire, for heroes use martial arts to break the law, and scholars use Confucianism to break the law.
The true heroes are those who 'become the greatest heroes, serving their country and its people,' not those who use force to bully the weak. Because if anyone on the Dragon and Phoenix Ranking breaks the law, the Empire is the most impartial judge!
Zhao Gao was overjoyed upon hearing this, never expecting that Zhang Xiaoshan would hand over the power of the Dragon and Phoenix Ranking to the Empire.
"Lord Zhao, please don't be too happy yet. The Net is the empire's weapon of destruction and could not possibly control the Dragon and Phoenix Ranking. The imperial organization that Zhang mentioned is the Divine Marquis's Mansion!"
Divine Marquis's Mansion - Zhuge Zhengwo!
Moreover, the Divine Constable's Mansion has more than just Zhuge Liang; there's also Guo Jing, the Four Great Constables, the Eight Directions Divine Constables...
"Shenhou Mansion!"
Upon hearing that the Dragon and Phoenix Ranking was being led by a particular faction, the various martial arts organizations breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhuge Zhengwo has a decent reputation and is a Grandmaster in strength. In addition, Guo Jing and the Four Great Constables are all fair-minded people, so it is not unreasonable for him to take charge of the Dragon and Phoenix Ranking.
If it were another martial arts faction, they would probably have many ulterior motives.
After all, the Dragon and Phoenix Ranking consists of rising stars in the martial arts world who will influence the future direction of the martial arts world in the Nine Provinces. It would be inappropriate to favor either side.
The Imperial Divine Marquis's Office, acting in accordance with the law, is undoubtedly an organization that distinguishes between good and evil, but not between right and wrong.
At least for now, the Divine Marquis's Mansion 2.0 is trustworthy.
"The Heroes Ranking is a list that encourages chivalrous deeds, so those who manage the Heroes Ranking must have a strong intelligence network and be fair and selfless."
Therefore, Zhang planned to hand over the list of heroes to Bi Gu, the all-knowing scholar of the martial arts world.
From the incident of the massacre of the young lady back then, it is clear that Bi Gu was of upright character and could distinguish between good and evil.
In addition, the Dongli Sect is located far overseas and rarely interferes in the affairs of the martial arts world.
Furthermore, Zhang will arrange for a "Hero Island," where any master on the Hero Ranking can obtain a fortuitous opportunity. This opportunity might include a divine weapon, martial arts skills, or simply a reasonable request...
Regarding the matter of Xia Ke Island, I will discuss it with Master Zhang and the others later, in order to encourage chivalry throughout the martial world!
Hiss...
No one expected that the seemingly useless list of heroes was Zhang Xiaoshan's biggest achievement.
Chapter 751 Five Rankings Lay the Foundation: Zhang Xiaoshan's Open Scheme
"May I ask, young master, does Xia Ke Island interfere in matters of the martial world?"
No one doubted the strength of Xia Ke Island, given the Zhang family's involvement.
Just as Ghost Street grew stronger under the Zhang family's control, Zhang Xiaoshan's purpose was to inspire a group of heroes, so he would definitely make a big move.
Divine weapons, martial arts, requirements... these will inevitably affect the balance of the entire martial arts world.
"No, Xia Ke Island is isolated overseas, and the people on the island rarely leave."
At that time, Zhang will invite two grandmasters to oversee the event. Meanwhile, on the island, Zhang will also adopt orphans with clean backgrounds as disciples, because their pure hearts will prevent them from being tempted by outside influences.
In addition, Xia Ke Island invites heroes from the Hero Ranking to the island every three years, and holds a ceremony to reward good and punish evil every twelve years!
"Rewarding the good and punishing the evil?"
The triennial reward undoubtedly delighted many martial arts heroes.
This period is neither too short nor too long, just enough for most people to accept. Even if it's just for show, they can still get a divine weapon or a secret manual in the end.
However, the practice of rewarding 19 good deeds and punishing evil deeds every twelve years gave them an ominous feeling.
Especially terms like 'punishing evil'.
"That's right, reward the good and punish the evil!"
This means regularly sweeping away some deeply hidden evil forces, excluding the Demonic Cult and so-called imperial henchmen.
To put it bluntly, those gangs that don't have powerful backers or whose annihilation doesn't disrupt the balance of the martial arts world won't cause major upheavals or throw the balance off.
Of course, Xia Ke Dao (侠客岛) doesn't concern itself with their usual infighting.
However, if someone commits numerous evils and oppresses the local people, Xia Ke Island will assign certain tasks to the masters on the Xia Ke Ranking to clean up the mess and earn credits.
As for the purpose, I think you all understand.
Similarly, rewarding good is like punishing evil.
For chivalrous individuals or small gangs with excellent reputations, certain support and rewards will be given according to their good deeds.
Only in this way can the list of chivalrous heroes truly live up to its name.
"Infinite Heavenly Lord!"
Zhang Xiaoshan undoubtedly picked out the good points, while simultaneously making grand promises.
However, such a suggestion was beneficial to the prosperity and stability of the martial arts world. Even Zhang Sanfeng and the Old Celestial Master had to admit that Zhang Xiaoshan's move was extremely ingenious.
After all, the Zhang family is the one in control of Xia Ke Island, so it's fine as long as the Zhang family doesn't get into trouble.
If something goes wrong, Xia Ke Island will lose its bonds and then it will impact the entire Nine Provinces.
Moreover, all these arrangements, seemingly aimed at stabilizing the martial arts world, are actually based on the Zhang family's leadership, which is the foundation of Xia Ke Island's cohesion.
By stabilizing the martial arts world, the Zhang family's superior status was guaranteed.
At the same time, it took advantage of the situation to expand the Zhang family's hidden power, and it was a legitimate expansion of order.
Even Zhang Sanfeng had to admire it.
However, Zhang Sanfeng was still at ease with Zhang Xiaoshan's character and style of doing things.