Chapter 480: Chapter 37: Number One on the Human List, Murong Presents Jade

The Martial Arts Garden exists in all Nine Kingdoms.

The talented martial artists of each country have almost all joined the Martial Arts Garden.

Moreover, the Martial Arts Garden belongs to a neutral force, and it is responsible for issuing the Hidden Dragon List, whose fairness is recognized by all the martial artists of the Nine Kingdoms.

"The Hidden Dragon List is not just an empty title. Our Martial Arts Garden will open its resources to the talents on the Hidden Dragon List, especially the top ten talents. The higher the ranking, the greater the difference in resources."

Zhao Qianqiu looked at Lin Chen. Her most important purpose in coming to Lingxiao Martial Arts Academy was to inform Lin Chen of this news.

From the series of experiences Lin Chen had in Poyang County, Zhao Qianqiu had some understanding of Lin Chen. He is not one to care about vain titles.

If it weren’t for the rewards tied to the academy’s ranking evaluations, Lin Chen might never have shown his true strength.

This is evidenced by Lin Chen dueling with other martial artists in the Martial Arts Garden while wearing a mask. Lin Chen is an extremely pragmatic person.

In Lin Chen, she could see youthful vitality, but not the recklessness typical of youth.

If there were no benefits, with Lin Chen’s temperament, he probably wouldn’t care much about the Hidden Dragon List rankings.

"Not only my Martial Arts Garden, but the Nine Kingdoms will also reward the talents on the Hidden Dragon List. Whether they reward their own martial artists privately or in the same manner as the United Martial Arts Academy... that requires discussions among the countries."

Each country has its own considerations. No one wants to cultivate martial talents for other countries. The United Martial Arts Academy exists because martial arts resources are too scattered, and the Nine Kingdoms all need each other’s martial arts resources.

Hou Zhantian’s old eyes gleamed. He heard the implication in Zhao Qianqiu’s words and asked in a deep voice, "Elder Zhao, what ranking did the Martial Arts Garden ultimately give Lin Chen on the Hidden Dragon List?"

"First on the Human List!"

Zhao Qianqiu answered without any hesitation.

Even though this ranking hasn’t been finalized yet, she is confident that Lin Chen will rank first on the Human List.

Seeing Lin Chen’s puzzled expression, Zhao Qianqiu explained, "The Hidden Dragon List is divided into three lists, recording martial arts geniuses under the age of twenty. Because of age differences, it is divided into the Celestial, Earth, and Human Lists."

"The Human List is for those under eighteen years old!"

"The Earth List, under nineteen!"

"The Celestial List, under twenty!"

"Those on the Human List can challenge those on the Earth and Celestial Lists, but those on the Earth and Celestial Lists cannot challenge the Human List."

Hou Zhantian squinted slightly, after a moment he said, "This rule is fair."

All those who make the list are geniuses from various countries. A year’s time is enough for a considerable increase in strength. This age-based ranking is the fairest.

"The Celestial List only has ten spots, the Earth List thirty, and the Human List sixty. If a genius on the Human List exceeds the age limit, they can only challenge those on the Earth List. If successful, they replace the position; if they fail, they drop off the list."

...

...

Zhao Qianqiu spoke at length about the rules of the Hidden Dragon List, and Lin Chen listened quietly. One must admit, the Martial Arts Garden has considered things very thoroughly, incorporating various scenarios.

The Celestial List has fewer spots than the Earth List, and the Earth List has fewer than the Human List, thus preventing geniuses on the Human List from automatically entering the Earth List once they reach the eligible age.

The geniuses of the Nine Kingdoms not only have to compete to get on the list, but after getting on, they have to compete with geniuses of the same age!

It’s very cruel!

But in this brutal mechanism, only those who can advance to the next list are considered true geniuses.

Meanwhile, the Martial Arts Garden also gives each country ten slots for direct challenge annually to prevent missing out on some uniquely talented geniuses. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Some martial arts geniuses might be of average ability at seventeen, but through some opportunity or other reasons, their strength might suddenly surge at eighteen. They can then apply to challenge the last position on the Earth List, bypassing the Human List. Once successful, they automatically land on the Earth List.

The Martial Arts Garden has taken all such scenarios into account.

"Lin Chen, I will be staying in Lingxiao City for a few days. When you have some free time, you can come to the Martial Arts Garden."

The main reason Zhao Qianqiu visited Lingxiao Martial Arts Academy was to see Lin Chen and inform him about the Hidden Dragon List.

"Alright, I promise not to keep Elder Zhao waiting."

"Lord Hou, I bid you farewell."

"Elder Zhao, I apologize for not escorting you out."

Zhao Qianqiu gracefully departed, leaving only Lin Chen and Hou Zhantian in the great hall.

Hou Zhantian looked at Lin Chen: "You don’t need to think too much about the matters of the Flame Dynasty. The most urgent task at hand is to focus on truly entering the Grade with Nine Revolutions. The Martial Arts Garden issuing the Hidden Dragon List is actually a good thing for you."

"You don’t need to overthink matters; just focus on your cultivation. The appearance of the Hidden Dragon List is an opportunity for you."

"I understand."

Lin Chen nodded. The Flame Dynasty and such matters are indeed far from him. He has yet to truly enter the Grade.

As for why the Hidden Dragon List is beneficial to him, Lin Chen knew very well. Some resources he needed for Nine Revolutions might not be available in Liang. The original plan by the Grandmaster was to use resources from the United Martial Arts Academy later on.

Now, with the addition of the Hidden Dragon List, he has another channel to acquire resources.

"Go on."

Hou Zhantian concluded his conversation with Lin Chen, needing some time to digest the news Zhao Qianqiu brought. The academy’s approach to training disciples might need to change.

...

Leaving the great hall, Lin Chen returned to his own residence.

Just as he arrived, Meng Xing and others came to see him.

"Senior Brother Lin, good news!"

Meng Xing was full of excitement, and the other junior brothers were the same.

"What good news?"

"The Martial Arts Garden has announced the Hidden Dragon List, including the martial arts geniuses of the Nine Kingdoms. Senior Brother Lin is ranked first on the Human List."