194: The top ten in the Heavenly Pride Battle have been determined.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was the day before the finals of the Heavenly Pride Battle.

Inside the Time Wheel Emperor Palace.

Cao Bu quietly rubbed his aching lower back.

During these days, he had truly indulged himself in the life of a debauched ruler.

"Once we part, I don't know when we will gather again next."

"Before you return, I am giving you a task: do your best to collect treasures containing Yin and Yang Qi."

"Additionally, keep an eye out for these rare Materials. It's best if you can obtain them; if not, let me know."

Cao Bu gave them a list of Materials required to Cultivate the eleventh and twelfth levels of the Primordial Indestructible Scripture.

The women gazed at Cao Bu, their eyes filled with reluctance to leave.

These past days had indeed been the happiest times of their lives.

Although things were a bit absurd, only they knew the wonderful taste of it in their hearts.

"Don't all look so miserable; it's not like we won't see each other again," Cao Bu comforted them gently.

Qin Bingyao said softly, "Cao Bu, when can we truly be together and never part again?"

Cao Bu pondered for a moment before speaking: "On the day I Breakthrough to the Great Emperor Realm. At that time, no one in the entire Spirit Realm will be able to restrain me, and I will personally come to fetch you."

"When that time comes, whether your nominal husbands are willing or not, it won't be up to them."

"Of course, it would be best if you could sever your relationships with them during this period. If you can't, it's fine; just wait for me."

After speaking, he waved his hand to open the spatial exit of the Time Wheel Emperor Palace.

Before long, everyone had departed.

Half a day later.

The Gu Clan's martial arts square was bustling with people.

On the high platform, Cao Bu, dressed in red martial attire, scanned the dense crowd below and said loudly, "Everyone, the second half of the Heavenly Pride Battle finals—the Top 100 Ranking Match—begins now!"

He paused and read out the rules:

"Starting from the 1000th rank, contestants can challenge opponents ranked ten to fifty places higher than themselves. The winner takes their rank, and the loser's rank drops by one."

"To avoid evading battles, each contestant must complete a specified number of challenges or responses within the allotted time."

"After all duels conclude, the final Top 100 list will be determined based on win rates, opponent strength, and current rankings, and the Heavenly Pride Top 100 List will be published!"

"Among them, the top ten will represent our Righteous Path Alliance to face the Prodigies of the Demon State!"

"The competition begins!"

With the command given, Cao Bu glanced at the Grand Elder beside him.

The Grand Elder immediately stepped forward and said in a heavy voice, "1000th rank, Sun Xiaoshou, choose your opponent!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a lean figure leaped onto the arena and responded loudly, "Reporting to the Elder, this Disciple challenges the 982nd rank—Gao Daqiang!"

"Where is Gao Daqiang? Get to the arena quickly!" the Grand Elder called out.

A burly figure emerged from the square, making the arena tremble slightly as he landed.

"Gao Daqiang is here!"

Sun Xiaoshou cupped his hands in greeting with a bright smile: "Brother Gao, please give me some guidance."

Gao Daqiang grinned, his muscles bulging: "Brother Sun, your name is quite literal."

The two instantly clashed in battle.

Sun Xiaoshou's movement was flexible, while Gao Daqiang's strength was fierce, drawing continuous cheers from below the stage.

On the high platform, Cao Bu appeared to be watching the battle seriously, but in reality, his attention was entirely on Mu Zining and the other women.

He saw that they had all returned to their respective power's seats, their expressions calm as if the intimacy in the Time Wheel Emperor Palace had never happened.

In a corner of the high platform, Lin Xiaotian and Chu Tianxuan sat side by side.

"Brother Lin," Chu Tianxuan smiled slightly, "I heard your son Lin Dong broke through a minor Realm the day before yesterday. Truly, the younger generation is to be feared."

Lin Xiaotian's expression remained unchanged as he responded calmly, "Brother Chu, you flatter him."

"My son's Aptitude is average; it's just a matter of hard work making up for lack of talent."

"On the other hand, your son Chu Hao comprehended the True Intent of the Sword Dao at such a young age. That kind of talent is truly enviable."

The two looked at each other and smiled, but a hidden edge of competition flickered in their eyes.

Chu Tianxuan changed the subject: "Speaking of which, for this Heavenly Pride Battle, which of our sons do you think will go further, Brother Lin?"

Lin Xiaotian picked up his teacup and took a sip, saying indifferently, "On the arena, victory and defeat are unpredictable. However, my son's Cultivation has improved significantly lately, so I imagine he won't disappoint you, Brother Chu."

"Oh? Then I shall wait and see," Chu Tianxuan raised an eyebrow in response.

The two spoke no more, turning their gazes back to the arena, an invisible fire of battle already ignited in their hearts.

They both understood that the competition between this generation's Prodigies was, to some extent, a contest between the older generation as well.

Beside them, Zhao Wei and Tang Shuying quietly exchanged glances, both seeing a hint of nervousness in each other's eyes, fearing that something might be noticed.

A while later.

The Grand Elder's voice echoed through the square: "1000th rank, Sun Xiaoshou, wins! Promoted to 982nd rank!"

"Gao Daqiang's rank drops by one, placed at 983rd."

The Grand Elder continued: "999th rank Wu Suowei, please choose your challenge target!"

Time slipped away bit by bit amidst the intense duels.

One brilliant match after another took place.

In the blink of an eye, a month passed.

As the dust from the final duel settled, Cao Bu slowly stood up on the high platform.

He suddenly flicked his sleeve, and a brilliant golden scroll soared into the sky, slowly unfurling in mid-air.

It was the newly minted Heavenly Pride Top 100 List!

A majestic Law radiated from the scroll, instantly suppressing all the noise in the square.

"Silence!" Cao Bu's voice rang out across the land. "The Top 100 of this Heavenly Pride Battle has been decided! They are the future pillars of our Righteous Path Alliance!"

His gaze swept over the top of the list as he read aloud:

"First Place: Lin Dong!"

"Second Place: Chu Hao!"

"Third Place: Mo Yu!"

"Fourth Place: Lin Rou!"

"Fifth Place: Ye Lingxi!"

"Sixth Place: Mei Zheren!"

"Seventh Place: Ren Minbi!"

"Eighth Place: Du Ziteng!"

"Ninth Place: Liu Mang!"

"Tenth Place: Li Fugui!"

The ten Prodigies flew forward one by one, standing at the front of the high platform to receive the gaze of the multitude.

Cao Bu looked at these ten young talents, especially Chu Hao and Lin Dong, and nodded with satisfaction.

Although he hadn't participated in this Heavenly Pride Battle, his two sons had swept the top two spots, making him, the stepfather, feel proud.

However, facing Cao Bu's gratified gaze, Lin Dong and Chu Hao frowned in unison.

This look felt indescribably strange no matter how they saw it, making them feel inexplicably uncomfortable all over.

Cao Bu cleared his throat, preparing to say some words of encouragement and present the rewards.

At that moment, a sudden change occurred.

"Boom—!"

A loud explosion came from outside the Gu Clan.

A cold pressure instantly enveloped the entire Gu Clan.

Everyone looked up in horror to see the sky outside the Gu Clan being torn apart. A massive black flying ship slowly emerged, with two figures of terrifying aura standing at the bow.

Leading them was a middle-aged man wearing a purple devil robe.

He had a handsome and majestic face, his eyes were full of disdain, and Devilish Qi rolled around him. He was actually a powerhouse at the Devil Emperor level!

Behind him followed ten young men and women, each with an extraordinary bearing and arrogant eyes, with powerful fluctuations of Devilish Qi surging from them.

The purple-robed Devil Emperor in the lead laughed loudly, his voice shaking the surroundings: "Hahaha! It seems this Emperor has arrived just in time to catch the conclusion of your Heavenly Pride Battle!"