I Am Really Not The Son of Providence
chapter-258

Chapter 258: This Is Master Heavens’ Benevolence!

Two days had passed since the God of War Pagoda landed in the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground.

Ye Qingcang had already launched his “Daily Sparring” within these two days.

Compared to the usual high-stakes betting battle format, the risk for this Daily Sparring was much lower.

To most of the Divine Firmament disciples, it was worth it to spend fewer Spirit Stones to have a satisfactory sparring session.

For those true disciples, quite a number still chose the usual high-stakes betting battle format to fight with Celestial World prodigies of the same level.

But most of the Divine Firmament disciples remained at the One- or Two-Star Prodigy levels.

After all, these prodigies were not your usual mortal practitioners. They were prodigies by the high standards of the Celestial World.

It was already considered a rare achievement for those Divine Firmament Sacred Ground disciples to be able to match up to a One- or Two-Star Prodigy.

If it were the grotto-heaven and blessed-land disciples, most of them might not even be able to match up to the lowest One-Star Prodigy.

Of course, those prodigies who tried the “betting battle format” did not end up with nothing at all. They also gained quite a bit from the God of War Pagoda.

In just a short period of time, many Divine Firmament True disciples had made vast improvements to their foundations and capabilities.

At the same time, the Divine Firmament disciples were not the only ones who benefited.

…

For cultivators, it was not at all difficult to set up a small township.

On the very first day when the God of War Pagoda had arrived, the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground had already sent hundreds of disciples over to build a settlement near the God of War Pagoda.

Those disciples had established a small town within half a day with their Five Elements skills.

It was far from Divine Firmament City’s regal architecture. However, it was more than enough to house those disciples from the other sects, who visited the God of War Pagoda as tourists or to battle.

Over the past few days, news of the God of War Pagoda’s arrival in the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground had already spread across the surrounding grotto-heavens and blessed-lands.

Those grotto-heavens and blessed-lands that were reliant on the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground had already sent men over to congratulate them.

And of course, those congratulations came with all sorts of gifts.

For example, the Peach Garden Grotto-Heaven had given them two huge Flat Peaches.

Flat Peaches were considered an extremely expensive spirit elixir and could extend a dying cultivator’s life by another 100 years.

To those cultivators who reached a bottleneck and were unable to break through, this kind of spirit elixir was also a priceless treasure.

Meanwhile, the Golden Grotto-Heaven had given them a Nascent Sword.

This sword was a superior-grade Spirit artifact and worth at least tens of thousands of Spirit Stones. It was extremely valuable.

In addition, the Spirit Grounds Blessed-Land had given them an Absorbent Pearl.

This kind of pearl was a naturally-formed spirit item and could absorb all the Spirit Qi in the world and accelerate a cultivator’s cultivation speed.

…

Anyway, the gifts given by the various cultivation sects could be considered a huge bounty.

Since these ‘Junior’ Grotto-Heavens and Blessed-Lands were so sensible, ‘Big Brother’ Divine Firmament Sacred Ground would, of course, return the favor.

They immediately indicated that all disciples and elders from the various cultivation sects could enter the God of War Pagoda and train. No restrictions at all.

Of course, the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground would not be liable over whatever one won or lost inside the God of War Pagoda.

After all, the sacred ground was just the administrator. They would be neutral and hold no responsibility.

As a result, wave after wave of grotto-heaven and blessed-land prodigies came forth. This started the God of Pagoda tourism trade.

Unfortunately, they all looked so excited and confident right before stepping in, only to emerge down and despondent.

The blow of it was just too great!

Those prodigies were considered amongst the most exceptional talents within their own sects. They thought they were invincible and believed themselves to be extraordinarily gifted. Nonetheless, after entering the God of War Pagoda, they tragically realized that they didn’t have enough savings to challenge a Three- or Four-Star Prodigy.

Following that, they would realize they didn’t have to worry about the fact that they had no money to challenge a Three- or Four-Star Prodigy.

This was because… they couldn’t even defeat a One-Star Prodigy.

Oh, the outside world was just too cruel!

…

In just a short two days’ time, countless arrogant youths from the cultivation sects started to mature from the humbling experience.

Those who were mentally stronger were able to recognize the fact that they were not capable enough. As a result, they started to work even harder to cultivate and train.

But those who were mentally weaker instantly lost their will to fight. There were indeed such youths, but they numbered in the few.

Overall, the God of War Pagoda became the hot topic of discussion amongst those cultivation sect disciples.

Almost every single disciple was discussing who managed to pass which stage in the pagoda. And because of this, Ye Qingcang made a supplementary God of War Tablet. Shen Tian and Zhang Longyuan had suggested this to him.

This additional God of War Tablet only showed the battle results achieved over the past 100 years.

After 100 years, the New Talent Tablet’s names would be erased and be replaced by the latest rookies.

In other words, this tablet focused only on the talent rankings of prodigies from the current generation.

If you managed to get your name on this New Talent Tablet, it proved that you were talented enough to enter the top 100 within the past 100 years.

For most of the cultivation sect disciples, this was considered a huge honor. After all, Eastern Wilderness was very vast, and there were a lot of cultivators. To rank amongst the top 100 across all the prodigies over the past 100 years—it was a 1 in a 100,000,000 chance!

Over the past two days, at least 500 to 1,000 disciples entered the God of War Pagoda to battle.

The New Talent Tablet was already completely filled with names. But competition was not that high for the moment.

After all, the other sacred grounds’ young Saints and Saintesess had yet to arrive!

As a result, many grotto-heaven and blessed-land talented cultivators took this opportunity to try their luck. If they really managed to enter the top 100, they could forever boast about this fact in the future.

Do you know the God of War New Talent Tablet? Not all of the sacred grounds’ young Saints and Saintesses managed to squeeze into the top 100, but I did!

With this thought in mind, business at the God of War Pagoda flourished over the past few days.

Outside the God of War Pagoda, at present…

Song Fugui, Liu Taiyi, Eunuch Gui, Qin Gao, and the rest were quietly waiting.

As other disciples from the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground and other cultivation sects passed by, they shot envious and jealous looks at the group.

“It’s them! It’s them!”

“They are the Divine Firmament Saint’s, Senior Brother Shen Tian’s, closest posse.”

“I heard that they get a 50% discount for betting battles in the God of War Pagoda. Plus, they don’t even need to pay for the daily sparring sessions!”

“So jealous!”

Song Fugui, Liu Taiyi, and the rest were totally unconcerned over the discussions of the crowd.

After all, they were part of Shen Tian’s closest posse and knew they were at a completely different level from those commoners.

Even Zhang San, who was a Divine Firmament Sacred Ground true disciple, could only tag along behind them like a dog slavering for treats.

Zhang San asked in curiosity, “Senior Brother Song, Senior Brother Liu, I am curious about one thing. I wonder if I can ask?”

Song Fugui smiled. “You are part of our gang now. Ask away!”

Zhang San continued. “Senior Brother Shen Tian entered the God of War Pagoda yesterday to train in seclusion. He should have already passed the battle stage by now.”

“But why don’t I see his name on the God of War Tablet or the New Talent Tablet?”

Zhang San was not the only one curious about this. To be honest, most of the disciples were also curious. After all, according to reliable sources, Senior Brother Shen Tian was the one who had brought the God of War Pagoda here.

Song Fugui smiled at Zhang San’s gossipy face but kept silent.

In the end, it was Liu Taiyi who whispered in a secretive voice, “Do you really wish to know?”

Zhang San nodded excitedly. “Senior Brother, please enlighten me. I will definitely keep it a secret.”

Liu Taiyi said mysteriously, “Do you know that this God of War Pagoda has been in Eastern Wilderness for 10,000 years but has never acknowledged anyone as its owner? Do you know why?”

Zhang San shook his head in puzzlement.

Liu Taiyi smiled. “The reason is very simple. The God of War Pagoda is the ultimate artifact. Even amongst the Immortal artifacts, there is none above it.

“Only a true Seven-Star Prodigy, the most exceptional kind that only appears once every 10,000 years, would be worthy enough to gain the pagoda’s recognition as its owner.”

Zhang San was taken aback. “Do you mean that Senior Brother Shen Tian is a Seven-Star Prodigy?”

Liu Taiyi shook his head. “To be honest, I have no idea just how talented Senior Brother Shen Tian is.

“But I can be sure of one thing. When we were in the Primordial Battlefield, while Senior Brother Song, Senior Brother Gui, Senior Brother Qin, and I were waiting for people to finish their battles in the pagoda, Senior Brother Shen Tian’s name had already reached the top of the God Of War Tablet. And his rating was a Seven-Star Prodigy.”

Zhang San’s face was full of admiration and excitement. “But why haven’t I seen his name then?”

Liu Taiyi replied mildly. “Well… to be honest, I am not sure either.”

Shopkeeper Song shook his head slowly. “It is clear that our Saint Master Heavens, Senior Brother Shen Tian, wishes to keep a low profile.

“I have known Master Heavens for a long time. He has always been a low-profile guy and doesn’t like to be in the spotlight.

“I do have a few guesses as to why Master Heavens’ name is not on the God of War Tablet. I can explain to you guys. But everyone must promise me not to spread this information. In case Master Heavens gets upset.”

Everyone immediately promised.

“Don’t worry, Senior Brother Song! My lips are sealed.”

“Senior Brother Song, you know me well. My lips are sealed too!”

“Although I am not as close to your group and Senior Brother Shen Tian, I am not the kind of person who spreads gossip. My lips will definitely remain sealed!”

“And me, same for me!”

Shopkeeper Song nodded as everyone promised. “Actually, in my opinion, there are two reasons why Master Heavens’ name is not on that tablet.

“Firstly, Master Heavens might be low-profile, but as an exceptional talent, he still possesses the undeniable pride of a prodigy.

“His talents have been touted as mind-blowing and something that surpassed the ages. Is a mere God of War Tablet worthy enough to certify his accolades?

“After all, Master Heavens conquered and owns the entire God of War Pagoda. If his name is on that list, it will definitely trigger off some criticisms.

“He is already Master Heavens and the Divine Firmament Saint, and he probably couldn’t be bothered to explain anything to others. Thus, he would rather not have his name on the list to avoid being a target.”

Everyone listened attentively to Shopkeeper Song’s explanation with sparkling eyes.

Liu Taiyi thought of something and took out a jade bamboo slip to make careful records.

Shopkeeper Song continued. “And the second reason is maybe that Master Heavens doesn’t want to upset the other prodigies.”

Zhang San was taken aback. “Senior Brother Song, what do you mean by that?”

Song Fugui said, “Little San, you don’t know this.

“Previously on the Primordial Battlefield, I personally saw Master Heavens’ name appear directly at second place.

“At that time, Master Heavens was ranked number two, just below the Six-Star Prodigy Huang Shi. But soon after, he rose again.

“And this time, Master Heavens’ ranking surpassed Huang Shi. He became the first Seven-Star Prodigy in 10,000 years!”

Liu Taiyi slowly nodded his head. “Yes, I was also there then. I can testify to that.”

Qin Gao also nodded. “I was present too. I saw it all clearly.”

Xiong Meng nodded frankly. “Same for me.”

Song Fugui said mysteriously, “Do you know what this means?

“This means that when Master Heavens defeated a Five-Star Prodigy, he had already been acknowledged by the God of War Pagoda as the most powerful Five-Star Prodigy.

“On top of that, he didn’t rest at all after defeating that Five-Star Prodigy. He immediately went on to challenge a Seven-Star Prodigy.

“And in just a short amount of time, perhaps within 100 moves, he managed to defeat that Seven-Star Prodigy.

“As a result, he was able to rise from a Five-Star to a Seven-Star Prodigy in a very short period of time.

“This proves that the Seven-Star Prodigy was no match for him at all.

“And now, Master Heavens’ name has disappeared from the God of War Tablet.

“In my opinion, perhaps the God of War Tablet is no longer an adequate measure of Master Heavens’ talents. Or perhaps Master Heavens has already surpassed the Seven-Star rank and reached Eight-Star or beyond.

“Master Heavens has no choice but to hide his own ranking to protect the pride and confidence of the other prodigies.

“Otherwise, think of how many prodigies would be in despair if he revealed his true talent!

“Countless prodigies might end up being mentally scarred and live in his shadow for the rest of their lives.

“This is Master Heavens’ benevolence!”

Oh~

Oohh~

Ooohhh~

Shopkeeper Song’s words were like a door opening.

Zhen Zhijia, Zhang San, Xiong Meng, and all those who had been baffled—they were instantly enlightened.

Even the jade slip in Liu Taiyi’s hand nearly dropped to the ground. After all, Shopkeeper Song’s words were just too astonishing.

But on second thought, it all sounded rather reasonable.

There was indeed a good reason why Song Fugui was the leader of the Favored Ones group.

He had such deep, clear insight into things.

Liu Taiyi felt that he was no match for him!

At that moment, Eunuch Gui finally spoke up. “These are just Junior Brother Song’s own surmisings. Everyone just listen but don’t take it to heart. Don’t spread this around.”

Going by fighting capabilities, Eunuch Gui was not the most powerful in this group.

But going by the level of regard Shen Tian had for them, even Song Fugui was not ranked as high as Eunuch Gui.

After all, this was someone whom Shen Tian regarded as his family. Even the Saintess and First Senior Brother would accord him a level of respect.

Now that Eunuch Gui had spoken, everyone immediately promised to keep their lips sealed. They would never tell anyone else about this.

Eunuch Gui nodded in satisfaction. He gazed toward the God of War Pagoda again.

His eyes were filled with benevolence, concern, and pride.

In just a few months’ time, His Highness had managed to transform his fate as a normal, mediocre prince to a Divine Firmament Saint that no one in the entire Eastern Wilderness could afford to overlook.

People were even suspecting him to be a prodigy who could be ranked as an Eight-Star and above prodigy.

It must be known that even the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground’s First Senior Brother, Fang Chang, a Golden Core Ninth Refinement Stage cultivator, had been ranked as only a Five-Star Prodigy.

The Divine Firmament Sacred Ground Saintess, Zhang Yunxi, was at the Golden Core Eight Refinement Stage and well-versed in the Mixed Divine Lightning. Even so, she was also only a Five-Star Prodigy.

The only Six-Star Prodigy on the God of War Tablet was already a reigning presence across the five regions.

And His Highness was at least a Seven-Star Prodigy and might even be an Eight-Star one.

What did this all mean? Eunuch Gui knew very well.

This meant that as long as His Highness quietly continued his cultivation, he would become completely invincible and be without foe across the five regions.

This kind of glory was too dazzling. It was something Eunuch Gui could not even begin to imagine at first.

For a second there, Eunuch Gui’s eyes filled with tears.

His Highness had finally grown up into a formidable man.

If Concubine Lan knew, she would definitely be grinning from ear to ear!