Chapter 352

At this moment, Lu Xuan’s gaze swept over the cultivators with varying expressions, his face showing no significant change. Although he knew that these cultivators doubted his strength, even feeling that he was completely unworthy of such a status, Lu Xuan didn’t take it to heart. He had enough confidence to make these people realize whether or not he was worthy of such a status!

Among the cultivators present, many were experts from major factions or established powers. Their backgrounds were not insignificant, and they harbored a sense of superiority. They naturally felt somewhat discontent that Lu Xuan, a relative newcomer, could sit on equal footing with them and even surpass them in some aspects.

Just as the atmosphere in the hall grew somewhat strange, a majestic voice suddenly resonated. "Quiet!"

Everyone present immediately fell silent. They looked towards the source of the voice, which was the Celestial Emperor. Only the Celestial Emperor, who had reigned for countless years, possessed such authority to command absolute silence among the many powerful figures present.

"Everyone, you must understand why I summoned you here today," the Celestial Emperor said, his voice containing an undeniable majesty. "The Celestial Realm has already been unified. From now on, the Celestial Realm will operate under a unified system. Among you, some are from the Celestial Realm, while others are from other realms. Although the Celestial Realm has been unified, the various realms will continue to exist independently. However, their internal affairs will be managed by the Celestial Realm."

Upon hearing this, many people showed subtle changes in their expressions. They had somewhat anticipated this, but hearing it directly from the Celestial Emperor’s mouth still made them feel a slight pang. This meant that from now on, their respective realms, which they had painstakingly managed for years, would have to submit to the Celestial Realm’s governance. For many, this was not an easy pill to swallow.

"I understand that many of you might feel uneasy about this, but I assure you, this is for the greater good of all realms," the Celestial Emperor continued. "Only by truly unifying can we concentrate our forces and deal with potential threats from outside the realm. In the past, the various realms were scattered, making them vulnerable. Now, we will be like a single entity, allowing us to better defend against external enemies."

"Today, I have gathered everyone here to confirm the new strength classifications of the Celestial Realm," the Celestial Emperor declared. "From now on, the Celestial Realm will be divided into nine ranks, with the Ninth Rank being the lowest and the First Rank the highest. Each rank will correspond to a specific level of power. Only by meeting the standards of a higher rank can one advance."

As the Celestial Emperor’s words concluded, everyone’s expressions shifted. This was a crucial matter, as it directly related to their status and power in the Celestial Realm. Many began discussing it among themselves, their voices growing louder.

"This is indeed a significant reform. The Celestial Realm has never had such a detailed classification system before."

"Yes, but it seems quite necessary. With the Celestial Realm unified, a clear classification system will help regulate it."

"I wonder what kind of power corresponds to each rank. What rank will we be assigned?"

Just as everyone was discussing the matter, the Celestial Emperor spoke again. "Silence!"

His words silenced the crowd once more. The Celestial Emperor continued, "Now, I will officially announce the strength classifications for the Celestial Realm."

He waved his hand, and a screen of light appeared in mid-air, displaying detailed information about the Celestial Realm's strength classification.

"Ninth Rank: Peak Golden Immortal!"

"Eighth Rank: True Immortal!"

"Seventh Rank: Spirit Immortal!"

"Sixth Rank: Heavenly Immortal!"

"Fifth Rank: Xuan Immortal!"

"Fourth Rank: Immortal King!"

"Third Rank: Immortal Lord!"

"Second Rank: Immortal Venerable!"

"First Rank: Celestial Emperor!"

As the classification appeared on the screen, the entire hall erupted into an uproar. Everyone’s expressions were filled with astonishment, and many even showed shock. This classification was far more stringent than they had imagined.

Among them, many were Immortal Lords, and according to this classification, they were only at the Third Rank, which was beyond their expectations. In their previous realms, they were supreme existences, yet here they were only at the Third Rank. This made many of them feel dissatisfied.

"Celestial Emperor, this classification is too strict!" an Immortal Lord finally couldn't help but say. "With my Immortal Lord cultivation, I was revered in my previous realm. Here, I'm only at the Third Rank. This is unacceptable!"

Another Immortal Lord also spoke up, "Yes, Celestial Emperor. We believe this classification is unreasonable. We request that you reconsider it!"

Many Immortal Lords began to echo their sentiments, expressing their dissatisfaction. Although the Celestial Emperor was powerful, they were also supreme beings, and they couldn't just accept such a classification without protest.

"This is the official classification system for the Celestial Realm, and it will not change!" the Celestial Emperor declared, his voice filled with unquestionable authority. "If anyone has objections, they can leave the Celestial Realm!"

His words were firm, leaving no room for negotiation. Upon hearing this, many Immortal Lords fell silent, their expressions changing. Although they were dissatisfied, they knew that if they truly left the Celestial Realm, they would have no place to go. Besides, the Celestial Realm offered vast resources and opportunities for further cultivation. Leaving was not a viable option.

"Celestial Emperor, we have no objections to the classification," another Immortal Lord said, his tone softening considerably. "But we are curious, what kind of strength does one need to reach the First Rank?"

This question resonated with many others. They were all wondering what kind of cultivation could lead to the highest rank. Could it be a hidden realm beyond the Immortal Emperor?

"The First Rank of the Celestial Realm corresponds to the Celestial Emperor realm!" the Celestial Emperor announced, his voice reverberating throughout the hall. "This means that only those who reach the Celestial Emperor realm can be considered First Rank!"

Upon hearing this, everyone present was shocked once more. They had initially thought the First Rank might correspond to some unknown cultivation realm, but they never expected it to be the Celestial Emperor realm itself. This meant that among all the cultivators present, only the Celestial Emperor himself was at the First Rank.

"Celestial Emperor, this classification is too broad, isn't it?" an Immortal Lord couldn't help but ask. "If only the Celestial Emperor can reach the First Rank, then what about those who are also Immortal Emperors?"

The Celestial Emperor’s expression remained unchanged. "The Celestial Realm has only one Celestial Emperor, and that is me! As for others who reach the Immortal Emperor realm, they will be classified as Second Rank!"

His words caused another uproar. Everyone was now in complete shock. They had always believed that anyone who reached the Immortal Emperor realm was automatically a Celestial Emperor. They never imagined there would be such a distinction.

"This is too unreasonable!" an Immortal Lord exclaimed angrily. "If this is the case, then aren't those of us at the Immortal Lord realm equivalent to ordinary people?"

"Yes, Celestial Emperor, please reconsider this classification!"

Many Immortal Lords once again voiced their objections, their anger evident. If even Immortal Emperors were relegated to the Second Rank, then their Immortal Lord realm was truly insignificant.

"Everyone, do not be agitated!" the Celestial Emperor said, his voice unwavering. "This classification is for the sake of the Celestial Realm's future development. It is irrevocable!"

His resolute attitude left many Immortal Lords speechless. They knew that further arguments were futile. The Celestial Emperor had already made up his mind, and no one could change it.

"Celestial Emperor, what about Lu Xuan?" an Immortal Lord suddenly asked, pointing at Lu Xuan. "According to this classification, what rank is he?"

Upon hearing this question, everyone’s gazes immediately converged on Lu Xuan. They were all curious about his rank. They knew that Lu Xuan was formidable, but they weren't sure if he could reach the First or Second Rank.

The Celestial Emperor glanced at Lu Xuan, then announced, "Lu Xuan’s strength is exceptional. He is classified as Second Rank!"

As the Celestial Emperor’s words fell, the entire hall descended into an eerie silence. Everyone's eyes were fixed on Lu Xuan, their expressions filled with utter shock. They had anticipated that Lu Xuan would be powerful, but they never expected him to be classified as Second Rank—the same rank as an Immortal Emperor!

"This... this is impossible!" an Immortal Lord finally broke the silence, his face filled with disbelief. "Lu Xuan is merely an Immortal Lord. How can he be Second Rank?"

"Yes, Celestial Emperor, there must be a mistake!" another Immortal Lord echoed, unwilling to believe it. "He is only an Immortal Lord. How can he be equal to an Immortal Emperor?"

Many Immortal Lords began to question the decision, their expressions turning ugly. They could not accept that Lu Xuan, an Immortal Lord, would be at the same rank as them, or even higher than some of them.

"My decision is final!" the Celestial Emperor declared, his voice filled with unquestionable authority. "Lu Xuan possesses the strength of an Immortal Emperor. Therefore, he is classified as Second Rank!"

His words stunned everyone once more. Lu Xuan possessed the strength of an Immortal Emperor? This information was completely new to them, and it shook their perceptions to the core.

"Impossible! How could an Immortal Lord possess the strength of an Immortal Emperor?" an Immortal Lord questioned loudly, unable to accept it. "Celestial Emperor, are you joking?"

"If you don't believe me, you can challenge him!" the Celestial Emperor said, his eyes scanning the crowd. "If anyone here can defeat Lu Xuan, I will re-evaluate his rank!"

Upon hearing this, many Immortal Lords instantly fell silent. Although they were dissatisfied, they also knew that Lu Xuan was extremely powerful. If they really fought him, they might not be his match. They had seen his power during the unification war of the Celestial Realm.

"Since no one has any objections, then Lu Xuan’s rank is confirmed!" the Celestial Emperor declared, his voice resonating throughout the hall. "From now on, Lu Xuan will be known as the Celestial Realm’s Second Rank!"

His words finalized Lu Xuan’s rank. Although many Immortal Lords still harbored dissatisfaction, they dared not voice it. They could only accept this fact silently.

"Celestial Emperor, what about us?" an Immortal Lord asked, his voice filled with anxiety. "What rank will we be?"

Upon hearing this, everyone present looked at the Celestial Emperor, their expressions filled with anticipation. This was what they were truly concerned about.

The Celestial Emperor’s gaze swept over the crowd, then he announced, "All of you, as Immortal Lords, will be classified as Third Rank!"

His words immediately caused an uproar. Many Immortal Lords had already anticipated this outcome, but hearing it directly from the Celestial Emperor still made them feel a surge of discontent. They were Immortal Lords, yet they were only at the Third Rank. This was a significant blow to their pride.

"Celestial Emperor, this is too unfair!" an Immortal Lord protested, his face flushed with anger. "We are all Immortal Lords, yet we are only at the Third Rank. This is unacceptable!"

"Yes, Celestial Emperor, please reconsider this classification!"

Many Immortal Lords voiced their objections again, their dissatisfaction clearly evident. If they were only at the Third Rank, then their status in the Celestial Realm would be greatly reduced.

"This is the Celestial Realm’s official classification system, and it will not change!" the Celestial Emperor declared, his voice filled with authority. "If anyone has objections, they can leave the Celestial Realm!"

His words were resolute, leaving no room for negotiation. Upon hearing this, many Immortal Lords fell silent, their expressions changing. They knew that although they were dissatisfied, they had no choice but to accept it.

"Since everyone has no objections, then the ranks are confirmed!" the Celestial Emperor announced, his voice reverberating throughout the hall. "From now on, everyone present will be classified according to the new ranks!"

His words finalized the ranks for everyone present. Although many Immortal Lords still felt dissatisfied, they could only accept it silently. After all, the Celestial Emperor had already made his decision, and no one could change it.

"From now on, the Celestial Realm will be truly unified!" the Celestial Emperor proclaimed, his voice filled with majesty. "From now on, everyone will work together to create a brighter future for the Celestial Realm!"

His words instilled a sense of solemnity in everyone present. They knew that from this day forward, the Celestial Realm would truly be unified. No one could escape this.

"Now, the meeting is adjourned!" the Celestial Emperor announced. "Everyone, you may disperse!"

As the Celestial Emperor’s words fell, everyone present stood up and respectfully saluted him before departing the hall. Although they still harbored some dissatisfaction, they knew they could not change the Celestial Emperor’s decision. They could only accept it silently.

When everyone had left, only Lu Xuan and the Celestial Emperor remained in the vast hall.

The Celestial Emperor looked at Lu Xuan, a faint smile on his face. "Lu Xuan, what do you think of this strength classification?"

Lu Xuan chuckled softly. "Celestial Emperor, you really are something. Such a classification, and you still managed to convince them."

The Celestial Emperor laughed heartily. "This is also a necessary measure. Only by unifying the strength classification can the Celestial Realm truly be unified. Otherwise, there will always be differences."

"Indeed," Lu Xuan nodded. "However, many people will still be dissatisfied with this classification."

"It doesn’t matter," the Celestial Emperor waved his hand. "As long as the Celestial Realm can be truly unified, their dissatisfaction is nothing. Besides, after a long time, they will naturally accept it."

Lu Xuan smiled and said no more. He knew that the Celestial Emperor’s words made sense. As long as the Celestial Realm was unified, their dissatisfaction would eventually fade.

"Lu Xuan, how long do you think it will take for you to break through to the Celestial Emperor realm?" the Celestial Emperor asked, his eyes fixed on Lu Xuan.

Lu Xuan pondered for a moment before replying, "It shouldn't take too long. I estimate I'll be able to break through in about a year or two."

Upon hearing Lu Xuan’s words, the Celestial Emperor’s eyes lit up. "Good! If you can break through to the Celestial Emperor realm, the Celestial Realm will truly be stable!"

Lu Xuan nodded. He knew that the Celestial Emperor was placing great hopes on him. He would not disappoint the Celestial Emperor.

"Celestial Emperor, I will now leave to cultivate in seclusion," Lu Xuan said to the Celestial Emperor. "I will not emerge until I break through to the Celestial Emperor realm."

The Celestial Emperor nodded. "Good. Go then. I await your emergence as a Celestial Emperor!"

Lu Xuan bid farewell to the Celestial Emperor and then left the hall. He immediately returned to his residence and entered a state of cultivation in seclusion. He wanted to break through to the Celestial Emperor realm as soon as possible. Only by reaching the Celestial Emperor realm could he truly stand at the pinnacle of the Celestial Realm.

He sat cross-legged on his cultivation mat, his eyes slowly closing. He began to circulate the profound cultivation techniques within his body, rapidly absorbing the spiritual energy of the Celestial Realm. His entire being became enveloped in a brilliant golden light, and a powerful aura continuously radiated from his body.

Time passed quickly. Lu Xuan immersed himself entirely in his cultivation, completely oblivious to the passage of time.

One year later, a powerful aura suddenly burst forth from Lu Xuan’s residence, shaking the entire Celestial Realm. Everyone in the Celestial Realm felt this immense aura, and their expressions were filled with shock. They all knew that someone had broken through to the Celestial Emperor realm.

The Celestial Emperor’s eyes flashed with a hint of excitement. "This aura... it’s Lu Xuan!"

He immediately flew towards Lu Xuan’s residence. By the time he arrived, Lu Xuan had already emerged from his seclusion. His body radiated an astonishing aura, and his eyes contained an unfathomable depth. He had successfully broken through to the Celestial Emperor realm!

"Congratulations, Lu Xuan, for breaking through to the Celestial Emperor realm!" the Celestial Emperor said, his face filled with joy.

Lu Xuan smiled faintly. "Thank you, Celestial Emperor."

"Now that you have broken through to the Celestial Emperor realm, the Celestial Realm will be even more stable!" the Celestial Emperor declared, his voice filled with pride. "From now on, you are the second Celestial Emperor of the Celestial Realm!"

Lu Xuan was slightly taken aback by the Celestial Emperor’s words, but then he chuckled softly. "Celestial Emperor, you are truly generous."

The Celestial Emperor laughed heartily. "You are an Immortal Emperor, and you should naturally be called a Celestial Emperor! From now on, you and I will jointly manage the Celestial Realm!"

Lu Xuan nodded. "Alright, Celestial Emperor. We will jointly manage the Celestial Realm!"

From that day on, the Celestial Realm had two Celestial Emperors. With two Celestial Emperors presiding over it, the Celestial Realm became even more stable and powerful. And Lu Xuan’s name became known throughout all the realms, revered and respected by countless cultivators.