The Golden List was revealed, and the situation changed in an instant.
How could the Net maintain its power of infiltration across the world of martial arts?
The only countermeasure was to destroy the meteor in Dongjun; only then could the Net reorganize its layout.
Thus, as the master of the Net, he issued an order: proceed to Dongjun immediately and erase the list of names recorded on the meteor.
Once this order was given, members of the Net swarmed toward Dongjun.
At the same time, the Golden List began to announce rankings and their corresponding rewards.
[Ranked 22nd on the Golden List: Zhang Liang, affiliated with "Quicksand." Reward: Earth-grade low-tier skill—"Hundred Birds Facing the Phoenix," which allows one to manipulate birds for combat and use them to transmit information.]
Ranked 21st on the Golden List: Zhang Han, affiliated with the "Shadow Secret Guard." Reward: Earth-grade mid-tier skill—"Phantom Divine Technique," which allows the practitioner to absorb others' shadows to enhance their own strength.
[Ranked 20th on the Golden List: Jing Ni, affiliated with the "Net." Reward: Earth-grade high-tier sword technique—"Heaven and Earth Absolute Kill Formation," which allows the user to cast a sword-qi barrier with both offensive and defensive capabilities.]
Ranked 19th on the Golden List: Black and White Impermanence (a duo), affiliated with "Dark Night." Reward: Heaven-grade elixir—"Heart-to-Heart Pill," which enables telepathic communication between the two upon consumption.]
...
A mysterious new assassination organization, "Dark Night," suddenly appeared on the list. Once the news broke, all factions were shaken.
"Dark Night? Where did this organization come from? I've never heard of them. Could it be an emerging force?"
"My god, just how strong are the Black and White Impermanence of Dark Night to be able to surpass the leader of the Shadow Secret Guard, Zhang Han, the leader of Quicksand, Bai Feng, and the top assassin of the Net, Jing Ni?"
"It's madness, absolutely insane! If even Heaven-grade experts only rank below twentieth on this list, how many more hidden powerhouses must exist on the higher-level Cultivation Ranking?"
"Dark Night—send people to investigate immediately. See if there is any recent news about this organization. On this showing alone, Dark Night is already a top-tier assassination group."
Inside Xianyang Palace, First Emperor Ying Zheng frowned as he looked at the list.
The fact that Shadow Secret Guard leader Zhang Han was only ranked twenty-first was truly unexpected.
He had particularly hoped that the Net's top combatants would be at the forefront.
Yet, the twentieth rank had already been reached.
Six experts had been killed, leaving only Yan Ri and Jing Ni to hold the line.
At this moment, Zhang Han knelt on one knee, his tone filled with deep self-reproach.
"Your Majesty, your subordinate is guilty for failing to fulfill your commission."
Ying Zheng asked calmly, "Do you know of Dark Night?"
Zhang Han swallowed hard, his voice trembling: "In reply to Your Majesty, this subordinate does not."
The King of Qin, Ying Zheng, swept his gaze over Zhang Han. His sharp eyes were like a keen sword, piercing deep into his soul.
Zhang Han froze on the spot, cold sweat pouring down, filled with dread.
"I am guilty. Please, Your Majesty, punish me."
Ying Zheng set down his teacup and said faintly, "Let us set aside punishment for now. First, discover the truth about 'Dark Night'."
Hearing this, Zhang Han hurriedly kowtowed in gratitude before vanishing into thin air.
Once Zhang Han had departed, Ying Zheng asked Gai Nie in a low voice: "Have you ever heard of 'Dark Night'?"
Gai Nie shook his head with a bitter smile. "Never. If not for the Sword God Ranking, who would know?"
Ying Zheng pondered for a moment, then turned his gaze back to the list.
Meanwhile, the Confucian School master Xunzi stood by the window, examining the list under the night sky. He muttered, "The Sword God Ranking may have hidden the spies of the Net, but the sudden appearance of 'Dark Night' deeply concerns me."
Confucian School head Fu Nian respectfully asked for instructions on the next move. Xunzi told him to decide for himself, though he suggested tracing the origins of 'Dark Night.'
Fu Nian accepted the order and hurried away, leaving Xunzi to stare at the list.
Factions everywhere sent out scouts to search for information on 'Dark Night,' but to no avail.
The legend of 'Dark Night' was gaining momentum, and the contents of the list were even more shocking.
[Ranked 19th on the Sword God Ranking: Quicksand Leader. Reward: Heaven-grade low-tier elixir—"Universe Origin-Returning Pill," which strengthens the body and increases power when consumed.]
[Ranked 18th on the Sword God Ranking: Yan Ri, member of the Net. Reward: Heaven-grade low-tier spiritual fluid—"Earth-Vein Spirit Essence," for healing hidden injuries.]
Ranked 17th on the Sword God Ranking: Yama, subordinate of Dark Night. Reward: Heaven-grade mid-tier secret technique—"Heart-Calming Incantation," for maintaining mental clarity.]
...
The power of 'Dark Night' appeared on the list one after another. The world was stunned, staring at the list in disbelief, gasping in succession.
"?! This is impossible! Dark Night... is this the extent of their power?"
"The prestige of Dark Night far exceeds that of the Net. Before them, the Net is nothing but ants."
The situation that would overturn the era of the Net had taken shape; the dark night was about to rule over all.
Once the list is fully revealed, I will surely hunt down the arch-enemies who plotted to assassinate me from the shadows.
Heavens, what kind of background does this Dark Night have? It's terrifying! Even the strongest assassin of the Net only ranked seventeenth, which means Dark Night occupies nearly the entire list.
Wait, let's not be hasty. Let's look further down. The top of the list hasn't been confirmed yet; perhaps the top three will be different? I don't truly believe the top spot will belong to Dark Night.
And so, under the gaze of the world, the list continued to be released.
As each rank was revealed, pillars of deep green light spread in all directions, bestowing the corresponding rewards.
Soon, the list down to second place was announced. What was terrifying was that from second to sixteenth place, although no one knew their identities, they all belonged to the "Dark Night" organization.
This spectacle shocked everyone.
It wasn't over yet!
*Swish, swish, swish...*
The list was announcing the first place.
Green characters like dancing dragons shone in the night sky.
030 Dark Night Top Rank—Sword-Severing Sky-Drawing Technique [First Update]
[Ranked 1st on the Sword God Ranking: Affiliated with Dark Night, Deputy Leader of Dark Night. Reward: God-grade sword technique—"Sword-Severing Sky-Drawing Technique."]
Boom!
As the top rank was announced, a green light even more brilliant than before projected toward the Xiongnu territory in the north.
*Clatter...*
Major factions stared, dumbfounded, at the top of the list, too shocked to speak.
"?! No way, right? What is the background of this Dark Night? Their power is actually this formidable. According to the list rankings, the Net is simply vulnerable to a single blow."
"You said it! The Net couldn't even make it into the top ten. From now on, I'm afraid assassination missions will only be given to Dark Night. They occupy almost the entire list."
"It doesn't matter that Dark Night dominates the list and claims the top spot. The key is that the top spot is the Deputy Leader of Dark Night, so who is the real leader?"
"Have you thought about it? How strong is the leader of Dark Night? If one were to pay a great price to have Dark Night assassinate First Emperor Ying Zheng, do you think they would succeed?"
Dark Night became the focus of everyone's discussions overnight.
While discussing Dark Night, people were also guessing the identity of its leader.
Who could it be?
Who could command such a powerful Dark Night?
Taoist School, Wudao Cliff.
Master Xuanwei sat in meditation, letting the breeze blow past.
His robes fluttered, making a rustling sound.
He was like a rock, as steady as Mount Tai.
It was the proud and arrogant current head of the school whose expression changed when the top rank was announced.
Although she remained seated, her breathing grew rapid.
"If the heart is not calm, how can one comprehend the Great Way?"
A hoarse voice came.
"Disciple, your state of mind should not be like this. Why are you so anxious?"
The Taoist head was startled, bit her lip, and looked hesitant.
"Master, I once fought with Jing Ni of the Net; we were evenly matched, yet Jing Ni’s strength is only ranked twentieth on the Dark List."
"Does this not mean that if I were on the Sword God Ranking, I would be in that same position?"
"I cannot accept such a result."
Her tone was cold, every word revealing her refusal to yield.
To this, Master Xuanwei smiled and said, "Disciple, what is 'assassination'? The meaning lies in delivering a fatal blow when the enemy is unprepared."
"The Sword God Ranking cannot reflect true combat strength; this is merely a competition among assassins. Why should you be troubled?"
"If you wish to compete for fame and profit, you had better cultivate diligently. Based on what the Golden List has released, there will be a Cultivation Ranking in the future. At that time, you will surely be able to display your talents."
After hearing this, Xiaomeng remained silent for a long time.
"Thank you, Master, for your guidance. This disciple will certainly not fail your expectations."
After speaking, she looked up at the Sword God Ranking, her state of mind returning to calm.
Then, she immersed herself in deep cultivation.
At this moment, Master Xuanwei opened his eyes slightly.
A sharp light pierced through his cloudy gaze.
"The Sword God Ranking? It has been occupied by the hidden 'Dark Night.' It seems this already restless world is about to be stirred into turmoil once again."
His tone was filled with regret.
.....................................................
Residence of the Prefect of the Carriage Office.
*Crack...*
"Absolutely impossible, this is absolutely impossible! How could the Net not even make the top ten?"
A roar of rage erupted in the courtyard.
Accompanied by the sound of shattering porcelain.
At this moment, the head of the Net—Zhao Gao—had a distorted expression.
He looked like a mad dog out of control.
Whatever he saw, he struck.
Only in this way could he release the fury in his heart.
"Go investigate! Investigate thoroughly! What is the background of Dark Night? Furthermore, who is the leader of Dark Night? No matter what, it must be discovered."
These words were laced with deep, agonizing emotion.
......................................................
Quicksand stronghold.
The various divisions had gathered in one place.
The leader of Quicksand looked serious and remained silent.
No emotional fluctuations were visible at all.
On the contrary, the others showed expressions of confusion, astonishment, and resistance.
"Leader, we have never heard of this 'Dark Night.' Could the Sword God Ranking be mistaken? Or did it deliberately hide certain existences to prevent us from making the list?"
The ugly-faced Blood Bat muttered.
"Leader, this subordinate believes Blood Bat speaks the truth."
Wushuang, standing nearby, echoed the sentiment while wielding his new burst-hammer.
"My brain is simple, sometimes it doesn't turn fast, but looking at the names on the Sword God Ranking, it really is hard to accept."
His voice was gruff.
As he spoke, he rubbed his smooth, bald head.
In contrast, Zhang Liang appeared calm. He stroked his chin, watching the rankings on the Sword God Ranking.
"The one who reached the top of the Sword God Ranking is actually the deputy of Dark Night. Who do you think the true boss of Dark Night is? It's simply unfathomable."
Anyone would be surprised.
He had originally thought the Net's strength was profound.
Who would have known that the Net would be like a mere illusion when facing Dark Night.
Utterly insignificant.
Immediately after, Zhang Liang turned around and asked the leader in a low voice, "Leader, what do you think?"
The leader did not respond.
Lost in thought, the scene of being wounded back then flashed through his mind, and he fell into deep contemplation.
"The Sword God Ranking? Dark Night? Could the person I fought that day be someone from Dark Night? If so, where would they be on the list?"
"If my senior brother and I joined forces, could we contend against him?"
"And who is the true leader of Dark Night?"