The most likely scenario is "better to have none than something inferior." For the Emperor of Great Tang, it’s most important to ensure the quota is secured.

"Look, that’s the Princely Heir of the War King Mansion in the northern region!"

"Quick, look there—that name, Yan Liu! It’s actually Yan Liu! It’s said Yan Liu was the courtesan queen of the last brothel in Great Tang before His Majesty outlawed such establishments. After the ban, Yan Liu disappeared without a trace. Who would have thought she’s now emerged as a strong contender!"

"Nan Mingchen! He’s the fabled Blade Prodigy Nan Mingchen! With a single stroke of the Soul Severing Knife, he briefly subdued the Southern Territory. It’s said that upon his first descent from the mountain, he fought and defeated ninety-nine renowned fighters consecutively, killing every single one with a soul-severing blow. His reputation spread far and wide. Later, during his hundredth challenge, he encountered the legendary and supreme powerhouse Yiku Venerate from the Bitter Sea Manor, who took him away. Who would have thought he’d reappear here now!"

...

Discussions erupted as one powerhouse after another on the Battle Rankings was identified, revealing their true identities.

Without exception, these individuals were all genuine elites of Great Tang Empire.

The rankings revealed name after name, each one striking awe and admiration into the hearts of onlookers.

As time passed, the list approached its conclusion—until suddenly, one name appeared on the rankings!

"Ye Luo!"

Ye Luo’s name actually made it onto the list!

Everyone was stunned, including Ye Luo himself!

Analyzing the ranking criteria, Ye Luo had discerned a pattern—it required participants to be over thirty-five years old and have advanced to at least the Sixth Qi Cyclone Realm.

This Battle Rankings event represented the supreme status among the younger generation of Great Tang Empire. While it wasn’t guaranteed to pinpoint every hidden powerhouse, it was undeniably authoritative in determining the ranks of the young elites.

Thus, Ye Luo’s appearance on the list was nothing short of astonishing.

There was no doubt Ye Luo had a noble identity or widespread support among the masses.

But Ye Luo’s publicly known strength was only at the First Qi Cyclone Realm.

Ye Luo’s cultivation method was utterly unique; aside from himself, no one else knew his actual capabilities. To others, Ye Luo seemed to possess only the lowly First Qi Cyclone level.

How could someone with such a minor cultivation level make it onto the rankings?

Was it solely due to Ye Luo’s status as a prince?

Confusion turned to surprise, surprise to envy, and envy to rage!

Gradually, nearly everyone’s eyes settled on Ye Luo. Some were wary of his royal status and whispered among themselves, while others, like Yun Liancheng, felt favorable toward him and refrained from saying much.

But there was yet another faction that directly confronted Ye Luo!

"Hmph, Ninth Prince? A grand Ninth Prince indeed. But what of being a prince—does that justify blatant cheating?"

"Exactly! What does the Imperial Family think, that they can openly suppress us noble families?"

"I protest! Why should Ye Luo, with only a First Qi Cyclone cultivation level, be on the Battle Rankings? This is blatant favoritism—I refuse to accept it!"

Public outrage was brewing. Though the ones shouting were predominantly heirs of major noble families, it was clear that even minor nobility, princes, and royalty were visibly discontented.

Ye Luo had always been excessively favored, sparking jealousy among various princes and royalty. His sudden and inexplicable inclusion in the rankings naturally deepened their resentment.

Suddenly, Ye Luo felt his wristband vibrating. He knew it was likely a mission from the Border Guard.

Without hesitation, Ye Luo activated his wristband and read the message.

"It has been confirmed that the Seventh Prince, eldest son of Bei Royal Mansion, and Blade Prodigy Nan Mingchen are demon clan imposters. Your mission: eliminate them at all costs!"

What!

A prince, a royal heir, and the Blade Prodigy who defeated ninety-nine fighters—all demon clan imposters!

More importantly, Ye Luo was tasked with killing all three!

What were the Border Guard thinking? Did they truly believe Ye Luo had the strength to accomplish this?

Publicly, Ye Luo only possessed a First Qi Cyclone Realm cultivation. Even if Ye Luo had shown glimpses of formidable ability, there were inherent limits to his power. Why would the Border Guard issue such an order?

Could it be they intended to sacrifice Ye Luo?

Just then, another message arrived.

"This mission must succeed; failure is not an option. The quota for the Eighth Region is extremely significant to Great Tang Empire and equally vital to the demon clan. Their sudden exposure is a direct attempt to secure the quota. The elites of the Eighth Region care only about talent and will not intervene in our conflicts. We discovered their plot far too late, leaving direct intervention impossible. This time, we can only rely on you. If the mission succeeds, you will be richly rewarded!"

Rich rewards, my ass!

Ye Luo cursed inwardly.

This was practically a death sentence!

Each of the three targets was a force to be reckoned with. Could it be Great Tang had no one else to send? Where were the high-ranking powerhouses—why hadn’t they been deployed? Instead, the Border Guard chose Ye Luo.

Perhaps Ye Luo was merely a pawn, meant to test the enemy’s strength. Or perhaps the Border Guard intended to discard him entirely!

For the first time, Ye Luo tangibly felt the brutality of his circumstances!

The brutality of fate—the savagery of survival of the fittest!

So this was it: for the sake of a larger goal, Ye Luo was merely a pawn to be sacrificed by the Border Guard and even the Great Tang Empire.

A pawn’s fate is never in its own hands but instead controlled by the player.

Anger? Frustration?

No, Ye Luo felt only calm.

When faced with an impossible situation—one that cannot be overcome through rage or discontent—what point is there in being angry?

Wasn’t Ye Luo’s current station, his status, a consequence of being a pawn all along?

Now the player wished to deploy him—it was something Ye Luo had no choice but to accept.

No matter how abrupt or challenging the task, Ye Luo would have to confront it head-on.

He had no allies, no one he could rely on. In Great Tang Empire and the Martial Realm, he stood alone.

With a helpless sigh, Ye Luo steeled himself for the task to come.

The rules of the rankings had always stated that anyone could initiate a challenge. The rankings themselves were intended to spark competition among contenders, drawing the attention of Eighth Region elites who would ultimately select three individuals they deemed worthy.

Thus, Ye Luo could initiate a challenge at any time.

Suddenly, a shadow blocked Ye Luo’s path and, without a word, handed him a ring.

Ye Luo blinked in surprise, but the figure spoke: "Brother Ye, I am a disciple of the Heavenly Palace Corporation!"

Though brief, those few words conveyed everything Ye Luo needed to understand. Perhaps the Heavenly Palace Corporation disciples did not know why Ye Luo had become a prince, nor did they know why he now appeared on the rankings.

(Another Chapter will be released at 10 PM tonight.)