Chapter 369: Changes in the World of Martial Arts

*Records of the World of Martial Arts*

After a period of silence, Bai Xiaosheng, having created this extraordinary book recognized by the system, continued to work quietly, out of sight of everyone. Yet one day, he suddenly announced to the martial artists through the back pages of the book that there would be a series of changes to the newly updated *Rankings of the World of Martial Arts*.

Various rankings!
Apart from the wealth ranking, whose criteria remained unchanged—still based on an individual’s wealth—requirements for all other rankings had changed.

The Ranking of Renowned Masters!
It would no longer be determined by fame in the martial arts world, but rather by the impact of significant events and an individual’s reputation within it… It seemed trivial at first, but there was an additional restriction: those on this list could not be those with weak martial skills, and since it was a ranking of renowned masters, no members of evil factions were allowed.

For example, Lu Mingyue, the master of the Cold Moon Palace, was immediately removed from the list. Several other renowned masters who had risen through dishonorable and bloody means were also expelled.

However, a new ranking was added to *Records of the World of Martial Arts*: the *Ranking of Evil Masters*! It listed a group of ruthless and unscrupulous evil faction experts. At the top was not Lu Mingyue, but a man named “Orochimaru,” followed by “Ghostly Sorrow,” and third was the famous heir of the *Sunflower Secret Manual*.

Additionally!
Changes also occurred in the Ranking of Divine Weapons…
It was no longer based solely on rank but took skill level into account as well. Yet, the top spot was not occupied by the third-tier “Clear Mist Sword,” but rather a first-tier, third-tier masterpiece called the “Mountain-Opening Axe,” with a destructive power of 1,500—astonishingly, it topped the list. There were also over a dozen third-tier masterpieces behind it. Unfortunately, the Clear Mist Sword in Qing Kai’s hands ended up in 13th place, a rather low ranking.

As for the Dragon Ranking and Phoenix Ranking, their criteria remained unchanged, but a new element was added: the option to challenge others…
Anyone who was dissatisfied with someone ranked above them could challenge them in a duel. Victory could be achieved simply by fairly defeating the opponent, allowing them to take their place. Fights one-on-one also counted.

Even experts outside these rankings could enter the Dragon and Phoenix Rankings through challenges! But one must be extremely confident in their own strength; otherwise, challenging a top-ranked expert was tantamount to seeking death.

Many people realized…
This was likely a shortcut created by Bai Xiaosheng for the growing number of experts who possessed extraordinary martial skills but lacked the mastery level of true masters. It allowed more such outstanding experts like Lu Mingyue to come into the public eye!

It also gave some gang experts who were confident in their abilities and had strong backing the chance to show off—many gangs indeed needed an expert with strong leadership skills!
Of course.
If this really became popular, the martial world would inevitably see a wave of fierce competition to challenge the strong.
Kai Xin had already anticipated this…
Because of this announcement, many experts in the martial world became restless!
…
“Stop!”
On the way to the royal tomb, a group of people suddenly rushed out from the woods, surrounding him from both sides and blocking him in the middle of the road. Those passing by saw the situation was bad and quickly retreated.
Kai Xin remained calm, stopped decisively, glanced around, and made up his mind.
“Are you Kai Xin?”
The leader was tall and robust, with a loud voice. He stepped forward proudly, his metal belt and wrist guards standing out sharply;
The people beside him were dressed similarly, wearing delicate metal crossbows at their waists and small black bags for throwing weapons. Their deer leather gloves bore the faint embroidery of the famous Tang Sect.
The group showed no signs of nervousness in the face of Kai Xin…
“So you’re an expert from the Tang Sect…”
Kai Xin bowed slightly, his tone indifferent: “You’ve stopped me. I wonder what you want.”
“You have good eyes! I’m Tang Feng! I’m here today to enter the royal tomb. But I heard that you’ve almost monopolized its resources lately, so I came to discuss it with you—suggesting you avoid going today.”
Seeing Kai Xin’s expression change, Tang Feng continued, “I know the strength of the renowned ‘Kai Xin’—your Golden Bell Shield can protect you from experts at the Liberation Realm. But unfortunately, our Tang Sect specializes in throwing weapons. Coincidentally, we’ve recently learned some techniques to counter such defenses. If you want to give it a try, we can spar…”
It was pure gangster mentality.
However…
Tang Feng’s threats were indeed not to be ignored.
The Tang Sect’s throwing weapons were diverse, each with unique uses. Besides the weapons themselves, their techniques also had a significant advantage in combat.
This was also a key reason why the Tang Sect could firmly establish itself in the martial world!
But clearly, Tang Feng underestimated the defensive power of the Golden Bell Shield and Kai Xin himself.
The latter smiled faintly:
“Martial world matters are left to the martial world. Expecting me to give up on the royal tomb with just a few words? Impossible…”
“It seems we’ll have to step in personally to learn from you.” Tang Feng had expected Kai Xin not to yield so easily. His expression darkened as he already held a small black iron sand in his hand.

The Tang Sect is not very famous in the martial world, but it is by no means weak. On the contrary, its reputation even surpasses that of Shaolin and Wudang. They rarely take action unless they are fully prepared. With their special hidden weapon techniques, unique devices, lightning-fast attacks, and mastery of various poisons, Tang Sect disciples can create the illusion of countless attackers simultaneously, and every strike is lethal—something that many other sects cannot match. Smart people can maximize the advantages of Tang Sect disciples, while those who are not so lucky may still find success by chance. This is how people in the martial world view the Tang Sect! Tang Feng is clearly an outstanding representative among its disciples. Judging from the way the other Tang Sect disciples stepped back to make room for him on the battlefield, it’s clear they have great confidence in him. Even facing Happy, the top expert of a renowned sect, he remains unfazed. “Please!” As soon as these words were spoken, a dense shower of black sand rushed toward Happy, like a giant fishing net suddenly unfolding and instantly blocking any escape routes. Even more astonishing was that as the massive “black fishing net” opened, strands of dark energy emanated from it, becoming increasingly dense until a net filled with murderous intent formed! Tang Feng’s whereabouts vanished instantly from Happy’s sight… “Perfect timing.” Happy laughed heartily, advancing instead of retreating. With a flick of his Gentleman Sword, a whirlwind-like sword shadow formed instantly. With a “whoosh!”, it charged at the black net like a drill, its edge gleaming brightly. The artfully crafted black net was instantly pierced by the sword’s light, and Happy rushed out through the torn opening! “Impressive skills!” Tang Feng’s voice came from behind Happy. Happy raised his eyebrows, and his Golden Bell Shield activated immediately! Clang! Clang! Two metal arrows were deflected by the suddenly appearing Golden Bell. Hiss! Hiss… Tang Feng seemed to have been prepared. As soon as the Golden Bell appeared, he triggered a mechanism without hesitation, firing a barrage of fine needles at Happy’s back.