Each ranking revealed left everyone anxious and eager to know what the next position would entail. After a long wait, the 31st place was finally announced.
[31st Place on the Technique List: Divine Creation Thunder | User: Nuwa]
This ranking caused no disputes, as it was entirely within everyone's expectations.
Although Nuwa, a saint, wasn't the strongest among the saints, her divine abilities were still formidable. Divine Creation Thunder, unlike the Five Elements Divine Thunder, is exclusive to saints. Each saint develops their unique version of this thunder, differing in difficulty and purpose. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novelꜰire.net
Some versions are extremely powerful, while others are less so. What's certain is that Yuanshi Tianzun, despite being a saint for 50 years, has not yet mastered this divine technique due to his short time as a saint.
Additionally, all his previous techniques were taught by Laozi. While those techniques are incredibly powerful, only one practitioner per technique can make the rankings. With Laozi already on the list, Yuanshi Tianzun had no chance to qualify.
This left him in an unfortunate position. Despite being a saint, he lacked any noteworthy divine techniques to compete with. Though he possessed personal spells and abilities, they weren't significant enough to make the rankings.
At this point, no one even considered him because he had such little presence—becoming a saint hadn't changed that.
[Nuwa]: "Divine Creation Thunder ranking 31st? I did not expect that. A technique exclusive to saints is ranked so low!"
For most watching the live broadcast, 31st place was an unimaginable ranking.
However, to Nuwa, this placement felt too low. As one of the rare saints—there were fewer saints than the fingers on two hands—how could a technique that only saints could cultivate rank so far back?
[Sun Wukong]: "31st is considered low? These rankings are beyond anything we can imagine! What kind of power do saints possess to make such remarks?"
Sun Wukong was feeling quite disheartened. Although he initially wasn't bothered about being excluded from this unique spell ranking, he found the saints' remarks increasingly frustrating.
Even though Nuwa had spoken casually and honestly, her words struck a nerve among those who weren't particularly strong.
Countless individuals longed to make the rankings but had no chance. While they gazed enviously at those ranked above, the saints at the top were complaining about why their rankings were "so low."
The disparity in power was like an unbridgeable chasm, leaving many utterly dejected.
What Nuwa couldn't understand was why her Divine Creation Thunder was inferior to the techniques of other saints.
The other saints, however, had a clearer understanding. While Nuwa's spell had unique features, its destructive power couldn't compare to other saints' techniques.
[Nezha]: "The saints compete for rankings, while we can't even dream of appearing on a single list. The gap is simply overwhelming!"
[Taiyi Zhenren]: "The power of saints is beyond imagination. But there's no need to despair. If you make the rankings, great! If not, it simply means you need to strengthen your abilities—it's not a big deal."
[Guanyin Bodhisattva]: "Indeed. Each ranking is distinct. Making even one list is an achievement. As for appearing on multiple lists, that depends entirely on luck."
[Sun Wukong]: "Luck? My luck is terrible! If it were just a bit better, I'd be on three lists!"
[Ancestor Minghe]: "With your strength, appearing twice is already impressive. If you want to appear a third time, that'd require heaven-defying luck. Instead of fantasizing, you'd be better off focusing on digesting the rewards you've already obtained while under the Five Elements Mountain!"
[Manjushri Bodhisattva]: "Though you've received rewards, you haven't dedicated time to cultivating. Naturally, your strength hasn't significantly increased. What you need is to calm your mind and refine your abilities—that's the only way to truly grow stronger!"
Realizing this, Sun Wukong acknowledged that he had been too hasty. After enhancing his body and his Fiery Eyes Golden Gaze, he had used his rewards immediately without further cultivation. His improvements were thus limited.
Spending time to consolidate his gains was indeed a valuable opportunity to further increase his power.
[Shennong]: "Saints are indeed extraordinary, and their high rankings are only natural. Still, I wonder—will there ever be a chance for people like us to ascend to sainthood?"
The Three Sovereigns, despite their elevated status, lacked the same power as the saints. None of them were content to remain stagnant, but they saw no opportunity to reach sainthood.
Witnessing the unmatched strength of the saints, they could only sigh. Even with their immense desires, they were powerless to achieve their aspirations.
[Nuwa]: "I'm eager to see which saints ranked higher than me! Who could possibly surpass me in power?"
Being a saint, Nuwa was naturally unwilling to accept that she was inferior to the others. She didn't believe she was weaker than the other saints and was determined to uncover why her ranking was so low.
[Tongtian Jiaozhu]: "Your ranking is accurate. On this list, only techniques with the greatest destructive power rank the highest. Compared to the other saints' techniques, your Divine Creation Thunder is simply less potent. Though it excels in other areas, this isn't the time to consider that."
Tongtian's explanation clarified the situation for Nuwa, but his remarks also embarrassed her. Everyone now knew that Nuwa ranked among the weakest saints.
Though furious, Nuwa couldn't reveal her anger, as doing so would only confirm the truth in the eyes of others. Instead, she had to feign calmness.
Nuwa did not see herself as the weakest saint and didn't want others to think so either. She was eager to prove her strength, but for now, she lacked the opportunity.