The rankings of the heavens and the worlds have been released.
These rankings span one hundred worlds across the cosmos. Names are not listed in strict order, and each world is ranked based on its current state.
It is now announced that the world ranked 21st among the heavens and myriad realms is — the Dragon Pearl World.
A resounding, majestic voice echoed across all realms, spanning countless dimensions and timelines.
In that instant, expressions of astonishment, mockery, and ridicule spread across the faces of countless beings in the heavens and all known universes.
Moments earlier, during the ongoing world rankings, any time a new world's rank was revealed, one figure consistently made himself known — Frieza of the Dragon Pearl World, who would immediately flood the message boards of other worlds with taunts and jeers.
"That's it? That's all you've got? I, Lord Frieza, am invincible across all dimensions! My world is without question the strongest in existence — number one across the realms!"
Frieza's arrogance had long since drawn the ire of billions. He stood alone, consistently courting hatred and drawing the scorn of all races and civilizations. The entire multiverse had grown weary of him.
Many couldn't wait to descend upon the Dragon Pearl World and beat him down themselves.
Now, with the Dragon Pearl World officially ranked 21st, a visual of its reality appeared to everyone.
Immediately, loud laughter erupted across nearly every great world.
"That's all? Didn't even crack the top twenty? And here I thought you were impressive."
"Didn't he claim to be number one? Now he can't even get past twenty? He's just embarrassed himself."
"Smashing a planet with a punch? That's just minor star power. I could obliterate an entire star field with my palm. What a weakling."
"And he still dares bark like that? Let him come see me, Lord Dog. I'll break his legs for good!"
Mockery surged across the multiverse. Everyone jeered with righteous glee.
In particular, the Purple-Gold Ruffian Dragon from the Gods and Demons World, and the Big Black Dog from the Shrouding the Heavens World, were especially ruthless with their words.
"With such pitiful strength, you still dare howl in front of Uncle Long? Just standing in front of me earns you a leg-breaking!" shouted the Purple-Gold Ruffian Dragon, its body bathed in purple light.
"Well said, friend! Uncle Hei agrees wholeheartedly! With that level of power, even Ye Heishou — my underling's pet — is stronger than you. You wouldn't even recognize yourself after Ye Heishou gets done with you!"
In the Shrouding the Heavens World, the Big Black Dog, hiding near the forbidden zone and secretly observing the celestial vision, thumped his chest with pride.
Bang.
Ye Heishou, face darkened, struck the Big Black Dog on the head with a punch.
"Who the hell are you calling your pet?" he growled.
"Relax, I was just joking. No sense of humor," the dog grumbled, rolling his eyes and resuming his message barrage, now continuing his exchange with the Purple-Gold Ruffian Dragon on the rankings.
"Brother Dragon, you and I are truly kindred spirits. A shame we're from different realms — otherwise, I'd share a drink or two with you, Uncle Hei style!" the Big Black Dog messaged, gleefully.
"Haha! My path is not walked alone! What is this Frieza anyway? A frog in a well! A lowlife staring at the sky from a hole in the ground. If I see him, I'll break his dog legs without hesitation!" the Purple-Gold Ruffian Dragon boasted.
"Break what legs?" the Big Black Dog, previously smiling, suddenly stiffened.
"His dog legs, of course! Brother Big Black Dog, what's the issue? Let me tell you, dragon cuisine includes dog meat — delicious! I ate a crystal-white divine dog just yesterday. Mouthwatering stuff!"
After that line dropped—
"My lady Gan Lin!!"
The Big Black Dog revealed his true form — a purebred, full-sized black hound, growling with fury.
"Ye Heishou! Bring out my three-hundred-meter broadsword!"
Ye Heishou blinked. "What for?"
The Big Black Dog took a deep breath and growled, "I'm going to butcher an ancient real dragon today for stew!"
Ye Heishou, sighing, touched his nose. "Alright, cut it out. This life-restricted area is trembling constantly. The Extreme Black Calamity might be starting soon."
He turned away, resuming his intense gaze at the looming forbidden zone.
"Damn you, Ye Heishou. Can't even speak up for me?"
The Big Black Dog gnashed his teeth in frustration.
"Hmph! Just wait. The world I reside in will surely top the entire list. Everyone across the multiverse will come to know the mighty name of the Big Black Dog!"
…
…
Dragon Pearl World.
"Twenty-one? Impossible!"
Frieza stood there, mouth agape, disbelief flooding his features.
A moment later, as he looked at the mocking barrage cascading across the screen, his face turned completely ashen.
He tried to fire back, but his message was instantly buried beneath a flood of scornful replies from countless worlds.
Clenching his fists, his teeth nearly cracking from the pressure, Frieza hissed through clenched jaws.
"Very well! You've all angered me now — the mighty Lord Frieza!"
"I want to see what kind of existence could possibly rank above me. If I'm only 21st, then the number one ranking must be beyond comprehension!"
…
…
Universal World.
Atop the towering peak of Daluo Divine Mountain.
Shen Lian and his six Quasi-Emperor subordinates — including Xuan Ba and Yuan Ye — also examined the newly released rankings.
"This damned black dog. If I ever enter his world, I'm breaking every one of his filthy limbs," Xuan Ba growled, seething with rage.
And for good reason.
Moments earlier, Xuan Ba had been intrigued by the activity in the rankings and sent a message out via thought-barrage.
"Don't argue. My world is the crown jewel of the heavens," wrote the Quasi Emperor of Destruction.
The backlash was instant and overwhelming.
Especially from the Big Black Dog, who mocked: "What's the Universal World? And you, a Quasi Emperor? Do you even understand what that title means? The name isn't something you just toss around. In today's age, Quasi Emperors have known names, known power. And you? You're just background noise."
"And even if you are a Quasi Emperor, you think that's enough to compete with my realm? Let me tell you, our realm is crawling with Supremes in the forbidden zones who have severed themselves. Sure, they're not good people, but no Quasi Emperor can compare."
"More importantly, the unmatched Emperor Wu Shi — master of this black uncle — is still alive and well. What is a mere Quasi Emperor to him?"
Hearing all this, Xuan Ba's rage boiled over.
"Your Majesty! Next time we traverse to another world, take me to this Shrouding the Heavens realm! I want to see what kind of Quasi Emperors they really have! I'll tear that Big Black Dog apart piece by piece!"
Shen Lian chuckled softly.
"Old as they are, they act like children. Always rushing into fights," he said.
He turned back toward the celestial rankings and lightly stroked his chin.
"I wonder... this so-called Great Emperor of the One Leaf Shrouding the Heavens World — how would he fare against me?"