Imagine a world where power is everything, and a single rating can define your destiny. In *The Path of Ascension*, young Matt faces this harsh reality when his Talent is deemed detrimental, shattering his dreams of avenging his parents and protecting his city from the monstrous rifts. Shunned by guilds and left to work at a humble inn, Matt's life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of a mysterious couple. They offer him a chance to join the empire-wide race to ascend the Tiers, a path to legendary power and influence. Armed with their recommendation and a stolen skill, Matt embarks on a perilous journey filled with dungeons, ancient secrets, and formidable foes. *The Path of Ascension* blends LitRPG elements with the intricate world-building of Xianxia, offering a unique progression system and magic system. This isn't a tale of instant power-ups or simplistic morality. Instead, expect a protagonist making rational choices, a world with depth and consistent rules, and characters who feel like real people. If you crave a story with realistic fights, a hero striving against the odds, and a world brimming with lore, then begin *The Path of Ascension* and see if Matt can defy his initial rating, and rise to become a legend.