C46 Power

The Outer Sect Head Elder took his place at the forefront of the square, with Xu Annlan standing stoically by his side. The square itself was teeming with Outer Sect disciples, all gathered in anticipation.

Surveying the crowd, the Head Elder noted the time and raised his voice to address the assembly:

"I will be presiding over this Outer Sect Competition. Let's start with what you're all eager to hear about—the rewards. As in previous years, the top twenty contestants will receive prizes. Each of the top twenty will earn 100 contribution points, the top ten will receive 200 points, and the top three will be awarded 500 points. The runner-up will get a substantial 1,000 points, while the first-place victor will take home a staggering 3,000 contribution points."

His announcement sent a wave of astonishment through the crowd. The disciples were visibly shaken, their excitement palpable. Even the top three experts of the Outer Sect shared in the fervor. Historically, the top twenty were lucky to get 50 points, and first place rarely exceeded 1,000 points. Now, the rewards had not only doubled but, for the first place, tripled!

Chen Yuze, the preeminent Outer Sect expert who had ascended to the Qi Transformation Stage, was visibly thrilled. The prospect of securing 3,000 contribution points affirmed that his presence here was well worth it.

Amidst the crowd, Lin Xuan's eyes gleamed with intent. "Contribution points," he whispered to himself, a plan forming in his mind. He knew their value; they were akin to currency within the Drifting Cloud Sect, vital for exchanging martial arts and purchasing cultivation resources at the Martial Arts Pavilion. With enough points, he could even solicit personal guidance from the elders.

Within the sect, contribution points were the key to nearly everything, save for a few coveted inheritances. To illustrate their worth, ten points could be exchanged for a Substandard Spirit Stone, but the reverse was not true—a clear indicator of the points' significance.

Yet, Lin Xuan hadn't anticipated the competition would be so generous with these coveted contribution points.

If he managed to place among the top contenders, he would secure enough resources to advance to the Qi Transformation Stage.

With that thought, his anticipation for the grand competition intensified.

"Silence!"

The Head Elder gestured downwards, and his voice boomed like thunder, leaving everyone present reeling as their vitality surged.

"Is this what it feels like to face a Spirit Opening Stage master?"

Feeling the overwhelming pressure, Lin Xuan's yearning for the martial path deepened.

The arena hushed to a still.

The disciples refrained from any further movement, gazing at the Head Elder with reverence.

Then, the Head Elder resumed speaking.

"Very well, the competition will now commence.

Our first challenge is the Puppet Tower. Follow me."

With that, he turned and strode out of the Martial Arts Practice Field.

Xu Annlan walked alongside the Head Elder, with the other Outer Sect deacons trailing behind them.

The disciples followed suit.

This was the tradition from past tournaments: use the Puppet Tower to weed out the majority of competitors and determine the top twenty.

The disciples were accustomed to this.

The Outer Sect's elite stood at the forefront, followed by the more experienced disciples.

Bringing up the rear were the older disciples with lesser strength and average talent, or new disciples simply observing the proceedings.

Such was the unwritten code of the Outer Sect.

Yet Lin Xuan boldly made his way to the front.

He edged his way to the leading position.

The Outer Sect's top ten were mere meters from the Head Elder and Xu Annlan, well within Lin Xuan's reach.

He wouldn't let this chance slip by.

Lin Xuan's unusual move quickly drew the gaze of numerous disciples.

"Who is that? He's actually pushing his way forward? That's a spot reserved for the Outer Sect's finest!"

"Don't you recognize him? That's Lin Xuan, the most promising among the new disciples, the so-called top prodigy of the Outer Sect!"

"If that's Lin Xuan, then despite his modest cultivation level, he surely deserves to be up front, on par with the Outer Sect's top ten, right?"

The disciples whispered among themselves, abuzz with speculation.

Amidst their murmurs, Lin Xuan swiftly took his place at the very front, standing shoulder to shoulder with the top ten disciples of the Outer Sect.

Upon noticing an unexpected newcomer among them, the top ten disciples of the Outer Sect's expressions turned icy. Several were ready to launch an attack and drive Lin Xuan away, as this area was a symbol of their elite status. An intrusion by an ordinary disciple was nothing short of a direct challenge to their authority. They couldn't just stand by idly.

Yet, as their collective gaze settled on Lin Xuan, their stern faces paused, and their aggressive postures relaxed. These top ten were formidable, each having reached the Peak of the Qi Gathering Stage, and they commanded a network of underlings who kept them well-informed about the goings-on within the Outer Sect. They were somewhat familiar with Lin Xuan, whose extraordinary feats had already sent ripples of alarm through their ranks.

Lin Xuan was a newcomer, having only recently achieved beginner status. They consoled themselves with the thought that by the time Lin Xuan grew in strength, they would have already ascended to the Inner Sect, beyond the reach of his shadow. This thought bolstered their confidence.

Now, with Lin Xuan boldly stepping into their territory, they exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of the appropriate response. On paper, Lin Xuan's current prowess didn't measure up to theirs, and he shouldn't have been able to claim a spot among them. Yet, Lin Xuan's prodigious talent was undeniably intimidating.

To expel him now could spell disaster if Lin Xuan sought retribution after rising to prominence. But to do nothing and allow a newcomer to breach their ranks would undermine their authority. In their moment of indecision, they turned to Chen Yuze, the preeminent disciple of the Outer Sect.

Chen Yuze gave a subtle nod, and a wave of relief washed over the others. With their leader's silent endorsement, they no longer felt compelled to act. They would allow Lin Xuan to remain, choosing to overlook his presence as if he were invisible. Despite Lin Xuan's reputation as the Outer Sect's premier talent, he had yet to prove he could best them in combat.

Yet, they weren't ready to extend an olive branch to Lin Xuan either. Unbeknownst to them, as their leader, Chen Yuze, the top expert of the Outer Sect, shifted his attention their way...

Lin Xuan felt a sudden intuition and turned his head.

Their eyes met, and Chen Yuze's heart skipped a beat, as if sensing Lin Xuan was his nemesis.

Chen Yuze refrained from any hasty actions, allowing Lin Xuan to take the lead.

Yet, it was a fleeting moment, and Chen Yuze couldn't be certain whether it was mere illusion.

Despite his uncertainty, a sliver of apprehension towards Lin Xuan took root in his heart.

Unbeknownst to Lin Xuan, his dash to the forefront had stirred up quite the turmoil.

And it was merely his gaze that had unnerved Chen Yuze.

He was oblivious to the tacit codes of conduct within the Outer Sect.

But even with knowledge of them, he wouldn't have given them a second thought.

In the Martial Arts World, power is the ultimate law.

Those rules? They were nothing a single punch couldn't shatter.

Should anyone dare to obstruct him, he was ready to unleash his power.

Within the Outer Sect, he might not match the prowess of the top three masters, but he was sure he could best anyone else.

At that moment, Lin Xuan was focused on nothing else. He was unaware of the significant stir he'd caused by safely securing a spot in the top ten.

His gaze was fixed on the Head Elder and Xu Annlan, who were just a short distance ahead, less than ten meters away.