C66 The Competition Ended

Chen Yuze and Guan Yuanshuang couldn't hide their immense envy.

Chen Yuze, having recently advanced to the Qi Transformation Stage, still chose to compete for more than just a final taste of glory in the Outer Sect; he was after the substantial first-place prize. The reward of three thousand contribution points was no small sum, equivalent to at least three hundred substandard spirit stones. Such a bounty would sustain him well into his tenure in the Inner Sect.

Yet, to their astonishment, the Head Elder awarded Lin Xuan a staggering five thousand contribution points, nearly doubling the previous top prize. The other two could only look on with green eyes.

They understood, though. The Head Elder's generosity was a clear signal of his admiration for Lin Xuan's exceptional talent and his intention to invest in his future. Lin Xuan's potential dwarfed theirs; they were simply not in the same league, and they knew it. The Head Elder's favoritism was reserved for the truly gifted.

Resigned to this reality, Chen and Guan could only offer their envy, devoid of any resentment.

"You must continue to strive for excellence," the Head Elder said, his voice light but firm. "Do not disappoint the sect's expectations and the faith we've placed in you."

"I understand," Lin Xuan responded, bowing respectfully.

After a few more encouraging words, the Head Elder directed Lin Xuan to step aside. It was time to honor Chen Yuze and Guan Yuanshuang for their second and third-place finishes.

But the thrill of their own achievements had been dulled upon learning of Lin Xuan's windfall. Their joy was overshadowed by the disparity in rewards. Despite this competition's prizes being more than double those of previous years, Chen Yuze's second-place finish earned him only one thousand contribution points—a mere fifth of Lin Xuan's haul. And Guan Yuanshuang's third-place reward was a scant tenth of that.

The meager sum left them feeling anything but celebratory.

Nevertheless, the ceremony proceeded, and soon their rewards were duly presented.

Though both ranked among the top three in the Outer Sect, their prowess was among the elite of their peers.

Yet, they paled in comparison to Lin Xuan, and thus the Head Elder did not extend to them any special treatment.

They were left with only the standard rewards.

"Head Elder, may I proceed to the Inner Sect now?"

Chen Yuze interjected at that moment.

Having advanced to the Qi Transformation Stage and grasped the Concept, he was poised to be the standout talent of the competition.

But the outcome defied expectations.

Lin Xuan, a newcomer of merely a month, had not only ascended to the middle stage of the Qi Gathering Realm but had also mastered the Artistic Conception of Creation.

He had vanquished Chen Yuze, seizing the top spot in the grand tournament.

Despite Chen Yuze's breakthrough and surge in power, first place eluded him.

All accolades were now Lin Xuan's.

Fewer eyes followed Chen Yuze.

Moreover, with Lin Xuan's slight edge in looks, the affections of many girls who once favored Chen Yuze shifted towards Lin Xuan.

Burdened by these disheartening events, the Outer Sect had become a place of sorrow for him; he longed to leave it behind.

His sights were set on the Inner Sect without delay.

"Yes, with your breakthrough to the Qi Transformation Stage, you're eligible for the Inner Sect.

Report to the Outer Hall first, then proceed with the necessary formalities," the Head Elder responded, nodding.

A flicker of resignation crossed his eyes.

He had a sense of Chen Yuze's mindset.

Indeed, for Chen Yuze to reach the Qi Transformation Stage and touch upon the nascent Concept at his age was commendable. He stood out as a prodigious talent among the Outer Sect disciples in recent years.

He ought to have been in the limelight, drawing the gaze of numerous Outer Sect Elders.

Regrettably, this competition unveiled a prodigy like Lin Xuan.

As a fledgling disciple, he not only attained the fourth level of the Qi Gathering Stage but also revealed his sword intent, claiming the championship with undeniable authority.

Next to Lin Xuan, Chen Yuze appeared decidedly average.

In reality, Lin Xuan's talents were so exceptional that within the Drifting Cloud Sect—not just the Outer Sect—only a handful of individuals could truly be considered geniuses.

Everyone else was simply an average martial artist.

Thus, it was completely understandable that Chen Yuze was eager to advance from the Outer Sect to the Inner Sect as swiftly as possible.

He had no intention of dissuading Chen Yuze or offering any other advice.

Subsequently, the Head Elder awarded an additional 200 contribution points to each of the top ten competitors.

Following his commendation of Lin Xuan and the other two standouts, he dismissed them from the stage along with Deacon Zhang.

Once they rejoined the crowd, a brief hush fell over the arena.

The Head Elder then resumed, his voice resonating clearly:

"The prizes for the tournament have now been awarded.

Indeed, this competition was quite remarkable.

But on the whole, many disciples have shown significant improvement.

This deserves recognition.

I urge you all to continue advancing, break through to the Qi Transformation Stage at your earliest convenience, join the Inner Sect, and earn glory for our sect.

That is all I have to say.

With that, the Outer Sect Competition is concluded!

You may all depart."

His words were met with a sustained outpouring of applause.

The disciples then dispersed, leaving the area in groups.

Lin Xuan exited the plaza and made his way directly to the small building.

He needed to utilize the treasures he had replicated from two Spirit Opening Stage masters earlier that day—the Head Elder and the true disciple Xu Annlan—to enhance his innate abilities and strength as much as possible.

Ideally, with Lin Xuan's strikingly handsome features, combined with his remarkable talents and prowess, numerous Outer Sect disciples would have sought his favor.

However, Lin Xuan's excessively fierce approach during the competition had left even Guan Yuanshuang, the most beautiful woman in the Outer Sect, injured by the force of his blows.

Moreover, Lin Xuan's demeanor was frosty, giving off an air of unapproachability.

Consequently, no one dared come near him.

Lin Xuan preferred it this way.

In the Martial Arts World, power is revered and strength is paramount.

The so-called web of relationships became irrelevant.

After all, with absolute power, he could dictate everything.

Wealth, beauty, power—all would naturally gravitate towards him.

Connections crumble in the face of true strength.

So, his priority was to bolster his own power.

Everything else was secondary.

Before long, the arena cleared out, leaving only the Head Elder and Xu Annlan standing on the elevated platform.

"What's your take on this?"

Head Elder inquired, turning to Xu Annlan.

"In just one month since his initiation, he's grasped 5% Sword Intent!

Liu Qianyu didn't even come close to that when he was in the Outer Sect!"

Xu Annlan finally broke his silence.

"Indeed. The Drifting Cloud Sect might just have a prodigy on its hands," the Head Elder mused, his eyes alight with excitement.

"Yes," Xu Annlan agreed with a nod.

He was reluctant to concede, but the truth was undeniable—Lin Xuan's talent surpassed both his and Liu Qianyu's by a significant margin.

Perhaps, he truly had the potential to be a genius.

"Head Elder, I'm going to return to my cultivation," Xu Annlan announced.

With that, he descended from the platform and strode away, not once glancing back, the weight of the revelation heavy upon him.

The Head Elder watched him go, a wry smile on his face as he shook his head.

He had hoped that by bringing Xu Annlan to the Outer Sect competition, he would boost the young man's confidence by comparing him to the average disciples.

It was supposed to give Xu Annlan an edge for the major battle in two months' time.

Instead, it had backfired.

Now, the future seemed more uncertain than ever.