Top 050

Due to the varying strength levels of the participants, the first round progressed swiftly.

A total of 940 matches took place in the first round, concluding in just over half a day.

Among them, Su Yutong effortlessly defeated her opponent.

Her opponent was also at the ninth level of Qi Refining.

In stark contrast to Wang Yuyao, Su Yutong didn’t even use a magic tool—she relied solely on formidable spells to secure an easy victory.

After a brief rest,

the remaining 940 contestants drew lots again.

The second round commenced.

This time, Wang Yuyao’s opponent was another ninth-level Qi Refining cultivator.

After a short exchange, she emerged victorious with ease.

By dusk, the second round concluded.

The remaining 470 contestants drew lots once more, and the third round began.

This pattern repeated.

By the time the sixth round started, it was already the early hours of the next day.

In this round, Wang Yuyao faced a tenth-level Qi Refining cultivator.

Her opponent wielded a mid-grade magic tool and possessed formidable spell power.

Wang Yuyao, relying solely on her Cloudwater Frostlight Sword, couldn’t gain the upper hand. In the end, she had to activate her Purple Jade Boots, drastically increasing her speed, and barely secured victory through her agility advantage.

After the battle, Wang Yuyao advanced to the next round, drawing considerable attention in the process.

Magic tools were different from elixirs.

In this world, there was no concept of a "perfect" magic tool.

A perfect mid-grade magic tool, with power comparable to a high-grade one, would simply be perceived as a high-grade tool by outsiders.

Among the outer sect disciples, the standard equipment was a low-grade magic tool.

Those who could afford mid-grade tools were already considered exceptionally wealthy.

As for high-grade magic tools, only the very top echelon of outer sect disciples stood a chance of owning one.

Yet Wang Yuyao not only possessed one—she had two!

This inevitably stirred envy in nearly everyone present.

Below the arena, Su Yutong stared at Wang Yuyao, her expression dark with displeasure.

If she remembered correctly, when she had encountered Wang Yuyao at Wang Jianqiang’s place, the latter had only been at the ninth level of Qi Refining.

But now, Wang Yuyao had already broken through to Qi Refining’s peak!

Su Yutong’s own breakthrough had been possible only because she had purchased a perfect Cloudmist Elixir from the External Affairs Hall.

To afford it, she had even sold her only high-grade magic tool.

But Wang Yuyao?

After being humiliated by Wang Yuyao, Su Yutong had investigated her background.

Wang Yuyao was merely an ordinary outer sect disciple.

Half a year ago, she had only been at the sixth level of Qi Refining.

Her rapid ascent to the ninth level had been due to sheer luck—she had stumbled upon Wang Jianqiang’s dealings with the External Affairs Hall and managed to buy perfect elixirs before anyone else.

But given Wang Yuyao’s modest means, reaching the ninth level must have drained her savings entirely.

There was no way she could have had enough spirit stones left to purchase more elixirs.

Thus, the only explanation for Wang Yuyao’s breakthrough to Qi Refining’s peak was one thing:

Wang Jianqiang had given her a perfect Cloudmist Elixir at a discounted price—or possibly even for free!

This also explained the high-grade magic tools in her possession.

They must have been gifts from Wang Jianqiang as well.

Though Wang Jianqiang was a talentless hack, his luck was absurdly good.

He had actually managed to develop perfect elixirs!

With them, he could amass vast amounts of spirit stones in no time.

What was considered priceless to other outer sect disciples—high-grade magic tools—were probably trivial for him to obtain.

The stark contrast between how Wang Jianqiang treated Wang Yuyao and how he treated her filled Su Yutong with intense resentment.

Why?

Why does Wang Jianqiang treat me with such hostility while showing such favor to Wang Yuyao, a lowly ordinary disciple?

She felt that Wang Jianqiang was deliberately targeting her.

The resentment in her heart toward him grew even more intense.

As the competition continued, it was soon Su Yutong's turn to step onto the stage.

It had to be said—Su Yutong lived up to her reputation as a rising prodigy.

Her opponent was also a Qi Refinement Tenth Layer cultivator, armed with a mid-grade first-tier magical artifact, making them no pushover.

Yet, facing such an opponent, she effortlessly defeated them using only a low-grade flying sword.

Her strength was formidable, her beauty peerless, her demeanor ethereal as an immortal.

For a moment, the crowd erupted in cheers.

Among the spectators, Wang Jianqiang’s gaze lingered on Su Yutong for only a brief moment before shifting back to Wang Yuyao.

A hundred participants had entered the sixth round.

Wang Yuyao’s victory over her opponent meant she had secured a spot in the top fifty.

But Wang Jianqiang’s expectations for her weren’t just the top fifty—he wanted her in the top ten!

In this Outer Sect Grand Competition,

those who made it into the top fifty would receive a Foundation Establishment Pill and one entry into the Frost Pond Secret Realm.

However, those who reached the top ten would not only receive far richer rewards but also gain an additional entry slot—a follower’s pass—effectively doubling the benefit.

The Frost Pond Secret Realm entry could not be gifted to others, but the follower’s pass could be freely given away.

And it was precisely this follower’s pass that Wang Jianqiang wanted.

If Wang Yuyao could break into the top ten, he could enter the Frost Pond Secret Realm as her follower.

Another hour passed.

The sixth round finally concluded.

High above, Yun Zhongque’s gaze swept across the arena.

"The top fifty have been decided. Now begins the final round—the Defender’s Challenge."

"Those confident in their strength may step onto the platform to become defenders. There are ten platforms, meaning ten defenders in total."

"The remaining forty may challenge any defender they choose. Each challenger has only two attempts. Two losses mean elimination."

"If a defender loses once, they are dethroned but retain their right to challenge others."

"Those who hold their ground to the end or successfully defend ten consecutive matches will be declared victors."

"This round will determine the final ten, who will advance to the top rankings."

"The platform numbers represent their final placement."

"Let the battle commence."

The moment Yun Zhongque’s voice faded, a figure shot forward, landing on the first platform.

A domineering declaration echoed across the arena:

"Interesting rules."

"This first platform belongs to me, Ye. Defy me if you dare."

The crowd fell silent for a moment.

Then, several more figures leaped onto the remaining platforms.

"Platform Two is mine."

"Platform Three belongs to me."

...

In the blink of an eye, all ten platforms were claimed.

Wang Jianqiang’s eyes narrowed as he glanced at Platform Nine.

Su Yutong!

"She’s certainly confident," he muttered with a cold smirk before turning his attention back to Wang Yuyao in the crowd.

Unlike the others, Wang Yuyao hadn’t rushed to claim a platform. Wang Jianqiang wasn’t worried—being the first defender meant little.

The real victory lay in standing firm until the end.

A few other participants, like Wang Yuyao, remained motionless.

Clearly, they shared the same strategy.

Wang Jianqiang’s gaze swept over them, and a thought flickered in his mind.

"Not simple at all."

He glanced once more at the ten challengers on the arena and couldn't help but smile.

These individuals certainly had no shortage of confidence—though how many of them would last till the end remained to be seen.