The Grand Competition Begins

In the center of the martial arts arena stood ten imposing combat rings, each measuring a hundred zhang across.

The perimeters of the rings were reinforced by array formations, casting a transparent curtain of light that enveloped the arenas.

This not only buffered the impact of falls but also prevented spiritual energy from leaking out and accidentally injuring the spectators.

By now, the participating disciples from the various main peaks had gathered below the rings. At the forefront of each team stood the personal disciples of the respective Peak Masters.

Li Xuanfeng of Qingyun Peak, Lu Chenyu of Zhenyue Peak, Lin Mochen and Shi Jingxian of Qingyue Peak, Lin Xiaowan of Danding Peak, Mu Chenyu of Jianxiao Peak, Yun Qingjue of Feiyun Peak, Su Qingyuan of Luoxia Peak...

All the talented disciples of the Qingxuan Sect's younger generation had gathered here. Even those who had been out gaining experience had rushed back early for the grand competition.

The annual sect competition was a major event for the Qingxuan Sect.

The spectator stands were already packed. The roaring clamor of nearly ten thousand disciples almost overturned the heavens.

Outer sect disciples stood on their tiptoes, leaning forward as they pointed at the core disciples near the rings, whispering among themselves and occasionally letting out gasps of awe.

Those who could stand at the edge of the rings were all carefully selected experts from each peak; the weakest among them was at least in the middle stage of the Foundation Establishment realm.

When Gu Changge's figure appeared at the entrance of the martial arts arena, many people turned to look at the trio.

His plain white Daoist robe was too eye-catching. Even amidst the crowd, he looked as if he were bathed alone in moonlight.

Gu Changge walked forward absentmindedly. A small black bird perched on his shoulder, preening its feathers and occasionally tilting its head to peck at his hanging strands of hair.

It is Peak Master Gu of Zizhu Peak! someone in the stands recognized Gu Changge and exclaimed in a low voice.

Those two behind him... are they going to participate in the competition?

The murmurs rippled outward like stones tossed into a lake.

Everyone's gaze landed on Xiao Ruobai and Fang Hanyu.

The two of them had utilized a profound concealment technique, keeping their cultivation bases completely hidden so that others could not discern their true strength.

The former carried a long halberd on his shoulder, its tip gleaming with a dark glint in the sunlight.

The latter gripped an inconspicuous longsword, yet his gaze was incredibly sharp.

Gu Changge headed straight for the highest viewing gallery, where Xuanyangzi had already stood up with a smile to welcome him.

Meanwhile, Xiao Ruobai and Fang Hanyu weaved through the crowd and walked straight toward the waiting area beside the rings. Compared to the neat formations of the other peaks, the silhouettes of these two seemed exceptionally sparse.

Isn't that Xiao Ruobai? a young disciple from Danding Peak suddenly cried out.

He joined the sect with me three months ago. At that time, he only had a low Mortal-grade aptitude!

Someone with a low Mortal-grade aptitude dares to enter the ring?

A burly man from Qingyue Peak could not help but question, Peak Master Gu himself is only at the Core Condensation realm. He cannot possibly turn a stubborn rock into a precious jade, right?

Daring to crash the grand competition after only being in the sect for three months, he is probably just here to make a fool of himself.

The female disciples of Luoxia Peak covered their mouths and giggled.

What was even more surprising was Fang Hanyu.

Who is this kid? When did Zizhu Peak take in another disciple?

Never seen him before. He does not even have a decent Dharma robe. Was he just recruited from the foot of the mountain?

The discussions grew louder, and even the personal disciples of the various peaks could not help but cast sidelong glances.

However, since these personal disciples spent all year round by their Peak Masters' sides, they knew a bit about Gu Changge's mysterious nature.

Junior Brother Xiao, over here!

Lin Mochen from Qingyue Peak was the first to spot the two. He had just walked out of the preparation area on the other side of the arena, still weighing his customary dark iron axe in his hand. Seeing Xiao Ruobai and Fang Hanyu approaching, he immediately smiled and waved.

Last time, he had been strung up at Zizhu Peak for half the night. Although it was a miserable experience, he had obtained a heaven-defying opportunity that could alter his destiny. Naturally, he felt a bit closer to this personal disciple of Martial Uncle Gu.

The personal disciples from the other main peaks also nodded in acknowledgment, serving as a greeting.

Greetings, Senior Brothers, Xiao Ruobai responded, cupping his hands. His voice was clear and bright.

Shi Jingxian asked, Junior Brother Xiao, who might this be?

His eyes fell on Fang Hanyu. Seeing him appear alongside Xiao Ruobai, he had already guessed most of the answer.

This is Junior Brother Fang Hanyu, the newest disciple taken in by our Master, Xiao Ruobai introduced, stepping slightly to the side.

Please grant me your guidance, Senior Brothers! Fang Hanyu replied.

His fingertips unconsciously caressed the hilt of the Absolute Beginning Sword, the chaotic patterns on its scabbard faintly visible in the sunlight.

So it is Junior Brother Fang. I have heard much about you.

Lin Mochen laughed heartily. Although he had never met Fang Hanyu, he had heard some rumors from his master, Shi Wanshan. He knew that Martial Uncle Gu had recently taken in another disciple.

A few days ago, I heard my Master mention that Martial Uncle Gu had accepted a new disciple. Seeing you today, you truly possess an extraordinary bearing.

The group of personal disciples gathered around the two, chatting with a familiarity as if they were fellow sect members who had known each other for years. They showed absolutely no contempt toward them just because they had recently joined the sect.

This scene, witnessed by the spectator stands, immediately left many disciples scratching their heads in confusion.

Who exactly is that guy surnamed Fang? From what Senior Brother Lin said, he is also Peak Master Gu's disciple? Since when did Zizhu Peak have two personal disciples?

The discussions gradually changed flavor, growing more doubtful and inquisitive.

In the stands, Gu Changge took all of this in.

Junior Brother Changge, how much of their strength do your two disciples plan to reveal... Xuanyangzi hesitated to finish his sentence.

Gu Changge took a sip of tea and said indifferently, We will see.

As soon as he spoke, the bronze gong in the center of the plaza was suddenly struck. The deep, resonant sound pierced through all the clamor, and the spirit-gathering array patterns on the ten combat rings lit up simultaneously—the sect competition was about to begin.

On the high platform in the center of the martial arts arena, the Great Elder of the Qingxuan Sect cleared his throat. Spiritual energy slightly surged around him, projecting his voice across the entire plaza: Quiet down, all disciples!

The noise instantly subsided, and all eyes focused on the high platform.

The Great Elder looked around and announced loudly, After the selections from each peak, a total of sixty-four participants will compete in this sect competition. All of them are carefully chosen, talented disciples from their respective peaks.

He paused for a moment before continuing, This competition will adopt a one-on-one duel format. The winner advances, and the loser is eliminated, until the final rankings are decided.

During the matches, you must stop before causing fatal harm. Malicious injury is strictly forbidden. However, weapons have no eyes, so everyone must be fully prepared.

The rules were simple and clear. The disciples had already anticipated them, and looks of expectation appeared on their faces.

The Great Elder shifted the topic, his tone carrying a touch of solemnity: Next, I will announce the rewards for this competition!

The disciples in the plaza instantly held their breath, their eyes wide open, not even daring to gasp.

First place will be rewarded with one Heaven-grade weapon and ten Heavenly Spirit Pills!

As soon as the words fell, the martial arts arena instantly exploded into an uproar, with discussions rising and falling.

What? The first-place reward is a Heaven-grade weapon?

Did I hear that right? It is actually a Heaven-grade treasure!

Heavens, that is a Heaven-grade weapon! The entire Qingxuan Sect only has a few of them, yet they are actually bringing one out as a competition reward!

How could the Sect Master be so generous this year?

Every disciple wore a look of astonishment, and the discussions surged like a tidal wave.

One had to know that Heaven-grade treasures were incomparably precious. In the Qingxuan Sect, they were existences akin to peak-suppressing treasures. Normally, it was hard to even catch a glimpse of one. Now, being offered as the first-place reward for the grand competition, how could it not leave people astounded?