Chapter Fifty-Four: The Grand Competition of the Eastern District

On this day, as the first light of dawn bathed Mount Ziyang in a golden glow, the outer disciples living in the residential quarters began to leave their lodgings one after another. They were all dressed in the standard long robes of the outer sect, some walking in groups of two or three, others making their way alone amid the crowd that surged forward, but all shared the same destination: the vast clearing at the center of the eastern district.

This would be the main battleground for the grand competition.

"Junior Brother Yang, if I’m not mistaken, this is your first time witnessing the grand competition, isn’t it?" Li Bofeng asked with a gentle smile, glancing at Yang Qing, who followed closely behind him.

"Yes, Captain," Yang Qing nodded with anticipation. "I’ve only been an outer disciple for less than half a year, so I’ve never seen the grand competition before. Are there any rules I should know?"

"As a rule, each time all four districts compete simultaneously," Li Bofeng explained. "Ten of the most outstanding disciples are selected from each district. These forty then vie for the top ranks, and those who excel are richly rewarded."

Li Bofeng was well-versed in the rules—he had been on Mount Ziyang long enough to understand what must be known.

"I’m not sure about the other districts," Yang Qing said in surprise, "but just in the east, there are several hundred outer disciples. Only the top ten can represent the eastern district?"

"You’re mistaken, Junior Brother Yang. The numbers don’t quite add up like that!" Zhang Chaoyue clapped Yang Qing on the shoulder with a laugh. "Most of those hundreds are at the early or middle stages of the Qi Condensation Realm. Only a handful reach the later stages, and those are almost all from the four great families. As for us disciples of humble birth, few manage to reach the late Qi Condensation stage!"

"I see," Yang Qing nodded in agreement.

"Besides," Zhang Chaoyue continued, "those at the eighth and ninth cycles of Qi Condensation usually won’t compete. At that point, it’s more important to focus on advancing to the Vein Flowing Realm. Time waits for no one! So, the competition typically centers around those at the seventh cycle of Qi Condensation, with only a handful at the sixth."

Yang Qing frowned. "That can’t be right, Senior Brother Zhang! Isn’t there a generous reward for the top ranks? Isn’t it worth the time, even so?"

Li Bofeng laughed heartily. "The rewards are spirit pills for breaking through—Qi Condensation Pills! They’re middle-grade human realm pills, and taking one at the Qi Condensation stage allows a disciple to advance a level. But each person can only take one. The true prodigies of the great families have elders to provide for them and no shortage of such things, so they don’t bother to compete. Those who do are usually the ones who aren’t quite successful but aren’t at the bottom either."

"Ah, I understand now," Yang Qing murmured, enlightened.

"Generally, the top three each get a Qi Condensation Pill," Zhang Chaoyue added, "but the first place winner also receives two top-grade treasures, the second place gets one, and the third gets none."

"How are the top ten from the east chosen?" Yang Qing asked.

Li Bofeng hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "That’s hard to say. The rules change each year. Sometimes it’s a melee—anyone who wants to participate climbs onto the stage and the last ten standing represent the district. Other times, ten are chosen at random as seeded contestants, and the rest can challenge them; losers step down until no one else challenges. The method depends on the elders’ mood."

"Elders?" Yang Qing nearly jumped. "Even the outer disciples’ competition requires elders to preside?"

"Of course!" Li Bofeng replied with excitement. "Though the four great families may look down on those of us from common backgrounds, this annual competition is our stroke of luck!"

"That’s right!" Zhang Chaoyue’s voice trembled with excitement. "If an elder takes a liking to you and brings you into their family, not only will you receive the same cultivation resources as others, but you might even marry a daughter of the great families. That would be a blessing from the heavens!"

"Would I have to change my surname?" Yang Qing asked hesitantly.

"If an elder chooses you, you’ll naturally be granted their surname. That is our honor, our fortune!" Li Bofeng replied with grave sincerity. "If you ever get that chance, don’t let it slip by, or you’d be a real fool!"

Yang Qing nodded, half-understanding, and fell silent, following his captain onward.

Luo Tian had also risen early. After breakfast, he sat quietly in his courtyard, choosing not to cultivate. There might be more than one fight today, and keeping a calm mind was better preparation than training.

For the past two days, Luo Tian had spent his mornings instructing other disciples in cultivation, gaining valuable experience for his Divine Eye and racking up contribution points. The rest of his time, apart from sleeping, was devoted to practicing martial techniques, adjusting to his increased combat power.

To win every battle, one must first know oneself and the enemy; understanding his own abilities was vital.

Rising and straightening his robes, Luo Tian stepped out, heading toward the competition grounds. He had already learned most of the basic rules through announcements, though the method for selecting the top ten from each district would only be revealed before the event began.

"Brother Feng, it’s time. Shall we set out now?"

Shen Jinliang called out from outside Shen Lingfeng’s quarters.

"Let’s go," Shen Lingfeng said, eyes narrowing. "Today, I’ll teach that Luo Tian what comes of crossing the Shen family! Not everyone is as useless as my brother!"

Shen Jinliang dared not respond. If Shen Lingbo was a wastrel, that was for his brother to say. As for himself, he knew better than to speak out of turn—else he’d invite a beating.

Tang Yueran stretched languidly, her graceful figure apparent. She pursed her lips and left her house.

Let’s see if this Luo Tian is as formidable in battle as they say!

"Qingshan, let’s go!" Tang Yu called loudly outside Chen Qingshan’s door.

"Why aren’t you with your sister, Tang Yueran? What are you doing here?" Chen Qingshan emerged, dignified and calm.

"That little girl seems distracted lately. I asked if she had her eye on someone, but she wouldn’t say. I can’t be bothered with her!" Tang Yu scoffed dismissively.

Chen Qingshan rolled his eyes in silence. Who would answer such a question at her age? If I were your sister, I’d ignore you too!

"Hey, Qingshan! Come on, you’re no fun at all. I came all the way here, and you won’t even wait for me?"

Tang Yu hurried to catch up.

By now, the clearing at the heart of Ziyang Mountain’s eastern district was crowded with outer disciples—a dense, dark mass of several hundred, an impressive and imposing sight.

At that moment, an elder with snow-white hair and beard slowly descended from the heavens, his voice echoing powerfully through the sky, "The Eastern District Grand Competition begins now!"