“The Outer Sect Grand Competition now officially begins!”

As he spoke, Elder Yang Xiude of the Internal Affairs Pavilion waved his hand grandly. A group of Internal Affairs Pavilion disciples surged into the arena, distributing a teleportation talisman and a crystal-clear jade token to each participant.

After the initial screening, around one hundred and fifty disciples were currently qualified to participate in the Outer Sect Grand Competition. Their identities were quickly verified, and they were led before a large flying vessel.

“Listen well, all disciples. The jade tokens you have received serve as the tokens for this Grand Competition and are used for recording points. They must not be lost or damaged; otherwise, you will be immediately disqualified.”

“This Outer Sect Grand Competition will take place in the sect’s back mountains over a period of three days. Within the competition area, slaying demonic beasts or collecting rare natural treasures will earn corresponding points, which will be displayed on your jade tokens. After the competition concludes, the ten disciples with the highest points will be ranked as the top ten of this Grand Competition.”

“During the competition, disciples may confront each other. Interference and plundering are not prohibited.”

“If you can defeat an opponent and seize their jade token, the points on the opponent’s token will be transferred to the victor. However, you must exercise restraint and not indiscriminately take lives. Otherwise, not only will your results be invalidated, but you will also face punishment according to sect rules afterward, with no leniency!”

Plundering is not prohibited!

Upon hearing this, many perked up, casting unfriendly glances toward Qi Yuan’s direction, itching to rush over and knock him to the ground right then and there.

Qi Yuan completely ignored the hostile gazes around him. He curiously tossed the jade token in his hand a couple of times. At the moment, the surface of the token was blank, faintly glowing with a layer of fluorescence. It indeed seemed to be used for recording points.

Then, Yang Xiude continued.

“If you encounter dangers you cannot resolve or wish to withdraw from the competition midway, simply activate the teleportation talisman to be transported out of the mission area. Those who withdraw midway will have their competition results canceled.”

“Furthermore, during the competition, the use of talismanic treasures and pills that forcibly enhance combat power is prohibited. You may use your own magical instruments and recovery pills. Keep this in mind.”

After saying these words, Yang Xiude’s expression turned solemn as he said in a deep voice:

“If there are no objections, depart now. This flying vessel will transport you to the mission area.”

“Disciples heed your instruction.”

The participants of the Outer Sect Grand Competition answered in unison before entering the flying vessel under the guidance of several Internal Affairs Pavilion disciples.

Only after everyone had boarded did Yang Xiude turn and nod to the deacon responsible for commanding the flying vessel. Understanding his meaning, that deacon waved a command flag in his hand. Instantly, white light shimmered around the flying vessel before it transformed into a streak of light and shot through the sky…

At the same time, on the plaza, a massive magic mirror slowly rose. Within the mirror appeared clear, detailed scenes so vivid that even the finest details were visible.

The scene depicted a vast forest spanning hundreds of miles—precisely the mission area for this Outer Sect Grand Competition.

Once the giant mirror appeared, the observing Falling Cloud Valley disciples all looked excited, eagerly searching for optimal viewing spots around the plaza. Many pointed at the images within, discussing animatedly.

“In recent years, each session of the Outer Sect Grand Competition has been grander than the last. This time they’ve really gone all out. It seems the sect is truly determined to cultivate new disciples,” remarked an older disciple with a sigh full of envy.

“The number of participants this time is nearly double that of last year. The competition is fiercer. Those who win are bound to be outstanding talents among men. Once they enter the Inner Sect, they will surely receive great attention and have boundless prospects,” another Outer Sect Disciple chimed in.

“In my opinion, Senior Brother Xie Yuxing from our Outer Sect possesses extraordinary strength; he’s only half a step away from Foundation Building. He’s bound to take first place this time,” someone said.

Immediately, someone nearby shook their head in refutation. “I’m betting on Senior Brother Han Zaiyuan. After his setback last time, Senior Brother Han reflected deeply on his failure and cultivated diligently for a year precisely to win this Grand Competition and make a stunning impact. I’ve wagered one hundred spirit stones on Senior Brother Han winning!”

As soon as betting odds were mentioned, everyone perked up; the atmosphere became lively.

“Heh heh, you’re destined to lose your stake this time. Senior Sister Nie Cuilan from the Law Enforcement Pavilion has a formidable background, and her Wood Element techniques are unmatched in the Outer Sect. She’s sure to have the last laugh this time. I’ve wagered three hundred spirit stones.”

“Senior Brother Lu Kuang is truly a formidable character; first place in this Grand Competition undoubtedly belongs to him! I bet five hundred spirit stones!”

…

While everyone was discussing fervently, Lin Zhen had already approached the bookmaker operating at the edge of the plaza. He took out a storage pouch from his robe and said seriously:

“I wager one thousand spirit stones that Big Qi will take first place in this Grand Competition.”

“Who is Big Qi?”

The bookmaker was taken aback upon hearing this. He turned to look at the list behind him displaying names and odds and asked puzzledly, “How come there’s no such person you mentioned on here?”

Brother Qi doesn’t even have odds?

Lin Zhen’s expression turned somewhat odd, but he patiently explained, “Big Qi is a Servant Disciple participating in this competition; his cultivation is at the fifth layer of Qi Refining. I’m buying his win.”

As soon as these words left his mouth, they immediately drew sidelong glances from surrounding cultivators who looked at him as if he were an idiot.

Has he lost his mind? Actually betting on a Qi Refining fifth-layer Servant Disciple to win?

“Are you sure?” The bookmaker frowned and confirmed again.

“Of course!” Lin Zhen nodded firmly.

“Well then.” After all, business delivered to one’s doorstep shouldn’t be refused; there was no reason not to accept it despite feeling somewhat helpless about it. So with a resigned shake of his head, the bookmaker took over the storage pouch, opened it up for inspection, and issued Lin Zhen a ticket.

“The person you want to bet on isn’t listed; we can only calculate based on the current highest odds, which stand at ten-to-one. After the competition ends, we settle accounts using the ticket; we recognize the ticket, not the person.”

Ten-to-one?

Upon receiving the ticket, Lin Zhen couldn’t help but feel slightly moved inwardly, thinking:

If Brother Qi really wins, then these thousand spirit stones become ten thousand!

After pondering for a moment, he inconspicuously touched the ring on his finger, silently thinking:

“Elder Shi, I’ve followed your instructions by betting all my spirit stones on Brother Qi.”

In the next instant, an ethereal yet ancient voice echoed within his mind.

“Youngster Lin, just wait to earn those spirit stones. That Big Qi isn’t simple. No matter what happens in the future, don’t easily offend him…”

Elsewhere.

The flying vessel slowly descended until it was about ten zhang above ground level, and its hatch opened. Beside the hatch stood an Internal Affairs Pavilion deacon who expressionlessly scanned everyone present before stating indifferently:

“Line up properly; jump down from the flying vessel one after another with intervals no less than ten breaths apart. Once landed, you may form teams freely.”

Jump down?

Everyone inside the cabin was startled upon hearing this.

Generally speaking, only cultivators at the Foundation Building realm or above could fly through the air without external aids.

A distance of over ten zhang wasn’t exactly high, but mortals jumping down would naturally meet a gruesome death. Qi Refining realm cultivators could manipulate internal spiritual energy to slow their descent speed; however, if landing carelessly, there was still a risk of injury, especially since the flying vessel continued moving rapidly.

Thus, upon hearing they needed to jump down, many disciples showed hesitation, while some naturally acrophobic ones began turning pale…

“Stop dawdling!”

Seeing this situation, the deacon couldn’t help but snort coldly, admonishing, “Hurry up, otherwise I’ll personally throw you down myself.”

“I’ll go first.”

Under the watchful eyes of others, Qi Yuan approached the cabin hatch and leaped out of the flying vessel, leaving behind a provocative statement.

“You all just said you wanted to deal with me earlier, right? Well, I’m waiting.”

“How arrogant!”

“No way, I’m going down right now to beat him up!”

Hearing these words, everyone inside the cabin seemed injected with chicken blood, immediately following suit and jumping down without hesitation…

On the plaza.

Watching the scenes within the magic mirror, Falling Cloud Valley Sect Leader Bai Qingwu repeatedly nodded, her tone approving as she said:

“This year’s batch of disciples is quite courageous indeed. All jumped actively; none had to be thrown down.”

Other high-ranking officials present also nodded unanimously, feeling a hint of anticipation toward the upcoming Grand Competition.