Chapter 41: The Great Competition of the Four Sects’ True Disciples! Generous Rewards! “Greetings, Sect Master!” “Greetings, Sect Master!” At the head of the grand hall sat a middle-aged man in luxurious robes, poised with solemn dignity. He was none other than the sect master of the Flowing Clouds Sect, Chu Liuyun! “It seems you have all arrived,” Chu Liuyun said, sweeping his gaze over the assembled true disciples. His eyes lingered briefly when they passed over Gu Yang before he continued, “You must all be wondering why I summoned you here today.” At his words, the disciples listened intently. Some, already privy to rumors, wore expressions of excitement. “Once every two years, the four great sects of Haonan Province hold a grand competition for their true disciples,” Chu Liuyun declared. “In a few days, this year’s event will commence. For the sect, this is an opportunity to demonstrate our strength. For you… it is a chance to make your name known!” “In this competition, the top ten will receive rewards, and this year’s prizes are even more generous than before.” “Even the tenth-place winner will receive two thousand low-grade spirit stones!” “As for the top three… the rewards are far greater!” As Chu Liuyun’s voice faded, the disciples buzzed with excitement. This was a rare opportunity! Yet, some who knew their own limitations remained cautious. The competition would pit them against the true disciples of the other three great sects. With over a hundred and fifty participants in total, standing out among them would be as difficult as scaling the heavens! Even securing a spot in the top ten would be a monumental challenge. The top two true disciples of each sect were exceptionally powerful, the elite among elites. They would undoubtedly claim most of the ten spots, leaving only a handful of openings. Still, many disciples, including Li Yunfeng, were eager to try. Though not among the strongest, his cultivation at the 8th level of the True Essence Realm gave him a fighting chance. Meanwhile, Liu Tianxiang, the sect’s top true disciple, radiated confidence. “Even tenth place gets two thousand spirit stones…” Gu Yang mused. “The reward for first place must be even greater.” Though low-grade spirit stones had diminished utility for someone like him, at the peak of the 10th level of the True Essence Realm, they remained the currency of the cultivation world. They could be traded for treasures, rare herbs to enhance innate talent, or pills to increase the odds of breaking through to the Origin Core Realm. Without sufficient spirit stones, how could he afford such things? Thus, the rewards were undeniably tempting. “I have gathered you here to discuss this matter,” Chu Liuyun continued. “However, if your strength is lacking, do not push yourselves. Even if you cannot reach the top ten, consider this a chance to broaden your horizons.” “With that said, assemble before the grand hall in three days. The Grand Elder will lead you to the Northern Snow Sect for the competition.” With a wave of his hand, Chu Liuyun dismissed them. The disciples bowed respectfully before filing out of the hall. Though only a few days remained, every moment counted. Even last-minute preparations could make a difference. Three days passed in the blink of an eye. The true disciples gathered once more before the grand hall, their faces alight with reverence and anticipation. Some, having only become true disciples a year ago, had never witnessed the competition before. They burned with curiosity, what would the event be like? How strong were the disciples of the other sects? Others, who had participated before, lacked the novelty but were no less eager. With rewards richer than ever, the competition would surely be fiercer. The clash of the four sects’ greatest talents… It promised to be spectacular. “It seems you are all prepared,” a voice rang out. An elderly man with a long white beard stepped forward, his wrinkled face etched with wisdom. His drooping eyes gleamed faintly as he surveyed the disciples. “Greetings, Grand Elder!” “We pay our respects, Grand Elder!” The disciples bowed in unison. With a wave of his hand, the Grand Elder said, “If you are ready, board the flying vessel.” With a swish, an enormous, exquisitely crafted airship materialized before them. Gu Yang’s eyes brightened. This is even grander than the one Elder Yin had! Its speed must be unmatched. After a moment of admiration, he followed the others aboard. Once all were settled, the Grand Elder stepped onto the vessel and retrieved a high-grade spirit stone from his spatial ring. The most update n0vels are published on 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦·𝘯𝘦𝘵 Gu Yang’s lips twitched. Using a high-grade spirit stone just to power the ship? The vessel hummed to life, then streaked across the sky like a shooting star. “Junior Brother Gu, you’re quite lucky,” Li Yunfeng remarked, seated beside him. “Becoming a true disciple just in time for the competition.” Gu Yang nodded slightly but remained silent. Li Yunfeng, however, was a chatterbox. “Don’t take the Sect Master’s words at face value,” he went on. “Sure, the top ten get massive rewards, but for most of us, it’s hopeless.” “The top disciples of each sect are in a league of their own, just like Senior Brother Liu.” “In fact, the four strongest true disciples in Haonan Province are known as the ‘Four Young Masters’!” “Besides them, even our sect’s second and third, Gu Yun and Li Xiao, are formidable.” “The other sects have similar powerhouses.” “This competition is just a stage for those prodigies to shine.” “The rest of us? We’re just… background decoration.” Gu Yang listened quietly, absorbing the information. Some of it was useful, like the huge gap between the top three and the rest. But the part about being “background decoration”? I’m not here to watch. In just two hours, the flying vessel arrived at its destination, The Northern Snow Sect!