Chapter Fifteen: An Astonishing Reward

When Gu Xiaopang returned to his residence on the Fifth Peak, dawn was approaching. He collapsed into sleep without even changing his clothes.

The next day, a notice was issued across all peaks: the Sect’s internal and external disciple competition would officially begin in three days, and registration had opened. The prizes for this competition were announced in advance, far more luxurious than ever before.

For the external disciples, first place would be awarded a supreme-grade Foundation Pill; second and third places would receive high-grade Foundation Pills; fourth through tenth would get mid-grade Foundation Pills. Additionally, all top ten would gain access to the Sect’s Armory, each allowed to select a suitable treasure weapon.

For the internal disciples, first place would receive a supreme-grade Ziyang Pill; second and third would get high-grade Ziyang Pills; fourth through tenth would be awarded mid-grade Ziyang Pills. Similarly, the top ten would each obtain a magical artifact.

Supreme-grade Foundation Pills and Ziyang Pills had never appeared in previous competitions—even among elite sects such as the Asura Palace, it was rare to see such prizes granted. For example, in the Ethereal Sect’s Pill Pavilion, Master Mu, the most skilled alchemist, could at most refine high-grade pills, and even then, the success rate was extremely low.

This time, not only were supreme-grade pills offered, but treasure weapons and magical artifacts as well—an unprecedented gesture.

After all, even some stewards and elders who had reached the Golden Core stage still did not possess magical artifacts; among the internal disciples at the Foundation stage, fewer than one in ten owned a treasure weapon, most still using ordinary items like their peers in the outer sect.

Seeing the prizes for this competition, every disciple’s eyes shone with longing—they wished to be first, or at least among the top ten!

The more astute disciples secretly speculated whether this was related to the prophecy that had appeared on the Stone Tablet months ago, or perhaps to the recent nocturnal assassinations.

Regardless, they all resolved to give their utmost in this competition, to prepare their strength in advance for whatever changes the future might bring. The higher the ranking, the better.

This was merely the Sect’s internal competition, and the prizes already far exceeded expectations. If one considered the upcoming Hundred Sects Disciple Tournament, the rewards would be unimaginable.

Truth be told, not only were the disciples envious of the prizes—even the stewards and elders coveted them. But they knew that the protagonists of the coming millennium upheaval would not be themselves, but these vigorous young disciples.

For several days, the usually chaotic inner and outer sects were uncharacteristically quiet—no challenges, no brawls. Each disciple hurried about, preparing in their own way.

Meanwhile, the Pill Pavilion, Artifact Pavilion, Herb Pavilion, Scripture Library, Armory, and Training Rooms—all were crowded to overflowing.

It was certain that enrollment for this competition would surpass any previous event. Even those disciples who usually trained outside the Sect had begun returning in batches. Whether or not they could earn a ranking, it was wise to stock up on supplies and equipment.

In the Grand Hall atop the Main Peak, the Sect Leader, peak masters, and all elders of real authority—every one who had reached the Nascent Soul stage—were present.

“Everyone, this concerns not only the Hundred Sects Disciple Tournament to come, but also the future rise and fall of our Sect over the next millennium. I need not repeat myself. This internal competition will judge not only cultivation and combat, but character as well…”

“The Sect Leader is right. In times of great change, disciples lacking in character may not bring honor to the Sect—in fact, they could become its undoing.”

“During this competition, the mountain gates will be sealed and all visitors refused. The three Grand Elders will attend, and everyone here will fulfill their assigned duties…”

Task after task was assigned, and carried out without exception.

This competition would truly become the most grand and prestigious in the history of the Ethereal Sect!

When Gu Xiaopang finally awoke late in the day, having learned of the rewards, his heart was thoroughly stirred. Of course, he immediately set his sights on first place among the external disciples—he was determined to claim the supreme-grade Foundation Pill!

Just as he had joked with Master Mu, beneath the Foundation stage, he would be number one!