'Upper Rank B-grade! His talent is higher than mine. That's mean, if I didn't awaken the system, I'm afraid the one becomes No. 1, not Ouyang Feng, but this person." thought Chu Yan as he glanced at unconscious Lin Chen that had been carried away.
Elder Zhou, the head examiner, stepped forward onto the raised platform at the center of the hall. His presence commanded immediate respect, and the chatter in the hall died down as all eyes turned to him.
Then, he raised his hand, "The winner and the who hold the No. 1 position for No. 2 High School is Chu Yan!"
The hall erupted in applause, the sound of clapping hands and cheers reverberating off the walls. Chu Yan, even though he's calm outside, but in reality, he's a little excited since the training in the wild finally paid off.
Elder Zhou waited for the applause to die down before continuing. "Now, I shall announce the top five students who will represent No. 2 High School in the upcoming White River City Martial Arts Tournament."
He unfurled a scroll and began to read the names. "First, our top student: Chu Yan. Second, Lin Chen. Third, Ouyang Feng. Fourth, Su Ming. And finally, fifth, Li Fui."
As each name was called, the respective student stepped forward, including Lin Chen, who was wrapped in a bandage, receiving applause and cheers from their peers. The top five had been decided, and they would carry the honor of representing the school in the White River City Martial Arts competition.
Elder Zhou then gestured to a nearby assistant, who carried forward a large tray filled with neatly arranged awards. "Now, it is time to present the rewards for your achievements."
The assistant stepped forward, presenting the tray to Elder Zhou, who began to announce the prizes.
"For our first-place winner, Chu Yan," Elder Zhou began, "you will receive 1 million federal coins, a Verdant Earthapple, and three bottles of Vital Surge pills."
Hearing the reward, the students shocked. The reward for number one so expensive! Putting the money and pills aside, this Verdant Earthapple alone worth nearly 10 million coins. The Verdant Earthapple was a rare and valuable resource, known to enhance cultivation speed and improve the body's resilience. The Vital Surge pills, on the other hand, were prized by martial artists for their ability to rapidly replenish energy and stamina during intense training.
Despite the crowd's jealousy, Chu Yan accepted the rewards with a respectful bow, his expression composed as he received the tray filled with precious items.
Elder Zhou continued, "For our second-place winner, Lin Chen, you will receive 700 thousand federal coins, an Ironclad Body pill, and three bottles of Vital Surge pills."
Although the second prize is not as exaggerated as the previous, the total net worths still reach a few million federal coins. The Ironclad Body pill was a powerful elixir that could increase the speed of the skin tempering and even assist in breaking through the bone tempering realm.
Lin Chen, though still recovering from his intense battle, stepped forward to accept it. Even though he didn't achieve his goal, at least the prize he got can increase his strength.
Elder Zhou then announced the remaining prizes. "For our third, fourth, and fifth-place winners—Ouyang Feng, Su Ming, and Li Fui—you will each receive 500 thousand federal coins and two bottles of Vital Surge pills."
The three students stepped forward, each accepting their rewards with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Of course, Ouyang Feng is still frustrated but still accepts the reward.
As the award presentation concluded, Elder Zhou addressed the students one final time. "You have all worked hard to reach this point, and I am proud of each and every one of you. But remember, this is only the beginning. The path of martial arts is long and arduous, and today's victory is but one step on that journey. Continue to train, continue to grow, and never lose sight of your goals."
With those final words, Elder Zhou dismissed all but the top five students. Although these students walked away empty-handed, the experience of witnessing the fierce battle had significantly broadened their understanding of martial arts. The confrontation offered them valuable insights and a clearer vision of their own paths in cultivation.
After all students gone, not only Elder Zhou, even their principal, Qin Wu is here. "Congratulation once again to all of you. Based on my experience, your talent can be consider rare among the big cities in Rockfall State. But don't be too conceited, this exam is just a passerby compare to what you will faced from now on."
Then, Elder Zhou continued, "Of course, the reason I gather you guys not to congratulate you. Can you guess why I gather only you guys here?"
All students, including Chu Yan glanced at each other, shacking their heads.
"Then, do you guys know about Hundred City Battle?"