Chapter 26 – The Sect Competition Begins
The sun had barely risen, yet the main competition arena was already alive with noise. Tiered stands curved around a vast, jade-tiled stage at the center, its surface marked with faint inscriptions that would activate to protect the crowd from stray attacks. Above, on a high dais draped in crimson banners, the elders of the sect sat in their respective seats, each with a cluster of their personal disciples gathered nearby.
Outer, inner, and core disciples alike filled the stands. Robes of different colors marked their ranks — the dark blues of the outer sect, the lighter silvers of the inner sect, and the rich gold-trimmed whites of the core disciples. Excitement buzzed in the air.
The Sect's competition was the one time each year where every disciple had a chance to stand out.
A booming voice echoed across the arena as Elder Mu, the competition overseer, stepped forward.
"Today marks the start of the Four Peaks Sect's annual competition! All disciples will have the opportunity to prove their worth in three main events."
He raised a hand, counting them off with his fingers.
"First — The Combat Tournament. Matches will be one-on-one, eliminations only. Victory by knockout, surrender, or removal from the stage."
"Second — The Alchemy Contest, where skill in pill refinement will be judged by purity, quality, and difficulty."
"Third — The Special Trials, where speed, endurance, and combat adaptability will be tested in a series of challenges."
Cheers rose from the stands. In the corner where outer sect disciples sat, Lin Xuan quietly observed, hands clasped behind his back.
Elder Mu's voice carried again. "As always, there will be rewards. For the combat champion — ten high-grade spirit stones, a heaven-grade weapon of your choice, and entry into the Sect's Hidden Treasury."
Gasps of awe rippled through the crowd. That treasury was whispered to hold ancient techniques, rare treasures, and pills from the sect's earliest days.
"The alchemy champion will receive a peak-grade furnace, rare spirit herbs, a copy of an advanced pill scripture, and entry into the Hidden Treasury."
A murmur of envy passed through even the inner sect disciples.
Elder Mu was about to step back when a ripple of motion passed through the elders' dais. All voices hushed as a figure in flowing black and gold robes approached.
The Sect Leader.
He rarely appeared for such events. His presence alone made even the most arrogant disciples sit straighter.
The Sect Leader spoke calmly, but every word seemed to cut through the air.
"This year, the prizes will be increased."
The crowd erupted in shouts and questions.
"For the top three in combat, each will receive a personal guidance session from any elder of their choice." His gaze swept the disciples like a silent challenge. "In addition, the top three in alchemy will receive rare spirit herbs from my personal collection. Consider it… motivation."
If the air had been tense before, now it burned with ambition. Lin Xuan saw it in the eyes of nearly everyone around him.
In the row behind him, two outer sect disciples whispered.
"I heard Senior Brother Wen is entering this year. He's already mid-foundation establishment. No one can match him."
"Junior Sister Mu from the alchemy peak will probably sweep the alchemy contest again. She's Danfeng's prized student."
Then a snort.
"Isn't that Lin Xuan? The guy who could barely pass the entrance exam a month ago?" one voice said loudly enough for others to hear.
"Yeah, he's probably here to make up the numbers. He'll be eliminated before the ink dries on the match slips."
A few chuckles followed, but Lin Xuan didn't even glance their way.
On the dais, elders began to murmur among themselves. Some praised their disciples' chances openly. Others gave clipped, confident nods. Elder Danfeng remained quiet, watching Lin Xuan with a faint, knowing smile. Elder Qiu's expression, however, was unreadable, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly whenever they passed over Lin Xuan.
The Sect Leader took his seat, and the first gong sounded.
"First round, first match — step forward!"
Two names were called, and the first battle began with an eruption of energy on the stage. Lin Xuan's name was not on the initial list, leaving him time to study the competition.
One thing was clear — most here had already dismissed him.
That would make proving them wrong all the more satisfying.