C18 Entering the Stage!

As Zhang Wenyong finished speaking, a wave of renewed energy swept through the crowd. Eyes sparkled with anticipation as they turned towards the plaza's center.

The most anticipated event in Green Jade City, the Four Major Forces Competition, was about to commence.

At the heart of the plaza stood a solitary arena, indicating that the matches would proceed one after another.

Though the competition was among the Four Great Forces, only those junior disciples who had reached level 8 in the Body Refining Realm were eligible to compete.

Take the Lin Family, for instance; only six of their members met the criteria.

Altogether, fewer than thirty participants from all four forces would take part.

The series of matches would be swift.

With that, Zhang Wenyong resumed his seat.

A City Lord's Mansion supervisor, a cultivator at the Qi Gathering Stage, leaped onto the central arena.

In a commanding voice, he announced:

"My name is Zhang Ping, a supervisor from the City Lord's Mansion. I will oversee the competition's proceedings and officiate the matches.

Let's go over the rules of the competition.

The top ten finishers will earn a place at the Drifting Cloud Sect.

Additionally, the top ten will receive substantial rewards.

Each of the top ten will get a bottle of Blood Accumulating Pills.

The third-place finisher will receive three bottles of Blood Accumulating Pills and a Blood Ginseng.

The runner-up will be awarded a Rank 4 Middle Grade martial art."

His words sent a ripple of excitement through the audience.

All eyes were fixed on Zhang Ping, standing proudly in the arena.

The Blood Accumulation Pill, a Top Grade Rank 2 medicinal pill, was known for enhancing Vitality, while the Blood Ginseng, a low-grade Rank 3 spirit medicine, was prized for strengthening it.

The rewards made sense.

But the revelation that a Rank 4 martial art was part of the prize pool sent a shockwave through the crowd.

Such martial arts were powerful techniques that only Qi Transformation Stage masters could fully utilize.

Within Green Jade City, only the four great forces had access to these arts.

And even within these elite circles, they were exceedingly rare.

These prized martial arts were part of the core legacy, typically accessible only to the Patriarch, Head Elder, Young Patriarch, and a select few.

Normally, such treasures were kept hidden away.

Today, to everyone's astonishment, it was presented as a prize. The shock was palpable, and understanding eluded them all.

Even more bewildering was the fact that this reward, which in previous years hadn't even been bestowed upon the first-place winner, was now only for the runner-up.

One could scarcely fathom what the first-place rewards might entail.

Eyes brimmed with unparalleled eagerness as they turned to Zhang Ping.

Zhang Ping declared:

"The victor of the Four Major Forces Competition shall receive a Qi Condensation Pill!"

His words hung in the air.

A hush fell over the arena in a heartbeat.

Then, just as quickly, it erupted into a cacophony of excitement and chatter.

"Am I hearing this right? First place gets a Qi Condensation Pill?"

"The four major powers are really pulling out all the stops, huh?"

"That explains the Rank 4 martial art for second place. The top prize is a Qi Condensation Pill!"

The crowd buzzed with lively debate, their expressions etched with astonishment.

The Qi Condensation Pill, a Middle Grade Rank 3 medicinal pill, held a value far surpassing many Rank 4 treasures.

True to its name, the Qi Condensation Pill aids an Enlightenment Stage martial artist in condensing a True Qi seed, propelling them into the Qi Gathering Stage.

Yet, the pill's benefits extend well beyond this.

Firstly, it guarantees a breakthrough to the Qi Gathering Stage.

Secondly, the potent energy within the pill can further open several acupuncture points during the breakthrough, bolstering one's foundation immensely.

Given its remarkable efficacy, the Qi Condensation Pill's worth is indeed exceptional.

Such a pill isn't even available for sale in all of Green Jade City.

It can only be purchased in Qingyu County, and that too, not without difficulty.

Even there, it's a controlled item, unattainable without the right connections and status—money alone won't suffice.

For the people of Green Jade City, the Qi Condensation Pill is akin to a treasure of legend.

Little did they expect that not only would the Qi Condensation Pill make an appearance in Green Jade City today, but it would also serve as the grand prize for the competition.

The excitement in the air was palpable, and it took a while for the crowd to settle.

The anticipation for the competition ahead soared.

With such a lavish reward at stake, the younger disciples were more determined than ever, their fighting spirit ignited.

"A Qi Condensation Pill? How intriguing."

Lin Xuan's interest was clearly piqued.

After a few moments, Zhang Ping gestured for silence in the arena, and the crowd gradually calmed down.

Zhang Ping resumed:

"The bounty has been declared. Now, we move on to the formal matches. I'll be officiating.

We begin with a points round.

Contestants will duel, with the victor earning a point, while the loser scores none.

Ultimately, the top ten will be determined by their points tally.

I hold the list of matchups.

This list was jointly drafted by the senior leaders of the four major forces to guarantee fairness.

Those I call will ascend the platform to compete.

First up, Lin Gu versus Wu Qilian!"

With that, he stepped aside.

All eyes turned to the stage.

From the eastern bleachers, two disciples emerged.

They leapt onto the stage and the battle commenced.

Both were at the eighth level of the Body Refining Stage, with comparable abilities.

After dozens of exchanges, Wu Qilian ran out of steam and was blasted off the stage by Lin Gu, deciding the victor.

"Second match, Zhang Qingshan versus Chen Lih!"

Zhang Ping announced.

The next pair ascended the stage and the clash began.

As time ticked by, match after match unfolded.

Before long, five or six bouts had concluded.

"Coming up next, Lin Xuan versus Chen Feng!"

Zhang Ping announced.

At his words, the crowd perked up, their attention riveted on Lin Xuan.

Touted as Green Jade City's premier prodigy, they were eager to see his prowess in action.

Lin Xuan gave Lin Shiyun's hand a reassuring pat and, with a serene smile, rose and made his way to the stage.

His moment to accumulate energy points had arrived.

In the Chen family's section, Chen Feng stood, lamenting his misfortune.

He hadn't anticipated his first opponent would be Lin Xuan, the city's celebrated genius.

The odds were against him, but surrender was not an option.

Without having seen Lin Xuan's full capabilities, he couldn't bow out without a fight.

With that, he stepped out from the stands.

Before long, the two stood on the stage, poised and ready, facing each other across the distance.

After a brief glance at both competitors, Zhang Ping's gaze lingered on Lin Xuan before he declared:

"Let the match begin!"

Chen Feng's face was etched with determination as he bowed slightly and said, "Lin Xuan, I'm well aware of your strength, but I'm no pushover."

Chen Feng was gearing up to share a few words, but Lin Xuan had no intention of allowing him the opportunity.

"No need for any more words. Step down!"

"Rolling Rock Fist!"

As Lin Xuan's voice echoed, Chen Feng's expression was one of utter shock.

Lin Xuan had already closed the distance between them without notice.

Chen Feng was astounded.

But now, there was no time left for him to ponder.

Lin Xuan's fist was thundering down.

The force behind it was formidable.

Chen Feng instinctively braced for impact, only to feel a jolt of pain in his arm. A whirl of disorientation later, he found himself at the base of the platform.

Staring at his predicament, Chen Feng was momentarily dazed, struggling to grasp what had just happened.