C17 Reward

The Outer Sect Disciple Competition had concluded, and against all odds, Hua Hsing emerged as the champion of the Outer Sect.

From that moment on, no one could call Hua Hsing worthless; he had rightfully earned his place as the preeminent disciple of the Outer Sect.

Following the competition, it was time for the awards ceremony. Re Yunzheng, having been bested by Hua Hsing, was seething with a desire for vengeance.

But he was no longer a match for Hua Hsing.

Naturally, the one most delighted by Hua Hsing's victory was the Ninth Elder. Among all the elders present, he alone recognized that Hua Hsing had deployed the fourth strike of the Golden Light Sword Arts to defeat Re Yunzheng.

Even though he was puzzled about how Hua Hsing had mastered the fourth strike of the Golden Light Sword Arts, he was nonetheless overjoyed for him.

"The third-place winner of the Outer Sect Disciple Competition will receive a reward of one thousand Low Grade Spirit Stones and a Low Grade Mortal Weapon."

The mention of a Mortal Weapon sent a wave of astonishment through the disciples; the rewards were exceptionally lavish this time, with the inclusion of a Mortal Weapon.

On the Ancient Sword Continent, there exists a revered profession known as Artifact Refining Master. These esteemed individuals are capable of forging formidable weapons.

In clashes between masters, the quality of one's weapon can be a decisive factor.

Artifact Refining Apprentices are skilled in crafting standard weapons, which, though ubiquitous and least valuable, are widely circulated in the market.

True Artifact Refining Masters, however, are the ones who can craft Mortal Weapons.

Mortal Weapons transcend the ordinary, boasting immense power. Wielding such a weapon can significantly enhance a warrior's strength.

Above Mortal Weapons lie Essence Weapons, crafted by Artifact Refining Great Masters, and even Spirit Weapons, the work of Artifact Refining Grandmasters.

In essence, all weapons are categorized into four tiers: low grade, middle grade, high grade, and top grade. The award of a low grade Mortal Weapon this time around is a testament to the Azure Edge Sword Sect's high regard for its elite Outer Sect disciples.

Considering that the entire Azure Edge Sword Sect possesses only a few Essence Weapons, the value of a Mortal Weapon cannot be overstated.

Upon hearing the announcement, Ouyang Haifeng's face beamed with delight. Possessing an ordinary weapon could significantly boost his strength.

"The reward for second place is two thousand Spirit Stones and a low-grade mortal weapon."

Despite the substantial prize, Re Yunzheng couldn't muster a shred of happiness. His face was contorted in displeasure, fists clenched in humiliation. To think he, the top contender of the Outer Sect, had been bested by someone once deemed worthless.

But at that moment, Re Yunzheng's frustration went unnoticed; everyone's attention was fixed on the first-place reward.

"The first-place prize includes five thousand Spirit Stones, a low-grade mortal weapon, and one hour of access to the cultivation room."

As the judge detailed the first-place rewards, a wave of envy swept through the disciples. Hua Hsing had not only secured five thousand Spirit Stones but also a low-grade mortal weapon.

Most importantly, he had earned the privilege of one hour in the Cultivation Room—a luxury typically reserved for Inner Sect members of the Azure Edge Sword Sect, as Outer Sect disciples were not entitled to use it. The dense spiritual energy within the room was highly conducive to cultivation.

"The Outer Sect Competition is now concluded. Please proceed to the General Affairs Hall to claim your rewards," the judge announced.

With the competition's end, disciples and elders alike slowly dispersed from the Martial Arts Practice Field, all abuzz with discussions about Hua Hsing's victory in the Outer Sect.

As Hua Hsing prepared to depart, the Ninth Elder summoned him.

Atop a mountain within the Outer Sect, the Ninth Elder stood in silence, Hua Hsing positioned behind him.

"Hua Hsing, how did you come to master the fourth sword technique of the Golden Light Sword Arts?" the Ninth Elder inquired directly.

"Master, during my journey to the Black Wind Mountain Range, I stumbled upon a Cultivation Land by chance. It appeared to be a site where Qih Nantian of our Azure Edge Sword Sect once trained. It was there that I acquired the latter four techniques of the Golden Light Sword Arts," Hua Hsing replied with candor.

Upon hearing the statement, the Ninth Elder gave a nod of approval.

"Hua Hsing, as my disciple, it's imperative that you diligently cultivate and aim to join the Inner Sect as early as you can," the Ninth Elder advised.

With that, the Ninth Elder departed.

The buzz of Hua Hsing's victory over Re Yunzheng quickly spread throughout the Azure Edge Sword Sect, sparking conversation among numerous disciples.

Meanwhile, Hua Hsing, the talk of the sect, strode down the main path as he always did, on his way to claim his reward.

At the General Affairs Hall, Hua Hsing encountered both Ouyang Haifeng and Re Yunzheng. Ouyang Haifeng offered a greeting, while Re Yunzheng glared at him with fury.

"Here are your rewards," announced the elder of the General Affairs Hall, distributing the items to the trio.

Hua Hsing collected his belongings and promptly left the hall.

No sooner had he stepped outside than Re Yunzheng caught up to him.

"Hua Hsing, there will come a day when I will defeat you," Re Yunzheng declared icily.

Detecting a flicker of murderous intent in Re Yunzheng's gaze, Hua Hsing let out a scoff and retorted, "I'll be waiting."

With those words, Hua Hsing continued on his way to the Cultivation Tower.

The Cultivation Tower stood within the Inner Sect domain, a place normally off-limits to Outer Sect disciples.

Upon reaching the Inner Sect's entrance, Hua Hsing stated his name and was granted access.

As the victor of the Outer Sect disciple contest, he earned the privilege of using a cultivation room for an hour, granting him the opportunity to step into the Inner Sect as he had hoped.

Approaching the cultivation room, Hua Hsing gazed up at the imposing tower that soared into the clouds—the Cultivation Tower.

Inside the tower lay numerous cultivation rooms, varying in quality. The superior rooms boasted a richer concentration of spiritual energy, making cultivation more effective.

Conversely, the lesser rooms offered significantly diminished benefits.

Once inside the Cultivation Tower, Hua Hsing noticed several figures present.

His arrival did not go unnoticed by the Inner Sect disciples.

"Hmm? What's an Outer Sect disciple doing here?" one of the disciples wondered aloud.

"Has he somehow slipped in, trying to gain access to the Cultivation Tower?" speculated another.

As the disciples looked on in confusion, Hua Hsing abruptly selected a cultivation room and strode inside. He shut the door behind him and began his cultivation practice.

Witnessing this, some Inner Sect disciples outside the room were visibly shocked, then scoffed in derision.

"This idiot actually has the nerve to take over the eighth cultivation room. He's really asking for trouble."

"Exactly. That's Mr. Mao's personal space. Nobody else dares to claim it."

"Someone go tell Mr. Mao, quick!"

Before long, a man clad in golden attire strode up to the room with an imposing air.

"Who has taken over my cultivation room?" Zhang Bofeng demanded icily.

"Mr. Mao, it appears to be a newcomer. We're not acquainted with him," replied a disciple, eager to please.

"How dare you seize my cultivation room. You're really seeking your own demise," Zhang Bofeng stated gravely.

Zhang Bofeng then settled in to wait outside the room. Once the door was shut, not even he could open it; his only option was to wait.

As time ticked by, Zhang Bofeng's expression grew increasingly sour, his anger simmering.

Inside the room, Hua Hsing was seated in meditation.

"The spiritual energy here is so rich. Two hours of cultivation here is as good as a whole day outside. What a remarkable place," Hua Hsing murmured, taking in his surroundings.

It was clear why the cultivation room was so coveted. Typically, one would need to offer Spirit Stones to practice there.

Naturally, for the average Inner Sect disciple, Spirit Stones were in short supply.

"I must advance to the Qi Refining Stage Level Four swiftly to join the Inner Sect," Hua Hsing resolved.

Only with access to the Inner Sect could he secure superior resources and accelerate his power growth.

Hua Hsing started to assimilate the spiritual energy around him, refining his physique.

Before he knew it, two hours had slipped away. As his practice concluded, Hua Hsing's eyes snapped open.

"In just two hours of cultivation, I've reached the mid-phase of the Qi Refining Stage Level Three. Incredible," Hua Hsing marveled.

Meanwhile, Zhang Bofeng continued his vigil outside the eighth room.

All of a sudden, a stunning woman in a red gown appeared, drawing the admiring gazes of numerous disciples.

"Senior Brother Zhang, what brings you here?" a crisp voice rang out.

"Junior Sister Jiaang Xue, what a surprise to see you," Zhang Bofeng said, a smile breaking across his face as he caught sight of her.

"I'm looking to spend some time in the cultivation room," Jiaang Xue replied. "How about you, Senior Brother Zhang?"

"Some disciple has claimed my cultivation room," Zhang Bofeng said with a calm that belied the anger Jiaang Xue could sense.

"Which disciple had the audacity to take over your room?"

Jiaang Xue inquired, her thoughts suddenly turning to Hua Hsing. Could it be him?

"Just a newcomer, unknown to the rest," Zhang Bofeng explained.

"If I'm not mistaken, Senior Brother Zhang, this newcomer is likely the top contender of the Outer Sect, Hua Hsing," Jiaang Xue ventured.

"Oh? You're acquainted with him?" Zhang Bofeng asked, intrigued.

"He's a malicious one, responsible for the deaths of our peers. If only I were still in the Outer Sect, I'd make sure to set him straight in the upcoming competition," Jiaang Xue said, her face clouding with anger at the mention of Hua Hsing.

"Do you have a history with him?" Zhang Bofeng probed, sensing an undercurrent.

Many in the Inner Sect were aware of Zhang Bofeng's affections for Jiaang Xue. Her words now sparked a plan in his mind.

"Rest assured, Junior Sister Jiaang Xue, I intend to personally see to his discipline," Zhang Bofeng assured her.

At his words, Jiaang Xue couldn't help but laugh.

"He's truly foolhardy to challenge you for your cultivation room. Such a disciple deserves a harsh lesson," she said. "Make sure it's one he won't forget."

"Absolutely. I'll show him exactly what I'm capable of," Zhang Bofeng declared.

Jiaang Xue felt a surge of satisfaction. She wasn't fond of Zhang Bofeng, but she was more than willing to use him to her advantage against Hua Hsing.

Re Yunzheng had already failed her. Feeling the threat posed by Hua Hsing, she was resolute in her desire to eliminate him, ready to resort to any means necessary to achieve her ends.

As they conversed, the door to the cultivation room swung open.