Chapter 61

There was no denying it— The reward for first place in the True Disciple Tournament was truly generous.

Ten thousand lower-grade spirit stones. Plus a defensive spirit armor!

That armor alone was worth over ten thousand spirit stones, as it could withstand a strike from a Core Formation cultivator. Of course, relying on it to fight a Core Formation expert was out of the question. At most, it could block one or two blows before breaking down.

To Gu Yang, it wasn’t particularly useful, but he could sell it for spirit stones. So overall, it was still a great reward.

While Gu Yang counted his prizes, On the other side, the Grand Elder of Beixue Sect distributed the remaining rewards.

Due to Yun Hai’s death, Chen Wu—who had originally lost to Gu Yang—was bumped up to second place. Liu Tianxiang took third. Those who hadn’t made the top ten were also promoted to fill the gaps.

Some rejoiced, others lamented.

Soon, the True Disciples of Liuyun Sect gathered around Gu Yang. Most of them were filled with emotion.

When they first arrived, they had treated Gu Yang like a junior. After all, he had just become a True Disciple and was still considered a newcomer. They thought he needed guidance.

But now that the tournament had ended—

Turns out the clown was me all along!

A newcomer? Guidance? What a joke.

Gu Yang had just defeated someone a whole realm above him. What chance did they have?

Now, countless True Disciples looked at Gu Yang with admiration and awe, their hearts filled with emotion.

At that moment, Liu Tianxiang—his injuries mostly healed—joined the crowd. He hadn’t witnessed the battle between Gu Yang and Yun Hai firsthand, But when he heard that Gu Yang not only defeated Yun Hai but also killed him on the spot, He rushed to the scene, ignoring his wounds.

When he saw Yun Hai’s corpse lying in the dueling arena, He froze.

His gaze toward Gu Yang was filled with shock and deep reflection.

“This really is… a bit of a blow,” he muttered.

He had been the top True Disciple of Liuyun Sect. Yet he had been surpassed so quickly— And by someone only at the third level of the Condensation Realm!

He couldn’t help but marvel at Gu Yang.

A third-level Condensation Realm cultivator… Yet he unleashed power comparable to a third-level Core Formation expert. Even the monsters on the Genius Rankings might not all be capable of that. This guy… is a total freak!

“The True Disciple Tournament is now officially concluded,” the Beixue Sect Grand Elder announced. “Though there were some disturbances along the way, they don’t matter now.” “Elder Li, why don’t you join me for a drink to celebrate?”

The Grand Elder turned to Li Tianming with a smile.

Li Tianming hesitated briefly, then shook his head. He recalled the look in Xue Wujian’s eyes before he left. A sense of unease lingered in his heart.

He knew Xue Wujian well. That man would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

Delays invite trouble. He decided to return to the sect immediately.

“Thank you for the kind offer, Elder Chen, but the Sect Master is urging me to return. I’m afraid I can’t stay for drinks.” “My apologies.”

He cupped his hands in a polite gesture.

The Beixue Sect Grand Elder seemed to understand. He smiled and replied, “If that’s the case, we won’t insist. The journey is long—please travel safely.”

They exchanged respectful bows.

By now, only disciples from three sects remained. The Baiyang Sect disciples had quietly left with Xue Wujian. Even Shen Dong, Baiyang’s second-ranked True Disciple, had fled without collecting his reward.

Li Tianming immediately gathered all the Liuyun Sect True Disciples.

“Let’s go. Time to return.”

With a wave of his hand, a flying vessel appeared. Though the disciples didn’t know why the Grand Elder was in such a hurry, They obediently boarded the vessel.

Meanwhile, Gu Yang had already been pulled aside by Li Tianming.

“Gu Yang, the Grand Elder of Baiyang Sect—Xue Wujian—has his eyes on you now.” “Once we’re back at the sect, stay indoors as much as possible. Otherwise… something bad could happen.”

“Xue Wujian?” Gu Yang narrowed his eyes.

He had already sensed the killing intent from Xue Wujian. But he also knew—this man was no Yun Hai. As the Grand Elder of Baiyang Sect, his strength was on a whole different level.

Better stay cautious.

“Baiyang Sect, huh…” Gu Yang’s gaze sharpened.

Then he followed the Grand Elder onto the flying vessel.

The vessel surged forward at an astonishing speed, quickly leaving Beixue Sect behind and heading toward Liuyun Sect.

Along the way, Li Tianming didn’t hesitate—he ordered the vessel to fly at full speed, Wasting not a second, fearing any mishap.

But even so…

Something still went wrong.

As the vessel flew steadily through the sky, A strange sound suddenly echoed.

BOOM!

The vessel trembled violently, As if something had bound it in place.

RUMBLE!

The vessel plummeted to the ground.

With no other choice, the Liuyun Sect disciples scrambled out.

That’s when they saw it— Strange ropes had wrapped around the vessel, Stopping it midair!

Li Tianming’s expression darkened. He waved his hand and stored the vessel in his spatial ring. Then his true essence erupted.

The aura of a seventh-level Core Formation cultivator surged forth.

“Stop hiding. Come out!”

He shouted.

As soon as his voice fell, Two figures emerged from the shadows.

One of them was all too familiar— It was Xue Wujian, who had left Beixue Sect earlier!

“Heh… Old man, you sure react fast,” Xue Wujian sneered, his grin cold and sinister.

“So it really was you!”