Chapter 43: The True Disciple Grand Competition Begins
Northern Snow Sect – Inner Sect Square
A sea of disciples had gathered, their eyes fixed on the center of the square where the true disciples of the four great sects stood in formation.
Beyond them, a dense crowd of inner disciples craned their necks, eager to catch a glimpse of the event.
“The True Disciple Grand Competition is finally starting!”
“Two years ago, our Northern Snow Sect failed to make the top three. Such a shame! This year’s rewards are even richer, if we can break into the top three, it’ll be a huge win!”
“Not likely. Senior Brother Chen is strong, but the other sects’ top disciples aren’t pushovers either.”
“By the way, I heard the Flowing Clouds Sect has a guy named Gu Yang, they made him a true disciple before he even reached the True Essence Realm!”
“What?! That can’t be real!”
“If it’s true, he must be here, right?”
“Hah! Then he’s just a punching bag for the competition. Without even reaching the True Essence Realm, who can he even fight?”
Whispers and murmurs spread like wildfire.
Gu Yang’s reputation had reached even the ordinary inner disciples of the Northern Snow Sect.
Before long, an elder from the Northern Snow Sect stepped forward.
“The True Disciple Grand Competition will now begin!”
“This year, a total of 150 true disciples from the four sects will participate.”
“Following tradition, they will be divided into five groups.”
“For fairness, the top true disciple of each sect will be placed in separate groups.”
“The second-ranked true disciples will then be randomly assigned, ensuring they do not end up in the same group as their sect’s top disciple.”
“All remaining disciples will be randomly distributed.”
“The top two from each group will advance to the top ten, earning the right to compete for the championship!”
“Additionally, after the top two are decided, any disciple may challenge the second-place holder of another group. Victory means taking their spot!”
The elder’s voice carried authority as he laid out the rules.
Every true disciple listened intently.
Everyone knew the strength of the top two disciples from each sect.
Pitting them all in one group might be entertaining, but grossly unfair.
Distributing them ensured balance.
No one raised any objections.
“Then let the drawing of lots commence!”
“Group 1: Flowing Clouds Sect’s Liu Tianxiang.”
“Group 2: Baiyang Sect’s Yun Hai.”
“Group 3: Northern Snow Sect’s Chen Wu.”
“Group 4: Frostwind Sect’s Qi Tianhe.”
“Next, the drawing for the second-ranked disciples!”
After a brief process, the groups were finalized:
Group 1: Flowing Clouds Sect’s top disciple + Northern Snow Sect’s second-ranked.
Group 2: Baiyang Sect’s top disciple + Frostwind Sect’s second-ranked.
Group 3: Northern Snow Sect’s top disciple + Baiyang Sect’s second-ranked.
Group 4: Frostwind Sect’s top disciple (alone).
Group 5: Flowing Clouds Sect’s second-ranked + others.
The remaining disciples were then randomly assigned.
As the drawing continued, reactions varied.
Some sighed in frustration after landing in the first four groups.
Others cheered upon entering Group 5, the only one without a top-ranked monster.
Among the Flowing Clouds Sect disciples, Li Yunfeng hurried over to Gu Yang, curious about his placement.
“Damn, I got Group 3, Northern Snow Sect’s Chen Wu is a beast. No way I can win.”
“Which group did you get, Gu Yang?”
Gu Yang showed his slip without hesitation.
A bold “5” was written on it.
Li Yunfeng’s eyes lit up with envy.
“Lucky bastard! But don’t celebrate yet, our sect’s second-ranked and Baiyang’s third-ranked are also in Group 5. Competition won’t be easy.”
Gu Yang merely smiled. Google seaʀᴄh novel[f]ire.net
He didn’t care which group he landed in.
His goal was first place.
And to claim the top spot, he’d have to defeat everyone anyway.
Once the drawing concluded, the Northern Snow Sect elder swiftly organized the matches.
Five massive dueling arenas had already been prepared on the square, one for each group.
With the lists finalized, the battles were about to begin!
Each group had 30 participants.
Opponents were decided by draw.
First round: 15 winners.
Second round: 8 winners (one bye).
Third round: 4 winners.
Fourth round: 2 winners.
The last two standing would advance!
Gu Yang made his way to Arena 5, where a Northern Snow Sect elder stood with a list in hand.
“First match: Baiyang Sect’s Yu Hao vs. Frostwind Sect’s Li Changyun!”
Two disciples, both at the 6th level of the True Essence Realm, stepped forward and entered the arena.
The battle commenced!
Since his turn hadn’t arrived yet, Gu Yang observed the other fights.
But before long, a wave of gasps erupted from the crowd.
“That’s the Northern Snow Sect’s top true disciple?!”
“Senior Brother Chen ended it in one move!”
“An 8th-level True Essence cultivator, crushed like an ant!”
Gu Yang glanced over.
At Arena 3, the Northern Snow Sect’s Chen Wu had obliterated his opponent in a single strike.
Soon, similar exclamations arose from the other arenas.
The top disciples of each sect were demonstrating their overwhelming power.
Their opponents stood no chance.
Victories came easier than drinking water.
As the battles raged on, Gu Yang’s turn finally approached.
Half an hour had passed.
Three matches had concluded in Arena 5.
Now, the fourth was about to begin.
A Frostwind Sect disciple was hurled out of the arena, instant defeat.
The victor, a third-ranked true disciple from the Baiyang Sect, sneered.
“Pathetic. Is this the best the Frostwind Sect’s fifth-ranked has to offer?”
His arrogance drew glares from the Frostwind disciples, but the elder simply announced:
“Baiyang Sect’s Lin Shuhe advances.”
“Next match, Flowing Clouds Sect’s Gu Yang vs. Northern Snow Sect’s Zhang Huairu!”