On the raised platform.
Chief Elder Ouyang Jingxuan held the roster, its ink still wet, and slowly approached the seat of honor. Bowing slightly, he presented it to Cao Zhen, Sect Master of the Profound Truth Sect.
Cao Zhen reached out and took it. His gaze settled on the roster, his fingertips brushing lightly over the paper as the names and rankings came clearly into view, row by row.
After scanning it briefly, he nodded, then passed the roster to the Peak Masters of the Seven Branches beside him for them to read in turn.
Some Peak Masters nodded slightly as they read the list, while a flicker of surprise crossed the eyes of others. None raised any objections. These rankings broadly matched the disciples' performances they had just observed from the platform.
Only after everyone had read it did Cao Zhen speak in a deep voice. "The rankings are acceptable."
Ouyang Jingxuan bowed slightly in acknowledgment, then turned and descended from the platform. He handed the roster to a Qi-Nourishing Realm Main Peak Steward who had been waiting nearby and said, "Announce them."
The Main Peak Steward took the roster and quickly scanned its contents. After confirming that everything was correct, he turned and strode onto the Fu Mountain Battle Arena.
Standing in the center of the arena, he abruptly circulated the internal qi in his dantian and channeled it into his throat. His voice became rich and resonant, ringing across the entire square like a great bronze bell:
"The preliminary rankings for the Fu Mountain Grand Competition have been finalized. They will now be officially announced!"
"First place, Heavenly Evolution Peak, Chu Yunhai!"
"Second place, Thunder Firmament Peak, Bai Ziyu!"
"Third place, Clear Void Peak, Lu Shaohua!"
A low wave of astonished murmurs immediately rose through the square.