The list of thirty-two qualifiers for the Main Competition had been announced, but the excitement atop Moonwatch Mountain showed no sign of fading.
Across the vast summit plaza, wave after wave of conversation wove together, ceaseless as the howling mountain wind.
Tens of thousands of spectators gathered in small groups, quietly debating the newly finalized rankings, marveling at the Heavenly Prodigies and dark horses who had emerged in this tournament, and reminiscing about the thrilling battles of the Preliminary Round. The heat of the competition lingered long after it ended.
The inner spectator section reserved for the Profound Truth Sect was especially lively.
The sect's disciples, stewards, and elders all wore delighted expressions.
In this tournament, four members of the Profound Truth Sect-Yang Jing, Xiao Nu, Si Jiawen, and Zhao Wenju-had successfully reached the Main Competition, earning places among the highly prestigious top thirty-two. Yang Jing's ranking and standing were particularly impressive. The sect's results far surpassed those of previous tournaments, allowing its members to hold their heads high.
Amid their delight, many disciples of the Profound Truth Sect also exchanged quiet remarks and sighs.
The Profound Truth Sect consisted of the Main Peak and the Seven Branches, eight distinct lineages, each with its own Senior Brother.
All eight Lineage Senior Brothers possessed extraordinary strength. They had long held places at the Top of the Profound Truth Ranking, and every one of them had reached the peak of the qi-nourishing realm. Their reputations spread far and wide, and outsiders recognized them as the Profound Truth Sect's Heavenly Prodigies, with considerable potential and formidable strength.
In the eyes of many disciples, these eight Senior Brothers had deep reserves of strength and excellent chances of reaching the Main Competition.
Yet the results of this Jintai Grand Tournament's Preliminary Round surprised many.
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