The Inner Sect Grand Competition Draws Near

News of Shen Hao's breakthrough to the Early Qi Refining Fourth Layer swept through all of Qingyun Peak like a gust of wind.

A newly promoted Inner Sect Disciple had gone from the Perfected Qi Refining Third Layer to the Early Qi Refining Fourth Layer in just one month. Such cultivation speed was nothing short of terrifying, leaving every Inner Sect Disciple utterly shocked. An ordinary Inner Sect Disciple needed at least half a year, or even a full year, to break through a single realm. Yet Shen Hao had done it in only one month. For a time, Shen Hao's name once again became the talk of the Inner Sect, and everyone was filled with awe and curiosity toward this exceptionally gifted youth.

That day, Shen Hao was cultivating the third level of Flowing Cloud Steps in his room. His figure drifted like flowing clouds as he moved freely across the open space, his footwork ever-changing and unfathomable, his speed growing faster and faster. Suddenly, he heard a burst of commotion outside, noisy chatter that prevented him from cultivating in peace.

Shen Hao frowned, stopped cultivating, rose to his feet, and went to the door. He opened it.

On the open grounds of Qingyun Peak, quite a few Inner Sect Disciples had gathered, a dense black mass of people—far more than during Shen Hao's spar with Li Wei last time. At the center of the crowd, an Inner Sect Deacon clad in a Green Daoist Robe stood atop a raised platform, loudly announcing something. Empowered by spiritual energy, his voice carried clearly across the entire open ground.

Puzzled, Shen Hao walked over, squeezed into the crowd, and listened carefully.

"Fellow Inner Sect Disciples, I have good news for you." The Inner Sect Deacon cleared his throat and declared in a ringing voice, "The sect has decided to hold the Inner Sect Grand Competition three months from now. This competition is intended to select the sect's young talents and inject fresh blood into the sect."

The moment his words fell, a small disturbance arose across the open ground. The Inner Sect Grand Competition! This was the grand event Inner Sect Disciples anticipated most, held only once every three years. Each competition came with generous rewards, drawing countless disciples to compete fiercely for them.

The Inner Sect Deacon raised a hand to press the crowd down. Once the scene had quieted, he continued, "The rewards for the Inner Sect Grand Competition are exceptionally generous. First Place will receive one hundred Mid-grade Spirit Stones, one Foundation Establishment Pill, and one High-grade Cultivation Method! Second place will receive eighty Mid-grade Spirit Stones, one Foundation Establishment Pill, and one Mid-grade High-tier Cultivation Method! Third Place will receive fifty Mid-grade Spirit Stones, three Body Tempering Pills, and one Mid-grade Mid-tier Cultivation Method! The top hundred will all receive rewards!"

"Hiss—"

Sharp breaths were drawn one after another, and deafening cheers instantly erupted across the open ground. Every disciple wore an expression of excitement and longing, their eyes burning hot.

A Foundation Establishment Pill! That was a medicinal pill only Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators could take! After consuming it, one could greatly increase the chance of succeeding in Foundation Establishment! One had to know that breaking from the Qi Refining Stage into the Foundation Establishment Realm was already a task of a thousand difficulties and ten thousand hardships; among ten people, not even one might succeed. Yet a Foundation Establishment Pill was like sending charcoal in the snow, capable of increasing a cultivator's success rate in Foundation Establishment by more than thirty percent! To any Qi Refining Stage cultivator, this was an irresistible temptation! And there was also a High-grade Cultivation Method! Even Inner Sect elders might not possess such a method! Countless disciples dreamed of it, yet could only seek it without obtaining it!

A glint flashed through Shen Hao's eyes, and his heart began pounding uncontrollably. A Foundation Establishment Pill! His cultivation had already reached the Early Qi Refining Fourth Layer. At his current cultivation speed, in three months, he could at least reach the Mid Qi Refining Fourth Layer, perhaps even attempt the Late Qi Refining Fourth Layer. If he could obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill, his chances of succeeding in Foundation Establishment would rise greatly. To him, this was a heaven-sent opportunity!

"The qualification to participate in the Inner Sect Grand Competition is being an Inner Sect Disciple at the Qi Refining Fourth Layer or above." The Inner Sect Deacon continued in a resounding voice, "The day three months from now will be the day of the Inner Sect Grand Competition. Cultivate diligently, and do not let this fine opportunity slip away!"

With that, the Inner Sect Deacon announced the dismissal and turned to leave.

The disciples scattered in a rush, all running toward their residences with anxious expressions. They wanted to seize every moment to cultivate, striving to achieve good results in the Inner Sect Grand Competition and win those envy-inducing rewards.

Zhang Shan pushed through the crowd and ran to Shen Hao's side. His face was filled with excitement, and even his voice trembled. "Senior Brother Shen, the Inner Sect Grand Competition! First Place gets a Foundation Establishment Pill and a High-grade Cultivation Method! You must participate! With your strength, you will definitely achieve excellent results!"

Shen Hao smiled and nodded, confidence shining in his eyes. "I will."

He knew the competition in the Inner Sect Grand Competition would certainly be fierce. Among the Inner Sect Disciples, there were quite a few cultivators at the Qi Refining Fourth Layer and above. There were even some veteran disciples whose cultivation had already reached the Early Qi Refining Fifth Layer, or even the Mid Qi Refining Fifth Layer. Their strength was formidable. Winning First Place would not be easy.

But Shen Hao felt not the slightest fear. He had the Companion Jade Pendant's devouring ability, along with the aid of Flowing Cloud Steps and the Ziyang Inner Sect Basic Qi Cultivation Art. His cultivation speed far surpassed that of cultivators at the same level. Three months was enough for him to raise his cultivation, enough for him to train Flowing Cloud Steps to an even higher realm.

His gaze turned toward the distant horizon, where clouds and mist entwined, and the outlines of mountain peaks could faintly be seen. His eyes brimmed with confidence and anticipation.

At the Inner Sect Grand Competition three months from now, he would surely stun the world with a single brilliant feat!