The Inner Sect Grand Competition Approaches

The news that Shen Hao had broken through to Early Qi Refining Fourth Layer spread like wildfire across Qingyun Peak.

A newly promoted Inner Sect Disciple had gone from Perfected Qi Refining Third Layer to Early Qi Refining Fourth Layer in just one month. Such a terrifying cultivation speed left all the Inner Sect Disciples stunned. Ordinary Inner Sect Disciples needed at least half a year, or even a full year, to break through a single realm, yet Shen Hao had done it in a month. In no time, his name once again became the talk of the Inner Sect, and everyone regarded this gifted youth with awe and curiosity.

That day, Shen Hao was practicing the third layer of Flowing Cloud Steps inside his room. His figure moved like drifting clouds, weaving effortlessly across the open space, his footwork unpredictable and his speed growing faster. Suddenly, he heard a commotion outside the door—loud and disruptive, making it impossible to focus on cultivation.

Shen Hao frowned, stopped his practice, rose, and walked to the door, opening it.

On the open ground of Qingyun Peak, a crowd of Inner Sect Disciples had gathered, a dense sea of black robes even larger than the crowd that had watched his spar with Li Wei. At the center, an Inner Sect Deacon in a Green Daoist Robe stood on a raised platform, announcing something in a loud voice. His words, amplified by Spiritual Energy, rang clearly across the entire square.

Curious, Shen Hao walked over, squeezed into the crowd, and listened closely.

"Fellow Inner Sect Disciples, I bring you good news," the Inner Sect Deacon said, clearing his throat. "The sect has decided to hold the Inner Sect Grand Competition in three months. This competition aims to select the sect's young talents and inject fresh blood into our ranks."

As soon as he finished, a ripple of excitement ran through the crowd. The Inner Sect Grand Competition! This was the most anticipated event for Inner Sect Disciples, held only once every three years. Each competition offered generous rewards, drawing countless disciples to vie for glory.

The Inner Sect Deacon raised a hand to quiet the crowd, then continued, "The rewards for the Inner Sect Grand Competition are extremely generous. First place: one hundred Mid-grade Spirit Stones, one Foundation Establishment Pill, and one High-grade Cultivation Method! Second place: eighty Mid-grade Spirit Stones, one Foundation Establishment Pill, and one Mid-grade High-tier Cultivation Method! Third place: fifty Mid-grade Spirit Stones, three Body Tempering Pills, and one Mid-grade Mid-tier Cultivation Method! The top one hundred will all receive rewards!"

"Hiss—"

Gasps of shock rose and fell, followed by a thunderous cheer that shook the air. Every disciple's face lit up with excitement and longing, their eyes burning with desire.

A Foundation Establishment Pill! That was a Pill meant for cultivators in the Foundation Establishment Realm! Taking it could greatly increase the chances of forming a Foundation! Breaking through from the Qi Refining Stage to the Foundation Establishment Realm was notoriously difficult—barely one in ten succeeded. The Foundation Establishment Pill was like a lifeline, boosting success rates by over thirty percent! For any Qi Refining Stage cultivator, it was an irresistible temptation. And a High-grade Cultivation Method! Even some Inner Sect Elders might not possess such a method! Countless disciples dreamed of obtaining one but never could.

A gleam flashed in Shen Hao's eyes, and his heart pounded uncontrollably. A Foundation Establishment Pill! His current cultivation was at Early Qi Refining Fourth Layer. Given his current speed, in three months, he could at least reach Mid Qi Refining Fourth Layer, perhaps even Late Qi Refining Fourth Layer. If he could get the Foundation Establishment Pill, his chances of forming a Foundation would skyrocket. This was a golden opportunity!

"The qualification to participate in the Inner Sect Grand Competition is for Inner Sect Disciples at Qi Refining Fourth Layer or above," the Inner Sect Deacon continued, his voice booming. "Three months from today is the day of the competition. I urge you all to cultivate diligently and not miss this chance!"

With that, the Inner Sect Deacon dismissed the gathering and turned to leave.

The disciples scattered, rushing back to their quarters with eager expressions. They all wanted to make the most of their time, striving for good results in the competition and winning those coveted rewards.

Zhang Shan pushed through the crowd and ran up to Shen Hao, his face flushed with excitement, his voice trembling slightly. "Senior Brother Shen, the Inner Sect Grand Competition! First place gets a Foundation Establishment Pill and a High-grade Cultivation Method! You have to join! With your strength, you're sure to do well!"

Shen Hao smiled and nodded, a confident light shining in his eyes. "I will."

He knew the competition would be fierce. Among the Inner Sect Disciples, those at Qi Refining Fourth Layer and above were not few. Some veteran disciples had even reached Early Qi Refining Fifth Layer or Mid Qi Refining Fifth Layer, with formidable strength. Taking first place would not be easy.

But Shen Hao felt no fear. He had the Companion Jade Pendant's devouring ability, the boost from Flowing Cloud Steps and the Ziyang Inner Sect Basic Qi Cultivation Art, and a cultivation speed far surpassing his peers. Three months was enough to raise his cultivation and push Flowing Cloud Steps to a higher level.

His gaze turned to the distant sky, where clouds swirled and the faint outlines of peaks were visible. His eyes brimmed with confidence and anticipation.

In three months, at the Inner Sect Grand Competition, he would make his mark!