Jing Feng Appears, Screams Abound

Chapter 17: Jing Feng Appears, Screams Abound

The selection of Registered Disciples quickly concluded, but that wasn't the end of it.

All those who became Registered Disciples could also participate in a ranked martial arts competition.

This year, a total of three hundred and eighty-nine Registered Disciples were eligible to compete.

To participate in the Registered Disciple rankings, one first needed to register and then ascend the arena to defend their position.

Those who won three consecutive matches would advance to the next round, with the top ten ultimately being determined and receiving generous rewards.

"Bi Fan, hurry up and register! You have to win first place. Otherwise... hmph, you'll be in for it when we get back," Yu Xiao Feng said, shaking her delicate fists in front of Bi Fan's eyes menacingly.

"I will participate, and I will do my best to strive for first place."

Bi Fan wasn't someone who would blindly lay low. He originally wanted to make a good impression and obtain more cultivation resources, so naturally, he wouldn't refuse.

In the cultivation world, being low-key was by no means the path to victory. By simply keeping a low profile without the support of a sect, one's room for improvement was limited.

No matter how talented a person was, they needed to be recognized to receive strong support and training, allowing their strength to advance by leaps and bounds.

Although Bi Fan had gained many benefits, they were far from enough for his cultivation.

After reaching the Inner Breath Realm, every subsequent realm was extremely difficult to break through. It often required a large number of Pills to push through, and even more so, the guidance of a famous master.

Before participating in the Registered Disciple selection, Bi Fan had already decided to join the Registered Disciple rankings, and he intended to achieve a good ranking and earn respect from others.

The registration soon ended. Among the Registered Disciples, a surprising one hundred and eighty people participated in the rankings. Most of these individuals were attracted by the generous rewards.

First place: Reward of one High-grade Magic Tool, ten Inner Breath Pills, and three Viscera Solidifying Pills.

Second place: Reward of one High-grade Magic Tool, eight Inner Breath Pills, and one Viscera Solidifying Pill.

Third place: Reward of one High-grade Magic Tool and five Inner Breath Pills.

Fourth to Tenth place: Reward of one Middle-grade Magic Tool and one Inner Breath Pill.

The more of a genius one was, the more they were valued, as could be seen from the rewards.

Once one obtained one of the top three places, the rewards received were far more abundant than those for the people ranked lower. With these cultivation resources, it would be inexcusable if their cultivation didn't surpass others.

Bi Fan didn't place much importance on these rewards. The Heavenly Origin Ring was already filled with a generous amount of Pills. He wanted to gain the attention of the Qingyang Sect's higher-ups and be taught advanced cultivation techniques.

Although he possessed a top-tier technique like the Qingyang Willow Catkin Sword Art, its origin was questionable, and he dared not cultivate it, fearing exposure.

The Registered Disciple ranking matches began. This time, there were only three arenas for simultaneous combat, making it convenient for the Qingyang Sect's higher-ups to observe closely.

The draw placed Bi Fan at the end of the lineup, so he sat beside Yu Xiao Feng, waiting for his turn.

Suddenly, a group of female disciples exclaimed.

"Ah! It's Senior Brother Jing Feng! Senior Brother Jing Feng has finally appeared."

"Ah! Senior Brother Jing Feng is so handsome!"

Jing Feng's appearance caused a commotion. The female disciples were frenzied, disregarding even the Vice Sect Master sitting at the front edge of the viewing platform, screaming incessantly.

Jing Feng's expression was calm as he gently swayed a folding fan, his movements elegant and graceful, eliciting even more frantic screams.

Compared to these screams, Bi Fan's earlier cheers were like a drop in the ocean.

"Senior Brother Jing Feng's reputation is truly resounding. I'm so impressed," Bi Fan marveled inwardly with envy.

Yu Xiao Feng pouted and said, "He's just so-so. What's the need for all this shouting?"

As it turned out, the female disciples from Jade Maiden Peak sitting beside Yu Xiao Feng were also very enthusiastic. Yu Xiao Feng found their behavior a bit much, so she muttered a few words.

"Sister Xiao Feng, Senior Brother Jing Feng is not only handsome but also very strong. He's only slightly weaker than Miss," said a female disciple from Jade Maiden Peak.

Yu Xiao Feng seemed unconvinced and said, "Is that so? I must spar with him."

Her beautiful eyes flickered, and she couldn't help but glance at Jing Feng a few more times.

Seeing Yu Xiao Feng's gaze shift to Jing Feng, Bi Fan felt a pang of sourness, a rather unpleasant feeling.

Jing Feng had clearly arrived at Ming Feng Valley much earlier and knew Bi Fan was in the stands. He walked directly towards Bi Fan's side.

The female disciples from Jade Maiden Peak saw Jing Feng approaching and their mouths fell open, rendering them speechless. They were quite infatuated.

Even Yu Xiao Feng's pretty face flushed slightly. She thought to herself, Did he hear what I just said? Is he coming for me?

She didn't consider that with the continuous screams, her voice was so soft that there was no way Jing Feng could have heard her.

As Jing Feng drew nearer, Yu Xiao Feng felt her heart beat faster.

Jing Feng was indeed very handsome and distinguished. Coupled with his formidable strength, what young girl wouldn't like him? Yu Xiao Feng was no exception.

Bi Fan had been paying attention to Yu Xiao Feng's expression. Seeing her appear shy and demure like a young woman, he felt a mix of emotions.

To say Bi Fan liked Yu Xiao Feng, it wasn't quite accurate. Bi Fan's understanding of romantic relationships was still in its nascent stage.

Moreover, Bi Fan had always been self-conscious due to his low status. He was also self-aware and wouldn't dare to covet an impossible love.

However, Yu Xiao Feng had always taken good care of Bi Fan. He naturally considered Yu Xiao Feng his own and couldn't help but feel that no other man should get close to her.

Jing Feng walked over, looked at Bi Fan, and smiled.

Bi Fan stood up and said with a smile, "Hello, Brother Jing Feng. You're back from your training."

"I am. I didn't expect to just get back and see Brother Bi Fan displaying his might, throwing that big guy off the stage," Jing Feng chuckled lightly.

The two chatted casually, which greatly surprised the female disciples. They began to speculate about Bi Fan's relationship with Jing Feng, and their interest in Bi Fan grew considerably.

However, Bi Fan had a common face. Apart from being a bit sturdier, he wasn't particularly appealing to the female disciples.

Jing Feng chatted with Bi Fan for a while before leaving. He still had many friends among the Inner Disciples and wanted to greet them.

As soon as Jing Feng left, Yu Xiao Feng stared at Bi Fan with sharp eyes. "Confess! How do you know Jing Feng?"

The surrounding female disciples also stared at Bi Fan with curious expressions, making him feel uncomfortable.

"I met him in Qingyang Town, and then we went to Tingfeng Valley together," Bi Fan said.

Yu Xiao Feng said, "Then why didn't you tell me? Did something happen between you two?"

Bi Fan and Jing Feng were so friendly; there must be something going on between them. Yu Xiao Feng was very suspicious.

"Nothing really happened..." Bi Fan said. "We only spent three days together. Afterward, I returned to the mountain, and he went down to train. We parted ways."

Most of the surrounding female disciples rolled their eyes, not quite believing what Bi Fan said.

The ranking matches for Registered Disciples were much more exciting than the selection martial arts. A disciple with considerable strength appeared from time to time.

"Great!..." A burst of warm applause.

Bi Fan turned his gaze to the stage and happened to see a very young disciple lift his opponent high into the air with his powerful arms. No matter how the opponent struggled, it was useless.

"He's actually cultivated to the Inner Breath Realm," Yu Xiao Feng exclaimed in surprise. "Bi Fan, if you encounter him, be very careful. Inner Breath Realm experts have strong explosive power. Don't let your guard down and suffer a major setback."

"I know," Bi Fan noted the name of the person on the stage: Li Shu.