Lin Yi stood in the pillar of light, calmly looking down.
In the area reserved for the Human Race contestants, Hui Yao, Xing Yu, Kenkes, and the others were beaming as they chatted with contestants from other races who had come to congratulate them.
Farther away, the Human Race spectators in the stands were still cheering. Tears glimmered in the eyes of many of them.
He understood how they felt.
Although the Human Race was one of the powerful races in the Pan-Spirit Alliance, it had been far too long since they had taken first place in an event as widely watched across the Star Sea as the Genius Tournament.
The last time the Human Race had won the championship had been millions of epochs ago.
"Master."
Xuanji's voice sounded in his ear. "According to the schedule, the post-tournament interviews will begin after the coronation ceremony."
"Post-tournament interviews?" Lin Yi asked inwardly.
"Yes." Xuanji explained, "As is customary, the champion can accept joint interviews with top Star Sea media outlets in the Ultimate Arena's dedicated interview area. These media outlets reach across the entire Pan-Spirit Alliance, making this an important opportunity to promote the image of your race and raise your personal profile."
Lin Yi nodded slightly.
He wasn't surprised.
In his previous life, he had only been an ordinary Star Core Level cultivator, but he still knew that champions were inevitably subjected to a media frenzy after a major Star Sea tournament.
"Additionally," Xuanji continued, "I've just received a designated Clan Merit task from a system directly under the Supreme Council of the Human Race."
"A designated Clan Merit task?" Lin Yi's interest was piqued.
Clan Merit tasks came in many forms, including exploration, escort, research, and teaching.
But "designated Clan Merit tasks" were generally special assignments issued directly