Ding!
The Jade Ruyi in Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi's hand rang out.
The clamor across the entire preaching platform fell silent.
Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi swept his gaze over the disciples below and spoke slowly, his voice calm yet edged with authority. "I have summoned you here today for two reasons."
"First, to assess the fruits of your cultivation."
"The Three Teachings spring from the same Daoist tradition. Our methods may differ, but no Dao stands above another."
"In this gathering, disciples of the Three Teachings will spar, test their understanding against one another, and advance together. Show all you are capable of, and do not fail your teachers."
"As for those who distinguish themselves..."
He paused, his gaze passing over the disciples once more. "The three of us will each grant rewards."
At those words, the disciples' eyes lit up.
If I stand out, I could catch a Sage's eye. And whatever a Sage rewards me with could hardly be ordinary. How could anyone not want that?
With a sweep of Saint Tongtian's sword light, several small arena worlds opened up, built to let every disciple fight at full strength.
Each arena world stretched vast and wide, inscribed with countless profound runes and sturdy enough to withstand battles in the Great Luo Realm.
Sect Master Tongtian withdrew the Green Duckweed Sword and laughed. "On the path of the Great Dao, there are times when one must contend. These discussions will follow arena rules: disciples will take turns entering, winners will defend the arena, and losers will step down."
"You may take pills and spiritual herbs to restore your magic power, so each match can be fought fairly."
Tongtian paused, his tone turning stern.
"Remember: stop short of serious injury. Do not harbor murderous intent or take the life of a fellow