Everyone at Heavenly Pivot Peak of the Violet Sun Gate waited with eager anticipation.
"The Sect Master has arrived!"
At the announcement, everyone rose and turned toward the voice.
Zhang Jingyuan appeared in purple robes, his hair secured with a jade hairpin. Calm and elegant, he climbed step by step to the highest seat in the viewing stands. "Sorry to have kept you all waiting."
He cupped his hands toward the elders, Peak Masters, and guests below, a kindly smile on his face.
"You're too courteous, Sect Master." Everyone returned his salute.
Zhang Jingyuan nodded, swept his gaze across the gathering, and declared, "The Ten Elites have always been pillars of our Violet Sun Gate.
"The ranking challenges serve two purposes: to test the true mettle of our ten geniuses, and to discover precious pearls hidden beneath the dust.
"It doesn't matter if you weren't ranked before. Defeat a disciple on the Ten Elites Ranking, and you will become one of the new Ten Elites, receiving preferential sect resources for your cultivation. Some ranked disciples may have earned their place through sheer dumb luck. Today, we shall see whether they are dragons or snakes.
"I hereby declare the Violet Sun Gate's Ten Elites ranking challenges begun."
Without wasting words, he announced the start of the challenges.
As his words fell, Yang Yuanzhou, one of Heavenly Pivot Peak's four great elders, floated onto the arena and called out, "I will preside over today's ranking challenges. All Ten Elites disciples, come up and accept your challengers!"
The Ten Elites ranking challenges had truly begun.
In an instant, thunderous cheers swept the Martial Training Ground. The clash of geniuses everyone had been waiting for was finally about to begin.
"Li Chuyang is here! Anyone who wants to challenge me, come at me!"
Silver