Translator: CinderTL
Lin Fan stepped out of the room, where someone led him out of the mansion. He silently savored the refreshing air within Heaven-Class Number One Cultivation Cave, taking a deep breath.
He didn't realize the air felt so refreshing because the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy here was so dense—so dense that even a mortal like him could sense it.
Lin Fan clenched his fist, silently vowing not to disappoint the Holy Son.
For such a high-ranking figure to take time out of his busy schedule to watch the Outer Sect Disciple Grand Competition, a mere contest for low-ranking disciples like them, was an unparalleled honor.
This was the Holy Son, the Holy Son of one of the Five Great Sects in the Central Region!
His status was second only to the Sect Leader and Hall Masters. Not only had he personally arranged the competition for them, but he had also come to watch it himself.
It was like the Crown Prince of a nation personally visiting the countryside to understand the people's plight and address their needs—how could anyone not support him?
Inside the room, Xu Sanyan frowned slightly. He had just tried to plant a Demonic Seed in Lin Fan's heart, but it had... failed!
A transparent barrier seemed to surround Lin Fan, firmly blocking the Demonic Seed and preventing it from penetrating even an inch.
This was the first time Xu Sanyan had ever encountered such a situation. A mere mortal had actually resisted his Purple Mountain Heart-Planting Art!
Xu Sanyan's sense of Lin Fan's extraordinary nature grew stronger.
This name truly wasn't given in vain...
The next day, the quarterfinals of the Outer Sect Disciple Grand Competition officially began.
Xu Sanyan sat in the center of the high platform, observing the matches. Xiang Tan and Meng Zhuer stood behind him, Liu Tang sat to his left, and Song Wuqiu to his right. The other elders lined up behind them, with nearly all the elders of Crimson Dragon Mountain in attendance.
Normally, the Outer Sect Disciple Grand Competition wouldn't attract such high-level attention. However, because Xu Sanyan was present, they all had to be there.
It was less about watching the matches and more about accompanying him.
Xu Sanyan personally presided over the competition today. The eight victors from yesterday stood proudly on the stage, their heads held high, while thousands of disciples below gazed up at them with envy in their eyes.
Among the spectators below were not only Outer Sect Disciples but also many Servant Disciples, and even several inner sect disciples who had already achieved Foundation Establishment.
Liu Tang's face was flushed with excitement, his eyes beaming as he looked down at the crowd. His heart swelled with satisfaction. In the hundreds of years since he had joined the sect, there had never been such a grand event.
The Hall Master had always ignored worldly affairs, and elders like Wu Xin would never spend their own money on a grand competition they saw as utterly pointless.
Since Xu Sanyan had taken power, Crimson Dragon Mountain had grown better day by day. This was the atmosphere a sect should have.
Xu Sanyan's gaze swept across the crowd as he slowly began, "I, the Holy Son, will personally preside over the first Outer Sect Disciple Grand Competition. Today, we will crown our champion!"
He paused, and the thousands below leaned forward, their eyes burning with anticipation.
"The victor will receive not only the previously announced rewards but also an additional two thousand spirit stones from my own pocket, a high-grade Foundation Establishment cultivation method and mystical arts manual, and a Marrow Cleansing Pill!"
As Xu Sanyan's words fell, the crowd erupted in a frenzy, stunned by the immense rewards.
Someone silently calculated, "If I win, I'll receive a total of three thousand spirit stones, a high-grade Foundation Establishment cultivation method and mystical arts manual, a Marrow Cleansing Pill, and the chance to become the Holy Son's disciple..."
The eight competitors on the field clenched their fists, each determined to give their all and defeat their opponents!
Xu Sanyan raised his hand, and the clamor gradually subsided. "Let's draw lots."
A wooden box sat on the stage. Eight cultivators took turns drawing bamboo slips, each indicating their assigned platform.
Seeing they were ready, Xu Sanyan waved his hand. "Begin!"
The eight cultivators paired off and immediately clashed.
Xu Sanyan settled back into his chair, watching silently. In truth, this level of combat held no interest for him; he was merely watching for amusement.
His reason for adding the impromptu reward was to amplify the impact of the grand competition.
A competition with a ten-thousand-yuan prize could never match the influence of one with a million-yuan prize.
Moreover, the added reward was insignificant to him.
The Marrow Cleansing Pill could refine the physical body and enhance its strength, but it was only effective for cultivators below the Foundation Establishment stage. The Pill Refinement Hall sold it, but at a high price, making it rare for Celestial Being Realm disciples to purchase it.
As for mystical arts, that was even simpler. He had the authority to access all cultivation methods and mystical arts below the third floor of the Scripture Hall, without spending a single spirit stone.
And those three thousand spirit stones were like a drop in the ocean to him. He could casually let that much slip through his fingers without even noticing.
Xu Sanyan could now say it aloud without hesitation: he had no interest in spirit stones. He had never even touched one. His happiest moment remained when he, as a Bandit, had obtained two from the Ma family.
"Sigh..."
Xiang Tan whispered, "Senior Brother, why do you sigh?"
Xu Sanyan shook his head. "Thinking about the past."
The six months he spent in the Bandit lair had forged his ruthless character, where any means justified the end. Though those days were bitter, looking back now, he found them rather amusing.
Of course, if asked to return now, he'd refuse outright.
Let the past be the past. It was best left as a memory.
Just then, the first victor of the competition emerged: Lin Fan. In mere moments after the match began, he had defeated his opponent with lightning speed, securing his place in the final four.
Lin Fan clasped his hands in a gesture of respect. "You have my thanks."
His opponent shook his head, his face filled with dejection. "Senior Brother Lin's skills are truly exceptional. It seems this year's champion will undoubtedly be you."
Lin Fan didn't reply. He turned his gaze toward Xu Sanyan in the distance, noticing the Holy Son watching him. He couldn't help but ponder: Since the Holy Son has such high hopes for me, I mustn't disappoint him.
Xu Sanyan had long considered first place his for the taking. He was confident that with his abilities, the others stood little chance of surpassing him. The Holy Son must have seen this too, which was why he had added the extra reward at the last minute—clearly a sign of his favor and cultivation!
Lin Fan's mind raced, successfully brainwashing himself.
Xu Sanyan's eyes were vacant, his thoughts drifting far away. His mind had already wandered off to some unknown realm.
Xiang Tan, ever perceptive, stepped forward and placed her small, tender hands on his shoulders, silently kneading and relaxing his muscles.
Suddenly, Xu Sanyan felt someone watching him. His gaze snapped back into focus, and he looked toward the side of the high platform. There, he saw a figure staring at him.
Xu Sanyan grinned and waved. "Elder Qin, long time no see."
Qin Manyang was covered in dust from her travels, stray strands of hair clinging to her forehead and partially obscuring her eyes, yet her surprise remained unmistakable.
Though she had long suspected this, seeing it with her own eyes still felt unbelievable.
The Holy Son, Xu Sanyan, was truly the same Xu Sanyan she knew!
The Xu Sanyan who had just arrived in the Central Region from a remote backwater, knowing nothing and being easily manipulated by her!
"You..." Qin Manyang stammered, unsure how to express herself.
Liu Tang quickly interjected, "Elder Qin, you've returned so soon? Allow me to introduce you. This is the Holy Son..."
Xu Sanyan cut him off with a chuckle. "Elder Liu, no need for introductions. We already know each other."
(End of the Chapter)
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