Chapter 83

"Announcing, the final champion of this grand competition is Ye Zhen from Qiyun Sect!"

As the announcement was made by the seventh elder of Qiyun Sect, the inner and outer disciples of Qiyun Sect erupted in joy, their excitement even surpassing that of Ye Zhen, the champion.

On the martial arts platform, the high-ranking officials of Qiyun Sect all wore broad smiles, their gazes on Ye Zhen, who had fought his way to victory, now different. They were all contemplating what they should do once Ye Zhen became an inner disciple.

Elder Lishi, who had just been severely reprimanded by the sect leader Guo Qijing for a slip of the tongue, looked dejected.

Even if he wanted to argue that Ye Zhen did not have the qualifications to participate in the competition, he could not bring himself to say it.

The loser had no right!

What Lishi was more worried about was the impact of this battle on Lishui Sect.

In this battle, the top ten outer disciples of Lishui Sect were completely wiped out. Who knew what kind of rumors would spread in the martial world? It could severely damage the reputation of Lishui Sect.

"Third Brother, the competition is over, quickly come with me to award the prizes!" On the platform, the First Prince Zhu Xuan stood up and said.

"Okay!"

The Third Prince Zhu Kun, who stood up, looked rather grim.

Originally, he had hoped that Lishui Sect would win this time, using their victory to suppress Qiyun Sect and expand his influence in the empire, gradually accumulating strength for the future.

But he never expected to lose everything.

All of this was because of Ye Zhen!

The Third Prince Zhu Kun was also quite remarkable; the gloom on his face instantly disappeared, and he stepped onto the martial arts platform alongside the First Prince Zhu Xuan, his eyes fixed on Ye Zhen with a sharp gaze.

On the martial arts platform, when the First Prince Zhu Xuan handed over the demon spirit essence pill and the Third Prince Zhu Kun handed over the low-grade treasure weapon, the Tianjing Sword, Ye Zhen felt a great surprise.

Swish!

With a slight infusion of true essence, a cold sword beam suddenly shot out from the Tianjing Sword, instantly piercing through the stone platform!

"Good sword!" Ye Zhen exclaimed.

This was the benefit of strength.

An ordinary Qiyun Sect disciple might struggle for years to obtain such precious items, but Ye Zhen easily obtained them.

Especially when Ye Zhen received the low-grade treasure weapon, the Tianjing Sword, almost all the inner disciples were envious, including the top genius of the inner disciples, Changsun Ran, who showed a hint of envy.

There was no other reason; low-grade treasure weapons were extremely precious. With one in hand, the enhancement of one's strength was guaranteed.

"Ye Zhen, practice hard, I have high hopes for you!" The First Prince Zhu Xuan patted Ye Zhen's shoulder in a very approachable manner.

Ye Zhen smiled and nodded in return.

To be honest, if it were before, Ye Zhen would have been so nervous and excited to meet the two princes that his whole body would tremble.

But now, Ye Zhen was as calm as water.

Just princes, what was there to be nervous about?

This was the change brought about by strength and broadened horizons.

"Ye Zhen, my mansion is in need of a martial arts master. Would you be willing to take up the position?" The Third Prince Zhu Kun suddenly said.

Without waiting for Ye Zhen's response, the Third Prince Zhu Kun continued, "Of course, you don't need to stay in my mansion day and night. Just spend a few days each year to provide guidance, and you will receive training resources beyond your imagination. Moreover, if you wish, I can recommend you to the Ministry of War to lead an army, and wealth and honor will be within your reach!"

Recruitment!

This was blatant recruitment!

The First Prince Zhu Xuan's face immediately turned very grim. Was the Third Prince's behavior too unseemly?

Seeing a talented individual with potential, he wanted to recruit them to his own side.

At the same time, the First Prince Zhu Xuan looked at Ye Zhen with some tension.

At seventeen, to reach the third level of True Essence, and with the potential to break through to the Spirit Induction Realm in the future, Ye Zhen might even become a true disciple of Qiyun Sect.

The influence of a true disciple of Qiyun Sect was immeasurable.

If Ye Zhen joined the Third Prince Zhu Kun, wouldn't that change the power dynamics?

However, some things were predetermined by fate.

As the saying goes, "Your position determines your perspective." When the Third Prince Zhu Kun's position was with Lishui Sect, this outcome was already decided.

Even if the Third Prince Zhu Kun offered extremely generous terms, it still could not sway Ye Zhen.

"Sorry, I prioritize cultivation and don't want to be distracted by external affairs!" Ye Zhen said.

The Third Prince Zhu Kun's face suddenly changed, and he said sternly, "Ye Zhen, won't you reconsider? I can offer you..."

"No need!"

Before the Third Prince Zhu Kun could finish, Ye Zhen's straightforward response left him speechless, his face turning awkward.

"Hmph! Ye Zhen, don't regret it!"

With a cold snort, the Third Prince Zhu Kun said in a sinister voice.

This time, Ye Zhen did not even respond, turning and leaving directly.

After so many events, Ye Zhen had long understood that princes and nobles were not as substantial as a strong fist. As long as Ye Zhen continued to cultivate, when his fist was strong enough, even princes would have to bow to him.

On the martial arts platform, Elder Lishi was still making a final resistance!

"Master Guo, in this grand competition, Ye Zhen has slaughtered all the outer disciples of our Lishui Sect. You must give us an explanation!" Elder Lishi said angrily.

"Elder Lishi, I remember you said earlier that the disciples were excited by the generous rewards and couldn't control themselves. Now, this is also very normal!" The First Elder Lu Changchuan finally found an opportunity to vent.

Elder Lishi was taken aback, "This is different. Ten outer disciples, all killed by Ye Zhen alone, this is murder..."

"What's different? Ye Zhen challenged all of you. If he didn't use harsh means, would he wait to be chopped? If you're not skilled enough, you deserve it! Stop whining!"

The First Elder Lu Changchuan's words left Elder Lishi red-faced and speechless.

"Send some disciples to collect the bodies of the Lishui Sect disciples and let Lishi take them away. We don't want anyone to say we are inhumane," the First Elder Lu Changchuan said.

With Ye Zhen's victory, the grand competition was about to conclude. Sect Leader Guo Qijing casually encouraged the inner and outer disciples and was about to dismiss everyone.

But at this moment, Ye Zhen, covered in blood, stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Reporting to the sect leader, there is something I don't understand, please enlighten me, sect leader!"

The inner and outer disciples, who were about to leave, were all taken aback, wondering what Ye Zhen was going to do.

"What is it?"

Sect Leader Guo Qijing also had a good impression of Ye Zhen, who had turned the tide.

"Reporting to the sect leader, due to the Meng family incident, I missed the annual sect competition and the opportunity to become an inner disciple. I was thinking..."

Before he finished, Sect Leader Guo Qijing's brows furrowed, "Ye Zhen, I understand your meaning. An inner disciple, right? You have done great deeds for the sect. After discussing with the elders, you can be specially promoted to an inner disciple..."

As he spoke, a hint of displeasure appeared on Guo Qijing's face. Why are you in such a hurry, Ye Zhen? With such great contributions, the sect wouldn't treat you unfairly.

Do you need to ask the sect leader in public?

Hearing Sect Leader Guo Qijing's words, Ye Zhen quickly waved his hands, "Reporting to the sect leader, that's not what I meant!"

"Then what do you mean?" Sect Leader Guo Qijing's brows furrowed again.

"Reporting to the sect leader, I remember that besides the annual competition, there are two other methods for outer disciples to become inner disciples." Ye Zhen said.

Guo Qijing smiled, "That's correct. Passing the fourth transformation of the Fish and Dragon, or defeating any inner disciple, will allow you to be promoted. Which one do you choose?"

"Challenging an inner disciple!" Ye Zhen answered without hesitation.

Upon hearing this, Yue Chengzu, among the inner disciples, suddenly changed his expression.

"Who do you want to challenge?"

"Him! I want to challenge inner disciple Yue Chengzu!" On the martial arts platform, Ye Zhen pointed at Yue Chengzu.

As soon as Ye Zhen said this, there was a great commotion below the platform.

On the platform, among the eight elders of Qiyun Sect, except for the Fifth Elder Hong Banjiang, the others all had extremely strange expressions!