Chapter 62

"Unfathomable!"

This was all Lin Fei could think. He had encountered someone who couldn't understand such a simple matter—it was just a matter of merit points, what was there to be confused about?

Lin Fei was equally shocked by Jun Wuhui's move just now.

"Jun Wuhui's mystic energy was so fierce, like a fierce tiger descending from the mountain. If it weren't for my indestructible body, I might have been injured by that claw. Experts at the Eighth Level of Martial Dao cannot be underestimated. Unless I use the One-Cut Knife Technique to strike multiple times in succession, I won't be able to defeat him!"

This was the first time Lin Fei had faced an expert at the Eighth Level of Martial Dao, and despite it being just one move, he immediately had a rough idea of what to expect.

Experts at the Eighth Level of Martial Dao were not as difficult to deal with as he had imagined.

...

The incident in the bounty hall was just a small episode. Despite the elder's order to keep it confidential, it still spread privately, causing many to be surprised.

When did Lin Fei's strength improve so quickly? Many began to consider whether they should learn the Nine Revolutions Mystic Art. Some people started to take pleasure in his misfortune.

Not only had he offended Zhang Wanshan, but he had also offended Jun Wuhui, known as the "Little Gentleman." Lin Fei had made enemies on both sides. Moreover, he had previously rejected invitations from some senior disciples, making him unpopular among the outer disciples.

Don't underestimate the cohesion of a senior disciple, especially the various small groups they form. Their influence is something no one dares to underestimate, and the Divine Martial Sect allows competition to exist.

For the Divine Martial Sect, competition among disciples provides motivation. As long as there are no casualties, everything is fine.

Thus, more and more groups began to compete, and everyone started to band together to avoid being bullied. This was why Lin Fei had been invited by others before.

Senior disciples above the Eighth Level of Martial Dao were all elite disciples in their groups, naturally commanding the admiration of many.

Lin Fei's actions were undoubtedly a provocation, a challenge to them, which sparked the anger of many.

For a time, various comments flooded in, all pointing at Lin Fei.

...

Fortunately, the comments against Lin Fei didn't last long.

The biannual outer disciples' competition, a major event for the Divine Martial Sect, began, and no one would care about such trivial matters anymore.

The biannual outer disciples' competition, also known as the outer disciples' ranking tournament, determines the top ten outer disciples. Besides receiving substantial rewards, the winners can enter the inner sect and become inner disciples.

The difference between outer and inner disciples is vast. No matter how powerful an outer disciple is, they cannot enter the upper echelons of the Divine Martial Sect, learn powerful mystic arts, or gain cultivation experience.

Inner disciples, on the other hand, receive guidance from renowned masters, and there are no bottlenecks in their cultivation. Becoming an inner disciple usually means breaking through to the Mystic Realm, the true entry point for martial artists.

The biannual competition is always fiercely contested. All disciples who are out on missions will return to the Divine Martial Sect to compete for the top ten spots.

Of course, if one performs exceptionally well in the competition, they might catch the eye of an elder and be promoted to the inner sect early. This happens from time to time.

The outer disciples' ranking tournament is such a grand event that other matters become trivial. No one cares how powerful Lin Fei is; in the competition, he is just one of the disciples, destined to be overshadowed.

...

On the day of the biannual competition, the sun was bright and the sky clear.

The Divine Martial Sect's square was bustling with people, a sea of heads, already lively. The most prominent feature was the ten stages set up in a row on the square.

These were the stages for today's competition.

The biannual outer disciples' competition, though called an outer disciples' competition, is actually a stage for outer disciples at the Sixth Level of Martial Dao and above. Those below the Fifth Level are mostly just there to gain experience.

The Divine Martial Sect has over three thousand outer disciples, divided into various ranks. The high-ranking disciples are the main focus of this competition.

The competition for the ten spots is indeed fierce. Fortunately, the Divine Martial Sect has arranged a ranking system for the outer disciples, with the top ten and the top hundred.

For them, a ranking is a proof of their standing among the outer disciples. The ranking tournament is also very important, as it not only establishes their reputation but also provides more cultivation resources.

Because of these benefits, all outer disciples look forward to the biannual competition. Once they can enter the top hundred, they can gain more cultivation resources.

As everyone knows, the vast resources of the Divine Martial Sect are used to cultivate experts. It is very difficult for ordinary disciples to stand out unless they have talent and family support.

The outer disciples' ranking tournament is their only way to gain fame. If they are lucky, they might be taken as disciples by certain elders, significantly improving their status among the outer disciples.

...

Lin Fei and Gao Shan arrived at the Divine Martial Sect's square.

The square was bustling with people, and everywhere you looked, there were excited faces, with cheers for certain senior disciples echoing from time to time.

The ten stages set up in a row were the most prominent, as if waiting for them to arrive.

Apart from this, there were many discussions among the outer disciples.

Outer disciples who are rarely seen together were all gathered on the Divine Martial Sect's square, and various discussions echoed in everyone's ears.

"Who do you think will be the first among the top hundred this time?"

"Of course, it will be Senior Brother Zhang Wudi. If he had returned last year, he would have already become an inner disciple. It's said he has already reached the Ninth Level of Martial Dao."

"That's not certain. Senior Brother Zhang Wudi is indeed powerful at the Ninth Level of Martial Dao, but Senior Brother Wang Song is also a Ninth Level expert. He can hunt Ninth Rank beasts, so he's definitely a strong contender for first place!"

"They are both powerful, but there are others at the Ninth Level of Martial Dao. The first place will definitely be decided among the Ninth Level senior brothers."

"Senior Brother Zhang Wudi will definitely take first place. I bet five hundred taels of silver on him."

"Hmph, five hundred taels of silver is nothing. I bet five thousand taels on Senior Brother Wang Song to take first place. He will definitely be first this time. Besides them, Senior Brothers Chen and Li are also strong contenders and will definitely make the top ten!"

"Many senior brothers will make it into the top hundred this time, making it more intense than the last biannual competition."