96: The awards ceremony begins

At the same time, several people received messages to exit the Secret Realm and go to Seria's location outside to collect their awards.

They hurried out, looking forward to what good items they might receive.

Lin Chuan also received a notification from the System at this time, learning the specific details of the top five. He wasn't surprised that the team of Jian Wuxie and Xiao Hongyuan made the list; after all, they were the earliest team and their strength was decent. However, he was a bit puzzled about who Imperial Power Under Heaven was to have taken first place.

On the stage, the Grand Elder was introducing the identities of those sitting in the chairs below one by one. They were either the Sect Head of some major power or a Grand Elder.

"Alright, the next person I'm going to introduce might be a bit unfamiliar to everyone, but I still want to give them a grand introduction!" the Grand Elder said.

After speaking, the Grand Elder pointed to a person draped in a pure white robe on a chair on the right side of the stage and introduced, "This is the current Archbishop of the Church of Light from the West, Archbishop Londe. His strength is equivalent to what we call the Nascent Soul Peak cultivation!"

The big shots from other regions all looked over curiously and clapped politely.

Archbishop Londe stood up and politely bowed to everyone in return.

"Next is the current Clan Chief of the Dwarf Clan in the West, Copper Hammer!" the Grand Elder continued to introduce.

A short dwarf with a full beard stood on his chair and returned the gesture to the clapping crowd.

Inside the Formation below the stage, many people discussed the group from the West in low voices.

It wasn't surprising; after all, the West hadn't appeared in the world for a thousand years. Aside from the old monsters sitting in the chairs who knew a little, it was understandable that others were unaware.

Copper Hammer's honest, rasping voice rang out, "Since we've just arrived, I don't have many good things for everyone. We dwarves are best at Artifact Refining and brewing wine. I brought a lot of fine wine today, so don't leave later; let's drink our fill!"

As soon as Copper Hammer finished speaking, the old fellows sitting in the chairs all broke into smiles. After all, they had heard of the Dwarf Clan's wine, and they hadn't expected this Dwarf Clan Chief to be so well-versed in social graces.

"Hahaha, I've loved wine all my life. I'll definitely have a few drinks with you, Fellow Daoist, in a bit. Also, please try my wine and see how it compares to yours!" a voice said.

Everyone turned to look and couldn't help but smile. It turned out to be the Drunken Daoist from the Wine God Valley in the East. He was an old drunkard, so no one was surprised by his words.

Seeing the harmonious atmosphere, the Grand Elder breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "The next person is Lady Elder, the Grand Elder of the Elf Clan in the West, currently acting as the Elf Queen!"

Hearing this, everyone looked over to see a tall elf standing up, bowing to everyone with great elegance. Although her hair was slightly grey, her face was still peerlessly beautiful.

"Truly worthy of being the legendary Elf Clan. Legend has it that regardless of gender, their appearances are all incredibly handsome and beautiful. Seeing them today, it's indeed true!" said Dragon Overlord, the leader of the Loyalty and Righteousness Alliance.

His words resonated with those around him, and they all nodded in agreement.

Just after the Grand Elder finished his introduction, Spiritual Void Master rushed forward in a single stride, held up a bouquet of roses, and looked at Elder, saying, "Elder, it's been many years. How have you been?"

Below the stage, Jian Wenxuan, Old Monk Dehai, and the Green Plum Spirit Child all gaped at Spiritual Void Master's behavior.

Jian Wenxuan laughed, "That old fellow Spiritual Void Master usually acts all old and decrepit. How did he become like this today?"

Old Monk Dehai watched the scene with gratification, chanting a Buddhist name with a doting smile on his face.

Green Plum Spirit Child, however, angrily plucked a large handful of Old Monk Dehai's beard and said, "Look at him, how straightforward!"

Old Monk Dehai grimaced in pain and quickly took out a Buddhist bead. With a flash of golden light in his hand, it turned into a golden lotus and he handed it to the Green Plum Spirit Child.

Green Plum Spirit Child took the golden lotus, her smile returning, and reached out to smooth Old Monk Dehai's beard.

Elder took the bouquet of roses, her face slightly flushed, and smiled, "Void Spirit, long time no see. You're still so romantic!"

This scene was witnessed by many big shots below, who began to cheer and tease them playfully; the atmosphere was very harmonious.

The Grand Elder quickly struck while the iron was hot, saying loudly, "The last person, I must give a grand introduction!" He then pointed to the seat in the very center below the stage.

"Elder Martial Wuling True Person from the Martial God Sect in the Central Plains, a Senior at the Void Refining Middle Stage!"

Hearing this, everyone immediately stood up and bowed to Martial Wuling True Person.

Martial Wuling True Person also stood up like the others, bowing to his surroundings and saying, "Hehe, Fellow Daoists, there's no need for such formality."

At this time, the people in the Formation also began to discuss heatedly.

"To think it's an Elder from the second most powerful force in the Central Plains. I didn't expect the events here to actually alert the Martial God Sect!" someone said in surprise.

"Hehe, for a Secret Realm that can increase one's cultivation, let alone the Martial God Sect, I'm afraid even the world's number one power, the Myriad Immortals Pavilion, has sent people. They just haven't shown their faces," another person said.

Those around them felt this made sense and nodded in agreement.

Within the crowd, a Black-Robed Figure looked up; it was Jin Yangzi of the Shadow Pavilion from the Central Plains. He sighed inwardly, "Even the Martial God Sect has been mobilized. It seems this method of increasing cultivation in the Secret Realm won't be so easily obtained."

After the Grand Elder and the others finished their greetings, he peeked at Lin Chuan, who was hidden behind the stage. Seeing Lin Chuan nod slightly, he announced with relief, "Next, please welcome the designer of the Underground City Secret Realm, Lin Chuan, to the stage to present the awards to the winners!"

As soon as the Grand Elder's voice fell, everyone below held their breath, wanting to see what kind of Genius could design such a Secret Realm.

A young man stepped forward, accompanied by a woman wearing a short-sleeved top and shorts. The big shots below all frowned.

First, the person was far too young, and his cultivation was only at the Qi Refinement Stage.

Second, the woman following him was dressed too provocatively, with her waist, abdomen, and thighs exposed like that.

Due to the ring's concealment, only Martial Wuling True Person noticed Lin Chuan's Golden Core Realm strength at this time, but he didn't care much. After all, in his eyes, there was no difference between Golden Core and Qi Refining.

After Lin Chuan took the stage, he bowed to the crowd and said, "Hehe, welcome everyone to my Secret Realm. I am Lin Chuan. Greetings!"

In a Formation below the stage, Li Rufeng, dressed as a down-and-out Cultivator, widened his eyes in disbelief.

"It really is my cheap disciple. How could he possibly create such a Secret Realm? Is he really a Genius? Did I pick up a treasure without knowing it?" Li Rufeng pondered.

"Hehe, but that's fine. I'm his master after all. Now I'll be able to live a good life too!" Li Rufeng thought happily.

Just as Li Rufeng was lost in his beautiful future of living a life of luxury, an unexpected change occurred!