46: The Grand Competition Results were announced, and the Spirit Pool extended an invitation.

The moment Zhao Kun fainted on the steps, the silence in the Training Grounds lasted only for half a breath, then erupted into thunderous cheers. Outer Sect Disciples surged to the edge of the arena, pointing and shouting excitedly in Lin Yang's direction. Even those who had previously questioned him, claiming he 'relied on devouring True Essence to cheat,' now only had faces full of shock — a Xiantian Realm Cultivator defeating a Gang Qi Realm Cultivator across Realms was an unprecedented record in the Star Moon Sect's Outer Sect Grand Competition for a century, enough to be written into the Sect's archives.

Liu Qingluan pulled Liu Hongluan to the front row. The sisters' eyes were red as they looked at the blood-stained yet unyielding figure in the arena, their voices trembling, "Brother did it... he really won!" Liu Hongluan nodded vigorously, the silk handkerchief clutched in her fingertips soaked with sweat. The fear she felt when Zhao Kun stepped towards Lin Yang's Dantian earlier had now completely transformed into ecstasy.

On the high platform, the Sect Master slowly walked down the steps. His purple-gold Dragon-patterned robe swept across the bluestone, carrying an undeniable majesty. He first glanced at the unconscious Zhao Kun on the ground, his gaze then falling upon the shattered Misty Immortal Palace cloud-patterned Waist Token. A faint hint of coldness flashed in his eyes, but he said nothing, merely instructing the attendant beside him, "Take Zhao Kun away. According to Sect rules, Inner Sect Disciples who violate regulations by interfering in the Outer Sect Grand Competition will be confined for three months and have half a year's Cultivation resources deducted."

This punishment seemed not light, but it avoided the core issue of 'colluding with the Misty Immortal Palace.' Lin Yang stood still, his chaos star core subtly throbbing, committing the Sect Master's momentary change in expression to memory. He recalled Elder Mo's warning, 'Do not trust the Star Moon Sect Master.' It seemed the Sect Master was already aware of the Zhao family's connection to the Immortal Palace, but was deliberately concealing it.

"Silence." The Sect Master's voice, imbued with True Essence, spread out, and the arena instantly fell silent. He walked to the center of the arena, his gaze sweeping over all the Disciples, finally resting on Lin Yang. His tone carried clear praise: "Lin Yang, at Innate Sixth-Layer, directly confronted a Gang Qi Realm Cultivator, not only winning by strength but also demonstrating the Heart-Nature of a Martial Artist. He shall be an example for the Outer Sect. Now, the top ten rankings and rewards for this Grand Competition are officially announced!"

The attendant held up the gilded List (Bǎngdān - list/ranking) and stepped forward. The moment it unfolded, the golden characters were exceptionally striking under the sunlight.

"Tenth place, Ding Courtyard's Zhang Tao — three victories, Innate Third-Layer, reward: two hundred Outer Sect Contribution Points, three first-grade 'qi gathering pills,' promoted to Outer Sect Core Disciple."

Zhang Tao was a Disciple from the same courtyard as Lin Yang, who had previously helped the Liu sisters in the Spirit Qi Tower. Hearing his name now, he excitedly stepped forward to receive his reward. As he passed Lin Yang, he bowed respectfully, his eyes full of admiration.

"Ninth place, Bing Courtyard's Liu Ming — four victories, Innate Third-Layer Peak, reward: three hundred Outer Sect Contribution Points, five first-grade 'qi gathering pills,' one month's priority usage of the Outer Sect Cultivation Room."

Liu Ming was a Disciple from the same courtyard as Chu He, skilled in wood-element auxiliary spells. Although he lost in his previous fight with Zhou Kai, he managed to delay for a long time using his spells. As he received his reward, he specifically looked at Chu He, showing a look of approval.

"Eighth place, Jia Courtyard's He Xin — four victories, Innate Fourth-Layer, reward: four hundred Outer Sect Contribution Points, two second-grade 'essence solidifying pills,' one low-grade Medicinal Pill formula from the Pill Hall."

He Xin was Junior Sister from the same courtyard as Shen Li, her water-element spells quite agile. After receiving her reward, she walked to Shen Li's side and whispered, "Senior Sister, you should have been in the top three." Shen Li, however, just smiled and shook her head, her gaze fixed on Lin Yang.

"Seventh place, Ji Courtyard's Sun Qiang — five victories, Innate Fourth-Layer, reward: five hundred Outer Sect Contribution Points, three second-grade 'essence solidifying pills,' an Incomplete Manual of the metal-element basic Cultivation Technique, 'Sharp Metal Art.'"

Sun Qiang was the opponent Lin Yang had defeated with a single punch earlier. As he received his reward, his face was still a bit flushed, but he still cupped his fists towards Lin Yang — losing to someone who could defeat a Gang Qi Realm Cultivator across Realms was not shameful.

"Sixth place, Wu Courtyard's Zhao Lei — five victories, Innate Fourth-Layer, reward: six hundred Outer Sect Contribution Points, four second-grade 'essence solidifying pills,' an advanced version of the fire-element spell 'Small Fireball Art.'"

Zhao Lei was skilled in fire-element spells. When he fought Lin Yang previously, his Blazing Palm had already reached Minor Achievement. As he received his reward, his gaze was complex, containing both unwillingness and recognition of Lin Yang's strength.

"Fifth place, Bing Courtyard's Li Song — six victories, Innate Fourth-Layer, reward: seven hundred Outer Sect Contribution Points, five second-grade 'essence solidifying pills,' the introductory chapter of the earth-element defensive spell 'Thick Earth Art.'"

Li Song was the opponent Lin Yang defeated who lasted the longest, having resisted two of Lin Yang's punches with his earth-element True Essence. As he received his reward, he specifically asked Chu He, "Senior Brother Chu, what exactly is the attribute of Senior Brother Lin's Chaos True Essence?" Chu He merely smiled and said, "You'd know more if you ask him directly."

"Fourth place, Jia Courtyard's Fang Rui — six victories, Innate Fourth-Layer Peak, reward: eight hundred Outer Sect Contribution Points, one third-grade 'essence condensing pill,' exemption from the Inner Sect Disciple assessment (valid for six months)."

Fang Rui was an experienced Disciple from Jia Courtyard, whose strength was second only to Shen Li. He had avoided Lin Yang due to the draw but lost to Chu He before the semi-finals. He was quite composed as he received his reward, cupping his fists to both Lin Yang and Chu He.

"Third place, Jia Courtyard's Shen Li — seven victories, Innate Fourth-Layer Peak, reward: one thousand Outer Sect Contribution Points, two third-grade 'essence condensing pills,' an Incomplete Manual of the poison technique 'Hundred Herbs Poison Classic,' directly promoted to Inner Sect Disciple."

Shen Li stepped forward. As she accepted the reward, the Sect Master specifically gave her an extra glance: "You could have gone further, why did you hold back when fighting Lin Yang?" A hint of cunning flashed in Shen Li's eyes, but she merely bowed and said, "This Disciple's skills are inferior; I accept defeat." Lin Yang stood nearby, recalling Shen Li's earlier action of reminding him about 'Zhao Kun carrying a spirit sealing chain,' and understood — she had intentionally conceded, neither owing Zhao Meier a favor nor missing an opportunity to do him a good turn.

"Second place, Bing Courtyard's Chu He — eight victories, Innate Fourth-Layer Peak, reward: one thousand five hundred Outer Sect Contribution Points, three third-grade 'essence condensing pills,' an advanced chapter of the earth-element defensive Cultivation Technique 'Thick Earth Shield,' directly promoted to Inner Sect Disciple."

Chu He stepped forward. As he received the reward, the Sect Master patted his shoulder: "Your Thick Earth Shield has a solid Foundation. If you can be more adaptable, your future is promising." Chu He bowed to the Sect Master, then turned to Lin Yang, revealing a frank smile: "Next time we spar, I won't lose again." Lin Yang nodded in return, his approval growing for this Martial Artist who relied on his own efforts.

"First place, Ding Courtyard's Lin Yang — nine victories, defeated a Gang Qi Realm Cultivator across Realms, reward: three thousand Outer Sect Contribution Points, five third-grade 'essence condensing pills,' directly promoted to Inner Sect Disciple, specially granted one Cultivation qualification in the 'Inner Sect Secret Realm Five Elements Spirit Pool,' to be guided by Su Qingyue three days later."

The entire venue erupted in cheers once more. The Sect Master personally handed Lin Yang a jade token engraved with "Inner Sect Disciple." The token felt warm and smooth to the touch, carrying a faint Spiritual Qi. "Your Chaos True Essence is very special," the Sect Master's voice was very low, audible only to Lin Yang, "The Five Elements Spirit Pool contains the Origin of the Five Elements, perhaps it can help you unlock the secret of your star core."

Lin Yang's heart trembled — the Sect Master actually knew about the chaos star core? Just as he was about to ask further, the Sect Master had already turned, announcing to all the Disciples, "This Outer Sect Grand Competition has concluded. The newly promoted Inner Sect Disciples will report to the Inner Sect in three days. Dismissed!"

The crowd gradually dispersed. Su Qingyue walked to Lin Yang's side and handed him a bottle of healing Medicinal Pills: "This is a 'Ice Soul Pill,' it can repair your Meridians that were scorched by the Protective Aura. In three days, I'll take you to the Five Elements Spirit Pool. The Spiritual Qi there is ten times purer than in the Outer Sect Cultivation Room, which will be very helpful for your Breakthrough." Bai Wanqing also slowly walked over, her eyes filled with satisfaction: "You didn't disappoint me. The appearance of the Chaos Domain was half a year earlier than I expected. The Five Elements Spirit Pool contains the aura of the Spatial Origin, which might complete the star map within your star core."

Chu He and Shen Li also walked over. Chu He handed the advanced chapter of 'Thick Earth Shield' to Lin Yang: "I see you're not very skilled in defensive spells. Take this and read it first. After you come out of the Spirit Pool, we'll have another match." Shen Li then slipped Lin Yang a note: "The Zhao family won't let this go. This is a distribution map of the Inner Sect Zhao family Disciples' residences; be careful."

Lin Yang accepted the items handed to him by everyone, a warmth surging in his heart. He looked down at the Inner Sect jade token in his palm, and the chaos star core suddenly felt slightly warm, as if sensing the direction of the Five Elements Spirit Pool. He remembered the half-map of the Misty Forbidden Land inside the essence condensing pill wooden box given by Elder Mo, and also the clue about his mother being trapped in the Forbidden Ground — the Five Elements Origin of the Five Elements Spirit Pool might not only enhance his Cultivation, but also help him decipher the chain patterns on the map.

In the direction of the Xuantian Sword Sect, Elder Wu and Ling Feihong had already disappeared into the crowd. Lin Yang knew that defeating Zhao Kun was just the beginning. The Zhao family's revenge, the Xuantian Sword Sect's covetousness, the Misty Immortal Palace's conspiracy, and the Sect Master's vague attitude all indicated that after entering the Inner Sect, he would face more challenges.

The Five Elements Spirit Pool three days later was not just an opportunity for Cultivation, but also a key to uncovering more secrets. Lin Yang gripped the jade token, a determined light flashing in his eyes — he needed to become strong quickly, strong enough to protect those around him, strong enough to break through the Misty Forbidden Land and find his mother.