20: Rewards and Gazes from the Shadows

The bell signaling the end of the arena stage matches rang long and clear, echoing over the Martial Arts Arena and in everyone's hearts.

As the light screen dissipated, the figures of the victors on the five arena stages were clearly presented before everyone.

On the First Arena Stage, The core five people from the Five Elements Courtyard stood with a steady air, as if it were only natural.

On the Second Arena Stage, the lone wanderer Lin Feng held his long sword, as indifferent as ever.

On the Third Arena Stage, Chen Jian and his teammates did not look pleased; their goal was clearly more than just successfully defending the stage.

On the Fourth Arena Stage, the Qi Refining Fourth Layer Peak Disciple, who had come from behind to win, had an irrepressible look of joy on his face.

On the Fifth Arena Stage, The core five people of the D-7 Courtyard supported each other, their clothes tattered, yet they stood as the most eye-catching and unbelievable sight on the Martial Arts Arena.

"The Outer Sect Competition ends here!" The voice of the stern Elder rang out with unquestionable authority. "The top five, step forward to receive your rewards, and you are permitted to enter the outskirts of the 'Meteor Ancient Ruins' in three days to seek Opportunity!"

The rewards were quickly distributed. As one of the top five, Wen Youyi and the others each received fifty Low-Grade Spirit Stones, a bottle of ten "Peiyuan Pills" (which were much more Advanced than calming heart pills and were true Medicinal Pills that could consolidate one's foundation), and a chance to enter the first floor of the Outer Sect Scripture Pavilion to choose a Cultivation Technique.

Holding the heavy Spirit Stones and the cool-to-the-touch Medicinal Pill bottle, Zhao Iron Pillar's hands were shaking as he grinned foolishly, unable to speak clearly: "We're... we're rich! I've never seen so many Spirit Stones!"

Wang Wu and the others were also incredibly excited, feeling that all their previous hard work and risks were worth it. These resources were enough to significantly increase their Cultivate speed!

Wen Youyi also felt quite emotional. These rewards were undoubtedly timely help for them now. But what he valued more was the qualification for the "Meteor Ancient Ruins." He had a premonition that he might find more clues about the truth of this world there.

While receiving the rewards, he felt gazes coming from all directions.

Chen Jian's cold gaze, like a venomous snake, made no attempt to hide the killing intent within.

The resentful and unwilling eyes of Zhou Rui and the others seemed as if they wanted to swallow him alive.

Most were complex and hard-to-read gazes—envy, jealousy, and even a few traces of... admiration?

Wen Youyi accepted them calmly, remaining unruffled by either favor or humiliation.

Just as they were preparing to leave the Martial Arts Arena and return to the Ding Zi Courtyard to celebrate and rest, the stern Elder called out to him specifically.

"Wen Youyi."

Wen Youyi's heart tightened. He stopped and bowed respectfully: "This Disciple is here."

The Elder sized him up, his stern face showing no emotion: "You have done well. You know how to leverage circumstances, use rules wisely, and adapt to situations. What is even rarer is your ability to gather people's hearts and utilize the strength of a team."

This evaluation was quite high, making Zhao Iron Pillar and the others beside him feel a sense of shared pride.

But the Elder's tone shifted, becoming profound: "However, the path of cultivation is treacherous and unpredictable. What is too rigid is easily broken; what is too clever borders on the demonic. The tree that stands taller than the forest will be the first to be destroyed by the wind. Take care of yourself."

These words were exactly the same as Yun Zhi's previous warning!

Wen Youyi bowed deeply: "Thank you for your teachings, Elder. This Disciple will keep them in mind."

The Elder waved his hand and said no more.

Carrying their rich rewards and the Elder's meaningful warning, Wen Youyi and The core five people returned to their dilapidated yet warm D-7 Courtyard.

Unprecedented cheers and laughter erupted in the courtyard. Zhao Iron Pillar poured the Spirit Stones onto the table and counted them one by one, chuckling foolishly. Wang Wu carefully examined the Peiyuan Pills as if they were peerless treasures.

Looking at his excited companions, a heartfelt smile appeared on Wen Youyi's face. This was the first time since coming to this world that he felt so grounded and accomplished.

He took out the cloud-patterned token Yun Zhi had given him and rubbed it in his hand.

"Meteor Ancient Ruins... Danxia Peak's West Foot Bamboo Garden..."

These two places must hide deeper secrets. And now, they finally had a bit of capital to explore.

However, Wen Youyi did not know that while he was shining in the Outer Sect, several intents far beyond his understanding were quietly sweeping over the Qingxuan Sect.

One intent was cold and grand, like the Heavenly Dao on inspection. As it swept over the Outer Sect area—especially when it felt that faint, "unreasonable" aura of teamwork and the lingering fluctuations of the mutated Talisman—it paused slightly, marked a vague coordinate, and then indifferently moved away. Like a shepherd noticing a slightly more active lamb in the flock, it didn't pay too much attention but had already included it in its observation.

Another intent, carrying a hint of inquiry and a subtle sense of protection, lingered near Danxia Peak, seemingly watching something in silence.

There were even more gazes hidden deeper, filled with greed, malice, or pure curiosity, also drawn by certain "accidents" in this competition, casting their eyes toward this originally unremarkable corner of the Outer Sect.

(End of Chapter)