33: Champion reward, two women bickering

Listening to the clamorous sounds, Lin Yuan showed impatience, waved his sleeve, and his powerful Origin Qi pushed the women back. At the same time, he said coldly, "I am fully aware of Yi Zi's matters and do not need your reminders. She has already been criticized and educated by me and has turned over a new leaf. I hope you all will no longer discuss her past actions in the future."

After speaking, he picked up Miao Yizi horizontally and quickly leaped away from the women's encirclement.

Looking at the figures of the two from afar, the female Disciples' faces were filled with resentment.

They couldn't understand, what good qualities did that little hussy have? Why was Senior Brother Lin so good to her?

Wasn't it just that she was a bit prettier? Although their looks weren't as good as that hussy's, they weren't bad, right?

...

Soon after, inside the Affairs Hall.

As the champion of this year's Grand Competition, Lin Yuan successfully received the championship reward—three thousand Origin Stones and a Coagulation Pill.

Looking at the Medicinal Pill in his hand, Lin Yuan smiled helplessly, "My Cultivation is only at the Opening Meridian Third Level; I'm still far from being able to use a Coagulation Pill."

For him now, the Rising Essence Pills obtained by the latter nine individuals were more useful.

Geng Xiu, having distributed the rewards, heard the young man's words and chuckled, "Historically, the champions of the Grand Competition have always been Cultivators at the Opening Meridian Ninth Level. The Coagulation Pill just happens to help them Breakthrough to Condensing Core. Only you, young man, are an exception."

Lin Yuan put away the Medicinal Pill and nodded, "I also didn't expect to achieve such results in my first Grand Competition. I originally just wanted to test the waters."

"This shows that your talent is excellent. No one in the Outer Sect is your opponent, and you will eventually enter the Inner Sect."

Hearing the other party mention the Inner Sect, Lin Yuan couldn't help but ask, "Sect Leader, I heard that as long as one Breaks through to the Condensing Core Realm before the age of thirty, they can enter the Inner Sect, is that right?"

Geng Xiu nodded slightly, "That's what they say, but in fact, the condition for entering the Inner Sect has nothing to do with Cultivation. As long as one passes the Inner Sect Assessment within the specified age, they can become an Inner Sect Disciple."

"Inner Sect Assessment?"

Lin Yuan looked puzzled; he hadn't heard Gu Shuqin mention this last time.

"Yes, the Inner Sect Assessment is not difficult for Cultivators at the Condensing Core. Therefore, as long as the age and Cultivation meet the requirements, it's almost 100% certain to enter the Inner Sect."

"So that's how it is. No wonder I've never heard anyone mention this before."

After Lin Yuan finished speaking, he suddenly thought of something and asked again, "According to you, can Cultivators below the Condensing Core also participate in the Inner Sect Assessment?"

"Yes, but although this Assessment is very simple for Condensing Core Disciples, it is quite difficult for Opening Meridian Realm Cultivators, almost impossible to pass. Therefore, no Opening Meridian Realm Disciple will sign up for the Inner Sect Assessment."

"Have any Opening Meridian Realm Disciples successfully passed the Inner Sect Assessment in the Sect's history?"

"There have been some..."

At this point, Geng Xiu paused, then shook his head and smiled, "But there were too few, only a handful, and they were all Prodigies of the Saint Physique level. We, with our mundane Physiques, shouldn't even consider it."

"Saint Physique level?"

Lin Yuan murmured. His Nine Yang Divine Meridian talent should be no less than that of the various Saint Physiques. In that case, he might have a chance to break the Assessment record.

Geng Xiu continued, "Although your Spiritual Vein is very strong, there is still some gap compared to a Saint Physique, so don't think about this anymore. You can enter the Inner Sect steadily after Breakthrough to Condensing Core. Anyway, with your talent, you should be able to successfully Condense Core in just a few years."

Lin Yuan did not refute the other party's words but cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Sect Leader. This Junior will take his leave first."

"Go, Cultivate well. The future of my Cloud Ripple Sect depends on you Juniors."

Patting the young man's shoulder, Geng Xiu left first.

Lin Yuan scanned his surroundings and saw the other eight contestants but did not find Liu Yuyan's figure.

The other party hadn't even come to claim the prize.

"She probably looks down on the meager Origin Stones of the Sect's reward," he speculated.

...

Outer Sect Disciple residential area.

It was already evening when Lin Yuan returned to his courtyard. Under the setting sun, delicious dishes were laid out on the stone table, and Gu Shuqin and Miao Yizi were already sitting nearby, waiting to eat.

"Lin Yuan, you're back."

Gu Shuqin said gently.

"Yes, why did Stepmother make so many dishes today?"

Lin Yuan sat down beside the two women, a smile on his face.

"Isn't it to celebrate your championship? You really gave Stepmother a big surprise, young man."

Gu Shuqin's beautiful face bloomed with a radiant smile.

She was truly happy today.

Even the day she married Qin Ren wasn't as happy as today.

Watching her Disciple overcome all obstacles, defeat all opponents, and finally successfully claim the championship, such astonishing joy was truly overflowing.

Seeing Stepmother so delighted made Lin Yuan incredibly happy as well. He modestly said, "Disciple also didn't expect to win the championship so smoothly. Perhaps it was good luck."

Miao Yizi pouted, "What luck? It was all based on strength, alright? Even a strong person like Liu Yuyan was defeated by Senior Brother. No one among the Outer Sect Disciples can contend with you anymore."

Gu Shuqin echoed, "That's right. Lin Yuan was able to win first place in the Grand Competition, of course, relying on his own strong ability, and it has nothing to do with luck."

Lin Yuan waved his hand, "Stepmother, you flatter me. Disciple's achievements are all thanks to your careful cultivation."

Gu Shuqin smiled wryly, "You really flatter me. Didn't you defeat Liu Yuyan relying on the Spiritual Vein within your body? Stepmother didn't help you with anything."

"Nonsense, didn't you help me Cultivate?"

Lin Yuan's nonchalant attitude made Gu Shuqin's expression a little unnatural.

After all, their relationship was still that of master and Disciple. To use such words in that capacity truly made her feel ashamed.

Miao Yizi chuckled, "Stepmother, why do you care about those worldly views? The Cultivation world values strength. Only with great strength can one gain others' respect. To put it bluntly, if Senior Brother were strong enough, no one would say anything even if he forcefully took possession of you. Moreover, you are now a widow, your original partner is dead. Isn't it normal to commit yourself to another man?"

Gu Shuqin bit her lip with her pearly teeth, remained silent for a long time, and then sighed softly, "You are right. I cared too much about those worldly concepts."

"Hehe, next time, let's help Senior Brother Cultivate together."

"Ah? How can that be?"

"Why not? Anyway, we are all Senior Brother's women; we'll become sisters sooner or later."

"Nonsense! You little hussy, where did you learn such Evil Path ideas?"

"I just want to add some fun, Stepmother. You're too proper; you won't be favored like this in the future."

"You little girl, you're starting to lecture me now, are you?"

Gu Shuqin raised her pink fist, pretending to hit someone.

Miao Yizi quickly hid in Lin Yuan's arms, timidly saying, "Senior Brother, aren't you going to say something for me?"

Lin Yuan stroked her head and admonished, "Stepmother is inherently a traditional woman. How can she accept your open-minded ideas? In the future, say less of such messy things in front of her."

Although he liked Miao Yizi's playful personality and had even fantasized about Stepmother becoming like that.

However, every woman is different. Gu Shuqin's mature and gentle side was the Stepmother in his heart, and he also liked her tender and considerate nature, occasionally with a touch of a little woman's temper.

If her personality suddenly changed, he would feel somewhat unaccustomed.