"To earn a place in the Grand Martial Assembly, one must become the most outstanding disciple of Martial Ascension Gate. That so-called outstanding disciple should mean a True Disciple, correct?"
Li Yun gazed at Grand Ascension Peak suspended in the air and drew a deep breath. A firm determination surfaced in his eyes as he spoke silently to himself. "I will definitely become a True Disciple of Martial Ascension Gate."
"Steward Wang, we still have matters to attend to, so we will not linger here," the Earth Pillar Peak First Seat said. "You should first lead these new talents on a tour of Martial Ascension Gate, then arrange their accommodations, and finally inform them of what they need to do next. Is that clear?"
The ancient ship descended and landed steadily on the ground. Everyone disembarked in order. The Earth Pillar Peak First Seat waved his sleeve and put away the ancient ship, after which his voice sounded once more.
"Yes," Steward Wang replied respectfully with a nod.
"Good."
The Earth Pillar Peak First Seat and the other First Seats nodded in unison. Their figures then turned into streaks of light that shot into the sky and vanished within moments.
After respectfully seeing the Four Peaks First Seats off, Steward Wang raised his voice toward Li Yun and the others. "Gather here. I have something to announce."
"Yes."
Those who had ranked within the top fifty of the New Disciples Ranking were all exceptional geniuses, yet as newcomers within Martial Ascension Gate, one of the four great sects of the Southern Martial Domain, none of them dared to act arrogantly. They obediently gathered before Steward Wang, their demeanor resembling students awaiting instruction.
"I have already explained the general situation within Martial Ascension Gate, so I will not waste further words," Steward Wang said, nodding in satisfaction at their discipline. "Next, I will inform you of the sect’s arrangements for you."
"According to the rules of Martial Ascension Gate, all new talents who rank within the top fifty of the enrollment assembly may directly become Inner Sect Disciples and choose one of the Four Peaks to cultivate in based on their preferences."
"However, since the New Disciples Ranking will only be finalized after a competition held one month from now, you will temporarily reside in the guest area of Martial Ascension Gate. Only after the ranking competition concludes will you be permitted to choose a peak to join."
"Now, I will explain the rewards associated with the New Disciples Ranking," Steward Wang continued. "These rewards apply only to the top three, so those ranked below should not dwell on them."
"After securing a top three position in the New Disciples Ranking competition, the first place winner will receive a Martial Dao Sacred Fruit, the opportunity to select an Earth Rank martial art from the Martial Ascension Gate Martial Library, three hundred thousand contribution points, and the distinguished title of New Talent King."
"The second place winner will receive a top grade profound rank martial art and one hundred and fifty thousand contribution points."
"The third place winner will receive a high grade profound rank martial art and one hundred thousand contribution points."
"Martial Dao Sacred Fruit."
Upon hearing those words, Li Yun’s heart trembled violently.
He might not care about Earth Rank martial arts, and he might not care about three hundred thousand contribution points, but there was no way he could ignore the martial dao sacred fruit.
What was a martial dao sacred fruit? It was an exceedingly rare spiritual essence whose pulp contained profoundly mysterious power. If a martial artist consumed it, they could rely on that inner power to comprehend a Martial Dao concept or greatly strengthen an existing one.
Such a reward was simply irresistible.
Li Yun possessed two martial dao intent seeds within his body, the Sword Intent Seed and the Killing Intent Seed. He knew very well that if he obtained this sacred fruit, he would be able to evolve at least one of those seeds into a true and complete intent.
Li Yun was not the only one stirred by this revelation. Ye Beichen, Zhu Ximen, Lu Changsan, Han Lingxue, and the other geniuses all showed clear excitement the moment they heard about the martial dao sacred fruit reserved for first place. Their breathing quickened slightly, making it obvious that every one of them coveted that reward.
"Alright, that is all that needs to be explained," Steward Wang said. "If you have any questions, you may ask them now. If not, come forward to receive your Martial Ascension Gate disciple robes and your room keys."
"After that, those who wish to cultivate may go and cultivate. Those who want to use their contribution points to exchange for treasures may head to the Contribution Hall. Those who wish to observe the strength of Martial Ascension Gate disciples may visit the Martial Battle Hall. Those who simply want to look around may explore freely, but do not trespass into the Forbidden Lands, or you will put your lives in danger."
Steward Wang’s voice echoed clearly in everyone’s ears.
"Steward Wang, what exactly is the purpose of the New Talent King title?" someone asked.
All of the young talents present understood how precious the martial dao sacred fruit was, yet none of them showed excessive excitement, because they knew it was not something they could hope to obtain. Since it was clearly beyond their reach, there was no reason to dwell on it.
Compared to the sacred fruit, they were far more curious about the meaning behind the title of New Talent King.
"The title of New Talent King represents the highest honor among the new disciples of the same generation," Steward Wang explained patiently. "Anyone who holds this title is acknowledged as the strongest among that cohort."
"Of course, the New Talent King title is not merely symbolic. It also comes with practical privileges. Within Martial Ascension Gate, aside from the Sect Master, you will not need to bow to anyone else. Furthermore, when exchanging treasures at the Contribution Hall, you will receive a twenty percent discount."
"So that is how it works."
Everyone quickly grasped the explanation. Afterward, a few people asked some minor questions, and then they approached Steward Wang one after another to collect their disciple robes and room keys.
Li Yun received his key and began walking toward his assigned residence. He had taken only a couple of steps when two figures suddenly moved to block his path.
Among the new disciples of this cohort, only Ye Beichen and Lu Changsan would dare to stand in his way.
"Is there a problem?" Li Yun asked calmly as he raised an eyebrow.
"Li Yun, do not get ahead of yourself," Ye Beichen said coldly, his expression filled with arrogance and confidence. "You may have gained more contribution points than me in the Eternal Sky Secret Realm and surpassed me for now, but that advantage is only temporary. The true New Disciples Ranking is decided by strength. One month from now, I will take back what belongs to me. First place on the New Disciples Ranking will be mine."
Ye Beichen did not know how Li Yun had managed to obtain such an overwhelming number of contribution points, yet he was certain of one thing. No matter what methods Li Yun had used, he did not believe Li Yun could defeat him in a direct confrontation. What was his would eventually return to his hands.
Lu Changsan’s expression was dark and sinister as he spoke in a chilling voice. "Li Yun, our last fight in the Eternal Sky Secret Realm ended without a clear victor. In the New Disciples Ranking competition one month from now, we will settle this properly. This time, no one will interfere, and I will beat you until you are no better than a dead dog."
Back in the Eternal Sky Secret Realm, Li Yun had fought him to a standstill despite only being at half step Xiantian Realm. Lu Changsan had never been able to accept that outcome and regarded it as a deep humiliation. Ever since then, he had been determined to defeat Li Yun and erase that disgrace, and the upcoming competition was the perfect opportunity.
"Heh. You are welcome to challenge me anytime," Li Yun replied with a faint smile.
He did not say another word. He simply stepped past the two of them and continued on his way.
"Hmph. Enjoy your arrogance while it lasts," Ye Beichen said coldly. "After the New Disciples Ranking competition, we will see what right you still have to act this way."
Watching Li Yun’s retreating figure, Ye Beichen and Lu Changsan snorted in unison before turning around and leaving in opposite directions.

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