Of course, Li Yun’s decision to join Heaven Mandate Peak was not driven purely by gratitude. There was also a harsh reality behind it.
If he did not choose Heaven Mandate Peak, none of the other Three Peaks would take him in.
According to the rules of Martial Ascension Gate, a new disciple who failed to enter one of the Four Peaks would lose the qualification to become an Inner Sect Disciple and would instead begin as an Outer Sect Disciple.
Li Yun had come to Martial Ascension Gate with a clear ambition. He wanted to stand at the very top and become the most outstanding disciple of the sect. There was no way he would allow himself to be pushed down to the Outer Sect from the very beginning.
A mocking laugh suddenly echoed through the hall.
"Hehe. People always say that my Earth Pillar Peak is wealthy and generous, but compared to what we have witnessed today, it seems insignificant. To spend such enormous resources to recruit a waste with one-star Aptitude, Heaven Mandate Peak Head, you are truly magnanimous."
The sarcasm in the voice of the Earth Pillar Peak First Seat was impossible to miss.
The Heaven Mandate Peak Head gave a cold snort.
"I am willing to do so. Do you have the authority to interfere?"
He then turned his gaze toward Steward Liu.
"Steward Liu, you are the one hosting this New Student Ranking competition. The rewards are with you. I have other matters to attend to, so distribute the prizes at once and do not waste any more time."
"Yes," Steward Liu replied respectfully.
He stepped forward and announced, "According to the rules, Li Yun, who has won first place in the New Student Ranking, will receive three hundred thousand contribution points, the qualification to enter the Martial Library and select one Earth Rank martial art, and one martial dao sacred fruit."
As he spoke, Steward Liu retrieved the rewards from his storage pouch.
One of them was a light golden token shaped like a feather.
This was the Martial Token. With this token, Li Yun could enter the Martial Library of Martial Ascension Gate and choose a single Earth Rank martial art.
The other item was even more eye-catching.
It was a crystal clear fruit covered in faint, mysterious patterns. Waves of pure Qi radiated from it continuously, and within those waves one could faintly sense the rhythm of the Dao itself.
This was a top-grade Heaven and Earth treasure known as the martial dao sacred fruit, a rare treasure capable of helping a Martial Artist elevate an Intent Seed or even comprehend Martial Dao True Intent.
"With this martial dao sacred fruit, my Sword Intent Seed or even my Killing Intent Seed can surely break into the True Intent Realm."
Li Yun’s gaze burned as it fixed upon the crystal clear fruit.
In his heart, the three hundred thousand contribution points, the opportunity to select an Earth Rank martial art, and even the title of New Talent King were far less valuable than this single treasure. The martial dao sacred fruit represented a genuine leap in strength. It was the key to transforming his foundation.
"Wait."
Just as Steward Liu was about to pass the rewards into Li Yun’s hands, a figure suddenly stepped forward and blocked his path.
It was the Earth Pillar Peak First Seat.
The Heaven Mandate Peak Head’s expression darkened immediately.
"Earth Pillar Peak First Seat, what is the meaning of this?"
The Earth Pillar Peak First Seat spoke calmly, as if discussing something trivial. "I believe Li Yun’s rewards should be revoked and transferred to Ye Beichen, who ranked second."
"Mo Xuanyu!"
The Heaven Mandate Peak Head’s temper flared. He abandoned formalities and called the Earth Pillar Peak First Seat by name.
"The first place reward in this New Student Ranking was established by the Sect Master himself. What authority do you have to cancel it? And you even want Ye Beichen from your Earth Pillar Peak to replace him? You must be dreaming."
"I have no authority to cancel it," Mo Xuanyu replied evenly. "I am merely making a suggestion."
He glanced at the rewards in Steward Liu’s hands.
"Three hundred thousand contribution points, an Earth Rank martial art, and a martial dao sacred fruit. These treasures can only realize their true value in the hands of a genius. Placing them in the hands of someone with one-star Aptitude is nothing but waste."
He then turned toward the Human Origin Peak First Seat and the Profound Mystery Peak Lord.
"Wasting sect resources is the most disgraceful thing of all. Tell me, should fine steel be forged into a blade, or should such abundant resources be squandered on someone unworthy?"
The Profound Mystery Peak Lord spoke without hesitation. "I also believe Li Yun’s qualification to receive these rewards should be revoked and passed to Ye Beichen."
The Human Origin Peak First Seat nodded in agreement. "I share the same view. Resources of this magnitude should not be wasted. They should be placed in the hands of a true genius like Ye Beichen, whose Aptitude is close to ten-star."
Their words fell heavily in the hall, turning the atmosphere tense once more.
Even though such a move would deeply offend Li Yun, none of them were concerned. In their eyes, he was nothing more than a disciple with one-star Aptitude. Offending him carried no real consequence.
Ye Beichen was an entirely different matter.
His Aptitude, which was second only to the founding Ancestral Master, Martial Ascension Immortal Master, meant that with proper cultivation he would almost certainly grow into one of the strongest pillars of Martial Ascension Gate in the future. Naturally, they preferred to stand on his side.
Besides, they were not parting with their own possessions. They were merely proposing to take Li Yun’s rewards and hand them to Ye Beichen. To them, it cost nothing, and it even earned goodwill from a future powerhouse. There was no reason to hesitate.
The Heaven Mandate Peak Head narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Since the three of you are so unanimous," he said in a cold tone, "it seems I have little choice but to agree."
"Peak Lord!"
Li Yun’s expression changed immediately. Anxiety surged through him.
These rewards had been earned through blood and battle. The martial dao sacred fruit in particular was vital to him. He could not afford to lose it.
Even if he could eventually comprehend True Sword Intent from the Sword Intent Seed through his high comprehension level, that would still take a lot of time compared to the martial dao sacred fruit which would instantly help him comprehend true sword intent.

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