Chapter 356 - 354: Claiming the Rewards

The Celestial Pride Conference finally came to an end.

All the geniuses who participated in the Celestial Pride Conference began to leave.

At the exit of the Martial Arts Arena.

Vice President Long and many high-ranking Sect officials were gathered there.

All the high-ranking members of the Yunxiao Sect were beaming with delight.

The Yunxiao Sect had a total of five disciples in the top twenty: Luo Tian, Ye Feng, Qiao Hai, Yi Jingwen, and their external support, Yu Yao.

In terms of numbers, they had surpassed the other Three Major Sects and the Celestial Ring Alliance.

As for the rankings, Luo Tian had taken first place—an achievement the Yunxiao Sect could boast about for decades.

As for the worst performance, that would have to be Bishui Palace, which only had three members in the top twenty.

The Extreme Ice Fairy’s final ranking had actually slipped out of the top twenty, a truly dismal result.

"Third Elder, why don’t you look very happy?"

A high-ranking member of the Yunxiao Sect asked, looking at Third Elder Zhou Yuquan.

Only after speaking did he remember that the enmity between the Third Elder and Luo Tian was considerable.

The Third Elder’s expression was unsightly, his mind in turmoil.

Anyone who earned the title of King of the Celestial Pride, as long as they didn’t fall prematurely, was destined to become a top-tier Great Power on the Dongchen Continent.

Luo Tian had now become a treasure to the entire Yunxiao Sect. Dealing with him was no longer a realistic option.

Worse, he even had to worry about Luo Tian’s future retaliation.

"Next, we will distribute the rewards for this Celestial Pride Conference!"

The rewards for the Celestial Pride Conference were primarily provided by the Celestial Ring Alliance, with the Four Major Sects and some Hidden Families also contributing a small portion.

"The top one hundred participants will each receive a vial of ’Spirit Essence Liquid,’"

Vice President Long announced.

Spirit Essence Liquid had many uses. It could strengthen one’s Qi Sea and deepen their Cultivation Foundation. If consumed directly in an emergency, it could also restore True Qi.

Furthermore, it could help those at the Half-step Earth Element Realm achieve a breakthrough, though its effects were certainly inferior to an Earth Spirit Fruit.

The reward for the top hundred wasn’t particularly amazing; it was more of a token gesture.

"The top twenty may additionally select one Upper Grade Treasure Artifact and one Earth Level Upper Grade Martial Skill!"

Vice President Long continued.

The reward for the top twenty made many of the geniuses’ eyes light up. An Upper Grade Treasure Artifact plus an Earth Level Upper Grade Martial Skill had a total value approaching twenty thousand Spiritual Essence Coins.

"The top three will receive an additional reward of twenty thousand Spiritual Essence Coins, as well as the privilege of unlocking a mysterious legacy!"

"First place will receive an additional reward: the ’Celestial Pride Order’!"

As soon as Vice President Long finished speaking, many serving maids approached, carrying jade discs and distributing the Spirit Essence Liquid to the top one hundred geniuses present.

As the first-place winner, Luo Tian received all the rewards Vice President Long had mentioned.

One vial of Spirit Essence Liquid, the right to choose one Upper Grade Treasure Artifact and one Earth Level Upper Grade Martial Skill for free, twenty thousand Spiritual Essence Coins, the privilege of unlocking a mysterious legacy, and the Celestial Pride Order!

"Damn it!"

The Extreme Ice Fairy stared at the single vial of Spirit Essence Liquid before her, her face ashen!

As one of the five great Celestial Prides, she had ended up placing twenty-first, receiving only the most basic reward!

"Everyone, please hand over your Genius Orders."

An official announced.

They needed to collect all the Genius Orders to gather the Celestial Fate Qi within them. It would take three days to forge the "Celestial Pride Order."

"What is this privilege of unlocking a mysterious legacy?"

Luo Tian couldn’t help but ask.

It was the first time he had ever heard of it.

The Yunxiao Sect’s Grand Elder’s expression stiffened slightly before he slowly explained, "The Dongchen Continent has a long history. To this day, there are about a dozen or two known legacy Secret Realms. Almost every legacy offers an opportunity to change one’s destiny..."

The top three participants of the Celestial Pride Conference could designate a specific legacy, and the Celestial Ring Alliance would pay a great price to open it.

Because no one from the Yunxiao Sect had placed in the top three of the Celestial Pride Conference for a hundred years, the Sect’s upper echelons had never explained this before.

"All of the top one hundred have the qualification to enter a legacy. It just depends on whether there are enough spots!"

The top three from the Celestial Pride Conference would each choose a legacy to open, and participants would then enter based on their rankings.

Each legacy has a limited number of entrants, so those with lower rankings might miss out on this opportunity.

Additionally, the top three could designate two people to enter the legacy with them, or block someone from entering the legacy they chose.

"The legacies will open in three days!"

After his explanation, Vice President Long led everyone to collect their other rewards.

Upon leaving the Martial Arts Arena, the other disciples of the Yunxiao Sect all rushed over.

"Junior Luo, congratulations on becoming the King of the Celestial Pride!"

Ning Xin’s face was flushed with excitement as she offered her congratulations.

"Brother Luo, you’re the definition of a dark horse!"

"Before long, Brother Luo, your name will spread throughout the entire Dongchen Continent and be recorded in the annals of history!"

Other Yunxiao Sect disciples eagerly struck up conversations with him.

The status of the King of the Celestial Pride was extraordinary. It represented the number one person of the younger generation on the Dongchen Continent!

They enjoyed many special privileges and conveniences in numerous places across the Dongchen Continent!

It was said that three hundred years ago, an Evil Demon Wanderer who paid no mind to worldly affairs, with a Cultivation at the Earth Element Realm Sixth Layer or higher, had killed that year’s King of the Celestial Pride. He was subsequently hunted down by all the major powers of the Dongchen Continent.

Furthermore, throughout history, any King of the Celestial Pride who matured fully became an illustrious, top-tier Great Power, standing at the apex of the continent!

Many disciples suddenly felt immensely proud to be fellow disciples with the King of the Celestial Pride, even if they had never actually spoken to him.

"Congratulations!"

The mysterious woman in white, Yu Yao, approached Luo Tian and offered a simple congratulations.

Luo Tian always had a peculiar feeling about the mysterious woman in white, as if she were someone he knew.

Not far away, Nangong Yu glanced at Luo Tian a few times.

He hadn’t even made it through the elimination rounds, basically just showing up for the experience.

He had originally thought Luo Tian was just there for the experience too, but Luo Tian had fought his way to the final match and seized the title of King of the Celestial Pride.

Nangong Yu couldn’t help but recall that before the Celestial Pride Conference began, he had told Luo Tian they should face off in the next one.

"Don’t be discouraged. Our Nangong Family’s Celestial Spirit Extreme Origin Skill is not inferior even to the Cultivation Technique that Qi Yuntian practices. The further you cultivate it, the stronger you’ll become..."

Beside him, Nangong Yu’s grandfather offered words of comfort.

Nangong Yu’s expression was calm, showing no emotion.

He felt that even with this Cultivation Technique, it would be very difficult for him to catch up to Luo Tian.

...

The Celestial Ring Alliance was composed of the three strongest commerce associations.

The Doulong Commerce Association, where Vice President Long belonged, controlled over eighty percent of the Martial Arts Arena industry on the Dongchen Continent.

The Celestial Net Commerce Association was the largest information-brokering organization on the Dongchen Continent; the Human, Spirit, and Earth Lists were all published by them.

The last one was the "Linglong Commerce Association," which managed businesses dealing in Martial Skills, Weapons, Spiritual Materials, and more, making it the wealthiest.

Now, the top twenty from the Celestial Pride Conference were heading to the Linglong Commerce Association to select their Martial Skills and Treasure Artifacts, and to collect their twenty thousand Spiritual Essence Coin reward.

Soon, a vast and boundless Crystal Palace appeared before them.

Inside the Crystal Palace, every brick and tile, every blade of grass and leaf was extraordinary. The air was thick with an aura of luxury and wealth that left many of the geniuses dumbfounded.

This was the Linglong Commerce Association, the most luxurious and opulent place on the entire Dongchen Continent.

"These must be the top twenty from the Celestial Pride Conference!"

A lavishly dressed woman with a gentle smile on her jade-like face slowly walked over.

This woman was none other than the vice president of the Linglong Commerce Association.

After bringing the group before her, Vice President Long turned and left without saying another word.

"It’s said that the Doulong Commerce Association and the Linglong Commerce Association don’t get along."

Cheng Wanli, who was beside Luo Tian, muttered under his breath.

"It’s been a long time, Lady Ling!"

Some of the Sect’s high-ranking members greeted the elegant woman.

"The most dazzling geniuses of the Dongchen Continent, follow me."

The elegant woman led the group into a grand hall.

"Here, you will find only Upper Grade Treasure Artifacts. The hall across from this one contains Earth Level Upper Grade Martial Skills. You may choose for yourselves."

"Additionally, the Linglong Commerce Association will present each of you with a welcoming gift: a Golden Card Membership to our association!"

The elegant woman’s gaze swept across the twenty geniuses before her. ’These are all high-potential assets,’ she thought. ’They will become influential figures on the Dongchen Continent in the future. It’s important to build a good relationship with them.’

"A Linglong Commerce Association Golden Card!"

Luo Tian’s eyes lit up.

Golden Card Members of the Linglong Commerce Association were few and far between on the continent; it was a symbol of status and position.

Ordinarily, one needed to spend a total of at least one hundred thousand Spiritual Essence Coins at establishments under the Linglong Commerce Association to qualify.

With a Golden Card, one could enjoy a thirty-percent discount at all Martial City shops controlled by the Celestial Ring Alliance across the entire Dongchen Continent!

’I’ll pick a Treasure Artifact first.’

Luo Tian looked around.

There was a wide variety of Treasure Artifacts here, all of superior quality.

Luo Tian could have chosen a weapon even better than the [Ice Trace Sword].

But after some thought, he decided to choose a defensive one instead.

After all, the [Ice Trace Sword] was still serviceable, but his Defensive Treasure Armor had been severely damaged in the battles against Celestial Evil Sword and Qi Yuntian, and was now unusable.

"This Defensive Inner Armor is quite good!"

Luo Tian’s eyes fell upon a silver-white piece of Cold Armor.

[Cold Jade Armor]: Provides excellent defense against Water and Ice Element attacks. In the hands of a Cultivator practicing an Ice Element Technique, its defensive capabilities can approach the level of a Top Grade Treasure Artifact!

’I have an Ice Divine Vein, so it should provide a bonus for me as well.’

After choosing his Treasure Artifact, Luo Tian went to the other grand hall to select an Earth Level Upper Grade Martial Skill.

He wasn’t lacking in any area, be it Body Techniques, Swordsmanship, Body Refining Techniques, or Secret Techniques.

After long consideration, Luo Tian decided to choose a Palm Technique.

His only palm skill was the Guiyuan Cloud-Dispelling Hand, which was too one-dimensional. Besides, Luo Tian had comprehended True Palm Skill Intent and didn’t want to let it go to waste.

Soon, Luo Tian selected a Palm Technique.

"Cold Wind Palm": A graceful and fluid Palm Technique, yet piercingly cold. When cultivated to Perfection, a single palm strike can freeze everything within a hundred-meter radius.

This Palm Technique was better suited for those with Wind or Ice Element Techniques, and Luo Tian planned to use it in conjunction with his Divine Vein.

After making his selections, Luo Tian saw a middle-aged steward distributing the Golden Card Memberships to the other geniuses.

Just then, the graceful figure of the Linglong Commerce Association’s vice president suddenly appeared before him, bringing with her the charm of a mature woman and a faint, sweet fragrance.

"So this is this year’s King of the Celestial Pride?"

The elegant woman’s breath was as fragrant as an orchid, her voice like a whisper in his ear, unconsciously sparking endless fantasies.

Luo Tian’s mind wavered for a moment. The elegant woman before him suddenly seemed irresistibly alluring, kindling a primal urge within him.

He immediately activated his Creation Technique to calm his mind. Only then did he see that the elegant woman had, at some point, extended her hand and was holding a golden card out to him.

Luo Tian’s heart skipped a beat. ’It seems this elegant woman is also an expert of profound strength,’ he thought.

"Thank you."

He nodded slightly and took the golden card.

The twenty thousand Spiritual Essence Coin reward was stored inside it.

A strange light flashed in the elegant woman’s beautiful eyes, and a charming smile graced her lips. "I wonder if Your Excellency would be willing to join the Linglong Commerce Association? Whatever the Yunxiao Sect is offering, our association can double it!"

"Lady Ling, I trust you’ve been well!"

Outside the hall, the Grand Elder suddenly spoke as he walked in.

’Trying to poach someone from the Yunxiao Sect? Not a chance!’