Chereads / Sword pointing towards the sky / Chapter 25 - The Beginning of the Sect Grand Competition

Chapter 25 - The Beginning of the Sect Grand Competition

The sect grand competition is an important event held once every ten years within the sect. For all disciples, this is not only an opportunity to showcase their strength but also the best moment to contend for resources and enhance their status. Especially for those disciples in the Foundation Establishment stage, this grand competition is a crucial turning point that determines their future cultivation path. Since his encounter with Li Daoqian and others, Lin Tian has been fully preparing for this grand competition. He knows that this competition will be an important opportunity for him to establish himself within the sect and cannot afford the slightest carelessness. The night before the grand competition, the entire sect fell into a silence, as if all living beings were conserving their strength for the fierce competition that was about to arrive. Lin Tian sat in his cave dwelling, quietly regulating his breathing to maintain the best state possible. He knew that in tomorrow's competition, any instability of mind might lead to failure. "The sect grand competition is not only a contest of strength but also a battle of state of mind and wisdom." Lin Tian silently reminded himself. He deeply understood that in this grand competition, relying solely on strength was not enough. Only by remaining calm at crucial moments could one truly grasp the chance of victory. The first ray of sunlight in the early morning shone on the main hall of the sect. The square was already crowded with numerous disciples who had come to observe the grand competition. The elders of the sect were also already in place, their gazes carrying a hint of scrutiny and anticipation. The performance of each disciple might affect their future and even the fate of the entire sect. Lin Tian stood among the crowd, his gaze calm. He knew that this grand competition was not only a contest among disciples but also a test by the sect's high-level for future successors. Those disciples who were usually low-key might surprise everyone in this grand competition. "I hope this grand competition will enable me to gain a firm foothold within the sect and obtain higher cultivation resources." Lin Tian secretly prayed in his heart. He understood that only by standing out in this grand competition could he win more opportunities for his cultivation path. With the order of the sect leader, the sect grand competition officially began. The competition was divided into multiple stages, and the contents of each stage were different. There were tests of basic cultivation techniques, competitions of profound secret techniques, and simulation battles to test the disciples' comprehensive abilities. In the first stage of the grand competition, it was a contest of basic cultivation techniques. Although it seemed simple, in fact, it was a comprehensive examination of each disciple's usual cultivation foundation. Those disciples who focused on basic cultivation during ordinary times often demonstrated remarkable strength in this stage. Lin Tian was arranged to appear in the first group. Among his fellow group members were several Inner Sect disciples, including Zhou Yan, who had previously fought with him. At this moment, Zhou Yan stood not far away, his gaze carrying a hint of malice. Clearly, he still held a grudge over his previous defeat. "Although basic cultivation techniques are not the key to determining victory or defeat, if one fails in this aspect, it might affect the subsequent competitions." Lin Tian contemplated inwardly. He knew that although he was proficient in spells and secret techniques, basic cultivation techniques were still the foundation of cultivation and must not be taken lightly. With the announcement of the elder in charge of judging, the competition of the first group officially began. The content of the competition was the application of basic sword techniques. This was a basic skill that almost all disciples had practiced, testing the disciples' mastery and flexibility in the application of the sword techniques. Lin Tian held the spirit sword and silently recited the sword formula in his heart. With a soft shout, the sword light flashed, and the spirit sword in his hand swiftly drew a beautiful arc. The sword aura surged in the air, drawing out several sharp sword auras, as if instantly transforming into a web of swords, completely sealing the surrounding space. The elder in charge of judging nodded slightly upon seeing this. He noticed that although Lin Tian's sword formula was a basic one, under his application, it appeared exceptionally smooth and natural, clearly the result of long-term hard practice. "Junior Brother Lin Tian's sword formula is truly extraordinary." The disciples on the side also whispered among themselves. None of them expected that Lin Tian would have such profound attainments in basic cultivation techniques. However, while Lin Tian was concentrating on the application of the sword formula, Zhou Yan suddenly made a move. His sword formula was equally sharp, but the sword aura was mixed with a powerful force of flames. Clearly, he had integrated the fire attribute spiritual energy into the sword formula. "Flame Sword Formula!" Lin Tian's heart shuddered. He knew that Zhou Yan was using the fire attribute spiritual energy to enhance the power of the sword formula, aiming to gain an advantage in the competition of basic cultivation techniques. However, Lin Tian did not panic because of this. He quickly adjusted his sword stance and integrated the thunder force within his body into the sword formula, instantly neutralizing Zhou Yan's offensive. The two sword auras collided in the air, emitting a shrill explosion. The flames and thunder intertwined, creating a dazzling light. In the end, with his proficient mastery and flexible application of the sword formula, Lin Tian successfully suppressed Zhou Yan's offensive. The elder in charge of judging announced that Lin Tian won this round of the competition. "It seems that Lin Tian's performance this time is indeed remarkable." The elders nodded one after another, expressing their approval of Lin Tian's performance. And the surrounding disciples also revealed surprised expressions. None of them expected that Lin Tian could win again in the confrontation with Zhou Yan. "Junior Brother Lin Tian is truly extraordinary. But the subsequent competitions are the key." Some disciples whispered, obviously believing that the subsequent competitions would be even more intense. However, Lin Tian did not relax because of this. He knew that the competition of basic cultivation techniques was only the beginning; the real challenges lay ahead. After the competition of basic cultivation techniques ended, it was followed by the competition of secret techniques. This stage of the competition tested the disciples' mastery of various profound secret techniques and their application ability in actual combat. Compared to basic cultivation techniques, this stage of the competition was more dangerous because the power of secret techniques was immense. Once out of control, the consequences would be unimaginable. Lin Tian was arranged to appear in the third group. The several disciples in his group were all elites from the Inner Sect, including Li Daoqian, who had previously fought with him. At this moment, Li Daoqian stood not far away, his gaze carrying a hint of coldness. Clearly, he was still unwilling to accept his previous defeat. "The competition of secret techniques is the moment to truly showcase one's strength." Lin Tian murmured inwardly. He knew that this stage of the competition not only tested the understanding of secret techniques but also the disciples' mentality and adaptability in high-intensity confrontations. With the announcement of the elder in charge of judging, the competition of the third group officially began. The content of the competition was to use a secret technique to defeat a giant beast condensed by spiritual energy. The strength of this giant beast was set at the middle stage of Foundation Establishment and was extremely powerful. Lin Tian took a deep breath and then quickly made hand seals. The spiritual energy within his body rapidly circulated and he suddenly launched an attack on the giant beast. What he施展 was the "Nine Heavens Thunder Rune", a secret technique that he had cultivated for a long time and was extremely powerful. The thunder force condensed in the air and transformed into a bolt of lightning, directly hitting the top of the giant beast's head. The giant beast let out a roar and then swung its huge claws, attempting to block this attack. However, the thunder force was extremely powerful, instantly penetrating the giant beast's defense and landing heavily on its body. "Boom!" With a loud explosion, the giant beast was struck by the thunder and its body suddenly shook, clearly having suffered serious injuries. Seeing this, Lin Tian pursued the victory and continuously unleashed several thunder forces, ultimately completely defeating the giant beast. The elder in charge of judging announced that Lin Tian won this round of the competition. And the surrounding disciples all let out exclamations of surprise. None of them expected that Lin Tian's thunder secret technique would be so powerful. "Junior Brother Lin Tian's thunder technique is truly extraordinary. But the subsequent competitions are the key." Some disciples whispered and discussed. They obviously believed that the subsequent actual combat competitions would be even more intense. However, Lin Tian did not relax because of this. He knew that although the competition of secret techniques was important, the real determinant of victory or defeat was the subsequent actual combat competitions. After the competition of secret techniques ended, the sect grand competition entered the most crucial stage - simulated actual combat. In this stage of the competition, the disciples were divided into several groups and engaged in confrontations in a specific scenario, testing their comprehensive abilities, including combat skills, teamwork, and adaptability to the environment. Lin Tian was assigned to an unfamiliar group. Most of the disciples in his group were a mix of Outer Sect and Inner Sect disciples. Although they were not familiar with each other, they all knew that this stage of the competition was of utmost importance. The scenario of the simulated actual combat was set in a virtual mountain forest, which was filled with various traps and powerful spirit beasts. The disciples had to pass through these dangerous areas within the limited time while also engaging in confrontations with disciples from other groups and ultimately reach the top of the mountain. "This actual combat simulation is not only a test of individual strength but also an examination of teamwork." Lin Tian silently reminded himself. He knew that in such an environment, going solo often made it difficult to gain an advantage. Only by closely cooperating with companions could one win in this competition. With the order of the elder in charge of judging, Lin Tian and his teammates quickly entered the mountain forest. As soon as they entered, they felt the abnormal fluctuation of spiritual energy around them. Clearly, many hidden traps and arrays were set up here. Lin Tian walked at the front of the team, his gaze sharply scanning the surroundings. He knew that he was the strongest member in the group and therefore had to shoulder the responsibility of leading the team forward. Not long after they started walking, the team encountered a huge spirit beast. This spirit beast was completely covered with thick scales and was clearly some kind of powerful defense-type spirit beast. One of the disciples in the team immediately made a move, attempting to repel it. But the spirit beast's defense was extremely astonishing and it easily blocked the attack. Seeing this, Lin Tian knew that more effective measures must be taken. He quickly made hand seals and施展 the "Nine Heavens Thunder Rune". A thunder force suddenly struck the spirit beast. The moment the thunder hit the spirit beast, its body suddenly shook and let out a painful roar, clearly having suffered considerable damage. "Now, everyone attack its abdomen together!" Lin Tian shouted loudly, commanding the other disciples in the team to join forces and launch an attack. Everyone followed the command and concentrated their strength to attack the spirit beast's abdomen. Eventually, with the assistance of the thunder, they repelled this powerful spirit beast. "Senior Brother Lin is indeed powerful. Thanks to your command, we could be so smooth." One of the disciples in the team said gratefully. Lin Tian nodded but did not relax because of this. He knew that this actual combat simulation had just begun and there would be more dangers awaiting them. As the team advanced deeper, Lin Tian and his teammates encountered more and more challenges. Whether it was the traps hidden in the dark or the sudden attacks of spirit beasts, they were constantly consuming their physical strength and spiritual energy. However, Lin Tian always maintained a calm mind. With his sharp insight and quick response to the environment, he led the team to successfully avoid many crises and gradually approach the top of the mountain. "It seems that our progress has been relatively smooth, but the other teams should not give up easily." Lin Tian silently contemplated. He knew that in this simulated actual combat, the competition not only came from the challenges of the environment but also from the hostility of other teams. Sure enough, just as the team was approaching the top of the mountain, they were attacked by another team. This team was clearly well-prepared and launched an attack suddenly by taking advantage of the terrain, attempting to prevent Lin Tian and others from reaching the top of the mountain. Seeing this, Lin Tian quickly commanded the team to respond. He calmly analyzed the opponent's offensive and seized the opportunity to counterattack. The thunder force erupted again, neutralizing the opponent's offensive. At the same time, he led the team to quickly launch a counterattack. The two sides engaged in a fierce confrontation in the mountain forest, and the collisions of spiritual energy and secret techniques stirred up layers of spiritual energy fluctuations. With his excellent combat skills and effective command of the team, Lin Tian gradually gained the upper hand. Ultimately, under Lin Tian's leadership, the team successfully repelled the opponent and smoothly reached the top of the mountain. The elder in charge of judging announced that Lin Tian's group won this stage of the competition. The surrounding disciples observing the battle all let out praises. They were all impressed by Lin Tian's performance. Whether it was the adaptability to the environment or the command of the team, Lin Tian demonstrated extraordinary talent. "Junior Brother Lin Tian is truly extraordinary. He is likely to have a prominent position in this grand competition." Some disciples whispered, clearly having a deep impression of Lin Tian's performance. However, Lin Tian remained vigilant in his heart. He knew that although he had achieved some victories in this grand competition, the real challenges still lay ahead. He must remain vigilant at all times and be prepared to face the greater tests that followed. With the end of the simulated actual combat, the sect grand competition entered a brief period of rest and adjustment. The disciples used this time to regulate their breathing and restore their energy, preparing for the subsequent competitions. Lin Tian returned to his cave dwelling and sat quietly to regulate his breathing. The spiritual energy within his body was gradually recovering. He knew that the subsequent competitions would be even more difficult. Whether it was the strength of the opponents or the content of the competitions, they would all far exceed the previous stages. "Must restore my condition as soon as possible to face the next challenge." Lin Tian silently reminded himself. He knew that this sect grand competition was not only a contest of strength but also a test of will and state of mind. Only by remaining calm and tenacious could one remain undefeated in this competition. The content of the subsequent competitions has not yet been announced, but Lin Tian faintly sensed that the final stage of this grand competition might involve confrontations of more profound secret techniques and even possibly the contention for the sect's most precious treasures. "No matter what kind of competition awaits next, I must go all out and not be the slightest bit slack." Lin Tian vowed in his heart. He knew that only by standing out in this grand competition could he truly win more opportunities and resources for his cultivation path. With the end of the rest period, the final stage of the sect grand competition was about to begin. Lin Tian stood at the entrance of his cave dwelling, looking towards the distant horizon, a glint of determination flashing in his eyes.