The Azure Cloud Sect’s flying vessel pierced through the clouds and slowly landed on the Sect square. Disciples who had already received the news packed the square to the brim; voices were clamoring, and the atmosphere was as heated as a tide.

"They’re back! They’re back!"

"Senior Brother Ning! The champion of the Five Sect Martial Competition!"

"Azure Cloud Sect spreads its prestige across the West Province!"

The flying vessel’s hatch opened, and the martial competition Disciples, led by Fang Hao, filed out. They were greeted by deafening cheers and countless admiring gazes.

Fang Hao walked at the very front, still in his green robes, his expression calm. However, the steady aura tempered by great battles that he carried was now completely different from before he had departed. Liang Ling and Lin Wan followed closely behind him, proud smiles on their faces. Bao Zhijian walked in the middle of the group, his expression complex, deliberately keeping his distance from Fang Hao.

Sect Master Yun Qingyang personally led the Elders to welcome them, his face full of gratified smiles.

"Good! Good! Good!" Yun Qingyang said the word ’good’ three times in a row, his eyes shining as he looked at Fang Hao. "Fang Hao, you have performed a great service for the Sect! You have spread our Qingyun’s prestige throughout the West Province!"

"It was merely my duty as a Disciple."

Yun Qingyang waved his hand grandly. "All Disciples who participated in the martial competition shall be heavily rewarded! Follow me to the Qingyun Hall!"

Inside the Qingyun Hall, the atmosphere was solemn and majestic. Yun Qingyang sat high in the main seat, with the Elders lined up on both sides.

The rewards began. The thirty Disciples who participated in the competition received corresponding contribution points, Medicinal Pills, and Magical Artifacts based on their performance and final rankings. Although Lin Wan did not make it into the top ten, she still received a significant reward for her tenacious performance and was beaming with joy. As a main force, Liang Ling’s rewards were even more abundant.

When it was Fang Hao’s turn, Yun Qingyang personally stood up and walked over to him.

"Fang Hao, with your Foundation Establishment Middle Stage cultivation, you suppressed all the heroes and seized the championship of the Five Sect Martial Competition. This is a grand event unseen in our Azure Cloud Sect for nearly a hundred years!" Yun Qingyang’s voice was sonorous, echoing throughout the hall. "The special rewards are as follows:"

"First, 100,000 contribution points!"

A collective gasp sounded within the hall. 100,000 contribution points were enough to exchange for several Earth Rank Cultivation Techniques or a large amount of rare resources!

"Second, one High Grade Spiritual Artifact, the ’Qingyun Wings’!" A wing-like Magical Artifact, thin as a cicada’s wing and shimmering with green light, floated in Yun Qingyang’s palm. "These wings can greatly increase flight speed and even allow for short-distance gliding. They are a fine item for saving one’s life or traveling."

"Third, one fifth-grade Medicinal Pill, the ’Barrier Breaking Pill’!" A jade bottle appeared, the fragrance of the pill wafting out. "This pill can help you break through the Foundation Establishment Late Stage Bottleneck; it is incredibly precious!"

"Fourth, you are specially permitted to enter the top floor of the Scripture Pavilion to choose any one Cultivation Technique!"

The generous rewards made all the Disciples’ eyes turn red with envy and their hearts race, but no one was dissatisfied. This was glory that Fang Hao had earned with his own strength!

Fang Hao took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart, and solemnly accepted the rewards. "Thank you, Sect Master, for the generous gifts! This Disciple will certainly cultivate diligently and without pause, and will not fail the Sect’s high expectations!"

"Furthermore," Yun Qingyang’s gaze swept over the crowd before finally landing on Fang Hao. "From this day forth, Fang Hao is promoted to an Inner Sect Core Disciple, enjoying the same treatment as an Elder!"

Core Disciple! Elder treatment! This meant that Fang Hao’s status in the Sect had undergone an earth-shattering change, and the resources tilted toward him would far exceed those of ordinary Inner Sect Disciples!

"Congratulations, Senior Brother Ning!" The Disciples offered their congratulations one after another. Most were sincere, though there were certainly those like Bao Zhijian whose hearts were burning with jealous hatred.

Bao Zhijian stood in the crowd, his fingernails nearly digging into his palms. He was originally the Eldest Senior Brother of the inner Sect, number one on the dragon ranking, enjoying infinite glory. Now, all that glory had been snatched away by Fang Hao! The Sect Master’s heavy rewards, the pursuit of his fellow Disciples—even Liang Ling, whom he had always admired, looked at Fang Hao with undisguised appreciation.

"Fang Hao..." Bao Zhijian roared in his heart. "You took everything from me; I will never let you have it easy!"

After the award ceremony ended, the crowd dispersed. Fang Hao was surrounded by enthusiastic fellow Disciples and only managed to escape and return to his Immortal Cave after a long time.

The Immortal Cave remained the same, but his state of mind was already very different. He took stock of the rewards one by one, planning his next steps in cultivation. The Qingyun Wings needed to be refined, the Barrier Breaking Pill had to be saved for when he attempted to reach the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, and the choice of technique from the top floor of the Scripture Pavilion required careful consideration.

"The priority now is to consolidate my cultivation and settle the grudge with Bao Zhijian." Fang Hao’s eyes were sharp. Bao Zhijian was like a venomous snake hiding in the shadows, ready to bite at any moment. Rather than being on the passive defensive, it was better to take the initiative and thoroughly resolve this hidden danger!

A few days later, Fang Hao’s cultivation was completely consolidated, and his state had been adjusted to its Peak. He went straight to the Inner Sect Martial Arts Hall.

The Martial Arts Hall was as lively as ever, but when Fang Hao walked in, the noise instantly quieted down significantly. Everyone’s gaze focused on him, filled with awe and curiosity.

Fang Hao ignored these gazes and walked directly to the dragon ranking jade wall. The first name on it was still "Bao Zhijian."

He turned around, facing the deacon disciple on duty, his voice calm yet clearly reaching every corner of the Martial Arts Hall:

"Disciple Fang Hao applies to challenge the number one on the dragon ranking, Bao Zhijian."

As his words fell, a deathly silence filled the Martial Arts Hall, such that one could hear a pin drop. Then, an even greater uproar erupted!

"Challenging Senior Brother Bao?!"

"A challenge for the number one spot on the dragon ranking!"

"It’s finally here! I knew this day would come!"

"The five-Sect champion versus the original number one of the dragon ranking! Now this is going to be a good show!"

The news spread through the entire inner Sect as if it had grown wings. Everyone was excited; this duel could be called the most Peak battle in the Azure Cloud Sect’s inner Sect in recent years!

Bao Zhijian soon received the news. He was first stunned, then flew into a rage, his face turning red and blue. Fang Hao’s move was no different from publicly slapping his face! It was announcing to the entire Sect that he, Bao Zhijian, was no longer fit for the number one spot on the dragon ranking!

"Fine! Good, Fang Hao! Since you are seeking your own death, I will fulfill your wish!" Bao Zhijian gritted his teeth and immediately accepted the challenge!

The challenge was set for three days later, to be held at the Sect’s largest central arena. When the news got out, even some Disciples and Elders in secluded meditation expressed that they would come out to watch the battle.

During these three days, Fang Hao stayed indoors and quietly adjusted himself. Meanwhile, Bao Zhijian was active everywhere, clearly plotting something.

Liang Ling and Lin Wan came to visit, their faces showing worry.

"Junior Brother Ning, Bao Zhijian is a devious person, and his grandfather is an inner Sect Elder. I fear he might resort to trickery during the match," Liang Ling warned.

"That’s right, Junior Brother Ning, you must be careful!" Lin Wan was also extremely worried.

Fang Hao smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Senior Sisters. I know what I’m doing. This battle is unavoidable, and I must win!"

Three days later, the central arena was packed with people, no less than during the Five Sect Martial Competition. Sect Master Yun Qingyang and several Elders even personally arrived to watch, showing the importance they placed on this battle.

Bao Zhijian was the first to take the stage, dressed in lavish robes, his aura surging. Clearly, he had also made full preparations over the past few days. He looked coldly toward the other side of the arena.

Fang Hao stepped onto the stage slowly, dressed in simple green clothes, his aura restrained. Yet, he naturally possessed a steady and profound bearing.

The referee Elder was a Golden Core Stage Elder from the Hall of Punishment, to ensure fairness.

"dragon ranking number one challenge match: Fang Hao versus Bao Zhijian. The rules are the same as the martial competition: no taking lives, violators will be severely punished! Begin!"

As soon as the words fell, Bao Zhijian was the first to strike, attempting to seize the initiative! His cultivation at the Peak of the Late Foundation Establishment Stage exploded with full force, and his first move was a killing blow!

"Qingyun Palm: Sea Overturning!" The palm wind was like a raging tide, pressing down on Fang Hao from all directions!

Fang Hao’s expression remained unchanged. He executed the Divine Spirit Steps to the limit, his figure moving like a phantom, easily evading the core of the palm wind. Simultaneously, he unleashed the Starfall Sword Art, with points of sword light rising up like meteors in a counter-attack!

The two were instantly locked in battle! Bao Zhijian’s power was profound and his palm techniques fierce; Fang Hao, on the other hand, had agile movement and superb sword skills. Furthermore, his Seven Absolutes Sword Seal were unpredictable—sometimes he used the Vajra Seal for a head-on clash, sometimes the Flowing Water Seal to neutralize force, and sometimes the Blazing Fire Seal for a heavy assault, making things quite difficult for Bao Zhijian.

The Myriad Manifestations Heavenly Scripture operated at full power, its seven elements of spiritual energy flowing endlessly, providing Fang Hao with the capital for a sustained battle. Dividing Light Sword Shadows interfered from time to time, and the Five Elements Spirit Shield stood firm around him.

Unable to land a blow for a long time, Bao Zhijian became increasingly irritable. He secretly activated a secret treasure bestowed by an Elder; an obscure ripple attempted to corrode Fang Hao’s mind.

Fang Hao’s Ethereal Art immediately sensed it. The empty clarity mirror hung above his head, shedding a clear light that instantly cleansed that sinister ripple!

"Hmph! Dishonest tricks!" Fang Hao cold snorted. Shrinking the Ground to an Inch brought him close instantly, and his Star Shattering Finger pointed directly at Bao Zhijian’s vitals!

Bao Zhijian was greatly shocked and hurriedly dodged, but his shoulder was still struck by the finger wind, causing a burst of sharp pain! He was horrified in his heart; Fang Hao’s strength seemed to have increased by several points compared to during the martial competition!

"You forced me!" A flash of madness appeared in Bao Zhijian’s eyes as he swallowed a crimson pill! Immediately, his aura surged, faintly touching the threshold of the Golden Core! This was a forbidden medicine with massive side effects, but he no longer cared!

"Die!" Bao Zhijian was like a crazed tiger, the power of his attacks doubling!

Waves of exclamations rose from below the stage! Liang Ling’s and Lin Wan’s hearts leaped into their throats!

Fang Hao’s pressure increased sharply, but he did not panic in the face of danger. The empty clarity mirror shone brightly, and he used Spatial Distortion to its full extent to interfere with the trajectory of Bao Zhijian’s attacks. At the same time, he no longer held back, thoroughly integrating the insights from the Five Sect Martial Competition. He combined the Star Shattering Finger with the Ethereal Art and pointed out a finger as if it could pierce through the void!

"Break!"

The finger force ignored Bao Zhijian’s violent spiritual energy defense and struck directly at the vital point of his Qi Sea!

"Pfft—!"

Bao Zhijian was as if struck by lightning. His surging aura instantly collapsed, he sprayed a mouthful of blood, and his entire person collapsed to the ground, unable to get back up.

The whole venue fell silent.

Everyone looked at the result on the arena in stunned silence. Having consumed a forbidden medicine and briefly possessing combat power close to the Golden Core Stage, Bao Zhijian had actually lost! And he had lost so decisively!

Fang Hao withdrew his finger and stood tall, his aura steady, as if he had just done something insignificant.

After the referee Elder stepped forward to check, he announced loudly: "In the challenge match, Fang Hao wins! From this day forth, the number one on the inner Sect dragon ranking is Fang Hao!"

After a brief silence, earth-shattering cheers resounded through the clouds!

"Senior Brother Ning! Number one on the dragon ranking!"

"He truly deserves the title!"

"The number one Prodigy of the Azure Cloud Sect!"

Sect Master Yun Qingyang stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes full of appreciation. Several Elders also nodded one after another.

Bao Zhijian was carried off the stage by his fellow Disciples, his face as pale as ash and his eyes hollow. This defeat had completely crushed his pride and conviction.

Fang Hao stood in the center of the arena, accepting the cheers of the crowd. From a Servant Disciple to an Outer Sect Disciple, then to an Inner Sect Disciple, and now reaching the top of the dragon ranking! He had walked this path for five years; every step was filled with thorns, yet every step also shone with brilliance.

He knew that being number one on the dragon ranking was just a new starting point. The Tianyan Secret Realm, the Golden Core Dao, and even the more distant immortal path were still ahead, waiting for him.

But his gaze was incomparably firm. No matter what lay ahead, he would forge ahead without looking back.