Chapter 179

Chapter 179: First Place Reward

The final exam was delayed by one day. All disciples spent an entire day and night copying the Qiu Zhang Technique. The competition resumed the next day, and You You finally understood the reason behind the earlier conflict.

Shui Yan, Lin Feng, and others had stopped participating in the final ranking matches long before. Their Qualifications were exceptional. Though all at the Golden Core stage, their strength far surpassed other disciples. If they competed, they’d dominate the top spots every time. Thus, they withdrew from the final round.

However, this time’s rewards were decided by popular vote. When the reward list was announced, Shui Yan suddenly changed her mind and insisted on joining, sparking the dispute.

You You found this troublesome. As a sect disciple, Shui Yan had every right to join the final exam. But her previous withdrawals had set expectations, and Ling Qi had already approved her absence. Her sudden return risked making the competition seem unfair.

After deliberation, You You permitted Shui Yan to compete—alongside Lin Feng, Liu Qing, and Feng Qi (who’d advanced to the Nascent Soul stage)—grouping them together.

They were peers with comparable Cultivation. Though Shui Yan was a sword cultivator, Feng Qi’s Nascent Soul status kept the outcome uncertain.

The disciples raised no objections. You You personally oversaw the matches. Shui Yan proved formidable, defeating even Feng Qi and reaching the final against Lin Feng.

By day’s end, You You felt pleased with the disciples’ progress but cringed at the reward list. The first-place prize seemed particularly underwhelming.

As the final match neared, she declared, “This reward is too trivial for the sect’s most important competition. As sect master, I’ll add a special prize above first place.” She pulled out her storage bag and handed it to Ling Qi. “The champion may choose one divine artifact from these. Other rewards will shift down the ranks.”

The arena fell silent. Even Shui Yan and Lin Feng froze mid-match.

Suddenly, Shui Yan stumbled dramatically and sat on the stage. “Ah! I fell! Senior Brother Lin’s Cultivation is unmatched. I concede second place!”

Lin Feng’s sword clattered to the ground. “No! Junior Sister’s sword move disarmed me. Victory is yours.”

“You entered the sect earlier. How could I defeat you?”

“You’ve beaten me before!”

“Past wins don’t count. You won this time!”

“No, you won!”

“You!”

“You!”

The two vehemently rejected first place.

You You: “…”

Ling Qi: “…”

Crowd: “…”

*Did my divine artifacts offend you? Have you no respect for the Immortal Realm’s Heavenly Emperors?*

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Lin Feng and Shui Yan tied for first. To be fair, You You awarded two divine artifacts. The second-place reward became obsolete.

Lin Feng & Shui Yan: “…”

You You approved this outcome. The disciples rejoiced.

Harmony returned to Zhen Yan Sect—except for…

“Why are you on my bed?” You You stared at the figure cocooned in her blankets, cheeks flushed like a drunkard.

Feng Rong blinked up at her. “I waited too long. Got tired.”

“Tired? You fled the main hall the moment you saw paperwork! Even Nie Zheng stayed to help!”

“I’m bad at paperwork.” He lifted the blanket edge. “Come. The bed’s warm.”

His robe hung open, revealing a lightly blushing chest that would’ve entranced anyone—except You You.

She yanked the blanket off and buttoned his robe. “Dress properly! You claimed you’d catch cold!”

Feng Rong: “…”

“Need something? Ask in daylight next time! Use the teleportation array home—no sword control in this state!”

“I’m not leaving!” He glared at his neatly tied cloak. “You You, can’t you tell why I’m here?”

“Why?”

“I…” He flushed deeper. “I’m staying!”

“Fine. Sleep here.”

“Really?!”

“I’ve got reports to finish.” She grabbed a stack of documents and left for the study.

Abandoned, Feng Rong hissed, “You. You!”