In an instant, Lin Xuan took advantage of the moment Fire Yuan Zhenren retrieved the Red Spirit Flying Boat to copy it. He placed it in his随身 space. This was a flying spiritual artifact capable of soaring through the void at incredible speed. Flying spiritual artifacts were several times more expensive than ordinary ones; the entire Cangyuan Kingdom might not even possess one. That alone showed its rarity. Moreover, he would soon leave the Red Sun Domain for training and head to Maple Martial Domain in Maple Martial Prefecture. He needed a means of transport and couldn't afford to waste time on travel. Even if he didn't use it later, he could sell it for a batch of spirit stones—a sure profit with no loss. Naturally, he wouldn't let it slip by.
Afterward, watching Fire Yuan Zhenren depart until he vanished from sight, Lin Xuan turned and walked toward the southern stands. The other top twenty also returned to their respective factions. Fire Yuan Zhenren's earlier words hadn't been deliberately lowered or concealed. Since everyone present was from major faction leadership or core disciples, with cultivation levels at least at the Spirit Opening Realm, their perception far exceeded ordinary martial artists. They all heard it clearly. Silence fell, heavy and contemplative. Their gazes fell on Lin Xuan, Zhang Yuchen, and the other top twenty, filled with complexity.
If Fire Yuan Zhenren's words held true, aside from Lin Xuan and Zhang Yuchen, everyone else in this Xuan Yuan Ranking Tournament was just going through the motions to broaden their horizons. They'd likely be eliminated quickly, unable to make the list. Even Zhang Yuchen, the original prodigy on the Xuan Yuan Ranking, might drop in rank or even fall off entirely. The only one guaranteed to secure a spot was Lin Xuan, the first-place winner of this Red Sun Domain competition and the new top genius of the domain. In other words, by the time this trip ended, the Red Sun Domain might still have only one prodigy—no longer Zhang Yuchen, but Lin Xuan taking his place. The faction leaders felt a mix of emotions, unsure what to say.
At the southern stands, the leadership and disciples of the five major forces of Cangyuan Kingdom also descended. Lin Xuan, Liu Qianyu, Chen Hanshuang, and Sun Yuwen—the four who earned spots—returned silently to their factions. Fire Yuan Zhenren's earlier words had cast a somber atmosphere over the scene. The faction leaders said nothing more.
"Let's head back," Sect Leader Liu Wuyan spoke. He then turned to thank the Great Elder of Yang Yuan Sect, who had come over. The Great Elder responded with utmost courtesy and personally escorted the Flowing Cloud Sect members to the reception square. In the past, Yang Yuan Sect would only send an ordinary elder to receive the five major forces of Cangyuan Kingdom. After all, the gap between Red Flame Kingdom and Cangyuan Kingdom was vast. As the top force in Red Sun Domain, an ordinary elder from Yang Yuan Sect was enough to match or even rival Liu Wuyan, the Flowing Cloud Sect leader. Sending an ordinary elder was perfectly normal. But this time, the Great Elder personally saw them off with exceptional politeness—a treatment even the Red Flame Kingdom's royal family and Wind Flame Valley might not receive. All of this stemmed from Lin Xuan. The leaders of Cangyuan Kingdom's five major forces were deeply moved, their minds heavy.
Soon, the Flowing Cloud Sect members boarded the back of the Golden Feather Sky-Rending Eagle. Under the Great Elder's watchful gaze, they departed on the eagle.
On the way, Lin Xuan sat cross-legged behind Liu Wuyan, eyes closed in meditation. Everyone assumed he might be in a bad mood and stayed silent. But that wasn't the case. Fire Yuan Zhenren's words had indeed given him insights, yet he didn't feel pressured or burdened. Instead, he felt more relaxed. From those words, he learned the situation of this Xuan Yuan Ranking Tournament. The top ten of the previous Maple Martial Domain Xuan Yuan Ranking were all at the Yuan Sea Layer 1. Those below the top ten were merely at the Spirit Yuan Stage. His current true strength, when unleashed, though not reaching Yuan Sea Stage, was at the peak of Spirit Yuan Stage—and among the elite at that level. He had no fear.
"Still, with my current strength, breaking into the top ten of the Xuan Yuan Ranking is basically impossible. To truly make a name across Maple Martial Prefecture and earn the most energy points, I'd need at least a top-ten finish. Looks like I'll have to boost my strength further in the remaining half-month. To be safe, I need to advance the Golden Scale Barbarian Elephant Art a bit more," Lin Xuan thought, seemingly resting but actually calculating inwardly.
After about half an hour, the Golden Feather Sky-Rending Eagle flew back to Flowing Cloud Sect and landed at the core square of the Sect Leader Peak. Lin Xuan jumped off, ready to return to his residence. With his training resources depleted, he no longer planned to stay at Flowing Cloud Sect. He intended to visit the Liu family in Qingyu City before heading out for training. With only half a month left, he couldn't afford delays.
Just then, Sect Leader Liu Wuyan's voice rang out. "Lin Shizhi, wait a moment."
"Elder, is something the matter?" Lin Xuan turned to face Liu Wuyan, asking calmly.
"Lin Shizhi, here's the reward for winning first place in the Red Sun Domain competition: 400,000 low-grade spirit stones. Plus, for your outstanding performance in the competition that brought honor to our Flowing Cloud Sect, here's an additional 100,000 low-grade spirit stones. Take them." Liu Wuyan said with a faint smile, handing two storage rings to Lin Xuan. He knew that Lin Xuan's extraordinary talent, already surpassing Red Sun Domain's level, required far more training resources per breakthrough than his peers. So, he used this competition to withdraw 100,000 low-grade spirit stones from the sect as a reward for Lin Xuan—a gesture of support and investment, hoping Lin Xuan would achieve even better results in the upcoming Xuan Yuan Ranking Tournament.
"Thank you, Elder," Lin Xuan said, accepting them with gratitude.
"Also, this Xuan Yuan Ranking Tournament is far more competitive than previous ones. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just making the list would already be outstanding and bring great honor to our Flowing Cloud Sect and Red Sun Domain. Do your best, that's all," Liu Wuyan added earnestly.
"Elder, I understand," Lin Xuan nodded. "Elder, I plan to leave Red Sun Domain for training and won't travel to Maple Martial Domain with the sect. I'll meet you all at Xuan Yuan Ancient City in half a month."
Liu Wuyan paused, then nodded solemnly. "Go ahead. Red Sun Domain is too small to nurture a true dragon. The wider world outside suits you better. But remember, the sect will always be your support. If you get hurt or tired while traveling, you can always come back. The sect will always welcome you."
"Thank you, Elder, and thank the sect for nurturing me. I will never forget! I'm off!" Lin Xuan said seriously, cupping his hands in a bow before turning and striding away resolutely.