The grand competition continued.
Soon, several more matches passed.
The second round of eliminations was nearly over.
After a moment, the Grand Elder's resonant voice came from the high platform:
"The second round of eliminations ends here.
The top ten have been decided: Chen Yuze, Zhou Lei, Guan Yuanshuang, Lin Xuan, Su Ya...
These are the elite disciples among the outer sect and will receive generous competition rewards.
Congratulations to them!"
As his words fell, a wave of thunderous applause erupted across the field.
The disciples gazed at Chen Yuze, Lin Xuan, and the other ten with envy, admiration, and reverence.
To rank in the top ten already proved their talent and strength, placing them at the pinnacle of the outer sect.
Naturally, they deserved the disciples' awe and respect.
Especially Lin Xuan, a new disciple who not only broke into the top ten but was also named fourth by the Grand Elder.
The order in which the Grand Elder called out names followed the theoretical rankings.
That meant Lin Xuan, the only new disciple to make the top ten, was considered at least fourth in the Grand Elder's eyes.
At this thought, the disciples were shaken, unable to stay calm.
Though earlier evidence had indirectly suggested this,
the Grand Elder's explicit declaration now carried entirely different weight.
Only at this moment did they truly believe that Lin Xuan, a new disciple, genuinely had the strength to rank among the outer sect's top three.
And Lin Xuan had only been a disciple for a month, further highlighting his formidable talent.
The disciples were once again stunned.
The top ten stood apart, separated from the other ordinary disciples.
Among the top ten, Lin Xuan's expression remained calm as he gazed into the void before him.
Being singled out by the Grand Elder had earned him quite a few energy points.
Lin Xuan was very satisfied.
After waiting a while for the field to quiet down, the Grand Elder continued:
"Next is the third round, the top three competition, to determine the top three.
Since the rewards for fourth through tenth are the same, there will be no ranking among them.
Only the top three will be ranked.
It will still be an elimination format.
Two compete, the winner advances, the loser is eliminated, until the top three are decided.
I've already handed the match list to Elder Zhang.
Elder Zhang will announce it.
Let's begin!"
On the arena, Elder Zhang, acting as referee, held a list and announced:
"First match: Zhou Lei versus Feng Yuan!"
As his voice fell, the disciples perked up.
The top ten battles were far more intense and thrilling than the top twenty fights.
The first match alone featured Zhou Lei, the outer sect's second-ranked disciple.
It was not to be missed.
All eyes focused on the top ten group.
From among them, Zhou Lei and a female disciple, Feng Yuan, stepped forward.
Feng Yuan was the only other female disciple in the top ten besides Guan Yuanshuang.
Though inferior to Guan Yuanshuang, she still surpassed most outer sect disciples.
With her graceful appearance, she was practically a goddess among the outer sect disciples.
Coupled with Zhou Lei, the second-ranked outer sect disciple, taking the stage,
this match instantly drew cheers, attention, and a surge of excitement.
Soon, the two were on the arena, locked in battle.
As expected, Zhou Lei, the second-ranked expert, emerged victorious.
Many disciples muttered under their breath, chiding Zhou Lei for not showing any chivalry toward a lady.
Zhou Lei paid them no mind, his gaze sweeping over Lin Xuan with a flicker of battle intent.
In his view, Chen Yuze had already broken through to the Qi Transformation stage, making him unbeatable.
Among the outer sect, only Lin Xuan, this new disciple, was his true rival.
Unfortunately, Lin Xuan remained utterly calm, not even sparing him a glance.
Zhou Lei wasn't bothered.
Given the strength Lin Xuan had displayed, aside from the three of them, no one in the outer sect could match him.
Sooner or later, they would face each other in battle.
When that time came, he could see just how strong Lin Xuan, the outer sect's top genius, truly was!
The grand competition continued.
Another match passed.
"Next match: Lin Xuan versus Su Ya!"
Elder Zhang's voice rang out from the arena.
Swish!
Almost everyone's gaze instantly converged on the top ten group.
It was Lin Xuan's turn again.
This time, his opponent was a top-five finisher from the previous competition.
Would Lin Xuan make him surrender or finish him off in one blow?
The disciples were eager to find out.
As for defeat, no one considered it.
The strength Lin Xuan had shown so far was already at the outer sect's peak.
Aside from the three top experts, who could possibly defeat Lin Xuan?
On the other side, Su Ya's face darkened.
He hadn't expected his opponent to be Lin Xuan.
If he hadn't drawn Lin Xuan or the three top experts, he might have had a chance at the top five.
Though there was no ranking between fourth and tenth,
being in the top five sounded far better than just the top ten.
Now, facing Lin Xuan, he could only curse his bad luck.
Still, as a top-five finisher from the last competition, his pride wouldn't allow him to surrender.
He had no choice but to grit his teeth and accept the challenge.
The two stepped out from the crowd and onto the arena.
"The match begins!"
Elder Zhang announced.
He then stepped aside, eager to see Lin Xuan's performance.
Across from him, Su Ya cupped his hands and said:
"Su Ya greets Senior Brother Lin. I ask for your guidance!"
His tone was already very respectful.
He only hoped Lin Xuan wouldn't go too hard on him.
"Mm."
Lin Xuan nodded, taking a single step forward.
A gentle breeze stirred.
He vanished from his spot.
The next moment, he appeared before Su Ya.
"So fast!"
Every outer sect disciple's pupils contracted, and they couldn't help but exclaim.
At this speed, most outer sect disciples couldn't even track his movement.
Compared to Guan Yuanshuang, who was renowned in the outer sect for her speed—even surpassing Chen Yuze when he was still in the Qi Gathering stage—Lin Xuan was hardly inferior!
This was Lin Xuan's first time displaying his true strength.
Only now did the disciples truly understand that Lin Xuan, this new disciple, had the strength to rank at least among the outer sect's top three.
Even the three top experts wore grave expressions.
Setting everything else aside, this movement technique alone made him a formidable opponent.
Not to mention that Lin Xuan might possess other powerful martial arts.
Only Chen Yuze remained somewhat calm. Having broken through to the Qi Transformation stage, his strength had surged dramatically.
This movement technique posed no threat to him.
Still, he dared not let his guard down too much.
This was only Lin Xuan's first display of strength.
How much of it he had revealed was uncertain.
It might not even be his full power.
He couldn't afford to be careless.
If he, a Qi Transformation stage disciple, lost to a new disciple who had only been here a month, it would be a massive blow to his pride.
So, he kept a close watch on Lin Xuan's matches.
Just in case.
On the arena.
Su Ya felt a blur before his eyes, and then Lin Xuan was right in front of him. Shock surged through his heart.
He knew Lin Xuan was strong, but he hadn't expected him to be this strong!
He couldn't even perceive the trajectory of Lin Xuan's movement.
The gap between them was beyond words.
But now, he had no time to dwell on it.
Because Lin Xuan had made his move.
"Mountain-Splitting Fist!"
Lin Xuan threw a punch, the force surging with the momentum to shatter mountains—utterly terrifying!