Chapter 33: Rewards

Chapter 33: RewardsLu stepped onto the platform once more, his tone lively and ceremonial, the excitement in his voice echoing across the quieting arena.

"Thank you to all the disciples and elders for attending the tournament," he began. "And now... the moment you’ve all been waiting for — the reward ceremony!"

The crowd stirred like a pot about to boil over.

Disciples — especially those who had participated — perked up immediately, their eyes gleaming with excitement.

At the very least, they weren’t walking away empty-handed.

"The top four finalists will receive special rewards," Lu continued, his voice imbuded with spiritual energy.

"And since both finalists were from the Outer Hall, I now invite Outer Hall Master Yu Baishi to do the honors."

From the elevated elder seating, Yu Baishi descended slowly, floating with practiced ease.

His hands were clasped behind his back, his beard swayed in the breeze, and a smug grin was plastered across his face.

He was enjoying this moment far too much.

With a loud clearing of his throat, he stood before the crowd and began.



"To all disciples who reached this stage — you have done well and brought glory to your families and halls. As recognition, each of you will receive an Earth-grade weapon of your choice."

Gasps rippled across the stands like a wave of spiritual energy.

"Of course," he added, stroking his beard sagely, "I highly recommend you cultivate first before trying to wield them. Earth-grade weapons are not toys. Without the proper foundation, they’ll be about as useful as a fancy butter knife."

Soft laughter echoed among the more experienced disciples and elders.

"Additionally," Baishi went on, his voice dipping into dramatic flair, "the top four contestants will be granted a rare opportunity — the right to train under an Elder of their choosing. They will also receive an Earth-grade weapon as well."

The crowd began murmuring louder, anticipation building like steam under pressure.

Then came the final blow.

"But the champion... Disciple Ming Tianmei — shall receive a Sacred-grade weapon."

The arena exploded.

"Is the clan being too generous?!"

"A Sacred-grade weapon?! Are we dreaming?"

"I curse my age! Why couldn’t I be thirteen again?!"

"You’re forty-eight, uncle. Let it go."

"WHO SAID THAT?!"

Even the Universal Talisman group chat lost its collective mind:

[SilentLotus]: Officially jealous. Declaring closed-door seclusion to cope spiritually and emotionally.

[MoonPeach]: I’ve been in this clan for many years and my best weapon is a Earth-grade! Sёarch* The Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

[FurnaceBoy444]: I’m willing to reincarnate for next year’s tournament. Where do I sign?

[MoKi000]: I, Mo Ki, demand a Sacred-grade weapon too.

[TournamentElder]: Mo Ki, come to this Elder.

Of course [MoonPeach] was not talking about her secret collection.

And, somewhere in the quiet inner pavilion, Mo Ki shivered. That "come to this Elder" message had the same energy as a suspicious uncle luring a child with candy.

But truly, envy was justified. Sacred-grade weapons were reserved for Elders, peak geniuses, or cultivators with special missions. They were not the kind of treasures handed out at tournaments.

The fact that the Yu Clan, an overlord-tier powerhouse, was awarding one publicly spoke volumes.

Yu Baishi received a voice transmission and nodded mid-air, as if responding to an invisible cue.

"Now then — Disciple Yu Xueqing, Lin Fan, and Ming Tianmei, step forward to select your guiding elders."

He turned slightly, eyes landing on a child who looked at him like he’d just been sold into free labor.

Baishi coughed.

"And yes, Disciple Yu Xuan will also receive full rewards... at a later time."

Yu Xuan narrowed his eyes in silent suspicion. He would remember this.

The three disciples walked forward with composed steps.

Yu Xueqing moved first. She bowed deeply and faced the line of elders.

Then, she turned to First Elder Yu Ying.



"Please guide me, Elder."

Yu Ying smiled with approval and nodded. "Come."

Next came Lin Fan.

He looked around at the elders, assessing them carefully. Then, with quiet resolve, he faced Yu Baishi.

"Hall Master," he said clearly, "I wish to train under you."

Yu Baishi beamed. His beard practically glowed with joy.

"Good. Good. Good," he muttered, the holy trinity of satisfied elder remarks.

Finally, it was Ming Tianmei’s turn.

She stepped forward, her eyes scanning the crowd — and then stopping at the center.

"I have a request," she said, bowing slightly. "To the Clan Head."

The arena quieted.

Yu Changming raised an eyebrow.

From the start of the tournament, through unknown means, he had sensed something strange from this girl — an auspicious, mysterious aura.

"Speak," he said, calm as a still lake. "But be aware, requesting anything outside the rules forfeits your right to choose an elder."

"I understand."

And then she dropped the bomb like a thunderstrike from the heavens.

"I wish to be taught by Matriarch Huan."

Silence.

Utter silence.

Even the firework formations paused mid-animation.

Yu Baishi’s jaw nearly hit the floor. "P-Patriarch, surely she is—she must be jesting—!"

Yu Changming said nothing.

He tapped his finger once on his seat’s jade armrest, and then—released just a little of his spiritual pressure.

Only Ming Tianmei felt it.

She staggered slightly. Her breathing became loud.

Her knees buckled, but she remained standing.

She gritted her teeth. This wasn’t just arrogance — this was strategy.

She needed this.

And she knew what kind of being she was requesting to train under.

"...Yes," she whispered. "I am sure."

The pressure vanished.

Yu Changming’s eyes softened slightly.

"...Very well. Your request shall be granted."



Shock exploded among the elders.

Not only had she asked... she succeeded.

But none dared speak against it.

Lu finally stepped forward once again.

"Now that the reward ceremony is complete, I extend congratulations to all the participants and finalists."

He raised his hand toward the night sky.

"May the Spirit of the Cultivator be with you — always!"

The platform glowed one final time.

And above, fireworks burst across the sky once more.

Under the twin moons, amidst cheers, applause, and awe...

The most legendary junior tournament in Yu Clan’s recent history officially came to an end.

[A/N: Tournament arc is over.]