One by one, representatives of the various forces stepped onto the stage to present their congratulatory gifts. Watching Old Wang receive mountain after mountain of offerings, Wang Hao couldn't help but feel a pang of envy—those gifts alone must have been worth tens of thousands of spirit stones, equal to a full year's output from his farm!
The ceremony was hosted by Wang Longyou, a Foundation-Establishment cultivator of the Long generation in the Wang clan. Clan generations followed the rhyme:
"Ye, Ji, Qian, Guang; Dao, Long, Yan, Wen;Wu, Ben, Xue, Zheng; Xi, Xian, Li, Zhi."
Despite three centuries of history, the clan had only reached the Wu generation; its core leadership remained in the Yan generation, while the Wen generation's young cultivators were still inexperienced. The current Patriarch, Wang Guang'an of the Guang generation, was two hundred years old but seriously wounded in the last Beast Tide and now lived reclusively to recover.
After presiding over the gift presentations, Wang Longyou raised his voice:
"Friends, thank you for attending our Foundation-Establishment Ceremony. We have prepared food and fine wine. With so many honored guests, please forgive us if our hospitality falls short."
"Master Wang, how courteous!" called Li Yaozu of the Li family, a Foundation cultivator. "Who here has not witnessed the rise of the Wang clan today? I propose a toast!"
"Brother Li, don't forget the protagonist!" chortled Lei Liheng of the Lei family. "Today is Master Wang Yanzhao's ceremony!"
Glasses rang as they saluted Old Wang.
"Like a company's year–end party," Wang Hao mused from his seat at the back, enjoying the feast.
"Master Wang," Zhao Gaofang of the Zhao family proposed, "only drinking is dull. With so many cultivators gathered—especially the younger generation—why not hold a combat tournament to exchange experience?"
"I agree!" Lei Liheng exclaimed. "But a friendly match is too tame. Let's award prizes to motivate the youth! What say you, Master Wang?"
Wang Longyou smiled:
"If all are interested, the Wang clan will donate:– Three vials of Yellow Dragon Pills to the top three winners.– Five golden-threaded spirit damasks to the top five.– One vial of Spirit Gathering Pills to the top ten!"
"The Li family will add three Lower Second-Order talismans for the top three, and one Superior First-Order talisman each for the top ten!" Li Yaozu declared.
"The Lei family will contribute three Superior First-Order magic artifacts for the top three!" Lei Liheng announced—items worth over a hundred stones each.
"The Zhao family will donate five jars of Superior First-Order Scarlet Wine!"
"The Cheng family offers three Swift-Wind Horses!"
With such rewards, registrations soared at once. Wang Longyou turned to Wang Hao:
"You're participating too!"
"Me? Surely I should sit this out?" Wang Hao thought. His farm already yielded abundant damasks; he didn't need more prizes.
But Wang Yanzhao's firm tone brooked no refusal:
"You must compete—and place in the top ten. Managing a market pill shop isn't just a title; if you don't demonstrate strength, you'll invite trouble. You want a peaceful cultivation future? Prove your worth!"
"All right, I'll give it a shot," Wang Hao sighed.
The clan's expansive arena was divided into four sections for simultaneous matches. 121 fighters—70 from the Five Great Families, 20 representing the Wang clan as hosts—were drawn into pairs by lottery.
Rules were clear: no talismans or artifacts above First Order, and no lethal strikes. Victory came by forcing an opponent out of the ring or compelling their concession.
In the first area, Wang Wenzhi wielded a black iron staff, overwhelming his opponent with raw strength. The errant cultivator dodged until his artifact shattered—and then admitted defeat. The next bout saw a Zhao family daughter swiftly bested by a Lei family cultivator due to the level gap.
At last it was Wang Hao's turn. His opponent, a Sixth-Level Li family cultivator, met him in the ring.
"You're Wang Hao?" she asked, eyeing him coolly.
"You know me?" Wang Hao replied in surprise.
"Li Dexi is my aunt—you didn't know? If you're smart, you'll back down now, or I'll make you look a fool!" she threatened arrogantly.
Wang Hao laughed:
"Young lady, ever hear the saying—'You're very pretty'?"
"Hmph, sure! But don't think I'll go easy on you because of flattery!" she retorted.
"Then don't flatter yourself too much!"
"Hahaha, good one!"—the crowd chuckled at their banter.
"Enough talk—begin!" the referee ordered.
Wang Hao pulled from his belt dozens of Fireball talismans he had amassed over the years—each talisman worth five spirit stones—and unleashed them all at once!
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Flame spheres covered the stage, rapidly heating the arena. The Li family cultivator raised a water barrier and a small shield to protect herself—but the talismans detonated one after another.
She was thrown out of the ring, her robes singed and face scorched. Humiliated, she glared at Wang Hao before fleeing.
"Wang Hao wins!"—the referee declared.
Wang Hao calmly stepped down, sat to meditate, and recover his energy while watching the other arenas in action.