[Vol. 6] Chapter 206: The Second Literary Competition
The final results of the survival challenge were announced as expected.
The competition had been even fiercer than Violet anticipated. Despite amassing over 2,000 [Crystal Jades], her rank fell to 21st. While she still secured a guaranteed spot in the top 100 and advanced to the finals, familiar names like Hongyan and Cheng Fengqi were unsurprisingly pushed out of the top 100.
Even Murong Yun, who had collected an impressive 1,500 [Crystal Jades], ended up ranking in the middle, which was quite surprising.
This was a testament to the sheer number of strong competitors in this event. Everyone came in confident, aiming for the top, which led to an intense concentration of results at the highest levels.
Of course, the most absurd standout was still the catgirl, Xiao Kong, who maintained her dominant first-place position with over 17,000 [Crystal Jades]. A number several times greater than the second-place finisher. She had become the talk of Xingyuan City, hailed as the competition’s biggest sensation and dark horse.
Xiao Kong’s name wasn’t on the well-known [Top 100 Ancient Spirit Realm Rankings], a list that included nearly every top-tier expert in the world, even figures like Murong Yun or the [Seven Heavenly Demon Lords]. Xiao Kong’s sudden prominence stirred widespread curiosity and excitement, but her newfound fame came at a cost.
"Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you? It’s just a competition. It should be fine, right?"
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Xiao Kong gently brushed her white pet cat with an elegant wooden comb. Her ears drooped, and her wide eyes looked longingly at the Priestess and the Spirit Maiden, who were preparing to leave. She resembled a dejected kitten abandoned by its owners.
"No. Absolutely not," Violet said firmly, crossing her arms in front of her chest to emphasize her point.
"You clearly don’t understand. The [Four Saints' Immortal Selection Ceremony] isn’t just a regular competition. Do you have any idea how famous you’ve become? Your face is already plastered on little booklets and figurines all over Xingyuan City. If you step outside now, I guarantee you won’t make it 300 meters before being mobbed by reporters and fans. I’m not dealing with that mess."
"Honestly, you brought this on yourself. Who told you to go overboard collecting [Crystal Jades] like that? This is what they call reaping what you sow. Until the finals begin, just stay here with your cat and behave!"
Xiao Kong immediately protested.
"How is that overboard? I just collected some ownerless [Crystal Jades] that scattered throughout the forest due to various accidents. It’s not like I stole from anyone. How is that wrong?"
"Oh, really?" Violet glanced at her, raising an eyebrow.
"So, by ‘some,’ you mean [Crystal Jades] scattered across an entire forest? And fine, call it scavenging if you want, but why did you have to mess with the Archbishop of the [Church of Truth] and completely wipe out their main force?"
"Uh…"
The catgirl’s confidence wavered as she nervously buried her face into the fluffy fur of her pet cat. She muttered something incoherent about how it wasn’t her fault if [Crystal Jades] just happened to be lying around wherever the [Church of Truth] passed through… and besides, they were the ones who started it. How could she not fight back?
Violet chose to ignore her grumbling entirely.
Xiao Kong had started out with the image of a composed and mysterious character, but ever since their journey began, she’d become increasingly… unserious. Was this her true nature all along?
In any case, leaving Xiao Kong and her pet under temporary house arrest, Violet entrusted Murong Yun, who lived next door, to look after them. Then, accompanied by Hen, she headed out to attend the second round of the literary competition, held at a city venue.
Although Violet was among the top 100 participants with a guaranteed spot in the finals, she wasn’t nearly as conspicuous as the first-place holder. Her rank of 21st was far from being the talk of the town, and her name wasn’t on the [Top 100 Ancient Spirit Realm Rankings].
Historically, the [Four Saints' Immortal Selection Ceremony] had always seen its fair share of reclusive, unnamed experts, so Violet’s position didn’t warrant paintings or figurines being spread throughout the city.
At least, she could walk around freely without drawing a crowd.
Before long, the two arrived at the central venue where the literary competition’s second round was being held.
The literary portion of the tournament encompassed over a dozen categories, making it far more complex than the martial arts competition. As a result, its progress was slower. It wasn’t until six days after the survival competition ended that it was finally time for Violet and the Spirit Maiden to participate in their registered category, [Geographical Spiritual Veins].
To be honest, while the literary competition had many categories, the overall format was relatively straightforward due to the nature of its content. Unlike the martial arts competition, it didn’t have the same chaotic flair or flashy gimmicks. It was more or less the same predictable set of challenges—
At least, that’s what Violet had thought.
However, when she arrived at the venue and saw the large, intricate arrays placed at the center of the arena, her initial lack of interest turned into curiosity.
"Huh? What’s that?"
The ever-knowledgeable Spirit Maiden immediately recognized what it was.
"It’s a [geomantic compass], a precision tool used by [Geo-Instrument Division] engineers to analyze the flow and direction of spiritual veins. It can also simulate different environments, enabling calculations and rehearsals of sorts," the silver-haired girl explained briefly.
"In simpler terms, think of it as a sandbox model for spiritual veins," she added.
"I thought we’d be stuck writing test papers again… so I guess the competition is related to these things, right? What’s the exact challenge?"
Violet had hoped to rely on Hen’s almost omniscient [Heavenly Secrets] ability to satisfy her curiosity early, but to her surprise, the girl didn’t answer directly. Instead, she glanced at Violet calmly before turning away and walking ahead.
"You’ll find out soon enough. Why rush?"
"…?"
Slightly puzzled by the cryptic response, Violet tilted her head, unsure what her companion was hiding this time. Still, she had no choice but to follow along.
Although the [Ancient Spirit Realm] wasn’t entirely focused on martial strength, in a world where spiritual energy could be cultivated, most people naturally prioritized honing their bodies and mystical techniques over studying and writing.
Compared to the nearly 300,000 participants in the first round of the survival competition, fewer than 50,000 advanced to the second round of the literary competition. With over a dozen categories dividing the remaining participants, niche fields like [Geographical Spiritual Veins] attracted even fewer contestants.
After just one round of elimination, only about a thousand participants had made it to the second test in this category. The central competition hall alone was spacious enough to accommodate all of them.
At this moment, staff members were making final adjustments to the geomantic compasses, confirming that these devices were indeed the centerpiece of the competition.
One major difference between the literary and martial contests was the need for an esteemed examiner to oversee each session due to the distinct environment and format. For the [Four Saints' Immortal Selection Ceremony], examiners were typically individuals of extraordinary stature, such as the heads of the five sects that protected the nation. A parallel to renowned figures presiding over pivotal scientific challenges in the modern world.
This time, however, was different.
Out of nowhere, three resounding bell chimes echoed from the high platform, and a solemn announcement, amplified by some magical device, filled the hall:
"His Holiness, the Saint, has arrived!"
"…Huh?"
"W-What? Who?"
"The common folk greet Your Holiness!"
The previously lively and focused atmosphere of the venue abruptly froze, plunging into a mix of stunned silence and panicked confusion. While the more astute quickly knelt in respect, the majority, contestants, spectators, and even Violet and the Spirit Maiden, who had no obligation to kneel, stood rooted in place, exchanging bewildered glances.
What’s going on?
This was the second round of the literary competition, one of many such sessions that had taken place so far. Typically, the heads of the five sects would take turns serving as examiners.
The personal appearance of the Eastern Saint was entirely unprecedented, aside from the grand opening ceremony of the tournament. Coupled with the lack of prior notice, it was no surprise that everyone was caught off guard.
After a brief moment of chaos, those who realized what was happening scrambled to perform their bows. However, before they could act, a dignified yet gentle voice resounded through the hall, calming the crowd.
"No need for formalities. I am here today merely as your examiner. All ceremonial procedures are to be kept simple. There is no need for anxiety or alarm. Once preparations are complete, proceed with the test as planned."
"Thank you, Your Holiness!"
Hmm?
Amidst the crowd, blending in without drawing attention, Violet frowned slightly and glanced toward the high platform. Her gaze fell upon the figure who had unexpectedly appeared, surrounded by attendants and exuding an air of authority.
Wait… did he just glance in their direction?