Chapter 20: Even the Son of Destiny Fell! Lin Xuan’s Pawns Start to Shine

Every disciple in the arena was left in utter shock after witnessing Zhao Ming's overwhelming power. One by one, murmurs turned into exclamations, and then loud cheers—praises for Zhao Ming began to echo all around.

"Zhao Ming is incredible!"

"I didn't expect him to be this strong!"

"Where was he hiding all this power?"

Soon, those praises turned into mockery directed at the once-celebrated genius.

"Hah! So this is the so-called Supreme Grade Talent?"

"Even Ye Tian lost... how pathetic!"

"He was supposed to be the next hope of the sect!"

Even the elders were left speechless, their expressions stiff and disbelieving. A talent like Ye Tian—someone who was born with the supreme-grade spiritual roots—had just been thoroughly defeated. It was something no one had imagined, not even in their wildest dreams.

Among the crowd, Lin Xuan's Seventh Sister was just as shocked. She couldn't believe her eyes. Even Ye Tian… lost?

Meanwhile, Elder Lan stood there, barely able to suppress her laughter. Her lips twitched uncontrollably as she turned to look at Elder Yue.

Elder Yue's face was flushed red with embarrassment, and she clenched her fists tightly. Trying to salvage the situation, she quickly addressed the crowd, "Ye Tian hasn't been in the sect for long… That's why he lost. Give him more time, and he'll show you his true strength."

Lin Xuan watched this scene unfold from the side, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Perfect, he thought. To be honest, I thought Zhao Ming would lose. But this test turned out to be a complete success.

He remembered the original plot. In it, Zhao Ming had only reached the peak of Qi Refining Realm and didn't even possess any skills. But now? His cultivation had already surpassed the original version, and he had powerful skills at his disposal.

If you can't even defeat one of my pawns… how will you defeat me, Ye Tian? How will you stand against the true villain?

On the stage, Ye Tian stood up slowly, blood still staining the corners of his lips. His eyes burned with unwillingness and frustration as he looked Zhao Ming straight in the eyes.

"I will remember this day," he muttered coldly. "I will make you pay."

Zhao Ming simply smiled and replied, "I'll be waiting."

The Sect Leader stepped forward and addressed the gathered disciples."Zhao Ming, from this moment onward, you are officially promoted to an Inner Disciple of our sect."

He then turned to the wounded Ye Tian, his voice calm yet firm."As for Ye Tian—although you were defeated, your performance was outstanding. Your talent and determination have not gone unnoticed. Therefore, starting today, you are also promoted to Inner Disciple."

Then, he turned his gaze to Zhao Ming once more. "Tell me, where did you get the cultivation resources and that low-grade skill you used in the fight?"

Zhao Ming cupped his fists respectfully. "Senior Brother Lin Xuan gave me the resources and guidance. It's all thanks to him that I was able to reach this level."

The Sect Leader looked toward Lin Xuan, nodding with a satisfied smile. "Good."

On the other hand, Elder Yue, Ye Tian, and even the Seventh Sister glared at Lin Xuan with clenched jaws and fiery eyes.

"You bastard, Lin Xuan!" Elder Yue hissed under her breath.

Lin Xuan calmly walked forward and spoke, "As I mentioned earlier, I'll provide the reward for the victor. Zhao Ming, here are 10,000 low-grade spiritual stones."

Zhao Ming immediately bowed with gratitude. "Thank you, Senior Brother Lin. I will never forget this kindness."

The crowd erupted again.

"Senior Brother Lin is too generous!"

"Making friends with him is the best decision!"

"I wish he'd take me as his junior!"

"Senior Brother Lin, please become my Dao partner!" a female disciple boldly declared.

Elder Lan immediately shot a sharp glare at the female disciples, causing them to shrink back in fear.

Suddenly, the mechanical voice of the system echoed in Lin Xuan's mind.

Ding! Host has gifted resources. Reward: 100-fold return.

Received: 1 million low-grade spiritual stones.

Lin Xuan's eyes widened. Damn! That much?!

Ding! Host has successfully plundered the Son of Destiny's shine.

Received: 500 Villain Points.

Heh, not bad. I earned quite a bit today, Lin Xuan smirked inwardly. But… this won't help me level up.

He looked down at his palm and clenched his fist.

Normal cultivators break through by practicing Qi control, absorbing spiritual energy, learning new techniques, or acquiring rare treasures. So far, I've relied solely on spiritual stones and pills to reach Foundation Stage 5. But that method won't work beyond this.

From here on out, I'll need to seek real opportunities—treasures, breakthroughs, encounters. Otherwise, it'll take me at least five months just to move up one level.

Still, he wasn't discouraged.

With so many spiritual stones, I can buy all kinds of resources… and create my own opportunities to level up.

Later, in his personal room, Lin Xuan sat cross-legged. He consumed a Foundation Pill to stabilize his realm and took several Cleansing Pills to purge the remaining toxins and impurities from his body.

Because he had advanced so quickly through shortcuts—relying on pills and stones—his body had accumulated hidden dangers. If he didn't cleanse them, they could turn into serious injuries in the future.

Foundation Stage 5 was easy to reach with resources, Lin Xuan thought. But going beyond it will be a real challenge. Ordinary cultivators can take up to five years to go further without opportunities. Rich cultivators, however, just steal or buy them.

Meanwhile, in another room, Ye Tian sat quietly, his body wrapped in bandages. Blood had soaked through parts of the cloth. He was slowly healing with Recovery Pills.

"Damn that Zhao Ming," he muttered. "Because of you, I was forced into a breakthrough… but I've also suffered internal damage. It'll take time to recover from this."

He gritted his teeth.

"But at least I've become an Inner Disciple. Now I'll receive 1000 low-grade spiritual stones and some Foundation Pills every month. That will help…"

Then his thoughts darkened.

"But Lin Xuan… he throws around spiritual stones like they're nothing. He must be hiding some kind of treasure. I need to find out what it is."

His eyes glinted with ambition and greed.