The deafening cheers and applause surged like a tide across the entire Heavenly Axis City central plaza, not stopping for a long time. The high-hanging sun scattered golden light on the ten arenas, and also scattered on this conference's three ultimate talents who had risen above the thousand.
Mu Xue stood quietly at the main arena's center, cold and pure, accepting the world's attention. Her expression remained calm, as if winning the championship was merely completing something (perfectly natural). Situ Hong stood to the side, defeat yet honor. His face carried swordsmen's (unique) steadfastness and composure. And Xiaoqi, ranked third, his blue robe slightly moving, eyes clear. That steadiness and restraint made people unable to slight him because of his youth or background.
On the high platform, that Heavenly Axis City senior executive elder in purple-gold Taoist robes smiled, stepping forward slowly. His gaze swept across the three below, pausing briefly on Xiaoqi especially, carrying undisguised appreciation.
"This Heavenly Axis Ask-the-Heavens Conference now concludes perfectly!" The elder's voice was loud, suppressing the plaza's noise. "You three, having risen above a thousand talents, displaying our cultivation world's younger generation's style, truly deserving congratulations! Per conference precedent, heavy rewards shall be bestowed to encourage!"
The voice fell. Three executives in uniform robes, carrying jade platters covered with brocade, respectfully ascended the main arena, arriving before Mu Xue, Situ Hong, and Xiaoqi respectively.
All eyes focused on the three jade platters, full of curiosity and envy. Heavenly Axis City, as one of Central Plains cultivation world's core grand cities, the rewards they offered were no ordinary.
First awarded were the third place rewards.
The executive responsible for Xiaoqi lifted the brocade. On the jade platter, three items shone brilliantly.
On the left was an ancient-looking storage ring. The executive announced loudly: "Superior spirit stones—five thousand!"
A soft gasp rose from below. Five thousand superior spirit stones! This nearly equaled a small-to-medium sect's entire annual income! For individual cultivators, it was an enormous wealth sufficient to support long-term cultivation and purchase rare resources!
In the middle was a palm-sized, dark-gold colored, naturally textured with turtle shell patterns ancient small shield. The shield's spiritual light was contained within, faintly emanating a thick, unbreakable aura.
"Peak-grade spirit artifact—Xuan Gui Shield!" The executive's voice carried pride. "This shield takes a thousand-year Xuan Tortoise's core turtle shell, supplemented with various rare metal crystals. Refined by Heavenly Axis City's artifact refinement grandmaster with painstaking effort. Once activated, it automatically protects its master, defensive power extremely strong, sufficient to withstand several full-power strikes from early Nascent Soul cultivators! Can also change size according to master's will—a truly rare protective treasure!"
Peak-grade spirit artifact! And a extremely rare defensive peak-grade spirit artifact! Its value even exceeded many offensive type treasures! Below audience's eyes turned red. Such a treasure was sufficient as a bottom-line means for many Nascent Soul cultivators.
Xiaoqi's heart also stirred. He had the Red Flame Sword for attack, Swimming Dragon Nine Turns for movement, only lacking in pure defensive artifacts. This Xuan Gui Shield came just in time.
On the right was a token neither gold nor jade, carved with star patterns.
"Heavenly Axis Realm cultivation qualification—ten days!" The executive's voice rose again, carrying a solemn tone. "Holding this token allows entry to the 'Heavenly Axis Realm' core region controlled by our Heavenly Axis City for ten days! Within the realm, spiritual energy is over ten times the outside, also containing ancient remnant Dao rhythm fragments—extremely beneficial for comprehending realms and breaking bottlenecks! This qualification, only obtainable by those who performed great service or celestial talents!"
This announcement made even Mu Xue and Situ Hong slightly glance sideways. The Heavenly Axis Realm's reputation, they had long heard. It was one of Heavenly Axis City's foundations. Its core region cultivation qualification was even priceless, far exceeding spirit stones and spirit artifacts in value! These ten days of cultivation might equal years of effort outside!
Xiaoqi took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart. These rewards were truly too rich! Spirit stones were cultivation's foundation. The Xuan Gui Shield compensated for defensive weakness. And the Heavenly Axis Realm cultivation opportunity was an unmissable fortune! With these, his strength would definitely ascend another level in a short time!
He respectfully received the jade platter, bowing deeply toward the high platform elder and the executive before him: "Many thanks to the City Lord's residence for the generous reward!"
The elder nodded with a smile.
Next, Situ Hong received second place rewards: eight thousand superior spirit stones, a peak-grade spirit artifact sword named "Splitting Waves" (highly compatible with his sword techniques), and eight days Heavenly Axis Realm cultivation qualification. The rewards equally caused envy.
Finally, the champion Mu Xue's rewards. Ten thousand superior spirit stones, a peak-grade spirit artifact named "Ice Soul Cold Silk" (ribbon-shaped, integrating offense and defense, matching her ice techniques perfectly), and half a month's Heavenly Axis Realm cultivation qualification! The rewards' richness was unprecedented, also demonstrating Heavenly Axis City's regard and friendly intentions toward this sect heir.
Mu Xue calmly received the rewards, only slightly nodding thanks, not speaking more.
Rewards presented. The three celestial talents held precious treasures, standing on the arena, enjoying countless envious, admiring, jealous gazes. At this moment, they were the undisputed focal points.
Xiaoqi stroked that warm Xuan Gui Shield and that heavy realm token. His heart surged with pride. This Heavenly Axis Ask-the-Heavens Conference, he not only won reputation and resources, but also broadened his horizons through exchanges with various celestial talents, tempered his Dao heart. Third place was definitely not an endpoint, but a brand-new starting point.
He knew, possessing these rewards, especially that Heavenly Axis Realm cultivation opportunity, he must transform these gains into real strength as soon as possible. The road ahead was long. Central Plains imperial princes, overseas experts, even stronger experts in the wider world... awaited ahead.
The conference ended, yet Tang Xiaoqi's legend seemed just beginning. He put away the rewards, gaze firmly toward the distance. The next goal was utilizing this rare opportunity to strive for that Golden Core Dao countless cultivators dreamed of!