Mount Heaven-Earth, the Altar of Heaven and Earth sect

Currently, there were ten people seated around a long table, nobody daring to utter a word. At the head of the table was surprisingly not seated the sect master Li Xuanyuan, but rather, a much younger man to which the entire room acted deferentially. This young man wasn't even part of their sect, yet nobody dared talk before he did.

Sect master Xuanyuan couldn't help but curse his luck. The day he invited their backer to come and assist to the sacrificial ceremony they prepared for so long, a damn moron decided to interfere by challenging their sect to a Contest of Tao. If this wasn't bad luck, he didn't know what was.

[Sect Master Li, you should start the meeting soon. Otherwise, we'll still be here next morning.](?)

[Young Master Wang Fu is right. Let's start the meeting then. Can anyone tell me who the hell is this brat and why did he suddenly decide to challenge us?](Li Xuanyuan)

[If I may... Greetings young Master Wang! My name is Ji Beidou and I hold the position of main elder of the sect. I have some information about this punk.](Ji Beidou)

[Mhm!](Wang Fu)

Seeing the young man acting so aloof and indifferent, he couldn't help but curse in his mind. This punk was worse than the one challenging them.

[Ahem! Proceed elder Ji!](Li Xuanyuan)

[Understood! All of the people present here are aware of it, but young Master Wang isn't so I will start the story with the Crimson Lotus gang ran by my grandson. He might be useless, but he roped in some thugs with which he managed to kidnap many young cultivators showing potential. Unfortunately, they rammed their toes in a steel board about three weeks ago when the recruits from the 361 worlds arrived. They wanted to force them to 'join' our sect, but one of the recruits proved himself... problematic.](Ji Beidou)

[Oh? Someone that isn't even at the Qi Gathering realm properly was able to create problems for this 'gang' you mentioned? How good were your punks? What cultivation levels?](Wang Fu)

[They were all either late Foundation or early Gold Core realm. My nephew was Gold Core III.](Ji Beidou)

[Hahaha! And what happened?](Wang Fu)

[This... they lost. They were all beaten in submission.](Ji Beidou)

[This is hilarious! How many were they?](Wang Fu)

[Over twenty. Their main attributes were trash but they were stronger than the average middle Foundation realm cultivator. Not only that, but I also gave my grandson the protection of an avatar of mine.](Ji Beidou)

[And let me guess: you still lost.](Wang Fu)

[...correct. Since I wanted to avenge my grandson, I collected some intel about this punk and found out that he joined the Valley of Fallen Blossom sect soon after and even bought a private Dwelling after he visited the Praise Land palaces. Our chief disciple Wu Linyu even managed to get his hands on the details of the transaction. Linyu!](Ji Beidou)

[Yes, elder Ji! Greetings to young Master Wang and sect master Li! After investigating the matter, I found out that the name of this punk is Herman Roy. Not only did he buy a Dwelling, but he actually got a space-locked Dwelling after he spent over 600 Spirit Jades.](Wu Linyu)

[Hoh!? Isn't he just a whelp that started cultivating recently? How does he have that much Spirit Jade? What else?](Wang Fu)

[For the rest, I investigate it myself, young Master Wang. Apparently, that guy somehow got accepted in an all-women sect and started cultivating. Not only that, but he actually survived a cultivation covenant with miss Yi Xuan, the Custodian of the Fallen Blossoms sect, and upgraded his realm quite drastically as result. After that, he ventured in the Westmount territory and returned three days later according to my spies, covered in blood that wasn't his. He somehow managed to hunt at least three dens of Stone Beasts and returned with quite a haul.](Ji Beidou)

[This gets more and more interesting with each passing second. I am still unclear about how did he decide to challenge your sect right now though? Did you attack him or something recently?](Wang Fu)

[That has something to do with the race for Heavens, young Master Wang. That bitch Qian from the Fallen Blossoms sect called out a meeting with all Basic-rank sects to get them to agree to meet this punk. She planned to do so in order to gain companions for him. Unfortunately, we were kicked out of the meeting for some reason and found out a bit later that including the sect master and the custodian, all other three management positions in that bitch's sect agreed to become a companion for that bastard.](Li Xuanyuan)

[Oh, wow! All five? So let me guess what happened next. He went to meet the other sects, grabbed some possible companions, and now he wants to build up his fame by stepping on your sect, the only one that he didn't 'visit' just yet. I'm I right?](Wang Fu)

[It seems so. Also, from my knowledge, Yu Yan of the Illusion Sect, Wu Shenghao of the Elixir sect, Hu Lunmey of the Phoenix Pavilion, Feng Danying of the Phoenix Tree, and Wen Lun of the Levitation sect agreed to follow him in the race for Heavens.](Li Xuanyuan)

[You're telling me that this punk that barely learned cultivation has somehow gained the full support of six basic-rank sects and they even allowed their young geniuses to follow him?](Wang Fu)

[Indeed...](Li Xuanyuan)

[Interesting... very interesting! It seems that this trip here won't be as boring as I originally thought. I look forward to the Contest of Tao.](Wang Fu)

[But, young Master Wang... if we allow the challenge, we won't be able to hold the sacrificial ceremony. The contest will end in the best-case scenario one hour after the moons are aligned.](Li Xuanyuan)

[Don't worry about it. I brought an intermediary-rank sealing array that can cover your entire arena. If things play well, we could get even more sacrifices than originally planned.](Wang Fu)

[Huh!? But, if we do that, the entire cultivation world would hunt us.](Li Xuanyuan)

[Why are you fussing over such a minor thing? The higher brass already decided to agree to your sect's relocation to a much better realm. The resources available there will allow you to develop to at least a mid-tier 3 sect. All that's left is grabbing all the benefits you can before leaving.](Wang Fu)

The meeting ended with Wang Fu getting up from his chair and walking out of the room. Those remaining were dumbstruck for a moment, until just a second later their eyes started glowing with greediness, thinking of how much they will have to gain from this relocation.

Not only that, but they all suffered many insults and were forced to accept shit from the Illusion sect since it was publically recognized as the strongest sect. They couldn't reveal too much in order to avoid suspicion, so they had to settle for the second place. Now, not only them, but the other sects would be in their hands if they decide to appear as their spies advised.

[Hahaha! Feng Qian! You and your sluts better not come this time around, or I will be forced to show to my entire sect exactly how you look naked!](Li Xuanyuan)

Fantasizing about the possibilities he dreamed about for decades, he and the other executives of the sect got out to prepare the arena for the upcoming event. He couldn't help but cackle in glee when thinking of how much this newbie screwed over the other eight sects.

He was trying to gain fame and reputation by stepping on his sect, but in return, he would become infamous and publically know as the sole reason for the destruction of eight basic-rank sects.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

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Soon enough, after not even an hour passed, the entire arena under the jurisdiction of the Altar sect was full to the brim. For the thousands of spectators that couldn't get a spot, the System actually went as far as recording the challenge and transmitting it live to every place that requested it.

It was at this point that everyone realized that this was the first Contest of Tao initiated since the start of the race for Heaven was announced. Actually, even Herman himself was surprised at how much the Autarchs held back and didn't attack at least three sects by now...

In the meantime, the VIP section of the arena where the various sects were seated, was currently buzzing with excitement. The various executives have already met with Herman before and saw his prowess and recognized his implicit potential. However, it wasn't easy to fight five opponents in a row, much less fifteen. Yet this guy actually dared to challenge the second strongest sect to a Contest of Tao of all things.

[I'm thinking eight or ninth round...](?)

[Huh!? What are you talking about? Are you out of your mind? He's only a Foundation realm newbie. There's no way he'll resist until the eight-round.](?)

[You two... have some decency! You're executives of the most prominent sects in our country!](?)

[What's the wrong old man? You afraid to bet? I'm betting 20 Spirit Jades that he'll make it to the 9th round. You in?](?)

[Afraid!? Screw you old goat! I bet 50 Spirit Jades that he'll make it past the 10th round!](?)

[The heck!? And you say I'm mad?](?)

Seeing how lively everyone was, Feng Qian couldn't help but sigh. It was true that times of peace soften one's bones. Yet as soon as there is even a whiff of blood in the air, these people will swim towards it like sharks. Even the executives that were usually high strung and serious were going as far as betting on the result.

Looking at sect master Pu, she couldn't help but laugh. He was dotting quite heavily on Yu Yan and was advising her not to bet like the morons in front were doing.

[But sect master, I think he can win this easily. Herman's strength is much more than what he let us see. I know that for certain!](Yu Yan)

[Mhm! That's true and it's also a good lesson for you. Never show all your cards, lest you want your enemies to devour you whole! As for Herman... he's an oddball. That's for sure! My advice, if you want to bet, bet with the System and not with those old fools over there. You have a higher chance of not being cheated that way.](Chun Pu)

[Understood!](Yu Yan)

[Sect master Pu, how can you say that!?](?)

[That's right sect master Pu! If you don't want to bet, then just don't if you're afraid!](?)

[You old toads! Who's afraid!? I bet 150 Spirit Jades that he makes it passed the 12th round!](Chun Pu)

[...](Yu Yan)

[...](Feng Qian)

Seeing how speechless his two protegees have become, sect master Pu couldn't help but blush and excuse himself to go vent by beating up those old toads. The two girls left behind started laughing while shaking their heads.

In fact, even Feng Qian and the other four girls of her sect placed their bets that Herman would complete all the fifteen rounds after he advised them to. From her knowledge, Tianxia Xue, Xu Wen'an, and lady Celeste had done the same. In fact, after lady Celeste placed her bet, the odds diminished quite a bit. Before her bet, the System gave Herman a 1 to 9 to complete the entire event and exit victorious. After, it had dropped to just 1 to 6. It really made one wonder just how much Spirit Jade did Celeste betted...

[Father... Ahem! Sect master Pu, the host is here. Come take your seat please!](Zhang Ziyu)

[Oh? They are already here?](Chun Pu)

[No. Not here! They are on the main stage... Why would they join us here?](Zhang Ziyu)

[Right...](Chun Pu)

Just as sect master Pu was thinking of ways to punish this unfilial son that just shamed him greatly, the sect master of the Altar of Heaven and Earth appeared in the middle of the arena and began addressing the crowd. A trace of seriousness flashed on his face for an instant and glanced at the other sect masters that nodded back to him.

All they needed to do now was to sit back and enjoy the show.

[Fellow cultivators! On behalf of the Altar of Heaven and Earth, we thank you for gracing us with your presence today. I am certain that you didn't come here to hear this old man talking, so I will just start the event. Let the participants enter the arena!](Li Xuanyuan)

Followed by a cascade of applause, a door opened behind sect master Li. From behind it, cultivators sporting frightening auras entered, surprising the crowd. Even the various sects attending couldn't help but raise a brow when seeing the fourteenth participants that gathered behind the old man.

Each sect had its own foundations that were hidden from the eyes of the world, yet this stinking old goat just presented ten disciples that they had no record of. And from the feeling the Primordial Qi around them gave off, they were not your run-of-the-mill cultivators.

[It seems like Herman was right... They are hiding something for sure. Qian, do you see big sister Celeste?](Yi Xuan)

[Nope. But since Herman was certain that she would be here, maybe she is just hiding for now. Nevertheless, those two at the Nascent Soul realm... they seem quite dangerous.](Feng Qian)

[What do you think are your chances against them little Qian](Chen Pu)

[I can easily win against both of them at once. Same for the other four under me. Don't forget uncle Pu, we are keeping a low profile, but aren't as weak as the world thinks.](Feng Qian)

[You don't need to remind this old man. I was just curious. But even then... that makes me question the strength of those five executives. Just how much have they hidden?](Chun Pu)

After the introductions of the participants on behalf of the host, a door opened on the opposite part of the arena, silencing the entire crowd. The sound of his footsteps echoed in everyone's ears, making them hold their breath. A shadow appeared first, followed by a blurry silhouette, walking calmly towards the middle of the ring. Sporting a clean Immortal Search outfit and after cleaning himself a little bit, Herman was just candy for the eyes.

In light of the event occurring, everyone couldn't help but see him a bit different. He looked more valiant even in the eyes of those that met him before. Seeing him gland and smile at the public broke the mood and made the hundreds of spectators cheer loudly. Looking good was only fifty percent of the trick! The remaining half was acting it out.

Who doesn't love a confident challenger?

"So these will be my opponents? Huh!?"

Getting on the stage, he appraised the combatants using his Censor title, and just as expected, he saw evil alignment. Just before he had the chance to say something, a figure appeared brusquely in the middle of the ring, between Herman and the Altar sect. 

The young man in his early twenties glanced at Herman and gave him a cursory glance after which he turned to the public.

[Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for joining us today! This humble one is Wu Xintian and will serve as a judge of the fight. So that we can uphold the System's rule and regulations, all three parties, myself included, will agree to a contract which would decide how the contest will be held. Without further ado, let the Contest of Tao commence!](Wu Xintian)

While the public was cheering and clapping madly, Li Xuanyuan was sweating profusely. What bullshit Wu Xintian!? That was young Master Wang Fu! Crap! The upper echelons told him that this young man was quite inclined into doing stuff he finds entertaining, but he didn't expect for him to show himself in the public eye like that!

Yet again, maybe that meant that he had that much trust in this intermediate-level suppression array he brought. Judging by his calm demeanor, it meant that he already put it in place and only needs activating. In that case, he can just relax and beat the shit out of this stupid kid that didn't know his place.

"Lookie at that! This sect master Li is a blink away from eating me whole. The others don't look friendly either..."

As soon as the contract manifested, it provided many fields in which the participants could compete. Herman directly selected a fight, stunning the spectating crow. He didn't even think about it or pondered after seeing the might paraded by the Altar sect. This type of confidence was just... awesome!

General alert!

All participants will now be subjected to the Contest of Tao rules and regulations!

Activating the combat system!

For the following seven hours and thirty minutes, the participants will be shielded from death!

May you all fight to your heart's desire!

Everyone was astonished and delighted to see the System be so generous. The combat system was a tool used only in important competitions as a means to explain the prowess of the combatants. Simply put, once a strike connected, the damage would appear in a numerical form for the spectators to see. 

This sort of trick would make the fight that much better, turning the spectators berserk! They didn't expect to be rewarded as such for the measly 10 Spirit Stones they paid to secure a seat. This would ensure bragging rights among their friends for at least a month or so!

"Sure enough, the System is promoting it. It might be an uncommon occurrence, but it will become the norm soon enough. This 'combat system' is a tool that is not only for spectators to enjoy but also for the two fighters to get a better grasp of each other's capabilities. Take damage, for example. The attacker's damage is simply his Attack value minus the opponent's Defense. Leaving aside techniques and anything else, it's simply a demonstration of base attributes."

And between this new self of his, that was more or less a whale and a handful of evil cultivators... there was no need to hold one's breath. Under the watchful eye of the crowd, Herman took out his Thundering Sword and imbued it with Primordial Qi.

Seeing the sword in Herman's hands release streaks of lightning as a sign of provocation, the cheers were so loud that they could've been heard from miles away.

"Shall we begin then? Who's first?"