A buzz of excitement and tension rippled through the Azure Cloud Sect's Outer Sect, overriding even the recent gossip about Kai's dramatic rise and Zhang Long's fall. Large red posters, affixed by stern-faced Outer Sect Deacons, appeared on the Contribution Board, near the training grounds, and outside the refectory. The annual Outer Sect Competition was officially announced.

  [AZURE CLOUD SECT - OUTER SECT GRAND COMPETITION]

  (Held Once Annually)

  Objective: To identify disciples with exceptional potential, diligence, and combat prowess for advancement.

  Eligibility: All registered Outer Sect Disciples under the age of 20, Qi Condensation Level 3 or higher.

  Format: Series of elimination duels on designated arenas. Rules of engagement: No lethal force permitted, no intentionally crippling techniques, limited use of external artifacts (subject to pre-competition inspection and approval by supervising Elders). Surrender or incapacitation determines victory.

  Timeline: Registration opens today, closes in one week. Competition begins in two weeks.

  Rewards:

  Top 10 Finalists: Granted entry into the prestigious Inner Sect! Receive improved residence, higher resource allocation, access to superior cultivation techniques and guidance from Inner Sect Elders.

  Top 3 Finalists: Additional rewards including Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, high-quality Qi Pills, choice of one Low-Grade Spirit Artifact from the Sect Armory.

  Champion: All previous rewards PLUS a Foundation Establishment Assistance Pill OR direct tutelage under a chosen Sect Elder for one month!

  The announcement sent waves of fervent discussion through the disciples. For thousands of Outer Sect disciples trapped in mediocrity, the competition represented the single greatest opportunity to change their destiny. Entering the Inner Sect was the dream – a gateway to real power, status, and a chance at reaching higher cultivation realms like Foundation Establishment.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  The rewards were incredibly enticing, especially the champion's prize. A Foundation Establishment Assistance Pill was a legendary item, almost guaranteeing a successful breakthrough. Tutelage under an Elder was equally valuable.

  Kai read the poster carefully, his mind immediately recognizing the significance of this event. It wasn't just a competition; it was a gateway. Entry into the Inner Sect meant access to a wealthier, more powerful customer base. It meant better personal resources, higher ambient Qi density for cultivation, and access to knowledge and techniques far beyond the Outer Sect's scope. It aligned perfectly with his goals for both personal power and expanding his 'Universal Goods' operation.

  His current standing – Qi Condensation Level 5, with a fearsome reputation and a small network – put him in a strong position. Many disciples who met the Level 3 requirement would register, but realistically, only those at Level 5 or higher stood a real chance of reaching the top 10. The true contenders would likely be the handful of Outer Sect elites at Level 6, 7, or even the rare few touching Level 8 or 9.

  Could he compete? Level 5 was good, but not dominant among the actual competition pool. His victory over Zhang Long's group was decisive but relied heavily on the surprise element of the Taser and his combat module. In a formal duel, under the watchful eyes of Elders, with opponents likely better equipped and trained than street thugs, relying solely on the Taser might be difficult, especially if its nature was scrutinized as an 'external artifact'.

  He needed to prepare. He needed better gear – not necessarily powerful artifacts, but fundamentally superior equipment disguised as mundane items. He needed to consolidate his cultivation, perhaps even push for another level before the competition began. And he needed a strategy that leveraged his unique advantages without revealing the full extent of the system.

  The competition was his chance to step out of the shadows of the Outer Sect and onto a larger stage. Failure meant remaining stuck, his potential limited. Success meant accelerating his journey exponentially. There was no question. Kai would enter the competition, and he would aim for the very top. He turned away from the poster, his mind already calculating, planning, accessing the System Store in his vision. Preparation began now.