The Tenth Awakening

The next morning, Arya woke up, freshened up, and made his way toward the competition grounds. This tournament wasn't particularly important to him, but it was still a crucial stepping stone.

The Four-Village Competition featured the younger generation from four villages:

1. Blazing Inferno Village – Arya's village, with an unusual name for a continent dominated by water and ice cultivators.

2. Black Crow Village – Arya had already met their chief's daughter, Rose, the previous day.

3. Blue Stone Village - he don't know that much about this village

4. White Sparrow Village – Like Black Crow, its name was also inspired by the continent's native beasts.

Upon arriving at the designated seating area for his village, Arya noticed that Kane and the others looked relieved to see him. Although they were all confident in their own strength, having Arya—who had already proven himself as the strongest in their village's selection tournament—gave them extra assurance.

Arya took his seat and looked toward the platform where the village leaders sat. Among them, he spotted his father, but what caught his attention was the presence of a fifth figure seated alongside the four village chiefs. This person was likely the elder from Water Dragon Academy, though Arya wasn't familiar with the chiefs of the other two villages to confirm.

After a brief wait, the sound of horns echoed across the competition grounds, signaling the start of the event. An elderly figure, appearing to be in his late forties or early fifties, rose from his seat. With a mere wave of his hand, an invisible energy ripple spread across the area, instantly silencing the crowd. His aura alone commanded respect.

He began speaking, his voice steady and authoritative.

"I believe most of you are aware that this year's competition is different. This time, the Water Dragon Academy has granted the top three participants a chance to join its ranks. I don't need to explain what this means. Water Dragon Academy is a mid-class academy, and even the opportunity to apply is beyond reach for most. But for the top three, admission fees for the first year will be waived, and you will be granted a special entrance trial. Those who pass will officially become academy students."

The crowd murmured in excitement.

"Now, let's discuss the rewards."

The elder raised his hand, and a scroll materialized before him.

"This year's rewards have been greatly enhanced, thanks to the academy's support. Here is how they will be distributed:

• Rank 25 to 15 will receive low-rank spatial bags and a small amount of pink coins (the continent's higher currency). The 25th place will receive 1 pink coin, with each rank above gaining 1 additional coin. The 1st place winner will receive 25 pink coins.

• Ranks 14 to 4 will receive mid-rank spatial bags instead of low-rank ones.

• The Top 7 will be given the opportunity to bathe in the Elemental Dragon Pond, a place revered even by the academy. This pond can enhance cultivation, though its true value is shrouded in mystery.

• The Top 3 will receive:

1. A seed stone (Common rank for 2nd and 3rd place, while the Champion will receive an Uncommon rank seed).

2. A high-level spatial bag capable of storing a seed stone—an incredibly expensive item.

3. A chance to join Water Dragon Academy.

Hearing this, Arya couldn't help but sigh.

"A mid-class academy really is wealthy…" he thought.

Just the pink coin rewards were beyond his expectations. On top of that, the high-level spatial bag alone was worth nearly as much as the champion's prize money. And the seed stones?

• A Common seed cost 200 white coins.

• An Uncommon seed cost 35 pink coins (equal to 1,000 white coins).

• A Rare seed was worth 50 red coins, which equaled 1,500 pink coins (or 45,000 white coins).

"Just thinking about these numbers gives me a headache."

As Arya was still mentally calculating, the elder from Water Dragon Academy raised his hand again.

"Now, let's discuss the competition format. Since the top seven rewards are exceptional, the challenges will be harder as well."

With those words, the Four-Village Competition officially began.

There would be two battle stages running simultaneously, ensuring the matches progressed quickly. The first round was about to begin. Arya's eyes sharpened as he prepared himself.

This was just the beginning.