Ninety-nine points were all from the demon cores of tier-one demonic beasts.
Zhang Xiaohu was quite an anomaly, as he couldn't defeat tier-two demonic beasts. Moreover, after the aura of the Xuan Yang bird appeared on him, demonic beasts would flee at the sight of him.
He could only catch up to tier-one demonic beasts.
However, even so, it was a miracle of miracles.
Many people fought desperately, but few were as reckless as him.
The fourth to tenth places each received a top-grade spirit stone plus rewards gifted by Chu Yang.
Chu Yang looked at Zhang Xiaohu, who was so moved that tears streamed down his face, and said, "Come over and receive your reward!"
Zhang Xiaohu wiped the tears from his face and quickly ran in front of Chu Yang.
Chu Yang patted his shoulder and said, "There is still a long road ahead. Don't lose this spirit of fighting desperately just because your predicament is resolved. The quality of the cultivation technique you're practicing is a bit low, so the reward I'm giving you is a Profound-grade low-rank technique, 'Flowing Fire Three Thousand Revolutions.' Figure out how to improve your aptitude yourself. Keep it up!"
Zhang Xiaohu was stunned and looked at the technique placed in his hand, his hands trembling slightly.
He had never even dared to dream of a Profound-grade technique!
After all, the one he was currently cultivating was only Mortal-grade low-rank, the worst kind of technique. This leap was too great; it felt unreal!
"Thank you! Thank you, Immortal Brother! Thank you so much..."
"Alright, you can go down now. I need to continue announcing the remaining ranks!"
Amidst everyone's envious gazes, Zhang Xiaohu walked off the stage.
The audience erupted in thunderous applause, cheering for Zhang Xiaohu!
Having never experienced such a scene, he could only keep saying thank you to them.
Meanwhile, in the distant Shangnan Village.
Zhang Xiaohu's father didn't know what the cultivation technique was, nor what great fortune his son had encountered.
But he knew that his child must have achieved something remarkable for so many people to applaud him. He just wanted to cry.
Because he knew that the reason Zhang Xiaohu fought so desperately was only for his father, this burden!
Just then, Aunt Wang, who had left not long ago, returned excitedly.
"Old Zhang, Old Zhang! Your Huz is promising! The village party secretary is coming to see you!"
Zhang's father looked outside the door. It turned out that Aunt Wang was bringing the village party secretary and a group of village cadres towards his house.
It was truly realistic.
When their family was in such difficulty before, they never came to show concern. When the rankings weren't announced, they also didn't come to show concern.
As soon as Zhang Xiaohu's ranking was announced, they immediately arrived.
...
The ninth place was Fan Feixiang, a soldier under Wang Zhicheng.
As a soldier, Fan Feixiang's performance in the secret realm was naturally commendable, but there wasn't much that stood out.
Chu Yang gave him a Xuan Turtle Armor, which he had obtained from the daily lucky draw. It could block the full force attack of a Golden Core stage cultivator. For Fan Feixiang, who was still in the late stage of Qi Refining, this was a second life.
Although Wang Zhicheng was quite happy, it didn't make much of a splash. The audience only applauded symbolically.
The eighth place was a girl named Qi Yan, a cultivator with superior aptitude.
Chu Yang also gave her the reward that suited her best.
Those who entered the top ten generally had good aptitude; Zhang Xiaohu was an exception.
So, only the top six places remained unannounced. Coincidentally, they were the six from the group chat.
They didn't worry about not making it into the top ten. If they didn't, it would be a disgrace!
Chu Yang looked at the list in his hand and said indifferently, "The ones who swept the top six places are all old acquaintances. Their talent is at least heaven-blessed... uh, except for Luo Xiaowei."
Luo Xiaowei almost spat out a mouthful of blood. There was no need to specifically point him out, my dear Immortal Brother!
"Ah Wei, don't be discouraged! Even if you have lower aptitude, it doesn't affect our love for you!"
Luo Xiaowei was on the verge of tears. Although he knew Chu Yang was praising him, those three "although"s were completely unnecessary!
"However, we cannot deny that when facing strong enemies, he is like a drawn sword, possessing an indomitable spirit. He is the world's first Sword Cultivator. Let us congratulate the sixth place in this trial – Luo Xiaowei!"
Luo Xiaowei's face immediately lit up as he tidied his worn clothes and walked up to Chu Yang.
Chu Yang gave him a top-grade spirit stone, which was equivalent to Luo Xiaowei's wages for working for Chu Yang for a hundred days.
Then, under his expectant gaze, Chu Yang took out a treasured sword entwined with purple flames.
"Since you have chosen the path of a Sword Cultivator, I shall give you a sword. This sword is named the [Candle Dragon Burning Heaven Sword]! It is a top-grade Saint Artifact, forged from the bones of a Candle Dragon and imbued with the Candle Dragon's fire. You will only be able to unleash its full power when you reach the Void Refinement stage."
Luo Xiaowei was overjoyed. He now clearly understood who was the boss!
The rewards Chu Yang gave them were all carefully selected. How could he not fawn over him to death?
"Handsome, dashing, elegant, and universally loved, the Immortal Brother who makes flowers bloom! If you ever need help, just ask me. Even if it means going through hell and high water..."
Chu Yang directly grabbed his collar and tossed him aside, "Scram!"
Chu Yang cleared his throat and continued reading, "Everyone might be curious why I didn't announce the seventh place, because there is another person tied for sixth place with Luo Xiaowei!"
"Although she looks small and is timid, we have all witnessed her growth during the trial. Even a little loli dares to wield a great hammer. She is the one who teamed up with Luo Xiaowei and played a key role in the later stages of damage output. Let us congratulate the other sixth place – Qin Xiaoxiao, the Ice Phoenix Sacred Body!"
Qin Xiaoxiao's face flushed red as she walked up to Chu Yang. Being announced publicly like this, while feeling like a big star, was also too shameful!
Moreover, saying she was timid in front of so many people, she was not convinced!
However, since it was Immortal Brother Chu Yang who said it, she dared not to be unconvinced...