On becoming the champion of the Outstanding Talents Exchange Games, Austin was greatly rewarded with treasures including about 2, 500 servants. Through a scroll, he built a spiritual connection with his slaves. He could order them to do anything and they would comply. They were to serve him unconditionally. They were his and he could even take their lives if he wanted.
He ordered the servants to wait for him at the new residence that the emperor had gifted him as a reward on his victory.
After him the others including Leo and Symon received their prizes. Their rewards were considerably lesser than those awarded to Austin. What was more insulting for them was the fact that their treasures were quite cheaper than the champion's!
Even the number of servants they got was lesser than Austin's. They felt disgraced and unappreciated.
Everyone present there noticed the difference but none dared to ask or question the decisions.
Leo simmered with rage. Gritting his teeth, he glared at Austin. He desperately wanted to dash forward and beat Austin up. However, he didn't let his fury get the better of him as it would all be futile. Instead, he cursed the champion in his heart.
'Damn it! I'm supposed to be the one getting the first position and taking all those rewards.
You took them away from me. I'll tear you into a million pieces, Austin Lin!'
The emperor joyously announced, "Well, now that our contestants have got their prizes, I'm going to talk about another reward—the quotas for entering the Mysterious Nether World."
Upon hearing this, all the people in the crowd turned their eyes towards the emperor and waited with a fixed gaze.
The Mysterious Nether World was under the control of the royal family. For cultivators in Violet Orchid Empire, it was a mysterious and sacred place full of endless treasures and secrets.
"Due to time and space constraints, we have been facing some problem with the entrance to the Mysterious Nether World. But even under these circumstance, the Mysterious Nether World is safe for people to enter.
Some experts have been observing the entrance for over a year now and have confirmed that the Mysterious Nether World will be ready to open in fifteen days.
Then a hundred people can be transported into the Mysterious Nether World without any problem.
Apart from the top fifty who have won in this Outstanding Talents Exchange Games, there are still fifty quotas left.
So, the five biggest sects will get five quotas each.
And the remaining 25 quotas will belong to the cultivator of the royal family."
Silence filled the whole palace as the emperor made the announcement. With their keen gaze focused on the emperor, all listened to his words intently. They didn't want to miss a single word that was uttered by him.
Upon hearing this news, the leaders of the five biggest sects couldn't control the joy and happiness which spread over their faces.
"That's great!" all of them exclaimed.
Disciples from the five biggest sects had signed up for this tournament. Some had been able to manage to get into the top fifty. But by adding five quotas now, each sect could have at least seven to eight disciples who could enter the Mysterious Nether World.
All the leaders of the five biggest sects had no problem with the fact that there were twenty-five members of the royal family who could enter the Mysterious Nether World. It was acceptable. After all, only royal members had been permitted to seek treasures in this place in the past years.
But this time, the emperor was allowing other people to enter the Mysterious Nether World. It was a precious gift and opportunity for all the five sects.
Those who had been able to make it into the top fifty in the games couldn't hide the rapture on their faces.
After he had finished making the announcement, the emperor dismissed the court.
Austin started heading towards the exit door of the throne room. He was followed by his servants who carried all the other prizes. Dewey and Maria too were following him.
Suddenly, a loud voice called out for him from behind.
"Wait, Austin!"
Austin stopped moving.
"Yeah?"
He turned around and found Theon the leader of Sun Sect walking towards him with a slight smile on his face. For some reason, Austin felt uncomfortable with his fake smile.
"Congratulations, Austin. You reached the first position and won!"
Theon said in a cordial tone.
"I'm flattered, sir. What can I do for you?"
Austin responded in a polite manner. He didn't want to create a scene with Theon. He remembered Theon's actions of the past.
When Austin had been attacked by Dwayne, the Chief Elder of the Flaming Sun Valley and Abbott, the leader of Blood Wolf Team, Theon had done nothing. He stood by and watched. Far from coming to his rescue, Austin remembered that his former sect leader didn't even utter a word for him.
Since then, Austin had cut himself off his former sect leader.
"Austin, you joined our sect when you were a little kid. You spent years cultivating with us. You were a capable disciple of our sect.
I have talked to the Elders and we think that you're a talented cultivator. So we have unanimously agreed to let you come back.
Austin, what do you..."
"No," Austin interrupted him before he could finish his words.
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