Chapter 199: Domain Lord's Promise

In the past, offending people wouldn't have brought such significant benefits, making it not worthwhile.

Now, he was unsure what to do.

The benefits were acquired, and people had been offended; he could only face reality.

After bowing respectfully to the Domain Lord, Bian Jixiong flew off, returning to the pavilion from which he had come.

Wei Mo turned his head to someone beside him and said, "Next one."

The normal, elaborate procedure should have started with awards for each province, then for each sect, and finally for individuals. However, the Right Assistant Marquis had not arrived, and the Star Lords had departed, leaving them to manage on their own. Awarding themselves would have seemed rather self-indulgent. In any case, the rewards from the Xunmen could not be disbursed immediately and would need to be implemented later. Therefore, he omitted the provincial award presentation process and directly proceeded to the sect awards.

The announcer called out again, "From Lizhou, Ascending Immortals Island, having achieved second place in the Heavenly Rain Meteorite Assembly, please come forward to receive your reward!"

As he spoke, the Sect Master of Ascending Immortals Island was seen flying down to the top of the stone pillar.

Wei Mo, still smiling, presented him with a decree and offered warm congratulations.

The announcer then proclaimed, "All disciples of Ascending Immortals Island are granted 300 years of free passage through all open Xunmen within Shenzhou!"

A fresh wave of envious exclamations erupted throughout the training ground.

While 300 years of free access might seem vastly different from permanent free access, their practical value might not be. Many sects might not even last 300 years, and for many cultivators, three centuries already represent a lifetime of free enjoyment.

The Sect Master of Ascending Immortals Island was also very pleased, constantly bowing to various sects in the arena to acknowledge their goodwill.

Although they were second in Shengzhou, they were first in Lizhou, and Lizhou would likely award them heavily upon their return, possibly even establishing a new Xunmen.

Following this, the third, fourth, and subsequent placings were called out, and their representatives came onto the stage to receive their rewards.

Everyone who came onto the stage was delighted. The three months of anxiety had finally paid off, thanks to the desperate efforts of their disciples.

Naturally, the sects would not be stingy with rewards for those disciples who had brought immense benefits and honor to their respective organizations.

The sects that did not make it onto the stage were certainly envious, and many felt a sour taste in their mouths.

Some felt this way because their sect's strength was comparable to the winners', while others believed their own sect was even stronger. Yet, these other sects had gained both fame and fortune, effectively overshadowing them. How could they feel comfortable? Unable to openly vent their frustrations, they could only go back and scold their disciples.

The reason some participating disciples fought so desperately was entirely evident at this moment: the pressure of inter-sect competition rested squarely on their shoulders. Winning meant a bright future; losing meant being a culprit, nothing more.

Shengzhou only rewarded the top ten sects; how the remaining sects would be rewarded upon returning to their respective provinces was a matter for those provinces.

After the top ten sects had received their awards, Wei Mo smiled, thinking of the next recipients, and gestured for the ceremony to continue.

The announcer loudly proclaimed, "From Shengzhou, Wukang Mountain disciple Shi Chun, having achieved first place in the Heavenly Rain Meteorite Assembly individual competition, please come forward to receive your reward!"

On the viewing stand, Lan Qiaoyan and her mother exchanged glances, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Shi Chun, who had already been led by staff to wait in front of the pavilion, was immediately prompted by someone beside him with a gesture, "Go up quickly."

It was Shi Chun's first time experiencing such a grand occasion. Observing the actions of the preceding sects, he immediately followed suit, flashing upwards. Upon seeing Wei Mo, he quickly bowed first, "Shi Chun greets the Domain Lord."

Wei Mo smiled knowingly, took a bank note, a house deed, and a land deed from an assistant, and handed them over, saying, "You've worked hard."

Shi Chun accepted them with both hands, "Thank you, Domain Lord."

The announcer loudly declared, "Shi Chun receives one million units of tan gold, along with a corresponding land deed and house deed in the royal capital."

Lan Qiaoyan and her mother gazed at the small figure on the stone pillar, both filled with emotion. They couldn't help but recall the humble young man who had pretended to be refined not long ago, and now he stood in this highly visible position, declared the first-place winner.

Countless young cultivators in the training ground were consumed with envy. Normally, any disciple from any sect who received this honor would have a bright future within their sect and receive preferential allocation of resources.

Bai Shuchuan of Jieyun Mountain was so envious his eyes turned red, filled with deep resentment.

Anyone else taking first place would have been fine, but Wukang Mountain's people taking it only served to highlight his own incompetence.

The ranking list on the stone pillar showed that Wukang Mountain had swept the first, second, third, and fourth places, while he, an elite disciple from Shengzhou's largest sect, hadn't even made it into the top ten individually. In his personal view, this was akin to being nailed to a pillar of shame.

Ji Qinghe of Suyuan Sect subconsciously turned to look at Mu Lanqingqing beside him. He noticed her gaze was fixed intently on Shi Chun on the stone pillar, her expression growing unusually complex, yet her eyes gradually became more resolute, as if she had made some important decision.

This filled Ji Qinghe with great concern, and he resolved to keep a close eye on her to prevent any trouble.

On the stone pillar, Wei Mo, who had just presented the rewards, smiled and asked Shi Chun, "What reward would you like from Shengzhou?"

Shengzhou had not previously announced any individual rewards; for the various domain lords, such matters were typically arranged by the sects themselves.

This was an additional favor and recognition from Wei Mo towards Shi Chun.

Of course, this was also because Shi Chun's contributions were substantial enough.

The sequence of events was now very clear: Shengzhou's current gains, Wukang Mountain's current achievements, and the fact that individuals from their sect secured the first to fourth places—all could essentially be attributed to Shi Chun's sole efforts. At the very least, he was the greatest and most crucial contributor.

His contribution, which led to the acquisition of many additional Xunmen, was immense. How could Wei Mo, as the Domain Lord, not show some appreciation?

For one who governs the masses, if rewards and punishments are not clear, how can they command respect?

If he were to be petty, who would be willing to exert themselves for his commands in the future?

Even if it were just for show, he had to reward generously.

Moreover, he genuinely found Shi Chun quite likable. The young man was good: daring to think and act, intelligent, resourceful, and possessing a drive, even if a bit reckless. But then, if a young person wasn't a little reckless, how could they be called young?

The good fortune came so suddenly that Shi Chun was stunned. He hadn't expected the Domain Lord to offer an additional reward, having never even considered such a possibility. For a moment, he truly didn't know how to respond.

He knew this was a rare opportunity and that he should carefully consider an appropriate request. The problem was, he had never made such calculations before, so what reward should he ask for?

It would be a pity to waste such a golden opportunity by not making the most of it.

Wei Mo glanced at the waiting crowd and smiled again, "Alright, you can go down first. Go back and think carefully. When you've decided, you can come to my Domain Lord's residence to find me. As long as it's something I can approve, I will fulfill your request to the best of my ability."

The way he spoke made even the assisting staff nearby envious; this was a personal promise from Shengzhou's Domain Lord!

"Thank you, Domain Lord." Shi Chun bowed respectfully again, then took a few steps back before turning and flying away.

Lan Qiaoyan and her mother's gaze followed his figure as he flew across, their faces showing both smiles and emotions.

Wei Mo raised his hand, signaling for the next person.

The announcer then loudly proclaimed, "From Shengzhou, Wukang Mountain disciple Wu Jinliang, having achieved second place in the Heavenly Rain Meteorite Assembly individual competition, please come forward to receive your reward!"

A large figure flashed across the sky, landing atop the stone pillar. It was indeed Wu Jinliang, his face beaming with irrepressible delight.

Before he could even speak, a chorus of shouts erupted from the distant viewing stands.

"Wu Jinliang, you're the man!"

"Wu Jinliang, enjoy your glorious moment!"

"Brother Wu, well done!"

"Brother Wu, it's your treat!"

The sudden burst of clamorous shouts, rising and falling, left everyone in the arena quite bewildered, especially most of the sect members. They were greatly surprised, wondering who dared to make such a racket in this setting, sounding like wailing ghosts.

Everyone turned to look and, seeing that it was the viewing stand reserved for distinguished guests, immediately understood. Indeed, powerful and influential people had the right to be so audacious.

They were also quite surprised about Wu Jinliang's situation. How could he have so many distinguished individuals calling him 'brother,' especially when he was supposedly just released from prison?

Young Master Nan was grinning broadly; he too joined in with a couple of shouts. The victory was secured, everyone had made a fortune, and they were all happy to share in the joy.

On the same viewing stand, Lan Qiaoyan and her mother exchanged bewildered glances, not quite understanding the situation. How did Wu Jinliang, who came in second, seem to have more prestige than Shi Chun, who was first?

It wasn't really prestige; it seemed more like personal connections.

Unable to fully comprehend the situation at that moment, the mother and daughter were still somewhat confused about how the big man had become associated with those people, who vaguely seemed to be descendants of some influential families in the royal capital.

In the waiting pavilion, Bian Jixiong, Elder Ke, and Yin Huixin instinctively exchanged glances, realizing it must be due to the connections he had forged while carousing in the royal capital during his recent disappearance. In a way, they felt a touch of envy.

They were also a bit speechless, thinking that Wukang Mountain had many more refined disciples than Wu Jinliang, so why couldn't they find one or two with such "potential" (for making connections)?

Even the Domain Lords in the prime viewing stand turned their heads, disturbed by the intermittent wailing and clamor.

Wu Jinliang, whose face had initially been beaming with joy, was now embarrassed by the rowdy group. Turning back, he quickly bowed respectfully to the person in front of him, "Wu Jinliang greets the Domain Lord."

Wei Mo glanced towards the source of the clamor and instantly understood what was happening. Under the current circumstances, he had secretly dispatched people to monitor Shi Chun and his companions, so he knew what this group had been up to in the royal capital, especially this fellow in front of him, who seemed tireless in his pursuits.

He was somewhat surprised that Wu Jinliang had managed to get so well-acquainted with those people so quickly.

For now, he merely smiled without speaking. He took a bank note, a house deed, and a land deed from an assistant and handed them over, saying, "Wu Jinliang, you've worked hard!"

The last three words were spoken with a hint of deeper meaning, almost a touch of playful mockery.

Wu Jinliang, however, didn't catch the nuance. He bowed and thanked him, "Thank you, Domain Lord."

The announcer, using a spell to amplify his voice, loudly declared, "Wu Jinliang receives one million units of tan gold, along with a corresponding land deed and house deed in the royal capital."

"Wu Jinliang, treat us!"

"Brother Wu, it's your treat!"

"Treat us, treat us!"

The raucous shouts, like wailing ghosts, erupted again, making it seem as if they were happier than Wu Jinliang himself.

Wu Jinliang ignored them, examining the rewards in his hand with a slight hint of confusion. He wondered why they sounded exactly like Shi Chun's rewards; he couldn't discern any difference.

Seeing this, Wei Mo asked, "What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

"No, no," Wu Jinliang quickly denied, but couldn't help but try asking, "Domain Lord, how much are these house and land deeds worth?"

His directness amused Wei Mo, who said with a smile, "I'm not entirely sure of the exact value, but they should be worth quite a bit. Originally, this house reward was intended for the first-place winner, but I lobbied for you all. The first-place prize was elevated, and consequently, your prize and the third-place prize also shifted up a level."

This matter wasn't really worth mentioning, but he had advocated for them simply because he felt these young men had brought him honor. When it came to rewarding merit, he naturally seized the opportunity to help them whenever it was convenient.

Since Wu Jinliang cared so much about the monetary value, Wei Mo didn't mind casually mentioning his own efforts, hoping to make the other party even happier.

Wu Jinliang's eyes widened. "Oh my, this was originally the first-place reward!"

He wasn't foolish; there must be a significant difference between the first and second-place rewards. With the value upgraded, he would surely gain a lot more.

He immediately beamed, a wide grin stretching to his ears, and repeatedly bowed and thanked Wei Mo, "Thank you, Domain Lord, thank you, Domain Lord! You are the best Domain Lord in the world; no other Domain Lord compares to you!"

The two assisting staff members nearby were speechless. They wanted to ask what he meant by that. Did he think they were deaf? Was this how one complimented someone, by directly disparaging other Domain Lords? Wasn't he afraid of being punished?