Setting aside the events on the stands for the moment, Lei Dong had finally secured a spot among the top twenty-six after winning his first match. However, the next round posed a significantly greater challenge, as it required a duel against a top disciple drawn from the Thirteen Caves. What made this particularly difficult for him to accept was the possibility of drawing Ding Wanyan or Dongfang Fu, which would immediately put him at a disadvantage, considering how much Lei Dong desired the rewards of the Grand Competition—especially the substantial contribution points and a single Foundation Establishment Pill. Although Senior Sister Ding had already gifted him one such pill, Lei Dong knew that given his own aptitude, the chance of success even upon reaching the twelfth layer of Qi Condensation was slim. An extra Foundation Establishment Pill meant an extra layer of insurance for breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

With no time to confirm whether Zuo Chao had also won, Lei Dong returned to the temporary rest chamber, swallowed a pill, and began meditating to restore his qi. Although the previous battle against Bu Chang had been won largely due to the opponent’s carelessness, sparing him much effort, the prospect of the challenging opponents ahead allowed for no complacency. Lei Dong felt an intense need for Foundation Establishment Pills. Purchasing one would require selling at least a hundred mid-grade Spirit Ghosts, a feat that demanded significant time and energy. Furthermore, even possessing a hundred mid-grade Spirit Ghosts, selling them individually presented too high a risk of trouble. If he tried to sell them across more than a hundred market stalls, how long would that take? Wouldn't accidents inevitably occur in the meantime?

As for attempting to sell a high-grade Spirit Ghost, that was simply courting death. While others might not bother a Qi Condensation cultivator over the price of a mere mid-grade Spirit Ghost, the value of a high-grade one was enough to ignite greed even in Golden Core experts. There would be absolutely no chance of escaping unscathed; that would truly mean eternal damnation.

It was for this reason that Lei Dong placed such high importance on securing a Foundation Establishment Pill in this competition. Moreover, the ultimate prize—a top-grade magical artifact—was beckoning him to fight desperately. A top-grade magical artifact was a treasure rarer and more precious than a Foundation Establishment Pill. If he failed to secure a spot in the top three, given the temperament of the Ancestor of Myriad Ghosts, that artifact would certainly be reclaimed, and he would be exiled to the desolate and frigid wastelands.

The latter possibility was something Lei Dong could not tolerate. Cultivation was already arduous enough in a place rich with resources; moving to a cold, resource-scarce location would seal his fate, making ascension to the Foundation Establishment stage impossible in this lifetime.

Shaking off the distracting thoughts, Lei Dong quieted his mind and continued his meditation. An hour later, he opened his eyes, his spirit full and vigorous. The power he had expended earlier had been completely recovered.

It was precisely at this moment that an attendant arrived to announce the imminent start of the next round’s drawing.

Unlike the Minor Competition, which allowed ample time for recovery and adjustment, the Grand Competition, due to time constraints, could not afford a three-day rest between matches. The interval between each bout was extremely tight.

Composing himself, Lei Dong proceeded to the drawing area. He saw Zuo Chao was also present, indicating that he too had defeated his opponent and advanced into the top twenty-six. Lei Dong couldn’t help but smile and greet him. However, the next stage required him to aggressively vie for a spot among the top thirteen from the ranks of the elite disciples, a task fraught with difficulty. Yet, even if he lost, he could still aim for fourteenth, fifteenth, or similar placements.

From Zuo Chao’s sighing complaints, Lei Dong learned that three individuals had already died in the preceding thirteen duels. The Grand Competition was truly brutal and perilous. Everyone clinging to even a sliver of hope strove to push forward, as advancing even one position increased the chance of obtaining a Foundation Establishment Pill. Once two batches of pills were distributed, even someone ranked twentieth stood a chance of receiving one. This reality compelled participants to fight for their lives.

For this drawing, the thirteen chief disciples stepped forward one by one to draw lots. Dongfang Fu was the first to approach. Seeing the tense faces of those around her, it was clear no one wished to face the formidable Dongfang Fu, the designated "terrorist."

"Arena A, Second Match: Dongfang Fu of the Heavenly Demon Palace versus Dong Buqun of the Ghost Fiend Mansion." As the Golden Core elder overseeing the drawing announced this in an expressionless tone, Lei Dong felt a small weight lift from his chest, surmising that the vast majority present felt the same relief. The sole exception was Dong Buqun from the Ghost Fiend Mansion.

Many spectators glanced at the unlucky fellow with schadenfreude. Indeed, the man's face was ashen, bordering on tears. The concept of 'better the death of a fellow Daoist than my own' felt particularly apt.

The second to draw was Senior Sister Ding Wanyan. Lei Dong and Zuo Chao’s hearts immediately tensed again. They silently prayed that Senior Sister Ding’s luck would be good, that she would absolutely not draw one of their two junior brothers… As for others, let them face misfortune.

"Arena B, Second Match: Ding Wanyan of the Myriad Ghost Cave versus Li Yao of the Bewitching Demon Valley." The announcement was delivered with the same impassive voice.

Upon drawing this result, Ding Wanyan also breathed a slight sigh of relief, showing no interest in even glancing at the named Li Yao. Meanwhile, Lei Dong and Zuo Chao, relieved by their own good fortune, spared a look for the unfortunate Li Yao. The young man was indeed handsome, but whether due to poor rest or his cultivation technique, his complexion was pale and bloodless, looking as if a strong gust of wind could blow him over.

The Ancestor of Myriad Ghosts, watching from the elevated platform, noticed this and mockingly retaliated against the Bewitching Demon Sect leader: "Bewitching Demon Harlot, shall we place a wager on this? Don't say I’m bullying a woman; the odds are three to one."

The Bewitching Demon Leader’s beautiful face darkened; she certainly did not wish for Li Yao to face either of the Yin-Sha Twin Heroes, as that meant certain defeat. Unpleasantly, she snapped back at the Myriad Ghosts Ancestor, "Scram! Even at ten to one, I won't play with you."

"Hahahaha, I hope that boy hasn't completely drained you dry, lest Wanyan doesn't get enough satisfaction beating him," the Ancestor of Myriad Ghosts gloated, kicking her while she was down.

"Myriad Ghosts, if you keep boasting, watch out—I might just take a moment to call your prized disciple, what’s his name? Lei Dong, is it? And defile him before killing him." The Bewitching Demon Leader turned savage and threatening.

The Ancestor of Myriad Ghosts hastily fell silent. He truly found that vicious woman difficult to provoke, mainly because she was exceptionally troublesome.

...

Unaware that he had been dragged into this mess while simply lying low, Lei Dong felt utterly relaxed at this juncture. As long as he didn't face one of the Yin-Sha Twin Heroes in this round, he was confident he could put up a decent fight. Next up was his major rival, Baili Yun, to draw his lot. Baili Yun shot Lei Dong a gloomy, lingering glance, followed by a strange smile.

Lei Dong’s heart gave a slight jolt, but he quickly calmed himself. Even if Baili Yun drew him, what of it? They were destined to clash sooner or later. It might as well happen openly on this stage, where he could eliminate a future threat decisively. As for that old scoundrel, Ku Gu, trying to cause trouble for him personally, he doubted the old man dared, considering his own Ancestor wasn't a nobody.

Baili Yun, his actions shielded by the Golden Core Elder's divine sense barrier, reached into the lot container. After fumbling for a moment, he pulled out his chosen lot, looked at it, and once again offered Lei Dong a sinister grin.

"Peak of Withered Bones, Baili Yun, versus Myriad Ghost Cave, Lei Dong." The Golden Core Elder recited the outcome as if half-asleep, his face utterly devoid of expression.

Haha. Many people immediately began directing looks of pity mixed with mockery toward Lei Dong. However, Lei Dong seemed to have anticipated this, his expression remaining unnervingly calm and unmoved.

"Myriad Ghosts, it seems your luck isn't so great this time," the Bewitching Demon Leader chuckled, clearly delighted. "Although your boy has solid cultivation techniques and three tenth-level Spirit Soldiers, he is still a notch below young Baili. A pity, a pity." In her view, if Lei Dong had drawn later among the remaining chief disciples, he might have stood a chance of advancing another round.

"Heh heh heh~ Myriad Ghosts, shall we place a wager? Don't say I’m bullying your disciple—he’s only at the eighth layer of Qi Condensation. How about one to three odds?" The Ancestor of Withered Bones' triumphant, sinister laughter sounded particularly grating.

"Ku Gu, have you no shame?" the Ancestor of Myriad Ghosts growled, his face darkening. "You dare to cheat so openly in this venue?"

"Myriad Ghosts, accusations require proof," the Ancestor of Withered Bones retorted, his green eyes glaring. "Which of your eyes saw me cheating? If you don't dare to bet, don't start throwing a tantrum and posturing!"

...

(A few rambling thoughts: Regarding reader resonance and aversion, a small reflection, and a request for votes~

When an author writes a novel, especially a lengthy one, if they truly pour their heart and effort into it rather than just going through the motions, even if the writing itself is somewhat lacking, they inevitably weave their life experiences and insights into the plot, whether intentionally or not. A novel reflects not just the storyline, but also the countless imprints of the author’s personality and emotions scattered between the lines—things that cannot be erased if the creation is sincere.

When you read a novel that resonates strongly with your personality, sometimes very peculiar things happen. As you read seemingly ordinary words, they trigger recognition and resonance. It's a magical experience; the text ceases to be mere characters. Instead, like musical notes, they convey profound subtleties between the lines—mysteries that can only be understood tacitly, not verbally. The closer your personality aligns with the author's, the stronger this resonance becomes.

When I read such works, I feel immense joy, as if I’ve found an intimate confidant in the vast sea of humanity, someone I’ve never met.

Of course, where there is resonance, there will also be aversion. If a reader's personality differs greatly from the author’s, the reader might unconsciously feel dislike or resistance toward the book, even if it is a work born of the author’s deepest effort, making it impossible to continue reading.

Therefore, during the creative process, I have never hoped that every single person who understands Chinese characters will like The Great Fiend. I only hope to find a group of like-minded individuals; that alone makes me very happy. Naturally, as an author, I also hope this so-called group is as large as possible.

So, when you saw the title The Great Fiend, felt a vague interest, clicked, started reading, and then grew to like this book—

Could you please cast one recommendation vote for me? Let's climb into the top fifteen of the weekly recommendation charts this Monday so more readers can see and fall in love with The Great Fiend. Thank you all.

P.S. Last week, the ranking was seventeenth. I really hope we can break into the top fifteen this week and maintain it. If any readers prefer another novel, please spare one vote from your five or six available votes for your little brother, hehe, thank you. I also hope this small piece of writing resonates with you, as that will bring me more votes! ^_^.)