Just as the celestial light dissipated and turned into specks of gold, a voice rang out.

"Another year of good times, another year of progress."

Then Xiao Mingmu floated into the air, looked down at the people below, and then began to speak at the top of his lungs.

"Ah, the Grand Competition, a familiar name. Competition helps us improve, competition helps us grow. We are all the best cultivators, and our dream is..."

A passionate speech, coupled with some emotional manipulation.

The outer disciples below were so excited that the atmosphere reached a climax, and they shouted incessantly.

The deacons and hall masters were also in a state of great turmoil.

Such a grand spectacle for a mere outer disciple competition, complete with a speech by an elder.

It's like someone has transcended tribulation and ascended to immortality. What does this mean? What is the elder implying?

Hmm... it's really not that interesting.

I just wanted to make Wu Er happy.

But Wu Er didn't feel happy at all; instead, he felt extremely embarrassed.

Why do you feel embarrassed?

Thinking about it carefully, it involved both a "cannon salute" and a speech, which certainly created a lively atmosphere.

But why is this grand competition in a fantasy world being held like a university sports meet?

With that feeling, the overall style immediately dropped several notches.

Where is the promised world of cultivation?

Where's the ethereal beauty I was promised?

"This competition isn't quite what I expected..."

Wu Er shrugged, indicating his helplessness.

However, after going through this process, the competition officially began.