The next day.

It was the Fourth Day of the Assembly Summit, and anticipation filled the air like crackling lightning.

When the members of the Dust Valley Sect arrived at the summit grounds, countless eyes turned toward them, some burning with envy, others darkened with annoyance.

For two consecutive days, Dust Valley Sect had dominated the supporting professions.

Such a feat was unprecedented since the founding of the Assembly Summit.

Traditionally, each profession was dominated by a different sect or force. Never before had a single sect claimed supremacy across multiple categories.

The written portion of the competitions had concluded. Now the practical tests awaited.

Would this no name sect from the western region be able to maintain its dominance?

Many scoffed at the very idea.

After all, there was an enormous gap between theory and practice.

Compared to the previous day, the crowd surrounding the supporting competition hall had multiplied several times over.

The number had swelled by thousands, spilling into every corner of the viewing grounds.

Meanwhile, at the martial arena, where the most brutal battles were fought, powerful clans and sects noticed with alarm that the stands were noticeably thinner than usual.

"What is going on?" an old man muttered, creasing his brow.

He was not alone.

Many of the clan masters and elders in the martial stands wore similar frowns of confusion.

Before long, their attendants whispered hurried reports into their ears.

"Really?" an elder from the Vermillion Fist Sect exclaimed, his eyes widening.

This was the first time in his memory that the martial arena had lost its appeal to the crowd.

In the cultivation world, strength reigned supreme.

This was the universal truth.

While supportive professions were acknowledged as important, they had never held greater importance than personal power.

Moreover, the thrill of watching life-and-death battles, the adrenaline of blood and steel, was something supportive competitions could never provide.

Or so they thought.

Yet today, reality was proving otherwise.

The master of the ancient Liu Clan narrowed his eyes, a sharp glint flashing across his gaze.

He had not expected a small, barren-region sect to continue shining so brightly here in the imperial capital.

This was the heart of the empire, home to countless hidden forces. Generations of peak innovation and deep inheritance resided here.

And yet… Dust Valley Sect was overshadowing them all.

Grinding his teeth, the Liu Clan Master glanced at his First Elder, and the two exchanged knowing smiles.

They had yet to wash away the humiliation of the previous night, and now this no name sect was trying to dominate even further.

And that in their own city, no less.

How could they possibly allow this?

Besides, the Liu Clan Master felt shame and regret churned in his chest.

He had condemned his daughter, declaring she would never achieve anything in life.

Yet here she was, her star burning brighter than ever.

Hidden beneath his robes, his fists clenched tightly.

Inwardly, he vowed.

He would not rest until she regretted her foolish choice of following that so-called good-for-nothing boy.

Among the other ancient clan masters murmured spread them.

"What is this Dust Valley Sect? Where did they come from?" asked the Wu Clan Master casually, his eyes narrowing.

"To dominate five supporting professions, their inheritance must be complete," the Zhou Clan Master remarked, a dangerous glint flickering in his eyes.

"This year's summit is certainly full of surprises," said the Huang Clan Master with a faint smile.

"Nonsense," scoffed the Sect Master of the Silver Wei Sect, his tone dripping with disdain.

"They only showed a bit of talent in the written competitions. Today, everyone will see their true faces—they are nothing but inflated shadows."

But the other experts present did not speak any words.

Their silence spoke volumes.

By the end of the day, truth would prevail. Either Dust Valley Sect would prove themselves… or be revealed as nothing-trash.

Below, the various elders and disciples of other sects had also caught wind of the news.

Many had prepared to showcase their strength today, hoping to elevate their names and reputations.

But the Dust Valley Sect had already stolen the thunder.

How could they possibly feel satisfied?

The martial battles were already half-completed, leaving only one day for the finals.

Today was meant to be the stage where many disciples made their mark.

"I can't accept this… why is everyone flocking to watch a mere supporting profession competition?" one disciple muttered bitterly.

"You're not the only one," another replied, his voice laced with frustration.

"Everyone feels the same way. Damn it! I've endured all these days just for this moment, and now…"

The disciples of the Lotus Sword Sect wore grim expressions.

The martial stage was where they traditionally displayed their elegant yet deadly sword techniques.

It was where they reminded everyone who ruled the continent.

Yet now, they were being relegated to the sidelines.

Though the martial arena still boasted tens of thousands of spectators, the disciples could not help but harbor resentment and hatred toward Dust Valley Sect.

Nearby, disciples of the ancient Yun Clan fumed with rage.

Their clan had long ruled the imperial capital, yet now a no-name sect from a barren land was the talk of the city.

It was an unbearable insult to their prestige.

In the reserved area of the ancient Qiu Clan, an enchantingly beautiful woman sat in silence, her expression indifferent.

She had never wished to return to the imperial capital, but she could not refuse the clan's summons.

At merely the Peak Core Refining stage, her words carried little weight in the clan.

Bored of the endless bloodshed on the martial stage, she prepared to close her eyes when the low murmurs of conversation reached her ears.

"A small sect has dominated the supporting profession competitions?"

She creased her brow, curiosity stirring in her heart.

For a long moment she pondered. Then, her lips curved faintly as she rose gracefully to her feet.

"Why don't I see this small sect for myself?" she thought, her eyes gleaming with interest.

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