Chapter 900: The Contestant Who Set a Precedent

The contestants waited expectantly for the examiner's return. A hush fell over the crowd; this was the moment they would learn their fate.

The examiner surveyed the room, then nodded. “The results of the second round are now available! Rankings 21st through 100th have been determined. I will announce the names; listen carefully!”

The examiner cleared his throat and began, reciting rankings and scores. He listed numerous contestants and their point totals, noting occasional discrepancies in ranking for those with identical scores.

Ye Mo observed that even minor details affected rankings.

The examiner continued, announcing names and scores until he reached the top contenders. He paused before announcing the top three: God Sword Sect's Xi Qi in third; Solo cultivator Ye Chengjun in second; and then, a stunned silence followed the announcement of Immortal Herb Valley’s Qin Muxin in fourth place.

The announcement of Ye Chengjun in second place ignited an uproar. Outcries of disbelief and accusations of foul play filled the hall. Many questioned how the three-time champion could be surpassed. Speculation centered on Ye Mo, a dark horse contestant from the Herb Pill Sect whose initial score was significantly lower.

The examiner attempted to quell the disturbance. “Please, everyone, be calm! The first-place winner will be announced by Kong Ye-Qianbei, who will provide a satisfactory explanation.”

The crowd quieted at the mention of Kong Ye-Qianbei, a highly respected and accomplished pill king. Even Ye Mo felt a sense of unease. He hadn't anticipated a perfect score in the second round. He subconsciously glanced at Wan Guoping, a potential suspect for foul play, but held onto a sliver of hope.

Kong Ye’s appearance commanded attention. His seemingly frail physique belied immense power that eluded Ye Mo's perception, a first for the young cultivator. He felt a benevolent presence emanating from Kong Ye but quickly withdrew his spiritual sense.

Kong Ye addressed the crowd, his voice resonating clearly throughout the hall. He announced, “Herb Pill Sect’s Ye Mo, 10 points, total score 18, ranked first.”

The ensuing commotion was deafening. Ye Mo, a dark horse until the very end, had secured first place. Never before had a contestant achieved a perfect score.

The murmurs of understanding began. The explanation lay in Ye Mo's perfect score in the second round.

Chen Yejun, the previous champion, felt the sting of defeat. He suspected that his three consecutive wins may have influenced the judging.

Ye Mo himself was taken aback by his perfect score.

Kong Ye waited for silence before revealing the true reason behind Ye Mo's victory. “Contrary to popular belief, Ye Mo's first-place ranking is not solely due to his ten points in the second round.” The crowd leaned forward.

Kong Ye continued, explaining that Ye Mo's innovative use of spirit attraction herb in the spirit weaving pill was groundbreaking. He praised Judge Wang Zangjian for recognizing the significance of Ye Mo's creation. He acknowledged an initial scoring error, indicating that Ye Mo should have received a higher score in the first round.

Some questioned the fairness of a potential 20-point total.

Kong Ye clarified, “The true reason for Ye Mo's victory is not his points, but the creation of the spirit weaving pill, a spirit pill capable of repairing and recovering spiritual sense—a precedent-setting achievement on the Luo Yue Continent!”

The crowd erupted in unrestrained celebration.