The Main Peak Steward strode onto the Cyan Qilin Platform, coming to a stop in the center. His torch-like gaze swept slowly over the crowd below, who were holding their breath in rapt attention.
Only when the uproar had completely subsided did he circulate his Inner Qi, projecting his voice so everyone could hear. "The rankings for the top nine of this Cyan Qilin Battle round," he announced, "have now been decided!"
"First place: Yunxi Peak, Yuwen Mingjue!"
"Second place: Celestial Derivation Peak, Zhao Chong!"
"Third place: Thunder Peak, Qin Wenbao!"
"Fourth place: Main Peak, Wei Dongting!"
"Fifth place: Zhenyue Peak, Zhou Tong!"
"Sixth place: Lingxi Peak, Yang Jing!"
"Seventh place: Main Peak, Lin Chunyu!"
"Eighth place: Fen Yang Peak, Wang Lie!"
"Ninth place: Celestial Derivation Peak, Jiang Lin!"
Each name announced by the Steward was like a pebble dropped into a still lake, instantly sending ripples of commotion through the crowd below.
