With what he obtained in the Beast Mountain, Austin was quite confident that he would get the chance to pick a martial arts skill for free.
"Attention, everyone! Be quiet and line up! We will now begin to tally the scores you have achieved in the Beast Mountain."
Everyone in Merit Hall could hear the recorder's announcement.
The announcement suddenly had all the disciples waiting for the results with great excitement and expectant faces. The majority of them exerted themselves in the past few weeks and was now hoping their efforts would finally pay off.
A supervisor from Merit Hall was very satisfied after he saw all the outer disciples quickly becoming quiet. He nodded, and said," Very well, let's begin!"
"Farry, one level-two monster beast core, one level-one diabolic beast core. And a few low-level spiritual herbs.
Three contribution credits," was the first to be announced.
"Terence Zhang, one level-one demonic beast core, and several low-level spiritual herbs. Two contribution credits!"
"Brandi Huang, two level-two monster beast cores, one level-one diabolic beast core, and some low-level spiritual herbs. Four contribution credits.
The announcement of scores continued for the rest of the disciples. It went until all the achievements were awarded.
The spoils won by disciples were mostly level-one diabolic beast cores and level-two monster beast cores.
Sadly, the outer disciples didn't have the guts to ruffle the level-two diabolic beasts and demonic beasts.
For those who only got low-level spiritual herbs and flowers, the recorders didn't bother to count the numbers. They just gave the disciples one dedication point for any herbs or flowers shown to them.
There were no complaints from these disciples. They were well aware of the little value of these low-level spiritual herbs and flowers.
The announcement for every achievement and reward was made loudly by the recorder. Excitedly, the outer disciples came forward one by one, proudly showing what they earned in Beast Mountain.
After the announcement of how many contribution credits a disciple earned, the recorder would swipe a silver token on the Jade Badge that bore information about the disciple's identity. Then with a flash of silver light, the contribution credits received by each disciple were automatically recorded in the Jade Badge.
Those who earned high contribution credits held their Jade Badges tightly in their hands out of excitement, refusing to lay these down. Meanwhile, those who got low contribution credits were often downcast in spirit.
As the event progressed, everyone paid great attention to the proceedings. Some would occasionally discuss, in low tones, what they heard throughout th
the dangers."
With a smug smile, Herbert looked at Austin.
What Herbert did, risking his life, to get the herbs was truly courageous, and Austin admired him for it.
Inhaling deeply, Austin shook his head in resignation as he admitted that luck was truly on Herbert's side.
"Anthony Pang, five level-two monster beast cores, three level-one diabolic beast cores, two level-one demonic beast cores. Ten contribution credits."
The recorder made the announcement.
Every disciple stopped discussing Herbert's good luck as soon as they heard the words.
A loud hiss broke the silence.
The disciples gasped in surprise and turned to look at outer disciple Anthony Pang, who stood in the middle of the Hall. Ten contribution credits were the highest score recorded so far.
Anthony felt the admiring glances boring into him. He could not help but feel proud of his achievement.
Then he cast a disdainful glance at Herbert, as if to challenge him.
"Huh! Every dog has its day. You're the lucky dog. But with me here, there's nothing for you to brag about.
Only those who win with real strength should enjoy the real glory," he spat.
"You..." Herbert began to sputter.
"How can you say that?
What's the big deal if you get a few more contribution credits?"
The remark had pissed Herbert off.
But eventually, it was Austin's turn to hear his score.
All eyes were on him as he walked calmly towards the recorder and brought out the beast cores from his chest one by one.
"Fifteen level-two monster beast cores, fifteen contribution credits."
Even the recorder was surprised by the number of beast cores presented by Austin on the table.
The crowd quickly broke into an uproar. With shocked expressions, they looked at Austin, unable to believe what they saw and heard.