Zhou Yuan began to head towards the Hidden Scriptures House, his goal this time obviously the high grade little Heaven Genesis technique, Nine Dragons Canon, that he had been eyeing for so long.
After reaching the second level of the Ethereal Form technique, Zhou Yuan could clearly feel his rate of progress take a rather sharp dip. Even with the aid of the Decoder Saint Rune, he would need a long time to reach the third level.
Hence, it just so happened that Zhou Yuan now had time to spare to learn the Nine Dragons Canon.
It was almost two months since they arrived at the Cangxuan Sect, and only a single month was left till the peak selection ceremony. It was said that only the top ten disciples would gain the right to choose their peaks. Therefore, Zhou Yuan needed to ensure he was part of this top ten group, or it would become very troublesome for him to find the second Saint Rune in the Saint Genesis Peak if he was allocated to one of the other peaks.
“I’ll accompany you!” Go Hongyi skipped towards him with her hands behind her back.
The duo passed through the rear mountain, and entered the Hidden Scriptures House.
Zhou Yuan’s objective was clear, heading directly towards the Nine Dragons Canon.
The Nine Dragons Canon jade strip was still hovering in the same spot, no indication of anyone touching it. This was because high grade little Heaven tier techniques were much pricier than their counterparts, so very few disciples would come to select the Nine Dragons Canon.
“Borrowing it once costs 600 Genesis jade pieces.”
Zhou Yuan involuntarily wet his lips when he saw the price. It was much higher than the Ethereal Form technique. If not for the tidy income he received from giving guidance on the Ethereal Form technique, he would not be able to afford it.
Zhou Yuan’s gaze filled with burning excitement as he grasped the jade strip. In contrast to the speed based Ethereal Form technique, the Nine Dragons Canon was a pure attack type technique that boasted astonishing power. If he mastered it, it would definitely be a huge boost his battle power.
“You really know how to choose. It’s said that this Nine Dragons Canon is extremely powerful, but is also very difficult to learn. Even amongst the inner mountain disciples, there are not many who practice this technique.” Gu Hongyi was somewhat surprised by Zhou Yuan’s choice.
Zhou Yuan chuckled, but did not say anything, grabbing the jade strip instead as he prepared to register his loan.
The two laughed and chatted as they proceeded to the counter, when Zhou Yuan’s footsteps paused all of a sudden. He had seen a figure dressed entirely in white that brimmed with confidence and elegance. It was Lu Feng.
He also seemed to be here to select a Genesis technique. Upon hearing the activity behind him, he turned slightly and saw the Zhou Yuan and Gu Hongyi walking together.
The hand grasping the jade strip seemed to tighten substantially.
His eyes narrowed slightly, before he displayed a warm smile towards Gu Hongyi.
Gu Hongyi frowned slightly, but she still gave him a small nod.
Lu Feng’s gaze did not even once look towards Zhou Yuan. The former withdrew his gaze, received the now recorded jade strip and walked out of the Hidden Scriptures House.
Zhou Yuan could feel that Lu Feng was purposely ignoring him, but he did not display any unhappiness. His expression remained ordinary as he walked forward and handed the Nine Dragons Canon jade strip to the middle-aged man behind the counter.
The middle-aged man was clearly somewhat surprised that he wanted to borrow the Nine Dragons Canon, but the former still helped him record it down.
After keeping the jade strip, Zhou Yuan and Gu Hongyi left the Hidden Scriptures House. The two had already arranged the evening training venue, hence, they each left in their respective directions.
Zhou Yuan leisurely walked on the mountain path, when his footsteps suddenly stopped.
His gaze looked to his front, where a figure dressed in white was standing with his hand behind his back. Who else could it be but Lu Feng.
Lu Feng slowly turned around, a fear inducing iciness spreading from his usually indifferent eyes. He stared at Zhou Yuan as a faint voice echoed across the mountain path.
"Zhou Yuan…"
"Did winning an inner mountain disciple in a Genesis technique match give you the courage to think that you can now trample over me?”
Chapter 248 Conflict
On the mountain path.
Zhou Yuan frowned as he looked towards his front where Lu Feng stood with a hand behind his back, eyes suffused with iciness as he stared at the former.
Although there was not much apparent disdain in Lu Feng’s eyes, Zhou Yuan could feel an arrogance that transcended everyone else, the way he looked at others always containing contempt.
A gaze like this was even more detestable than disdain that one showed on the face, because it meant that no matter what you did, he would always feel that he is better than you.
Therefore, Zhou Yuan slowly said, “First things first, you and I have never even talked before this. As for trampling over you, I have zero interest…”
“Because I don’t feel that there’s anything great about it.”
“I’m not the type to stir up trouble, so I hope that trouble does not come knocking at my door either. But if some opinionated fellow voluntarily sticks his head out, I wouldn’t mind stepping on his head for a bit.”
“So can you step aside and let me pass?”
A faint, sharp light was present in his eyes as he stared at Lu Feng.
Lu Fung was stunned, seemingly unable to comprehend that Zhou Yuan would not only show no fear, but instead so directly come at him with such sharp, stinging words.
“Ah…”
A dark look rose within Lu Feng’s already cold eyes. He stared at Zhou Yuan and pondered for a brief moment, before asking, “... what exactly is it that makes you think you can speak in such a manner to me?”
“Is it because you won an inner mountain disciple in a Genesis technique match?”
Lu Feng slowly walked forward, standing right in front of Zhou Yuan, the two now mere feet apart. Zhou Yuan’s youthful, impassive face was reflected in the Lu Feng’s cold eyes as he softly said, “Zhou Yuan, you may have been able to ride roughshod over everyone in the tiny continent you came from, fully enjoying the status of a genius, but you need to recognize exactly where you are now…”
“This is the Shengzhou Continent, the Cangxuan Sect…”
“The one who stands before you comes from the Shengzhou Lu clan. My clan is of noble lineage in the Shengzhou Continent… a level that you probably do not even know of.”
“I have a senior that is an elder in the Sword Cometh Peak, and an elder sister in my clan is the personal disciple of the Sword Cometh Peak master…”
Lu Feng stared at Zhou Yuan in interest. Every word that was spat from his mouth seemed to bring with it an indescribable pressure. He obviously wanted to show that his background and relations from far from anything a no good Zhou Yuan could compare to.
If it was any other ordinary disciple, hearing Lu Feng’s words would likely give rise to fear in his heart.
Unfortunately, Zhou Yuan’s eyes remained calm from start to end, not even the slightest ripple to be seen.
Seeing no response of any sort from Zhou Yuan, Lu Feng seemed to believe that the former was stunned and awed. An almost undetectable curve slowly lifted from the corners of his lips as he reached out a hand to gently pat Zhou Yuan’s face.
“So can I ask you to keep your distance from Hongyi?”
When it was mere inches from Zhou Yuan’s face, Lu Feng’s hand was grabbed by Zhou Yuan’s.
Zhou Yuan’s stared at Lu Feng, frowning as he said, “I originally believed that you should at least have some ability as the person recognized as number one in the outer mountains. I never expected that you would be so pathetic…”
“What did you say?” Lu Feng’s eyes darkened.
As Zhou Y
uan grabbed the former’s hand, he shook his head and said, “If you had talked about your own capabilities, I would have at least given a little recognition. But you ended up parading all of your so-called background and relations. So what if your clan is powerful? Can it control the Cangxuan Sect?”
“If it could, why would you need to say so much nonsense. You could have just kicked me out long ago.”
“That’s why, your so-called background has no effect on me.”
Disdain slowly rose from the corners of Zhou Yuan’s mouth as he gazed at the cold expression on Lu Feng’s face and said, “Lu Feng, Gu Hongyi is only practicing the Ethereal Form technique with me. If you can change her mind about it, feel free to go find her.”
“As for me, since I’ve accepted her tuition fees, I will definitely teach her if she comes.”
“With regards to what you think, I don’t have the tiniest bit of interest.”
“If you really intend to do something, go ahead and take action. There’s no need for you to put on an act and come warn me time and time again. As for your so-called background, if you are really able to beg for their help, feel free to…”
Every word from Zhou Yuan made Lu Feng’s expression turn a little stormier and darker. By the time the final word was said, a storm was already long brewing on his handsome face.
Zhou Yuan blunt words had made Lu Feng feel extremely humiliated.
He could not understand why a kid without any background at all would dare to speak in such a manner towards him?!
“I had originally intended to use the common people methods of people like Zhu Feng and Zhu Yue to make you understand that you should back off, but from what I can see, someone like you will only cry upon seeing the coffin!”
“Zhou Yuan, since you want to die, I will grant your wish!” Lu Feng’s eyes turned terrifyingly cold. A split second later berserk and ferocious Genesis Qi violently exploded from his body.
“I wonder what kind of punishment I’ll receive after I beat you to death today?”
Rumble!
The ground below his feet cracked open at this moment.
Lu Feng’s five fingers turned into a fist as he sent a punch flying. Space around it distorted slightly as robust Genesis Qi surged, like thunder as it swung straight towards Zhou Yuan’s chest.
Zhou Yuan’s pupils shrank slightly, his body immediately etherealized as he drifted back like mist.
Lu Feng’s punch may have been akin to a sudden and violent storm, but Zhou Yuan was long prepared for it. With the Ethereal Form, he completely avoided all the punch winds.
Boom!
However, there were still punch winds that ignored space and surged towards him. Zhou Yuan immediately opened his mouth and spat out a gush of golden Genesis Qi, blocking these punch winds.
“I’ll teach you today that no matter how fast you can run, you’re ultimately only a rabbit to be hunted!” Lu Feng’s expression was eerily cold. The tip of his foot pushed off the ground, his speed rapidly soaring as he pounced at Zhou Yuan.
Rumble!
Berserk Genesis Qi continuously erupted from his body, falling many giant trees in the vicinity.
Zhou Yuan coldy snorted as he gazed at Lu Feng, who was about to use his full power. Genesis Qi also exploded from the former’s body, golden Genesis Qi dashing out from the top of his head, faintly forming the silhouette of a giant golden python in the air above.
“Lu Feng, you’d better stop!”
However, a sudden rage filled shout suddenly rang out the moment Lu Feng charged forward as a fiery-red whip descended from the sky, viciously flicking towards him.
Pah!
The air cracked under the whip. Lu Feng’s figure paused for a moment, before he drifted backwards.
He raised his head, only to see Gu Hongyi standing on a nearby boulder with a fuming look on her pretty face. Flames burned on the scarlet-red whip in her hand, melting the ground around her.
Gu Hongyi’s voice was fierce and stern. “Lu Feng, if you keep trying such things behind my back, I will not easily let you off even if our families have some ties.”
Lu Feng frowned, and indifferently replied, “Hongyi, it’s just a quarrel between me and him.”
“As a senior disciple, I should teach my junior how to act properly. If I don’t, given junior brother Zhou Yuan’s attitude, he will draw even more trouble to himself in the future.”
However, he shook his head, knowing that there was no longer anything he could do to Zhou Yuan today now that Gu Hongyi was here. The Genesis Qi around the former gradually withdrew as Lu Feng frostily looked towards Zhou Yuan and said in a voice that only the two of them could hear, “Zhou Yuan, she may be able to protect you now, but she can’t protect you forever…”
“Since you’re so unyielding… I’ll make sure to properly play with you. But you must be careful not to be toyed to death by me…”
After the final word, Lu Feng turned around and left.
Zhou Yuan’s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the former leave. A dangerou light flickered within his eyes as he mumbled to himself,
“Lu Feng…”
“I wasn’t joking with you either. If you do decide to stick out your head…”
“I will really step on it.”
Chapter 249 Allocation
The hostile atmosphere on the mountain path faded following Lu Feng’s departure as the churning Genesis Qi gradually calmed down.
Gu Hongyi flew to Zhou Yuan’s side. She bit her red lips as she watched Lu Feng leave, before looking towards Zhou Yuan with apology in her eyes.
How could she not know that she was the reason why Lu Feng had attacked Zhou Yuan.
If she had not practiced the Ethereal Form technique with Zhou Yuan, Lu Feng would not be hostile towards the former.
Zhou Yuan smiled at Gu Hongyi as he waved his hand. “Our characters conflict with each other. Even with you out of the picture, a clash will likely be unavoidable in the future.”
Lu Feng was just too damned arrogant, believing himself far superior to others. He may appear uncaring and nonchalant on the surface, but the truth was that he looked down on everyone else, and even more so the non Shengzhou disciples.
Many disciples would show a lowelier posture when they encountered Lu Feng, but this was something Zhou Yuan could not do. In addition, although he was not someone that constantly sought out trouble, he did have his own sharp edge.
Once Zhou Yuan and Lu Feng came into contact, the two would be akin to two needles, making the other uncomfortable.
Therefore, Zhou Yuan felt that even without Gu Hongyi, conflict would easily arise between him and Lu Feng.
However, Gu Hongyi took it as if Zhou Yuan was only consoling her. “Don’t worry, although Lu Feng does have some powerful and influential people behind him, if he dares to deal with you through them, I will not just stand by and watch.”
Zhou Yuan chuckled and said, “He only brought them up to intimidate me. Given his proud character, it would be humiliating for him to seek their help just to deal with me.”
Gu Hongyi gave a slight nod of agreement. She hesitated somewhat, before she asked, “Then… will I still be able to learn the Ethereal Form technique with you?”
She was not someone who liked to implicate others, but without Zhou Yuan’s aid, a lot more time and effort would be needed for her to reach the second level of the Ethereal Form technique.
Zhou Yuan laughed softly before he responded, “I just said earlier that as long as you’re willing to come, I’ll be willing to teach. No one can change my mind.”
He did indeed hope to create ties with Gu Hongyi. After all, it no good to only offend others, friends were also very important.
Gu Hongyi’s eyes seemed to give off a happy glow. Zhou Yuan’s decision to continue guiding her also meant that he was ignoring the pressure from Lu Feng. From a certain point of view, it meant that Zhou Yuan had chosen her over Lu Feng.
However, she would not let Zhou
Yuan bear the pressure from Lu Feng.
“Zhou Yuan, if Lu Feng tries anything funny, feel free to come find me. I will settle him for you.” Declared Gu Hongyi.
Zhou Yuan did not reply when he heard this, merely smiling in response.
“As long as he does not shamelessly bring out all the people he spoke of earlier, I'll receive any moves he comes at me with. It just so happens that I'm also interested to experience for myself how good our number one outer mountain disciple is."
Although his tone was calm, there was a faint iciness contained deep within it. The things Lu Feng had done today had clearly already angered Zhou Yuan.
Upon hearing that Zhou Yuan intended to cross swords with Lu Feng, worry bubbled within Gu Hongyi as she hurriedly tried to caution him. “You shouldn’t underestimate him. Lu Feng is very strong, and has a tremendous amount of rallying power amongst the Shengzhou disciples.”
“Relax, I will not underestimate anyone. Although Lu Feng is strong, if he believes I’m a soft persimmon, I’m afraid that he will crack his teeth…” Zhou Yuan waved his hand, indicating he did not wish to speak any further on the topic. He then continued on his way along the mountain path.
As she watched him leave, Gu Hongyi clenched her teeth as she mumbled, “Why are you trying to act cool at a time like this…”
She then turned her head, looking towards the direction Lu Feng had left in earlier as iciness flitted across her eyes.
“Lu Feng, you’d better not push your luck. You should know of my temper…”
...
Night enveloped the outer mountains.
However, numerous figures were gathered in a certain little house. The most eye-catching amongst the group was a young man dressed in white, Lu Feng.
Lu Feng sat in the center, the surrounding gazes containing a trace of respect when they looked towards him.
As the undisputed number one amongst the outer mountain disciples, Lu Feng commanded a tremendous amount of support and respect amongst the outer mountain disciples.
There were currently dozens of disciples present, all of whom were first class disciples while also from the Shengzhou continent. They could be said to be the elites amongst this batch of outer mountain disciples, making them the strongest disciple faction in the outer mountains when gathered like this.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 137
