“Hence why the Sword Cometh Peak is also extremely popular amongst the disciples.”
Zhou Yuan’s pupils spun a little. Lu Feng had previously mentioned he had a high ranking senior in the Sword Cometh Peak.
Gu Hongyi carefully scanned the surroundings, before she said in a low voice, “From what I know, the master of Sword Cometh Peak was a servant boy under patriarch Cangxuan.”
“It was only later on after listening to the patriarch lecture about the dao, and obtaining the patriarch’s personal sword did he establish the Sword Cometh Peak after the patriarch died.”
“But the patriarch has never mentioned taking him as a disciple. So strictly speaking, he is not truly considered part of the Cangxuan Sect’s lineage.”
“You should take note never to mention the words servant boy in front of this peak master, because it is taboo.”
Zhou Yuan was taken aback. He never imagined that the master of Sword Cometh Peak was not actually a disciple of patriarch Cangxuan, but a servant boy under the latter’s employ. This was likely a deeply kept secret of the Cangxuan Sect, a secret that Gu Hongyi would not have known if her old ancestor was not the peak master of the Hongya Peak.
“Are all the other peak masters disciples of patriarch Cangxuan?” Asked Zhou Yuan.
“Patriarch Cangxuan has only taken four disciples. Our current sect master is his first disciple, while my old ancestor and the masters of the Spirit Rune Peak and Snow Lotus Peak respectively are the other three.”
“What about the Thunder Prison Peak?” Zhou Yuan realised that Gu Hongyi had left out this peak.
“The master of Thunder Prison Peak huh… this individual is likely the most senior person in the Cangxuan Sect.” Gu Hongyi said in a low voice, “He too is not a disciple of patriarch Cang Xuan, but used to be one of the patriarch’s old friends. When the patriarch established the Cangxuan Sect many many years ago, this old friend of his came to join. The patriarch gave him many pointers and guidance, allowing him to reach greater heights in his cultivation. Later on, he established the Thunder Prison Peak, and took charge of the Cangxuan Sect’s law enforcement and punishment duties.”
Zhou Yuan gave a slight nod. He had not expected that there would be such interesting stories behind the seven peaks.
However, the complexity of the situation made Zhou Yuan rather wary. Back in the Saint Remains Domain, patriarch Cang Xuan had once ambiguously hinted that part of the reason for his death was that there may be a mole in the Cangxuan Sect.
It may perhaps only be patriarch Cang Xuan’s guess, hence why he had been so uncertain.
Regardless, Zhou Yuan felt that it would not hurt to be a little more cautious.
“Eh, there’s still one last peak, the Saint Genesis Peak. It’s the most unique peak in the Cangxuan Sect, because it used to be the place patriarch Cang Xuan secluded himself in. The main peak was sealed for many years after patriarch Cang Xuan’s death, causing it to decline. Very few disciples will choose this peak.” Added Gu Hongyi.
Zhou Yuan nodded. Just as he was about to speak, his expression suddenly changed slightly as he lifted his head, and looked in a certain direction where a slight disturbance was suddenly felt.
Zhou Yuan cast his gaze over, only to see the numerous disciples training there retreat like the tide, alarm and fear on their faces.
He frowned slightly as he stood up, and saw a young lady in black slowly walked through the now parted mass of disciples.
The young lady had beautiful features, and her skin was as white as snow. Her eyebrows, however, gave off a sharp and cold feeling. In her hand was a long sword with a green edge.
Zhou Yuan’s gaze finally came to a stop at her tiny waist, where a golden sash outlined its slenderness.
Zhou Yuan’s eyes widened a little.
An inner mountain golden sash disciple.
Gu Hongyi also caught sight of the young lady at this moment. Her shapely eyebrows immediately bunched together as she slowly muttered, “Why is she here?”
“Who is she?” Asked Zhou Yuan.
Gu Hongyi helplessly shot a look at him and said, “Lu Xuanyin, a golden sash disciple from the Sword Cometh Peak.”
Zhou Yuan instantly understood.
This must be the elder sister of his clan that Lu Feng had mentioned before.
Looks like this was not going to be a friendly guest.
Chapter 261 Lu Xuanyin
Sword in hand, the young lady in black slowly walked towards the mountain creek. The numerous disciples would give way one after another wherever she passed, fear and respect in their eyes. They could clearly feel the deadly sword Qi emanating from the young lady.
Moreover, a golden sash was wrapped around her slender waist, clearly indicating her identity.
An inner mountain golden sash disciple.
One must know that most of the inner mountain disciples that came to the outer mountains to teach were merely black sash disciples. With regards to status, they were far from being able to match this young lady in black.
However, the girl in black paid no attention to the gazes of the many surrounding disciples. There was only icy haughtiness in her eyes. None of these outer mountain disciples were worth even a single glance.
She continued to walk, ultimately arriving at Zhou Yuan and Gu Hongyi’s location.
Zhou Yuan warily stared at her. This woman was Lu Feng’s elder clan sister. Suddenly coming here at such a time could only mean that she likely did not have any friendly intentions.
However, the girl called Lu Xuanyin merely swept a nonchalant glance at him, before looking towards Gu Hongyi.
Only then did a smile appear on her cold and haughty face. She walked forward and pulled Gu Hongyi’s hand, smiling as she said, “Hongyi, I’ve been wanting to meet you ever since Lu Feng told me you have also come to the Cangxuan Sect. This is great, when you enter the inner mountains, we will be able to meet more often.”
Gu Hongyi felt a little unnatural in response to Lu Xuanyin’s enthusiasm. She and the latter were indeed acquainted due to the friendly relations between their two clans, and had spent some time together when they were younger.
However, these feelings had dulled during the past few years while Lu Xuanyin was training in the Cangxuan Sect.
Hence, Gu Hongyi was unable to acustom herself to the sudden friendliness.
Gu Hongyi seamlessly retrieved her hand as she responded, “Senior sister Lu, why have you suddenly come out from the inner mountains?”
Lu Xuanyin laughed softly. “Isn’t it because I heard that you’re here and wanted to see you. I just notified Lu Feng earlier too, the three of us can have a little gathering. I recall you and Lu Feng were pretty close when you were young.”
Gu Hongyi frowned slightly. An intelligent girl like her realised that Lu Xuanyin was not here for Zhou Yuan, but herself.
Her conclusion was spot on. Lu Xuanyin had indeed come here to create chances for Lu Feng to better his relation with Gu Hongyi. From what Lu Feng had told her, Gu Hongyi seemed to be growing more and more distant towards him, instead becoming chummy with a country bumpkin from another continent.
Lu Xuanyin found this rather difficult to accept. The old ancestor of the Gu clan was the illustrious master of Cangxuan Sect’s Hongya Peak. If Lu Feng and Gu Hongyi were to become a couple, it would be greatly beneficial to the Lu clan.
It was such an important matter that even the master of the Sword Cometh Peak had personally asked her about it.
In Lu Xuanyin’s opinion, Lu Feng had outstanding qualities, and was also exceptionally talented, a practically perfect match for Gu Hongyi. And yet, some country bumpkin had suddenly emerged out of the blue and ruined this fairytale, a truly disgusting act.
Therefore, she put aside her training, and came over to the outer mountains in hopes of finding an opportunity to match make the two of them.
Gu Hongyi shook her head, and responded as if she was in a somewhat difficult position, “Senior sister L
u, the peak selection ceremony is just around the corner, and the only thoughts on my mind are to concentrate on my training.”
Lu Xuanyin hurriedly smiled and said, “It’s also important to relax, choosing the appropriate time to rest will not hinder your training.”
Gu Hongyi felt an oncoming headache; a woman like this was truly difficult to deal with. She tried to reject once again. “I’m training the Ethereal Form technique with Zhou Yuan, and he only has limited time everyday. So I’m really not free.”
Lu Xuanyin was stunned for a moment. A sliver of iciness emerged in her eyes as she turned towards Zhou Yuan and said with a faint smile, “I believe this must be junior brother Zhou Yuan? I’ve heard of your recent exploits even in the inner mountains.”
Zhou Yuan did not comment, merely smiling in response.
Lu Xuanyin offhandedly said, “How about this junior brother Zhou Yuan, you’ll give Hongyi some time off today, and make up for it at a later date. How does this sound?”
She had a slight smile on her face. Although she seemed to be asking a question, her tone indicated that she had already decided the matter.
Zhou Yuan’s expression remained indifferent, his eyes lowering slightly as he replied, “The daily training sessions have already been fixed. If she misses it, she’ll have to wait for the next one. There are too many disciples learning Genesis techniques here, so we do not do make-up lessons.”
The smile on Lu Xuanyin’s face froze a little. She had originally believed that given her status, a mere outer mountain disciple like Zhou Yuan would surely tactfully follow her wishes. After all, this was only a small matter. She never imagined that Zhou Yuan would be so ignorant.
“Junior brother Zhou Yuan really has some character.” Lu Xuanyin withdrew her smile.
She began to observe Zhou Yuan with indifferent eyes. Lu Feng had naturally mentioned the disagreements between himself and Zhou Yuan. However, neither Lu Feng nor Lu Xuanyin felt that it was worth their concern.
As for Zhou Yuan declaring that he would take away first place from Lu Feng in the peak selection ceremony, Lu Xuanyin merely laughed in amusement, feeling that this country bumpkin was really overconfident in his abilities.
In her eyes, a first layer Alpha-Origin Zhou Yuan did not even have the right to challenge Lu Feng.
Hence why she had come here purely because of Gu Hongyi, no intentions whatsoever of doing anything to Zhou Yuan. From what she could see, during the peak selection ceremony, this country bumpkin would naturally be crushed under Lu Feng’s heels and be thoroughly humiliated.
However, she never expected that the country bumpkin would dare to even not give her face.
Zhou Yuan shook his head. “I’m merely following the rules, rules that will be the same regardless of who it is. I hope that senior sister Lu does not blame me.”
His tone was calm, as if he was being earnest.
However, Lu Xuanyin did not think so. She coldly stared at Zhou Yuan as the Genesis Qi around her began to tremble, and the faint but extremely sharp cry of a sword rang out.
A piercing pressure swept towards Zhou Yuan.
“Senior sister Lu!”
Gu Hongyi was the first to detect it and immediately took a step forward to stand in front of Zhou Yuan, her brows knitting together as she said in a somewhat angry voice, “What are you doing!”
Lu Xuanyin pursed her lips for a brief moment. She could sense Gu Hongyi’s anger, and immediately withdrew her sword Qi as she regretfully said, “Hongyi, are you really not going to take this chance to hang out with me?”
Gu Hongyi curtly replied, “I’ve been busy with training recently, and really do not want to be distracted
However, she understood that Lu Xuanyin would not relent so easily, and could only compromise. “If that’s really not okay with you, we can find a time to meet up after the peak selection ceremony.”
Lu Xuanyin was naturally aware that Gu Hongyi had finally made a concession. The former immediately grinned and nodded. “Alright then, I’ll wait till the peak selection ceremony is over. Don’t worry, I’ll surely be here to attend such a grand occasion.”
After finishing, she turned around and left.
While leaving, her icy gaze seemed to sweep across Zhou Yuan.
Under the attention of numerous gazes, Lu Xuanyin left the mountain creek, eventually arriving at the entrance of the mountain, where she met Lu Feng in his usual white attire.
Lu Feng frowned slightly upon seeing that Lu Xuanyin had exited alone. “Is Hongyi not coming?”
Only then did Lu Xuanyin’s pretty face turn stormy, iciness flashing in her eyes as she coldly said, “That little peasant boy is indeed a hateful one.”
She had clearly placed all of the blame on Zhou Yuan.
“Lu Feng, if you find a chance during the peak selection ceremony, cripple him.”
“I want to let him know that a peasant boy should obediently stay in his little peasant village dump, and stop dreaming of tasting a swan’s meat!”
Her voice was chillingly cold.
Lu Feng nodded, an ominous look in his eyes as they swept towards the direction of the mountain creek.
“Don’t worry, I will make him understand that he has offended someone he should never have offended.”
Chapter 262 What Are We Playing
Time stealthily flowed as the final month gradually reached its end.
There was only a single day left before the peak selection ceremony.
The atmosphere in the outer mountains was tense to the limit, numerous disciples everywhere wearing grim expressions, while nervousness hid within the depths of their eyes. Every single one of them understood the importance of tomorrow's peak selection ceremony.
A single step to become a dragon, or a single step to become a worm.
In these short three months after arriving at the Cangxuan Sect, they had deeply experienced how immense of an entity it was, possessing various cultivation resources that their empires or clans could never hope to have.
Just the outer mountains alone was already such an eye-opener. What kind of world would they see if they became inner mountain disciples?
It was clear as day to them. Only here could they truly step onto the great path of cultivation.
The imminent peak selection ceremony was the first trial they had to face in the Cangxuan Sect. Only by passing it would they finally ascend the dragon’s gate.
…
By a certain mountain creek.
After the daily session was over, Zhou Yuan's gaze swept across the crowd as he said, "Everyone, tomorrow is the day of the peak selection ceremony. Our futures will be decided there and then."
Below, Song Wanxi, Qiao Xiu, Zhao Kun and the rest wore solemn expressions. A sliver of respect could be seen in their gazes when they looked towards Zhou Yuan.
For the past month, Zhou Yuan had indeed fulfilled his promise to them. He had guided them in their Genesis techniques, allowing them to grow substantially stronger.
Song Wanxi gazed at Zhou Yuan and earnestly said, "Junior brother Zhou Yuan, we will not let ourselves forget this debt. If there's anything you need in the future, just say the word, and we will do all we can to help."
Even the domineering Zhao Kun earnestly nodded his head. "I, Zhao Kun, rarely acknowledge anyone. Young brother Yuan, you're the first. After we enter the inner mountains, I will not give even half an excuse if you ever need my help."
The other disciples also said their piece one after another. One could tell that they were indeed grateful towards Zhou Yuan. After all, if he had not stepped up, they would not have the courage to challenge the Shengzhou disciples led by Lu Feng.
What's more, Zhou Yuan had even taken the time to tutor them. He had indeed shown them his sincerity.
Qiao Xiu smiled when he heard this and said, "Young brother Yuan's future prospects after entering the inner mountains will surely be limitless, and will soon become one of the pillars that supports the sect. When that hap
pens, you may even find yourself ranked in the Chosens List. What help can we possibly offer when that happens."
His provocative words immediately drew a series of laughs and curses from the crowd, making the atmosphere much livelier.
Zhou Yuan chuckled as he waved his hand and said, "I helped you guys for the sake of fighting Lu Feng and the rest during the peak selection ceremony. I can only say that each of us merely fulfilled each others needs.”
Although he was not afraid of Lu Feng, he did have the numbers on his side. It would be very troublesome for Zhou Yuan if Lu Feng made use of this advantage. Hence why Zhou Yuan had recruited Song Wanxi, Zhao Kun and the rest of the gang. At the end of the day, Zhou Yuan had not done it out of kindness, but to further his own agenda.
However, Song Wanxi and gang merely chuckled. Regardless of Zhou Yuan's initial goal, at the very least, they had benefited from him, and this was already enough in their eyes.
"The peak selection ceremony is tomorrow. After training for long so long, it’s time to relax a little. Let’s go, it’ll be my treat at the Hundred Fragrances House today.” Zhou Yuan stood up and grinned widely.
His words immediately drew a series of cheers, joy filling the faces of the many disciples present. The Hundred Fragrances Pavilion was not cheap, and disciples like them were not as rich as the Shengzhou disciples. Therefore, most of them could only drool outside the Hundred Fragrances Pavilion, not daring to enter even if it was empty. They never imagined that Zhou Yuan would fulfil one of the wishes in their hearts today.
Hence, the group rowdily left the mountain creek, heading straight for the Hundred Fragrances Pavilion in an excited manner.
When they entered, however, the joy on their faces froze for a brief moment. They had seen numerous figures already gathered inside, and at closer inspection, Lu Feng and numerous elite Shengzhou disciples were identified amongst the crowd.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 144
