“However, does a new gold sash disciple like him really deserve such treatment?”
Zhou Yuan was slightly taken aback, somewhat surprised as he looked towards Shen Taiyuan.
During the past three days, he had gotten a better understanding of the inner mountains. Every inner mountain disciple would be given a cave dwelling, similar to the little houses of the outer mountain disciples.
However, this cave dwelling was clearly even more precious than the little houses.
Every cave dwelling was equipped with a spring of sorts from which an endless stream of pure Genesis Qi would spout from, making it extremely beneficial to one’s cultivation.
The cave dwellings were also split into different ranks which were related to disciple’s status. From the lowest, the black Genesis cave dwelling, the gold Genesis cave dwelling, and finally the highest rank purple Genesis cave dwelling.
Ordinarily speaking, only a purple sash disciple could enjoy the luxury of a purple Genesis cave dwelling.
Hence, Zhou Yuan was rather surprised when he heard Shen Taiyuan intended to give him a purple Genesis cave dwelling.
Shen Taiyuan slowly said, “I can judge for myself whether or not he deserves it.”
Lu Hong let out a mocking laugh as he shook his head and said, “There’s no need for you to consider this matter any further elder Shen. The main peak of our Saint Genesis Peak is sealed, making it impossible to open many of the purple Genesis cave dwellings. Hence, there is only a limited number available. In accordance to our rules, our three factions will split the cave dwellings based on martial prowess, and since the previous nineteen have already been allocated, I am determined to win the final one.”
“All of your purple sash disciples already have purple Genesis cave swellings.” Shen Taiyuan’s expression sunk slightly.
Lu Hong sneered. “Since you feel that a new inner mountain disciple has the right to use a purple Genesis cave dwelling, do my disciples not have the same right?”
Shen Taiyuan’s expression turned ugly, but he still managed to control his anger. “I can barter for the purple Qi cave dwelling with other things.”
However, Lu Hong waved his hand and rudely said, “No need. I’ve already declared that I am determined to win this purple Genesis cave dwelling.”
A look of ridicule was present in his gaze as he swept a glance in Zhou Yuan’s direction. Of course he knew that Shen Taiyuan wanted to give the purple Genesis cave dwelling to Zhou Yuan. This was why he would never let it happen.
Although Lu Hong did not appear to care when Zhou Yuan had chosen to join Shen Taiyuan earlier, it was obvious that the former held a grudge in his heart.
Moreover, Zhou Yuan was after all the champion of the peak selection ceremony, making him a potential threat. Hence, cutting his cultivation resources even a little would reduce the threat he posed.
Therefore, there was no way that Lu Hong would allow the final purple Genesis cave dwelling to land in Zhou Yuan’s hands.
Lu Hong smiled coldly inside. Since you value Zhou Yuan so much, go ahead and give the purple Genesis cave dwellings of your other disciples to him. But if you do so, let’s see what your disciples will end up saying.
Zhou Yuan frowned as he watched the exchange between them. He had at last personally witnessed how ‘open-minded’ Lu Hong actually was.
“Teacher Shen, although a purple Genesis cave dwelling is great, there is no need to rush things. There will always be a chance in the future.” Zhou Yuan cupped his fists together.
However, Shen Taiyuan shook his head. “I know what I’m doing.”
From the looks of it, the stubborn elder was not willing to give up.
Seeing the growing tension between the two parties, elder Lu Song had no choice but to stand up and say, “Since neither of you wishes to give in, we shall follow the rules and decide its allocation based on martial prowess.”
“The next match shall be held in a month. Whoever wins then will naturally obtain the final purple Genesis cave dwelling.”
Upon hearing these words, Lu Hong let out an icy chuckle, before leaving with a swish of his sleeves.
“Then we’ll see who's more capable in a month”
However, he cast an icy, mocking gaze at Zhou Yuan as he left. Although he did not say anything, Zhou Yuan could guess what the former was thinking.
You don’t deserve that purple Genesis cave dwelling.
Chapter 286 Match for the Cave
In the wake of Lu Hong and his disciples’ departure, the atmosphere began to relax. However, Shen Taiyuan’s expression was still somewhat ugly, clearly not expecting that Lu Hong would not give any face even after he had lowered himself to ask.
Elder Lu Song walked over from the side and sighed helplessly. “You know full well that he looks down on us. Why did you still have to ask.”
He shot a glance at Zhou Yuan. The truth was, Lu Song did know why in his heart. Zhou Yuan was likely very important to Shen Taiyuan, and he wanted to create the best cultivation conditions for the former.
A purple Qi cave dwelling was definitely necessary.
Shen Taiyuan’s expression darkened with anger as he said, “He’s just a lesser man in a position of power.”
Lu Song shook his head, before he asked, “Do you have any confidence in the next cave match?”
Shen Taiyuan’s expression turned rather depressed.
The cave dwellings of Saint Genesis Peak were originally occupied by him and Lu Song’s disciples. However, ever since Lu Hong and his disciples came from Sword Cometh Peak, there was no longer any peace in Saint Genesis Peak.
Lu Hong’s faction also needed cave dwellings, so they had to be redistributed once again.
This was how the cave matches had come about.
A cave match was basically a competition of martial prowess between the disciples from the three factions. The winner would obtain the cave dwelling.
For the past year, Lu Hong’s faction had started many cave matches, and overall won more than they lost. After all, the quality of his disciples were indeed better than those under Shen Taiyuan and Lu Hong.
Even the final purple Genesis cave dwelling was now being eyed by Lu Hong.
Shen Taiyuan naturally also coveted the final purple Genesis cave dwelling, but he knew that there was no longer anyone on his side who could match Lu Hong’s disciples.
In accordance to the rules, each disciple could only participate once in a cave match per year. Currently, the strong disciples under Shen Taiyuan such as Zhou Tai had already used their turns in the most intense matches. Hence, he was left with only gold sash disciples to vie for the next cave match.
Although Lu Hong’s purple sash disciples had likewise used up their chance long ago, Shen Taiyuan knew that there were still quite a few exceptionally strong gold sash disciples under Lu Hong, for example Wu Gang.
In comparison, Shen Taiyuan’s gold sash disciples were quite lacking.
Therefore, Shen Taiyuan did not have much confidence in the match to be held a month later.
Lu Song was also aware of the situation, and thus said in a low voice, “Why not wait a while longer. At the beginning of next year, the matches will start over once again.”
Shen Taiyuan’s expression fluctuated for a moment. However, he still stubbornly shook his head in the end and declared, “I will find a way.”
After which, he waved to Lu Song before shooting a glance at Zhou Yuan and the rest as he lifted his legs to leave.
“Junior brother Zhou Yuan, we’ll be fellow brother disciples in the future.” Zhou Tai smiled at Zhou Yuan. From the looks of it, the former was a rather straight forward individual.
Zhou Yuan returned the smile and cupped his fists together. “Greetings senior brother Zhou Tai.”
Zhou Tai said, “Although teacher Shen seems very unapproachable, he has high hopes for you.”
Zhou Yuan responded with a slight nod. Although he barely had any contact with Shen Taiyuan, the latter
’s earlier actions clearly fallen into the former’s eyes. Shen Taiyuan had obviously clashed with Lu Hong for the sake of obtaining the final purple Genesis cave dwelling for Zhou Yuan to aid his cultivation progress.
This gesture moved Zhou Yuan’s heart slightly.
After all, if it was anyone else, they would likely not risk offending an elder with pretty high status for a mere disciple.
“Senior brother Zhou Tai, if it is too difficult, please persuade teacher Shen to drop the idea.” Said Zhou Yuan. Although he still did not fully understand the extent of the situation, he could sense that Lu Hong seemed to look down on Shen Taiyuan’s intent to contest for the final purple Genesis cave dwelling.
Lu Hong clearly believed that he had already won.
Zhou Tai laughed bitterly. “It will be nearly impossible to persuade teacher Shen once he has made up his mind. Given his character… no one can dissuade him.”
Soon after, he patted Zhou Yuan’s shoulder and consoled. “You need not worry about this matter. If not because I had already participated in a cave match, I would have helped you win the last purple Genesis cave dwelling.”
Zhou Yuan nodded, not speaking any further on the topic.
After the numerous disciples bid their respectful farewell to elder Lu Song, they followed elder Shen Taiyuan.
Lu Song watched them leave as he sighed helplessly. “Old Shen seems to genuinely think very highly of that little fellow Zhou Yuan. I can’t believe that he even butt heads with Lu Hong for the sake of helping the former obtain the last purple Genesis cave dwelling.”
Lu Yan walked over and asked, “Will elder Shen be able to win?”
Although all three factions were competitors, Lu Song and Shen Taiyuan’s groups had gotten along well for many years. Lu Hong’s faction on the other hand had practically appeared out of nowhere. In addition, their methods were far too domineering, hence from an emotional point of view, Lu Song’s faction naturally hoped to see Shen Taiyuan’s faction win.
Lu Song shook his head. “It will be difficult. The disciples under Lu Hong are indeed pretty remarkable. Even though all the purple sash disciples have already used up their turns, some of the gold sash disciples cannot be underestimated. Wu Gang for example, is an elite even amongst the fifth layer Alpha-Origin. It will be hard to find someone who can match him amongst old Shen’s gold sash disciples.
“As the one who managed to become the champion of the peak selection ceremony, Zhou Yuan should be quite capable, right? I wonder if he will participate.” One of the purple sash disciples chuckled.
Lu Yan frowned slightly upon hearing this. “You think too highly of him. His title of champion is only with regards to those outer mountain disciples. What can he do now that he’s in the inner mountains? He should first obediently train for a year or two before trying anything.”
She was not looking down on him, but merely stating the truth. Lu Feng, whom Zhou Yuan had expanded all his efforts to defeat, was merely a peak fourth layer Alpha-Origin practitioner. Who amongst the inner mountain gold sash disciples did not possess such strength?
Some of the better gold sash disciples had even stepped into the fifth layer. Wu Gang in particular was one of the stronger ones even amongst Saint Genesis Peak’s numerous gold sash disciples.
From what she could see, although Zhou Yuan was talented, as someone who had only recently entered the inner mountains, he likely was not good enough to vie with the other gold sash disciples. What he should do now was to obediently bide his time and train.
The purple sash disciple chuckled. He had merely been jesting earlier. After Lu Yan responded, he naturally nodded his head and said, “Junior sister is right, it’s not like none of the past peak selection ceremony champions eventually returned to mediocrity. After all, not everyone is as amazing as senior brother Chu Qing.”
Lu Yan rolled her eyes at him, somewhat annoyed as she retorted, “Could you please not compare just anyone to senior brother Chu Qing?”
“Senior brother Chu Qing became a purple sash disciple in less than a year. It is impossible for anyone to match his speed.”
She was obviously one of Chu Qing’s loyal fans, and naturally felt that no one could match him.
“Heh heh, yes, yes, I’m wrong. I should not have so rashly compared junior sister’s idol to others. Although Zhou Yuan is also a peak selection ceremony champion, how can he possibly measure up to senior brother Chu Qing.” The purple sash disciple chuckled as he cupped his hands together in apology.
Only then did Lu Yan nod in satisfaction.
As he listened to the banter between the two, elder Lu Song also laughed, making no remarks about the topic. With a wave of his hand, he turned around and left.
“Let’s go.”
“I hope that old Shen won’t lose too terribly a month later. If not, we’ll likely not see the old fellow's smile for at least half a year…”
Chapter 287 Cao Shi
Zhou Tai stood half way up a certain mountain and pointed to a cave dwelling amongst the verdant greenery as he smiled and said, “Junior brother Zhou Yuan, this gold Genesis cave dwelling shall be your accommodation for the time being.”
Zhou Yuan raised his gaze, and found a cave dwelling that had been built into the mountain. Sunlight peeked through the steep cliffs around it, falling down upon the cave like a silver river. A pavilion had also been built on a cliff nearby, appearing exceptionally peaceful, tranquil and grand at the same time.
An accommodation like this was many times better than the little houses of the outer mountains.
Most importantly, Zhou Yuan could feel pure Genesis Qi swirling around inside the cave. Anyone who stayed in it long term would surely experience amazing benefits.
“Hehe, junior brother Zhou Yuan, teacher Shen really has high hopes for you. You should know that a gold Genesis cave dwelling like is usually contested over by many gold sash disciples. You’ve only just joined us and yet you’ve already been given one, this is very enviable to others.” Zhou Tai sighed.
However, he appeared to be quite a magnanimous person, and showed no indication that he felt it unfair. He was after all the eldest disciple under Shen Taiyuan, and had long ago gotten a purple Genesis cave dwelling, so there was no reason to be jealous.
Zhou Yuan nodded as he revealed a pained smile. “Being so highly regarded by teacher Shen makes me feel somewhat awkward.”
The truth was that he never expected Shen Taiyuan to regard him so highly, a situation that ended up making him feel rather awkward.
Zhou Tai shook his head as he explained, “Junior brother Zhou Yuan doesn’t fully understand the circumstances of our Saint Genesis Peak. Any of the slightly more outstanding disciples that joined us were basically snatched away by the other six peaks, the only ones left are… I can’t say that they’re left overs, but very ordinary.”
“As such, it is naturally impossible for our Saint Genesis Peak to vie with the other six peaks. It got so bad that we aren’t able to occupy even a single spot in the current ten great Chosens.”
“Elder Lu Song did not use to be so cheeky in the past. It was only after repeated failures that he slowly lost his aspirations, and began to become satisfied with just getting through each day, no longer caring about reviving Saint Genesis Peak.”
“Teacher Shen on the other hand is quite the stubborn person. He’s been gritting his teeth, and refusing to give up all along, but the recent overbearing arrival of Lu Hong’s group has indeed put a tremendous amount of pressure on teacher Shen.”
“After all, if Lu Hong’s faction really ended up taking the chief disciple position and subsequently retrieve the peak master seal, the disciples in both our groups will no longer be able to raise our heads in the Cangxuan Sect.”
Zhou Tai let out a bitter laugh. “Teacher Shen has placed such high hopes in you because he really does not have any other choice. The only path left to him is to bet everything on you. You’re after all a champion peak selection ceremony,
and who knows, you may even become the second Chu Qing.”
At the mention of Chu Qing’s names, admiration flitted across even the eyes of someone like Zhou Tai.
However, he knew that the chances of a second Chu Qing appearing was abysmally low. He was after all someone who had stunned and amazed the entire Cangxuan Sect, and now firmly sat at the head of the ten great Chosens.
Although Zhou Yuan was also a champion of the ceremony, there had been many such champions over the years, but only one Chu Qing.
Zhou Yuan silently nodded.
Behind him, Yaoyao’s bright eyes gazed at the gold Genesis cave dwelling, finding it rather satisfying. She ignored Zhou Yuan, carrying Tuntun as she slowly walked in, clearly already taking the place as her territory.
The corners of Zhou Tai’s eyes twitched when he saw this. Of course he knew that Yaoyao’s status was special, but he never imagined she and Zhou Yuan would be so close that they would even stay in the same cave.
Thus, he chuckled knowingly at Zhou Yuan. “Junior brother Zhou Yuan’s luck with women is really something.”
Zhou Yuan knew that the former had misunderstood. However, he could not really explain the situation. After all, he and Yaoyao did share a very special relationship.
Yaoyao’s character was overly aloof and distant, as if there was nothing she cared about. She was akin to a supreme existence that walked amongst lesser beings.
In the past, she had likely regarded only master Cang Xuan as her kin, but after living together for the past few years, Zhou Yuan could also be considered kin, though he somehow felt that his status was only equal to Tuntun’s...
In fact, Zhou Yuan felt that if he really wanted to develop a relationship with Yaoyao, she would most likely blast him to death with Genesis Runes...
Therefore, he could only smile helplessly in response to Zhou Tai’s teasing.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 157
