Lu Yan was taken aback. With a tremble of a full bosom, she self-righteously said, “Well, no one asked him to be the champion of the peak selection ceremony.”
Lu Song helplessly shook his head. How could he not be aware of his granddaughter's wirshop of the head of the ten great Chosens, Chu Qing. The same Chu Qing that was also once a champion of the peak selection ceremony.
In Lu Yan’s heart, no other champion could compare to Chu Qing. Hence, for the sake of proving that she was not wrong, she would naturally adopt such an attitude towards Zhou Yuan.
Lu Song glanced at Lu Yan and said, “You’d better not underestimate Zhou Yuan. No one can say for certain how the future will turn out. There may even come a day when he catches up to Chu Qing.”
He was definitely not happy about his granddaughter’s blind adoration of Chu Qing. Hence, he was abnormally critical with regards to Chu Qing.
However, upon hearing this, Lu Yan disdainfully said, “Who knows how many geniuses there are who hope to catch up to Chu Qing. I’m afraid that Zhou Yuan will not be able to live up to such high expectations. Grandfather, it is impossible for that to happen.”
“Moreover, it’d be better for him to think about how to handle the upcoming cave match. He’d better not let the chance he worked so hard for end up being humiliation fiesta.”
“The cave match will be nothing like the match between those under the same teacher. If he loses, the entire Cangxuan Sect will know. That’s pretty much going to be akin to losing all face.”
“As for catching up to senior brother Chu Qing…”
Lu Yan stealthily shifted to the entrance, before making a funny face at Lu Song. She slipped away in an instant, her voice echoing from afar as her figure disappeared into the distance.
“Grandfather, you can keep daydreaming!”
Lu Song blew at this beard in anger.
“Ill-mannered lass!”
...
The outcome of the match also eventually made its way to Lu Hong’s faction.
In a certain stone pavilion.
Wei Youxuan was pouring tea, Feng Yu, Cheng Ying and several other Lu Hong disciples seated beside him.
Cheng Ying remarked, “Elder Shen’s group is becoming more and more pathetic. I can’t believe that a new disciple managed to beat a veteran gold sash disciple. This Cao Shi… is really too incompetent.”
The more cautious Feng Yu slowly said, “The fact that Zhou Yuan was able to defeat him likely means that he does have some ability.”
Cheng Ying laughed and said, “What ability can he have. I already know how the match went, he basically threw everything into that one attack, leaving him no way out. Zhou Yuan does have some talent in Genesis techniques, managing to reach the eighth dragon level during his secluded cultivation, and just barely defeating Cao Shi.”
“However, once it is used, Zhou Yuan’s Genesis Qi will be fully spent, making it impossible for him to continue.”
“Over all, he’s like a one trick pony.”
Feng Yu gave a slight nod. “If that is the case, there is nothing to fear. As long as that move is blocked, Zhou Yuan would become useless.”
His gaze turned, looking towards the Wei Youxuan, who was still pouring tea, as he smiled and asked, “What are senior brother Wei’s thoughts?”
Wei Youxuan toyed with the cup in his hand a faint smile was revealed on his face. “No matter what games their playing, they will not have any chances in the upcoming cave match, because I’ve long had my eye on that purple Genesis cave dwelling.”
Though his voice was soft, there was a certain unshakable feeling to his words, as if they had already decided who the purple Qi cave dwelling would ultimately belong to.
However, neither Feng Yu nor Cheng Ying raised any objections. Instead, gloating smiles appeared on their faces.
“Looks like senior brother Wei is serious…”
“*Sigh* Fine, senior brother Wei should take the purple Genesis cave dwelling and quickly get promoted. We’ve been drooling over the gold sash first seat for a long time…”
The two raised their cups and grinned. “Let’s toast to senior brother Wei’s success.”
Wei Youxuan smiled slightly as he their cups hit, before raising his head, his eyes narrowing slightly as he peered into the distance.
“Tong Long, Pan Song, Zhou Yuan…”
He shook his head as he chuckled softly.
“Are just three pieces of trash.”
Chapter 301 Arrival of the Baptism
Several days quickly passed after the duel between Zhou Yuan and Cao Shi, while the ripples it caused gradually vanishing.
After their initial shock, many disciples began to accept the result. The match was after all between those of the same faction, and did not have much to do with the other two groups.
The main takeaway of those that had watched the match was that although Zhou Yuan had won, it had been a narrow victory due to his lack of Genesis Qi. Therefore, most people felt they were about equal in strength.
As such, the disciples under Lu Hong basically did not care that Zhou Yuan had replaced Cao Shi as the third participant in the cave match. From what they could see, the ultimate result would not be any different regardless of whether it was Zhou Yuan or Cao Shi.
It was obvious that Lu Hong’s faction did not really view elder Shen’s faction as a threat.
In their eyes, the only difference there would be after Zhou Yuan replaced Cao Shi, was who would end up being humiliated.
Hence, the attention on Zhou Yuan only lasted for a few days before fading away, no one bothering to take any further notice of him. They knew that halo currently over Zhou Yuan would naturally dissipate during the cave match...
...
Yet another morning lesson in the Dao Seeker Hall.
Zhou Yuan was seated on the mat with his eyes lightly shut, his Spirit borrowing the powers of the Alpha-Origin Cliff and Timeless Mat to collect Alpha-Origin Qi.
In the large hall, other disciples would look over from time to time. However, there was no longer anyone who dared to object to Zhou Yuan’s status as the gold sash third seat. Even Cao Shi, who was right behind, had practically surrendered for the past few days, no longer daring to casually provoke the former.
Zhou Yuan had clearly succeeded in establishing his position through the duel with Cao Shi.
The hall was silent for a long time. Only after everyone completed their cultivation session did hushed whispers begin to spread.
At the highest seat, Shen Taiyuan cast his gaze downwards, sweeping past Tong Long, Pan Song and Zhou Yuan as he slowly said, “There are still twelve days till the cave match.”
Every gaze in the hall immediately converged towards the trio.
“Are you three confident?”
Upon hearing Shen Taiyuan’s question, Tong Long and Pan Song hesitated somewhat, not knowing how to reply. After all, they knew all three individuals from Lu Hong’s side were not simple at all, especially Wei Youxuan.
They had never fought before, who knew what were their chances?
“Teacher Shen, we will give our all in battle.” Said Tong Long in the end, but anyone could hear the uncertainty in his voice.
Shen Taiyuan frowned, somewhat unsatisfied by this answer. However, he understood that Tong Long and Pan Song were facing a tremendous amount of pressure. After all, the disciples under Lu Hong were indeed of higher quality than them.
Even more disciples secretly shook their heads and sighed inside. The truth was that even they did not fancy the chances of their team.
As for Zhou Yuan, nobody paid much attention to him. Although he had defeated Cao Shi, the latter was slightly weaker than Tong Long and Pan Song. Since the two of them had already said declared their views, everyone believed that Zhou Yuan would only be tagging along.
However, it was not because anyone looked down on him, but because it would be the same even if it was Cao Shi.
“If the three of you have a
ny problems or needs in your cultivation, you may feel free to find me directly.” Offered Shen Taiyuan.
At such a time, he could only give them as much convenience as possible, and hope that they would succeed in raising their strength.
A slight look of joy was revealed on Cao Shi and Pan Song’s faces as they hurriedly acknowledged in a respectful manner.
In contrast, Zhou Yuan fell into thought for a moment, before attempted to probe, “Teacher Shen, I’ve recently been thinking about trying to practice the Heavenly Sun God Record awarded to me by sect master, but am unable to gather some of the required Genesis resources…”
Three Genesis resources were needed to learn the Heavenly Sun God Record, the Nine Yang Crystal, the Heavenly Flame Rock Essence and the Golden Crow Heart. All three were quite rare, and he had been searching the Glittering Jewels Pavilion for some time but to no avail.
Since Shen Taiyuan had offered his help, Zhou Yuan decided there was no need to be courteous, and immediately struck while the iron was hot.
Before Shen Taiyaun could respond, Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, “Isn’t junior brother Zhou Yuan being too ambitious. The Heavenly Sun God Record is a low grade Heaven Genesis technique, and let alone gold sash disciples, even a few purple sash disciples rarely succeed in learning one. In my opinion, junior brother Zhou Yuan should put your efforts into your Genesis Qi cultivation. The opponents you meet in the cave match are no ordinary individuals after all.”
“If your opponent ends up withstanding your eight dragons Nine Dragons Canon, you will no longer have any energy to retaliate.”
Other disciples also broke out into whispers, somewhat in agreement with Zhang Yan’s words. They clearly understood just how stringent a Heaven Genesis technique was, and since Zhou Yuan was already somewhat lacking in Genesis Qi to use the Nine Dragons Canon, he would likely be unable to activate the Heavenly Sun God Record even if he did manage to learn it, right?
This also made them suspect that Zhou Yuan was taking the opportunity to profit from teacher Shen’s offer.
Of course, it was mainly because they were quite jealous. It was a Heaven Genesis technique, and even a low grade one was something several purple sash disciples did not possess.
Zhou Yuan merely glanced at Zhang Yan, paying no heed to the latter’s words as he looked towards Shen Taiyuan.
“The Heavenly Sun God Record huh?” Shen Taiyuan was slightly taken aback. He had heard of this technique, and thus knew about the Genesis resources it required. As he stroked his beard, he said, “You do know how to find opportunities, even I will have trouble with these three Genesis resources.”
He looked towards Zhou Yuan and asked, “Are you confident in learning the Heavenly Sun God Record?”
Zhou Yuan calmly answered, “I will give it my all.”
Zhang Yan laughed upon hearing this and was just about to speak up again.
However, Shen Taiyuan waved his hand, gazing deeply at Zhou Yuan as he said, “Since that is so, I will naturally give you my full support. I will help you collect these Genesis resources.”
The corners of Zhang Yan’s mouth twitched. He had not expected Shen Taiyuan to agree to Zhou Yuan’s rather outrageous request. Ordinary disciples, and even purple sash disciples like them were not given such treatment all the time.
Feeling rather oppressed inside, Zhang Yan could only glance at Zhou Yuan with a forced superficial smile as he said, “Junior brother Zhou Yuan, please do not let teacher Shen down. I hope that we will be able to open our eyes during the cave match, and show all of us fellow brother disciples the Heaven Genesis technique you’ve mastered. Don’t waste the cultivation resources you’re given.”
Some of the disciples that were closer to Zhang Yan sniggered inside. He was clearly putting Zhou Yuan on a pedestal. If the latter was unable to show them anything during the cave match, the other disciples would likely think that he was purely taking advantage, which would in turn lower his reputation.
“Don’t worry senior brother Zhang Yan. I will do my best.” Zhou Yuan’s tone was neither angry nor cold.
At the sight of Zhou Yuan’s seemingly untouchable appearance, Zhang Yan could only coldly snort inside.
Shen Taiyuan looked towards Zhou Yuan and suddenly raised his hand. Two bundles of lights descended which were received by Zhou Yuan. The bundles of light turned out to be two tokens, on which a giant coiling dragon had been carved. On the dragon’s body was an unbroken mountain range dotted with caves.
“This is?” Zhou Yuan was puzzled.
Shen Taiyuan explained, “This is your reward for the peak selection ceremony, a slot for the Genesis Marrow Baptism.”
“Oh? The Genesis Marrow Baptism is open?” Zhou Yuan was overjoyed. He had been looking forward to it for quite some time.
Shen Taiyuan nodded. “It will formally open tomorrow.”
“The second token is for Zhou Xiaoyan, and is given by peak master white brow. If she is interested, she may also follow tomorrow.”
Yaoyao was a toothache for Shen Taiyuan. Ever since she came to Saint Genesis Peak, she had yet to attend even a single morning lesson. As such, he had not seen her since.
Zhou Yuan sighed inside. Peak master white brow truly valued Yaoyao a lot.
“Only the purple sash of the various peaks have the right to enjoy the Genesis Marrow Baptism once every two months, making it a grand event of sorts. Tomorrow, you will follow Zhou Tai and the rest there.” Said Shen Taiyuan.
Zhou Yuan looked towards Zhou Tai, who responded with a warm smile. In turn, Zhou Yuan nodded.
After giving a few more instructions, Shen Taiyuan waved his hand, indicating for the disciples to disperse.
Zhou Yuan grasped the tokens in his hands as curiosity and anticipation flooded out in his eyes. He had been looking forward to this Genesis Marrow Baptism for a long time, and it was finally here at last.
His duel with Cao Shi had likewise made him feel that his Genesis Qi cultivation was lacking. Therefore, he had high hopes for the famous Cangxuan Sect Genesis Marrow Baptism.
As he kept the two tokens, he mumbled to himself,
“I hope that the Genesis Marrow Baptism will not disappoint…”
Chapter 302 Genesis Dragon Vein
The next day.
When Zhou Yuan brought Yaoyao to the gathering point, he saw that Zhou Tai, Zhang Yan and the other few purple sash disciples were already waiting there.
With the exception of Zhou Tai, the other purple sash disciples wore nonchalant expressions that gave off a slight air of superiority. They were after all purple sash disciples, status that far surpassed a gold sash disciple like Zhou Yuan.
However, although they were pretty much impassive towards Zhou Yuan, the expressions in their eyes began to warm a little when they saw Yaoyao. They discreetly straightened their clothes and posture as the revealed handsome and friendly smiles to her.
Ever since Yaoyao had shown herself on the first day when the new disciples selected which elder to join, her name had already spread to the entire Saint Genesis Peak. She was also immediately crowned the number beauty of Saint Genesis Peak.
After all, regardless of whether it was appearance or presence, Yaoyao belong to the category of being peerless in her generation. Even someone as pretty as Lu Yan would appear extremely dull when put next to Yaoyao.
Hence, Yaoyao’s arrival stirred up certain thoughts in the numerous males of Saint Genesis Peak.
However, their hearts were shattered when they discovered that Yaoyao was staying in Zhou Yuan’s cave dwelling, barely ever stepping out. No one could even catch a glimpse of her normally, making the male disciples with certain intentions grieve and lament.
Thus, when the purple sash disciples saw Yaoyao finally make an appearance, all of them suddenly became warm and friendly. If not because there was a chance that Yaoyao would appear with Zhou Yuan, none of them would have bothered waiting here for so long...
Today, Yaoyao was dressed in deep blac
k clothes, her fine black hair tied up simply, handing down to her slim as a willow waist, swaying gently as a breeze blew past. Her beautiful and graceful appearance made one unable to resist taking another look.
In terms of appearance and presence, Yaoyao was at the level that could bring about calamities. Zhou Yuan had seen quite a number of beauties over the years, but with regards to appearance, it was extremely rare to find anyone who could match Yaoyao.
It was as if her beauty had been sculptured by nature, not a single blemish to be found. In fact, anyone would be easily lost in her perfect face.
There were times when Zhou Yuan imagined what would happen if Yaoyao had the same bewitching aura as Zuoqiu Qingyu. It was likely that there would be no man in this world who could resist her, right?
Yaoyao elegantly stood beside Zhou Yuan, her gorgeous fair as snow face impassive in response to the warm and handsome smiles from the purple sash disciples, and not even the tiniest ripple could be seen in her clear, distant eyes. She watched the clouds float by in the sky as she carried Tuntun in her arms, ignoring the existence of everyone else.
Zhou Tai smiled at Zhou Yuan and said, “Since you guys are here, let’s prepare to make a move.”
Zhou Yuan responded with a smile and a nod.
Zhou Tai waved his sleeve as Genesis Qi surged out, transforming into a Genesis Qi cloud that brought the group into the sky, and began flying in a certain direction.
While they were flying past Saint Genesis Peak, another two Genesis Qi clouds rose from the other two peaks. Atop the two clouds were the purple sash disciples from the other two factions.
Lu Song’s faction was led by Lu Yan. With her hot body, she was also quite an attention grabbing sight. Although she could not compare to Yaoyao, she was still an enchanting beauty.
Her gaze first landed on Yaoyao, before shifting away as if struck by a mental blow to viciously glare at Zhou Yuan as if releasing all of the blame on him. With a soft snort, she sped away on her Genesis Qi cloud.
Lu Hong’s faction was led by Yuan Hong. They had the most purple sash disciples of the three groups, and thus gave off a strong and impressive aura. Hence, they audaciously looked towards elder Shen’s group without reservation, several disciples constantly casting their gazes at Yaoyao.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 165
