Under Zhou Yuan and Shen Taiyuan’s joint ‘assault’, Lu Hong’s expression turned even more ugly, a stormy look filling his face.
Lu Song helplessly sighed, and decided to step in as a mediator before the situation degraded any further. “The outcome of the cave match is already clear. Elder Shen’s faction has won, does anyone have any objections?”
All the disciples all over the mountain shook their heads. The cave match today had been filled with twists and turns, the final outcome also exceeding everyone’s expectations.
At the start, no one would have imagined that the one who remained standing in the end would be Zhou Yuan, whom appeared to be at the third layer.
Countless gazes were cast towards the youthful figure on the broken stage, complicated expressions in their eyes.
They knew that Zhou Yuan’s reputation would rise in the Cangxuan Sect after today.
They had originally come here to see Zhou Yuan make a fool of himself. Who could have expected that they would instead be treated to the sight of Zhou Yuan’s astonishing and breathtaking rise.
If Zhou Yuan was said to have relied on luck during the Genesis Marrow Baptism, his achievement this time would be based on genuine battle ability.
Green and white interlaced on Lu Hong’s face. In the end, he stormed off, clearly still seething with rage.
His disciples silently followed.
Lu Xuanyin’s fists were tightly clenched, an unresigned in look in her eyes as she looked towards Zhou Yuan and forcefully grinded her teeth.
While this happened, Xu Yan walked to her side with a faint smell, taking small whiff of her fragrance as he said in a gente voice, “No need to be angry junior sister Xuanyin. The truth is that Zhou Yuan is indeed quite capable. Why not I get someone to call him over and apologize to you so we can wipe clean the slate between you two.”
Before Xuanyin could reply, he nodded towards a disciple at the side.
Zhou Yuan just so happened to fly up onto the cliff as that particular disciple approached and gave him Xu Yan’s message.
Zhou Yuan raised his head and looked in Xu Yan’s direction, seeing the latter display a faint smile.
Zhou Yuan smiled in response, before turning around and walking towards Shen Taiyuan, not going to apologize to Lu Xuanyin as Xu Yan had asked.
From what Zhou Yuan could see, there was no need for him to do so.
Xu Yan was a little taken aback as he watched Zhou Yuan turn around. Soon after, the former chuckled softly.
“So he’s trying to show off…”
Mumbled Xu Yan, before looking towards Lu Xuanyin. As he turned around, a voice was left behind.
“Let’s go junior sister Xuanyin, if there is a chance in the future, your senior brother will make sure he gives you a proper explanation.”
“Hehe, it seems that this junior brother Zhou Yuan of ours… has never suffered before…”
Chapter 344 Creating a Stir
The outcome of the cave match spread to the entire Cangxuan Sect the next day.
Typically speaking, a cave match of this level would only drum up interest within its respective peak, drawing basically zero interest from the other peaks. After all, the end result would not affect other peaks.
Moreover, it was merely a cave match between gold sash disciples of the most rundown Saint Genesis Peak...
However, things were clearly different this time.
The evaluation elder Miao of Snow Lotus Peak gave Zhou Yuan had incited the wrath of numerous fanatical Chu Qing supporters. As a result, many of them had hurried down on the day of the cave match to see for themselves just how capable Zhou Yuan was.
Many of them came with the intention of watching him fail. However, they left with an additional trace of astonishment in their hearts.
All because the outcome of this seemingly insignificant cave match turned out to be unexpectedly shocking...
Zhou Yuan, the same Zhou Yuan who had only been the inner mountain for a month, was able to turn the tables with his third layer Alpha-Origin cultivation, and single-handedly defeat all three of elder Lu Hong’s disciples.
Such an achievement was definitely noteworthy.
Even the disciples who came with nitpick could not find a single flaw in Zhou Yuan’s performance...
Therefore, every detail of the cave match began to spread throughout the various peaks the next day, shocking and awing numerous disciples.
"Zhou Yuan seems to be fairly capable. Though he is only at the third layer Alpha-Origin stage, even the sixth layer Wei Youxuan is not his match…"
"His Genesis Qi foundation is rather extraordinary."
"No wonder elder Miao holds him in such high regard. It appears that he might actually have what it takes to become the second Chu Qing."
"Tsk, don’t be ridiculous, it was only a cave match between gold sash disciples… Which of the current ten great Chosens is ordinary? Back then, all of them were also able to defeat higher cultivation opponents. This battle achievement of Zhou Yuan’s is only barely passable."
"Indeed. Just think about how many fortunate fateful encounters senior brother Chu Qing has had over the years. I once heard an elder remark that given senior brother Chu Qing's talent, he will definitely become an elder within the next ten years."
"Wow, seriously? The first condition to become an elder is to step into the Heavenly Sun stage..”
"Senior brother Chu Qing is indeed Cangxuan Sect’s most outstanding disciple in a hundred years… Compared to him, Zhou Yuan is still severely lacking."
“……”
Similar conversations continuously played out across the seven peaks. Though most of the disciples were still skeptical of the evaluation elder Miao had given Zhou Yuan, it was no longer as one-sided as before. Evidently, after Zhou Yuan’s performance during the cave match, some of the disciples had begun to acknowledge his talent and potential.
At the very least, Zhou Yuan was already far ahead of his peers.
When all was said and done, every disciple in Cangxuan Sect now knew Zhou Yuan of Saint Genesis Peak. In order words, he had become famous in the sect.
…
Sword Cometh Peak.
In a stone pavilion, two young men were seated opposite each other, a chessboard atop the stone table between them.
One of the two was Kong Sheng. The young man facing him had a long, slim body, and a powerful glint in his long and narrow eyes. When he stretched out his hand, the receding sleeves revealed numerous sword scars dotting his arm, a rather scary sight to behold.
He was called Zhao Zhu, and he was the second Chosen from Sword Cometh Peak, ranked ten among the ten great Chosens.
The two of them stood at the top of the Sword Cometh Peak disciples.
Some distance down from the stone pavilion was a stone stage where numerous Sword Cometh Peak disciples were training. The gazes that were cast towards the two figures in the pavilion were filled with respect.
"I never imagined that such an interesting fellow would pop up in the short time I was in secluded cultivation…" Zhao Zhu said with a smile. Even though he was smiling, his smile was akin to a sharp blade, making one feel uneasy.
"Isn’t Zhou Yuan the third disciple to receive an eight dragon baptism at the Genesis reservoir?"
Kong Sheng’s eyes remained glued to the chess board, not a single change in his expression at the mention of this name. Instead he offhandedly nodded and said, "Quite a clever one. If it wasn't for him, Li Qingchan's eight dragon baptism would have been mine."
Zhao Zhu chuckled and said, "He actually dares to ruin senior brother’s plans? That fellow is simply too daring."
"Well, he is a young calf… currently, he has even been called the second Chu Qing." Replied Kong Sheng.
Zhao Zhu was slightly taken aback. He soon burst out in laughter, before he shook his head and said, "The new disciples are getting more and more arrogant… the second Chu Qing?"
Kong Sheng smiled faintly as he said,
"He did have an impressive showing during the cave match, and seems to be full of drive."
Zhao Zhu’s lips curled, "It's just a cave match between gold sash disciples. It seems like the disciples under elder Lu Hong are becoming more and more useless. Can’t believe that they’re incapable of crushing those two factions from the fallen Saint Genesis Peak, truly a disgrace to our Sword Cometh Peak."
"However, since he dared to ruin senior brother's plans, if the opportunity presents itself in the future, I will make ensure that he suffers a little…"
Kong Sheng uncaringly replied, "Forget it. Why pay any attention to a mere gold sash disciple. It would only elevate his status if we were to cause trouble for him."
"The other disciples are just shooting their mouths off. Do you really believe that he is the second Chu Qing? So many outstanding disciples have emerged in the Cangxuan Sect over the years, but just look at who ultimately became the ten great Chosens."
Zhao Zhu laughed in a carefree manner when he heard this. Soon after, he nodded.
That’s right, a puny gold sash disciple was not even worth their time. The commotion would likely die down after the hyper was over.
…
Snow Lotus Peak.
Li Qingchan was seated on a misty stone platform, a green dress adorning her slender figure. Her gorgeous face was as cold as ice, like a thousand year iceberg that would never melt.
At this current moment, however, there was a sliver of amazement on her usually frosty face.
“Zhou Yuan… what a surprise…” She muttered to herself. Evidently, she heard about what the result of the cave match that had spread from Saint Genesis Peak.
She was currently rather neutral towards Zhou Yuan. In comparison, she was much more interested in the one who had quite a special relationship to him, Yaoyao.
Li Qingchan was a very prideful girl, and hence naturally had high standards. However, in her eyes, Yaoyao was still too much of a mystery.
After all, Yaoyao would surely be the center of attention wherever she went, and only god knew how many talented geniuses were unable to resist her being drawn to her.
Therefore, Li Qingchan was baffled by the intimate relationship between Zhou Yuan and Yaoyao. This was because in her opinion, the two of them were belonged to completely different worlds.
To be blunt, she felt that Zhou Yuan did not deserve to have such a close relationship with Yaoyao.
Even though she had cooperated with Zhou Yuan at the Genesis reservoir, the truth was that she had only chosen to work with him because of Yaoyao. Otherwise, a gold sash disciple like him would never have the qualifications to work with someone like her, the third seat Chosen.
However, Zhou Yuan’s performance during the cave match was quite a surprise to her. It seemed that he did have some potential.
“However, the second Chu Qing huh?”
Li Qingchan fell silent for a moment, her hand gently stirring the mist in front of her.
“Zhou Yuan, I am afraid that you will have to work much much harder…”
Only after reaching their level would one finally understand just how formidable this number one Chosen truly was.
From what she could see, the mysterious and unreadable Yaoyao could perhaps accomplish such a feat. As for Zhou Yuan… be it luck or experience, he was still severely lacking.
Chapter 345 Reward
A certain courtyard in Saint Genesis Peak.
In a garden within the courtyard, Shen Taiyuan was dressed in simple robes, carefully tending to his plot with the small shovel in his hand. Meanwhile, Zhou Yuan was looking at him from a nearby stone pavilion.
Shen Taiyuan worked for quite some time, before he finally stood up in satisfaction. He patted off the dirt on his hands as he walked towards Zhou Yuan.
Zhou Yuan sighed inside as he gazed at Shen Taiyuan, who looked just like an old farmer at this moment. Who would have guessed that this ordinary looking old man was actually a Heavenly Sun stage expert.
In any other place, a person like him could establish his small sect of his own, and reign as its sect master.
In fact, if he was in the Cangmang Continent, he would be an invincible existence that could cause the rise and fall of empires at his whim.
However, Shen Taiyuan was merely an elder in the Cangxuan Sect, and above him were the various peak masters and sect master Qing Yang. From this, one can see how powerful the Cangxuan Sect, a sect which was once the strongest sect in Cangxuan Continent, truly was.
At the same time, Zhou Yuan also felt as if he understood patriarch Cang Xuan a little more. Founder of the Cangxuan Sect, controller of the Cangxuan Saint Stamp and also the patriarch of the Cangxuan Sect.
That handsome young man in the Saint Remains Domain was once the most powerful expert of this world.
“I hope that I haven’t kept you waiting too long?” Shen Taiyuan smiled at Zhou Yuan. After the cave match, every disciple noticed that the typically stern and conservative Shen Taiyuan had begun to smile more frequently.
Zhou Yuan responded with a smile and a shake of his head. He was appreciative and grateful towards Shen Taiyuan. After all, it was always comforting to be so valued and trusted by another.
Even when the crowd had turned against him, Shen Taiyuan had continued to stand up for him, an act that truly touched Zhou Yuan’s heart.
Shen Taiyuan seated himself on a stone stool, and fished out a purple token from his sleeves.
“This is the token for that purple Genesis cave dwelling. From today onwards, that cave dwelling shall belong to you.” Said Shen Taiyuan with a smile.
There was joy in his eyes as Zhou Yuan received the token. After all, he knew that the purple Genesis cave dwelling was an extremely important cultivation resource, and would be hugely beneficial to his training.
Moreover, this was also why he had wracked his brains so hard in order to join the cave match..
“Thank you teacher Shen.” Said Zhou Yuan as he cupped his fists together.
Shen Taiyuan waved his hands and said, “You were the one who won this. I believe that there will no longer be any objections from any of the other disciples.”
Even though Shen Taiyuan had originally prepared this purple Genesis cave dwelling for Zhou Yuan, there had been a huge backlash from the other disciples in the beginning. After all, in their eyes, Zhou Yuan was merely a gold sash disciple that did not deserve to own a purple Genesis cave dwelling.
However, there were no longer any disciples who objected after the cave match. In fact, even Zhang Yan and his crew remained silent on this topic, evidently already acknowledging it.
After all, nobody expected Zhou Yuan to perform so spectacularly during the cave match. He had completely turned the tables, and earned back all the respect their faction was about to lose.
Shen Taiyuan smiled warmly at his disciple, a gratified look in his eyes. With a wave of his sleeve, several jade boxes appeared on the table.
"Little fellow, it's all thanks to you that I didn't lose face. Take these as your additional rewards." Said Shen Taiyuan with a smile.
Zhou Yuan was stunned. He casually opened one of the jade boxes, immediately feeling a heatwave being released from within it.
"These are… the Nine Suns Crystal, Sky Fire Rock Marrow and Golden Crow Heart?" Zhou Yuan stared at the objects inside the box as joy filled his heart. These were the items required to practice the Heavenly Sun God Record.
He was unable to practice the Heavenly Sun God Record because he lacked these very items. It never occurred to him that Shen Taiyuan had actually managed to gather all of them for him.
"Haha, these were quite hard to find. This old man had to look up a few old friends and pull out a couple of favors to obtain them. I know that they should be the things you want most now." Said Shen Taiyuan.
Zhou Yuan was exhilarated. In the duel against Wei Youxuan, Zhou Yuan had realized how powerful a true Heaven tier technique was. Moreover, it was not hard to guess that Wei Youxuan’s
Great Black Devil technique was incomplete, hence why he had only managed to bring out less than a fifth of its true power. Nonetheless, Zhou Yuan was still forced to use his advanced level Nine Dragons Canon in order to obtain victory. This goes to show just how formidable a Heaven tier technique was.
After witnessing its might, Zhou Yuan’s desire towards his Heavenly Sun God Record began to grow, and had been trying his best to find the required items for the past few days but to no avail. Hence, he was naturally ecstatic that Shen Taiyuan had gathered all the items for him, saving him a boatload of trouble.
"Thank you teacher Shen!" Zhou Yuan cupped his fists with sincerity.
The joy on Zhou Yuan face made Shen Taiyuan chuckle. He looked at Zhou Yuan, and slowly said, "Zhou Yuan, you came to Cangxuan Sect to train with the goal of eventually returning home to deal with the Great Wu Empire, am I right?"
Zhou Yuan was shocked, but soon nodded his head. Shen Taiyuan was after all an elder of Cangxuan Sect, and though he often ended up getting the short end of the stick in his struggles with Lu Hong, he was still an extremely powerful individual wherever he was put. This plus Cangxuan Sect's resources made it a simple task to find out about Zhou Yuan’s background. Of course, Zhou Yuan did not try to hide any of this either.
"King Wu from the Great Wu Empire is a Divine Dwelling expert, but he is nothing much in my eyes. If I wish, I can easily suppress him with a flip of my hand." Said Shen Taiyuan. Though his tone appeared nonchalant, it gave off a domineering aura.
"In the month since you became my disciple, I’ve managed to find out all about the conflict between your Great Zhou Empire and the Great Wu Empire. I did this in hopes that you’ll be able to focus on your training. In fact, I asked the sect to intervene and finish off the Great Wu Empire."
Zhou Yuan stared at Shen Taiyuan in shock.
Shen Taiyuan frowned as he continued, "However, the sect ultimately rejected my request. I suspect this had something to do with the Sacred Palace. After you destroyed Wu Huang’s physical body in the Saint Remains Domain, his Spirit was taken away by the Sacred Palace."
"According to the latest intel I’ve received, for some unknown reason, the palace master of Sacred Palace seems to highly value Wu Huang. In fact, the former has even personally accepted him as his disciple, and helped him reconstruct his body."
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 188
