Nonetheless, Zhou Yuan now had a spot amongst the championship contenders.
One could not help but admit that certain people were quite talented at hyping him up.
Under this atmosphere, the highly anticipated purple sash selection slowly arrived.
Chapter 364 Before the Selection
When the day of the purple sash selection arrived, the entire Cangxuan Sect seem to fall into a frenzy, the atmosphere so infectious that even the surrounding Genesis Qi seemed to stir excitedly.
Although the participating disciples were only a tiny fraction of the entire sect, it did not stop the purple sash selection from becoming one of the grandest occasions in the sect.
In fact, the attention drawn by this event was second only to the year end chief disciple selection trial.
After all, though the disciples may not be qualified to participate now, that day would eventually come, and this selection would be the path they would have to take to be promoted.
Purple sash disciples were the true elites and backbone of the Cangxuan Sect.
While also the goal every disciple worked hard towards.
After becoming a purple sash disciple, one’s treatment and status would far surpass the other disciples, becoming the envy of everyone.
Hence, it was not strange for the purple sash disciple to garner so much attention.
…
A certain purple Genesis cave dwelling.
Prepared and ready, Zhou Yuan’s eyes could not help but brighten when he saw Yaoyao walk out of the little house. She was wearing a light green top and trousers today, the trousers lightly hugging her tiny waist while making her legs appear exceptionally long and slender. Her usually unbound hair was currently tied up behind her head, revealing her fair and graceful neck that seem to glow under the light.
This attire made Yaoyao appear full of youthful vitality, a slight change from her usual aloofness.
Yaoyao slowly walked over with Tuntun in her arms as she swept a glance at Zhou Yuan.
“So pretty.” Zhou Yuan was not stingy with his praise.
However, Yaoyao was completely unaffected, her red lips opening slightly as she said, “How’s the progress on my Taoyao Wine?”
Zhou Yuan’s face instantly turned rigid as he awkwardly said, “I’m still in the research phase… the recipe is not simple, and all the Genesis Resources required are not easy to find.”
“A hundred year Dragon Blood Peach, Clear Spirit Rice, Mystic Sea Spring Water…”
At this point, Zhou Yuan could not help but wet his lips. All of these Genesis Resources were extremely rare, and he had not managed to find a single one in the inner sect’s Glittering Jewels Pavilion. It was obvious that this unknown recipe from Spirit Rune Hall was no ordinary wine.
In fact, such high quality ingredients could probably be used to refine several extraordinary pills.
Of course, given Yaoyao’s standards, ordinary alcohol would not be able to stir her heart.
In response to Zhou Yuan’s complaints, Yaoyao face was akin to the calm ocean. She merely gently stroked Tuntun’s soft fur as she said in a clear voice, “So?”
Her tone made alarm bells ring in Zhou Yuan’s head. He immediately smiled and said, “So I will put in even more effort to search for these ingredients, and help big sis Yaoyao brew it as soon as possible!”
Tuntun cast a disdainful look over. This guy really didn’t have a backbone!
However, Yaoyao appeared quite satisfied by Zhou Yuan’s attitude, the corners of her red lips raising slightly as she said, “Are you properly prepared for the purple sash selection?”
Zhou Yuan nodded with a smile of confidence.
“Don’t worry, I’m also itching to see what Sword Cometh Peak’s meticulous planning and efforts will amount to.”
They had invested much thought and effort into promoting him or the purple sash selection, obviously not out of good will. Hence, whatever tricks they had would soon be revealed today.
No matter what moves they had, Zhou Yuan would just have to receive them.
Yaoyao gave a slight nod.
The duo walked out of the cave dwelling, riding on a Genesis Qi cloud as they arrived on one of the mountains of Saint Genesis Peak. At this current moment, practically all of the disciples from Saint Genesis Peak’s three factions were gathered here.
In a grand event like the purple sash selection, even sect master Qing Yang and the other peak masters would be present. Hence, the elders of the various peaks would bring all of their disciples to watch.
This was why the three elders Shen Taiyuan, Lu Hong, Lu Song and their disciples were already here when Zhou Yuan and Yaoyao arrived.
The duo caused quite a stir the moment they appeared. After all, they were in a sense the most well known disciples of Saint Genesis Peak.
Shen Taiyuan’s disciples greeted them with warm gazes, Zhou Tai, Shen Wanjin and gang quickly crowding over like stars around the moon.
Zhou Tai’s candidly said, “Haha, junior brother Zhou Yuan, I’ve placed quite a big bet of five thousand Genesis jade pieces on you this time. You’ve got to do your best or I’ll be going hungry next month.”
“I’ve also put my entire fortune of two thousand Genesis jade pieces on you. Little Yuan Bro, whether or not I make it big will depend on you.” Said Shen Taiyuan with a flattering smile, his chubby face giving off an oily gleam.
The other disciples also laughed along, declaring how much they had bet one after another.
Zhou Yuan smiled as he acknowledged everyone. As his reputation grew step by step during the last three months, Shen Taiyuan’s disciples had gradually begun to accept him, and were now much friendlier.
The talent and battle achievements Zhou Yuan had racked up had convinced them of his abilities, dispersing the feeling of unfairness they had previously towards his preferential treatment.
Of course, this was with the exception of Zhang Yan and his lackeys.
The disciples from the other two factions looked over with complicated expressions.
Lu Yan muttered under her breath as she watched the numerous disciples crowd around Zhou Yuan. She had been in secluded cultivation when Yaoyao and him went to Spirit Rune Peak, and was thus quite surprised when she heard the sensational news later on.
Zhou Yuan’s reputation in the Cangxuan Sect was rapidly rising, clearly on his way to become a dark horse of sorts. Although he was still a ways from matching the ten great Chosens, he could already be considered an influential figure in the sect.
“What a pity, if teacher Lu had insisted a little more back then, Zhou Yuan may have ended up joining our faction. The entire Cangxuan Sect has probably already heard of Shen Taiyuan’s faction by now…”
Lu Yan glared at the disciple that had spoken and said, “Don’t spout nonsense, what can a single Zhou Yuan possibly change? He may be talented, but he still has some ways to go.”
“The Spirit Rune Peak affair was mainly Yaoyao’s efforts, while Zhou Yuan merely provided some assistance. I’ve no idea what those people are thinking to hype him up so much recently.”
She coldly snorted. “There will be no problem if Zhou Yuan is able to remain level-headed, but if he really thinks he’s so great due to such gossip, the fall will only become even more painful if he fails.”
Although Lu Yan did not fully understand what was happening, she was no ordinary disciple after all, and could faintly sense that something was amiss about this situation.
If Zhou Yuan was not careful during the purple sash selection, he would likely have to pay a painful price.
While Lu Yan and the rest were whispering amongst themselves, Lu Hong’s disciples watched with the cold eyes of bystanders.
Wei Youxuan and the gang in particular had rather ominous expressions with a sliver of mockery hidden within.
“Zhou Yuan, celebrate while you can…”
“Once the purple sash selection begins, you will realise that you’re just a pathetic little cl
own!”
Chapter 365 It Begins
A majestic mountain range towered across the land, the mountains separated by giant snaking rivers. Mists swirled around the mountains, giving them a solemn and grand aura.
This mountain range was the location of the purple sash selection, and was known as the Purple Mountains.
It had also become the busiest place in the entire Cangxuan Sect today.
Countless glowing figures seemed to fill the sky as they landed on the mountains in the vicinity of the Purple Mountains, causing the spacious land to become rather crowded and noisy.
The popularity of the purple sash selection was evidently far from ordinary.
A Genesis Qi cloud descended from the sky, landing on one of the mountain tops. Shen Taiyuan waved his sleeve, dispersing the Genesis Qi as the figures of numerous disciples were revealed, Zhou Yuan and Yaoyao included amongst them.
The group were quite excited as they gazed upon the lively spectacle. An occasion as grand as this only occurred a few times a year after all.
“Is this the venue of the purple sash selection?” Zhou Yuan curiously lifted his gaze to observe the majestic, unbroken mountain range. Ancient trees towered within the extremely lush foliage, which was also blanketed by a layer of mist, giving the place a somewhat mysterious air.
“That’s right, this place is known as the Purple Mountains, and every purple sash selection will take place here.” Shen Taiyuan stood beside Zhou Yuan, his normally strict and stern old face filled with a smile when he looked towards his disciple. One could tell that Zhou Yuan’s surprising battle achievements made Shen Taiyuan treat the former as a treasure.
“All of the participants will be sent into this mountain range to compete for victory.”
Zhou Yuan nodded. Looks like the purple sash selection was a free-for-all brawl of sorts, making it much more complicated than the one on one bracket type duels, because it represents chaos and the lack of rules.
Everything would be for the sake of obtaining victory in the end.
“Zhou Yuan, there are not many rules for the purple sash selection, and all kinds of tactics can be employed. The sect won’t say much as long as lives aren’t threatened.” Shen Taiyuan looked towards Zhou Yuan and cautioned, “After all, the sect does not wish to nurture disciples that purely have strength without wit and tactic.”
Zhou Yuan nodded in agreement. The disciples in the sect did not face much dangers, but there would eventually come a time when they would have to leave on missions. The situation in Cangxuan Heaven was complicated, and even the disciples of a titan like the Cangxuan Sect would encounter numerous dangers outside. If all one had was recklessness, one would not survive for long.
However, such chaos would also make it even more uncertain and dangerous for him.
Especially knowing that someone from Sword Cometh Peak would be targeting him.
“Zhou Yuan, I know that you are eager, but there are many strong opponents. My advice to you is not to aim for champion, but take success as managing to rank amongst the top ten and be promoted to purple sash.” Said Shen Taiyuan.
Zhou Yuan smiled and nodded. “Don’t worry teacher Shen, I will naturally take a step back if the situation does not bode well and give up on vying for first.”
Shen Taiyuan nodded, before pointing towards the misty mountain range as he said, “There are ten peaks in the depths of the Purple Mountains. The ten individuals who manage to ascend these ten peaks will be the top ten.”
A thoughtful look rose on Zhou Yuan’s face. “Then how will the champion be decided?”
Shen Taiyuan answered, “You guys will only find out after ascending the ten mountains, because it may be different from the past selections.”
Zhou Yuan nodded. He had nothing more to ask.
Not long after they arrived, a Genesis Qi cloud suddenly descended from the sky. A white skirt fluttered in the wind, revealing Li Qingchan’s figure.
She directly landed next to Yaoyao, immediately causing countless burning gazes to look over. These two were after all the top beauties of the Cangxuan Sect, and just the sight of them standing together would make one’s heart beat a little faster.
Li Qingchan paid no heed to these gazes, merely sweeping a glance at Zhou Yuan, who was standing next to Shen Taiyuan, as she said, “I’m afraid that things will be difficult for Zhou Yuan during this selection.
Yaoyao did not comment, merely continuing to stroke Tuntun.
Li Qingchan stared at Yaoyao’s face and said, “I can ask the Snow Lotus Peak disciples to aid him as repayment for the favor you did me. How about it?”
Her prideful nature made her feel that she owed Yaoyao due to the Genesis reservoir affair. Hence, she was always trying to find a way to repay the former to remove the discomfort she felt whenever she met Yaoyao.
Yaoyao thought for a moment, before she shook her head and leisurely said, “I feel… that he doesn’t need it.”
Li Qingchan’s brows knitted together. “Aren’t you overestimating him too much? Do you know how many individuals are after him? Your Saint Genesis Peak only has a handful of participants, and look like they won’t be much of a help anyways.”
“So he’ll have to depend on himself.” Said Yaoyao.
Li Qingchan placed extra emphasis on her words as she said, “Do you really think that he can challenge all of the first seat gold sash disciples from the various factions of Sword Cometh Peak alone? Every single one of them is no weaker than Wei Youxuan.”
She clearly felt that Yaoyao’s earlier words were far too irresponsible.
The corners of Yaoyao’s lips raised slightly. “If he can’t, he deserves to be beaten. It’ll teach him to be more serious about his cultivation in the future.”
Li Qingchan was speechless, but she knew that these weren’t Yaoyao’s true feelings. The former fell silent for a moment, before she said, “Do you really believe that he can take on Sword Cometh Peak?”
“We’ll know once he tries. Anyhow, he’s the one that will be humiliated if he loses.” Yaoyao seemed to smile as she spoke.
Li Qingchan stared at Zhou Yuan’s figure. In the end, she turned towards Yaoyao and seriously said, “I believe that he can’t.”
“Why not we wait and see.”
...
The Sword Cometh Peak disciples were gathered on a giant mountain relatively close to the Purple Mountains. At this current time, Lu Xuanyin, Xu Yan and gang had congregated at a certain location on the mountain peak.
Lu Xuanyin’s gaze was slightly cold as she looked towards a mountain in the distance where Zhou Yuan and the rest were currently standing. Yaoyao’s presence had made their location quite apparent.
“I’ve heard that many disciples have bet on Zhou Yuan.” Xu Yan wore a faint smile beside her.
He too cast his gaze towards at Zhou Yuan as he playfully said, “But that’s fine, the higher their expectations, the greater their disappointment and anger when he falls.”
“It is time for us to let this smooth sailing junior brother of ours encounter a setback, so that he won’t become too arrogant and feel that there’s no one with ability in our Cangxuan Sect.”
Lu Xuanyin nodded, a surge of happiness flashing in her eyes. Looks like the bitter frustration and resentment she held in her heart for several months was finally going to be released.
“Junior brother Le Tian, we’ll have to inconvenience you this time.” Xu Yan smiled at a young man beside him, who seemed to always wear a warm smile on his face, making him look extremely friendly approachable.
It was the first seat gold sash disciples of Sword Cometh Peak’s master faction, Le Tian.
Le Tian wore his usual smile as he said, “I met senior brother Zhao Zhu last night.”
“Senior brother Zhao Zhu?” Both Xu Yan and Lu Xuanyin jumped at the mention of this name. This was the second Chosen of their Sword Cometh Peak, whose reputation and influence was second only to Kong Sheng.
Xu Yan hastily a
sked, “What did senior brother Zhao Zhu say?”
“He told me that youngsters these days are too proud, and should be taught a little lesson. He assures us that we can do whatever we want.” Le Tian grinned.
Joy immediately surfaced in the eyes of Xu Yan and Lu Xuanyin. They never imagined that even senior brother Zhao Zhu would stand on their side. It seems that Zhou Yuan had really stuck out too much recently.
With Zhao Zhu’s words, there would no longer be any reservations in the hearts of the Sword Cometh Peak disciples.
Xu Yan and Lu Xuanyin exchanged a look, and could not help but chuckle.
Zhou Yuan, you’re all out of chances now.
…
Clang! Clang!
The excitement in the vicinity of the Purple Mountains grew more and more intense as time passed. The hot sun rose in the sky, hanging high above the land. It was at this moment that clanging suddenly began echoing across the place.
Soon after, every disciple felt a grand aura descend from the sky, accompanied by an indescribable pressure that caused the land to tremble.
Innumerable disciples raised their heads in reverence as they watched several glowing figures descend from the sky, ultimately landing on the highest mountain in the vicinity of the Purple Mountains where several stone seats stood.
The glowing figures seated themselves as the light faded, revealing their appearances.
It was sect master Qing Yang and the six peak masters!
“Greetings sect master!”
“Greetings peak masters!”
All the disciples and elders bowed as they cupped their fists together.
Sect master Qing Yang faintly nodded with a smile. Soon after, his booming voice rang out.
“It is time. The disciples may enter the mountains!”
In the wake of his words, the entire place instantly erupted into noise.
The long awaited purple sash selection had finally begun.
Chapter 366 Selection Battles
Rumble!
The entire place seemed to explode when sect master Qing Yang’s booming voice sounded.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 199
