It seems like they were beginning to approach the end.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yuan darted into a valley. Dense mist churned in the valley, obscuring his figure.
Behind him, the sound of rushing wind was heard as glowing figure after figure descended from the sky, blockading the entire valley.
Le Tian and Lu Xuanyin’s figures also descended, landing on a giant tree.
They stared at the valley before them, and exchanged a look as mocking smiles appeared on their faces.
After such a long chase, the panicked wild beast had finally run out of stamina.
Quite a number of disciples soon appeared in the vicinity of the valley. The commotion caused by the Sword Cometh Peak disciples was far too large, and had naturally drawn over the disciples from the other peaks.
Le Tian’s gaze swept about the area as he cupped his fists together with a faint smile, “This is between Zhou Yuan and my Sword Cometh Peak. If we have disturbed anyone, allow me to apologize.”
He was subtly warning them not to get involved.
The eyes of the disciples that had rushed over flickered faintly in thought. However, they ultimately did not say anything in response. They were after all not close to Zhou Yuan, and naturally did not want to offend Le Tian and his crew.
However, not everyone was of the same opinion.
“Humph. Le Tian, isn’t your Sword Cometh Peak being too shameless? If you still have a backbone, go and fight Zhou Yuan one on one. At least you’ll have a respectful victory if you win. Why resort to such measures?” A clear voice sounded as an alluring beauty walked out and coldly snorted.
It was Su Wan of Cangxuan Peak.
After all, she had close ties to Gu Hongyi, and the latter had even specifically asked her to aid Zhou Yuan. Therefore, when she saw Zhou Yuan being bullied, she naturally had to stand up for him.
Le Tian frowned slightly when he saw Su Wan step forward.
However, even before Le Tian could reply, another voice interjected, “Su Wan, you’re still such a busybody. Since you seem to have so much time on your hands, how about you and I have a fight now?”
The crowd turned their heads, only to see a man in black robes walking forward. Though he looked rather ordinary, the eyes of the crowd widened at the sight of his face.
Lightning Prision Peak, Wang Chen.
He was also one of the top contenders for the championship.
“Wang Chen!” Su Wan’s brows tightly knitted together as she icily said, “And what does this have to do with you?”
Wang Chen was expressionless, not giving her an answer. However, his stance was already clear. If Su Wan intervened, he would step forward to stop her.
Su Wan angrily clenched her fists.
The other disciples secretly shook their heads. Looks like Le Tian was set on giving Zhou Yuan a good dressing down, and had already made preparations in case someone tried to help him.
Now that there was someone to stop Su Wan, it seems like Zhou Yuan’s fate was sealed.
Le Tian withdrew his gaze. He stared at the now locked down valley, his eyes narrowing slightly as his indifferent voice sounded.
“Go.”
“Send him out.”
At the sound of his voice, the surrounding Sword Cometh Peak disciples immediately charged into the valley.
Atop the tree, the corners of Lu Xuanyin’s lips raised slightly as she watched this scene.
Zhou Yuan, there’s no way you’ll win this time!
Chapter 370 Turning Ethereal To Hide
Swoosh! Swoosh!
The instant Le Tian’s voice sounded, nine Sword Cometh Peak disciples split off from the group surrounding the valley, and dashed into its fog filled depths.
That valley was quite large, and its topography was rather complex. However, this was not a problem for the nine individuals, who quickly arranged themselves in a fan formation and began sweeping the area inch by inch.
Le Tian stood atop a tree, his arms crossed across his chest as he instructed, “The rest should prepare yourselves. We’ll move the moment we pinpoint Zhou Yuan’s location.”
There were nearly ten figures stationed outside the valley, their sharp gazes continuously scanning the interior of that misty valley.
Su Wan could only release a soft sigh as she watched. There were other Cangxuan Peak disciples beside her, but they had no ties to Zhou Yuan. They would probably be quite unwilling to aid Zhou Yuan, and incur the wrath of Le Tian and his crew.
When all was said and done, Su Wan lacked the power to command them.
This also made her rather puzzled by why the Sword Cometh Peak disciples were so obediently following Le Tian’s instructions. Normally speaking, this would only happen if either the chief disciple… or one of the two Chosens gave the order.
However, why would someone of that standing have beef with a gold sash disciples like Zhou Yuan?
Her eyes were furrowed in thought for a long time, but she could ultimately only shake her head her head in defeat, before she looked towards the valley in pity. It seems that she had no way to help this time. Zhou Yuan could only rely on himself to tide through this crisis.
Of course, Zhou Yuan was already in a checkmate in Su Wan’s eyes. After all, there was no way he could defeat all the elite gold sash disciples from Sword Cometh Peak by himself.
“Junior sister Hongyi, your senior sister is really quite powerless this time…”
“Zhou Yuan’s talent at drawing trouble is really something.”
Outside the mountain range, Gu Hongyi stared at the scene projected by the Genesis Qi mirror with gritted teeth and clenched fists. Meanwhile, the commotion was also picked up by practically all of the other watching disciples, causing them to break out into noise.
“Can’t believe that the Sword Cometh Peak disciples have actually trapped Zhou Yuan in a valley…”
“Furthermore, they’re even being led by Le Tian. Looks like Sword Cometh Peak is really going all out this time.”
“Zhou Yuan is truly unlucky. However, it's also quite a testament to his ability to have the entire Sword Cometh Peak banding together to hunt him down. Even if he fails this purple sash selection, he will definitely become famous in the Cangxuan Sect.”
“How could this happen! I placed a huge bet on him!”
“......”
While all kinds of opinions and discussions erupted, practically everyone in the area turned their gazes to this particular Genesis Qi mirror.
Atop the most majestic peak, sect master Qing Yang and the six other peak masters also noticed the commotion.
A quick scan immediately told them what had happened, as astonishment flashed across their eyes.
It was extremely rare for all the disciples from a single to band together for the sake of dealing with a single person during a purple sash selection.
“Haha, peak master Ling Jun, it seems like your Sword Cometh Peak disciples are quite experienced in bullying others with numbers.” Snow Lotus Peak master Lianyi’s gaze swept around as a sneer arose on her red lips.
The handsome Sword Cometh Peak master, Ling Jun, was dressed in white today. He cast his rippleless deep pool like eyes towards the depths of the mountain range, as surprise flashed within them.
It was evident that he did not expect his disciples to gang up on Zhou Yuan.
However, he was only a little surprised, and not angry at all.
Peak master Ling Jun chuckled softly, before he said in an unconcerned manner, “Peak master Lianyi, the purple selection selection does has its rules, and my disciples are not breaking any of them.”
“That disciple called Zhou Yuan has been riding high recently, and others will obviously become displeased. They’re youngsters after all.”
“However, after he has gone through this experience, I believe he will likely become a more composed individual in the future. Frankly speaking, this isn’t bad news for him.”
Peak master Ling Jun chuckled. He looked towards the Lighting Prision Peak
master Lei Jun, as he smiled and said, “Of course, if my Sword Cometh Peak disciples break the rules, I will punish them personally.”
Even though he did not know why his disciples were targeting Zhou Yuan, it did not matter to him. After all, someone of his stature had no reason to concern himself with these matters.
In his opinion, his Sword Cometh Peak disciples were not in the wrong either. Their actions aligned to to motto of their Sword Cometh Peak to be straightforward and decisive like a sword. Once you’ve decided, you should go ahead without any reservations.
Lighting Prision Peak master Lei Jun was in charge of the rules and punishments in the Cangxuan Sect, and was a stern and serious individual. Silver colored his eyes, as if they contained a world of lighting within them, a rather frightening sight to behold.
He indifferently said, “Although the Sword Cometh Peak disciples’ actions have caused some tongues to wag, they did not break the rules.”
At this moment, sect master Qing Yang chuckled and said, “It is merely a dispute between disciples. There is no need for us to be overly concerned with this matter.”
He paused for a moment, as he looked at peak master Ling Jun and said, “However, their actions today will easily draw the ire of others. Peak master Ling Jun should remind his disciples that though it is good to be straightforward and decisive when one acts, the disciples from the other peaks are still your fellow brothers and sisters.”
Peak master Ling Jun gently nodded and said, “Sect master is right. I will discipline those rascals after the selection test.”
However, judging by his expression, it was clear he did not think his disciples were in the wrong, and had only said those words because the sect master had spoken.
...
Deep within the mountain range, in the outskirts of the valley.
Le Tian was standing atop a tree, his gaze tightly fixed on the valley. As time passed, he suddenly frowned a little. He had realized that the search party had already scanned the entire valley once. However, they had not uncovered any signs of Zhou Yuan.
The Sword Cometh Peak disciples in the valley rose into the sky, and looked towards Le Tian in confusion.
“Senior brother Le Tian, we can’t find him!”
Outside the valley, a wave of noise swept through the area, shock filling the faces of the many disciples from the various peaks. Had Zhou Yuan really concealed himself so well?
A look of confusion flashed across Le Tian’s eyes.
“Could he have fled?” Beside him, Lu Xuanyin’s face was not looking too good at this moment.
Le Tian shook his head and said, “That’s impossible. We have already sealed off this whole area. There is no way he has escaped!”
“Then…” Lu Xuanyin hesitated for a moment. Their previous search had obviously failed to deliver any results.
“He must still be hiding inside!” Le Tian decisively declared.
He waved his hand and said, “You guys follow me in again. I will lead the search!”
His body moved, taking charge of the nine disciples as they charged into the mist-filled valley.
With Le Tian now leading them, half an incense stick of time passed, before he floated back up into the air with an ugly expression.
This time, an uproar broke out even outside the mountain range, countless gazes staring at this scene in shock. None of them had expected Le Tian and his crew to lose track of Zhou Yuan after trapping him in the valley.
Whispers spread, and some individuals even began to gloat. Sword Cometh Peak had caused quite a stir by so brazenly hunting Zhou Yuan down together, only to end up losing sight of him when he was right under their noses. If they allowed Zhou Yuan to escape, Sword Cometh Peak would lose all face.
The commotion grew louder and louder as it spread.
Finally, even sect master Qing Yang and the other peak masters began to turn their attention over once again.
“Haha, now this is interesting.” Sect master Qing Yang chuckled.
A look of intrigue had surfaced in his deep and wise eyes, a rarely seen expression to the disciples of Cangxuan Sect.
...
Le Tian’s expression darkened in response to the whispers and amused gazes. He hovered above the valley, and looked down at the mist below.
With a deep breath, he suppressed his churning emotions as his eyes glowed brightly.
“Senior brother Le Tian, should we spread out and continue the search?” Lu Xuanyin could not help but ask. Her expression was also not a pretty sight.
Le Tian did not answer. Instead, he continued to stare intensely at the valley below.
As he stared, another half an incense stick of time passed.
Behind him, Lu Xuanyin grew increasingly impatient. However, just as she was about to speak, Le Tian’s deep voice slowly sounded.
“Junior brother Zhou Yuan is truly amazing…”
“If I am not mistaken, you… should have reached the advanced level of the Ethereal Form technique?!”
Chapter 371 Boundary
“Advanced Ethereal Form?!”
When Le Tian’s voice sounded, several onlookers immediately gasped in shock as gaze after gaze tinged with astonishment looked towards the misty valley.
“I see…”
Some disciples involuntarily exclaimed. It was said that once one reached the advanced level of the Ethereal Form technique, one would gain the ability to turn fully ethereal, even concealing the ripples from one’s own Genesis Qi. It was an extraordinary survival skill that could save one’s life.
However, it was difficult to reach the advanced level. In the current Cangxuan Sect, only a handful of disciples have managed to achieve this feat.
How long has it been since Zhou Yuan began his practise of the Ethereal Form technique? It was unbelievable for him to have reached the advanced level!
Beside Le Tian, Lu Xuanyin was also taken aback. She soon gritted her teeth and said, “That fellow is truly as slippery as a fish. To think that he can still put up such a fight even after being trapped!”
She had initially believed Zhou Yuan it would be the end of the road for Zhou Yuan after trapping him here. However, who could have imagined that he would take advantage of the terrain to conceal himself, resulting in them being unable to find him.
She looked towards Le Tian and asked, “Senior brother Le Tian, what should we do now?”
So many gold sash disciples from Sword Cometh Peak had been deployed for this operation today. If Zhou Yuan was allowed to slip away right under their noses, their Sword Cometh Peak would truly lose all face.
Le Tian gazed at the mist-filled valley below with slightly narrowed eyes. With a soft laugh, he said, “Even though junior brother Zhou Yuan has surprised me somewhat, it will be a little too naive for him to believe he will survive with just the advanced Ethereal Form.”
His gaze swept about the area, looking towards the Sword Cometh Peak disciples as he said, “Fellow brother disciples, use your Genesis Qi to seal the valley. Deploy the Swordfish Boundary!”
“Understood!”
The Sword Cometh Peak disciples immediately responded to Le Tian’s words. In the next instant, streams of powerful Genesis Qi rose from within their bodies like smoke, and quickly spread out to envelope the entire valley.
The Genesis Qi was akin to a giant net, covering the entire valley.
Buzz!
After covering the valley, the Genesis Qi began to shake as beams of Genesis Qi light shot forth, dashing into the valley like swimming fish.
As the fish swam past, the thick fog was torn apart, and gradually began to dissipate.
These Genesis Qi fish were linked to each other, and could penetrate every nook and cranny, allowing them to tear through even the ungraspable mist.
Evidently, this was a unique searching method from Sword Cometh Peak.
Le Tian stood in the sky, his sharp gaze fixed on the valley below, as his senses observed every tiny vibration. Under his careful watc
h, the Genesis Qi fish continued their advance.
As the Genesis Qi continued to slice through the fog, the mist in the valley grew lighter and lighter.
In the end, all the mist was pushed back towards the deepest part of the valley, ultimately gathering in a small area, which was less than a few feet wide.
At this juncture, the powerful Genesis Qi from the Sword Cometh Peak finally stopped, as if they had ran into an obstacle.
In the sky, a small smile appeared from the corners of Le Tian’s lips when he saw this.
He waved his sleeve, sending out a gale of Genesis Qi. It immediately blew away the final patch of mist, and boulder promptly appeared.
The air above the boulder rippled faintly. In the end, a figure gradually materialized, appearing before the eyes of the crowd.
That familiar figure belonged to Zhou Yuan!
Whoa!
Regretful sounds were immediately heard outside the valley. Zhou Yuan had still been found in the end.
“What a pity. If Zhou Yuan could continue to hide from them, Sword Cometh Peak would be the ones making a fool of themselves today.” A disciples sighed.
“The fact that he was able to conceal himself from Sword Cometh Peak for so long already demonstrates that he is fairly skilled. After all, this valley isn’t that big…”
“Le Tian is after all the top gold sash disciple of Sword Cometh Peak. Zhou Yuan is still a little inexperienced in comparison…”
“......”
Outside the valley, Le Tian smiled slightly when he saw Zhou Yuan’s figure appear. With a wave of his hand, the numerous Sword Cometh Peak disciples surrounded Zhou Yuan and bean to approach. Finally, he stepped into the valley and walked towards Zhou Yuan.
“Junior brother Zhou Yuan has some good techniques. You nearly managed to hide from us.” Le Tian stood in front of Zhou Yuan as he spoke with a smile.
Behind him, Lu Xuanyin was also looking at Zhou Yuan with a sneer on her face and joy filling her eyes. He had finally fallen into her hands.
Seated atop the boulder, Zhou Yuan gazed at the twenty or so Sword Cometh Peak disciples surrounding him, as his gaze lowered slightly. “Sword Cometh Peak must think quite highly of me to have sent so many of you. However, I believe it won’t look good for you guys even if you beat me.”
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 202
