“Wang Lei is too cunning. This so-called one move wager… isn’t this obviously making use of the fact that he will be out of stamina after using the Lightning Sword Palm?”
“It’s a famous ‘All-Out’ technique… either he destroys his opponent in one move, or he loses the battle because of Genesis Qi depletion.”
“……”
Numerous disciples were talking among themselves. They finally understood why Wang Lei had proposed this one move wager.
On the steps, the frostiness on Li Qingchan’s face intensified. She turned towards Zhao Zhu and sneered, “So this was your plan all along.”
She had previously thought that Wang Lei had proposed the one move challenge due to arrogance, and hopes to use this opportunity to help Zhou Yuan slip through. However, it was now obvious that it was a trap set by Zhao Zhu and Wang Lei.
Based on Wang Lei’s current plan of attack, any opponent would be finished off in a single move.
With this move, he would either gained an absolute advantage or be forced into a severe disadvantage.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhu smiled faintly and said, “Senior sister Li, there is no way the disciples from Sacred Palace and the other factions will tell us what their battle strategies are going to be.”
Beside Li Qingchan, Bai Li gazed at intimidating Wang Lei, before she shook her head. Zhou Yuan already had such a tough time against Xu Yan previously. How could he possibly handle such an overwhelming brute force attack from Wang Lei?
The fight was basically over the moment Wang Lei revealed the Lightning Sword Palm.
Oh well, at least Zhou Yuan would no longer so shamelessly cling onto that spot on the team out of pride once he lost. In that case, the team would be relieved of a burden.
Boom!
As various thoughts ran through the minds of the crowd, the sound of thunder suddenly boomed across the arena. Wang Lei let out a hearty laugh, before his figure was sent soaring into the sky with a stomp, as he looked down upon Zhou Yuan from above.
Lightning flickered on his palm as he slowly lifted it, while his sharp and icy gaze locked onto Zhou Yuan.
“Lightning Sword Palm!”
Wang Lei swung his palm the instant he roared. Thunder boomed loudly in the sky, as a resplendent lightning glow poured out from his palm.
Pch!
A hundred feet large lightning palm descended from the sky with a boom.
Moreover, it appeared as though sword shadows were lurking within the attack.
Deadly, overwhelming and brutal.
Even before the palm landed, cracks had already begun to grow on the arena below.
In the arena, Zhou Yuan lifted his head. Winds violently whipped up his clothes, causing them to flap wildly with the wind. He gazed upon the lightning palm whose reflection was rapidly growing in his eyes, as he took in a deep breath.
“What overwhelming force…”
His eyes widened slightly, but strangely enough, there wasn’t a hint of panic on his face. Instead, only an eager expression could be seen.
“This is the perfect opportunity to test my Omni Python Qi…”
After advancing to the fourth layer Alpha-Origin stage, his Genesis Qi’s foundation had improved tremendously. As his Genesis Qi grew stronger, the wonders of his Omni Python Qi gradually began to be uncovered.
Zhou Yuan slowly put his hands together, and gently shut his eyes. A dazzling radiance immediately erupted from the 1200 Genesis Qi stars in his Qi Dwelling, transforming into waves of golden Genesis Qi and flooded his body.
Rumble!
Golden Omni Python Qi charged out from Zhou Yuan’s body and dashed into the sky. The faint silhouette of a giant python could be seen hissing at the heavens within it. The python was covered in golden scales, and it flew down from the sky, before coiling itself around Zhou Yuan’s body.
As round after round of the giant python’s body wrapped around Zhou Yuan’s body, it seemed to take the shape of an enormous golden bell.
The golden bell was simple yet sturdy, like a formidable barrier that was indestructible.
“Omni Python Qi, Mystical Python’s Great Golden Bell!”
A deep voice was slowly spat out from Zhou Yuan’s mouth.
This was the latest defensive Genesis Qi technique he had unlocked due to the growth of the Omni Python Qi.
Rumble!
The lightning palm arrived the moment the golden bell was completed, ruthlessly smashing into the bell under the grave stare of the crowd.
Clang!
A loud metallic clang echoed across the area.
Whoosh!
Berserk shockwaves swept outwards, wreaking havoc in the arena. Stone and wood were totally shattered, as dust filled the air.
The surrounding disciples quickly retreated.
However, their gazes remained fixed on the arena.
In the sky, Wang Lei stood on his Genesis Qi. He looked down at the cloud of dust, feeling pleased at the destruction he had caused.
“I can’t believe this ignorant brat actually dared to take my attack head-on.” He laughed sinisterly. Zhou Yuan was most definitely severely injured. As such, it was naturally no longer possible for him to participate in the Heaven task.
A gentle breeze swept past, blowing away the dust as arena gradually cleared.
Numerous gazes continued to stare.
As the dust retreated, everyone discovered that the entire arena had caved in. Giant cracks extended everywhere, the extent of the destruction causing several disciples to secretly wet their lips.
The Lightning Sword Palm was indeed one of the most aggressive attacks of Sword Cometh Peak.
“Zhou Yuan has bitten off more than he can chew… even someone as powerful as Xu Yan would be wounded by Wang Lei’s strike, let alone the likes of Zhou Yuan…”
“I’m afraid Wang Lei planned on seriously injuring Zhou Yuan from the start. By doing so, Zhou Yuan would become incapable of participating in the Heaven task, and his spot would naturally be forfeited.”
“At the end of the day, he was advancing too fast. He’s merely a newly promoted purple sash disciple, and a Heaven task is still beyond his reach.”
“…..”
Numerous whispers spread.
It was at this moment that all the dust in the arena finally scattered.
Every gaze looked towards at the center of the collapsed arena.
All the whispers immediately stopped.
In the sky, the smile on Wang Lei’s face slowly turned rigid, as a look of disbelief flowed out on his face.
On the steps, both Li Qingchan and Bai Li gasped in shock.
Even Zhao Zhu’s pupils shrank slightly.
As the dust faded, everyone finally saw the small area at the center of the collapsed arena that was completely undamaged!
It was at this perfectly fine spot that Zhou Yuan was currently standing.
His eyes were still shut, while the golden bell stood stably around him, appearing sturdy and indestructible.
Everyone stared at this scene in complete astonishment.
None of them expected that Zhou Yuan would ultimately come out completely unscathed after taking Wang Lei’s earth-shaking palm attack...
Chapter 398 Spot Secured
The arena was in a sorry state, the ground caved in several feet deep. Huge cracks extended across the area as if it had been violently torn apart...
However, there was a small area in the middle that was completely undamaged. Zhou Yuan stood on this tiny patch, not even the smallest injury visible on his body.
Around the arena, everyone was wide-eyed as they stared at this unbelievable sight.
“This…”
Even Li Qingchan and Zhao Zhu were stunned, the outcome completely taking them by surprise.
Bai Li was also a little dazed. A moment later, she looked puzzingly at the golden bell as she muttered, “What kind of Genesis technique did he use? Why is its defense so terrifying?!”
“It is indeed a very solid turtle shell.” Zhao Zhu was not looking too good as he said, “However, solely relying on a defensive technique is no proof of his capabilities.”
Li Qingchan swept a glance at him as a mocking smile appeared on her lips. “Junior brother Zhao Zhu, are you suggesting that we try a different format?”
Zhao Zhu froze. His expression soon turned a little frosty as he shut his mouth.
He and Wang Lei were the ones who had proposed the one move wager, and it was obvious that they had been well prepared. And yet, this was how things turned out. If they were to go back on their word now, he would surely lose face.
Under the many astonished gazes of the crowd, Zhou Yuan gently jerked his body. Golden light surged around his body as the golden bell began to dissipate, transforming into streams of golden Genesis Qi, which were sucked back into Zhou Yuan’s body.
“That’s some crazy defensive power!”
Joy flashed in Zhou Yuan’s eyes. He had only been hoping to test out this new move of his earlier, and the outcome definitely surpassed his expectations.
Zhou Yuan reckoned that this technique had the best defensive properties among his entire repertoire.
It was a pity that it could only be used for defense. In addition, he would need to wait a certain period of time before he could use it again.
Regardless, with this new technique, Zhou Yuan now had another method to protect himself.
He lifted his head and looked at the dumbstruck Wang Lei. Zhou Yuan’s expression remained completely unchanged as he said, “Thank you for letting me win senior brother Wang Lei.”
Angry green and white flashed across Wang Lei’s face. A trace of blood rose in his eyes as he gritted his teeth and said, “I refuse to believe that I cannot break your turtle shell!”
Rumble!
Powerful Genesis Qi erupted once again from his body. However, it was clearly weaker than before due to using the Lightning Sword Palm.
Zhou Yuan’s eyes narrowed slightly as a dangerous glow flashed within them.
He had already lost his patience with Wang Lei. The one move wager proposed by the bastard had obviously been a trap. If it wasn’t for his new defensive technique, he would have likely ended up in quite a sorry state.
In addition, Wang Lei was even refusing to admit defeat at this juncture. If so, Zhou Yuan was ready to give him the fight he wanted.
“Humph!”
However, just as Zhou Yuan began to circulate his Genesis Qi in preparation for the battle, a cold snort suddenly sounded. Everyone soon felt the temperature plummet.
In the sky, Wang Lei was horrified to discover that the air around him was beginning to freeze, as a stream of snow-white Genesis Qi quickly wrapped around him. The white Genesis Qi was so cold that frost rapidly covered his body, while his limbs were instantly frozen.
Wang Lei turned his head with some difficulty, only to see that Li Qingchan had raised her hand, and was now staring coldly at him from the steps. The cold snow-white Genesis Qi was surging out from her palm.
“Are all Sword Cometh Peak disciples sore losers?” Li Qingchan’s icy voice sounded.
Several Sword Cometh Peak disciples began to turn red in embarrassment.
Zhao Zhu also had an ugly expression on his face. He naturally knew that Li Qingchan’s words were directed at him. He immediately waved his sleeve as Genesis Qi swept forth like a rainbow, rescuing the trapped Wang Lei, before tossing him to the side.
Zhao Zhu said in a low voice, “Wang Lei, you should stop bothering him since you’ve already lost.”
The expression on Wang Lei’s face was ugly, feeling extremely humiliated. He was after all stronger than Xu Yan, whom Zhou Yuan had struggled so miserably against. Therefore, Wang Lei had naturally believed Zhou Yuan to be easy pickings for someone like himself.
Who could have expected Zhou Yuan to grow so rapidly in less than a month. Furthermore, he had even mastered such a powerful defensive technique.
It was a technique he clearly didn’t have when he fought with Xu Yan.
Around the arena, several disciples were staring in amazement at Zhou Yuan. Many of them had likewise realized that Zhou Yuan was now even stronger than when he had fought Xu Yan.
On the steps, Li Qingchan looked towards Zhao Zhu as she indifferently said, “Since Wang Lei has lost, does Zhou Yuan now possess the qualifications?”
Zhao Zhu’s arms were wrapped around his sword. His eyelids lowered slightly as he replied, “If senior sister Li is determined to bring him along, we naturally have no objections. However, let me give you a piece of advice. Just because he has this new turtle shell doesn’t mean that he will not become a burden.”
“If the mission fails because of Zhou Yuan, I will readily accept my punishment. There is no need for you to worry.” Li Qingchan’s tone was pure ice.
After she spoke, she took a step forward as her eyes swept across the crowd, before her cold voice echoed across the arena, “After our latest discussion, we have agreed that Zhou Yuan will be the final member for the Heaven task. Do any of you have any objections?”
The ones gathered here were mostly the purple sash disciples from the various peaks. Moreover, they were here because of the contentious spot held by Zhou Yuan.
However, Zhou Yuan had already revealed some of his strength in the duel with Wang Lei. At the very least, most of the disciples here had no confidence in breaking his turtle shell defense.
This made them understand that Zhou Yuan was much stronger than when he had fought Xu Yan.
With Li Qingchan’s backing added into the mix, it seemed like there was no longer any way Zhou Yuan would lose his spot now.
After coming to this conclusion, the numerous disciples looked at one another, before they sighed in disappointment...
No one responded to Li Qingchan’s question.
Upon seeing this, she nodded and calmly said, “In that case, I shall officially announce that all the spots for the Heaven task have been filled.”
The other disciples on the plaza could only shake their heads, before scattering one after another.
Zhao Zhu and gang were not looking too good. They did not linger any further, and quickly turned to leave.
Li Qingchan paid no heed to them. She walked down the steps, arrived in front of Zhou Yuan and said, “Well done. You didn’t let me down.”
Beside Li Qingchan, Bai Li stared inquisitively at Zhou Yuan as she clenched her tiny fists and said, “Your turtle shell is really tough. May I try punching it a few times?”
Zhou Yuan grinned as he looked at her. Though this girl looked skinny and frail, she was a member of Hongya Peak, a faction renowned for their external tempering. A single punch from here was likely going to be much more terrifying than Wang Lei’s previous attack...
As such, he chose not to reply. Instead, he looked at Li Qingchan and cupped his fists together, “Thank you senior sister for all that you have done.”
If it wasn’t for Li Qingchan’s unwavering support, there was no way he would have any hopes of joining this Heaven task. After all, Zhao Zhu was truly out to get him.
Li Qingchan glanced at him and said, “We will be setting off to Black Flame Province tomorrow. You should make your preparations.”
“In addition, don’t let it get to your head just because you have mastered a powerful defensive Genesis technique. Though I do not expect much from you in this mission, I hope that you will not be a burden to the team.”
After speaking, she turned with a swish of her black hair and walked away, leaving Zhou Yuan to stare at her alluring figure.
Zhou Yuan admired the beautiful scene as he shrugged.
“This senior sister is really like an ice mountain…”
He soon chuckled, as a look of excitement and ea
gerness appeared in his eyes.
“A Heaven task… I am kind of looking forward to it.”
Chapter 399 Setting Off
The next day.
Outside a certain cave dwelling.
Zhou Yuan was all dressed up and ready to go. Yaoyao carried Tuntun in her arms as she looked at him and said, “I initially wanted Tuntun to go with you. However, it lost a great deal of essence blood to help you suppress the Dragon’s Resentment Poison, and is currently still recuperating.”
“Therefore, you are on your own for this trip.”
Tuntun snorted from Yaoyao’s arms, a hint of resentment still present in its bright and beady eyes when they swept across Zhou Yuan. Helping Zhou Yuan to suppress the Dragon’s Resentment Poison had really taken quite a toll on it.
Zhou Yuan paid no heed to the creature’s gaze as he smiled and said, “Relax, my many years of travelling has made me fairly experienced.”
Yaoyao’s red lips curled slightly downwards, clearly skeptical about how experienced he was.
“The Dragon’s Resentment Poison in your body erupted recently, so don’t use this type of self-destructive method again in the future.” Yaoyao warned him.
Zhou Yuan solemnly nodded at her words. He clearly understood the dire consequences he would face when the Dragon’s Resentment Poison in his body erupts. Furthermore, Yaoyao would not be tagging along for this trip, so he would likely lose his life should the Dragon’s Resentment Poison erupt again.
Fortunately, his strength had increased after advancing to fourth layer Alpha-Origin stage, while he also had more options to protect himself.
“Besides…”
Yaoayo paused for a moment, as her clear eyes swept a glance at Zhou Yuan. “You obtained your spot because I put down my pride and asked Li Qingchan to help you. Therefore, you had best not embarrass me.”
“Otherwise…”
Even though she did not complete the sentence, the implied threat behind her words was obvious.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 216
