The attendant’s gaze swept about the area as he said, “The Black Flame Province mission has been perfectly completed.”
Envious gasps immediately sounded all around. However, the crowd was not overly surprised, because there were two Chosens leading the team after all.
The attendant continued, “For this mission, the upper credit receivers are; Li Qingchan, Zhao Zhu, Bai Li…”
Name after name was read, stopping at a total of nine.
The numerous surrounding disciples were rather confused. They could not figure out why Li Qingchan and Zhao Zhu were only given an upper credit rating. They should be given the chief credit, right?
“Heh heh, I knew that Zhou Yuan wouldn’t get an upper credit!”
The eyes of Xu Yan, Wang Lei and the other Sword Cometh disciples brightened as they could not help but burst into laughter.
The other disciples also shook their heads, a little contempt in their eyes when they looked towards Zhou Yuan. He had racked his brains so hard in order to get into the team, but it only ended up as a waste of time.
They clearly believed that Zhou Yuan’s absence amongst the upper credit receivers could only mean that his performance had been too lackluster. As for the chief credit… don’t even joke about it!
With two Chosens on the team, what chance did the others have?
The attendant glanced at the laughing Sword Cometh Peak disciples and secretly shook his head. There was a slight trace of pity in his eyes as he said, “Chief credit receiver, Zhou Yuan.”
The noisy hall instantly fell quiet.
The grins on Xu Yan, Wang Lei, Lu Xuanyin and the rest’s faces froze, their eyes nearly popping from their sockets as they stared at the attendant as if having misheard him.
The attendant ignored them, and turned towards Zhou Yuan and the rest. “Kindly pass me your credit tokens.”
Li Qingchan, Zhao Zhu and the rest walked forward one by one and took out their silver tokens.
Next, under the staring eyes of the crowd, Zhou Yuan walked forward and fished out a golden token...
*Gulp*
The sound of swallowing was rather loud in the silent hall. This was not an unfamiliar sight to them. The golden token represented the chief credit.
Zhou Yuan had actually obtained the chief credit in the Heaven mission?!
Dazed gaze after gaze looked towards Zhou Yuan’s figure, disbelief flooding out from the depths of their eyes.
Xu Yan, Wang Lei, Lu Xuanyin and gang were also swallowing, their faces burning as they could not help but say,
“Chief credit, Zhou Yuan?!”
“How can this be!”
The middle-aged attendant received the tokens, before taking out several jade tiles. Peculiar patterns adorned every tile, each one representing a Heaven Credit.
He then passed Li Qingchan, Zhao Zhu and the rest one tile each.
As for Zhou Yuan, he was handed two jade tiles.
This represented two Heaven Credits.
By this time, the corners of Xu Yan, Wang Lei and the gang’s mouths were trembling uncontrollably as they despaired inside. The Heaven Credits had already been out, which meant that there was definitely no mistake...
Though they could not believe it, reality was also rather cruel.
They looked at each other, seeing the dull, glazed looks in each other’s eyes. Originally, they had personally came here to be entertained. Who could have expected that they would end up voluntarily sticking out their cheeks out again for Zhou Yuan to give them a nice, hard slap...
They sighed deeply inside. Once news of what happened here spread, the recently returned peace in the sect would be broken once again...
Chapter 433 Commotion
Numerous disciples inside the hall were still in a dazed state even after Zhou Yuan was done keeping his two jade tiles. He paid no attention to them, mere casting a glance at the rigid Xu Yan, Wang Lei, Lu Xuanyin and gang.
This group had obviously specially made a trip here to watch him make a fool of himself, but they never would have imagined that the final outcome would surpass their expectations in such a manner.
Zhou Yuan cupped his fists at Li Qingchan and said, “Senior sister Qingchan, I’ll be returning to Saint Genesis Peak since the mission is over. Thanks for taking care of me during the trip.”
Li Qingchan gave a faint nod in response. “No need to be so humble. All of us know who the biggest contributor was.”
Zhou Yuan chuckled, before waving his goodbyes to Bai Li and the rest. Under the attention of the crowd, he walked out of the grand hall and rose into the sky on his Genesis Qi.
He had begun to miss Yaoyao and Tuntun a little after two months.
After Zhou Yuan’s departure, the atmosphere in the hall slowly recovered. However, many disciples still had strange looks on their faces, evidently unable to imagine how Zhou Yuan had been given the chief credit.
Xu Yan, Wang Lei and gang quickly arrived at Zhao Zhu side, unable to stop themselves from asking, “Senior brother Zhao Zhu, is there some kind of mistake? If even someone like you did not get the chief credit, how could Zhou Yuan possible obtain it?!”
By the side, Li Qingchan frowned a little. She swept a glance at Zhao Zhu before walking away.
Bai Li and the rest shot a look of pity towards Wang Lie and gang, before quickly following Li Qingchan.
Wang Lei, Xu Yan and the rest were rather baffled by these gazes. Before they could ask, Zhao Zhu threw a vicious glare at them and growled, “All of you shut up. Stop being so disgraceful!”
With a wave of his sleeve, he left Wang Lei and the rest behind, walking away with an expressionless face.
Wang Lei and gang were clearly a little resentful after being receiving such a scolding. They could only look to each other as they felt depressingly frustrated inside.
...
After leaving the Mission Hall, Zhou Yuan directly returned to Saint Genesis Peak, landing just outside his cave dwelling.
When he arrived, however, he saw a roly-poly figure leisurely lying right outside the cave. When he took a closer look, who else did he find but Shen Wanjin.
Upon hearing the sound of rushing wind, Shen Wanjin lazily lifted his head. He seemed to jerk a little at the sight of Zhou Yuan, before hurriedly climbing to his feet as he joyfully said, “Little Yuan bro, you’re back at last!”
Zhou Yuan was rather puzzled. “Why are you here? Where’s Yaoyao?”
Shen Wanjin revealed a simple grin as he said, “Boss sister Yaoyao also left a few days after your departure.”
“Left?!” Zhou Yuan was immediately alarmed, and hastily asked, “Where did she go?!”
“Boss sister Yaoyao also took on a Heaven level mission, and tasked me to take care of the cave dwelling right before she left. That’s why I’m usually here.” Replied Shen Wanjin.
Zhou Yuan frowned a little, unable to stop himself from becoming somewhat worried inside. Although Yaoyao was stronger than him, her identity was very mysterious. What would he do if something happened!
How would he be able to explain himself to master Cang Yuan?
“Don’t worry little Yuan bro, boss sister Yaoyao has immeasurable strength, and even a Heaven level mission should not be too dangerous for her.” Consoleded Shen Wanjin.
Zhou Yuan smiled bitterly as he nodded. Since everything had already happened, all he could do was try to relax as he waited, while hoping that nothing bad would happen to her.
After chatting with Shen Wanjin for a while, he waved goodbye and entered the cave dwelling to rest. The long journey back had been very tiring after all.
While Zhou Yuan was resting, he was unaware of how news of him obtaining the chief credit was spreading throughout the entire Cangxuan Sect as if it had wings, causing a huge commotion.
Most of the disciples were very doubtful in the beginning, some even suspecting if Li Qingchan was the reason behind it. After all, how could a practically negligible existence in the team ultimately end up wi
th the chief credit?
Or maybe… Li Qingchan herself had given her credit token to Zhou Yuan?
But such a thought was immediately met by even stronger feelings of rejection. Li Qingchan was the number one beauty in the sect, who was adored by countless disciples. She was as cold as ice, and never allowed anyone from the opposite sex to get close. What would it mean If she had indeed went so far for Zhou Yuan? Could their ice goddess have feelings for him?
If this was true, it would definitely draw public anger.
These opinions quickly caused giant waves in the sect, and eventually made their way to Li Qingchan’s ears. It naturally made her quite outraged, but before she could make a statement, the Mission Hall beat her to the punch by publishing the details of the mission, including how Zhou Yuan had battled against the Sacred Palace’s Yang Xuan, and miraculously turned the tides against all odds.
Once this information was released, an uproar swept over the countless disciples of the sect, everyone completely flabbergasted.
This was obviously extremely difficult for them to believe. After all, before Zhou Yuan left for the mission, his battle accomplishment had been limited to a controversial draw against Xu Yan, while the latter was clearly not as strong as Bai Li and the rest.
On the other hand, Yang Xuan was an existence that even the combined might of Bai Li and Qin Hai had failed to defeat. What’s more, the former was even said to have nearly reached the eighth layer level. Even among the purple sash disciples of the Cangxuan Sect, such strength was absolutely top tier, and gave one the qualifications to contend for the chief disciple seat of the various peaks.
Zhou Yuan was actually able to defeat someone like this?!
Had he really grown so strong in a short two months?
No matter how much in disbelief they were, information from the Mission Hall was unquestionable. As such, the rare peace that had descended on the Cangxuan Sect for the past two months had once again been disrupted due to Zhou Yuan’s return.
...
“Zhou Yuan defeated an eighth layer opponent?!”
Saint Genesis Peak, elder Lu Song’s faction.
Lu Yan’s eyes were extremely round, disbelief dyeing her entire face. She had obviously just heard the newly released information from the Mission Hall.
There was also some surprise on elder Lu Song’s face as he held a teapot in his hands. Soon after, he sighed and said, “It is truly impossible to estimate that little one’s abilities.”
He then looked towards Lu Yan and asked, “Do you still dare to underestimate him?”
Li Yan’s pouted. “Yes yes yes, I know that he’s very capable. Is this enough?”
She paused for a moment, before continuing, “However, it also says that Zhou Yuan obtained a Heaven Genesis Weapon, and only managed to put up a fight against Yang Xuan by borrowing its powers.”
“Obtaining a Heaven Genesis Weapon is his luck and fate, which is naturally also a type of strength.” Elder Lu Song chuckled. “At this rate, Zhou Yuan may really have the qualifications to participate in our upcoming Saint Genesis Peak chief disciple selection.”
“Hehe, looks like you’ve got another competitor.”
Lu Yan softly snorted when she heard this. “I admit that he is quite talented, but it will be a little too naive of him to believe that he will be able to contest for the chief disciple seat with just a Heaven Genesis Weapon.”
Elder Lu Song laughed, before softly sighing. Compared to Zhou Yuan, Lu Hong’s faction was clearly going to be the greatest obstacle for the upcoming chief disciple selection.
If they allowed Lu Hong’s faction to win the chief disciple seat, his faction would likely become the master faction of Saint Genesis Peak in the future. When that happened, their other two factions would undoubtedly be given less cultivation resources and bullied even more.
This was not good for them at all.
...
Saint Genesis Peak, elder Lu Hong’s faction.
In a certain stone pavilion, after hearing the report from his disciple, elder Lu Hong sneered and said, “This brat really does not know his place. Can’t believe he stirred up such a sensation the moment he returned.”
Outside the stone pavilion, Wei Youxuan, who had lost to Zhou Yuan in the cave match, said with a grave expression, “Teacher Lu, I’ve heard Zhou Yuan has grown much stronger and is now able to fight against an eighth layer opponent.”
“If he has really grown so powerful, I’m afraid that elder Shen Taiyuan will send him out to participate in the upcoming chief disciple selection.”
A mocking smile rose from the corners of Lu Hong’s lips when he heard this, before he looked towards a figure seated in front of him. The figure was tall and muscular like a metal tower, wore a cold look of indifference on his face, and a powerful pressure pulsed from his body.
It was elder Lu Hong’s first disciple, Yuan Hong.
And also the strongest contender for the upcoming chief disciple selection.
“Yuan Hong, what do you think?” Asked Lu Hong.
Yuan Hong lifted his head, his voice cold and indifferent as he responded, “Yang Xuan can just barely be considered an eighth layer Alpha-Origin expert. His Genesis Qi was unstable and can suppress the likes of Bai Li, Qin Hai and the rest.”
“Zhou Yuan’s victory was undoubtedly due to the advantage of his Heaven Genesis Weapon. If he dares to participate in the chief disciple selection, he will soon understand that a Heaven Genesis Weapon will not be able to protect him.” Not the slightest shred of emotion could be detected in Lu Hong’s voice. Zhou Yuan’s amazing battle accomplishment in the Heaven mission was clearly not even worth mentioning in his eyes.
A smile was revealed on Lu Hong’s face when he heard this, evidently extremely satisfied with this first disciple he had poured all his effort in grooming. Yuan Hong had not disappointed his teacher. After following elder Lu Hong to Saint Genesis Peak, Yuan Hong had become an insurmountable mountain in the hearts of the disciples from the other two factions.
“Though Zhou Yuan has talent, he is still lacking in experience. There is no need to worry about him.”
“Yuan Hong, you absolutely cannot fail in the upcoming chief disciple selection this year. In fact, peak master Ling Jun has also repeatedly reminded me about this matter. As long as our faction takes the chief disciple seat, we will become the master faction of Saint Genesis Peak…”
“When that happens, we shall reallocate all of Saint Genesis Peak’s cultivation resources, and the other two factions will no longer have any right to compete with us. As for Zhou Yuan, so what is he’s talented? We’ll make up some excuse to take away his cave dwelling and cut his cultivation resources. Let’s see what he’ll be able to do then. So what if he’s a genius? Hehe, that’s the only thing our Cangxuan Sect doesn’t lack the most.” A disdainful smile rose on Lu Hong’s lips as he looked towards Yuan Hong.
“When that time comes, I am certain he will regret not joining our faction back then, and instead choosing that useless old coot Shen Wanjin.”
Lu Hong nodded, cold pride in his eyes.
“Don’t worry teacher Lu, there’s nothing to fear from the other two factions of Saint Genesis Peak. The chief disciple seat will definitely be mine.”
Chapter 434 Participating in the Chief Disciple Selection
The next day.
After a night of rest, Zhou Yuan was full of energy again.
In the early morning, he walked out of the cave dwelling and rushed straight to the Dao Seeker Hall. Since he was now back from the mission, he needed to report to Shen Taiyuan while also resuming his cultivation sessions.
Outside the Dao Seeker Hall.
Many senior brother and sister disciples were currently hurrying towards this place. When Zhou Yuan arrived, he immediately drew every gaze in the area that quickly filled with surprise and amazement.
Zhou Yuan was a little confused by their gazes, evidently still unaware that the details of the Heaven missi
on had already been revealed.
“Haha, junior brother Zhou Yuan, your performance in the mission has improved the reputation of our faction the the sect once again.” While Zhou Yuan was feeling puzzled, a hearty laughter was heard, before he saw Zhou Tai quickly walking over.
Only then did Zhou Yuan understand. So his deeds in the Black Flame Province had already spread.
Zhou Yuan smiled as he offhandedly said, “I was lucky.”
However, Zhou Tai strongly patted the former’s shoulders, clearly very excited as he continued to speak, “You’re being way too humble. You are clearly only at the fourth layer, but even the Sacred Palace’s Yang Xuan couldn’t beat you. In my opinion, your current strength already qualifies you to participate in Saint Genesis Peak’s chief disciples selection that will be held in two months.”
“Ha.”
A sarcastic laugh rang out from the side just as Zhou Tai’s words faded. Zhou Yuan tilted his head slightly, only to find a group of people walking over, led by the one and only Zhang Yan.
Senior brother Zhang Yan’s popularity was second only to Zhou Tai in elder Shen’s faction. The former was also quite talented, and although he had joined a little later than Zhou Tai, he was already gradually catching up to the latter.
Back when Zhou Yuan joined Shen Taiyuan’s faction, Cao Shi and the rest had tried to make things difficult for Zhou Yuan. The truth was that they were being secretly supported by Zhang Yan.
As such, Zhou Yuan and Zhang Yan’s group did not have a close relationship.
Zhang Yan led his gang over as he swept a glance at Zhou Tai and Zhou Yuan and said in an indifferent voice, “Although junior brother Zhou Yuan did pretty well this time, it’s a separate matter for him to take part in the chief disciple selection. I feel he is still lacking in experience.”
“After all, that Yang Xuan he defeated is not a genuine eighth layer Alpha-Origin. Moreover, junior brother Zhou Yuan only managed to win due to his advantage of having a Heaven Genesis Weapon. Without it, junior brother Zhou Yuan’s true strength will barely be able to compete with a seventh layer.”
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 235
