Though it may only be a small gift to sect master Qing Yang, to them, it was an important treasure that could save their lives.
“Thank you sect master!” The seven bowed once more in thanks.
They never expected to receive such a big present so quickly.
Sect master Qing Yang laughed, before he said, “Some of you were previous chief disciples, while others are newly promoted. The reward I’m about to give next will not be relevant to the former chief disciples, so your respective peak masters will give you another reward later on.”
“For the newly promoted chief disciples…”
He paused, a slight smile appearing on his face when he saw their fervent gazes, before he said, “You will be given what you desire the most.”
What was it they most desired? The seven Cangxuan arts of course!
“Will the newly promoted chief disciples kindly step forward.”
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan immediately urged his rainbow cloud forward.
Beside him, the Snow Lotus Peak chief disciple, Su Yao, and the Hongya Peak chief disciple, Chen Ze, also drifted forward. They were likewise newly promoted chief disciples.
It was not easy to replace a chief disciple in the Cangxuan Sect, because a newly promoted chief disciple would receive one of the seven Cangxuan arts. Once this technique was learnt, it would become very challenging for someone else to take the chief disciple’s place.
Fortunately, the seven Cangxuan arts were very difficult to learn, and many chief disciples would fail to reach the elementary level even after a year of practice.
Hence, the usual strategy was to challenge the current chief disciple before he or she managed to learn the technique. Otherwise, one would most likely have to wait for the old chief disciple to finish their three year term and retire from the position.
This was also precisely why Su Yao and Chen Ze had succeeded. Their former chief disciples had failed to learn the Cangxuan art within their one year tenure, allowing Su Yao and Chen Ze to catch up...
Snow Lotus Peak master Liu Lianyi and Hongya Peak master Gu looked towards Su Yao and Chen Zu, before making a grabbing motion as two ancient jade books appeared in their hands.
The jade books slowly floated into the air, hovering in front of the Su Yao duo as a mysterious light pulsed from them.
Su Yao and Chen Ze’s eyes were overflowing with emotion as they respectfully reached out with trembling hands to receive the books. Each of these books contained one of the seven famous Cangxuan arts.
Sect master Qing Yang looked towards Zhou Yuan and said, “Due to Saint Genesis Peak not having a peak master, I’ve been the one who has been keeping the Omega Saint Spirit Art, which I shall confer to you today.”
A simple jade book appeared in his hand, before drifting towards Zhou Yuan.
Zhou Yuan respectfully received it. A cool sensation entered his hands, but his heart was boiling hot with excitement. This was a high grade Genesis technique, the highest level of Genesis technique he had ever come into contact with.
“Thank you sect master.”
Sect master Qing Yang nodded, before he cautioned, “All of you will have to work hard in practicing the seven Cangxuan arts. If you fail to master it after a year, and your position is taken by another disciple, do be warned that these manuals will be taken back.”
Everyone earnestly nodded in acknowledgement.
It should have been over after awarding them the seven Cangxuan arts. However, sect master Qing Yang fell silent for a moment, before he looked towards Zhou Yuan and said, “Zhou Yuan, as the chief disciple of Saint Genesis Peak, you will have to enter the sealed main peak and attempt to unseal it.”
Zhou Yuan suddenly jerked to attention. It was finally here.
However, before he could respond, a calm voice suddenly sounded, “Sect master, all of the past Saint Genesis Peak chief disciples have failed to unseal the main peak, and his chances will likely not be high either. Saint Genesis Peak is the patriarch's most beloved place, and should not be left to rot like this. I propose we allow all seven chief disciples to enter Saint Genesis Peak in hopes that their numbers will finally allow us to succeed in unsealing the peak.”
Zhou Yuan’s pupils shrank slightly. He lifted his head, and found that it was peak master Ling Jun who had spoken.
Peak master Ling Jun’s handsome face was calm, his eyes looking only at sect master Qing Yang, not giving even a single glance to Zhou Yuan.
Sect master Qing Yang and the other peak masters were a little taken aback, evidently not expecting peak master Ling Jun to make such a suggestion.
Peak master Lianyi glanced at peak master Ling Jun and said, “You seem to be very concerned about Saint Genesis Peak.”
Peak master Ling Jun nonchalantly responded, “Saint Genesis Peak is where the patriarch spent most of his time back then, while also the only place that has been preserved after his death. There are certain clues we need to uncover within it.”
“Including… the Cangxuan Saint Stamp!”
The last three words caused the mountain top to fall silent. An indescribable pressure seemed to engulf the place, causing one’s heart to beat harder.
Sect master Qing Yang’s expression also turned solemn.
“The Cangxuan Saint Stamp is too important. If it is once again held by our Cangxuan Sect, we will no longer need to fear the Sacred Palace, and will even be able to make them pay for what they did back then.”
Peak master Ling Jun slowly said, “If such a divine artifact were to fall into the hands of the Sacred Palace, their palace master will become the new Heaven Master of Cangxuan Heaven, and wield the almighty power of this land… when that happens, billions of its inhabitants will become slaves of the Sacred race.”
“This is we need to reopen the main peak of Saint Genesis Peak as soon as possible, and ascertain whether the Cangxuan Saint Stamp is somewhere inside.”
In the face of peak master Ling Jun’s words, even peak master Lianyi had nothing to say.
Peak master Lei Jun said in a deep and raspy voice, “His words are reasonable.”
Sect master Qing Yang fell silent as he looked towards the other peak masters. None of them raised any objections, because this matter was indeed far too important.
The Cangxuan Saint Stamp was the ultimate treasure of Cangxuan Heaven!
However, Zhou Yuan began panicking inside as if his heart was on fire. He was certain that the Cangxuan Saint Stamp was not in Saint Genesis Peak. There was only the Cangxuan Saint Rune hiding somewhere inside!
But he obviously could not reveal this information.
If all seven chief disciples were really allowed to enter, even if he managed to find the Saint Rune, it would surely cause some sort of disturbance that would most likely be discovered by the others. What could he do when that happened?
If the Cangxuan Sect was truly united, he would be fine with taking a step back, and giving it up for the greater good. But patriarch Cang Xuan had warned him to be extra cautious in the Cangxuan Sect, and not allow the Saint Rune to be discovered by anyone else.
However, the six hegemons were currently discussing the topic, and a mere chief disciple like himself obviously did not have the qualifications to participate. Moreover, if he showed too much anxiety, it would only draw suspicion to himself.
While Zhou Yuan was worrying inside, and trying to come up with a plan, an elderly voice suddenly sounded on the mountain top, forcibly inserting himself into the discussion between the six hegemons.
“The rules of Saint Genesis Peak were personally set by master back then. If you insist on trying to circumvent them, the only path you can take is over my dead body.”
This sudden voice alarmed everyone as they quickly lifted their heads.
Next, they saw an old man dressed in simple clothes holding a broom in his hand, who had somehow appeared on the mountain top at some unknown time. A pair of turbid eyes icily stared at sect master Qing Yang and the rest.
It was the car
etaker of Saint Genesis Peak, the venerable old Xuan!
Chapter 482 Old Xuan Appears
Everyone was stunned by old Xuan’s appearance on the mountain top. No one had expected the one who would always only be found in the deep mountains of Saint Genesis Peak to appear here today.
“Hehe, it is very rare for old Xuan to appear.” Sect master Qing Yang chuckled as he cupped his fists together towards old Xuan.
Although old Xuan was an old servant of patriarch Cang Xuan, even direct disciples like them had not spent as much time at their teacher’s side as him. Hence, even sect master Qing Yang viewed old Xuan as a venerable elder.
With the exception of peak master Lei Jun, the others also cupped their fists together in greeting.
Old Xuan waved his hand and said, “No need for all these pleasantries. With regards the matter of the seven chief disciples entering Saint Genesis Peak, I will never agree to it.”
Sect master Qing Yang smiled helplessly, clearly not surprised by old Xuan’s response. The latter was after all famously stubborn and inflexible. The rules of Saint Genesis Peak were set down by patriarch Cang Xuan long ago, and old Xuan treated all of teacher’s rules as divine decrees.
Peak master Ling Jun calmly said, “Old Xuan, isn’t it better for us to reopen Saint Genesis Peak as soon as possible? It’s not like you’re unaware of how many times the chief disciples of Saint Genesis Peak have failed over the years.”
Old Xuan stamped the ground several times with his broom and said, “I only know that the rules set by the master cannot be broken.”
Sect master Qing Yang sighed and said, “How can disciples such as us possibly dare to break the rules set by teacher. However, there are certain worrying undercurrents in Cangxuan Heaven at this time, and though our Cangxuan Sect is still one of the six hegemon sects, the Sacred Palace is always closely watching us, while the even more dangerous Sacred race is also secretly helping them. To prevent the Sacred race from interfering in the matters of our Cangxuan Heaven, we need to gain control of the Cangxuan Saint Stamp.”
A frosty look appeared on peak master Lianyi’s beautiful face as she said, “And if the Cangxuan Saint Stamp comes into our possession again, we will be able make the Sacred Palace pay for what they did to teacher back then!”
“Although it was the Sacred race that ultimately did the deed, if not for those Sacred Palace dogs, how could the Sacred race have even meddled with Cangxuan Heaven!”
Hatred surfaced in the eyes of the other peak masters.
Old Xuan fell silent.
Lightning Prison Peak master Lei Jun said in a low voice, “Old Xuan, to avenge Cang Xuan, we need to find clues to the whereabouts of the Cangxuan Saint Stamp. If we allow it fall into the hands of Sacred Palace, Cangxuan Heaven will likely soon be invaded by the Sacred race.”
In the Cangxuan Sect, only peak master Lei Jun was as senior as old Xuan. One of them was an old servant of patriarch Cang Xuan, while the other was an old friend that knew him from the very beginning.
Peak master Ling Jun faintly nodded and said, “I hope old Xuan will be able to give us your support.”
Old Xuan fell silent. A long while later, he raised his head and glanced towards Zhou Yuan, as he slowly said, “Give the disciples of Saint Genesis Peak one more chance. If they fail to unseal the main peak again this year, I will allow disciples from all seven peaks to try together next year.”
Peak master Ling Jun frowned a little. “Why must you delay this for another year?”
His gaze nonchalantly swept across Zhou Yuan as he said, “Although Saint Genesis Peak produced a pretty good chief disciple this year, it will not be easy for someone of his strength to reopen the main peak. Old Xuan should know better than anyone how many times they have failed in the past.”
Old Xuan replied with an expressionless face, “This is my final concession. If you disagree, I will not permit any disciple from the other peaks to enter the main peak of Saint Genesis Peak.”
The seal on the main peak had been placed by patriarch Cang Xuan, and old Xuan was the only one who had some understanding of it. Even sect master Qing Yang would be hard pressed to break the seal unless he used brute force to destroy the entire Saint Genesis Peak.
Sect master Qing Yang fell into thought for a moment. In the end, he waved his hand to stop the peak master Ling Jun, who still wanted to try and persuade old Xuan, and said, “Since that is old Xuan’s decision, we naturally have no objections.”
“We’ll give Saint Genesis Peak one more chance this year. If they fail again, the disciples from all seven peaks shall enter next year and give it a try.”
The other peak masters nodded upon hearing this. “Agreed.”
Peak master Ling Jun had nothing else to say. His indifferent gaze swept across Zhou Yuan, before shooting towards old Xuan. “Old Xuan, what you’re doing is useless. Saint Genesis Peak has fallen too much, and needs to be rebuilt from the ground up.”
“The remaining two factions are hopeless and are only able to barely hang on. They are only wasting time and opportunity, so you should stop trying to give them consideration.”
Sending the disciples from all seven peaks in Saint Genesis Peak’s main peak would undoubtedly be akin to declaring the Saint Genesis Peak’s disciples were useless, and unable to even reopen their peak. This would naturally cause the two factions from Saint Genesis Peak to lose all face.
Old Xuan icily snorted. “It was a disciple from these same two ‘useless’ factions that crushed your Sword Cometh Peak disciples.”
Peak master Ling Jun frowned.
Sect master Qing Yang waved his hand to stop them as he said, “Since we’ve already decided, there shall be no further discussions.”
He raised his head and looked towards the countless Cangxuan Sect disciples around them, as his powerful voice boomed across the land.
“The chief disciple selection is officially over!”
Countless disciples released slightly discontented cheers as if they were still hungry for more action. The chief disciple selections had been far more amazing then they had expected.
Sect master Qing Yang looked towards Zhou Yuan and said, “Since old Xuan has insisted, you shall represent Saint Genesis Peak for the final attempt at unsealing the main peak three days later.”
“I pray for your success. Reopening Saint Genesis Peak will allow our Cangxuan Sect to return to its full capacity of seven peaks.”
Zhou Yuan breathed a deep sigh of relief inside, as his heart filled with gratitude towards old Xuan. If not for his interference, the six hegemons would have very likely decided to send all seven chief disciples into the main peak.
If that happened, it would undoubtedly become much more difficult for him to search for the second Saint Rune.
He could not ensure there would not be any spies among the chief disciples.
“Disciple will surely do his best.” Zhou Yuan cupped his fists together.
It was not only for the second Saint Rune. Zhou Yuan would do everything in his power to preserve the face of their faction. Otherwise, if they ended up borrowing the help of the disciples from the other peaks, none of them would be able to ever raise their heads again in the Cangxuan Sect.
Sect master Qing Yang nodded. After a brief conversation with old Xuan, he transformed into a streak of light as he soared into the sky.
The other peak masters also left one after another.
After a short span of time, the mountain peak had become rather empty.
Under the setting sun, countless streaks of light flew in all directions, as the disciples from the various peaks returned to their abodes.
Although it was over, the atmosphere of excitement would clearly linger for some time, putting the entire Cangxuan Sect in a rather festive mood.
Zhou Yuan took in a deep breath, looked towards old Xuan and cupped his fists together. “You are mostly to thank for helping preserve the face of our Saint Genesis Peak.”
Old Xuan waved h
is hand and said, “I can only delay it for a while. Saint Genesis Peak has been sealed for far too long after all…”
His murky eyes stared at Zhou Yuan as he slowly said, “In three days, whether or not Saint Genesis Peak will reopen will depend on you.”
“If you fail, it will be as Ling Jun said earlier, Saint Genesis Peak will have to be destroyed and then rebuilt from scratch…”
Chapter 483 A Great Feast
Although the chief disciple selection was over, the resultant waves continued to wash over the Cangxuan Sect, bathing it in an excited afterglow.
The most surprising part of the chief disciple selection was undoubtedly the super dark horse from Saint Genesis Peak, Zhou Yuan.
At the start of the chief disciple selection, not a single person would have imagined that a new disciple, that had joined a year ago, would rack up such astonishing battle accomplishments during the selection in such a bold and fierce manner.
From an ordinary disciple to a chief disciple in a year. This was a speed that undoubtedly broke all of the sect’s past records.
Through this battle, Zhou Yuan truly became a famous and influential figure in the Cangxuan Sect.
…
The end of the great fight left Shen Taiyuan’s disciples in wild ecstasy. The entire affair had been a huge boost of reputation for their faction, and it had been a very very long time since they had been under the limelight like this.
As such, the ‘overnight millionaire’ Shen Wanjin had boldly booked the entire inner mountain Hundred Fragrances House with a wave of his hand, and invited all his fellow disciples to take part in the celebration.
Shen Wanjin had also carefully made sure to invite Lu Song’s disciples. After all, their two factions had in a manner of speaking been on the same team during the chief disciple selection. Although the initial goal of the alliance had ended up in failure, it had undoubtedly brought the two factions closer together.
With regards to Shen Wanjin’s invitation, Lu Song’s disciples were initially somewhat hesitant. In the end, elder Lu Song had to speak up so they would accept it.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 262
