Kong Sheng indifferently said, “Since you insist on being backup, I hope that you’ll be of some use when the time comes.”
Zhou Yuan chuckled, not bothering to defend himself. He nodded and said, “If things go sour for Chosen Zhao Zhu, I will do my best to salvage the situation.”
Zhao Zhu let out a mocking laugh, taking Zhou Yuan's words as mere talk. After all, if he did fail in his task, the outcome would not be something a chief disciple like Zhou Yuan would be able to turn around.
“Since we’re done with the discussions, everyone shall proceed to make their preparations. We will be heading to the seven-color treasure location shortly.
“It will create quite a commotion once it appears, and the Sacred Palace will most certainly find out and interfere in an attempt to snatch away the spoils.
“The other sects will also become aware, and though they may not openly contest for it, they will surely observe in secret. If any opportunities present themselves, it will not be strange for them to act.
“As such, we will need everyone to work together in order to secure this seven-color treasure location.” With a serious expression, Li Qingchan looked at the group with her bright eyes.
The others solemnly nodded, not only because a seven-color treasure location was rare but more importantly, because the dignity of the Cangxuan Sect was at stake. If they could not even defend a seven-color treasure location they had found, how would the other sects view them?
Hence, this time they were not merely guarding a seven-color treasure location but also the reputation of their Cangxuan Sect.
…
The crowd scattered, and Yaoyao left with Zhou Yuan.
“It seems that you’ve grown rather bold and have even begun to stick your hand into the fights between Chosen.” Yaoyao carried Tuntun as she glanced to the side at Zhou Yuan, a tiny hint of teasing in the smile hanging at the corners of her red lips.
In the past, Yaoyao was usually the one to answer the call if there was a Chosen-level battle, while Zhou Yuan did all he could to avoid it. This was because Zhou Yuan had not been strong enough to achieve anything in a battle of that level.
Zhou Yuan smiled and said, “Tuntun and you have already made a reputation for yourselves. It will be rather shameful for me to continue playing around with the chief disciples.”
This was merely a joke of course. He would not have forced himself onto their stage for such a pathetic reason. Besides needing contribution, the main reason why he had recommended himself was because he wanted to begin exposing himself to the battles on the next level.
Given his current strength, he did not feel that any of the other chief disciples would pose much of a threat to him.
He needed stronger opponents to push himself even further.
Yaoyao looked in the direction where the other Chosen had scattered as she said, “But it appears no one believes in you.”
How could she not tell that the other Chosen had only agreed on account of her and Tuntun? All of them were clearly convinced that Zhou Yuan was merely trying to get some free contribution.
Zhou Yuan stretched his back, not minding at all as he said, “It doesn’t matter if they don’t believe in me. Talk is cheap, and everything will depend on the final outcome.”
He peered into the distance, eyes filled with burning battle intent.
The battles between Chosen should be much more exciting...
…
The Cangxuan Sect soon began to move, the entire force leaving the mountain under the lead of Chu Qing, Li Qingchan and the rest of the Chosen.
The other disciples were pretty excited when they heard that their target was a seven-color treasure location. For people like them, a seven-color treasure location was something they could only dream about, and even getting a tiny share of the spoils would be tremendously beneficial.
The group rushed towards their destination at full speed. After an incense stick of time, Chu Qing, Li Qingchan and the other Chosen gradually began to slow down.
Zhou Yuan cast his gaze towards the front and was greeted by the sight of an enormous mountain valley covered in lush, dense forest. Several mountains were encircling it, and highly concentrated Genesis Qi was spouting out from the valley's depths, accompanied by gorgeous colors.
“Such concentrated Mythic Genesis essence.” Astonishment flitted across Zhou Yuan’s eyes. Even from so far away, he could already feel the Mythic Genesis essence pervading the air in the valley, the quality of which far surpassing the six-color lake from before.
As the group approached, several dozen figures flew out from the valley. These were the disciples that had been left behind to guard the place.
The disciples reported, “Chosen, after our preliminary scouting, we’ve discovered that the seven-color treasure location is under the valley. There are also many Armored Lizards inside. In the deepest parts there might even be a Genesis Qi guardian beast that is as powerful as a Chosen.”
Chu Qing and Li Qingchan were not surprised by their findings. Such treasure locations always had their guardian beasts, which were extremely powerful creatures possessing strength comparable to the Chosen.
“It seems that we’ll have to split off a portion of our forces.” Li Qingchan wore a grave expression. Due to this, the group tasked with engaging the Sacred Palace would be under more pressure.
Li Qingchan looked towards Tuntun, who was lying in Yaoyao’s arms, as she said, “I’m afraid that we’ll need Tuntun’s cooperation again this time.”
During the time they had spent together, Li Qingchan and the others had discovered that Tuntun seemed to have some sort of special restraining effect on other Genesis Beasts. As such, Tuntun was the most suitable member to deal with these guardian beasts.
Yaoyao gave a faint nod as she gently patted Tuntun, causing it to rise into the air on its Genesis Qi.
Li Qingchan instructed, “Tang Muxin, Su Yao and the other four chief disciples will lead the rest of the disciples and follow Tuntun into the seven-color treasure location. Clear out the Armored Lizards and the guardian beast before searching for the Divine Establishing Treasures and mythic tokens within.”
Tang Muxin and the others immediately acknowledged her instructions before leading the giant group of disciples into the giant valley like a swarm of locusts.
“The remaining Chosen, get into your defensive positions.” Li Qingchan turned towards the rest of the Chosen.
Chu Qing, Kong Sheng, Shang Chunqiu and the others nodded before scattering. They positioned themselves on the mountains around the valley, forming a defensive line with the valley at its center.
Li Qingchan stared straight at Zhao Zhu as she solemnly said, “Zhao Zhu, you will be stationed at the valley's entrance. There are many individuals from the Sacred Palace, and there may inevitably be some amongst them who will be able to slip past our defensive line through some special means. When that happens, you’ll have to stop them and prevent anyone from entering the seven-color treasure location.”
Zhao Zhu solemnly nodded.
Finally, Li Qingchan turned towards the seemingly idle Zhou Yuan as she gently bit her lip. His insistence on becoming the backup guardian was honestly quite unnecessary...
“Zhou Yuan, find somewhere to hide yourself nearby. Be prepared to act if anything unexpected happens.”
Zhou Yuan nodded with a smile. He knew that Li Qingchan felt him to be a little unnecessary, but he was not offended or unhappy. It would after all be best if Zhao Zhu was able to handle anyone who managed to breach the defensive line because it would mean that the situation would be within their control.
After giving her instructions, Li Qingchan moved and landed on one of the peaks.
Zhao Zhu turned his head and cast a mocking glance at Zhou Yuan. He did not exchange any words with him and sat himself on a boulder near the valley's entrance.
Zhou Yuan likewise paid no heed to Zhao Zhu. His figure landed in the shadow cast by one of the cliff walls, an
d he seated himself to wait.
When everyone was done, the entire place seemed to fall silent.
This silence, however, did not last for long. Sensing something, Zhou Yuan soon lifted his head and looked towards the west. Streaks of light were shooting over through the air, ultimately coming to a stop in the sky outside the mountain valley.
“Hehe, friends of the Cangxuan Sect…”
At the head of these numerous glowing figures was the Sacred Palace’s Jiang Taishen. He wore a faint smile as he gazed at the Cangxuan Sect Chosen. He said in a gentle voice, “You guys have overstepped your boundaries...this place is part of the Sacred Palace’s search area. I hope that everyone will abide by the rules the sects have agreed upon. Quickly withdraw from here and hand over the treasure location.”
His voice sounded exceedingly friendly, but when it rang out, the surrounding atmosphere slowly became hostile.
Zhou Yuan’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the grand line-up from the Sacred Palace before peering into the distance. With his Spirit sense, he could sense the other sects stealthily arriving and casting their gazes over.
Although there had been some conflicts between the Sacred Palace and the Cangxuan Sect after entering the Great Mythic Mountain Range, both sides had always held back somewhat and had not yet engaged in a real fight. However, under the temptation of the seven-color treasure location, their previous restraint had turned extremely weak.
All the sects understood that neither the Sacred Palace nor the Cangxuan Sect would be able to hold back this time...
Whoever emerged superior in a real clash was something that the other sects were rather looking forward to seeing.
Chapter 616 War
In the sky outside the valley, Genesis Qi took the form of clouds on which numerous figures stood. Powerful Genesis Qi undulations pulsed from their bodies alongside alarming auras.
Jiang Taishen stood smiling at the very front of the Sacred Palace group with his hands behind his back. To his left was the golden-haired Jin Chanzi, whose eyes were filled with their usual disdain and aggressiveness. To the right was a fair-skinned girl in a black skirt. She had an extremely alluring appearance with very delicate features. She silently stood there as the breeze ruffled the corners of her clothes, making her appear both lovely yet somewhat pitiful.
Those who were familiar with her, however, knew that hidden under that seemingly frail appearance was the face of an asura.
She was Sacred Palace’s Zhan Taiqing, the third ranker on the Shengzhou Continent’s Chosen List, second only to Chu Qing and Jiang Taishen.
After finding out about the seven-color treasure location, all of the top-tier fighting forces from the Sacred Palace had poured out from their nest.
Atop the many mountain peaks, the expressions of Chu Qing, Li Qingchan and the others turned somewhat grave at the sight of this line-up.
“Jiang Taishen, my Cangxuan Sect has been working hard to clean up this place even before we began allotting different areas to the various factions. Isn’t it a little unsightly for you guys to so impatiently rush over here to pluck the fruits of our labors the moment we made a little progress?” Chu Qing’s bald head gleamed brightly under the sunlight as he stared at Jiang Taishen and chuckled.
Jiang Taishen replied, “You shouldn’t put it that way. My Sacred Palace was merely unable to find the time to clean this place up.” His long eyes narrowed as he smiled. “Chu Qing, there’s no need for you to try and buy time through talking. All I need is one word, is your Cangxuan Sect going to withdraw?”
His tone was nonchalant but did not hide the iciness and overbearance that flowed out.
Chu Qing revealed a lazy smile as he took a step forward and answered, “If the Sacred Palace wishes to give us some guidance, my Cangxuan Sect will gladly receive it.”
Rumble!
Extremely alarming azure Genesis Qi abruptly exploded from his body like a storm. Unable to withstand the Genesis Qi pressure, cracks began to grow on the mountain below his feet.
Chu Qing’s clothes loudly flapped around him without the presence of wind.
Powerful Genesis Qi condensed behind him, transforming into a starry sky.
Although Chu Qing was usually exceptionally lazy, he understood that a fight was unavoidable. Since that was the case, they would fight.
He clearly understood his responsibilities as the leader of the Cangxuan Sect Chosen, though he was indeed lazy by nature.
Near the entrance to the valley, Zhou Yuan also lifted his head and gazed at Chu Qing’s figure. Amazement appeared in his eyes upon seeing the Genesis Qi starry sky behind Chu Qing.
The scale of Chu Qing’s Genesis Qi starry sky was several times greater than his own.
“The number of Genesis Qi stars in senior brother Chu Qing’s Qi Dwelling has likely surpassed sixty or seventy thousand…” Zhou Yuan could not help but inwardly sigh in amazement. As the one who had managed to become the leader of the Cangxuan Sect Chosen, Chu Qing did possess extraordinary strength.
Even without a Divine Establishing Treasure, such Genesis Qi foundations would let him easily establish a six heavens Divine Dwelling when he ascended to the Divine Dwelling stage.
When Chu Qing displayed his stance, Genesis Qi also erupted from the other Cangxuan Sect Chosen without any hesitation. Pillar after pillar of astonishing Genesis Qi rose into the sky, creating a magnificent sight.
Jiang Taishen’s eyes narrowed slightly as he gazed at the rising Genesis Qi. He said, “Chu Qing, your choice is truly disappointing.
“Since you insist on being uncooperative, don’t blame the Sacred Palace for what happens next.”
As the final word rang out, Jiang Taishen’s white hair suddenly began to dance around him. White Genesis Qi exploded from his body as wave after wave of alarming Genesis Qi pressure spread out.
Behind him, Zhan Taiqing gently licked her lips with her pink tongue as excitement flitted across her scarlet-red irises. In the next instant, blood-red Genesis Qi also erupted.
Jin Chanzi sneered as dark green Genesis Qi gathered on the surface of his body. Genesis Qi dripped from his fingertips like liquid, instantly melting the trees that it touched below.
The other Sacred Palace Chosen also unleashed their Genesis Qi.
The top-tier disciples from both overlord sects displayed their ferocious sides at this moment.
The atmosphere was at its tipping point with hostility.
While the two sects faced each other, numerous gazes were closely watching them from far away.
These gazes belonged to the sects that had rushed over after hearing the news, with the four overlord sects, the Hundred Flowers Fairy Palace, Sword Seeker Sect, Heavenly Ghost Sect and North Sea Dragon Subduing Hall amongst them.
“It appears that the Sacred Palace and the Cangxuan Sect are really going to war this time.” Numerous lovely girls were gathered on the Hundred Flowers Fairy Palace side, making them an extremely attention-grabbing group. The one leading them was a tall and slender young woman.
She had very beautiful facial features and a headful of whitish-gold hair. She wore the usual palace garb, although it did nothing to hide her unreasonable figure. Her curves were so alluring and enchanting that she was basically akin to a temptress, drawing numerous individuals to sneak a glance.
She was the leader of the Hundred Flowers Fairy Palace Chosen and was known as Gong Wan, an individual that was also extremely famous in the Shengzhou Continent.
She was currently staring at the two opposing groups with interest.
The other Hundred Flower Fairy Palace Chosen were gathered behind her, while Zuoqiu Qingyu and Luluo could also be found amongst the group. The two young ladies looked towards the Cangxuan Sect side and eventually found Yaoyao’s figure.
“Yaoyao is truly amazing…” Luluo’s tone was filled with envy.
Upon hearing this, Gong Wan suddenly approached and placed an arm around Luluo's tiny waist. Grinning, she said, “Little Luluo, she�
��s called Yaoyao?”
Luluo nodded. “She’s one of the companions that came to the Shengzhou Continent with us.”
Gong Wan’s large and enchanting eyes suddenly flickered for a moment. She gently bit into her red lips as she focused on the beautiful figure in the distance. “Is that so? I still have to thank her for helping me when I was caught off guard by that green-skinned ghost from the Heavenly Ghost Sect some time ago.”
Gong Wan smiled at Luluo and said, “Little Luluo, won’t you find a time to introduce us?”
Her limpid eyes gleamed as she blushed with slight embarrassment.
Luluo was taken aback, not really understanding the situation. However, her intuition told her that Gong Wan seemed to be talking about something dirty.
From the side, Zuoqiu Qingyu pulled Luluo behind her as she stared at Gong Wan in a guarded manner as if looking at a love rival. “Senior sister Gong Wan, you should forget about Yaoyao because she will not be interested in you.”
The look in Gong Wan’s eyes was more than familiar to Zuoqiu Qingyu! They were kindred spirits!
Gong Wan pouted a little as she said, “Why?”
Zuoqiu Qingyu resentfully said, “Because she has someone she likes.”
It was Gong Wan’s turn to be taken aback. “Is it a Chosen from the Cangxuan Sect? Chu Qing or maybe Kong Sheng?”
Zuoqiu Qingyu hoisted her fair, sharp chin at the entrance to the valley and said, “Over there, he’s called Zhou Yuan and is a chief disciple of the Cangxuan Sect…”
Gong Wan looked over and saw the young figure hidden in the shadow of the cliff. She immediately stuck out her lower lip and said in a somewhat disappointed manner, “There’s nothing special about him. So weak…while she’s outstanding. Her standards shouldn’t be so terrible, right?”
Luluo’s small head reached out from behind Zuoqiu Qingyu’s back in an attempt to defend him. “Zhou Yuan is not weak!”
Gong Wan lazily said, “A chief disciple does not have any business in a situation like this.”
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 330
