It was at this moment that a majestic light poured down from above the Heaven Flame Cauldron and engulfed the Spirits of everyone of the two pavilions.
Outside the Great Flame Mountain.
The moment his Spirit returned to his body, Zhou Yuan opened his eyes and felt an indescribable sense of fulfillment. He slowly breathed a sigh of relief. This was the first time he had left his body for so long.
And evidently, even if his Spirit had reached the Transformative stage, he realised it was only when living inside a body that the Spirit could feel completely secure. It was difficult to feel at ease drifting in the outside world.
Behind Zhou Yuan, Ye Bingling, Yi Qiushui and many other members of the Wind Pavilion also returned to their bodies. They all looked worse than Zhou Yuan. All of them lay down on their backs, their hands and feet trembling.
Zhou Yuan smiled and peered ahead with a blazing look in his eyes. There, the fire-gathering stage stood quietly, and the dazzling Heavenly Sun Flames attracted countless covetous gazes.
In the face of such pure and majestic Heavenly Sun Flames, the heartbeats of even ordinary Heavenly Sun stage experts would quicken.
“The Wind Pavilion received a total of 800,000 flames from the Heaven Flame Ritual. According to the rules, the pavilion master can take 30%, which means I can get 240,000 Heavenly Sun Flames.”
Zhou Yuan’s eyes blazed. With 240,000 Heavenly Sun Flames, I can surely break through to the advanced Divine Dwelling stage, right?
Zhou Yuan stretched his body, as though a weight lifted off his mind.
He knew it was time to go into secluded cultivation for the next month.
He knew in his heart that all his previous successes were just fighting for the qualification for the chief pavilion master battle. Now that he had achieved the qualification, if he lost in the end, his previous successes, like a castle on a beach, would be crushed in an instant under a huge wave.
So he had to be fully prepared.
Chapter 867 Impact
The result of the Heaven Flame Ritual unsurprisingly set off some heated discussion in the Tianyuan Utopia. The outcome was after all too unexpected. Who would have thought that the Fire Pavilion, which had the absolute advantage, would lose to the Wind Pavilion in the end?
And Zhou Yuan’s fame rose once again.
Anyone who saw the Heaven Flame Ritual would know that the reason the Wind Pavilion could turn the tide and defeat the Fire Pavilion, which was the strongest pavilion, was because of Zhou Yuan.
This made many people, even the higher-ups of the Tianyuan Utopia, cast their eyes onto the new star that had risen to fame in the Tianyuan Utopia within a few months.
Although Zhou Yuan had made extraordinary achievements in the past, the higher-ups still didn’t pay too much attention to him because he was just the pavilion master of the Wind Pavilion and wasn’t quite qualified—unless he was the chief pavilion master of the four pavilions.
But in the views of many higher-ups, the position of chief pavilion master should belong to Lu Xiao of the Fire Pavilion.
Although Zhou Yuan was a dark horse, he originally didn’t have the qualifications to compete for the position of chief pavilion master. This was what everyone thought. But who would have thought that Zhou Yuan would progress step by step and, under his leadership, the Wind Pavilion would gradually show signs of rejuvenation.
On the same day of Zhou Yuan’s victory in the Heaven Flame Ritual, many people began to pay attention to the Wind Pavilion’s pavilion master. They had to admit that the dark horse now seemed to truly have the qualifications to compete with the other three pavilion masters, Lu Xiao, Han Yuan and Mu Liu, for the chief pavilion master position.
His progress was quite remarkable.
Therefore, many people had to consider whether Zhou Yuan would create another miracle in the chief pavilion master battle and win the title.
A pavilion master couldn’t be considered a high position in the Tianyuan Utopia, but the chief pavilion master was comparable to an elder of the elder committee. As long as one held the post, one would undoubtedly rise to a higher class of the Tianyuan Region, and the influential power one would possess couldn’t be ignored.
Of course, this thought only flashed across many people’s minds because although they knew that Zhou Yuan was qualified to compete with Lu Xiao, it was only a qualification. Ever since Zhou Yuan entered the Wind Pavilion, the Wind Pavilion had repeatedly defeated the Fire Pavilion, but Lu Xiao didn’t personally participate in any of the battles.
Whether it was the incident of the Mark Capturing Rune, the four mother runes or the competition in the Heaven Flame Ritual, it all had nothing to do with Lu Xiao, strictly speaking.
Perhaps it was because of this that Zhou Yuan was able to repeatedly win so many battles. But the upcoming chief pavilion master battle was different. This time, Lu Xiao, the most outstanding heaven pride of the Tianyuan Region, would reveal his fierce fangs and face Zhou Yuan.
No one was sure whether Zhou Yuan could still create miracles when facing Lu Xiao.
In addition, although Zhou Yuan had risen to fame and shocked everyone, he had also angered Lu Xiao. If Zhao Yuan were utterly defeated by Lu Xiao during the chief pavilion master battle, all his victories and achievements would become stepping stones for Lu Xiao and add to his dazzling prestige.
Therefore, although Zhou Yuan had risen to become the most dazzling new star among the young Divine Dwelling experts of the Tianyuan Region, whether that rising trajectory would end or not would depend on the result of the chief pavilion master battle, which the entire Tianyuan Region would watch.
On a high platform shrouded in clouds and mist.
Sect master Xuan Kun stood with his hands clasped behind his back and an indifferent expression on his face. His eyes were as deep as an abyss, and there wasn’t the slightest Genesis Qi pulsing around him, but by just standing there, he exuded terrifying pressure.
Under that force, even the space around them was slightly distorted.
Behind sect master Xuan Kun was a figure kneeling on one knee. It was Lu Xiao.
He hung his head low, beads of cold sweat dripping down his forehead, his face very pale. Although sect master Xuan Kun didn’t display any anger, Lu Xiao still felt a sense of fear. The seemingly thin and weak old man in front of him was one of the top existences in the Tianyuan Region and had the right and strength to control his life.
“Lu Xiao, I’m a little disappointed with your achievements over the past few months,” sect master Xuan Kun’s indifferent voice finally sounded.
Lu Xiao dared not argue back and lowered his head even more.
Sect master Xuan Kun turned around, his abyss-like eyes staring at Lu Xiao. “Fortunately, your losses in the past few months don’t have too serious consequences, but you should know how important the chief pavilion master battle is.
“The Heavenly Spirit Sect has been preparing for this for many years. We have done our best to cultivate you to become the strongest person of the Divine Dwelling stage in the Tianyuan Region. All this was for you to win the chief pavilion master position.
“If you lose, you should know the consequences.”
Lu Xiao trembled slightly, hearing his sect master’s indifferent voice. He said, “Sect master, don’t worry. For our previous defeats, I couldn’t take part personally, which led to Zhou Yuan’s victories, but this time I will personally get back at him.”
Sect master Xuan Kun nodded. “Confidence is a good thing.
“But it is indeed a bit strange that Zhou Yuan’s background is unknown. He is clearly only at the intermediate Divine Dwelling stage, but his Genesis Qi foundation is surprisingly powerful. If I’m not mistaken, he should possess a variant nine upper Divine Dwellings.”
A hint of jealousy flashed through Lu Xiao’s eyes. “So it’s a variant nine upper Divine Dwelling!”
He had previously speculated that Zhou Yuan’s Divine Dwelling might be a variant nine Divi
ne Dwellings but at most nine lower Divine Dwellings.
Although there was only a single word of difference, the gap between them was extremely large.
Lu Xiao possessed nine upper Divine Dwellings, but he understood that a variant upper Divine Dwelling were far more powerful than ordinary upper Divine Dwelling. It was no wonder that Zhou Yuan’s Genesis Qi foundation was so strong.
But even if Zhou Yuan possessed a variant nine upper Divine Dwelling, Lu Xiao didn’t reveal the slightest fear. After all, his present strength was far superior to Zhou Yuan’s, and his nine upper Divine Dwellings had already been polished and connected. If Zhou Yuan wanted to achieve this step, it would take him a significant period of time.
“That boy won a lot of Heavenly Sun Flames in the Heaven Flame Ritual. I believe his strength will advance further before the arrival of the chief pavilion master battle. Perhaps he will step into the advanced Divine Dwelling stage.”
Lu Xiao narrowed his eyes. “Even if he breaks through to the advanced Divine Dwelling stage, it can’t make up for the gap between us.”
Sect master Xuan Kun nodded. Logically speaking, Zhou Yuan was unlikely to be a match for Lu Xiao. Although Zhou Yuan possessed a variant nine upper Divine Dwelling, Lu Xiao wasn’t someone easy to deal with. He possessed nine upper Divine Dwellings and had extraordinary talent. Otherwise it would have been impossible for him to become the strongest person among the young generation of the Tianyuan Region.
“If no unexpected events occur, he is indeed no match for you, but that kid is too strange, and I don’t want to see something unexpected happen again.” Sect master Xuan Kun waved his hand dismissively to stop Lu Xiao, who was about to say something, and continued, “Otherwise you can’t bear the consequences.”
Lu Xiao hesitated for a moment and said, “Sect master, you mean—”
Sect master Xuan Kun flicked his sleeve, and a black crystal ball appeared in front of him. The inside of the crystal ball seemed to be filled with a black, viscous, cold liquid.
As the black liquid roiled, a vertical eye appeared, icy cold and ruthless.
“This is a bloodline of the nine-headed abyssal python. If you integrate it into your body during this period of time, you can consider it as an additional trump card.”
Lu Xiao trembled. The nine-headed abyssal python was a grade-7 Genesis Beast comparable to a powerful expert of the Nascent Source stage. Its bloodline was naturally extremely domineering, and if he, who was only at the Divine Dwelling stage, refined it, it might affect his mental state.
But Lu Xiao didn’t foolishly refuse. He stared at the black crystal ball with a resolute expression in his eyes. It was indeed dangerous to refine the nine-headed abyssal python, but if he succeeded, it would be a great opportunity for him.
Although he believed that he could defeat Zhou Yuan, as sect master Xuan Kun had said, it was always good to be prepared. He could evade the blame of the previous losses, but this time he absolutely couldn’t fail.
Lu Xiao gritted his teeth, stretched out his hands and respectfully received the black crystal ball. He stared at the icy cold and ruthless vertical eye with a glint of malice in his eyes.
Zhou Yuan, this time, I will crush you so that you can’t turn over again!
I will make you know how ridiculous your previous victories were and that you are far from qualified from replacing my position in the Tianyuan Region!
Chapter 868 Preparing for War
In a secluded courtyard.
Chi Jing was lying on a bamboo chair with her long and slender legs resting over the railing in front of her. She held an ancient book in one hand and was thumbing through it casually. She didn’t lift her eyes until Zhou Yuan came in.
“Senior sister.” Zhou Yuan gave a glance at his senior sister’s particularly long legs, then averted his eyes, looking straight ahead.
Chi Jing gracefully stood up. She was dressed in a relaxed training robe that, together with her flat chest, straight legs and short burgundy hair, made her look especially formidable.
“Junior brother’s performance these past few months are very impressive.” Chi Jing smiled.
The Wind Pavilion had won several battles against the Fire Pavilion since she had sent Zhou Yuan to the Wind Pavilion. This was enough to prove Zhou Yuan’s ability.
“Without senior sister’s support, how would I have this kind of achievement?” Zhou Yuan smiled. This wasn’t a compliment but what he truly felt. The Heavenly Spirit Sect was behind the Fire Pavilion, so if he didn’t have a supporter, he would have suffered many underhanded tactics.
He at least wouldn’t have been able to escape when hall master Xi Guang attempted to assassinate him.
Chi Jing waved her small fair hand, and then with a flick of her fingers, a ray of red light landed in front of Zhou Yuan.
It was a red copper sphere. The surface was engraved with mysterious patterns, and inside were blazing golden flames.
“It’s your share of Heavenly Sun Flames from the Heavenly Flame Ritual. There are 240,000 in total. I have sealed them for you. When you need to use them, you only need to control it with your Spirit,” Chi Jing explained.
Zhou Yuan received it, his eyes blazing with excitement. He finally got his hands on them. These days he had eagerly been waiting for the distribution of the Heavenly Sun Flames.
“We’ve also received news that the various regions are already starting to talk about the nine region tournament.”
Hearing this, Zhou Yuan’s face suddenly turned solemn. He hadn’t forgotten his mission of coming to the Tianyuan Region.
“Has the date been confirmed?” he asked hurriedly.
Chi Jing shook her head. “Not yet, but if nothing unexpected happens, it should be within a year.”
“Within a year.” Zhou Yuan pondered for a moment and said, “Then it seems I have to seize the position of chief pavilion master as soon as possible and unite the four pavilions.”
“You’re so confident in beating Lu Xiao?” The tip of Chi Jing’s eyebrows was raised slightly.
“Because I can’t fail,” Zhou Yuan answered calmly.
The Ancestral Dragon Lantern was related to Yaoyao’s recovery. So no matter how difficult it would be, he couldn’t give up. If he wanted to win the Ancestral Dragon Lantern, his first step was to become the chief pavilion master of the four pavilions in the Tianyuan Region and integrate the power of the four pavilions.
Chi Jing glanced at him and said seriously, “But even if you really defeat Lu Xiao, there is still a long way to go before you can obtain the Ancestral Dragon Lantern.
“Lu Xiao is ranked ninth on the Divine Dwelling list of the Hunyuan Heaven, but in truth, this position is somewhat due to the other regions giving face to our Tianyuan Region. Based on real strength, he will drop a few rankings.”
Zhou Yuan was really surprised to hear this. Although he hadn’t fought Lu Xiao before, he could tell his strength from the dangerous aura he emitted. If Zhou Yuan didn’t take advantage of the chance to break through to the advanced Divine Dwelling stage, he might have no chance of beating Lu Xiao. But now Chi Jing was informing him that Lu Xiao’s ranking on the Divine Dwelling list was an overstatement.
From this, it was clear how terrifying the people at the top of the Divine Dwelling List were.
Is the Hunyuan Heaven this terrifying? No wonder it’s called the best of the heavens?
“Then how strong are Wu Yao and Su Youwei, who are ranked second and third respectively?” Zhou Yuan suddenly asked.
Hearing Zhou Yuan specifically point out these two people, Chi Jing looked at him in surprise and asked curiously, “Do you know them?”
Zhou Yuan didn’t deny it and frankly answered, “They are both from the Cangxuan Heaven. Wu Yao is a rival of mine and Su Youwei is my friend.”
Even Chi Jing was taken aback by his answer and couldn’t help but repeat, “You and Wu Yao are rivals? Su Youwei is your friend?”
She then immediately smiled. “T
hey’re now the most dazzling pearls of Hunyuan Heaven. I’m surprised you have some sort of relationship with both of them. It seems that there are some stories behind this?
“Haha, if this information gets out, I feel that at least half of the people in the top 20 of the Divine Dwelling list will want to spar with you.”
The corners of Zhou Yuan’s mouth twitched slightly when he saw Chi Jing’s curious face. “Senior sister, why would you be interested in this kind of gossip!”
Chi Jing smiled. “However, Wu Yao and Su Youwei will both become mountains blocking your path at the nine regions tournament. No matter what stories you have with them from before, you will have to be careful.
“They’re both very strong now.”
“If Lu Xiao were to face them, he would no doubt be beaten. There would be no other outcome.”
Zhou Yuan nodded, sighing inwardly. He had briefly fought against Wu Yao and was suppressed almost the entire time back when he was at the Great Wu Empire. If Yaoyao hadn’t come in time, he would have had to escape. Therefore, he had expected Wu Yao to be this strong.
He sighed because Su Youwei, the little girl who used to follow behind him and repeatedly call him His Highness, had become so powerful after so many years.
I don’t know if she would still remember the highness of the Great Zhou Empire when we meet again? Zhou Yuan felt a little melancholic. Su Youwei was obviously no longer the little girl who had nobody to depend on. Given her current status, in her eyes, the Great Zhou Empire might be like a small puddle of mud, and the so-called His Highness might be even more like a joke.
When a person becomes a dazzling pearl that attracts everybody’s attention, would they think about crawling and rolling in a mud pool? It would be a bad memory, wouldn’t it?
Zhou Yuan shook his head, throwing away those thoughts from his mind. What Su Youwei had achieved was through her own hard work, so no matter what choice she made, Zhou Yuan wouldn’t blame her. It was just that they would go separate ways in the future.
“I know that the nine regions tournament isn’t easy, but I also believe that as long as I am given time, I won’t be weaker than anyone.” Zhou Yuan looked directly at Chi Jing in front of him, his eyes resolute and full of utmost confidence.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 456
