The large increase was an unexpected surprise.
Zhou Yuan chuckled, and great confidence rose in his heart. Although he was only at the intermediate Heavenly Sun stage, he already had the qualifications to face top advanced Heavenly Sun experts. At the very least, within the entire Tianyuan Region, he wouldn’t be inferior to any Heavenly Sun experts except for Qin Lian.
Moreover, this was without activating the Heavenly Yuan Brush’s Promotion Rune. If he used it, even Qin Lian wouldn’t be his match. Based on combat strength, Zhou Yuan felt he could make it onto the top five of the Heavenly Sun List.
He had made a great harvest from this closed-door session.
Zhou Yuan glanced at the two Heavenly Suns hovering behind him and noticed that the ancient light runes on the glass Heavenly Sun had multiplied. They were also wrapping around the suns like vines.
He understood that the ancient light runes were incredibly powerful and that he could only possess such a foundation at the intermediate Heavenly Sun stage because of those ancient runes.
“Oh, the breakthrough was successful?” While Zhou Yuan beamed with joy, laughter suddenly rang out. Countless Genesis Qi light rays gathered in front of him, turning into Zhuan Zhu's figure.
Zhuan Zhu studied Zhou Yuan with a smile, then raised his brow slightly. “To possess such a Genesis Qi foundation at the intermediate Heavenly Sun stage…yes, your potential is comparable to the heaven prides of the sacred race.”
Zhou Yuan narrowed his eyes, seeming a little surprised. “The sacred race’s heaven prides are that strong?”
Zhou Yuan also knew it was rare to see Heavenly Sun experts with strength of his level in the entire Hunyuan Heaven, but Zhuan Zhu said that he was comparable to the heaven prides of the sacred race?
Zhuan Zhu was silent for a good while before he answered, “Although the sacred race is domineering, it has to be said that they are blessed by heaven.”
He swept a glance over Zhou Yuan’s two glass Heavenly Suns, or precisely, the ancient light runes on them.
"A Nine-Claw Heavenly Sun is indeed rare, but it’s not unseen within the heaven prides of the sacred race.”
This time Zhou Yuan was stunned. He then asked puzzledly, “You mean my variant glass Heavenly Sun is called the Nine-Claw Heavenly Sun?”
Zhuan Zhu smiled and pointed to the Heavenly Suns. “The ancestral dragon has nine toes on its claws, so they are also called nine claws...and only the most outstanding Heavenly Sun experts in the world can make such ancestral runes appear after refining a glass Heavenly Sun. The ancestral runes will spread and eventually resemble nine claws clutching the sun. that is when the Nine-Claw Heavenly Sun is formed.”
Zhou Yuan carefully studied the glass Heavenly Suns floating behind him, and he indeed found that the faint irregular light runes had formed a dragon claw.
“There seems to be only four claws,” Zhou Yuan said curiously.
Zhuan Zhu nodded. "As your strength increases, the claw runes will grow, but it depends on your potential and the opportunities you might face as to whether you can eventually achieve nine claws.”
"What happens when you refine a Nine-Claw Heavenly Sun?" Zhou Yuan couldn't help asking.
"First of all, it possesses incredible power. Secondly, it is said that when those with a Nine Claw Heavenly Sun break through to the Nascent Source stage, there is a high probability they will directly enter the greater Nascent Source stage."
Zhou Yuan's eyes widened. The grade classification of the Nascent Source stage in Hunyuan Heaven was a little different from Cangxuan Heaven. It was instead divided into the little Nascent Source stage, greater Nascent Source stage and perfect Nascent Source stage. The so-called Greater Nascent Source stage was equivalent to the intermediate Nascent Source stage. In other words, when the Nine-Claw Heavenly Sun breaks through to the Nascent Source stage, it could skip levels!
This was terrifying because greater Nascent Source experts were veteran, elder-level experts even in the nine regions, and they could establish their own sect or faction!
The Nine-Claw Heavenly Sun could save a lot of time.
Zhou Yuan smacked his lips. He had to admit his heart skipped a beat. He had always felt his rune-marked Heavenly Sun was strange, but looking at it now, he saw its handsomeness.
I’m sorry, I underestimated you. Zhou Yuan reflected in his heart, then anxiously asked, “Senior brother, how can I increase the number of claws?”
Zhuan Zhu stroked his chin and said, “This will be very difficult…for ordinary people. But you’re very lucky and have a perfect opportunity.”
Zhou Yuan’s heart trembled. “You mean...Guyuan Heaven?”
Zhuan Zhu nodded. "As far as I know, there aren’t many things in the world that can improve dragon claws, but the ancestral qi in Guyuan Heaven is one of them.”
Zhou Yuan’s eyes lit up like an explosion. It seemed he had overlooked the huge opportunity in Guyuan Heaven. It was no wonder that all heavens would fight for such an opportunity.
At that moment, Zhou Yuan's enthusiasm to enter Guyuan Heaven suddenly soared.
"Well, now that you have successfully broken through, there is something you should do,” urged Zhuan Zhu as he stretched his back.
“What is it?” Zhou Yuan asked helplessly.
Zhuan Zhu told him about the recent recruitment of Heavenly Sun experts and Nascent Source experts in the Tianyuan Region. “Our Tianyuan Region has been very popular, and a lot of good seedlings have come. You don’t need to pay attention to those at the Nascent Source stage, but the Heavenly Sun stage recruitment is temporarily left to Qin Lian, and it seems she has encountered some trouble.”
“Trouble?” Zhou Yuan raised his brows.
Zhuan Zhu swept his gaze over Zhou Yuan and said teasingly, "It's related to you. You should know the top unaffiliated cultivators are unruly. The Tianyuan Region has already announced our two captains—you and Qin Lian—but although they approve of Qin Lian, they are still...unconvinced about you.
“The Battle of the Heavens will soon begin. After a discussion with the other regions, those selected from each region will meet in a few days. So, to avoid being ridiculed, we must resolve this internal problem first.
“We have just recruited those unaffiliated cultivators, and we need them in the battle. We can’t forcibly suppress them, so we have to rely on you. You should be very comfortable with this kind of matter."
Zhou Yuan said snappily, "Do you mean I have been questioned too many times?”
Zhuan Zhu spread his hands and shrugged. “It's actually a compliment. It means you have done things that are beyond your level.”
As Zhuan Zhu spoke, he flicked his finger, and a spatial vortex appeared in front of him.
“Then I should thank you.” Zhou Yuan rolled his eyes, but he didn't refuse to take the mission. After all, this was in preparation for Guyuan Heaven. He of course had to do his best for the Nine-Claw Heavenly Sun and the Ancestral Dragon Flesh.
Zhou Yuan waved to Zhuan Zhu and then strode into the spatial vortex.
Zhuan Zhu was right: Zhou Yuan did indeed have great experience in dealing with such thorns.
Chapter 1075 Phoenix Perch House
Resting Dragon City, located in the central area of the Tianyuan Region, was one of the few main cities in the Tianyuan Region, and its prosperity was comparable to some remote prefectures. It was also where the Tianyuan Region was recruiting unaffiliated top Heavenly Sun cultivators.
In the past four months, it was unknown how many Heavenly Sun experts had come to Resting Dragon City from all over Hunyuan Heaven. They had turned the city into an even more bustling place, and almost all of them had gathered at a certain huge manor in the west of the city, currently making it the most lively place in the city.
A building called the Phoenix Perch House was at the center of the manor, and many Tianyuan Region experts were guarding it. Only those who could break through its numerous barriers could ascend it. Once a cultivator
successfully entered, they were considered to have received the Tianyuan Region’s approval.
Therefore, unaffiliated cultivators from various places were surrounding the building.
They gazed at the figures who had ascended with envy in their eyes. As unaffiliated cultivators, they naturally yearned to receive an identity from the Tianyuan Region. Moreover, Guyuan Heaven was said to contain great opportunities, so if they could explore it, they could likely reach the sky in one step.
But unfortunately, the barriers the Tianyuan Region had set up weren’t easy, and only those with advanced Heavenly Sun strength could pass. Many outside the building didn’t have much confidence in passing.
Outside the Phoenix Perch House, a jade wall shimmered with a mysterious light. Every time someone passed the assessment, their name would appear on the jade wall, along with the time it took for them to pass.
Whenever a new name appeared on the jade wall, it drew countless admiration and envy. But more people couldn’t help shifting their gaze to the top of the wall, where there were three names attracting everyone's attention.
Han Jinhe, 23 breaths.
Xue Qingmei, 35 breaths.
Wan Su, 40 breaths.
The time they took to complete the assessment was extremely striking. Others took between half an hour to one hour.
Many unaffiliated cultivators gazed in awe at the three names.
The three could be described as the most dazzling dark horses among the unaffiliated cultivators who had received a recruitment invitation.
The strength they had displayed had stunned everyone. Before they had appeared, no one had expected someone to be as strong as them among the unaffiliated cultivators. Their foundation, even if placed among all Heavenly Sun experts in the Tianyuan Region, was undoubtedly comparable to top Heavenly Sun experts such as Bian Buji and Mu Youlan.
Only Qin Lian among the Heavenly Sun experts in the Tianyuan Region could crush them.
Gazing at the three names, many people began to whisper to one another.
"But I heard that Han Jinhe, Xue Qingmei and Wang Su haven’t officially announced they would join the Tianyuan Region team.”
"Yes, it is said that they want the captain’s position.”
"Haha, are they dissatisfied with the two current captains?”
"Qin Lian's strength is obvious, and no one can doubt her ability. Han Jinhe and the others are likely targeting grand elder Zhou Yuan.”
“They really don’t know what’s good for them. Zhou Yuan is now one of the five grand elders in the Tianyuan Region. He has tremendous status. Are they asking for trouble?”
"Not necessarily. The Tianyuan Region is widely seeking heroes right now. Han Jinhe and the others can leave the Tianyuan Region and go to the other regions if they wish. The other regions will warmly welcome them. Furthermore, many people here would follow them. If they really leave, I think half of the people in the Phoenix Perch House will walk out. And if that matter spreads, we will become a laughingstock.”
"I think Han Jinhe and the others are doing the right thing. Zhou Yuan is a grand elder, but he’s only at the initial Heavenly Sun stage. Although he defeated Lu Qing before, he only succeeded with the aid of foreign means. Han Jinhe and the others have fought hundreds of battles, but the region wants them to be under an initial Heavenly Sun expert. The three will likely refuse to be under such leadership.”
"Yes, when a battle breaks out in Guyuan Heaven, who would care if you’re a grand elder from the Tianyuan Region?”
There were countless quarrels and commotion around the Phoenix Perch House, and many gazes were filled with ridicule. They felt that a good show might occur soon.
Hundreds of figures gathered on the building’s top floor.
In the center, three figures sat together, and a large group of people stood and sat behind them. Their eyes were filled with respect when they looked at the three figures.
In the middle of the three figures was a graceful man with his hair tied up. A golden braid was flowing down his back. He wore a calm expression, but the slight tilt at the corners of his lips showed hidden arrogance.
He was Han Jinhe.
Left of Han Jinhe sat a beautiful woman. Her hair was short and dry, and she was dressed in a loose training robe, but her garb couldn’t hide her fiery curvaceous body.
She was Xue Qingmei.
The man to the right of Han Jinhe was burly, dark and hairy. His bronze-like eyes were filled with a fiendish aura that terrified one to the core.
He was Wang Su.
The three were the strongest experts recruited by the Tianyuan Region.
"It is said the people chosen from the nine regions in Hunyuan Heaven will soon meet each other,” said Han Jinhe indifferently.
“Has the Tianyuan Region still not given us an answer?" Xue Qingmei said, frowning.
"We aren’t asking for much. Just a captain position. We don't want to be commanded.”
As unaffiliated cultivators, they had witnessed too many underhanded means, and some commanders even used their teammates as cannon fodder and sacrificed them as they wished.
Wang Su said angrily, “I can accept Qin Lian being captain, but if grand elder Zhou Yuan is forced to command us because of his identity, he will cause many casualties. How can I let down the brothers I brought with me?”
Han Jinhe whispered, "Today is the deadline. If they don't give us a response, I plan to leave the Tianyuan Region.”
Voices rang behind Han Jinhe, "Wherever Brother Han goes, we will follow!"
Xue Qingmei and Wang Su also nodded.
When the three expressed their stance, almost half the unaffiliated cultivators in the building immediately echoed their words, while the other half exchanged worried and hesitant glances with one another.
While the inside of the building was in chaos, a Heavenly Sun expert from the Tianyuan Region appeared and said to Han Jinhe and the others, "Elder Qin Lian would like to see you.”
Han Jinhe and the others exchanged glances, a trace of a smile on their lips. It seems the Tianyuan Region couldn't bear the pressure and gave in.
They stood up and followed the Heavenly Sun expert upstairs. They pushed open a door and entered a spacious hall.
Qin Lian, tall and elegant, caught their attention as soon as they stepped into the hall, but to their surprise, Qin Lian wasn’t seated in the main seat. Instead, it was a young man. They stared at him in puzzlement as he, without a ripple of expression, watched them enter the hall.
Han Jinhe narrowed his eyes, and his mind raced as he tried to figure out the young man’s identity. “This must be the Tianyuan Regions’s grand elder Zhou Yuan, isn’t that right?”
He paused, but before waiting for Zhou Yuan's answer, he said, "Since grand elder Zhou Yuan is here, the matter can be dealt with much easier. Has the Tianyuan Region agreed to our request?”
Zhou Yuan’s eyelids fluttered. “You three applied to be captain?”
Han Jinhe nodded lightly, and Xue Qingmei and Wang Su stared calmly at Zhou Yuan.
Zhou Yuan similarly stared at the three, and after a while, he smiled and set down the teacup in his hand.
"Sorry but I reject your request."
Chapter 1076 Shock
Zhou Yuan's calm voice reverberated in the spacious hall, causing the air to freeze for several breaths.
The smile on the faces of Han Jinhe and the others suddenly stiffened. They evidently didn’t expect Zhou Yuan to answer so firmly.
The three exchanged glances, eyes flashing with anger.
Although they were unaffiliated cultivators, they had experienced spells of good fortune in the past. Otherwise, they wouldn't possess their current foundation. Therefore, the arrogance in their hearts wasn’t any weaker than that of many top Heavenly Sun experts in the Tianyuan Region.
They had trekked the world alone and enjoyed the carefreeness. If it weren’t for the great opportunity in Guyuan Heaven, they wouldn’t have voluntarily come t
o the Tianyuan Region.
Strictly speaking, even if they joined the Tianyuan Region, it was just an employment-like relationship, and once the affairs in Guyuan Heaven were over, they would leave the Tianyuan Region at any time.
In Hunyuan Heaven, all forces, including the other eight regions, did everything they could to recruit top unaffiliated cultivators. As a result, many unaffiliated cultivators’ status had soared like the tide.
Even the Nascent Source elders from the Tianyuan Region treated Han Jinhe and the others respectfully, which made them even more arrogant.
It was precisely because of their increased arrogance that they couldn’t accept Zhou Yuan’s tough attitude.
Qin Lian swept her gaze over Zhou Yuan without a ripple on her face, but a trace of worry flashed across the depths of her eyes. Of course, Qin Lian couldn’t disagree with Zhou Yuan taking over command, given his status as a grand elder.
However, she thought Zhou Yuan would be a little gentler. After all, the three people in front of them weren’t from the Tianyuan Region, and Zhou Yuan's grand elder status might have little importance to them.
If Zhou Yuan angered them and made them leave, given the three’s prestige among the unaffiliated cultivators, many would leave with them, and the Tianyuan Region’s recruitment would be a waste of effort.
However, despite the worries and doubts in her heart, Qin Lian didn't interrupt in the end, which could be considered as giving Zhou Yuan enough face.
Hu.
Han Jinhe’s face was icy-cold. He drew a deep breath and suppressed his anger. He looked Zhou Yuan in the eye and said, “It seems that grand elder Zhou Yuan looks down on us unaffiliated cultivators. Since that’s the case, we shouldn’t stay and be humiliated any longer.”
He turned around and was about to leave.
Xue Qingmei and Wang Su also shook their heads. The Tianyuan Region’s youngest grand elder gave them the feeling of inexperience and recklessness. It seems it was a mistake to come to the Tianyuan Region. We don't know how good his ability is, but his temper isn’t small.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 555
