Zhou Yuan was first stunned by this scene before joy broke out on his face.
It was because he had seen the first ancient rune on the Heavenly Yuan Brush completely light up at this moment and give off a mysterious glow.
Evidently, after several days of nourishing it, the brush had finally recovered some of its spirituality and power.
“Master and big sis Yaoyao said that I will come to know of its wonders once the first rune is lighted. I’m really interested to find out the peculiarities of this once Sacred Genesis Weapon Heavenly Yuan Brush!” Zhou Yuan’s eyes lighted up as he stared at the Heavenly Yuan Brush in his hand.
He had long been filled with curiosity towards the Heavenly Yuan Brush.
While grasping the Heavenly Yuan Brush, Zhou Yuan’s eyes slowly closed. Light blossomed on the brush as a cryptic message poured into his mind.
“First rune of the Heavenly Yuan Brush, Culture and Martial.”
Chapter 18 Culture and Martial
“Culture and Martial?”
Zhou Yuan’s eyes flickered brightly after opening. At this very moment, he finally understood why Cang Yuan had said that the Heavenly Yuan Brush was both a Genesis Weapon and a Genesis Rune Brush.
It was due to this rune known as ‘Culture and Martial’ that bestowed two different forms to the Heavenly Yuan Brush.
“Martial form!”
Brush in hand, a thought flashed in Zhou Yuan’s mind as he softly called out.
Buzz!
Intense light exploded from the Heavenly Yuan Brush. Next, Zhou Yuan’s eyes were filled with amazement as he watched the foot-long brush in his hand suddenly start to grow.
In the short span of several breaths, a roughly five foot long thick black brush appeared in Zhou Yuan’s hand. This black brush was almost as tall as Zhou Yuan and its mottled body faintly flickered in a glossy manner.
In particular, the soft snow-white hairs that were originally at the tip of the brush were now tightly packed together and flickered with cold light. At a glance, it seemed like the sharp tip of a spear.
“It’s pretty heavy!”
Zhou Yuan gazed upon the rather enormous black brush in his hands. It was not light and even caused his arms to sink a little.
“I should test its power.”
Zhou Yuan left the room and walked into a spacious courtyard. With a thought, the Heavenly Yuan Brush shook slightly as the surrounding Genesis Qi rippled and poured into the brush.
A Genesis Weapon was able to absorb Genesis Qi and release tremendous power.
As Genesis Qi poured into it, the brush gradually started to glow. In particular, light seemed to lengthen and shorten indeterminately on the brush tip made from snow-white hairs as if it was a sharp tip of a spear.
Zhou Yuan brandished the brush with both hands as if it was a heavy spear. He had never used such a strange weapon before and naturally appeared rather untrained. However, the force generated by the spear was not weak and was akin to a ferocious tiger as it swung about.
Ch!
The spear suddenly turned and ferociously thrust at a copper cauldron by the side. A clear and crisp sound was immediately heard. One would look over only to find that the tip of the brush had pierced the cauldron and exited from the opposite side.
“Not bad. It’s sharp enough.” Zhou Yuan’s eyebrows raised slightly when he saw this. This level of sharpness would easily tear apart the body of a two channel practitioner.
“It should have barely reached the Normal mid tier Genesis Weapon level.”
Zhou Yuan was rather pleased with this outcome. If he continued to nourish it by allowing the Heavenly Yuan Brush to absorb beast spirits, it would likely reach the Black tier pretty soon.
Zhou Yuan mumbled to himself, “It really is somewhat surprising for a brush to become a weapon. Although it is a brush, it is similar to a spear. I should learn some spear techniques in future.”
His gaze now burned a little hotter as he stared at the Heavenly Yuan Brush. To think that the first rune had already caused such a transformation. Zhou Yuan wondered how formidable the brush would become when all nine ancient runes completely recovered.
Zhou Yuan waved the martial form Genesis Rune Brush until he was satisfied before a thought flashed in his mind. “Culture form!”
The tall as a human Heavenly Yuan Brush suddenly shrunk till it was a foot long and landed in Zhou Yuan’s hand. The brush tip that was previously sharp enough to pierce metal also became soft, its brush hairs gently swaying back and forth.
With a gently flick of his fingertips, the Heavenly Yuan Brush nimble spun a single time in his hand as light emerged from the soft tip of the brush.
This form was called the Genesis Rune Brush and could be used to draw Genesis Runes.
“Such a magical Culture and Martial Genesis Rune.” Zhou Yuan sighed in praise. Genesis Runes that were able to change the form of an object were certainly not ordinary. This ‘Culture and Martial’ rune was surely very high grade.
“Finally activated the first rune?”
While Zhou Yuan was excitedly changing between the two forms in the courtyard, a somewhat surprised voice was heard. Zhou Yuan raised his head and saw Yaoyao elegantly standing outside the courtyard, while a whimpering Tuntun closely followed at her feet.
“Yea, just a while ago.” Zhou Yuan nodded. The Heavenly Yuan Brush turned into its culture form and landed in his hand as he somewhat eagerly said, “Big sis Yaoyao, I now have a Genesis Rune Brush. When will you teach me Genesis Runes?”
Yaoyao’s steps were light as she slowly walked over. She stood before Zhou Yuan as a
snow-white hand was outstretched.
The corners of Zhou Yuan’s mouth turned downwards when he saw this. He had no choice but to instruct a servant girl to bring over a jade bottle. “This is Red Tiger Liquor, an extremely strong alcohol that I stole from father’s secret stash.”
Yaoyao received the jade bottle and tipped back her head slightly, revealing her slender swan-like neck, as she took a small sip. Her pretty face immediately flushed red as her eyes sparkled. “Not bad, you did not skimp on me.”
One could tell that she was very satisfied with the liquor Zhou Yuan had found.
Zhou Yuan breathed a sigh of relief when he saw this. Just as he was about to speak, he felt a tug a his clothes and lowered his head only to find Tuntun biting at his trousers, before it stuck out its tongue and extended a paw.
“You’re the same as your owner!”
The corners of Zhou Yuan’s eyes twitched as his cursed inside. However, he could only instruct a servant girl to bring over a plate of dried Genesis Beast meat and place it at his foot.
Only then did Tuntun release Zhou Yuan, perfectly satisfied as it lay down and gobbled up each piece of meat with a single gulp, its eyes narrowing in pleasure as it enjoyed the delicious dried Genesis Beast meat.
Zhou Yuan squatted and stroked Tuntun’s soft fur as he gave it two forceful strokes. In response to this, Tuntun glanced at the former. It decided not to pay much attention to that disrespectful fellow on the grounds that he had brought it meat.
“Alright, I will teach you grade 1 Genesis Runes today.”
After a few mouthfuls of Red Tiger Liquor, Yaoyao nodded in contentment before walking into the stone pavilion. Jade tablets for Genesis Rune practice had already been placed on the stone table within.
Yaoyao elegantly stood before the table and shot a glance at Zhou Yuan as she said, “I’ll first write while you watch.”
With a clench of her hand, a slender green Genesis Rune Brush appeared within it. This Genesis Rune Brush gave off a faint green glow and numerous runes of light seemed to flutter within the glow, making it appear extremely mystical.
Zhou Yuan’s heart was a little moved by this sight. This Genesis Rune Brush of Yaoyao’s was obviously not ordinary.
Yaoyao’s pretty face immediately became serious as she held the brush. A distinct aura spread from her body as the brush tip ge
ntly landed on a jade tablet and began to move as she desired.
Zhou Yuan stood by the side and watched Yaoyao’s gently moving hand as he could not help but praise in his heart. “Such a pretty hand.”
Yaoyao’s small, slim and slender hand seemed to be suffused with jade light. It was so pretty that one would find impossible to shift one’s eyes away.
However, Zhou Yuan did not dare to pay too much attention to it, and his gaze very quickly shifted to the jade tablet.
Light immediate surfaced on the tablet the moment Yaoyao’s final stroke was complete. A complicated rune seemed to have leapt onto the tablet as a tiger roar was faintly heard.
Yaoyao explained in an unenthusiastic voice, “This is known as the Tiger Roar Rune and is a grade 1 Genesis Rune. It can be inscribed on the throat and when activated, a tiger roar sound wave would erupt. If used at close-range, it may even stun the enemy.”
“A sound wave type Genesis Rune?” Zhou Yuan was a little taken aback. This type of Genesis Rune was rather rare and could save one’s life or even turn the tides of the battle if used at the opportune moment.
“Take a closer look. How many strokes are there in this Genesis Rune?” Said Yaoyao in a casual manner.
When Zhou Yuan heard this, he understood that Yaoyao wanted to test his foundations in Genesis Runes. After all, no matter how high grade a Genesis Rune was, it was still made from the combination of various strokes. The ability to identify and recognize these strokes was the fundamentals of learning Genesis Runes.
Zhou Yuan carefully observed the ‘Tiger Roar Rune’ on the jade tablet. A short period later, he slowly said, “I can see four hundred and thirty seven strokes.”
Previously, when Zhou Yuan was studying elementary Genesis Runes, there would at most be approximately a hundred strokes. This grade 1 Genesis Rune had more than four times that amount.
Yaoyao nodded and said, “To be more precise, there are four hundred and forty eight strokes. However, the fact that you were able to see four hundred and thirty seven strokes is proof enough that your fundamentals are rather decent.”
“In the following few days, you will practice copying this ‘Tiger Roar Rune’ and fully master this grade 1 Genesis Rune.”
A surge of eagerness surfaced in Zhou Yuan’s eyes when he heard this. If he was able to learn this grade 1 Genesis Rune, his strength would be greatly boosted.
Given how close the newcomer exam was, he needed to the strength of four channels to get into the top ten. Thus, he would take any chance he could to grow stronger.
Chapter 19 Channel Opening
To fully master a Genesis Rune was not easy at all. This was because it was not simply drawing the rune. One needed to use one’s spirit as ink for every Genesis stroke. At times, when the spirit was just the tiniest bit too strong when the brush landed, the Genesis stroke would be unable to withstand it and become defective.
Moreover, a single defective stroke meant that the entire Genesis Rune would become a failed product.
Hence, a tremendous amount of practice was needed to reach perfection and ultimately allow the Genesis Rune to form.
Therefore, in the following days, besides practicing the ninety eight forms of the frolicking dragon and the Primal Chaos Divine Grindstone Visualisation Method, Zhou Yuan also took some time to practice the ‘Tiger Roar Rune’.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yuan also squeezed out some time to learn some basic spear techniques. This was for the sake of familiarizing himself with the Heavenly Yuan Brush as a weapon so as to avoid the scenario where he had zero fundamentals and no idea what to do when he wielded it.
This arrangement allowed Zhou Yuan’s time to be amply utilised. However, he knew that time was of the essence and diligently worked hard every day.
Under his efforts, an important juncture swiftly approached.
On this day, the practicing Zhou Yuan in the flower park was solemn-face while a trace of excitement and anticipation leaked from his eyes. He could feel that the first meridian channel in his body growing looser and looser over the past few days. If nothing unexpected occurred, it was very possible for the channel to be completely opened today.
“This day has come at last.”
Zhou Yuan’s fists were tightly clenched. He had dreamt of the day he would open his meridian channel for many years.
Zhou Yuan took in a deep breath, allowing his emotions to calm down a little. Subsequently, his fists were raised and the ninety eight forms of the frolicking dragon were very naturally displayed.
Roar!
As the final form was completed, the Qi and blood in Zhou Yuan’s body boiled and his skeleton vibrated. His back undulated up and down as a faint dragon roar emerged from within his body.
Huu!
Zhou Yuan sucked in and the surrounding Genesis Qi was immediately drawn towards him. It surged over, transforming into a white mist that was swallowed into his body with a single gulp.
Once the Genesis Qi entered his body, Zhou Yuan directed it towards the final bit of blockage in the first meridian channel and ferociously attacked.
Pop!
The last bit of blockage did not pose much of an obstruction. A faint sound was heard as if an invisible membrane was broken.
At the same time, Zhou Yuan could feel that the first meridian channel in his body was completely opened at this very moment!
Zhou Yuan felt as if the surroundings had become very quiet. The Qi and blood in his body boiled with gurgling noises, while the first meridian channel seemed to have come alive, slowly squirming as it continuously devoured the Genesis Qi that poured into the body as if it had been starved.
The meridian channel absorbed Genesis Qi and swiftly fed it to the flesh.
Waves of piercing pain pulsed within Zhou Yuan’s body, but he did not panic. Instead, ecstacy overflowed on his face.
Along with the piercing pain, a feeling of transparency filled his body. His entire body seemed to grow lighter at this moment while a numbing sensation washed over his muscles, skeleton and skin.
It was an indicator that his physical body was strengthening!
This feeling lasted for a dozen minutes before Zhou Yuan’s eyes slowly cracked open. He immediately smelled an odd odour from his body and lowered his head, only to find that his skin was covered in filth. It was the impurities that had been expelled from his body when it had been strengthened earlier.
Zhou Yuan’s eyes seemed to become much brighter at this moment while the world around him also grew much clearer.
“Is this channel opening?” Zhou Yuan’s five fingers slowly closed as he felt the increased power in his body, while his eyes filled with happiness.
The scene he had yearned for even in his dreams had finally become reality.
“Go inform father and mother.” Zhou Yuan entered a room to wash his body while instructing a nearby servant girl.
By the time Zhou Yuan had cleaned himself and reemerged, he saw that Zhou Qing and Qin Yu were already waiting. Their faces were filled with both surprise and joy.
“Yuan’er, you’ve unblocked your first meridian channel?!” Upon seeing Zhou Yuan emerge, Qin Yu quickly walked forward, emotions stirring on her gentle face.
Zhou Qing also walked over, flames seemingly burning within his eyes as he looked at Zhou Yuan.
Zhou Yuan’s heart warmed when he saw the emotions on their faces as he nodded his head. With a thought, the first meridian channel in his body vibrated and a suction force was emitted. The surrounding Genesis Qi immediately flowed into Zhou Yuan’s body through his pores, causing the surface of his skin to glow a little.
“Drawing Qi into the body. He has indeed opened his channel!” Zhou Qing’s eyes flickered brightly. Even he seemed to have lost some self-control at this very moment as he heartily laughed and said, “Good, good. As expected of the sacred dragon of our Zhou clan. You’ve opened your first meridian channel in the short span of ten days. No one in Great Zhou has ever achieved such speed before!”
Qin Yu’s eyes were red as she hugged Zhou Yuan and choked out between sobs, “Yuan’er is able to cultivate. The outbreak of Dragon’s Resentment Poison three years later will be suppressed!”
Zhou Yuan gently patted Qin Yu’s back as he consoled with a smile, “Don’t worry mother, your child will definitely dispose of that Dragon’s Resentment Poison.”
“Come, Yuan’er. Let father see how strong your body has become.” Zhou Qing beckoned to Zhou Yuan. Every time a channel was opened, the quality of the channel opener’s body would improve, allowing it to far surpass an ordinary person’s.
Zhou Yuan eagerly nodded upon hearing this. Cang Yuan had said before that although opening his channels for the second time would be far more difficult than normal, it would also benefit him much more once they were opened.
Now, he wanted to test exactly how much more beneficial it was.
Zhou Qing casually stood on the spot and beckoned at Zhou Yuan. The former’s seemingly careless posture and position rippled with a presence that made Zhou Yuan’s breathing stifle slightly.
“Father is indeed worthy having broken through the Heaven Gate and reaching the Alpha-Origin stage.”
For Genesis Masters, channel opening was the beginning. After all eight meridian channels were unblocked, the Qi Dwelling could be opened, allowing one to advance to the Qi Nourishing stage. At the perfect Qi Nourishing stage, Qi could be used to attack the Heaven Gate, and once broken, Genesis Qi will be able to leave the body to move mountains and overturn the seas. A power that was unmeasurable.
The Alpha-Origin stage was what came after the Heaven Gate stage.
Channel Opening, Qi Nourishing, Heaven Gate and Alpha-Origin. These were the first four greater stages for Genesis Masters.
The current Zhou Yuan had only opened his first meridian channel. Thus, he was naturally awed by the presence of an Alpha-Origin stage expert.
Zhou Qing extended his hand and said, “We’ll test your power first. Use all of your strength.”
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 16