Zhou Yuan's mouth opened and closed. Big sis Yaoyao, you really are a domineering tyrant.
The elder in gray was clearly not ordinary, and likely had pretty high status in the Cangxuan Sect. And yet you so bluntly told him that he’s not good enough… thank god his temper isn’t bad, or he would have flipped.
Zhou Yuan shook his head, deciding not to dwell on this matter. With a smile, he said, “Forget about him. Let’s go. I’ll bring you guys to the Hundred Fragrances House to eat to your heart’s content today.”
He patted the Universe bag at his waist and said in a rather pleased manner, "We've got money now."
Roar!
There wasn’t much of a response from Yaoyao, but Tuntun roared excitedly, its beady beast eyes glowing brightly.
They had passed by the Hundred Fragrances House quite a few times previously, and Tuntun had always tried to dash in again. However, it was forcibly dragged back by the prepared Zhou Yuan, because he really could not afford it at that time.
Since he had just made a killing, Zhou Yuan naturally intended on rewarding Tuntun. After all, if Zhu Yue suddenly went crazy and decided to seek Zhou Yuan out, he would have to throw Tuntun out and let it do its work.
...
Chapter 240 Zhu Yue’s Methods
The area around the creek became extremely lively during the subsequent few days. Over a hundred disciples would gather here at a specific time, while numerous others also came over to observe.
Zhou Yuan would spend some time everyday helping everyone unblock their apertures.
However, due to the number of people, it had become much more troublesome to sense apertures even with the power of the Decoder Saint Rune, causing his efficiency to drop.
Even so, he was able to maintain a speed of one to two apertures per day for everyone.
Though Zhou Yuan was a little unsatisfied with this pace, the disciples that had come for his help were delighted by it, emotions and excitement often flushing their faces.
After all, they would usually take quite a few days to unblock a single aperture. In comparison, the rate at Zhou Yuan’s place was clearly much faster.
At this speed, the first level promised by Zhou Yuan would definitely be reached in a month.
Hence, as the days passed, the gazes of numerous disciples seemed to burn hotter and hotter when they looked towards Zhou Yuan, and there was even an additional trace of admiration now present in their eyes. Zhou Yuan had used reality to prove his ability...
After each daily training session, the elated disciples would brag about their progress to those whom had been unable to obtain a spot, causing the latter to be madly envious and so regretful that they felt as if it would be better to die.
If they had believed in Zhou Yuan a little earlier, they would not be in their current predicament where even a spot was out of their grasp.
At this rate, the disciples receiving guidance from Zhou Yuan would very likely reach the first level of the Ethereal Form technique in a month. By that time, the gap between them would become clear.
Those originally stronger disciples may soon be surpassed by others.
Such thoughts made the many disciples who practiced the Ethereal Form technique very anxious. Moreover, the progress at Zhu Yue’s place seemed to be growing slower and slower recently although they still had to pay the same considerable tuition fees. Therefore, some of the disciples withdrew from Zhu Yue’s classes, and began to save up Genesis jade, waiting for Zhou Yuan’s next round of recruitment.
As such, although far more than a hundred outer mountain disciples were practicing the Ethereal Form technique, the disciples at Zhu Yue’s place gradually lessened. In the end, only a meagre dozen disciples were left, a pretty pitiful sight indeed.
Hence, while the many lectures halls in the rear mountain remained abuzz with activity, only Zhu Yue’s place appeared rather lonely and desolate.
The other inner mountain disciple instructors were secretly alarmed by this scene, all of them committing Zhou Yuan’s name to heart. When Zhou Yuan and Zhu Yue clashed previously, they had naturally felt that a mere outer mountain disciple could not possibly be so capable. Hence, they had unhesitatingly chose to support Zhu Yue when he asked for their help.
But now, that decision of theirs did seem rather foolish.
Zhou Yuan was clearly no samaritan. Wasn’t it clear already what state Zhu Yue had fallen to after clashing with the former?
As inner mountain disciples, they understood what a great job it was to teach Genesis techniques in the outer mountains, and numerous inner mountain disciples would fight tooth and nail for it. Zhu Yue had paid a tremendous price to obtain this cushy job, but who could have expected things to end up like this.
“Zhou Yuan should not be provoked…” The sight of Zhu Yue’s lonely and desolate lecture hall made the other inner mountain disciple instructors sigh inside.
As a result, they would occasionally sing praises about Zhou Yuan while giving their lectures, hoping that it would eventually travel to Zhou Yuan’s ears as a show of good will. The previous lecture ban on Zhou Yuan also quietly disappeared.
Zhu Yue’s fate had clearly frightened them. No one knew whether Zhou Yuan was also capable of teaching other techniques.
If they pushed him too far, and he began to teach their Genesis techniques too, Zhu Yue’s case was already a prime example of what could happen.
In Zhu Yue’s lecture hall.
Zhu Yue’s expression was ashen as he gazed at his lonely lecture hall. The dozen or so figures within looked rather distracted and did not seem to have any intentions of diligently learning. Who knew where their minds were at this moment.
Zhu Feng looked towards Zhu Yue and anxiously said, “Elder brother, we can’t continue like this, or no one will come here anymore.”
Zhu Yue’s Genesis technique lectures was a great source of income, while the younger brother was also able to obtain a tidy sum for himself. This allowed Zhu Feng to lead an extremely comfortable life in the outer mountains, numerous disciples often gathering around and flattering him.
Now that Zhu Yue was being repeatedly suppressed by Zhou Yuan, the former’s Genesis jade income had received a huge hit, making the Zhu Feng’s situation very awkward.
Zhu Yue remained expressionless, but blazing rage burned in the depths of his eyes. He peered into the distance, seemingly crossing numerous mountains to see the bustling scene at the creek.
Compared to the desolateness here, it was akin to night and day.
Zhu Yue glanced at Zhu Feng and emotionlessly said, “A mere outer mountain disciples thinks he can trod all over me. Looks like I’ll need to teach him about respect for his seniors.”
Before his words faded, he had already began walking out of the lecture hall.
Zhu Yue descended the rear mountain, ultimately arriving at the highest mountain in the mountain range where he came to a stop in front of a courtyard at the waist of the mountain.
In the stone pavilion within it, Chen Yuan smiled when he saw Zhu Yue and said, “It seems that you can’t take it any longer.”
Zhu Yue cupped his fists together in greeting before he walked forward. He did not speak, but merely retrieved a big case and placed it on the tablet. As he lifted the lid, an interior lined full of Genesis jade pieces was revealed.
Zhu Yue finally said, “Teacher uncle Chen, I hope that you will kindly accept these two thousand Genesis jade pieces.”
Chen Yuan reached out a hand to caress the cooling Genesis jade pieces as he grinned. “You’re the one who best understands the proper way one should act.”
His cast a glance in a certain direction as he shook his head. “The new kids are all full of youthful vigour, and have yet to learn the importance of the rules. Some of them gained so many benefits out of the blue, but do not know that they should give offerings to show some respect.”
A mocking look rose from the corners of his mouth.
Zhu Yue chuckled. “The young
sters only just arrived at the Cangxuan Sect, and do not clearly understand where they stand. They might be under the impression that they are still in the same remote continent from before, and can act as the same genius everyone flatters. That’s why they are unable to understand how to behave properly.”
Chen Yuan nodded with a wide smile. “What do you plan on doing? Although that brat is arrogant, truth be told, he is not breaking any of the sect’s rules.”
A smile rose from the corners of Zhu Yue’s mouth. “Although there is no rule that says an outer mountain disciple doesn’t have the right to teach, teacher uncle Chen should not forget that there is another rule that states only one person is needed to teach one Genesis technique.”
Chen Yuan’s eyes narrowed slightly. “There is such a rule… but that kid is just an outer mountain disciple. Do you intend to bully him out with force? If so, people will say an inner mountain disciple is bullying an outer mountain disciple.”
Zhu Yue softly chuckled. “If I wanted to use such a method, he would have been stomped into the ground long ago.”
He looked towards Chen Yuan and said, “Didn’t the kid brag that he’s pretty good at the Ethereal Form technique? I don’t need to compete with him in other aspects, only the Ethereal Form technique. The better one will naturally be the better instructor.”
“What do you think teacher uncle Chen?”
Chen Yuan could not help but laugh when he heard this. “A competition solely based on the Ethereal Form technique? You are pretty smart.”
Although it was said that Zhou Yuan had reached the first level, Zhu Yue had been practicing the technique for two years. No matter how talented Zhou Yuan was, he could not possibly surpass Zhu Yue in less than a month, right?
In addition, Zhu Yue had chosen a Genesis technique competition. Since no Genesis Qi was involved, it would not be seen as bullying, and would be within the limits of acceptability if news of it were to spread.
“Fine, do as you please.” Chen Yuan nodded.
Chen Yuan was also not very fond of the upstart brat that had been causing a ruckus recently. Most importantly, the brat was completely ignorant of how the world functioned, and did not know how to show respect to one’s seniors. Hence, Chen Yuan did not mind letting him learn the harsh ways of society.
“I will spread the word that the two of you will compete based on the Ethereal Form technique in five days. Whoever wins will become the only Ethereal Form technique instructor in the outer mountains.”
Joy finally flooded Zhu Yue’s eyes when he heard this. He lifted his head and looked in the direction of the mountain creek as chillingness and ridicule flitted across in the depths of his eyes.
Zhou Yuan ah Zhou Yuan, if you want to fight, I have ways to toy with you to death!
Chapter 241 Zong Ming
News that Zhou Yuan and Zhu Yue would compete based on Genesis technique to see who should possess the right to be an instructor of the Ethereal Form technique, very quickly spread to the entirety of the outer mountains.
This matter undoubtedly led to a huge uproar.
The sharper individuals could already see that this was Zhu Yue’s counter attack.
Although everyone knew that Zhou Yuan was extremely talented in the Ethereal Form technique, at the end of the day, he had only been practicing it for less than a month.
Zhu Yue on the other hand had spent nearly two years on it.
No matter how one looked at it, a competition purely based on technique was completely in Zhu Yue’s favor.
“This is too shameless! Does being at a higher level in the Ethereal Form technique means he will surely be a better teacher?”
“Yeah, Zhou Yuan can train you to the first level in a month, can Zhu Yue do that?”
“ Zhu Yue is clearly causing trouble on purpose!”
“......”
Countless whispers spread in the outer mountains, especially from the disciples that hoped to obtain Zhou Yuan’s guidance, all of them of one mind as they spoke up for Zhou Yuan. After all, training with Zhou Yuan was not only cheaper but also more effective.
If Zhou Yuan’s right to teach was taken, they would have no choice but to return to Zhu Yue.
An outcome that would undoubtedly waste more time and Genesis jade.
However, their opposition was unable to amount to anything. After all, the disciples that practiced the Ethereal Form technique was only a fraction in the entire outer mountains.
Even more disciples were waiting to be entertained, especially the Shengzhou disciples. Zhou Yuan’s reputation had grown too great recently, making them slightly unhappy. Hence, they were naturally more than happy to watch him being suppressed by Zhu Yue.
In addition, this was a matter decided by the outer mountain manager, Chen Yuan, so none of the disciples could object.
...
By the mountain creek.
News of the Genesis technique competition swiftly spread to this place and landed in Zhou Yuan’s ears.
Zhou Yuan was seated on a rock, pretty much no change in his expression. However, the hundred or so disciples before him immediately burst into noise.
“Zhu Yue is too much!”
“Do we have to even ask him where we’re allowed to train the Ethereal Form technique?”
“His place is so expensive and so inefficient, who would want to go there.”
“......”
Gu Hongyi also frowned slightly. She came to Zhou Yuan’s side and said, “Zhu Yue’s bullying is intolerable, I can’t believe that he decided on this competition without notifying you or seeking your opinion!”
This information had only reached Zhou Yuan’s ears when it was being spread. From this, one could see that Zhu Yue clearly did not care about Zhou Yuan’s opinions.
Zhou Yuan smiled faintly. “I’ve clearly been an eyesore to someone for quite some time.”
There was no way that Zhu Yue would be able to decide on this match with just his inner mountain disciple status alone. Everything had to first be approved by the outer mountain manger, Chen Yuan.
“What are you plans?” There was some worry in Gu Hongyi’s bright eyes. Although Zhou Yuan had mastered the first level of the Ethereal Form technique, Zhu Yue had reached the this level long ago.
Moreover, although it was not a real fight but a Genesis technique match, the odds were clearly still stacked against Zhou Yuan.
“Since my opponent has thrown out this move, I will naturally have to receive it.” Zhou Yuan grinned.
He knew long in advance that Zhu Yue would never let this matter rest. His source of income had been cut off by Zhou Yuan after all. Zhou Yuan also understood that he needed to eliminate Zhu Yue in order to continue earning Genesis jade.
Now that the other party had played his hand, it was undoubtedly Zhou Yuan’s best chance to remove the former.
Since both of them were eyeing the Genesis jade income from teaching the Ethereal Form technique, one of them would naturally have to be eliminated.
It was not that Zhou Yuan had not considered teaching another Genesis technique, but if he did so, he would offend even more people. He was currently only an outer mountain disciple, so there was no need for him to be so greedy.
Gu Hongyi rather admired the fact that there was no fear on Zhou Yuan’s face, but worry still flooded her eyes. She understood that no matter how pathetic Zhu Yue was, he was still an inner mountain disciple.
“I previously heard Zhu Yue say that he has already unblocked 41 apertures. However, he may have been hiding his true strength.” Gu Hongyi told Zhou Yuan the information she knew.
Zhou Yuan’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Someone as devious as him will not reveal his bottom line so easily.”
41 apertures was likely just a front, or Zhu Yue would not have so confidently fixed a Genesis technique match while clearly knowing that Zhou Yuan had also reached the first level.
It was obvious that Zhu Yue was confident in his abilities.
Zhu Y
ue may have his confidence, but Zhou Yuan too should not be looked down upon.
Zhou Yuan’s gaze turned towards the clamouring crowd below as he said in a calm voice, “No need to be alarmed. Since Zhu Yue wants a competition, I’ll just have to accept.”
Upon hearing that Zhou Yuan was going to accept the match, the numerous disciples looked to each other in dismay, seeing the worried looks in everyone’s eyes as they began to speak in low voices.
They were clearly afraid that Zhou Yuan would lose, giving them no option but to return to Zhu Yue.
However, since the competition was already set in stone, their worry would not change anything. The only thing left was to nervously wait for the match in five days.
...
The crowd dispersed after the training was over, but some whispers could still be heard. One could imagine how the Genesis technique competition in five days would soon become the focal point of the entire outer mountains.
Zhou Yuan ignored all of this as he headed back to his little house.
In front of the little house.
The elder in gray came here daily to engage in a match of Genesis Runes with Yaoyao on the jade board. After each vicious clash, he would leave in a carefree manner.
Zhou Yuan stood behind Yaoyao as he gazed upon the jade board. The swelling pain from his Spirit grew increasingly intense, as if something was brewing within.
Zhou Yuan knew that it was likely a sign that his Spirit was about to step into the Corporeal stage.
Observing the Genesis Rune game between the two of them for the past few days had clearly been very beneficial to him.
As another game approached its end, there was still not clear victor between the two.
The elder in gray sighed in regret, the admiration in his eyes growing even greater as he looked towards Yaoyao and said, “I really want to know who taught you. Can’t believe your Genesis Qi mastery had reached such a high level at this young age.”
“If your Spirit cultivation rises, your accomplishments on the path of Genesis Runes will be unimaginable.”
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 133