There was still no change in Yaoyao’s flawless face despite his praise. Only laziness could be sensed from on her seemingly glowing fair skin.
Yaoyao suddenly asked, “Old mister should be one of the two outer mountain elders, right?”
The elder was stunned, somewhat surprised as he replied, “How did you know?”
Yaoyao’s red lips parted slightly as she answered ,”There are two elders in the outer mountains that possess the highest authority, but they usually do not bother with ordinary matters, leaving everything to Chen Yuan.”
“Your Genesis Rune mastery is equally as good as mine. Even being an elder in the outer mountains is a little unbecoming for you.”
The elder in gray chuckled. “Little one, are you indirectly praising yourself?”
Soon after, he nodded. “My name is Zong Ming, and I am indeed an outer mountain elder.”
Zhou Yuan looked at the former in amazement, clearly never expecting the old man’s status to be so high. An outer mountain elder was pretty much the highest authority in the outer mountains. Even Chen Yuan would not dare to speak against him.
Yaoyao placed a hand on her sharp chin as she said, “Since you’re an outer mountain elder, I want to inquire why the two of you have not done anything with regards to Chen Yuan repeatedly targeting Zhou Yuan?”
The elder in gray playfully said, “Why? You want to lodge a complaint?”
Yaoyao nonchalantly said, “This Genesis technique match of Chen Yuan’s clearly does not conform to the rules.”
The elder in gray, Zong Ming, chuckled. “Who asked this brat to be so greedy. To think that he intends on eating up all of Zhu Yue’s pie.”
As he chuckled, he looked towards Zhou Yuan. “But since she has spoken, I can cancel the match if you don’t want to participate.”
Zhou Yuan merely smiled upon hearing this. He quickly shook his head and said, “There’s no need to cancel it. I only hope that it will be a fair match.”
Chen Yuan seemed to rather dislike Zhou Yuan, hence the latter wanted to prevent any unexpected trouble during the match.
Surprise flitted across Zong Ming’s eyes, clearly not expecting Zhou Yuan to be so unafraid. The former immediately asked in an interested manner, “You actually dare to compete with Zhu Yue in the Ethereal Form technique?”
“If we are to compete based on Genesis Qi, the current me will not be able to match him. But if it is the Ethereal Form technique, it will not be so easy for him to beat me.”
“Teaching a Genesis technique is a delicious pie indeed, it’s really hard for me to return it after having a slice.”
“Just like how Zhu Yue wants to kick me out, I too want to get rid of him and enjoy the pie alone.”
Zong Ming looked towards Zhou Yuan and grinned, “You’re young, but your ambitions are not small.”
In the end, he nodded. “Although I do not know where your confidence comes from, you do not need to worry. No one will be able to try anything funny during this Genesis technique competition because I’ll be personally overseeing it.”
Zong Ming stood up, smiling as he looked at Yaoyao and Zhou Yuan. “I don’t know why, but I have the feeling that the Cangxuan Sect will become very lively with you two little ones here…”
With a wave of his hand, he turned around and left.
Only after watching him leave did Yaoyao finally lift her head and looked towards Zhou Yuan. “Are you confident in your chances? Zhu Yue will likely be prepared.”
Zhou Yuan grinned slightly. “Relax, I was originally planning on renting out the Nine Dragons Canon sometime during the next few days, but it looks like I’ll have to focus all of my efforts on the Ethereal Form technique…”
His eyes were suffused with an icy light.
“When the time comes, I’ll give Zhu Yue a pleasant surprise.”
Chapter 242 Advent of the Match
In the following five days, the Genesis technique match between Zhou Yuan and Zhu Yue had undoubtedly become the focus of the entire outer mountains. It was the most popular topic for a time, drawing the attention of countless disciples.
No one had expected Zhu Yue to counter attack in such a manner.
But it was undoubtedly a very smart move. If it was only a Genesis technique competition, no one could say that Zhu Yue was using his superior might to bully Zhou Yuan.
However, things were not looking good for Zhou Yuan. From what everyone could see, no matter how talented Zhou Yuan was in the Ethereal Form technique, he would not be able to match Zhu Yue, whom had not stopped walking on this path for nearly two years.
After all, someone who could become an inner mountain disciple would not be an easy opponent.
Many of the outer mountain disciples felt that it was such a pity. If Zhou Yuan lost, they would have no choice but to return to Zhu Yue’s place to learn the Ethereal Form technique...
...
A certain little house in the outer mountains.
Dressed entirely in white, Lu Feng was seated inside a stone pavilion as the surrounding Genesis Qi surged over, transforming into white smoke that flowed into his body through his nose.
The sound of rushing wind was heard behind him, causing Lu Feng to open his eyes, only to find a young man in blue robes standing behind him. The youth’s eyes were long and narrow, and seemed to smile all the time. But there was a blade like feeling from his smile that made no one dare to look directly at him.
The young man in blue robes was called Yang Xiu and was also an influential figure amongst the outer mountain disciples. He was ranked third amongst the ten great outer mountain disciples, losing only to Lu Feng and Gu Hongyi.
Yang Xiu grinned and said, “Heh, have you heard? That kid Zhou Yuan is going to compete with Zhu Yue in the Ethereal Form technique.”
Lu Feng’s expression remained indifferent as he said, “Overestimating his abilities.”
Yang Xiu chuckled. “It seems that you have a lot of opinions about him…”
There was only calmness on Lu Feng’s face as he replied, “He does not have the qualifications for me to have any opinions about him. However, he is very cunning. He deliberately approached Hongyi in hopes of making use of her connections.”
“And recently, Hongyi and him have been meeting far too many times.”
Lu Feng’s gaze lowered slightly as iciness flashed in his eyes.
“He truly is not tactful at all. I had warned him after all.” Muttered Lu Feng to himself.
Upon hearing Lu Feng’s words, Yang Xiu grinned and said, “That kid is rather unfortunate to have caught your attention…”
Lu Feng indifferently said, “But it seems that there is no need for me to act. Although Zhu Yue is only a black sash disciple, he has still managed to enter the inner mountains, and even if it is only an Ethereal Form technique match, he should still be able to steamroll that kid.”
“Zhu Yue doesn’t really have much ability. It’s been years, but he’s still only a black sash disciple.” Yang Xiu’s tone was full of contempt towards Zhu Yue.
Lu Feng glanced at the former. “Do not underestimate him. Zhu Yue is very cunning, and has likely concealed his abilities.”
He raised his head and looked towards a certain direction in the outer mountains as iciness and disdain appeared in his eyes.
“When Zhu Yue crushes that arrogant kid, he should learn to be a little more well behaved, right?”
“To think that a peasant prince from some remote continent dares to steal my woman.”
The corners of Lu Feng’s mouth curled as he said to Yang Xiu, “When the date of the match arrives, we’ll also go watch the entertainment.”
...
For the next few days, the training sessions by the creek was not put on hold. Zhou Yuan still continued to help everyone unblock their apertures. The only difference was that he was spending the majority of his time immersed in his own training.
By the creek, the numeros disciples often looked towards Zhou Yuan with
complicated expressions.
They could sense that Zhou Yuan seemed to be trying his best to make every last second count. However, when this scene fell in their eyes, it undoubtedly made them feel that Zhou Yuan was not confident.
Hence, they could only lament continuously inside. After all, the progress while training here was just too delightful.
The thought that they would lose it all in a few days only made them more depressed.
After another training session ended, the numerous disciples slowly dispersed, while Gu Hongyi walked to Zhou Yuan’s side and said, “Hey, you’ve not been looking too good these past two days.”
She could also sense that Zhou Yuan had become much more silent during the past two days, his entire being seemingly tensed up as if feeling an immense pressure from Zhu Yue.
Zhou Yuan slowly opened his eyes and smiled somewhat helplessly. “Zhu Yue has such a huge head start on my in the Ethereal Form technique, of course I have to speed up my training.”
“A hasty last-minute effort…” Gu Hongyi’s red lips curled downwards. She hesitated for a moment, before she said in a low voice, “How about I help out. I can find someone to transfer Zhu Yue back to the inner mountains.”
Her old ancestor was the master of the Hongya Peak, someone with extremely high status. As long as he were to open his mouth, transferring an inner mountain disciple would not be difficult.
Zhou Yuan was somewhat surprised as he glanced at Gu Hongyi, unable to stop himself from grinning as he said, “Don’t you hate those who go through the back door the most?”
He recalled that at the very beginning, Gu Hongyi had been exceedingly unfond of him, because she had been under the impression that he had relied on his relations to become a first class disciple.
Now, this same prideful Gu Hongyi was actually willing to help him pull strings. This was something that Zhou Yuan was extremely surprised by.
Gu Hongyi’s pretty face involuntarily blushed when she heard this. Soon after, she glared daggers at Zhou Yuan as she said, “I’m only doing this out of consideration for the numerous outer mountain disciples who are learning the Ethereal Form technique. Since you have the capability, you are naturally the most suitable person for this role. Why should you be replaced?”
“Furthermore, you’ve promised to help me reach the second level of the Ethereal Form technique. If the right to teach is stripped from you, what will I do?!”
Zhou Yuan began to laugh, his opinion towards Gu Hongyi growing a little more favorable. However, he waved his hand and said, “Thank you for your good intentions, but it will be best for me to resolve this matter myself.”
If her were to rely on Gu Hongyi’s connections, it would surely affect her reputation once word of it spread.
A mere Zhu Yue did not have the qualifications to force him to rely on a girl’s connections.
Gu Hongyi softly snorted. “I’ll see how long you can continue to be stubborn.”
Though her mouth said so, she gave a tiny sigh of relief in her heart. Though she could empathize if Zhou Yuan had agreed, she would likely also be disappointed.
The young man before her may seem quite kind and good looking when he smiled, but the pride inside his bones did not lose to anyone else.
“Then you’d better train hard. I do want to see how far you can push the Ethereal Form technique during these few days…”
With a twist of her tiny waist, Gu Hongyi turned around, her red figure akin to an escaping bundle of fire.
...
Five days gradually passed under the expectant gazes of the many outer mountain disciples.
On the morning of the fifth day, a ray of sunlight broke through the thick layers of clouds, shining on the unbroken mountain range. The outer mountains that had been silent for a night suddenly began to burst into activity and noise at this moment.
Countless figures rose into the sky on their Genesis Qi, heading towards a certain giant mountain.
Before one of the houses, a fully dressed Zhu Yue walked out the door, where Zhu Feng was already waiting.
Zhu Feng looked towards Zhu Yue, who was in glowing spirits, and said, “Elder brother, we’ll finally be able to resolve all of our grievances today.”
Zhu Yue’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes narrowing slightly as he gazed towards a certain creek in the outer mountains. In the end, a sneer of contempt appeared from the corners of his mouth as he rose into the sky with a stomp.
“Let’s go. After today, I’ll make it such that Zhou Yuan will no longer dare to utter the three words Ethereal Form technique!”
Chapter 243 Ethereal Form Technique Match on the Green Mountain
A majestic, lush mountain stood amongst the mountain range of the outer mountains.
Today, a seemingly endless stream of Genesis Qi light figures descended from the sky at the foot of this verdant mountain, breaking its peace and serenity by filling the area with excitement and noise.
Today was the day of the match between Zhou Yuan and Zhu Yue, and the venue was this very mountain.
This was why it had become the focal point of the outer mountains.
After all, there had never been a competition between an outer mountain disciple and an inner mountain disciple for so many years… hence, even a mere Genesis technique based match had managed to draw everyone’s eyes.
A dozen or so figures descended from the sky, landing just outside the green mountain. They immediately drew gaze after gaze filled with respect, because the one that led them was Lu Feng, dressed in his usual white clothes.
There was no one who did not know Lu Feng’s name in the outer mountains. Everyone acknowledged him as the strongest amongst this batch of outer mountain disciples. One could imagine how great his prospects were for the future even in a place like the Cangxuan Sect.
The one at Lu Feng’s side wearing blue robes also drew everyone’s attention. The fact that Yang Xiu was able to be ranked third amongst the ten great outer mountain disciples was enough to show his strength and talent.
The group of them basically stood at the peak of the outer mountain disciples. Hence why numerous other mountain disciple cast respectful gazes over at their arrival.
In response to these gazes, Lu Feng’s expression remained apathetic. His eyes scanned the area, eventually coming to a stop nearby.
It was where Gu Hongyi and Han Qiushui were standing shoulder to shoulder. Both young ladies had slender, sexy figures that could stir the soul, drawing quite a number of gazes towards them.
Han Qiushui nudged Gu Hongyi slender waist and said, “Hey, Lu Feng’s looking at us.”
Gu Hongyi glared at her, before sweeping a cold gaze at Lu Feng. Upon seeing her look over, a gentle smile appeared on the latter’s cold, prideful and handsome face.
A glance was all Gu Hongyi took before withdrawing her gaze, frowning slightly as she looked towards a certain direction.
Time slowly flowed as more and more disciples arrived, causing the place to turn increasingly lively.
Swish!
All of a sudden, two streams of light descended from the sky, landing at the foot of the mountain. The appearance of these two figures instantly drew countless gazes, because the one in front was one of the main actors for today, Zhu Yue.
Zhu Yue stood with his hands behind his back, his expression indifferent.
Not long after Zhu Yue’s appearance, the sound of rushing wind was heard. The crowd watched as Zhou Yuan and Yaoyao flew over, also landing at the foot of the mountain.
Now that the two leads were here, the atmosphere immediately heated up.
A cloud of Genesis Qi drifted over in the sky, Chen Yuan seated atop it. He beamed as he looked towards Zhou Yuan and Zhu Yue, an indescribable luster in his eyes as he said, “The both of you should already know that the loser of this match will lose the right to teach other disciples the Ethereal Form technique.”
“Do either of you have any objections?”
Zhu Yue shot an ic
y look at Zhou Yuan and said, “No objections.”
Zhou Yuan sneered in his heart. These two had secretly came up with this competition without informing him nor asking for his opinion. Asking such a question now was truly a joke.
Hence, he merely swept a glance at Chen Yuan, ignoring the question.
Upon seeing this, Chen Yuan chuckled softly as he secretly remarked to himself, “Arrogant brat, I’ll be waiting to see you cry later.”
Hence, he spoke again, “I shall oversee this match.”
“I believe it will be better for me to oversee it instead.” Just as his voice faded however, an elderly voice interjected.
Chen Yuan frowned, a stern gaze immediately turning towards the direction where the voice had come from. “Who dares…”
Before he could finish however, his words froze at his mouth. He had seen an elder in gray seated on a tree nearby wearing a nonchalant expression.
“Elder Zong Ming!” Chen Yuan’s rigid face stretched to form a smile as he hurriedly cupped his hands together. “Why didn’t elder inform me so I can come and receive you.”
*Uproar*
The surrounding mountain forests broke out into waves of noise. Amazement in the eyes of numerous outer mountain disciples as they looked towards the elder in gray. The most senior person they had seen since coming to the outer mountains had been Chen Yuan.
They had of course heard that there were two elders in the outer mountains, but the likes of them did not have the qualifications to meet such individuals. Who could have expected one of the elders would voluntarily show himself, and even oversee the match between two disciples.
The elder in gray glanced at Chen Yuan and said in an indifferent voice, “If I still did not appear, you might have forgotten that there’s someone above you.”
Cold sweat appeared on Chen Yuan’s head. His lips moved, but he did not dare to say anything.
Elder Zong Ming did not elaborate in front of the numerous disciples, but merely said, “I shall oversee this match. Do you have any complaints?”
Chen Yuan hurriedly said, “I won’t dare. Having elder oversee the match is naturally the most fair choice.”
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 134