While the numerous disciples were practically drowning in envy, the Sword Cometh Peak master Ling Jun chuckled softly, an unknown look in his eyes as he looked towards Zhou Yuan and said, “Zhou Yuan, if you enter my Sword Cometh Peak, you will receive the same treatment as the Snow Lotus Peak.”
Lu Xuanyin could not help but tightly clench her jaw when she heard this, but did not dare to interject. The only thing she could do was send hateful and angry glared at Zhou Yuan.
All of this should have originally belonged to Lu Feng.
But now, it had been taken away by a filthy peasant.
Zhou Yuan was slightly stunned as he glanced at peak master Ling Jun. He was naturally aware of Lu Feng’s close ties to the Sword Cometh Peak, and his defeat of the latter to obtain first place could from a certain point of view be akin to humiliating peak master Ling Jun.
Hence why he was quite surprised by the former’s words.
However, the current situation had become quite a headache.
At this moment, a cold and stern voice suddenly rang out, “Sect master and my fellow peak masters, Though it is gratifying that all of you love talent, do not break the rules. The resources of the sect are to be exchanged via contribution. Carelessly gifting resources away is an infringement.”
His voice seemed to rumble like thunder as it boomed across the area.
Zhou Yuan looked over. The one who had spoken was the one who had stayed silent since the beginning, peak master Lei Jun of the Thunder Prison Peak.
This peak master was the most senior person in the Cangxuan Sect. Hence, even sect master Qing Yang faintly nodded at his words and said, “Peak master Lei Jun is right. Everything shall be done in accordance to the rules.”
Peak master Liu Lianyi and the rest said no more after hearing this.
Sect master Qing Yang looked towards Zhou Yuan and slowly said, “Zhou Yuan, as the champion of the ceremony, you have the right to select your peak. Go ahead.”
Zhou Yuan’s expression trembled slightly as he acknowledged, before falling silent for a moment. His gaze turned to a stone platform in the distance and met with Yaoyao’s.
Every gaze in the area was gathered on his body.
Zhou Yuan took in a deep breath and looked towards sect master Qing Yang and the rest as he said in a deep voice, “This disciple wants to enter the Saint Genesis Peak.”
After all, he had been directed to the Cangxuan Sect by patriarch Cang Xuan to obtain the second Saint Rune hidden in the Saint Genesis Peak.
Zhou Yuan’s words immediately made everyone’s eyes widen.
Even sect master Qing Yang, peak master Liu Lianyi and the rest were taken aback, shocked as they looked towards Zhou Yuan. This was evidently out of their expectations.
Even the quiet Thunder Prison Peak master Lei Jun raised his head and cast his cold and stern gaze over.
Sect master Qing Yang was silent for a while, before he slowly said, “Zhou Yuan, you should know that Saint Genesis Peak was where our teacher secluded himself. However, following teacher’s death, most of the areas in Saint Genesis Peak were sealed. It currently has no peak master, and is managed by several elders. Over the years, very few disciples would choose Saint Genesis Peak.”
“In fact, not a single one of our Cangxuan Sect’s ten great Chosen comes from Saint Genesis Peak.”
“So why do you wish to choose it?”
Under the gazes of the hegemons, Zhou Yuan cupped his fists together and answered, “I was able to come to the Cangxuan Sect because I obtained the patriarch’s Saint blood baptism in the Saint Remains Domain. I owe the patriarch a debt of gratitude, and although I dare not say I will make it flourish, I hope to enter Saint Genesis Peak such that I may do my best to stop its decline. This is the only thing I can do to repay the patriarch.”
His gaze was slightly lowered. The secret of the Saint Runes was related to the Cangxuan Saint Stamp, a true god-tier artifact whose implications were far too great. Hence, patriarch Cang Xuan had repeatedly warned him that he could not reveal this secret.
Therefore, Zhou Yuan was naturally not going to divulge the information that the second Saint Rune was hidden in the Saint Genesis Peak.
Most importantly, patriarch Cang Xuan suspected that his death may be related to the inner department of the Cangxuan Sect. As such, it was even more crucial that Zhou Yuan did not reveal anything. If the patriarch’s suspicious turned out to be true, Zhou Yuan would not be able to ensure his safety.
Thus, he needed an extremely good excuse to enter Saint Genesis Peak.
Zhou Yuan’s words immediately caused the gazes of sect master Qing Yang, peak master Liu Lianyi and the rest to ease slightly. Patriarch Cang Xuan was their deeply respected teacher after all. Although they felt Zhou Yuan’s words of repaying his debt of gratitude were rather immature, it exactly why he still had the naive character of a youth.
A regretful look appeared in peak master Liu Lianyi’s eyes, her gaze turning even gentler as she looked towards Zhou Yuan and said, “Since you have this wish, go ahead and do what your heart wants. If there is anything you do not understand in the future, you may seek instruction from my Snow Lotus Peak.”
Zhou Yuan hastily thanked her in a respectful manner. He could feel that peak master Lianyi was filled with kind intentions.
Sect master Qing Yang also nodded. “Since that is your choice, I can only fulfil it. From now onwards, you will be part of Saint Genesis Peak.”
Zhou Yuan breathed a sigh of relief inside his heart as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He had finally succeeded.
After he entered, he would find a chance to search for the second Saint Rune.
Chapter 278 Reward
Zhou Yuan’s ultimate choice of the Saint Genesis Peak was an outcome that undoubtedly surpassed everyone’s expectations. After all, although Saint Genesis Peak was of amazing origins, and was said to be the place where the founder secluded himself for cultivation, at the end of the day, patriarch Cang Xuan was already dead.
The main peak of the Saint Remains Peak had been sealed when patriarch Cang Xuan died. As a result, no new peak master had been appointed till now, leaving only three elders to manage it.
These along with various other reasons led to the decline of Saint Genesis Peak, causing less and less disciples to choose it. Currently, not a single one of the Cangxuan Sect’s ten great Chosens were from Saint Genesis Peak. From this, one could see the pitiful state of Genesis Saint Peak.
Under such circumstances, Zhou Yuan choice clearly baffled many people.
While confused, they were also secretly glad. Given the capabilities he had displayed, he would definitely begin to spread his wings and soar if he entered any of the other six peaks, and in several years very likely become known as the figurehead of this batch of disciples.
Since Zhou Yuan had now given up on the six peaks and headed for the Saint Genesis Peak instead, it would undoubtedly delay his progress, giving other disciples the chance to catch up and even surpass him.
Beside peak master Ling Jun, Lu Xuanyin was also stunned by Zhou Yuan’s choice. Soon after, wild joy flitted across her eyes.
“Zhou Yuan ah Zhou Yuan, I never imagined that you would actually choose the Saint Genesis Peak. It seems that even the heavens do not favor you!”
Lu Xuanyin tightly clenched her hands, joy nearly spilling from her eyes. There used to be a senior member of their Lu clan who occupied one of an important elder position in the Sword Cometh Peak. Some time ago, this elder just so happened to be dispatched to the Saint Genesis Peak by peak master Ling Jun. Therefore, one of the three elders of the Saint Genesis Peak was that senior member of their Lu clan.
Wasn’t Zhou Yuan’s selection of the Saint Genesis Peak akin to throwing himself into their nets?
“Zhou Yuan, you snatched away Lu Feng’s first place, a grudge that we will naturally properly settle in the future!”
“So what if you’re the champion of the ceremony, you will ultim
ately regret offending our Lu clan.” Lu Xuanyin icily chuckled inside, finally feeling as if all the pent up frustration from earlier had been released.
On the Genesis Qi clodus, sect master Qing Yang looked towards Zhou Yuan again and said, “As the champion, you have other rewards.”
With a wave of his sleeve, a glowing bundle descended from the sky, transforming into an old looking book. It was as if a sun was rising on the old book, giving off an extremely scorching aura that slightly distorted the surrounding space.
“This is known as the Heavenly Sun God Record, a low grade Heaven Genesis technique.”
These words immediately drew countless gasps, envious gaze after gaze practically glowing as they gazed at the floating old book in front of Zhou Yuan.
It was a real Heaven Genesis technique!
One must know that even in the Shengzhou Continent, a low grade Heaven Genesis technique was an ultimate treasure to the many factions, and would oftentimes be the cause of countless bitter struggles.
Zhou Yuan’s mouth was also a little dry, his eyes unable to pull themselves away from the old book before him. This was a true-blue Heaven Genesis technique. One must know that he had never caught a glimpse of such a technique even in the Saint Remains Domain.
Although he had learnt several little Heaven Genesis techniques, even the Nine Dragons Canon was far from being able to match this Heavenly Sun God Record.
It was said that one could exchange Genesis jade for a Heaven Genesis technique in the inner mountains Hidden Scriptures House. However, the amount needed was far too enormous, likely reaching the tens of thousands. It would take many disciples working hard for an extremely long time in order to earn enough for one.
“Thank you sect master.”
Zhou Yuan bowed, before very carefully receiving the old book and keeping it into his Universe bag with a gleeful look on his face.
Sect master Qing Yang chuckled. ‘There is still one more prize for this batch’s champion, the Genesis Marrow Baptism. With regards to this matter, a slot will be bestowed to you after entering Saint Genesis Mountain.”
Zhou Yuan nodded, part curiosity, part anticipation in his heart. It was said that only the purple sash disciples were able to enjoy the Genesis Marrow Baptism, which was extremely beneficial to one’s cultivation.
After settling things on Zhou Yuan’s side, sect master Qing Yang finally turned towards the other top ten disciples and said, “All of the other top ten also have the right to choose their own peaks.”
It was exactly as Zhou Yuan had declared previously, including himself, six of the top ten spots had been occupied by non Shengzhou disciples.
Song Wanxi, Zhao Kun and Qiao Xiu had managed to defeat their opponents.
All of the top ten disciples were clearly already prepared to select their peaks, and swiftly vocalised their decisions one after another.
Gu Hongyi chose the Cangxuan Peak, Song Wanxi the Snow Lotus Peak, while Qiao Xiu and Zhao Kun both picked the Hongya Peak. As for the rest, they were basically split such that each of the six peaks had at least one person joining.
When it came to Yaoyao’s turn however, before she could speak, the white brow elder from the Spirit Rune Peak cut in, “Little girl, your Genesis Rune talent is the best amongst everyone I’ve seen over the years. If you join my Spirit Rune Peak, in the future... I may perhaps pass down my position as peak master to you.”
His words not only stupefied every disciple, but even sect master Qing Yang and the rest looked towards him in shock.
The white brow elder ignored their gazes, his glowing eyes gazing at Yaoyao. The emotions currently present within them had not appeared even when he was facing Zhou Yuan earlier.
The truth was that the white brow elder had been focusing on Yaoyao ever since she ascended a platform. He had already found out from Zong Ming about her Genesis Rune talent, and had thus paid special attention to her in secret. He discovered the way she set-up her Genesis Runes had the makings of a grandmaster, allowing him to understand how terrifyingly amazing her talent was.
For someone like Yaoyao, once her Spirit cultivation caught up in the future, she would have unlimited prospects in the path of Genesis Runes, and perhaps even surpass himself.
The Thunder Prison Peak master Lei Jun slowly said, “Peak master white brow… your actions are a little inappropriate.”
However, the white brow elder did not back down after peak master Lei Jun’s words this time. The former shook his head instead as he firmly said, “Peak master Lei Jun, as the peak master of Spirit Rune Peak, I have the right to decide my successor.”
Peak master Lei Jun fell silent. He too never expected the white brow elder to place such importance in this young lady. Thus, he spoke no further, because it was as the white brow elder had said, he did have the right.
Sect master Qing Yang and the rest exchanged a look, but did not say anything. They could tell that the girl called Zhou Xiaoyao possessed amazing Genesis Rune talent. For some unknown reason, however, there were barely any Genesis Qi undulations in her body. Hence, it would be best for her to enter Spirit Rune Peak.
Lu Xuanyin’s eyes turned red with envy when she saw this. The value the white brow elder saw in Yaoyao far surpassed Zhou Yuan. In fact, the promise the white hair elder made was practically unheard of.
If Yaoyao really ended up choosing Spirit Rune Peak, won’t that mean she could become its peak master in the future? How high of a status would that be?
At this thought, the blaze of envy in Lu Xuanyin’s heart was already nearly about to burn her alive from the inside.
However, contrary to everyone’s expectations, Yaoyao’s slightly glowing drop dead gorgeous face remained calm from start to end, even in the face of the impossible to reject promise from the white brow elder.
In the end, she shook her head and pointed towards Zhou Yuan. “I do not want to be separated from him, so I will also be joining the Saint Genesis Peak.”
Zhou Yuan immediately saw countless fire-spitting gazes shoot towards him, as if wanting to burn him alive.
Chapter 279 End of the Ceremony
Innumerable fire-spitting gazes converged on Zhou Yuan’s body, anger boiling within them.
After all, anyone would feel a stab of pain in their heart when they heard a girl as beautiful as Yaoyao say such words for a guy, why wasn’t it them instead...
Amongst all the gazes, the most piercing one naturally belonged to the white brow elder.
His burning gaze was fixed on Zhou Yuan, the original miserable look on his face had been replaced by a faintly fuming one.
Over the years, this was the first time he had seen someone with such outstanding Genesis Rune talent. Even when compared to Zhou Yuan, there was undoubtedly a vast difference.
Such talent had made ripples appear in the white brow elder’s calm as an ancient well like heart.
In his eyes, Yaoyao was akin to a perfect, but unpolished gem. Only through proper training would she reach the pinnacle of Genesis Runes in the future, and likely even surpass himself.
Therefore, when he heard that Yaoyao had actually rejected him because she did not want to be separated from Zhou Yuan, it was very difficult to swallow.
As such, even though he had a very favorable opinion of Zhou Yuan just moments ago, the latter had now become somewhat of an eyesore!
In response to the countless fire-spitting gazes, Zhou Yuan felt rather awkward, not knowing what to say.
He naturally knew that this was an excuse Yaoyao had come up with, but why could she not give an excuse that was easier for others to accept? This current one was basically dragging him through the mud.
The white brow elder viciously glared at Zhou Yuan several times, before turning back to Yaoyao as he said in a kind and friendly manner, “Little girl, my Spirit Rune Peak has countless old Genesis Rune texts, and an abundance of other similar resources. Even in the entire Cangxuan Sect, there’s no other place that has a collection as grand as ours.�
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“If you join us, all of them can be browsed by you at any time.”
The white brow elder had found out about Yaoyao’s fondness for Genesis Rune books from elder Zong Ming, especially those from long long ago. Hence, he threw out this carrot, hoping it would change her mind.
His words had indeed caused Yaoyao’s heart to shake a little. However, after some thought, she still regretfully shook her head.
She was a little worried about leaving Zhou Yuan in Saint Genesis Peak alone. After all, his goal was the second Saint Rune hidden in Saint Genesis Peak. If some accident were to occur while she was not around, it would be extremely dangerous for him.
The white brow elder tried to persuade with sincere advice, “Little girl, if you go to Saint Genesis Peak, there will be no one to teach you Genesis Runes. It will only be a waste of your talent.”
Yaoyao chuckled softly. She had followed at Cang Yuan’s side for so many years, and had already received the true essence of his teachings. She was currently only limited by her Spirit cultivation. If her Spirit was powerful enough, she was confident that only a few individuals in the Cangxuan Sect would be able to surpass her in Genesis Runes.
The white brow elder’s face regained its miserable look after the repeated rejections. This was likely the first time he encountered someone who showed nearly no interest in their Spirit Rune Peak.
Sect master Qing Yang and the rest exchanged a look, every individual helpless. Zhou Xiaoyao was even more a character than Zhou Yuan.
Sect master Qing Yang could not help but open his mouth to speak when he saw the white brow elder’s appearance, “How about this, you can stay in Saint Genesis Peak, and when you have time, you may go to Spirit Rune Peak to let peak master white brow give you guidance in your Genesis Rune cultivation. In addition, you may freely browse the many Genesis Rune texts in Spirit Rune Peak. How does this sound?”
The white brow elder hesitated for a moment, before he nodded and said, “Sect master’s suggestion will work too.”
He felt that it would be better to first get this little girl on the hook first. When she gradually became a grandmaster of Genesis Runes in the future, she would naturally remember the kindness he had shown.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 153