By that time, it would not be too late to discuss other matters.
Yaoyao was somewhat surprised, likely not expecting that they would value her so greatly. She fell into thought for some time, feeling that the other party was truly sincere. If she kept rejecting again and again, it would indeed be a little disrespectful. After all, she and Zhou Yuan were currently both disciples of the Cangxuan Sect.
From the looks of it, their stay here would not be short.
Therefore, she ultimately gave a slight nod and said, “If I have any free time in the future, I will seek guidance at the Spirit Rune Peak.”
Upon seeing that she had finally agreed, the white brow elder breathed a sigh of relief as if a load had been lifted from his shoulders. The pained look on his face had receded substantially, now brightened by a smile instead.
Only now did the numerous disciples understand after seeing this scene. Zhou Xiaoyao was the one who had concealed her talents the best amongst this batch of outer mountain disciples.
All of them had fought tooth and nail for the right to enter the seven peaks. In comparison, she was so popular that she had even been able to reject even peak master white brow’s personal invitation.
Compared to her, even the champion of the ceremony, Zhou Yuan, felt rather lacking.
Now that the top ten disciples had chosen their peaks, sect master Qing Yang turned his head and gave a slight nod to the other five hegemons.
Rumble!
In the next instant, the six hegemons acted at the same time. Vast Genesis Qi soared into the sky, transforming into a sea of different colored lights. When one took a closer look, one would realise that there were exactly six colors, each representing one of the six peaks.
These specks of light began to fall, ultimately landing between the brows of the over 9000 disciples.
As such, all of the disciples were now allocated.
However, none of these disciples had the right to choose, and were instead forcibly divided by sect master Qing Yang and the rest. However, none of these disciples were unhappy with such treatment. After all, there were still several tens of thousands of disciples that did not even obtain the qualifications to enter the inner mountains.
In a short time of about half an incense stick, every disciple had been allocated, causing the entire mountain to be filled with excited voices.
The outer mountain disciples that had failed to obtain a spot were clearly saddened. They knew that they would have to continue staying in the outer mountains to train. They could still enter the inner mountains if they managed to reach the fourth layer Alpha-Origin stage within a certain time period.
However, they knew that by the time that happened, they would have already lost the initiative. Even if they entered the inner mountains, they would have fallen behind the nearly ten thousand disciples that had succeeded today.
Moreover, priority would be given to the earlier disciples for numerous cultivation resources.
This was the so-called, once one fell a step behind, one would always be a step behind.
To catch up and even surpass them, a tremendous amount of effort and luck would be required.
As such, there were those who were overjoyed, and those who cried, all kinds of emotions present in the air.
Sect master Qing Ying looked down as his powerful voice rang in every disciple’s ears.
“In three days, someone will come to receive all of you.”
“Starting today, all of you 9999 disciples will become inner mountain disciples of the Cangxuan Sect. I hope that you will continue to strive in your cultivation after entering the inner mountains and not slack off.”
“Disciples understand.”
The numerous disciples respectfully acknowledged.
Sect master Qing Yang nodded. In the sky, the vast Genesis Qi clouds rippled before gradually disappearing along with the six hegemons.
After the departure of the hegemons, everyone burst out into deafening cheers. The peak selection ceremony that decided their futures had finally reached its end.
Zhou Yuan raised his head amongst the cheers that filled the sky, gazing into the distance as a dazzling radiance emerged from the depths of his eyes.
Saint Genesis Peak...
He was really quite looking forward to it.
He too knew that only by becoming an inner mountain disciple would he truly be considered to have stepped into the grand doors of the Cangxuan Sect.
Chapter 280 Chosens Peak
Three days swiftly passed under the expectant gazes of the disciples.
On the giant plaza, several thousand disciples were gathered like a giant black mass that was boiling with noise. The face of every disciple present was filled with nervousness and excitement.
Today was the day they stepped into the inner mountains.
Zhou Yuan and Yaoyao stood within the crowd, Qiao Xiu, Zhao Kun, Song Wanxi, Shen Wanjin and numerous other disciples crowding around them. The gaze of any disciple that looked over was tinged with deep respect.
The peak selection ceremony three days ago had already taught them who had best concealed their abilities in this batch of outer mountain disciples...
Zhou Yuan sighed faintly when he saw these gazes. Three months ago, they had been in this very same place. However, no one paid them any attention back then, and were even openly laughing at him due to his first class disciple status.
No one would have imagined that the young man they laughed at back then would become so dazzling in the peak selection ceremony three months later such that no one dared to even look directly at him.
Zhao Kun patted his chest and boldly declared, “Young brother Yuan, if there’s anything you require in the inner mountains in the future, just call us and we will surely come to help.”
The others sincerely nodded in agreement, gratitude in their gazes when they looked towards Zhou Yuan. The fact that they were able to enter the top ten was undoubtedly due to his help.
Zhou Yuan merely smiled in response.
Qiao Xiu regretfully said, “But why did young brother Yuan choose the Saint Genesis Peak? Many disciples would avoid it if they could.”
Zhou Yuan chuckled, but did not explain. He knew that many people felt his choice to be very illogical, but he could not possibly tell them he was doing for a Saint Rune, right?
While they were conversing, seven streaks of light suddenly appeared from the horizon, transforming into seven Genesis Qi clouds that ultimately arrived above the plaza.
When the Genesis Qi clouds came to a stop, the numerous disciples discovered seven figure standing atop them.
Powerful Genesis Qi pressure spread from their bodies, immediately causing the bustling plaza to fall silent.
The seven figures swept their gazes across the plaza as a powerful voice sounded, “We are the envoys from the seven peaks that have been sent to receive you. If you are ready, follow us into the inner mountains.”
*Uproar*.
Excitement buzzed in the numerous disciples on the plaza again, the disciples no longer able to restrain their voices.
The seven envoys merely chuckled upon seeing this, taking no action to silence them. They too had after all experienced the same thing many years ago, and knew how excited and overwhelmed these young men and women were.
The seven waved their sleeves as surging Genesis Qi whizzed out. Genesis Qi rose from the plaza, transforming into clouds that carried all the disciples into the sky.
Clouds swept across the horizon while the numerous disciples excitedly watched the mountains rapidly pass by under their feet.
The journey lasted for an entire incense stick of time, before the many disciples felt their speed began to slow.
“Are we here?” The disciples hurriedly looked to their front.
However, they were soon stunned, because the scene before them was still the same endless mountain ranges, no sign of the so-called inner mountains.
Yaoyao carried Tuntun as her clear eyes squinte
d slightly for a moment. She observed the space before them as she mumbled to herself, “What an amazing Genesis Rune boundary, I can’t believe a subspace can be created…”
The moment her words faded, Zhou Yuan saw Genesis Qi rise from the sleeves of the seven envoys. Seven streams of Genesis Qi interweaved, seemingly forming a seal of sorts that slowly fused into the space to their front.
Next, the numerous disciples watched in shock as the space before them began to ripple, before slowly tearing open.
Whoosh!
In that instant, it was as if boundless Genesis Qi spouted out from within as the world before their eyes began to change...
The originally empty land was now filled with countless flying creatures, the calls of birds ringing across the area.
Majestic mountain after mountain rose from the ground, thrusting straight into the clouds.
Magnificent waterfalls poured down these giant peaks like silver rivers, the thundering of crashing water filling the ears.
There were even giant Genesis Qi clouds floating in the sky. On the clouds stood numerous halls and other buildings, while uncountable glowing figures whizzed across the sky on their Genesis Qi.
It was practically a picture of a grand celestial palace.
The numerous disciples were dumbstruck as they stared at the heavenly scene before their eyes.
The seven envoys chuckled as they gazed at the shocked disciples. With a wave of their sleeves, the Genesis Qi clouds carrying them flew into the crack.
Once they were in, everyone felt rich Genesis Qi flood towards them, causing calmness to wash over their hearts, while the Genesis Qi in their bodies growing more lively.
The concentration and abundance of Genesis Qi here was evidently greater than the outer mountains.
“Eh, what is that?”
A disturbance suddenly rose, and Zhou Yuan followed the voices and lifted his head to look into the distance. What he saw was a towering peak standing on a thick layer of Genesis Qi clouds in the sky.
On the mountain a wall that was as smooth as a mirror and flickered dazzlingly. At the top of the wall were two giant golden words that seemed to give off a mighty aura, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Chosens Peak!”
There was feverish look in the eyes of some disciples as they cried out in surprise, “Is this the Chosens Peak?!”
Even more individuals curiously asked, “What is the Chosens Peak?”
“In our Cangxuan Sect, every generation of disciples will compete to determine the ten strongest individuals, and these ten are known as the Cangxuan Sect’s ten great Chosen, the ones that stand at the apex of all the disciples.”
“To encourage the other disciples, the Cangxuan Sect established the Chosens Peak, and inscribed the names of the ten Chosen upon it such that they may enjoy the respect and admiration of numerous disciples.”
“It can be said that becoming one of the ten great Chosen and leaving one’s name on the Chosens Peak is the ultimate dream that every Cangxuan disciple chases.”
The many disciples gasped when they heard this, before their gazes turned towards the Chosens Peak with respect.
Zhou Yuan also looked towards the smooth wall in wonder.
His gaze moved from bottom to top.
“Zhao Zhu, ranked tenth, Sword Cometh Peak.”
“Ye Ge, ranked ninth, Spirit Rune Peak.”
“…”
Zhou Yuan’s gaze moved past them one by one. He could feel the heaviness seemingly contained within each name, making no one dare to underestimate them.
“Shang Chunqiu, ranked fourth, Hongya Peak.”
“Li Qingchan, ranked third, Snow Lotus Peak.”
“Kong Sheng, ranked second, Sword Cometh Peak.”
“Chu Qing, ranked first, Cangxuan Peak.”
The numerous disciples were absolutely silent, respect in their burning gazes as they stared at the ten names that had been carved into the wall.
Zhou Yuan’s eyes also flickered. He knew that these ten individuals were the most outstanding amongst this generation.
However, he found that not a single person was from Saint Genesis Peak...
He awkwardly scratched his head and laughed helplessly.
It seems that Saint Genesis Peak was indeed a little pitiful...
Chapter 281 Caretaker of the Mountain
The Chosens Peak stood within the clouds, shining brilliantly as it drew respectful gazes from numerous disciples.
They knew that the ten disciples who had left their names on the Chosens Peak were definitely existences that stood at the pinnacle of this generation. In other words, they were akin to kings amongst the innumerable Cangxuan disciples that looked down at everyone from the peak.
Envy was present in the eyes of countless disciples, hoping that they would one day get to experience the same thing. What kind of scenery would greet their eyes if they could one day leave their names on the Chosens Peak?
However, their rationality allowed them to understand that reaching it would require a tremendous amount of effort and luck.
Currently, besides the top ten of the ceremony, every other disciple was an ordinary inner mountain black sash disciple. In front of them, stood the gold and purple sash disciples.
As for the ten great Chosen, only the most talented and outstanding purple sash disciples would be able to compete for such a title. In fact, some of the slightly weaker purple sash disciples may not even have the courage.
From this, one could see how great of a distance there was between them and the ten great Chosen, a gap akin to the mud on the ground and the clouds in the sky.
Recently promoted inner mountain disciples like them basically did not even have the qualifications to come into contact with the ten great Chosen, because they were on completely different levels...
While the numerous disciples sighed, the seven envoys suddenly took action. The Genesis Qi cloud immediately split into seven separate pieces...
“We will not bring you guys to the peaks you belong to, this is where you shall part ways for the time being.”
Upon hearing the seven envoys’ words, the disciples hurriedly began to say their goodbyes to their friends and companions. For a time, the atmosphere was exceptionally busy and warm.
Zhou Yuan looked around. Qiao Xiu, Zhao Kun, Song Wanxi and the rest had already split up, but there still one familiar figure following him.
It was the fatty Shen Wanjin.
Compared to the other six peaks, the disciples entering Saint Genesis Peak seemed pitifully few in number, merely amounting to a few hundred individuals. This was already after sect master Qing Yang had given some consideration for Saint Genesis Peak, and forcibly allocated some of the disciples to it. If not, even less disciples would have selected Saint Genesis Peak.
As for Shen Wanjin, he was one of the disciples that had been forcibly allocated.
However, compared to the bitter faces on the other disciples, Shen Wanjin was beaming happily, as if not the least bit disappointed.
Zhou Yuan could not help but smile as he asked, “Aren’t you disappointed?”
Shen Wanjin’s smile turned to one of flattery as he replied, “I have a feeling that if I follow little Yuan bro, even if Saint Genesis Peak collapses, you’ll still thrive well! Thus, I will follow you wherever you go!”
He then looked towards Yaoyao and said, “Moreover, isn’t there also boss sister Xiaoyao?”
Zhou Yuan could not hold back his laughter. This fellow was really planning on depending on him till the end.”
However, he did not say anything with regards to this. He felt Shen Wanjin was a pretty decent person, and they could watch each other’s backs since they were both going to Saint Genesis Peak.
“That’s right, little Yuan bro, junior sister Gu Hongyi asked me to pass you this letter.” Shen Wanjin suddenly fished out a rolled up parchment.
Zhou Yuan was stunned. He received it and opened it, revealing the graceful words wr
itten upon it.
“Be careful of Lu Hong.”
“Lu Hong?” Zhou Yuan frowned a little. He had found out three days ago that one of the three elders of Saint Genesis Peak was called Lu Hong.
But why had Gu Hongyi warned him about the former?
Zhou Yuan’s gaze flickered, and eventually pieced the puzzle together.
“Lu… could he be from the Lu clan of Lu Feng and Lu Xuanyin?”
He had indeed previously heard Lu Feng mention a senior member of the Lu clan was a high ranking elder of Sword Cometh Peak. But wasn’t this Saint Genesis Peak?
He raised his head and looked towards another Genesis Qi cloud in the distance where Gu Hongyi was located. The latter winked at him upon sensing his gaze.
Zhou Yuan gave a slight nod, indicating his thanks.
At this moment, the seven envoys waved their sleeves, causing the Genesis Qi clouds to move, flying towards several different locations in the inner mountains of the Cangxuan Sect.
The envoy from Saint Genesis Peak landed in front of Zhou Yuan and the rest. He appeared to a middle-aged and good-natured person, smiling as he said to everyone, “I am the one of the stewards of Saint Genesis Peak’s ushering office. You may address me as steward Fang Zhen.”
The numerous disciples hurriedly greeted him.
“I’ll be bringing you guys to Saint Genesis Peak.” Fang Zhen waved his hand, and the cloud rose, carrying the many disciples as it disappeared into the distance.
The Genesis Qi cloud flew past countless ancient palaces in the clouds, the many mountains hiding amongst them. Streaks of light would shoot past one after another, most of them youthful figures. However, every single one possessed powerful Genesis Qi, either black or gold sashes tied around their waists...
Compared to the outer mountains, the inner mountains truly revealed the foundations of the Cangxuan Sect.
Half an incense stick of time later, Fang Zhen gradually dropped their speed. Zhou Yuan and the rest lifted their heads at this moment, and saw an unbroken mountain range rise into the sky to their front, plunging into the clouds. These mountains were dotted by numerous buildings, a spectacular, majestic sight to behold.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 154