Mysterious undulations spread from between the mountains, making one’s heart beat faster.
“This is Saint Genesis Peak!”
Upon hearing Fang Zhen’s words, the many disciples cast their gazes over, soaking in the sight of the mist covered mountains. It was as if real dragons were hidden within the mists that none of them were able to clearly see through.
However, they were still able to feel the mysterious pressure that spread from inside.
“The main peak of our Saint Genesis Peak was sealed after patriarch Cang Xuan’s death, but in accordance to the rules, I will still bring all of you to the foot of the main peak to pay homage.” Fang Zhen chuckled, before directing the cloud towards the most majestic peak in the mists. It was so tall that they were unable to see its peak as they landed at the bottom.
An old hall sat at the foot of the mountain. When Fang Zhen landed, his expression turned solemn.
The sight of his appearance made the many disciples not dare to make any noise, maintaining the solemn and quiet atmosphere.
In front of the old hall was a stone plaza. The disciples found that it was currently empty, the only presence was a hunched back old man wearing simple hemp clothing slowly sweeping the fallen leaves on it.
When their gazes swept across him, they discovered that there were no Genesis Qi undulations from the old man who faintly trembled as he went about his work. Hence, they paid no further attention to him.
However, when Fang Zhen saw the old man, he solemnly bowed.
The old man did not respond, as if he was deaf and mute.
Fang Zhen turned towards the disciples and said in a low voice, “This senior used to be the patriarch’s servant, and can be considered the one who has followed the patriarch the longest. However, due to his lack of talent, his Genesis Qi cultivation is only at the elementary level.”
“On account of his loyalty, the patriarch gathered numerous previous Genesis resources to synthesize a longevity pill for him, bestowing him long life. On this topic, he is not any less senior than the Thunder Prison Peak master Lei Jun.”
“His character is rather eccentric, and is not fond of wielding power and influence. After the patriarch’s death, he has been staying here at Saint Genesis Peak as its caretaker.”
Fang Zhen sternly said, “Quick, go and greet old Xuan.”
The disciples did not dare to delay, hurriedly bowing towards the old man.
Zhou Yuan also looked towards the old man in amazement. Patriarch Cang Xuan had never told him this information back then. It was likely because that ‘patriarch Cang Xuan’ was only a fraction of his will.
Zhou Yuan’s gaze leaped past the foot of the mountain, following the mountain path as he looked towards the main peak that was concealed by the mists...
The instant he did this, he suddenly felt the ancient Saint Rune hidden in the depths of his pupils seem to tremble slightly for a moment.
Although it was faint, it caused Zhou Yuan’s heart to violently shudder, the emotions in his heart akin to a raging sea.
However, his expression remained calm though the hands inside his sleeves clenched tightly in excitement.
This was the first time he had felt such a reaction from the Decoder Saint Rune. Looks like it was exactly as patriarch Cang Xuan had said, the second Saint Rune was indeed on the main peak!
However, the main peak was currently sealed, so how was he going to enter?
Chapter 282 The Sealed Main Peak
Zhou Yuan’s gaze withdrew from the mysterious mist covered main peak, frowning as he helplessly sighed in his heart.
He was already certain that the second Saint Rune was here, but the problem now was how he was going to enter...
After all, he could not possibly reveal any information about the second Saint Rune. If he did, it would likely bring disaster, because he did not know whether there was any problem with the internal circle of the Cangxuan Sect.
In addition, the Saint Runes were related to the Cangxuan Saint Stamp. Anyone who possessed it would have the chance to become the master of Cangxuan Heaven, an existence that stood above the numerous sects. The temptation to own it was far too great, and Zhou Yuan was currently too weak to safeguard such an object.
Zhou Yuan pondered for a bit, before he suddenly looked towards steward Fang Zheng and asked, “Teacher uncle Fang, when will this main peak of our Saint Genesis Peak be unsealed?”
Fang Zheng was an easy-going person after all, and answered with a smile, “Truthfully speaking, it is not difficult to unseal, one would only require the peak master seal of Saint Gensis Peak to undo the seal.”
“However, the current problem is that we have no peak master. Besides this… the peak master seal was left in the main peak by the patriarch, while the seal over it was personally set-up by the him. The stronger one is, the more likely one would be attacked by the seal.”
“Even sect master Qing Yang does not dare to enter so easily.”
Zhou Yuan’s head began to swell after hearing this.
“Then has our Saint Genesis Peak not considered selecting a peak master?” Zhou Yuan asked another question. Since they could not get a hold of the peak master seal for the time being, they should still at least be able to choose a peak master, right?
The current Saint Genesis Peak was basically without a leader.
Fang Zheng helplessly laughed and said, “According to the rules of our Cangxuan Sect, the peak master seal is the token that signifies the identity of the peak master. Without it, one would not legitimately be recognized. Moreover, the seven peak master seals were personally made by the patriarch, and are also extremely powerful ultimate treasures that possess unlimited power. They can be said to be the ultimate treasure of the Cangxuan Sect.”
“That is why our Saint Genesis Peak needs the Saint Genesis peak master seal in order to select a peak master.”
Not only was Zhou Yuan now speechless, even the other disciples looked to each other with bitter smiles.
To pick a peak master, the peak master seal was required, but the seal had been sealed in the main peak that no one could access. Wasn’t this basically an impossible loop?
“Does sect master and the rest have no way around this?” Zhou Yuan appeared as if he was in extremely concerned for their Saint Genesis Peak.
Fang Zheng was under the impression that Zhou Yuan was worried as a Saint Genesis Peak disciple, causing him to smile and say, “They have thought of a way. The seal on the main peak seems to respond more strongly the stronger someone is, hence why even the combined might of sect master and the other hegemons may not succeed. After trying out various methods, sect master and the rest discovered that the disciples would have a better chance.”
“Thus, sect master and the rest discussed and decided to let the chief disciples of Saint Genesis Peak take on this important task.”
At this point, Fang Zheng smiled bitterly as he shook his head. “However, not a single one has succeeded after so many years.”
“Why?” A disciple could not help but ask.
An awkward look rose on Fang Zheng’s face. He coughed in embarrassment and said, “There is definitely some disparity between our Saint Genesis Peak is and the other six peaks. The chief disciples of the other six peaks are always part of the ten great Chosens, but the chief disciple of our Cangxuan Peak has never been able to reach such heights for many years.”
The expression of the numerous disciples immediately turned somewhat ugly. After beating about the bush for so long, it turns out at the chief disciples from their Saint Genesis Peak was just not strong enough to carry out the important task of retrieving the peak master seal from the main peak.
A feeling of defeat rose in the hearts of the disciples. Saint Genesis Peak was indeed really pathetic. This was not a good home at all.
Upon detecting the gloomy atmosphere, Fang Zheng hastily said, “But you guys need not worry. This problem will soon be resolved.”
The many disciples s
hot puzzled gazes over.
Fang Zheng explained, “The failure of the Saint Genesis Peak chief disciples over the years has also come to the attention of sect master Qing Yang and the rest. Hence, during another discussion, peak master Ling Jun suggested his Sword Cometh Peak send elder Lu Hong and the disciples under him to our Saint Genesis Peak. There are many talented disciples under elder Lu Hong, his first disciple Yuan Hong an outstanding individual even amongst the rest. Even in Sword Cometh Peak that is full of capable individuals, he is strong enough to be ranked third.”
“Although Yuan Hong is not part of the ten great Chosens, he is one of the individuals that has the potential to replace them.”
“So if Yuan Hong is able to become the chief disciple of Saint Genesis Peak after the test in a year, he would be given the chance to enter the main peak to attempt retrieving the peak master seal.”
“Once he succeeds, our Saint Genesis Peak will be able to select a peak master again.”
The numerous disciples looked at each other, the corners of their mouths twitching as an even greater wave of defeat washed over their hearts. So Saint Genesis Peak had been unable to resolve the matter themselves, and ended up having another peak send their disciples over to take their chief disciple position...
This seemed to be a little humiliating.
However, they also understood that it was because the Saint Genesis Peak disciples were no good, and failed to fulfil the important task that had been placed on their shoulders.
When the disciples thought about it, it did seem that elder Lu Hong was quite capable, and their lives may perhaps be better if they could join his group...
While such thoughts swirled in the minds of numerous disciples, Zhou Yuan and Yaoyao exchanged a look and frowned slightly. Wasn’t Lu Hong Lu Feng and Lu Xuanyin’s elder?
Zhou Yuan’s gaze flickered in thought. If the disciples under Lu Hong were allowed to retrieve the peak master seal, wouldn’t Lu Hong make use of this contribution to become the peak master of Saint Genesis Peak?
Although he had yet to meet this Lu Hong character, Zhou Yuan felt that it would not bode well for him if Lu Hong became the Saint Genesis Peak master.
Most importantly, Zhou Yuan did not know whether the former would discover the existence of the second Saint Rune after becoming peak master.
Before confirming whether there was any hidden danger in the Cangxuan Sect, Zhou Yuan felt that it was best that no one found out about the second Saint Rune. In the worst case, not only would he fail to obtain the second Saint Rune, others may even realise that he already had one. No one knew if this would be a blessing or a disaster for him if that happened.
“How troublesome.”
Zhou Yuan could not help but sigh in his heart.
However, there was nothing much he could do for the time being, and could only take things one step at a time. After all, there was still about a year before chief disciple selection came.
Fang Zheng clapped his hands at this moment and said, “Since all of you have paid homage to the main peak, we’ll continue on our way. I’ll bring you guys to meet the three elders where you will choose which elder to follow, and formally become disciples of our Saint Genesis Peak.”
After speaking, he waved his sleeve as a Genesis Qi cloud rose under everyone’s feet, lifting the group into the air again.
As the Genesis Qi cloud rose into the sky, the sweeping hunched elder finally paused and slowly raised his aged face to look at the departing disciples, as a tiny sliver of bewilderment flitted across his murky eyes.
“Why do I sense a faint hint of something familiar…”
He mumbled to himself in a raspy voice.
Chapter 283 Picking an Elder
Saint Genesis Peak. On the slant of a certain mountain was a stone plaza that was currently a boiling cauldron of voices.
Under Fang Zheng’s lead, Zhou Yuan and the numerous other new Saint Genesis Peak disciples were now gathered here, their gazes currently directed to their front with curiosity and respect.
On the tall stage in front of them were three mats on raised pedestals on which three elderly figures sat. Boundless Genesis Qi surged around them like the immeasurable sea, giving off an indescribable pressure.
These three old men were obviously the three elders of Saint Genesis Peak.
“The one in the middle is elder Shen Taiyuan, on the right is elder Lu Song, and on the far left is elder Lu Hong.” Fang Zheng secretly introduced them to the new disciples.
Elder Shen Taiyuan wore black robes and had a cold, stern face that gave off an aura of strictness. Elder Lu Song on the other hand was dressed in blue robes, widely grinning like a smiling buddha.
As for elder Lu Hong, he wore a calm expression that was neither happy nor angry. However, when his uncaring gaze swept past, a flash of sword light would surface, making it such that no one dared to meet his gaze.
Behind these three elders were numerous figures which were likely the disciples of Saint Genesis Peak. On their waists hung black or gold sashes, while every individual gave off a powerful presence.
However, although they were all Saint Genesis disciples, Zhou Yuan could sense a clear distinction between the three groups. The ones of the right and center were still okay, but there was a substantial gap between them and the group on the far left. Moreover, sparks seemed to fly whenever their gazes met, making the atmosphere somewhat uncomfortable.
As for the group on the far left, their presence seemed a little colder and sterner. A sliver of arrogance could be seen in their eyes, contempt occasionally flashing within them when they looked towards the other two groups of disciples.
Although the left group was slightly smaller in number, their presence was the strongest amongst the three.
At the front of each of the three groups stood several remarkable looking figures. On their waists hung purple sashes, clearly marking them as the highest ranked purple sash disciples.
These purple sash disciples were gathered around three figures in particular.
Behind elder Shen was a tall, large youth. He appeared calm and steady, while a determined unyieldingness spread from between his brows. Genesis Qi faintly pulsed around him, making him feel rather imposing.
This individual was called Zhou Tai, and was the eldest disciple under Shen Taiyuan, while also one of the top contenders for the chief disciple position.
Behind elder Lu Song gracefully stood a girl dressed in white. Pretty features adorned her goose egg shaped face that gleamed like jade, her skin white as snow. She also boasted an amazing figure, alarming curves that started from her chest and suddenly sloped inwards at her slender waist.
Many disciples in the vicinity would sneak glances at her rather often.
However, her expression was cold and proud. When the purple sash that curled around her waist was also thrown into the mix, it made many disciples feel inferior in comparison.
Her name was Lu Yan, and was not only elder Lu Song’s eldest disciple, but also his granddaughter. She was currently the strongest disciple under elder Lu Song.
The third disciple that stood behind elder Lu Hong was an expressionless young man. His arms were folded across his chest, his fingers appearing rather thin and withered. Sharp light faintly flashed on his fingertips like sword light.
His eyes had been shut from start to end, paying no attention to anyone. However, any gaze that looked towards him would contain a sliver of fear and respect.
Even the likes of Zhou Tai and Lu Yan were a little wary of the former.
This individual was called Yuan Hong, and was the strongest disciple under elder Lu Hong. He was the one who was said to be ranked third even in Sword Cometh Peak, and was extremely powerful. He was also the strongest contender for this batch’s chief disciple.
These three individuals were the strongest amongst the numerous Saint Genesis Peak disciples.
At this moment, Fang Zheng took a step forward, cupped his fists together towards the three
elders and respectfully reported, “Elders, I have brought the new disciples.”
The solemn looking elder Shen in the middle nodded, before his stern gaze swept forth as he said in a low voice, “Since you’ve chosen Saint Genesis Peak, all of you will be disciples of Saint Genesis Peak from today onwards.”
“I’ll not waste any time. Our Saint Genesis Peak currently only has three teaching elders. In accordance to the rules, the disciples may choose who to follow.”
The place fell silent as the numerous disciples secretly began to size-up the three elders while their gazes flickered in thought, clearly weighing their options.
While they sorted their thoughts in silence, a figure suddenly walked out from behind elder Lu Hong. It was a golden sash disciple that gave off a sharp and formidable presence, pride visible in his eyes.
His gaze swept across all the disciples, before he faintly smiled and said, “I am Wu Gang, and I believe my fellow junior disciples already know that teacher Lu was originally from Sword Cometh Peak. We have come to Saint Genesis Peak bearing the heavy task of retrieving the peak master seal. It is an important mission that Saint Genesis Peak has yet to fulfill after many years, so it has now fallen on our shoulders.”
“If any of my juniors wish to take on this important task with us, you should join teacher Lu’s faction.”
As his words spread, the disciples of elder Shen and elder Lu Song began to stir, anger appearing on the faces of many of them. Wu Gang’s words were too obviously aimed at them.
Elder Shen Taiyuan glanced at elder Lu Hong and indifferently said, “Your disciple’s words are truly akin to a sword, no mercy at all.”
The clean shaven elder Lu Hong laughed as he nonchalantly replied, “Our Sword Cometh Peak cultivates sword Qi after all, and are naturally direct and straightforward, never hiding our blades. I hope that elder Shen will not take offense.”
Shen Taiyuan coldy snorted inside, but knew that he should not push the topic.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 155