Within a side hall on the mountain peak.
Ten figures were present in this room. Li Qingchan sat at the head of the group with a frosty expression on her pretty face. Beside her sat a young man with long and narrow eyes. A sword rested on his legs as his slim fingers gently tapped it.
A powerful but indistinct sword aura spread from his body, as the faint cry of a sword echoed in the room.
This person was the second Chosen from Sword Cometh Peak, Zhao Zhu.
Seated under these two were numerous young individuals with extraordinary presences. Upon closer inspection, one would realize that they were all well-known purple sash disciples. Compared to them, even the likes of Xu Yan was substantially weaker.
“Haha. Senior sister Li, this mission is extremely important. You should know that we are headed for the Black Flame Province, and will be up against three of the sacred sects, Sacred Palace, North Sea Dragon Subduing Hall and Hundred Flowers Fairy Palace. All of them will surely be sending their most elite disciples, which will be quite a challenge for us.”
While the atmosphere within the side hall was a little stifling, Zhao Zhu smiled faintly and said, “However, senior sister Li keeps insisting that Zhou Yuan should be a part of the team. Aren’t you making light of the sect’s interest?”
Several figures inside the hall could not help but nod at Zhao Zhu’s words.
Li Qingchan’s gorgeous face was covered in frost as she coldly said, “This is my right as the captain. I believe that he is qualified.”
“Snort.”
A disciple below Zhao Zhu snorted. The individual had disheveled hair, while his completely black fingernails gave off a cold and sharp sensation.
This person was called Qin Hai, and was one of the most famous purple sash disciples of Sword Cometh Peak.
Qin Hai smiled and said, “Senior sister Li, we’re a team for this mission. If you insist on bringing this burden along, you may potentially jeopardize the mission, and none of us will be able to receive any Heaven Credits. Even if you are one of the Chosens, this is something that we cannot accept.”
“I will make up for him.” Li Qingchan stared coldly at Qin Hai. “Or are you doubting my abilities?”
Under Li Qingchan’s icy glare, Qin Hai froze as he gave a dry laugh. Though he was quite famous among the purple sash disciples, he was naturally much weaker than the third ranked Chosen, Li Qingchan.
“Haha senior sister Li, Qin Hai does not mean to questioning your abilities.” Zhao Zhu chuckled softly when he saw this, before he slowly said, “However, what he said previously makes sense. We are a team, and we cannot afford to bring a burden along.”
“I will not deny that Zhou Yuan is indeed very talented. However, he is a newly promoted purple sash disciple, and is still lacking in experience. Therefore, I would like to suggest that junior brother Wang Lei take his place instead.”
His eyes turned towards the last seat in the side hall, where a tall and muscular young man could be seen. A surge of ferocious Genesis Qi undulations pulsed from his body.
Wang Lei was also a disciple from Sword Cometh Peak.
As it was not easy to encounter a Heaven task, Zhao Zhu was doing everything in his power to rope in his Sword Cometh Peak disciples. Although this was the case, the disciples he recommended were of fitting strength and fame. Hence, the others had nothing to say even if they saw through his intentions.
Li Qingchan’s gaze turned even colder.
“Senior brother Zhao Zhu, although this task is important, not every participating member will end up playing a key role. Senior sister Li Qingchan barely brought any Snow Lotus Peak disciples along, while your Sword Cometh Peak disciples have already taken up four spots.”
“I feel that both of you should take a step back and compromise so we can quickly finalize the team members. We’ll then be able to proceed with the mission as a team. Don’t you think that this will be for the best?”
The one who spoke was a young lady under Li Qingchan. The girl was wearing a black shirt and long pants, and was quite tall, mostly due to her especially long and slender legs.
She was quite pretty as well, while her fair hands gave off a healthy glow.
This girl was called Bai Li, and was quite a famous purple sash disciple from Hongya Peak. Even though she did not know why Li Qingchan insisted on bringing Zhou Yuan along, she was close to Li Qingchan and naturally chose to stand up for the latter.
Furthermore, Li Qingchan had already given in to Zhao Zhu in order to protect Zhou Yuan. This was why there were so many Sword Cometh Peak disciples in the team. In spite of this, Zhao Zhu was still being too overbearing, refusing to compromise and constantly trying to push his luck.
Zhao Zhu’s finger gently slid across his sword, as he smiled and said, “Junior sister Bai Li, I am not acting selfishly, but for the sake of our mission.”
“I believe junior sister Bai Li also doesn’t want us to fail and return home empty-handed, right?”
Bai Li was at a loss for words. Logically speaking, what Zhao Zhu said made sense. After all, none of them wanted to carry a burden that was only there for the Heaven Credit.
When Zhao Zhu saw this, he continued to speak with a smile, “I believe that senior sister Li Qingchan has already sent someone to deliver a message to Zhou Yuan. However, we have been waiting for nearly half a day now, and yet this junior brother refuses to show himself, leaving senior sister Li to fight his battles for him. His actions show that he lacks courage.”
His words were extremely biting.
After he spoke, even Bai Li began to frown, clearly a little upset. She also felt that Zhou Yuan’s behaviour showed that he was an irresponsible individual. Why was Li Qingchan still protecting such a person?
Li Qingchan was the one who nominated him after all. However, he had not dared to show his face even till today. Was this because he knew that he couldn’t handle the pressure?
Li Qingchan expression was still unreadable and cold as ice. However, a look of irritation flashed across her eyes.
Just as she was about to speak, a commotion was suddenly heard outside the hall. Following which, all of them saw a slim young man walk in.
“I was training earlier and I lost track of time. I hope my senior brothers and sisters can forgive me.”
That young man looked inside, as he cupped his fists and smiled. Finally, he looked directly at Zhao Zhu, who was seated beside Li Qingchan.
“Senior brother Zhao Zhu, I wonder how I can convince you that I will not be a burden to the team?”
“Why not tell me your conditions? I’ll just go ahead and fulfill them today.”
Chapter 396 One Move
Every figure seated in the side hall raised their heads at this moment, their eyes narrowing as they looked at the young man who had just stepped in.
He was no stranger to them. After all, though this disciple had only joined the inner mountains for less than a year, he had already stirred several waves in the sect.
Zhao Zhu’s eyelids raised slightly. He continued to tap his scabbard as he cast a nonchalant gaze at Zhou Yuan and said, “You’re junior brother Zhou Yuan? So you’ve finally decided to show up. We’ve been debating about you for nearly half a day now, and you’ve basically missed all of it.”
Within the side hall, the group stared at Zhou Yuan. Let alone the Sword Cometh Peak disciples, even the disciples from the other peaks had strange expressions in their eyes. Even though they had chosen to remain silent due to Li Qingchan, many of them felt opposed to the decision to include Zhou Yuan in the team for this Heaven task.
From their gazes, Zhou Yuan understood that Li Qingchan must have faced an immense pressure when she tried to defend him, making him feel a little thankful in his heart.
Zhou Yuan’s expression was calm as he said, “Since there is a dispute, let’s find a way to resolve it.”
“Haha, junior brother Zhou Yuan is an understanding person.” A mysterious smile hung from Zhao Zhu’s lip
s. He pointed at Wang Lei and said, “This mission is extremely important to our Cangxuan Sect. That’s why I hope that you can give your spot to junior brother Wang Lei. Otherwise, should we fail the mission because of you, not only will you be punished, but even the person who recommended you, senior sister Li, will be punished as well.”
“You recently joined the sect and are still young. Give yourself one or two more years, and you will surely become an elite amongst the purple sash disciples. When that time comes, you will definitely have the qualifications to join a Heaven task, and I believe that no one will object to your participation then.”
Zhao Zhu smiled. The way his spoke was akin to someone of higher standing lecturing a minor.
“So what do you say junior brother Zhou Yuan?”
The side hall was completely silent. Everyone was looking at Zhou Yuan as they waited for his response.
Under the attention from the crowd, a smile was revealed on Zhou Yuan’s youthful face as he shook his head and said, “I am really sorry senior brother Zhao Zhu. I feel that we should…”
The smile on Zhao Zhu’s face froze slightly.
“You ignorant brat!” At the back of the side hall, the man named Wang Lei glared coldly at Zhou Yuan. A mocking smile rose from the former’s lips as he said, “Junior brother Zhou Yuan, do you really believe that your pathetic draw against junior brother Xu Yan has given you the qualifications to participate in a Heaven task?!”
“Senior brother Zhao Zhu is thinking about the big picture, while your stubbornness is truly too selfish.”
Zhou Yuan’s eyelids lowered as he replied, “So how should I convince senior brother Wang Lei that I possess the qualifications?”
“Maybe… I need to defeat you?”
Wang Lei was taken aback by these words, but the derisive smile on his face soon widened, while the other disciples began to frown. All of them clearly felt that Zhou Yuan was simply too arrogant.
After all, Zhou Yuan only managed to force Xu Yan into a stalemate because he had underestimated the former. Moreover, amongst those present here, even Wang Lei was substantially stronger than Xu Yan. Therefore, such boastful words from Zhou Yuan just went to show how unreasonably arrogant he was.
Zhao Zhu shook his head, before he shot a look at Wang Lei.
An eerie smile appeared on Wang Lei’s face. He took two steps forward, and said in a sinister manner, “Junior brother Zhou Yuan is young and arrogant. However, as your senior, I do not wish to take advantage of you.”
“I don’t need you to prove that you can defeat me. As long as you can handle one move from me, I will acknowledge that you have the qualifications.”
“Of course, if you can’t even handle one attack from me… I’ll advise you not to humiliate yourself!”
The repeated mocking of this individual from Sword Cometh Peak made Zhou Yuan’s eyes narrow in a dangerous manner. Just as he was about to speak, however, Li Qingchan finally opened her mouth and said, “Zhou Yuan will accept this challenge.”
She cast her gaze at Zhou Yuan, and gave him a faint nod.
This was already the most advantageous offer Zhou Yuan could get. Li Qingchan was afraid that Zhou Yuan might refuse it due to his ego, and had thus taken the initiative to accept it on his behalf.
Since Wang Lei wanted to show off, they had to make proper use of this opportunity.
Zhou Yuan smiled helplessly at her words. In reality, he was really itching for a real fight with Wang Lei. Otherwise, he would be in for an uncomfortable journey if he had to constantly deal with doubts from his other party members.
However, Li Qingchan did not seem to have much confidence in him, and was afraid that he would end up backing himself into a corner due to his stubborn pride. As such, she had immediately cut in to prevent such a scenario.
Zhou Yuan felt rather apologetic to Li Qingchan as she had indeed weathered a tremendous amount of pressure in order to protect him. Therefore, he chose to remain silent, and did not object to her decision.
Upon seeing this, Wang Lei exchanged a look with Zhao Zhu as a strange smile appeared on his face.
“Junior brother Zhou Yuan’s bravery is commendable. Come on then, let this senior brother give you some guidance!” Wang Lei stomped his foot as his body flew forward, and landed in an arena outside the hall.
Zhou Yuan also moved, and quickly appeared on the arena.
Li Qingchan, Zhao Zhu and the rest swarmed out of the hall like fishes, arriving at the entrance where they watched the two figures that were now facing each other.
The mission hall was usually crowded. Not to mention there were numerous purple sash disciples from the various peaks gathered here today, waiting to find out who would make the final cut for the Heaven task. Hence, Zhou Yuan and Wang Lei immediately attracted the attention of the crowd.
The crowd soon found out the reason why Zhou Yuan and Wang Lei were facing each other, and various shocked voices immediately sounded.
“Zhou Yuan is simply too arrogant. To think that he actually dares to fight senior brother Wang Lei…”
“I heard that it’s only a one move wager.”
“Even if it’s only a single move, I am afraid Zhou Yuan won’t be able to handle it. Senior brother Wang Lei is quite a bit stronger than Xu Yan, and will definitely go all-out for this one attack. I don’t think that Zhou Yuan can win.”
“Heh, it’s even better if he can’t. That spot on the team isn’t something that he should even think about for now.”
“Let this be a lesson for him”
“......”
More and more disciples began to gather at the perimeter of the arena, watching the two individuals in excitement.
On the stone steps, Li Qingchan gazed at the arena. Beside her, Bai Li’s eyes swept across Zhou Yuan and Wang Lei, as she softly said, “Though Wang Lei is quite arrogant, he is no fool. He has likely come prepared for this one move wager he suggested.”
Li Qingchan fell silent for a moment. She was naturally aware of this as well. However, Zhao Zhu’s strong opposition together with the fact that she had defended Zhou Yuan vehemently, had caused a great deal of criticism. Therefore, her only hope now was that Zhou Yuan could deliver so that she would have something to convince the crowd.
“Zhou Yuan is not a rash person either. Since he agreed, he should also be prepared.”
Li Qingchan softly said, “In addition… if he can’t even handle a single attack from Wang Lei...”
“It will be impossible for him to obtain a Heaven Credit even if he does join the mission…”
She stared at the young man in the arena, as she slowly said, “Now show me whether my decision to defend you is the right one...”
Chapter 397 Great Golden Bell
Numerous figures descended from the sky, gathering around the arena outside the side hall. All of them were casting peculiar gazes at the two figures facing each other in the arena.
These two individuals were not unfamiliar to everyone. Wang Lei was one of the most veteran purple sash disciples from Sword Cometh Peak, someone whose fame exceeded even that of Xu Yan. As for Zhou Yuan, he may only be a newly promoted purple sash disciple, but he had displayed his astonishing abilities time and time again for the past half a year, leading him to become known as the top disciple of the newest generation. Consequently, this also made him one of the more famous figures in the sect.
The fight between these two was naturally going to be quite interesting.
Under the attention from the crowd, Wang Lei wore a relaxed expression. He looked at Zhou Yuan with a carefree grin and said, “Junior brother Zhou Yuan, I know that you are very talented. However, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it isn’t wise for you to bite off more than you can chew.”
Zhou Yuan chuckled and replied, “Please go ahead and guide me senior brother Wang Lei.”
Wang Lei shook his head in pity as he said, “I was originally hoping to spare you the humiliation. However, you insist on doing things
the hard way, don’t blame this senior brother for bullying a junior!”
A fierce look flashed across his eyes.
Boom!
In the next instant, majestic Genesis Qi rose from his head like a thousand foot tall column of smoke. Waves of powerful Genesis Qi pressure quickly spread across the entire area, causing even space itself to tremble faintly.
Wang Lei instantly revealed the amazing depths of his strong Genesis Qi foundations. He was indeed a tier above Xu Yan.
The numerous observers around the arena let out low gasps of surprise.
Wang Lei slowly extended his hand. It appeared slightly longer than the norm, and was a little tanned. One could just barely see a lightning glow on his palm that gave off a powerful and menacing sensation.
Wang Lei lowered his voice and said, “Junior brother Zhou Yuan, since we agreed to settle this in one attack, I will not be holding back… it may be quite painful for you after receiving my palm strike.”
Zhou Yuan’s eyes narrowed slightly. He placed his hands together, as the Genesis Qi within his body began to move.
A mocking smile appeared from the corners of Wang Lei’s mouth upon seeing this. Genesis Qi within his body swiftly began to circulate as Genesis Qi rapidly gathered on his palm. In the end, cackling lightning bolts began to emerge.
Extremely berserk undulations pulsed from his hand.
The lightning Genesis Qi spread, turning Wang Lei’s entire arm into a lightning sword. The sword tip was fused with his palm, and looked both sharp and savage.
The ground beneath Wang Lei’s feet also began to crack and crumble.
The expressions of the disciples outside the arena changed slightly at this sight.
“It’s Sword Cometh Peak’s Lightning Sword Palm!”
“It’s said that the Lightning Sword Palm technique is well known for its unyielding and forceful nature in Sword Cometh Peak. However, though it boasts overwhelming attack power, it consumes a large amount of Genesis Qi. Even a seventh layer Alpha-Origin practitioner will not be able to use twice in succession.”
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 215