Zhou Yuan trembled a little in fear as he watched. If his guess was correct, sect master Qing Yang and the rest should be searching for the Cangxuan Saint Stamp.
It was after all the number one divine artifact of Cangxuan Heaven, and had been lost long ago when patriarch Cangxuan died. If the Cangxuan Sect managed to get ahold of it once more, their strength would undoubtedly so, and maybe even become the number one sect in Cangxuan Heaven again.
Saint Genesis Peak was the place where the patriarch often secluded himself while he was alive, plus it had also been personally sealed by him. This undoubtedly made sect master Qing Yang and the others feel that the Saint Stamp was somewhere within Saint Genesis Peak.
However, Zhou Yuan knew that it was not here. The patriarch had most likely sealed this peak in order to protect the second Saint Rune.
Since the Saint Rune was now in his hands, there was nothing else to be found in Saint Genesis Peak.
Of course, there was naturally no way he would dare to reveal this information. Hence, he could only watch as the six hegemons thoroughly searched the main peak.
The searching lasted for an entire half of an incense stick of time, before the space in the large hall faintly rippled as five figures appeared that quickly shook their heads with grave expressions.
Sect master Qing Yang sighed softly when he saw this and said, “It appears that we were too naive.”
Lightning Prison Peak master Lei Jun’s brows were tightly furrowed as he said in a low voice, “Why would Cang Xuan seal this place if there was nothing here? This is not normal.”
“Maybe teacher does not wish for the peace here to be disturbed?” Suggested Bai Mei as he stroked his long white brows.
Peak master Ling Jun shook his head. His seemingly bottomless and sharp gaze swept across the hall, before suddenly pausing on Zhou Yuan as his eyes grew even sharper. “You were the first to enter. Did you not discover anything?”
Zhou Yuan was taken aback. Without a change in expression, he shook his head and answered, “Disciple does not know what peak master Ling Jun is saying.”
Peak master Ling Jun indifferently said, “You’re clearly only at the fifth layer Alpha-Origin stage, but your Genesis Qi foundations are exceptionally robust. I wonder what’s the reason behind this?”
Zhou Yuan calmly replied, “Disciple had some fortunate and blessed encounters over the years. However, this does not seem to be peak master Ling Jun’s business? Is peak master Ling Jun making things difficult for me because I foiled Sword Cometh Peak’s plans during the chief disciple selection?”
Peak master Ling Jun looked deeply at Zhou Yuan. “Don’t be so sharp-tongued. This is a matter of utmost importance, and I feel you should be handed to Lightning Prison Peak for a proper inspection.”
Zhou Yuan frowned slightly. He was not worried about being inspected, because it was definitely impossible for sect master Qing Yang and the others to know about the Saint Runes. Even if the runes were found, he would say that he had chanced upon them by luck.
However, being inspected for no reason was an uncomfortable feeling.
“Ling Jun, it seems to me that you’ve become overly infatuated with the Cangxuan Saint Stamp!”
However, an old, icy laughter suddenly rang out at this moment. Old Xuan’s figure leisurely appeared from the mountain path, his eyes frosty as he stared at peak master Ling Jun.
“Zhou Yuan just did a great service to our Saint Genesis Peak, never mind if he’s not rewarded, you actually want to send him to Lightning Prison Peak for an inspection? Come, tell me your rationale behind this?!”
“If word of this spread, which disciple in our Cangxuan Sect will dare to do anything for the sect?”
Peak master Ling Jun said, “The Cangxuan Saint Stamp is too important, a single disciple having to suffer a little should be understandable.”
Old Xuan laughed mockingly. “All of you should clearly know what kind of treasure the Cangxuan Saint Stamp is. Do you think none of you would be able to sense an ultimate treasure like it if it were in his possession? Is there even any need to go to Lightning Prison Peak?”
Peak master Ling Jun was unable to respond. The almighty undulations from an ultimate divine artifact like the Cangxuan Saint Stamp could not be completely hidden even by individuals like them. A mere fifth layer Alpha-Origin disciple would obviously be even more incapable of doing so.
Peak master Ling Jun glanced at Zhou Yuan and slowly said, “There are always exceptions.”
Old Xuan icily snorted as he looked towards sect master Qing Yang. “Does sect master intend for Zhou Yuan to be sent to Lightning Prison Peak?”
Sect master Qing Yang chuckled as he shook his head and said, “Zhou Yuan has done a great service for Saint Genesis Peak, there is absolutely no reason for him to be inspected.”
“But…” Peak master Ling Jun cut in.
Sect master Qing Yang waved his hand and sighed. “Peak master Ling Jun, I understand that the Cangxuan Saint Stamp is very important, but teacher clearly did not leave it in Saint Genesis Peak. There is no need to be overly suspicious for no good reason.”
“Zhou Yuan is a disciple of our Cangxuan Sect that had made several contributions. We cannot treat him in such a manner.”
Peak master Ling Jun could no longer say anything, and withdrew his gaze from Zhou Yuan.
“We’ve wasted our time again.” Lightning Prison Peak master Lei Jun stared at the jade statue as he slowly said, “If the Cangxuan Saint Stamp isn’t here, where exactly is it? If it lands in the hands of Sacred Palace, Cangxuan Heaven…”
Sect master Qing Yang and the rest fell silent. If the Cangxuan Saint Stamp landed in the hands of the Sacred Palace master, the latter would very likely become the new heaven master of Cangxuan Heaven. When that happened, he would be able to wield the power of Cangxuan Heaven.
In addition, there will no longer be any hope of avenging the patriarch.
In the end, sect master Qing Yang waved his hand, pulling himself together as he said, “Do not be overly worried. Teacher must have made certain preparations before he died. It will not be so easy for the Sacred Palace to find the Cangxuan Saint Stamp.”
Everyone nodded, they could only console themselves in this manner.
Zhou Yuan pondered by the side. He wondered if he would be able to sense the location of the Cangxuan Saint Stamp when all four Saint Runes were gathered.
He had a feeling that this was what the patriarch intended when he cut off these four Saint Runes from the Cangxuan Saint Stamp.
While he was submerged in thought, sect master Qing Yang’s gaze shifted over as he chuckled and said, “Saint Genesis Peak’s reopening is a cause for celebration for the Cangxuan Sect, we should not brood over such matters.”
“Since you’re the chief disciple of Saint Genesis Peak, you’ll have to work hard in the upcoming Genesis reservoir ceremony. How much blessings the disciples of Saint Genesis Peak will end up obtaining will mostly depend on you…”
“Genesis reservoir ceremony?”
Zhou Yuan was slightly taken aback, but still respectfully nodded in acknowledgement.
“Disciple will do his best.”
Chapter 499 Master Faction
A major event like the reopening of Saint Genesis Peak naturally caused huge ripples in the Cangxuan Sect, because the seven peaks were now not just in name.
It was also vital to Saint Genesis Peak. They would now be able to select some of the more talented disciples when the new batch entered, unlike before, when they could only hope for leftovers after the other six peaks were done, a situation that had caused them to grow weaker and weaker.
With the influx of more and more fresh blood, Saint Genesis Peak would strengthen little by little.
In addition, the peak master seal had been retrieved. Since Zhou Yuan was the main person responsible for the reopening of Saint Genesis Peak, it was no surprise that the peak master seal was left in elder Shen Taiyuan’s hands by sect master
Qing Yang.
This meant that elder Shen Taiyuan was now the substitute peak master of Saint Genesis Peak.
As to why he was only a substitute, it was because the minimum requirement to become a peak master was to first step into the Nascent Source stage.
The Nascent Source stage was basically the highest level in Cangxuan Heaven. Experts at this level could establish a first class sect, and if put outside the Shengzhou Continent, they would even be able to lord over several continents, becoming famous overlords.
Elder Shen Taiyuan was currently at the Heavenly Sun stage, and was still some ways from the Nascent Source stage. Hence, it was not possible for him to become a true peak master even though the peak master seal was already in his possession.
Even so, elder Shen Taiyuan’s status had rapidly soared, making all the other elders crazily envious. After all, the cultivation resources he enjoyed as a substitute peak master would far surpass the other elders, giving him a better chance of stepping into the Nascent Source stage.
Moreover, since elder Shen Taiyuan was the substitute peak master, the master faction position would naturally fall upon the faction Zhou Yuan and the rest belonged to.
Henceforth, Shen Taiyuan’s faction would become the master faction and have the highest status in Saint Genesis Peak. The other factions would view them as the head, and follow their commands.
Most importantly, the master faction would have a greater share of Saint Genesis Peak’s cultivation resources, which would undoubtedly put them in a more advantageous position.
It was plain for all to see, Shen Taiyuan and his faction were the biggest winners in the sect.
The many elders in the sect were very envious of Shen Taiyuan. In the past, he had been considered one of the less well off among the elders. After all, the other elders felt that stubbornly clinging on in Saint Genesis Peak was a fruitless endeavor, and anyone else would have requested to be transferred elsewhere long ago. However, Shen Taiyuan was extremely stubborn, clinging obstinately to Saint Genesis Peak and refusing to leave.
However, the numerous elders could not help but sigh at how lucky Shen Taiyuan was now. To think that he would meet a miraculous disciple like Zhou Yuan, who would pull them out of the pitiful situation they were in. Shen Taiyuan’s status had basically changed overnight, becoming one of the mightest figures in the sect.
In fact, he may even become the seventh peak master in the future.
All because he had decided to stake it all on Zhou Yuan back then. The current Shen Taiyuan was clearly very proud of this decision.
…
Several days after the reopening of Saint Genesis Peak.
“Chief disciple Zhou Yuan.”
On a certain day, Zhou Yuan had just finished his training and was returning to his abode, where he found several figures standing outside. The one leading them appeared to be one of the stewards of Saint Genesis Peak, who quickly smiled and cupped his fists together upon seeing Zhou Yuan.
Zhou Yuan hurriedly returned the gesture, his gaze sweeping over the group as he puzzledly asked, “Is something the matter?”
The steward smiled and said, “Hehe, I was sent by elder Shen. As the chief disciple of Saint Genesis Peak, this purple cave dwelling has become a little too shabby for you. After tidying up the main peak, numerous previously unavailable cultivation dwellings have been discovered, and elder Shen has specially reserved the best chief disciple cave dwelling for you.”
These past few days had been quite chaotic for Saint Genesis Peak. Shen Taiyuan had dispatched all the manpower he could muster to thoroughly inspect the long undisturbed main peak.
After doing up an inventory, his first agenda was naturally to reserve the best cave dwelling for Zhou Yuan, which was undoubtedly much better than any purple cave dwelling.
The steward had brought along such a big group, because they intended to help Zhou Yuan move.
“I informed Zhou Xiaoyao about this matter earlier, but she said to wait for your return before making a decision.”
Zhou Yuan was slightly taken aback, before he thoughtfully looked at the cave dwelling. It had been a year since he began living here, and Yaoyao was essentially the one who had been taking care of it all along, even the tiniest little detail inside were the fruits of her daily efforts. If they were to move, things would undoubtedly be a little different.
Yaoyao was usually rather nonchalant by nature, but once she set her heart on something, it meant that she was going to pour some of her feelings into it.
And there were obviously not many people or things Yaoyao would invest her feelings into. In addition, Zhou Yuan did not know whether Yaoyao would still pour her feelings into the new place if they were to move.
Zhou Yuan did not wish to see the Yaoyao from before, who was completely indifferent to everything. Moreover, it was quite a fuzzy feeling to occasionally see Yaoyao attentively tending to her garden.
Zhou Yuan was silent for a while, before he slowly said, “Teacher uncle, let’s not rush into this matter for the time being.”
Though the chief disciple cave dwelling was tempting, allowing Yaoyao to be just that tiny bit happier was better in his opinion. After all, he could always work harder to make up for the former.
The steward was a little surprised, but seemed to understand somewhat as he observed Zhou Yuan’s expression. The former immediately smiled as he said, “Chief disciple Zhou Yuan is a really considerate person.”
“Since that is the case, I shall talk no further about this topic. We’ll reserve the chief disciple cave dwelling for you to move in any time you wish.”
The steward chuckled, before he left with the group.
Zhou Yuan watched them leave, before turning around to enter the bright and peaceful cave. He found a beautiful figure standing under a spirit peach tree beside the small stream, slowly absorbing every tiny detail in the cave.
The spirit peach tree had been personally transplanted here by Yaoyao. It had initially been rather bleak and lifeless, but after a year of nursing by Yaoyao, vitality had begun to flow in it once more.
He slowly walked over.
Yaoyao turned her head and looked at him, her clear eyes unreadable as her red lips parted slightly. “When do we start moving?”
Zhou Yuan smiled and said, “There’s no need to move, I’ve already rejected him. This place is pretty sweet, so let’s continue staying here a little longer.”
Yaoyao was taken aback, her eyes unknowingly growing a little brighter. She gently bit her lip as she stared at Zhou Yuan and said, “Why aren’t we moving? That cave dwelling should be better for your cultivation.”
Zhou Yuan looked towards the nearby garden, where a hundred beautiful flowers spiritedly swayed as they vied for attention, and slowly said, “Because you like it here.”
Yaoyao was stunned once again. A long while later, she curiously looked Zhou Yuan up and down. A sweet fragrance followed as she inched a little closer and seemingly smiled, “Not bad, where did you learn this?”
Zhou Yuan rolled his eyes. However, he could tell that Yaoyao had become more spirited than earlier.
Zhou Yuan said in an unhurriedly manner, “If you really want to move, I can always let him know.”
Yaoyao’s eyes narrowed. “Oh? Can you repeat that one more time?”
Zhou Yuan felt a chill rush towards him, causing his head to subconsciously shrink back.
Yaoyao softly snorted, carrying Tuntun as she turned around. After a few steps, she turned her head slightly, revealing her soul-stirringly beautiful side-face, as a rarely seen smile appeared.
“Zhou Yuan, I really like this place… thank you.”
Her soft voice stealthily brushed past his ear.
A smile appeared on Zhou Yuan’s face as he looked at the figure, whose steps were clearly a little more spirited than before. What was losing some cultivation resources compared to making this little missy happy.
He clearly knew what was more important between the t
wo.
Chapter 500 Peak Meeting
The next day.
While Zhou Yuan was training in the cave, a disciple came to the entrance and reported, “Chief disciple, teacher Shen has sent me to inform you that there will be a peak meeting today, which you should be attending as the chief disciple.”
Zhou Yuan nodded under the disciple’s respectful gaze, before a thoughtful look rose on his face.
A peak meeting was essentially an official meeting within the peak that only the peak master was authorized to call for. There had not been a peak meeting in Saint Genesis Peak for many years, mainly because they had neither a peak master nor the peak master seal.
With the retrieval of the peak master seal and Shen Taiyuan becoming the substitute peak master, this was the first time in many years that a peak meeting was going to be held.
However, there were currently a million things to do in Saint Genesis Peak, and everyone was extremely busy. Even Shen Taiyuan himself barely had any time to rest over the past few days, so why had he suddenly called for a peak meeting?
Only important matters were discussed in a peak meeting after all.
Zhou Yuan’s eyes narrowed slightly, a certain thought striking him as his lips curled a little.
“Interesting, has teacher Shen finally decided to take action.”
…
Saint Genesis Peak. The main peak.
In a simple and sturdy meeting hall. Shen Taiyuan was seated in the chief’s chair, while a smiling elder Lu Song and a gloomy looking elder Lu Hong were seated below on his left and right.
Below these two elders were some of the more outstanding disciples of Saint Genesis Peak such as Zhou Tai, Zhang Yan, Lu Yan, Yuan Hong, and others...
Zhou Yuan’s position was a little lower down from the two elders, but higher than the numerous disciples, clearly displaying his identity and status as the chief disciple.
The atmosphere in the hall was currently quite solemn.
Elder Lu Hong expressionlessly glanced up at Shen Taiyuan. The corners of his eyes twitched slightly as envy and resentment swirled in the depths of his eyes.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 270