Sect master Qing Yang softly chuckled, before he said, “Although the young ones made use of a little trick towards the end, they’ve not disappointed us.”
His gaze swept across one of the mountaintops, where a youthful figure was currently surrounded like stars gathering around the moon. It was obviously Zhou Yuan.
Given sect master Qing Yang’s strength, everything that had happened in the Genesis reservoir naturally entered his eyes, including Zhou Yuan neutralizing the Dragon Saliva True Water, and collecting some of it to defend against the ten thousand foot aquatic beast’s final attack.
He had originally planned on using the ten thousand foot aquatic beast to force the Chosens into a corner, and make them struggle with their lives on the line. However, due to Zhou Yuan’s appearance, the Chosens were clearly saved from being pushed to their limits.
Even so, sect master Qing Yang was still quite satisfied with their overall performance.
At the very least, he knew that the seven peaks were able to put aside their differences, and work together in the face of danger.
The other peak masters also nodded in approval, only peak master Ling Jun remaining expressionless. He had been far too disappointed in Sword Cometh Peak’s performance this time, causing some of the Sword Cometh Peak elders to try their best to become invisible. They could already see how the entire Sword Cometh Peak was going to suffer under peak master Ling Jun’s rage after the Genesis reservoir ceremony was over.
“Since the ceremony has concluded, it’s time for evaluation and rewards.” As sect master Qing Yang’s kind voice spread, the boiling atmosphere froze for an instant, before countless gazes began to burn with excitement.
They had all been waiting for this very moment.
“Disciples of the seven peaks, get ready to be ranked according to your Genesis essence collected.”
Sect master Qing Yang’s finger gently pointed at the air.
Bzz!
Glowing balls of various sizes suddenly rose from the bodies of the disciples. The glowing balls rapidly converged, forming a giant light pillar that swiftly grew taller and taller.
In the area where the disciples of the seven peaks were gathered, seven light pillars rapidly rose into the sky.
Boundless pure energy was contained within the light pillars that clearly originated from Genesis essence.
“The higher the Genesis essence pillar, the better your rankings.”
The eyes of countless disciples were currently glued to the pillars in the sky.
Under their gazes, the seven light pillars continued to extend, reaching a thousand feet in the blink of an eye. However, when this happened, everyone realized one of the pillars had stopped growing, immediately becoming the last amongst the seven peaks.
It was Sword Cometh peak!
Innumerable gazes looked over, only to find the Sword Cometh Peak disciples dejectedly hanging their heads.
Amidst them, Kong Sheng, Zhao Zhu, and the eliminated Baili Che’s expressions fluctuated indeterminately.
All of their hard-earned Genesis essence had ended up being snatched away by Saint Genesis Peak after falling to Zhou Yuan and Yaoyao’s trap. Although they had desperately hunted more later on, how many aquatic beasts could a mere hundred elite disciples possibly hunt?
As such, the amount of Genesis essence they managed to scrounge up in the end was to no surprise the least amongst the seven peaks.
In the thousand foot light pillar, one could faintly see four dragon silhouettes. This meant that the Sword Cometh Peak disciples would at best get to enjoy a four dragons baptism this time.
It was a very bad result for Sword Cometh Peak. After all, the worst result they had gotten in previous years was a five dragons baptism.
Of course, this result was only with regards to the ordinary disciples. The Chosens and chief disciple would receive a better reward based on their personal evaluation. From the looks of things, however, Kong Sheng, Zhao Zhu and Baili Che would at best reach a seven dragons baptism this time, which honestly held very little allure for them.
The disciples from the other peaks sighed, before turning towards the remaining six pillars. It was better to be more concerned about their own situation. Sword Cometh Peak only had themselves to blame for such an outcome, and were not deserving of pity.
Under the attention of countless gazes, the remaining six pillars continued to grow, quickly leaving Sword Cometh Peak’s pillar behind.
After a few breaths, Spirit Rune Peak’s pillar was the first to reach its limit. However, Hongya Peak, Lightning Prison Peak and Snow Lotus Peak also began to slow soon after, and did not surpass the former by much.
The gap between them was rather insignificant.
These four peaks reached about four thousand feet, the silhouettes of six dragons coiling within their pillars.
This meant that the disciples from these four peaks would get to enjoy a six dragons baptism.
The disciples from these four peaks nodded in content, before looking in amazement towards the final two pillars. One of two unsurprisingly belonged to Cangxuan Peak. After all, Cangxuan Peak’s overall strength was known to be the highest in the Cangxuan Sect. What surprised them was the other rising pillar that belonged to Saint Genesis Peak...
One must know that only a few hundred disciples from Saint Genesis Peak had participated this time, which was basically an insignificant number when compared to the other peaks.
However, everyone also knew that Saint Genesis Peak had taken Sword Cometh Peak’s Genesis essence. Hence, their achievement was in a sense built upon Sword Cometh Peak’s body...
The Sword Cometh Peak disciples expression filled with frustration as they watched the steadily climbing pillars.
The Saint Genesis Peak disciples were the only one who were cheering like crazy, while burning excitement overflowed from their eyes. It had been many many years since they had enjoyed such treatment, as they would always end up last at the end of past Genesis reservoir ceremonies. At times, they would even be bursting with gratitude if they could somehow reach a four dragons baptism.
Vieing with Cangxuan Peak for number one was something they did not even dare to imagine in the past.
The numerous Saint Genesis Peak disciples could not help but look towards Zhou Yuan’s figure. In this moment, the eyes of both Shen Taiyuan and Lu Song’s disciples began to fill with respect.
They knew that this result was basically all thanks to Zhou Yuan and Yaoyao’s efforts, while the rest of them had merely been the supporting cast.
The Saint Genesis Peak disciples felt very glad indeed. After so many years of silence, they had finally welcomed such a strong and powerful chief disciple.
Countless gazes watched the two rapidly rising light pillars. The champion of this year’s ceremony would be decided between the two.
Under their attention, Saint Genesis Peak’s pillar finally began to slow after several dozen breaths, before being exceeded by Cangxuan Peak’s pillar.
Sighs of pity erupted in the area. People would often look forward to an exciting reversal after all. However, Saint Genesis Peak’s foundations were still too weak, and even after stepping on Sword Cometh Peak, there was still some distance between them and Cangxuan Peak.
The numerous Saint Genesis Peak disciples felt a little regretful, but their faces were still filled with smiles. Second place was already far beyond their expectations after all.
Zhou Yuan chuckled as he watched, before he made a grabbing motion. A dazzling gem-like brilliance erupted as the ten thousand foot aquatic beast’s Genesis essence appeared in his hand.
Bzz!
The ten thousand foot aquatic beast’s Genesis essence immediately transformed into a shining beacon of light as it soared into the sky, and merged into the pillar that had stopped growing. In the next instant, the Genesis essence pillar rapidly grew, surpassing Cangxuan Peak’s pillar in the blink of an eye.
After a few dozen breaths, the two light pillars
slowly came to a stop.
Saint Genesis Peak had surpassed Cangxuan Peak by a hundred feet.
Seven dragon silhouettes were coiling within it!
The Saint Genesis Peak disciples stared at this scene with their mouths hanging wide open, clearly unable to believe their eyes.
The world around them was somewhat silent, as the disciples from the other peaks blankly stared at Saint Genesis Peak’s rising pillar. Who could have imagined that the champion of this year’s Genesis reservoir ceremony would be the very same Saint Genesis Peak that always had to be protected by others?!
Gazes filled with complicated expressions and respect look towards Zhou Yuan, who stood like a crane amongst chickens amidst the other disciples.
To have single handedly pulled the last place Saint Genesis Peak all the way here… this new chief disciple had undoubtedly vanquished any doubt others had of him.
From this very moment, no one in the Cangxuan Sect would dare to underestimate the chief disciple of Saint Genesis Peak...
Chapter 546 Nine Dragons Baptism
An enormous glowing pillar rose above the numerous Saint Genesis Peak disciples, bathing the area within a hundred mile radius in its dazzling brilliance.
The disciples of the seven peaks gazed at the pillar in surprise. After all, Saint Genesis Peak claiming the champion spot was far more shocking than Cangxuan Peak.
Of course, Cangxuan Peak had clearly been in the lead earlier, and was only surpassed when Zhou Yuan took out the ten thousand foot aquatic beast’s Genesis essence.
The quality of a ten thousand foot aquatic beast’s Genesis essence was far too high, adding nearly a whole fifty percent increase to Saint Genesis Peak’s pillar.
However, making such comparisons was in truth rather meaningless, because more than ninety percent of Saint Genesis Peak’s Genesis essence had been obtained through Zhou Yuan and Yaoyao’s efforts.
If not for the duo, Saint Genesis Peak would have likely been wiped out by Sword Cometh Peak’s rage the moment they entered the Genesis reservoir, let alone thinking about becoming the champion of the Genesis reservoir ceremony.
While the innumerable disciples were sighing in amazement due to Saint Genesis Peak’s astonishing results, on the highest mountain, sect master Qing Yang and the others faintly nodded at this scene.
“It is honestly not easy for Saint Genesis Peak to achieve such results. Elder Shen has done a wonderful job.” Sect master Qing Yang looked towards the nearby elder Shen Taiyuan and smiled.
Shen Taiyuan, who was still a little overwhelmed with emotions, hurriedly bowed as he said in an embarrassed manner, “I have not done much, it is mostly Zhou Yuan’s efforts.”
His words were true. Though Shen Taiyuan had done his best to provide Zhou Yuan cultivation resources since the beginning, it had been his own efforts that had brought him so far.
In fact, Zhou Yuan rarely came to seek guidance from Shen Taiyuan with regards to Genesis techniques and cultivation matters. Even if Shen Taiyuan wanted to fulfill his teaching obligations, there was hardly any chance for him to do so.
Sect master Qing Yang nodded, and said in a pleased manner, “I had originally believed that joining Saint Genesis Peak would be a waste of his talent, and never expected that it would work out so well.”
Shen Taiyuan nodded in understanding. Zhou Yuan had been the champion of the peak selection ceremony back then, and was highly valued by all the other six peaks. Who could have expected him to ultimately decide on Saint Genesis Peak instead.
“In another month, it will be time for the new batch of disciples to join the inner mountains after passing the peak selection ceremony. With Saint Genesis Peak’s impressive achievements, we’ll surely be able to draw many new disciples.” Shen Taiyuan’s heart beated excitedly. Now that Saint Genesis Peak had been reopened, this was precisely the kind of reputation they needed to spread their name, and lure more new disciples to join them. Through this process of getting new blood, Saint Genesis Peak would slowly grow stronger.
One could say that obtaining first place in the Genesis reservoir ceremony was very timely indeed.
Sect master Qing Yang looked towards the many disciples as his voice boomed once more, “The rankings are out. Sword Cometh Peak will enjoy a four dragons baptism, and their Chosens and chief disciples will enjoy a six dragons baptism.”
“Spirit Rune Peak, Snow Lotus Peak, Hongya Peak and Lightning Prison Peak… will enjoy a six dragons baptism, while their Chosens and chief disciples will enjoy an eight dragons baptism.”
“Cangxuan Peak is rank two, and their disciple shall enjoy a seven dragon baptism, while the Chosens and chief disciple will enjoy an eight dragons baptism.”
As sect master Qing Yang’s voice spread, all the disciples, with the exception of Sword Cometh Peak, exploded into thunderous cheers. A six dragon baptism was a rather unreachable high for most of them, and even some of the top tier purple sash disciples needed some luck in order to enjoy it occasionally.
As for a seven dragons baptism, even the chief disciples may not be able to achieve it, and it was usually a separating line between them and the Chosens.
Amongst the ten great Chosens of the sect, only a handful had attained an eight dragons baptism before. Hence, the Chosens were quite content with receiving an eight dragons baptism.
They knew that it was probably because they had obtained a portion of the ten thousand foot aquatic beast’s Genesis essence.
“First place, Saint Genesis Peak. The disciples will enjoy a seven dragon baptism…”
Saint Genesis Peak had only slightly surpassed Cangxuan Peak, and thus received the exact same reward as the Cangxuan Peak disciples.
However, not a single one of the Saint Genesis Peak disciples was disappointed by this, and instead bursted into ecstatic cheers. Even the top tier purple sash disciples like Zhou Tai and Lu Yan were unable to conceal the intense emotions on their faces.
Because they had never enjoyed a seven dragons baptism till today.
“Almighty chief disciple!”
“Almighty Xiaoyao!”
All the Saint Genesis Peak disciples cheered, creating an exceptionally excited atmosphere. They clearly understood who was to thank for the seven dragons baptism.
The disciples from the other peaks looked over in envy. After all, a seven dragon baptism was also a rather unattainable blessing for them.
Sect master Qing Yang smiled gently, his gaze pausing on Zhou Yuan as his boomed, “Zhou Yuan, your contributions as Saint Genesis Peak’s chief disciple has not gone unnoticed. What’s more, you’ve also contributed greatly to the slaying of the ten thousand foot aquatic beast, and obtained the greatest portion of Genesis essence. In accordance to our evaluation, you shall enjoy…”
“A nine dragons baptism!”
As the final four words echoed, the entire place exploded into a torrential uproar. Countless burning gazes looked towards Zhou Yuan’s figure, filled with extreme desire.
In fact, envy even flashed across the eyes of several Chosens.
This was a nine dragons baptism!
It was the highest possible level of baptism. Let alone this generation of Chosens, even the countless batches of Chosens over the past hundred years had never attained such an extraordinary feat.
No one could have expected that the first person to reach a nine dragon baptism in a hundred years would not be a Chosen, but a chief disciple...
Moreover, it was even the chief disciple of Saint Genesis Peak!
Under everyone’s gazes, Zhou Yuan’s heart rippled slightly. Although he had already anticipated this result, it was still hard to remain composed when it was announced by sect master Qing Yang.
He had previously enjoyed an eight dragons baptism back when he recently joined Saint Genesis Peak, and thus clearly understood how amazing it was. The nine dragons baptism would undoubtedly allow him to take a giant step in his cultivation.
In the past year he had spent in the Cangxua
n Sect, he had constantly been growing stronger and improving himself.
The distance between himself and the Great Wu Empire’s king Wu was also slowly shrinking.
Zhou Yuan took in a deep breath as he lifted his head, and peered into the distance. He knew that his father was doing his best for his country, and was doggedly withstanding the tremendous pressure from the Great Wu Empire, while trying to help buy time for Zhou Yuan.”
“Wait for me father, when I return to the Great Zhou Empire, I will fulfill my promise, and take back everything king Wu has taken from us!”
Zhou Yuan’s hands slowly clenched,as a determined look rose in his eyes.
On the highest mountain, sect master Qing Yang waved his sleeve, as boundless power descended. All the disciples vanished in an instant, and appeared again atop the giant baptism stage above the Genesis reservoir.
The baptism stage was akin to a pyramid, the higher up one was the better baptism one would receive.
Zhou Yuan was seated at the very top, seeing countless figures when he looked down.
Rumble!
The surrounding Genesis Qi began to churn violently at this moment.
An endless aura of wonder fell from the sky, and covered the land like haze, as a dragon roar faintly echoed from within...
Zhou Yuan raised his head to look at the sky, where the silhouette of a dragon was diving downwards along with a pure and boundless energy.
He slowly closed his eyes, and began to enjoy the first nine dragons baptism in a hundred years...
Chapter 547 Another Year, Another Peak Selection Ceremony
Several tens of thousands of disciples undergoing a Genesis essence baptism became quite a grand sight in the Cangxuan Sect. Moreover, it lasted for quite some time, because the Genesis reservoir ceremony was a really large scale event, and naturally would not be completed so quickly.
As such, several days had passed before even the last place Sword Cometh Peak disciples’ four dragons baptism was over.
After which, the disciples of the other peaks ended their baptism one after another, though ten days had already passed by then.
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