Lu Xiao slowly returned to his senses and said with a soft laugh, “Does pavilion master Zhou Yuan intend to give up this year?”
His voice broke the silence, causing everyone in the area to recover from their shock. Several individuals tried their best to stifle their laughter.
However, Zhou Yuan ignored Lu Xiao’s teasing, continuing in a composed voice as if there had been no interruption, “I have something else to add to my earlier statement. In the future, there will be a strict yearly assessment in the Wind Pavilion. The members who do not perform well will have their statuses revoked.”
Uproar!
Even the expressions of the Wind Pavilion members could not help but change as astonishment and confusion lit up their eyes.
The consequence of a poor result was far too dire!
Upon seeing the shift in expressions of several Wind Pavilion members, Liu Zhixuan could not help but say in a low voice, “Pavilion master, isn’t this too stringent?”
He could sense anger brewing in some of the Wind Pavilion members. After all, no one would be willing to accept such a strict test out of nowhere. If this information spread to the Wind Island, it would surely cause quite a commotion.
Lu Xiao and Han Yuan looked at each other, seeing the bewilderment in each other’s eyes. In their view, Zhou Yuan’s actions were basically destroying the Wind Pavilion.
Could he have really gone mad?
Mu Liu’s brows also knitted together. Beside him, Mu Qingyan muttered, “Didn’t he want to revitalize the Wind Pavilion? But his thinking is too simple. Does he believe that threatening them with a stick will be able to tame them? If this matter escalates, even a pavilion master like him may not be able to quell it.”
Amidst the surrounding commotion, Zhou Yuan’s expression did not even ripple as he continued, “Now that I’m done with the criteria, I shall elaborate on the benefits of our Wind Pavilion in the future.
“Wind Pavilion members will receive 70 origin coins every month.”
These simple words were akin to a tsunami, causing everyone present to be dumbstruck.
The originally dissenting Wind Pavilion members stared in shock at Zhou Yuan. Our origin coin allowance was only 20 previously, isn’t this more than a three times rise?! What the hell is going on?
Even the expressions of Liu Zhixuan, Xiao Hong and the others froze.
With the exception of Ye Bingling and Yi Qiushui, everyone else was unable to speak as a buzzing noise filled their heads.
All the newcomers, even the 30 plus Divine Dwelling rankers, were thoroughly shocked and filled with disbelief.
Seventy coins?! Wasn’t this a whole 20 more than the Fire Pavilion?!
How could this be?!
Lu Xiao was likewise stunned for several seconds. Soon after, his expression darkened as he icily said, “Pavilion master Zhou Yuan, are you purposely trying to cause a ruckus? On what basis can your Wind Pavilion afford to give out such benefits? Do you think everyone here is an idiot?
“If your confidence comes from the Mother Wind Rune, I can only say that you’re a joke!”
Han Yuan also laughed mockingly, under the impression that Zhou Yuan was merely trying to create a sensation.
Mu Liu’s brows were tightly knitted together as the expression in his eyes fluctuated indeterminately.
The newcomers stared at Zhou Yuan in bewilderment. However, from their appearances, they clearly did not believe his words were true. After all, Lu Xiao did make sense, the Wind Pavilion could not possibly afford to give out such benefits.
Under the crowds’ skeptical gazes, Zhou Yuan slowly said, “The Mother Wind Rune is indeed not enough to support such an expenditure, that’s why I still have something else to announce. From today onwards, our Wind Pavilion will begin selling three other types of Genesis Runes.”
With a wave of his sleeve, three jade pieces each inscribed with a Genesis Rune flew out and floated in front of him.
“These three are the Mother Fire Rune, the Mother Forest Rune and the Mother Mountain Rune.
“They are from the same vein as the Mother Wind Rune, and I call them the four Mother Runes. Their effects are similar to the Mother Wind Rune, and they can raise the effectiveness of gathering Genesis marks by 40 percent. They’re specially made for the other three districts of the Four Spirits Origin Tower.”
Zhou Yuan’s voice was calm, but it felt akin to thunder as it boomed across the place.
This time, Lu Xiao’s and Han Yuan’s expressions finally changed as horror surfaced in their eyes.
An ashen-faced Lu Xiao shouted, “Impossible!
“Zhou Yuan do you know the consequences of lying to the newcomers?!”
The normally confident and never-flustered Lu Xiao had lost his composure because he clearly understood what Zhou Yuan’s words would herald. If the Mother Wind Rune could be said to be a little painful to the Fire Pavilion, then the three new Genesis Runes would completely yank them out from the roots!
The strong foundations of the Fire Pavilion was based on the sale of Mark Capturing Runes!
But with the revelation of the four Mother Runes, which were essentially twice as effective as the Mark Capturing Rune, the interest in the Mark Capturing Rune would surely drop to zero!
Zhou Yuan merely laughed as he waved his sleeve. Several jade pieces flew towards the three pavilions and were caught by their members.
“These are freebies and everyone can feel free to test their effect. You’ll then know whether I am lying or not.”
His nonchalant attitude made the hearts of Lu Xiao and Han Yuan sink. Was Zhou Yuan really not bluffing?
The Fire Pavilion and Mountain Pavilion members were at a loss after receiving the jade pieces.
In contrast, the Forest Pavilion members happily grabbed the jade pieces, even Mu Liu and Mu Qingyan snatching one for themselves as they exchanged a look of excitement. They already understood how huge of a wave this would cause in the four pavilions.
So this was Zhou Yuan’s secret trump card!
It was fatally ruthless!
The entire place turned rather chaotic.
However, from Zhou Yuan’s attitude and Lu Xiao’s and Han Yuan’s expressions, the numerous newcomers were able to arrive at their own conclusions. After all, lying in such a situation could easily be reported to the superiors, and Zhou Yuan would surely suffer terrible consequences.
Hence, everything Zhou Yuan had said should be true.
With these four Mother Runes, the Wind Pavilion would have unlimited potential in the future.
In contrast, once the Fire Pavilion’s Mark Capturing Rune was suppressed, could they still afford to give such benefits?
Only now did they understand why Zhou Yuan had announced the strict assessments earlier.
The Wind Pavilion members that were previously discontent with Zhou Yuan’s actions were now panting heavily as their eyes burned with excitement and anticipation. What was a mere assessment under the temptation of 70 origin coins per month? They were willing to go for it even if they had to put their lives on the line!
Moreover, they agreed that ordinary people did not deserve to enjoy such treatment!
Zhou Yuan ignored Lu Xiao’s ashen expression as he continued, “Seventy percent of the sales from the four Mother Runes will go to the Wind Pavilion to pay for the benefits of its members. I’ll keep 20% for myself, while the remaining 10% shall be rewarded to the deputy pavilion masters, commanders and deputy commanders for their contributions.
“If anyone feels that they are capable enough to be a commander in my Wind Pavilion, or even a deputy pavilion master, we gladly welcome you.”
These words were clearly aimed at the thirty or so Divine Dwelling List rankers, and its effectiveness ended up surpassing his expectations. Zhou Yuan immediately saw ambition spark in their eyes.
Even Shang Xiaoling and the other three were clearly tempted.
Zhou Yuan nonchalantly clapped and said, “Let’s begin the sel
ection, then. Any interested newcomers that meet our criteria can go ahead and sign up.”
The place fell silent for a moment.
However, it only lasted for an instant, and a split second later, everyone saw the girl called Shang Xiaoling decisively scramble towards the Wind Pavilion booth.
“I hope to join the Wind Pavilion!” her somewhat hoarse voice rang out without hesitation.
Shang Xiaoling’s actions were undoubtedly akin to lighting a fuse. The silence was instantly torn apart as several hundred figures frantically surged forward, flooding towards the Wind Pavilion’s stone stage.
“I also wish to join!”
“I want to enter the Wind Pavilion!”
“Pavilion master Zhou Yuan, please accept me!”
“......”
The atmosphere completely exploded.
Chapter 832 Complete Defeat
The newcomer recruitment area was abuzz with activity as a sea of black swarmed towards the Wind Pavilion’s stage.
The members of the other three pavilions watched this scene with stupefied expressions. They were a little unable to believe that the very same Wind Pavilion known as the ‘dumping grounds’ would be so crazily popular...
Previously, this was something that only the Fire Pavilion got to enjoy.
However, when they recalled the benefits Zhou Yuan had promised, even their hearts began to stir a little.
The allure was far too great!
Not only would a normal member get 70 origin coins, even the upper echelons like the deputy commanders, commanders and deputy pavilion masters would receive a share of from the sales of the four Mother Runes! This was definitely no small amount!
Under such temptation, how could the members of the other three pavilions not be moved?
A dazzling smile hung from the corners of Zhou Yuan’s lips as he watched the crowd surge towards him. He took a few steps back as Yi Qiushui and Ye Bingling quickly moved forward to welcome and assess the newcomers.
Nearby, Lu Xiao’s and Han Yuan’s expressions had turned exceptionally stormy. In fact, the former’s usually handsome face had begun to contort a little.
The truth was that although Zhou Yuan had defeated Chen Beifeng a few days before, Lu Xiao had never treated him as much of a threat.
Though Lu Xiao usually wore a smile when facing Zhou Yuan, there was a hidden trace of indifference and disdain behind this mask.
It was precisely this state of mind that Lu Xiao was unafraid of angering Zhou Yuan and dared to use whatever methods he wanted.
He was ranked nine on Hunyuan Heaven’s Divine Dwelling List, and in addition to being the number one Divine Dwelling stage expert among the Tianyuan Region’s younger generation, he was also very famous even in the entire Hunyuan Heaven. Zhou Yuan, on the other hand, was merely a newly promoted wind pavilion master. Even if Zhou Yuan was aware of his tactics, what would he dare to do? What could he possibly do to the mighty Lu Xiao?
He had never imagined that the counter attack by someone he looked down on would be so ruthless.
The appearance of the four Mother Runes would basically checkmate the Fire Pavilion!
Lu Xiao drew a deep breath, suppressing the rage deep in his heart as he watched the newcomers swarm towards the Wind Pavilion side. He knew that he could not allow it to continue or the Fire Pavilion would become a joke and the Heavenly Spirit Sect would reprimand him.
He clearly understood how important the four pavilions were to the Heavenly Spirit Sect. Although they were merely Divine Dwelling stage heaven prides, they represented the future of the Tianyuan Region. It was already considered a great success if the pavilions could produce a few elders in the future.
“Well done, I never imagined that pavilion master Zhou Yuan would have the charisma to conceal the four Mother Runes till now.”
Lu Xiao’s icy voice rang out amidst the excited atmosphere.
The numerous newcomers recovered a little of their wits upon hearing his voice as their gazes began to faintly flicker in thought. They knew that the Fire Pavilion and Lu Xiao were currently the strongest amongst the four pavilions.
Zhou Yuan calmly said, “I honestly did not plan to reveal them, but pavilion master Lu Xiao’s overbearing methods forced my hand. You really can’t blame me for this.”
Originally, he had not wanted to take things too far such that it would destroy any chance of reconciliation between them. He would at most reveal the Mother Wind Rune and Mother Forest Rune and leave half of the market to Lu Xiao.
Unfortunately, Lu Xiao had seemed to completely disregard him and had repeatedly tested Zhou Yuan’s limits through petty little trick after trick. In fact, Lu Xiao had even engaged in the lowly tactic of spreading rumors.
Since the other party did not intend to show any mercy, there was no longer any reason for Zhou Yuan to try to be the better man. Else they would only step on his face time and time again. After all, his temper wasn’t that great either.
Lu Xiao let out a carefree chuckle as he said, “I made a mistake this time.
“But I hope that pavilion master Zhou Yuan will still have such amazing moves to use in the chief pavilion master battle four months later. Otherwise…”
The hearts of the numerous newcomers shivered at these words, evidently understanding the deeper meaning within Lu Xiao’s words.
Once Lu Xiao took the position of chief pavilion master in four months, all four of the pavilions would be under his control. Even the Wind Pavilion’s pavilion master would be subordinate to Lu Xiao.
When that happened, Zhou Yuan would no longer have the initiative no matter what Lu Xiao did, because the chief pavilion master always had the last word.
Lu Xiao was threatening Zhou Yuan while also informing the newcomers to be more prudent in their decisions.
A bucket of cold water had been poured over the originally excited atmosphere.
Hesitation emerged in the eyes of many individuals.
Even Ling Feng’s, Feng Si’s and Yuan Tiegang’s eyes flashed in thought.
Feng Si softly said, “My friends, Shang Xiaoling’s choice seems to be a little rash. We should not make any impulsive decisions but also consider the future.”
Ling Feng shot a glance at him and said, “You’re saying this because the Fire Pavilion talked to you before.”
Feng Si revealed a helpless smile. “But can any of you deny that pavilion master Lu Xiao is the strongest candidate?”
Feng Ling and Yuan Tiegang fell silent. They were not from any powerful factions and had suffered untold hardships in order to obtain the opportunity to enter the four pavilions. If Lu Xiao did become the chief pavilion master in the future, would offending him here be a wise decision?
But the Wind Pavilion’s benefits were extremely tempting...they were just far too attractive!
Zhou Yuan calmly observed the now somewhat doused atmosphere, and he indifferently said, “Pavilion master Lu Xiao, there are no absolutes. Chen Beifeng also believed previously that the position of being the Wind Pavilion’s pavilion master would be his.”
Lu Xiao shook his head as he sighed. “It will cost you dearly if you compare me with Chen Beifeng.”
Zhou Yuan could not be bothered to waste any more words on Lu Xiao. His gaze shifted towards the newcomer crowd and said, “That’s right, there’s something I forgot to mention earlier. I have to thank pavilion master Lu Xiao for jogging my memory.
“The truth is that the 40% increase in effectiveness is only with regards to regular Mother Runes. I can also manufacture a higher-grade rune that will raise the effectiveness by another 10%. Hehe, but I won’t be able to make a large amount, so I can’t really sell them to outsiders. I can only reserve them as welfare for some of the more outstanding Wind Pavilion members and the higher- ups.
“Oh, that should be all…”
After finishing, he sat down on a chair, and a quick-witted Wind Pavilion member immediately offered him a cup of hot tea.
The place f
ell silent once more.
Next, everyone could only watch as over twenty individuals walked out from the group of thirty or so newcomer Divine Dwelling List rankers. They slowly but determinedly headed towards the Wind Pavilion side.
The other newcomers also crowded over. Although there was less passion than before, anyone could tell that their resolve was much firmer.
Ling Feng and Yuan Tiegang sighed deeply before they said to Feng Si, “Our apologies, we can’t refuse such an offer.”
Hence, the two of them quickly turned around and walked towards the Wind Pavilion.
Feng Si’s expression fluctuated indeterminately as he gazed at their backs. Even he felt unable to resist such a temptation. However, he ultimately sighed in disappointment because he had already promised Lu Xiao that he would join the Fire Pavilion. If he went back on his word now, Lu Xiao would definitely be angered, and Lu Xiao was someone he could not afford to offend.
Despite this, he really did not want to think about the regret he now felt.
After all, even if Lu Xiao became the chief pavilion master in the future, he could not possibly get rid of an entire batch of them just like that, right?
More and more newcomers converged towards the Wind Pavilion side.
Lu Xiao tightly clenched his fists as his body faintly trembled. The emotions in his heart nearly made him explode in rage. At this very moment, he dearly wished that he could kill Zhou Yuan right then and there.
But he ultimately managed to forcibly restrain himself.
He looked deeply at Zhou Yuan, the frost in his eyes so intense that it could freeze one’s blood.
Lu Xiao knew that he had been utterly defeated this day.
But it does not matter. This is only the beginning...Zhou Yuan, after four months, you will understand how foolish your actions today were. When that happens, you will wish that you never offended me.
Absolutely!
Chapter 833 The Second Genesis Rune
The outcome of the newcomers ceremony swiftly spread to the four pavilions and unsurprisingly caused everyone to fall deathly silent.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 438