Yi Qiushui and the others felt their scalps go numb.
Chapter 1015 A Very Strong Zhou Yuan
In the scattered mess of the ancient forest, gaze after gaze dazedly stared at Zhou Yuan’s figure, who was still in his punching posture...
They stared especially hard at the Spirit light fragments that were drifting away in front of him.
It was a sight so beautiful that it sent chills down one’s spin.
The Divine Dwelling stage practitioners from the five top factions slowly returned to their senses and began to realize what the drifting Spirit light fragments were.
The realization made them feel as if they were in an ice house.
“Lord Zhang Zihao was slain by a single punch?”
“How can this be! The lord is at the intermediate purple-gold Heavenly Sun stage, and his Genesis Qi foundation surpasses 600 million stars!”
“Zhou Yuan is only at the initial Heavenly Sun stage!”
“But the lord’s Genesis Qi undulations have vanished…”
“……”
These Divine Dwelling stage practitioners were going crazy, their temples beating uncontrollably. This outcome was clearly a great blow to them, and they were unable to accept it for a time.
However, Zhou Yuan did not care whether they could accept it. He gazed at the drifting Spirit light fragments in front of him before retrieving a copper mirror to collect the light fragments.
“Seems very strong…” Zhou Yuan mumbled to himself. His eyes seemed to glow as a smile rose from the corners of his mouth.
He was, of course, not referring to the punch that had insta-killed Zhang Zihao but to himself, or rather his Genesis Qi foundations and his newly evolved Genesis Qi.
Although Zhou Yuan knew that Zhang Zihao was no challenge, he had not expected that a single punch would so utterly destroy his opponent that even his opponent’s Spirit would shatter.
Evidently, Zhou Yuan had underestimated the power of his 720 million Genesis Qi foundation.
In addition, his Genesis Qi had evolved to the grade-8 Heavenly Dragon Qi. Zhou Yuan dared to claim that even in the entire Hunyuan Heaven, only a handful of people would surpass him in Genesis Qi grade.
Grade-8 Genesis Qi was the pinnacle even in the nine regions, and it was not something that ordinary people could cultivate.
Hence, although his Genesis Qi foundation was at the 720 million level, any opponent he encountered with equal foundation but only grade-7 Genesis Qi would be one-sidedly thrashed.
Zhang Zihao’s Genesis Qi foundation and Genesis Qi grade were both inferior to Zhou Yuan’s, and he had even been overconfident. It was only logical that Zhou Yuan’s Genesis Breaker punch would smash him to bits.
Looks of horror appeared when the members of the Great Five Alliance saw Zhou Yuan collecting the Spirit light fragments. Having warred with the Tianyuan Region for so long, this was not an unfamiliar sight to them. It was what every hunter did after killing his or her target.
In other words, lord Zhang Zihao had really been killed by Zhou Yuan.
This reality shocked them till their entire bodies turned numb. However, they soon realized the grave danger they were in. They exchanged a glance before abruptly shooting away in different directions, fleeing for their lives.
Since even Zhang Zihao had been killed, staying would be asking to die.
“Stop them,” said Zhou Yuan with cold-blooded eyes.
If these people were allowed to spread the news, he would undoubtedly be surrounded and attacked by the five top factions.
Swish!
By the time Zhou Yuan’s voice rang out, Yi Qiushui, Ye Bingling, Mu Liu, Han Yuan and the others had already moved. Although they were fewer in number, the other party’s morale had already crumbled, and they no longer dared to face any of them.
Zhou Yuan’s figure also disappeared from the spot before appearing in the air.
With a grasp of his hand, the Heavenly Yuan Brush appeared. Dozens of snow-white brush hairs shot forth, darting through the air like white dragons as they quickly caught up to the Divine Dwelling practitioners and wrapped around their bodies.
Genesis Runes appeared on the hairs and were swiftly imprinted onto the bodies of their targets. They instantly sealed the targets’ Genesis Qi, causing them to tumble to the ground.
With the aid of Yi Qiushui, Ye Bingling and the others, all the Divine Dwelling practitioners were captured in a short few dozen breaths. Not a single one was allowed to escape.
Capturing them alive and handing them over to the War Service Hall would also award them some war credits.
Yi Qiushui and the others dealt with the captives before looking towards Zhou Yuan. For a time, the entire place was silent. Zhou Yuan’s ferocity had shaken them substantially.
They were somewhat unable to believe that Zhou Yuan had slaughtered Zhang Yihao, who had a Genesis Qi foundation of 600 million, like a chicken...
If Zhang Yihao were so easy to deal with, he would not have the qualifications to be on the bounty hunter list.
Yi Qiushui could not help but ask, “Zhou Yuan, are you really at the initial Heavenly Sun stage?”
The others anxiously looked over, puzzled looks on their faces.
Zhou Yuan chuckled. The coldness in his eyes faded as he answered, “Do you think I can jump straight to the intermediate stage?”
Yi Qiushui and the others looked at each other. They could assume it to be the benefit from breaking through the limit of the Divine Dwelling stage.
“I already said that I’m not bringing you guys to your deaths.” Zhou Yuan grinned.
Yi Qiushui and the others were still a little amazed as they nodded. They had originally believed that Zhou Yuan’s confidence was due to some kind of trump card Chi Jing had given him. However, it now appeared that it was because his own strength was way too outrageous.
All of them had underestimated a supreme sovereign’s personal disciple.
“I heard that Zhao Mushen has also reached the Heavenly Sun stage and cultivated a glass Heavenly Sun. If you guys meet again, I feel that he won’t be able to withstand even a single move from you.” Mu Liu sighed deeply. The once king of the Divine Dwelling stage had been left far behind Zhou Yuan.
Zhou Yuan shook his head. “Don’t underestimate him.”
Zhou Yuan was honestly still rather wary of Zhao Mushen. He was an extremely tenacious guy, after all. Although Zhou Yuan had interrupted his breakthrough during the nine regions tournament, it had evidently not affected Zhao Mushen much, given he had also later reached the Heavenly Sun stage. From this, one could see just how tenacious Zhao Mushen was.
Moreover, his Taotie blessing was very strange and unpredictable. No one could say for sure that he would not suddenly amaze everyone overnight again and rise among the Heavenly Sun stage experts. Hence, such a rival could not be underestimated.
They might even cross blows again in the future.
“Right, we found fifteen cases of Tree Spirit Essence on them. They likely extracted it from the Heavenly Fire Ancient Forest.” Yi Qiushui raised her hand, and a dozen jade cases floated into the air. The cases opened, revealing that they were filled with scarlet-red liquid. Mystical flames seemed to rise within the liquid as the surrounding temperature rose.
Zhou Yuan observed the scarlet-red liquid. He could feel the glass Heavenly Sun in his Divine Dwelling become a little hotter.
“This is some good stuff…” Desire shone in Zhou Yuan’s eyes. This item was a rare treasure for the Heavenly Sun stage and could increase one’s cultivation speed if consumed while training. It could also increase the pure yang qi inside the Heavenly Sun.
Previously, the production of Tree Spirit Essence in the Heavenly Fire Ancient Forest was strictly controlled, and these fifteen cases would have fetched very high prices. Many people must have benefitted from the war that had erupted here.
“Each of you, take one case.” With a flick, Zhou Yuan sent several cases towards Yi Qiushui
and the others.
“We also get a share?” Mu Liu, Shang Xiaoling and the others were pleasantly surprised. According to the rules, the battle spoils would usually not reach the hands of Divine Dwelling stage practitioners like them. They would already be very satisfied with some war credits.
However, they understood Zhou Yuan’s character and thus did not dwell on the topic as each member happily kept their portion. They might not be able to utilize the Tree Spirit Essence for the time being, but it would help them a lot once they advanced to the Heavenly Sun stage.
Zhou Yuan waved his sleeve, keeping the remaining cases before instructing two members to take the captives away first.
“The first target has been neutralized. Let’s go. There’s still two more.”
Zhou Yuan grinned as he cast a glance at the messy surroundings. Someone would likely arrive here soon to find out what happened. Hence, they should also move on to their next target.
He shot forth, leading the way.
Behind him, Yi Qiushui, Ye Bingling, Mu Liu, Han Yuan and the others excitedly followed with happy expressions.
Compared to the apprehensive mood two hours prior, they were now in high spirits with not the slightest hint of panic.
They had realized that Zhou Yuan was even more reliable than they had imagined!
Chapter 1016 Crucial Information
Three days later, at a certain location in the Heavenly Fire Ancient Forest.
Yi Qiushui, Ye Bingling and the others were standing on the branches of a giant tree, everyone craning their necks to peer into the distance. Two columns of berserk Genesis Qi were rising like smoke as wave after wave of Genesis Qi tore apart the ground and toppled the giant trees.
Such destructive power was extremely astonishing.
It was the battle between Zhou Yuan and the second target, Cao Xiao.
It had taken them three days of searching in the Heavenly Fire Ancient Forest to confirm Cao Xiao’s location.
However, in contrast to the apprehension they felt the first time, Yi Qiushui and the others had rather relaxed expressions this time. After all, they already understood how abnormally strong Zhou Yuan was after witnessing the terrifying sight of him blasting Zhang Zihao to smithereens.
Although Cao Xiao had not been slain in a single punch this time, they could tell that Zhou Yuan had the absolute advantage in the fight.
“He’s really far too frightening…” Mu Liu sighed as he watched.
By the side, Han Yuan nodded in understanding. The thing that terrified him the most was the rate of Zhou Yuan's progress. He could still recall how he, Lu Xiao and the others did not give Zhou Yuan a second glance when he arrived at the four pavilions. Who could have imagined that the very person all of them had looked down on would ultimately lead the four pavilions to become the champion of the nine regions tournament?
This achievement alone had fully won them over.
Han Yuan gloated, “The Tianyuan Region’s Heavenly Sun stage will likely share our experience soon.”
How could they not understand the current attitudes of the Tianyuan Region’s Heavenly Sun stage practitioners? They were obviously envious and skeptical. Unfortunately for them, all of their doubts would ultimately come back as a painful slap to their faces.
Yi Qiushui earnestly declared, “Since supreme sovereign Cang Yuan chose Zhou Yuan, it naturally speaks of how unparalleled he is.”
Envy had clouded the eyes of the numerous Tianyuan Region Heavenly Sun stage experts, making them blind to certain things. They should consider this: had anyone from the Tianyuan Region ever became the champion of the nine regions tournament since the Tianyuan Region’s establishment? Although Zhou Yuan had just stepped into the Heavenly Sun stage and would be on the weaker end when facing the more experienced Heavenly Sun stage experts, he would definitely leave them far behind in the dust if given some time.
The others nodded. They rather looked forward to the arrival of that day.
Boom!
While they were conversing, an astonishing blast of Genesis Qi erupted from the faraway battlefield.
Swish!
A miserable-looking figure was flung backward, accompanied by a sonic boom as he smashed into the ground. His body bounced across the earth like a ball, leaving deep holes with each impact.
The figure finally came to a stop, revealing itself to be a bloody body whose chest was caved in. Who else could it be but Cao Xiao, who was now practically on the edge of death?
Genesis Qi weakly fluttered around him as fear flooded his face.
Zhou Yuan's battle power had terrified him, and he could not understand how Zhou Yuan could be so strong.
Swish!
Zhou Yuan’s figure appeared in front of Cao Xiao. His eyes were filled with cold indifference as he slowly lifted the mottled black brush in his hand. Light seemed to flow along the brush’s sharp tip as the space around it shuddered.
Cao Xiao was frightened out of his wits, and he begged in a trembling voice, “D-d-don't kill me!”
In the face of death, he no longer had any trace of a Heavenly Sun expert’s dignity.
Zhou Yuan was unmoved. This was war. Those that died at Cao Xiao’s hands might have once begged like this, but he had obviously shown no mercy.
Bzz!
There was no hesitation as he thrust the Heavenly Yuan Brush toward Cao Xiao’s head with killing intent.
Cao Xiao’s soul nearly left his body as he shrieked, “Don’t kill me! I know a huge secret!”
The sharp brush tip stopped half an inch before Cao Xiao’s glabella, though the accompanying force left a small bloody hole between his brows. A little bit more and Cao Xiao’s Spirit would have been destroyed.
Zhou Yuan coldly said, “You only have one chance.”
Under Zhou Yuan’s emotionless eyes, Cao Xiao swallowed and said, “We found the Heavenly Fire Tree King in the Heavenly Fire Ancient Forest and are currently refining as much Tree King Divine Essence as we can. Once we have enough, a Genesis Rune Boundary will be used as a medium to spread its power to all our Heavenly Sun stage experts on the battlefield, temporarily boosting their strength. When that happens, the alliance army will conduct a full-force assault on the Chiyun Prefecture battle line.”
Zhou Yuan’s originally expressionless face slowly turned grave.
Yi Qiushui and the others heard him as well, and their expressions likewise changed.
Yi Qiushui blurted out in disbelief, “You guys have found the Heavenly Fire Tree King?”
Mu Liu also cried out, “Impossible! The Heavenly Fire Tree King is a mystical existence that birthed the entire Heavenly Fire Ancient Forest. Lady Mu Ni once personally probed the forest but failed to discover any trace of it. How could you guys have found it?”
Cao Xiao said, “How would I know? All I know is that they have definitely found the Heavenly Fire Tree King!”
Everyone looked at each other, seeing the horror in each other’s eyes. If Cao Xiao was telling the truth, the opposing army was brewing an earth-shaking plan. Once they succeeded, the entire Chiyun Prefecture would fall into their hands.
Everyone turned their gazes toward Zhou Yuan.
Zhou Yuan’s eyes faintly flickered in thought as he looked towards Cao Xiao. “You should have the location of the Heavenly Fire Tree King, right?”
Cao Xiao did not beat about the bush. “I’m unaware of the exact location, but I do know that it’s somewhere toward the southwest, deep behind our battle line.”
Zhou Yuan nodded. With a jerk of the Heavenly Yuan Brush, a Genesis Rune was drawn in the air. He cast a glance at Cao Xiao and said, “You should know what to do.”
It was a Spirit sealing rune. As long as Cao Xiao did not resist, it would be able to seal him for some time.
Cao Xiao ultimately gritted his teeth and nodded. He could tell that disagreeing would immediately lead to his death.
Zhou Yuan gently swung the brush tip, sending the rune towards Cao Xiao’s head. The rune
swiftly entered the spot between his brows and temporarily sealed his Spirit.
Once his Spirit was sealed, Cao Xiao’s eyes turned white as he powerlessly crumpled to the ground.
Zhou Yuan looked towards Yi Qiushui and the others. “Take him to elder Qin Lian as fast as you can and inform them of this matter."
Yi Qiushui hurriedly said, “What about you? You won’t head there alone, right? The place will definitely be heavily guarded, and there may even be Nascent Source experts present! You need to be careful—he might have revealed this information to lure you into a death-trap.”
Zhou Yuan smiled. “Don’t worry. I won’t be so foolish as to clash with them, and I will act appropriately.”
Yi Qiushui and the others hesitated for a moment, but they ultimately nodded. Zhou Yuan should be strong enough to protect himself. Things would not become too disastrous as long as he did not act rashly.
Knowing the severity of the situation, they did not dare to waste any more time and quickly grabbed Cao Xiao and left.
Zhou Yuan watched them leave. Moments later, his gaze shifted towards the southwest as a faint light flickered in his eyes.
“The Heavenly Fire Tree King, huh…”
He had naturally heard of this mystical existence. Did the Law Domain experts of the five top-tier factions really have the capability to find something that even grand elder Mu Ni could not?
A contemplative look arose in Zhou Yuan’s eyes. Soon after, his figure turned into a shadow and vanished.
Chapter 1017 So Strong?
At the battlefront deep within the Heavenly Fire Ancient Forest.
Amidst the scarlet-red forest, two figures peered into distance from atop a tree.
Of the two, one had the tall and slender figure of a woman. There was a fierce look on her pretty face, and a ponytail that was as long as bamboo gently swayed behind her. It was Qin Lian.
The petite girl beside her was Mu Youlan.
These two renowned Heavenly Sun experts were currently gathered at this battlefront.
The two young ladies were originally assigned to another battlefront. However, the Tianyuan Region transferred Qin Lian here to kill the two Wang brothers, Wang Qinghai and Wang Haiyuan, who had recently been rampaging in the Chiyun Prefecture and had repeatedly beaten back the Tianyuan Region’s Heavenly Sun experts.
Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251 Page 527