Chapter 1042: Leading by Example

A strong and astonishing Genesis Qi pressure swept out from Zhou Yuan like a storm, causing the entire hall to fall silent under its might.

Everyone present showed signs of deep shock, including the three Nascent Source experts, Qin Lian, and Bai Yu.

A Genesis Qi foundation of 1.5 billion!

Such a pure Genesis Qi foundation alone wouldn't have caused them to lose their composure. However, for such a foundation to appear on Zhou Yuan, who had only broken through to the Heavenly Sun Stage a mere three or four months ago, it was exceptionally terrifying.

One must know that even Mu Youlan, who had also condensed a Glazed Heavenly Sun and was in the late Heavenly Sun Stage, possessed a Genesis Qi foundation of only around 1.6 billion.

And this level of foundation was already enough for her to rank on the Heavenly Sun List and become a top talent among the Heavenly Sun Stage experts in the Tianyuan Region.

Yet, this foundation was accumulated by Mu Youlan after years of arduous cultivation. For Zhou Yuan to now approach that level was truly terrifying!

If even they were so shocked, how much more so were the other Heavenly Sun Stage cultivators present?

They stared dumbfounded at Zhou Yuan. At that moment, they truly understood the saying, 'not all people are equal.' Compared to Zhou Yuan, they were truly like dust. Was this why he was so favored by the Grand Elder? Some Heavenly Sun Stage cultivators who had previously harbored jealousy and resentment were now utterly dejected.

The silence in the hall lasted for a long time, unusually oppressive.

Zhou Yuan's expression remained calm as the Genesis Qi pressure erupting from his body gradually dissipated, and the Glazed Great Sun behind him vanished. He then said, "If anyone still has an objection to me taking the fifth spot, you can speak up publicly."

Silence reigned. Seeing this, Zhou Yuan said calmly, "If there are no objections, then go and do what you're supposed to do. I don't mind you questioning me, but if you only question with your mouths, then perhaps the Tianyuan Region doesn't welcome such individuals."

The coldness in his words caused many Heavenly Sun Stage cultivators present to shiver slightly. As their jealousy and unwillingness receded, they finally calmed down, realizing Zhou Yuan's extraordinary status in the Tianyuan Region. Even the elders dared not show him the slightest disrespect; offending him would likely lead to severe repercussions in the future.

Thus, accompanied by rustling sounds, many of the unruly Heavenly Sun Stage experts lowered their heads and began to file out of the hall, their retreating figures appearing somewhat discomfited.

"What about the two of you?" Zhou Yuan turned his gaze to Wang Ping and Lu Ping, saying calmly, "If you are still unwilling, I can give you a fair chance to challenge me." Wang Ping and Lu Ping exchanged glances, a bitter smile on their faces. Their previous arrogance had long been completely suppressed by Zhou Yuan's 1.5 billion Genesis Qi pressure. They bowed and clasped their fists at Zhou Yuan, then turned and withdrew.

Seeing these Heavenly Sun Stage cultivators, who had been causing trouble for nearly a month, finally cease their commotion, the three Nascent Source experts also let out a sigh of relief. They then nodded slightly at Zhou Yuan before their figures vanished.

Zhou Yuan turned to Qin Lian and Bai Yu, who were still present, and said calmly, "Thank you for your efforts." Qin Lian and Mu Youlan quickly approached, examining Zhou Yuan with a mix of surprise and doubt. "Your Genesis Qi?"

They noticed that Zhou Yuan's Genesis Qi had weakened again.

"It's not from my own cultivation," Zhou Yuan said with a smile, not bothering to hide the truth since his situation was easily discernible. "I used an external object, and it can only be maintained for a period of time. However, it should be enough for this Wonderous Object competition."

Qin Lian and Mu Youlan then breathed a slight sigh of relief. Mu Youlan, in particular, who had cultivated assiduously for years to reach a foundation of only 1.6 billion, would have genuinely doubted her own abilities if Zhou Yuan had truly approached her level so easily.

"Heh heh, it seems the Grand Elder has indeed left many good things for Little Elder Zhou Yuan," a laughing voice came from behind, revealing Bai Yu. "But I wonder how stable this Genesis Qi, achieved through external means, truly is?"

Zhou Yuan glanced at Bai Yu. The man appeared to be smiling, but his words carried a sarcastic undertone. However, ever since Zhou Yuan announced his identity as the Grand Elder's personal disciple, he had grown accustomed to such remarks. Clearly, Bai Yu harbored considerable resentment about this, and his frustration was likely more intense than that of other Heavenly Sun Stage cultivators. After all, he was one of the true top talents among the Heavenly Sun Stage cultivators in the Tianyuan Region. If anyone in the Heavenly Sun Stage had a chance of being favored by the Grand Elder, he would have been among the most likely candidates.

"Whether it’s stable or not, there’s no need for me to explain it to you in detail," Zhou Yuan said gently. "If you still have doubts, you can go ask Sect Master Xuankun."

Bai Yu’s smile froze on his face. How could he not sense the sharpness beneath Zhou Yuan’s gentle tone? This slightly irritated him, for in his view, if Zhou Yuan didn't have the identity of the Grand Elder's personal disciple, he wouldn't be qualified to speak to him in such a manner.

"Little Elder, don't be angry," Bai Yu said calmly. "I'm only thinking about the reputation of our Tianyuan Region. After all, this competition requires three wins out of five matches. If something unexpected happens with you, it will put immense pressure on us."

Zhou Yuan nodded. "How I perform then is my business," he said. "You only need to ensure your own condition is good."

Faced with Zhou Yuan's consistently superior and irritating demeanor, Bai Yu's fists clenched in his sleeves. But in the end, he endured it and sneered, "Then I shall look forward to it. I hope Little Elder doesn't disgrace the Grand Elder at that time."

With that, he flicked his sleeve and left.

Seeing this, Zhou Yuan looked at Bian Buji, who was standing nearby. But before he could speak, Bian Buji slowly said, "I don't care where your power comes from. As long as you can win and uphold the reputation of our Tianyuan Region, then I will have no objections. However, if your actions lead to our ultimate defeat, even with your extraordinary status, I will report it to the five elders." He looked directly at Zhou Yuan without flinching, then turned and left.

However, Zhou Yuan felt no anger towards Bian Buji's blunt and unreserved words. Dealing with such a person was always preferable to dealing with Bai Yu, who was full of hidden motives.

"Bian Buji has always been straightforward. You don't need to mind him," Qin Lian said.

"As for Bai Yu, you've certainly angered him this time; that guy isn't very broad-minded," Mu Youlan said with a chuckle. From previous interactions, Zhou Yuan wasn't the type to deliberately put on airs. He likely disliked Bai Yu and intentionally provoked him with that attitude.

Zhou Yuan nodded lightly and asked, "Have the names of the five alliances participating in this Heavenly Sun Pagoda competition been announced?" Qin Lian nodded slightly. "Yes, they have," she said. "Every person is a pillar of strength among the Heavenly Sun Stage cultivators in the five alliances. Their power is immense, and all of them have Genesis Qi foundations exceeding 1.5 billion. This time, the five alliances have truly gone all out."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan’s gaze sharpened. The battles at the late Heavenly Sun Stage were indeed not simple.

"For this Wonderous Object competition, we will arrange for you to go last," Qin Lian said. "This way, if we successfully win three matches, you won't need to make a move. We hope you can accept this arrangement."

Although Zhou Yuan could temporarily boost his Genesis Qi foundation to 1.5 billion with external aid, as Bai Yu mentioned, it was indeed not entirely stable. Therefore, if Qin Lian and the others could successfully win three matches to conclude this Wonderous Object competition, it would be best if Zhou Yuan didn't have to participate. After all, his identity was too special; if he were to make a mistake and lose, it could cause considerable negative impact.

Looking at Qin Lian's somewhat nervous gaze fixed on him, Zhou Yuan said with a touch of helplessness, "I told you, I’m not looking for glory by participating in this Wonderous Object competition. I’m willing to obey any arrangement, even if it means winning effortlessly."

He knew Qin Lian's worries were simply that he might be too proud and unwilling to be the one who contributed nothing. But in reality, he didn't care. The reason he participated, ultimately, was simply because he didn't want to entrust his fate to others.

And if Qin Lian and the others could win successfully, he would naturally be happy to take it easy.

Although he didn't know if he could turn the tide if the situation truly collapsed and Qin Lian and the others failed, he would nonetheless fight with all his might.

Hearing Zhou Yuan say this, Qin Lian quietly let out a sigh of relief, and a smile appeared on her usually stern face.

"Then let's wish ourselves good luck."

She extended her slender hand.

Mu Youlan also chuckled and reached out to join hands.

Zhou Yuan looked at the two women's gazes, hesitated slightly, and then extended his hand as well.

"May you achieve a resounding victory and raise the prestige of our Tianyuan Region."