Chapter 1054: Escape

"Huh, how did Zhou Yuan break out of the Heaven-Earth Prison?!"

In the direction of the five alliances, Law Domain experts like Hong Jiuyuan stared at Zhou Yuan's sudden appearance, their expressions changing instantly, their eyes filled with deep shock. They had naturally noticed the earlier appearance of the Heaven-Earth Prison and understood that Grand Elder Wanzu had made a move. However, before they could even celebrate, they saw Zhou Yuan's figure emerge, falling unhindered towards the Tianyuan Region's main camp. Clearly, Zhou Yuan had escaped the Heaven-Earth Prison! But... how was that possible?! Grand Elder Wanzu himself had intervened and still couldn't capture Zhou Yuan? Could a Heavenly Sun Stage expert really be that formidable?!

Sovereign Guiyuan frowned, pondering for a moment before saying, "This can't be Zhou Yuan's own ability. The Genesis Qi in the world became turbulent earlier. Perhaps... another Grand Elder from Hunyuan Heaven intervened." The others fell silent upon hearing this. Grand Elder Wanzu's personal intervention did indeed bend the rules somewhat, so it wasn't impossible for other Grand Elders to step in if they couldn't stand by.

"That kid is truly lucky!" Hong Jiuyuan sighed. Zhou Yuan actually managed to survive an attack from a Grand Elder; his luck was truly exceptional. The other Law Domain experts nodded in agreement, sharing the sentiment.

Meanwhile, as Zhou Yuan descended into the Tianyuan Region's main camp, overwhelming cheers erupted once more, and countless eager gazes fell upon him. The reception was a world apart from when he had first set out to battle. Chi Jing, Mu Ni, and other Law Domain experts quickly moved to greet him, their expressions a mix of surprise and uncertainty, as they too were utterly shocked that Zhou Yuan had managed to escape the Heaven-Earth Prison.

"What was that earlier?" Chi Jing whispered. Zhou Yuan nodded slightly and replied, "A Grand Elder from the Martial God Domain intervened to help." Chi Jing bit her lip and nodded gently, knowing that only a Grand Elder could have rescued Zhou Yuan from the Heaven-Earth Prison.

Mu Ni took hold of Zhou Yuan's mangled and broken fingers. Genesis Qi, rich with life force, flowed from her, and new flesh rapidly began to squirm at the broken points. Within mere dozens of breaths, his fingers were completely regrown. "You've been through so much, child," Mu Ni sighed. Even they, as Law Domain experts, would feel fear when facing a Grand Elder's intervention. It was hard to imagine the immense terror Zhou Yuan must have experienced. It was fortunate that his will was so resilient; for an ordinary person, even if rescued, such an experience would leave a massive psychological scar, potentially affecting their future cultivation path.

Hearing this, Zhou Yuan gave a carefree smile and said, "To force a Grand Elder to personally act against a mere Heavenly Sun Stage cultivator like me, I consider it an honor." He was finding humor in adversity; such an experience was indeed incredibly rare throughout Hunyuan Heaven.

Sect Master Xuankun glanced at Zhou Yuan. Although he had held some reservations about the young man in the past, at this moment, he couldn't help but say, "Your courage, young man, truly ranks among the top I've ever seen... No wonder the Grand Elders favor you." Clan Leader Bianchang also spoke with a booming voice, "I believe that given enough time, our Tianyuan Region might well produce another Law Domain expert."

This was an extremely high compliment. After all, a Law Domain expert was already the most powerful being in the world, second only to a Grand Elder, capable of becoming a formidable, awe-inspiring magnate.

Zhou Yuan smiled, his inner thoughts unrevealed. Being a Law Domain expert was far from enough. Whether it was returning to Cangxuan Heaven for revenge or settling the score with Grand Elder Wanzu in the future, such feats were beyond the capabilities of a Law Domain expert. He couldn't let Sect Master Xuankun and the others know these thoughts, or they would undoubtedly call him insane. To have the audacity to hold a grudge against a Grand Elder with only Heavenly Sun Stage strength was probably unheard of, even for them, with all their vast experience.

Zhou Yuan handed the blood-stained crystal ball to Chi Jing, smiling, "Luckily, I saved it." Chi Jing carefully took it, wiping away the bloodstains. It was clear she was only now fully exhaling in relief, as the object was crucial to the survival of the Tianyuan Region, and she couldn't afford to take it lightly.

"In this Twin Towers Contest, we had one victory and one defeat, meaning one of the unique artifacts still fell into the opponent's hands." Chi Jing looked at Zhou Yuan, her eyes filled with inexpressible relief. "Speaking of which, two of the three unique artifacts were retrieved by you, little junior brother." The Heavenfire Treant King and this artifact from Wind Rain Lake were indeed secured thanks to Zhou Yuan. Otherwise, the enemy might now possess all three artifacts, making the destruction of the Tianyuan Cave Heaven a simple task.

Zhou Yuan, however, had no intention of taking credit. Instead, a hint of worry appeared in his eyes as he softly said, "The opponent still has one artifact. I'm just afraid that Grand Elder Wanzu won't give up so easily." As soon as he spoke, the atmosphere grew heavy again. Grand Elder Wanzu was like a colossal mountain, pressing down on Chi Jing and the others, making it difficult for them even to breathe.

"What do we do next?" Zhou Yuan asked. Chi Jing took a deep breath and replied, "Their intentions are clear: to destroy the Tianyuan Cave Heaven. Our Tianyuan Region will now adopt a full defensive strategy. The five of us will return to the Tianyuan Cave Heaven and guard it constantly. We will also bring the two artifacts back into the Cave Heaven to prevent further complications. Inside the Tianyuan Cave Heaven, using the power of the Saint Treasure, we will be much safer. ...Although Zhou Yuan's presence disrupted his plans this time, I have a premonition that he truly won't give up. Therefore, his next move will undoubtedly be even more ruthless and lethal. And..." She bit her lip, her eyes chilling as she added, "His next move likely won't be long in coming."

The expressions of the Law Domain experts were grave. Grand Elder Wanzu's scheme this time had nearly led to their complete defeat. What level of ferocity could they expect from his next, even more intense assault? Being targeted by such a Grand Elder truly left them unable to rest or eat.

Zhou Yuan also sighed inwardly. He could sense the helplessness in Chi Jing's heart and those around her. As long as the Tianyuan Region lacked a Grand Elder to oversee it, they would always remain passive when facing Grand Elder Wanzu's machinations. In the distance, the five alliance members had begun to retreat, but Zhou Yuan could feel the playful gazes of their Law Domain experts as they departed.

Zhou Yuan fell silent for a moment, then his gaze shifted to the many celebrating experts of the Tianyuan Region behind him. At this moment, they likely didn't realize that this barely won victory was not truly an end. Instead, it might serve as a provocation, further enraging Grand Elder Wanzu... The Tianyuan Region might soon face an even more furious storm. And even Zhou Yuan didn't know if the Tianyuan Region would be able to withstand it this time...