Chapter 1073: Phoenix Perch Tower

Fulong City is located in the central part of Tianyuan Territory, making it one of the few major cities in the region. Its prosperity alone rivals that of some remote provinces.

It is also where Tianyuan Territory recruits top-tier Heavenly Sun Stage rogue cultivators. Over the past four months, countless Heavenly Sun Stage rogue cultivators from Hunyuan Heaven have arrived from all directions, gathering in this city and creating much commotion.

In Fulong City, within the western district, there is a massive manor. This manor is currently the busiest place in the city, as almost all Heavenly Sun Stage rogue cultivators who have come to Tianyuan Territory are gathered here.

At the center of the manor stands a pavilion called "Phoenix Perch Tower." Inside the Phoenix Perch Tower, there are numerous checkpoints guarded by strong cultivators from Tianyuan Territory. Only those who pass these challenges can ascend the tower, and merely entering the tower signifies approval from Tianyuan Territory.

Thus, the area outside the tower is constantly crowded with rogue cultivators from various factions. Their gazes are fixed on the figures upstairs, their eyes filled with envy. As rogue cultivators, they naturally yearn for recognition from Tianyuan Territory, and it is said that the Ancient Origin Heaven holds great opportunities. If they could participate, they might achieve immediate success.

Unfortunately, the checkpoints set by Tianyuan Territory are not easy; only those with late-stage Heavenly Sun power have a chance to pass. Most of those observing from outside are not very confident.

Outside the Phoenix Perch Tower, there is a jade stele that gleams with light. Each time someone passes the numerous assessments, their name appears on the stele, followed by the time it took them to clear the challenges. Whenever a new name appears on the jade stele, it triggers many exclamations of admiration and envy.

However, when most people look at the jade stele, they involuntarily glance at the very top, where three names capture everyone's attention:Han Jinhe, 23 breaths.Xue Qingmei, 35 breaths.Wang Su, 40 breaths.

The times next to their names stand out sharply compared to others, who often took half an incense stick or a full incense stick. And the many rogue cultivators looking at these three names are filled with reverence. These three are considered the most brilliant dark horses among the rogue cultivators recruited this time. The strength they displayed shocked everyone. Before this, no one expected such figures to be hidden among rogue cultivators. Their profound foundations are absolutely comparable to top Heavenly Sun Stage cultivators like Bian Buji and Mu Youlan, even within Tianyuan Territory. Within Tianyuan Territory's Heavenly Sun Stage, perhaps only Qin Lian can surpass them.

Many gazes were fixed on those three names, and eventually, whispers began to rise."But I heard Han Jinhe, Xue Qingmei, and Wang Su haven't officially announced their joining of Tianyuan Territory's team yet.""Yes, that's right. Rumor has it they want to claim captain positions.""Heh, are they dissatisfied with the original two captains?""Qin Lian's strength is evident; Han Jinhe and the others probably have no issue with her. They're likely targeting Elder Zhou Yuan.""They really don't know their place. Zhou Yuan is now one of the five grand elders of Tianyuan Territory. What kind of status is that? Are they looking for trouble?""Not necessarily. Tianyuan Territory is currently inviting heroes from all sides. If Han Jinhe and the others are displeased, they can simply leave Tianyuan Territory and go to other territories; presumably, they'd be welcomed warmly. Moreover, many people follow them. If they truly leave, half the people in this Phoenix Perch Tower might depart, and that would truly be a laughingstock.""I actually think Han Jinhe and the others are doing the right thing. It's true that Zhou Yuan is an elder, but he's only in the early Heavenly Sun Stage. Although he defeated Lu Qing before, it was because he relied on external forces. Which of Han Jinhe's group hasn't experienced countless battles? Asking them to obey the command of an early Heavenly Sun Stage cultivator, they probably won't tolerate it.""Exactly, in the Ancient Origin Heaven, if it comes down to competition, will others care if you're an elder of Tianyuan Territory?"

Around Phoenix Perch Tower, countless whispers and arguments erupted. Many eyes were filled with amusement, as they expected a good show today.

Meanwhile, on the top floor of the tower, hundreds of figures were scattered. In the center, three figures sat together. Behind them, a large group of people sat or stood, their gazes filled with trust towards the three.

The central figure among the three was a handsome man with his hair tied up, a golden braid falling down his back. His expression was calm, but the slightly raised corners of his eyes hinted at a hidden arrogance. This was Han Jinhe.

To his left was a beautiful woman with a sleek short haircut, dressed in loose cultivation robes. Even so, her fiery figure was somewhat unconcealed. She was Xue Qingmei.

To the right was also a man, but he was much more burly, with dark skin, abundant body hair, and bell-like eyes filled with a fierce aura, making him intimidating at first glance. This was Wang Su.

These three were the strongest individuals recruited by Tianyuan Territory this time.

"I hear that soon, the forces from Hunyuan Heaven's Nine Territories will begin to convene," Han Jinhe said indifferently.

"Hasn't Tianyuan Territory given us a reply yet?" Xue Qingmei frowned slightly. "Our demands aren't excessive; we merely want a captain's position. We don't wish to be commanded arbitrarily." As rogue cultivators, they had witnessed too many unscrupulous tactics, with some commanders even treating teammates as cannon fodder, sacrificing them recklessly.

Wang Su said gruffly, "I respect Qin Lian's capabilities, but I'm worried that Elder Zhou Yuan will rely on his status to forcefully command us. If too many of us get injured or killed, how can I face the brothers I brought along?"

Han Jinhe said softly, "Today is essentially the deadline. If we still don't get a reply, then I plan to leave Tianyuan Territory."

"Wherever Brother Han goes, we'll follow!" Several voices immediately echoed from behind Han Jinhe. Xue Qingmei and Wang Su also nodded, indicating their agreement.

When the three of them made this statement, nearly half of the rogue cultivators in the tower immediately chimed in their support. The remaining half exchanged glances, their eyes showing hesitation and concern.

Just as the tower was filled with chaotic noise, a Heavenly Sun Stage cultivator from Tianyuan Territory appeared and addressed Han Jinhe and the other two: "Elder Qin Lian requests your presence."

Han Jinhe and the others exchanged glances, a smile playing on their lips. It seemed Tianyuan Territory couldn't withstand the pressure and was finally choosing to compromise. So they stood up and followed the Tianyuan Territory Heavenly Sun Stage cultivator directly upstairs, pushed open a large door, and entered a spacious hall.

Upon entering the hall, their eyes first landed on Qin Lian, with her tall stature and elegant, cold beauty. However, to their surprise, Qin Lian was not seated in the main seat. With a hint of confusion, they looked towards the main seat, where a young man sat quietly, his calm, unwavering eyes observing them as they entered the hall.

Han Jinhe's pupils constricted slightly. His mind raced, and he quickly deduced the identity of the young man before him.

"This must be Elder Zhou Yuan, renowned throughout Tianyuan Territory, I presume?" Han Jinhe said coolly. He paused, not waiting for Zhou Yuan's reply, and continued, "Since Elder Zhou Yuan is here, today's matter should be even simpler. I wonder if Tianyuan Territory can agree to our request?"

Zhou Yuan lifted his eyelids and said, "Is this about your three applications to become captains?"

Han Jinhe nodded faintly. Xue Qingmei and Wang Su also stared at Zhou Yuan, their expressions indifferent.

Zhou Yuan gazed at the three of them. After a moment, he smiled and gently set down the teacup in his hand. His calm voice then broke the silence.

"I'm sorry, your request has been rejected by me."