Chapter 1077: Tianzhu Peak

Tianzhu Peak, located in the central region of Hunyuan Heaven, is incredibly majestic. From a distance, it resembles an endless colossal wall, its summit perpetually shrouded by layers of clouds. At the peak, a violent Origin Qi storm rages, rendering space itself fragile. Countless spatial fragments are swept into the vortex, dramatically amplifying the storm's destructive power.

This terrifying storm doesn't constantly linger at the peak; it occasionally sweeps downwards. Wherever it passes, all living creatures are instantly engulfed. Thus, within Hunyuan Heaven, it is known as the "Wind Calamity."

Due to the Wind Calamity of Tianzhu Peak, this area is one of the most perilous in Hunyuan Heaven. Under normal circumstances, even experts at the Nascent Source stage dare not venture here.

This has rendered the area desolate.

However, in recent times, this location has become the central focus of Hunyuan Heaven.

This is because access to the "Ancient Origin Heaven" requires passing through Tianzhu Peak.

Consequently, forces from all directions have converged, ultimately gathering at Tianzhu City, nestled at the foot of Tianzhu Peak.

The city, somewhat ancient, clearly cannot accommodate such an influx of people. Therefore, on the plains outside, various camps have sprung up, stretching spectacularly to the horizon.

Yet, these grand sights paled in comparison to Tianzhu Peak itself. The sprawling camps at the mountain's base resembled termite mounds.

When Zhou Yuan and Qin Lian led the main force of the Tianyuan Region to the base of Tianzhu Peak, they saw the continuous stretch of camps, their lights extending as far as the eye could see.

"Is this Tianzhu Peak...?"

Zhou Yuan gazed up at the colossal peak bathed in the setting sun. Tianzhu Peak filled his entire field of vision; its edges were impossible to discern from any direction, and an overwhelming sense of oppression arose within him.

Moreover, Zhou Yuan knew that what they saw of Tianzhu Peak was merely the tip of the iceberg, as much of it remained concealed by dense layers of clouds.

High in the sky below Tianzhu Peak, Zhou Yuan also noticed the presence of barriers, likely erected to prevent the Wind Calamity from wreaking havoc and causing casualties among the converging forces.

"Have them set up camp later," Qin Lian said, turning to Zhou Yuan. "We should go straight into the city. I imagine the people from the other eight regions have already arrived."

With forces from all sides gathered at Tianzhu Peak, it was clear that discussions were needed regarding the impending conflict in Ancient Origin Heaven. They would likely establish certain rules to prevent excessive internal strife, which would only benefit other heavens.

While the efficacy of such rules in the face of competing interests remained debatable, they were certainly better than nothing.

"It seems some formidable characters will be attending," Zhou Yuan chuckled.

Those qualified to participate in this meeting were the most elite Heavenly Sun stage cultivators from various regions and factions. Truth be told, he would probably be the least conspicuous among them.

After all, in terms of both seniority and rank, everyone else would surpass him.

Qin Lian offered a faint smile. "Seniority counts for little; strength is paramount. And frankly, you're the most extraordinary one here. Consider how long it's been since you entered the Heavenly Sun stage—barely a year, perhaps? What about us? Each of us has spent several times longer, or even more, cultivating at this level.

"Yet now, you're gradually catching up to us 'old-timers'... Such a feat is rare in the history of Heavenly Sun cultivators in Hunyuan Heaven."

Praised so highly by Qin Lian, Zhou Yuan felt a little overwhelmed. He knew how proud she was by nature and was surprised she found him so formidable.

Noticing Zhou Yuan's surprised gaze, Qin Lian pursed her red lips slightly. "Although our spars over the past few days have always ended in a draw, do you truly believe I didn't sense you were holding back?"

Zhou Yuan quickly chuckled. "You weren't going all out either, were you?"

"If I had to unleash all my trump cards against a 'junior' who entered the Heavenly Sun stage years after me, what would be the difference from admitting defeat?" Qin Lian said, gritting her teeth.

Faced with her stubbornness, Zhou Yuan could only offer a helpless smile.

As they spoke, a massive flying boat descended from the sky. After giving instructions to Bian Buji, Mu Youlan, and others, Zhou Yuan and Qin Lian soared through the air, transforming into two streaks of light heading directly towards the ancient small city.

Currently, this small city was truly a gathering place for powerful cultivators.

In addition to the discussions among Heavenly Sun stage cultivators like Zhou Yuan, there were also meetings for those at the Nascent Source and Law Domain stages. Of course, those were irrelevant to Zhou Yuan and his peers.

The two landed in the western part of the city, where a stone tower stood. Heavily guarded, its surroundings pulsed with powerful Origin Qi fluctuations.

However, the guards merely glanced at Zhou Yuan and Qin Lian as they landed, none stepping forward to question or obstruct them, evidently recognizing their identities.

Zhou Yuan and Qin Lian did not linger, walking directly into the stone tower.

Upon entering the stone tower, their view expanded to reveal a spacious stone hall.

Inside the stone hall, a lively buzz of voices filled the air.

The setting resembled an arena, with layers of stone steps extending forward and downwards. Each tier was adorned with numerous seats carved from bluestone.

At the center, below the descending tiers, was a circular black stone table, heavy and ancient. Around this table, several figures were already seated, their eyes closed in contemplation, their postures relaxed. Yet, a faint, astonishing Origin Qi pressure subtly emanated from each of them.

Evidently, only representatives from various major forces with sufficient strength were privileged to sit at the black stone table.

Therefore, this black stone table symbolized the most elite circle of Heavenly Sun stage cultivators in all of Hunyuan Heaven.

As Zhou Yuan and Qin Lian appeared, numerous gazes turned towards them. Some eyes lingered on Zhou Yuan, filled with curiosity and scrutiny, likely recognizing him.

However, there were also some nonchalant glances, from those who clearly didn't find a "newcomer" who had only entered the Heavenly Sun stage for about a year particularly noteworthy, even if this newcomer held an unimaginably high position within the Tianyuan Region...

Zhou Yuan's expression remained unchanged; he wasn't angered by the rude stares. Just as he was about to step forward, he suddenly sensed a familiar fluctuation and a faint, refreshing fragrance from behind him.

In that instant, Zhou Yuan noticed many of the gazes that had been on him now shifting behind him, filled with admiration.

Zhou Yuan didn't turn around, as the graceful figure stopped precisely beside him.

He slightly tilted his head, and a vibrant red dress came into view. The dress highlighted skin as clear and translucent as snow, while the slender, delicate figure had alluring curves that rose and fell like mountains.

On her exquisite face, her elegant nose stood proud, its tip seemingly glowing.

Further up, a pair of phoenix eyes, holding a detached gaze, quietly fixed on Zhou Yuan.

She was as cold and haughty as ever, like an empress.

Her grace was undiminished.

It was Wu Yao.

"We meet again," Zhou Yuan said with a friendly smile. He still remembered the Great Venerable of Wushen Domain lending him a hand, the root of which lay with Wu Yao.

Wu Yao's phoenix eyes swept over him. "You'll need to be careful in Ancient Origin Heaven this time," she said. "If the opportunity arises, I will reclaim what I lost."

Zhou Yuan could sense a faint, almost imperceptible Origin Qi pressure emanating from Wu Yao, causing him to raise an eyebrow involuntarily.

Middle Heavenly Sun stage...

It seemed his senior brother was right; Wu Yao had indeed received intensive training from the Wushen Great Venerable recently. Given her talent, she had clearly made significant gains.

Nevertheless, Zhou Yuan harbored no apprehension. He had never feared Wu Yao even when she was at her strongest, let alone now...

So, he chuckled softly. "You're always welcome... though I should offer a warning."

Zhou Yuan surveyed Wu Yao, a playful smile on his lips.

"If you end up losing more than you gain, it wouldn't be worth it."

Wu Yao's phoenix eyes narrowed on Zhou Yuan with a hint of annoyance. Although his words seemed to carry a frivolous undertone, she understood that he was genuinely warning her, implying that if they were to face off again, she would still lose.

However, this faint annoyance in her heart slightly startled Wu Yao. She had always meticulously tempered her disposition, and ordinary provocations could never stir the slightest ripple within her. Yet, she found herself easily provoked by Zhou Yuan.

This man truly was her destined rival!

Just as Wu Yao was about to retort, a faint chuckle sounded from behind, interrupting her confrontation with Zhou Yuan.

"Elder Zhou Yuan, we generally keep to ourselves," the voice said, "but if you intend to challenge Junior Sister Wu Yao, I cannot agree to that."

The laughter was deep and calm, yet as it resonated, the surrounding void subtly rippled. In that instant, Zhou Yuan saw numerous gazes that had been cast his way suddenly shift to fear and apprehension.

Zhou Yuan turned his head to see a man in a green robe standing two paces behind him. The man wore a smile, and though his features seemed ordinary, they possessed an indescribable charm.

His eyes were as deep as an abyss.

Simply by standing there, he exuded a mountain-like oppressive aura that permeated the entire space.

Zhou Yuan's skin instantly tightened, and his expression grew slightly grave.

This was because he had already reviewed intelligence on Hunyuan Heaven's top Heavenly Sun stage cultivators before arriving. This person... must be the super formidable individual who dominated the Heavenly Sun rankings...

Guan Qinglong of the Wushen Domain.