Chapter 1081: Waiting to Begin

In the days following the convergence of various factions at the base of Heavenly Pillar Peak, numerous agreements were reached, as anticipated. These protocols essentially centered on presenting a united front and offering mutual assistance.

The dangers within the Ancient Origin Heaven cannot be underestimated. It is said that Hunyuan Heaven once suffered a particularly severe loss, with nearly half of its Heavenly Sun and Divine Dwelling experts, excluding Law Domain experts, being wiped out. In one instance, an entire domain's contingent was almost completely annihilated.

Consequently, no faction dared to underestimate the struggle for the Ancient Origin Heaven.

Nevertheless, it would be naive to believe that these agreements alone could prompt all factions to discard their grievances and cooperate without reservation. Amidst various competing interests, even forces from the same heaven-domain are bound to engage in overt and covert struggles.

This fact was well understood by all parties involved.

Still, it cannot be said that the agreements were entirely without purpose. At the very least, should a truly immense crisis arise, the existence of these agreements would prompt the various factions to quickly coalesce and integrate.

In the days after the various agreements were finalized, the forces of each faction remained encamped at the base of Heavenly Pillar Peak. They were all waiting for the moment the Ancient Origin Heaven would open.

This wait extended for half a month.

Within the Tianyuan Region's camp, a training ground pulsed with violent Genesis Qi, subtly accompanied by echoing dragon roars.

Two figures were sent sprawling backward, their feet dragging long marks across the ground.

The Heavenly Sun stage cultivators from the Tianyuan Region observing the spar erupted in cheers, their gazes, tinged with awe, fixed on the young figure at the center of the training ground.

It was Zhou Yuan.

Zhou Yuan’s two opponents were Bian Buji and Mu Youlan.

These two were among the four leading figures of the Heavenly Sun stage in the Tianyuan Region. It's worth noting that just half a year prior, Zhou Yuan would likely have been considered merely a junior newcomer in their eyes.

Yet, who could have predicted that in just half a year, Zhou Yuan's strength would surge to a level where he could comfortably hold the upper hand, even against two opponents simultaneously?

Such power, witnessed by many Heavenly Sun stage experts in the Tianyuan Region who were previously unaware, was utterly astonishing. After the initial shock, they couldn't help but cheer. After all, Zhou Yuan had not exposed his true strength before, but what he displayed now was enough to greatly invigorate them and instill greater confidence in the struggle for the Ancient Origin Heaven.

Mu Youlan and Bian Buji exchanged glances, seeing the same shock reflected in each other's eyes. Their sparring match with Zhou Yuan had only come about because Qin Lian had previously claimed that even if the two of them teamed up, they might not be able to defeat the current Zhou Yuan.

Bian Buji and Mu Youlan naturally dismissed this assertion, as in the preceding months, not only had Qin Lian's strength improved, but their own had also significantly advanced.

Their current Genesis Qi foundation had already reached the 1.9 billion level, not far from 2 billion!

Such a significant improvement naturally instilled immense confidence in them, leading them to dismiss Qin Lian's words and consequently initiate this spar.

Yet, the final outcome...

...was truly difficult for them to accept.

"How can he be so strong?" Mu Youlan couldn't help but murmur.

Bian Buji let out a wry chuckle, sighing, "He is indeed worthy of being the Grand Elder's personal disciple."

Zhou Yuan stepped forward, smiling as he patted both their shoulders. He then waved at the many Heavenly Sun stage cultivators from the Tianyuan Region who were observing, secretly smiling upon seeing the awe in their eyes.

This spar was intentionally orchestrated by him. Its purpose was to thoroughly subdue all forces within the Tianyuan Region, both the main contingent and the recruited rogue cultivators, before the Ancient Origin Heaven opened, thus preventing any unforeseen complications once they entered.

Demonstrating strength, he knew, was far more effective than any status.

After reassuring Bian Buji and Mu Youlan, Zhou Yuan turned and walked towards Qin Lian, who was standing by the arena. She winked at him, chuckling, "It seems you've achieved your objective."

"Thanks to your cooperation," Zhou Yuan replied with a smile.

"By the way, here's the intelligence you requested regarding Wang Xuanyang."

Qin Lian handed over the scroll she held, her expression growing more serious. "Are you truly planning to confront him? That man is not to be trifled with."

Zhou Yuan took the scroll and replied with a faint smile, "It's always better to be prepared. While I hold no ill will towards the tiger, the tiger might intend to harm me."

Qin Lian nodded gently. The long-standing animosity between the Myriad Ancestors Domain and the Tianyuan Region was not something that could be easily resolved. Furthermore, given Wang Xuanyang’s vengeful nature, he would most likely genuinely move against them if he found an opportunity.

Zhou Yuan unrolled the scroll, his gaze sweeping over it, and his eyes subtly narrowed.

"His Genesis Qi foundation is preliminarily estimated to be close to three billion."

"He cultivates Yin-Yang Profound Qi, a top-tier seventh-grade Genesis Qi."

"He wields the Yin-Yang Treasure Jade Fan, a top-tier Heavenly Origin Weapon."

"His cultivated Genesis Arts..."

After reviewing all the intelligence, Zhou Yuan's expression grew slightly more solemn. As Qin Lian had stated, Wang Xuanyang was indeed a formidable and exceedingly dangerous individual.

This was understandable, considering he was ranked second on the Heavenly Sun List.

Zhou Yuan put away the scroll, his eyes slightly narrowed. Though Wang Xuanyang was indeed a formidable opponent, if he genuinely intended to cause trouble, Zhou Yuan would have no choice but to confront him and determine who was stronger.

Having entered the mid Heavenly Sun stage, and with the ability to fully activate his "promotion" while leveraging his various techniques, Zhou Yuan felt he possessed the qualifications to contend with Wang Xuanyang.

"Thank you," Zhou Yuan told Qin Lian.

Qin Lian pouted, then asked, "Your little confidante from Zixiao Domain didn't come today?"

Zhou Yuan replied helplessly, "She's just a friend."

Qin Lian was, of course, referring to Su Youwei. Over the past half month, Su Youwei had frequently visited his camp in the Tianyuan Region, and it was during these visits that Qin Lian and others had encountered her.

Qin Lian eyed Zhou Yuan with a peculiar gaze, marveling, "Wu Yao from the Martial God Domain and Su Youwei from the Purple Cloud Domain are famed beauties throughout Hunyuan Heaven. Even I, as a woman, find them utterly captivating. How is it that two such exceptional girls somehow end up in ambiguous relationships with you?"

Her gaze towards Zhou Yuan seemed tinged with disdain, as if she felt he simply couldn't compare to Wu Yao or Su Youwei.

Zhou Yuan’s mouth twitched. He knew Qin Lian’s gossipy instincts had flared up again. He had explained his relationship with Wu Yao and Su Youwei numerous times, but Qin Lian clearly hadn't listened, seemingly preferring her own imaginative conjectures.

"Go and train the troops," Zhou Yuan retorted impatiently. The past half month of waiting cooped up in the camp had been stifling. To foster cooperation between the main contingent and the recruited rogue cultivators, Qin Lian had been responsible for integrating these two groups during this period.

Hearing this, Qin Lian could only shrug, somewhat disappointed that she couldn't extract more sensational gossip from Zhou Yuan.

The two parted ways, but after only a few steps, their footsteps halted almost simultaneously. They then abruptly looked up towards the incomparably majestic Heavenly Pillar Peak.

At that moment, an exceedingly terrifying spatial fluctuation erupted from Heavenly Pillar Peak, causing the entire world to tremble.

Zhou Yuan and Qin Lian's gazes met, and both saw an uncontrollable expression of pleasant surprise in the other's eyes.

After half a month of waiting, the Ancient Origin Heaven had finally reached the moment of its opening!