Chapter 1093: Clear Contrast

The next day, beneath the Spirit Observation Platform.

A lively and bustling atmosphere permeated the area. All the forces that had returned to the town were gathered here once again, talking and discussing their findings from the expedition. A small number of forces were beaming with joy and high spirits, clearly having made significant gains. However, most others wore dejected expressions, indicating minimal gains. This was normal, as finding an Ancestral Qi branch vein was not an easy task, and it wasn't uncommon for those with bad luck to come back empty-handed.

For example, hadn't the Myriad Ancestors Domain also returned empty-handed? At this thought, some couldn't help but cast mocking glances towards the front. There, the Myriad Ancestors Domain team, led by Wang Xuanyang, all wore grim expressions.

In truth, merely returning empty-handed wouldn't be particularly amusing. After all, among the Nine Domains this time, the Blood Sea Domain also had little to show for its efforts. But the Myriad Ancestors Domain's situation was different, as everyone knew that the region they had chosen was forcibly taken by Wang Xuanyang from Qin Lian. And after seizing it, he had maliciously found a random piece of land and tossed it to Qin Lian, intending to humiliate her. Unexpectedly, Qin Lian, in a moment of inexplicable foolishness, had actually reached out and accepted it.

Qin Lian's action had, at the time, drawn countless sneers. Yet, no one had imagined that the ultimate outcome would be utterly astonishing. The Heaven Abyss Domain, which had merely picked up a region with sparse Ancestral Qi, had reaped immense profits, clearly having discovered a rich Ancestral Qi branch vein. This was undeniable, as everyone could clearly sense that almost every member of the Heaven Abyss Domain forces was stronger than when they had left. Only an Ancestral Qi branch vein could achieve such a result.

In stark contrast, the Myriad Ancestors Domain, which had painstakingly seized the seemingly Ancestral Qi-rich land from Qin Lian, faced a completely different outcome. The Myriad Ancestors Domain suffered significant losses and returned empty-handed, a classic case of trying to steal a chicken and losing the rice instead. Anyone could imagine the profound frustration and fury simmering within Wang Xuanyang at that moment.

It was in this atmosphere that Zhou Yuan and Qin Lian appeared from mid-air, slowly descending beneath the Spirit Observation Platform, immediately drawing many surprised gazes. Upon landing, Zhou Yuan's gaze immediately found the grim-faced Wang Xuanyang, and he smiled faintly, "Brother Xuanyang, the Heaven Abyss Domain's success this time is truly thanks to you. On behalf of the Heaven Abyss Domain, I'd like to express our gratitude." As he spoke, he cupped his hands in a gesture of thanks.

The leaders of the various forces couldn't help but twitch their mouths. This fellow was truly ruthless, clearly intending to add fuel to the fire. Was he truly not afraid of Wang Xuanyang erupting in anger? After all, that was the person ranked second on the Heavenly Sun List.

And Zhou Yuan truly wasn't afraid. He stared at Wang Xuanyang with a smirk. Although they had gained a lot this time, he hadn't forgotten Wang Xuanyang's disgusting actions. If he hadn't been there, Wang Xuanyang might have indeed tricked them this time. The animosity between the two sides was almost irreconcilable; in a different setting, direct conflict between them would be a normal occurrence. Therefore, Zhou Yuan had no intention of showing Wang Xuanyang any respect.

Wang Xuanyang's gaze was cold as he stared at Zhou Yuan, a subtle gleam flowing across the black-and-white jade fan in his hand. He said indifferently, "Elder Zhou Yuan, don't boast with your tongue. If not for your undeserved status as an elder, you wouldn't even have the right to stand here and speak to me. However, I think you should be more cautious. The Ancient Origin Heaven is fraught with danger, and no one here will care about your status as a Heaven Abyss Domain elder. It would be a pity if you died here."

Zhou Yuan chuckled, "But ever since I met you, it's always been you, Wang Xuanyang, who has been boasting. Yet, I've suffered no losses; on the contrary, I've gained a lot. As for you... you lost quite a bit this time, didn't you?"

Wang Xuanyang's face darkened menacingly. "Do you wish to die so easily?!" he snarled. He took a step forward, black and white Genesis Qi surging around him, emitting terrifying pressure.

Before he could make any move, a calm voice came from the side: "Wang Xuanyang, it's time to activate the Spirit Observation Platform. If you don't want to participate, you can take your Myriad Ancestors Domain forces and leave for now. Once we're done, you can do whatever you wish." Wang Xuanyang turned his gaze and saw Guan Qinglong, arms crossed, watching them with an impassive expression. Many surrounding forces also looked on with some displeasure. After all, for everyone present, discovering Ancestral Qi branch veins was clearly more appealing than watching the Myriad Ancestors Domain and Heaven Abyss Domain fight.

Wang Xuanyang's eyes were dark and gloomy. He looked at Zhou Yuan's half-smiling face, his gaze turning even colder, feeling immense frustration and suffocation in his heart. But in the end, he took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. He knew Zhou Yuan was deliberately trying to provoke him into losing his composure, but he didn't need to give him that satisfaction. This minor setback was nothing; the Ancient Origin Heaven had only just begun. If an opportunity arose, he would certainly make this undeserving Heaven Abyss Domain elder understand the true meaning of regret.

On one side, Dong Ye of the Violet Heavens Domain watched with a cold gaze, then quietly said to Su Youwei beside her, "It's not smart to provoke Wang Xuanyang like that." As the third-ranked on the Heavenly Sun List, Dong Ye was well aware of Wang Xuanyang's strength. Although she found him repulsive, she had to admit his formidable power. If Wang Xuanyang truly went berserk, Qin Lian alone wouldn't be able to stop him.

Su Youwei offered a slight smile and softly said, "Sister, you also thought the Heaven Abyss Domain would return empty-handed before, but the outcome was quite different from what you said. Prince Zhou Yuan cannot be judged by ordinary standards."

Dong Ye pursed her lips and said, "That was just good luck for him. Is he going to be so lucky every time?" As a veteran top-tier Heavenly Sun expert from Hunyuan Heaven, she still harbored a somewhat condescending attitude towards a newcomer like Zhou Yuan.

Su Youwei gently shook her head. From what she knew of Zhou Yuan, he never acted without purpose. Those who always thought he was merely lucky simply couldn't see through him.

"Since most people have arrived, let's prepare to activate the Spirit Observation Platform," Guan Qinglong's powerful voice resonated. "This second Spirit Observation Platform scan will be more effective and reveal more regions. So, after discussion, each force can choose two map fragments." Many forces broke into smiles. With two regions, the chances of encountering an Ancestral Qi branch vein would be much higher, which was clearly good news.

As Guan Qinglong gave the command, powerful columns of Genesis Qi shot skyward, directly entering the white jade mirror at the top of the Spirit Observation Platform.

Light shimmered on the mirror's surface, and countless expectant gazes converged upon it.

Wang Xuanyang watched the white jade mirror expressionlessly, then slightly tilted his head and spoke indifferently to someone beside him: "For this map selection, each force will send two people. I will block Qin Lian, and you will focus on Zhou Yuan. No matter which map he chooses, you must obstruct him. Don't worry, as long as you don't interfere with others, it doesn't matter even if you truly fight." A cold glint flickered in his eyes: "This undeserving elder is getting a bit too smug. I need to make him calm down. Perhaps then he'll realize whether he truly has the right to speak here."

"Can you do it?" Wang Xuanyang asked, looking at the black-robed man beside him. The man was remarkably ugly, his face covered in centipede-like scars that extended deep down his neck. His eyes constantly held a bloodthirsty glint. This man's name was Qian Hu. He was the strongest Heavenly Sun expert in the Myriad Ancestors Domain after Wang Xuanyang, and his ferocity was legendary; anyone who fought him was either killed or severely wounded.

"Senior Brother Wang, Zhou Yuan hides his strength very well. If you truly want to deal with him, it's best to do it yourself. Sending others might not be enough and could even boost his prestige instead." However, just then, a calm voice suddenly rang out. Wang Xuanyang frowned slightly, looking at the speaker—it was Zhao Mu Shen.

Qian Hu turned his head, his bloodthirsty eyes fixed on Zhao Mu Shen. He then reached out and patted Zhao Mu Shen's shoulder, saying, "Junior Brother Zhao, are you saying I can't handle a piece of trash at the Heavenly Sun middle stage?" He grinned, a savage look on his face.

Zhao Mu Shen glanced at the hand on his shoulder and said indifferently, "I just don't want our Myriad Ancestors Domain to be mocked again. I've fought Zhou Yuan; he's very troublesome. So, if you're going to move against him, you must overwhelm him with a thunderous display of power, giving him no chance to retaliate."

Qian Hu chuckled, contempt in his eyes, "If you know you're a loser, then shut up. I, your senior brother, will reclaim all the face you lost for the Myriad Ancestors Domain." He withdrew his hand, not bothering to glance at Zhao Mu Shen again. In his view, Zhao Mu Shen had lost to Zhou Yuan previously and had completely lost his spirit.

Wang Xuanyang also indifferently withdrew his gaze, no longer paying attention to Zhao Mu Shen.

Zhao Mu Shen watched the two determined individuals, his face expressionless, a hint of coldness flashing deep in his eyes. *Two fools.*