Chapter 1288: Takeover

"I don't believe it!"

This statement likely echoed not only in Xu Beiyan’s mind but also in the thoughts of the other Genesis Infant and Law Domain experts present. They didn't believe that Zhou Yuan's assistance would increase the success rate and yield of Ancestral Dragon Pills. After all, Zhou Yuan’s strength appeared to be merely at the Genesis Infant stage; such power wasn't even enough to guide the Genesis Qi of other Law Domain experts. In their opinion, this was likely the Goddess exaggerating Zhou Yuan’s abilities to appease everyone.

After blurting it out, Xu Beiyan seemed to regret it. He looked at Yaoyao and sincerely said, "Your Holiness, I'm not questioning you. It's just that to assist you in refining pills, one's Spirit must at least reach the Roaming Spirit stage. Zhou Yuan’s strength and talent are exceptional, but he still lacks a bit of experience."

Yaoyao said nothing, only glancing at Zhou Yuan. Zhou Yuan, clearly understanding her meaning, immediately smiled and gently said to Xu Beiyan, "During my two years of secluded cultivation, I just happened to break through my Spirit to the Roaming Spirit stage." As he spoke, a divine light flickered between his brows. The next moment, a spiritual halo radiated outwards. The surrounding Genesis Infant and Law Domain experts clearly sensed the strength of this spiritual impact, and their expressions immediately changed, their gazes at Zhou Yuan turning to astonishment.

He's actually reached the Roaming Spirit stage?! Some Law Domain experts' gazes softened slightly. Although Zhou Yuan's prestige had significantly diminished after two years of silence, he still carried many accolades. Apart from those related to the Goddess, being the personal disciple of Grand Elder Cang Yuan alone was enough to make many Law Domain experts envious. They had originally believed that their only advantage over Zhou Yuan was their superior strength. But now, it seemed Zhou Yuan's spiritual realm had entered the Roaming Spirit stage during his two years of seclusion, which was enough for him to stand on equal footing with them. Their last remaining advantage over Zhou Yuan had been nullified.

Xu Beiyan also looked at Zhou Yuan with some surprise; this result was clearly unexpected. However, he quickly composed himself and said, "Elder Zhou Yuan truly possesses extraordinary talent. To reach the Roaming Spirit stage at such a young age, your future is indeed promising." "However, even if Elder Zhou Yuan has now entered the Roaming Spirit stage, refining Ancestral Dragon Pills is not easy. It requires constant accumulation of experience. I entered the Roaming Spirit stage many years ago and still spent two years just to barely keep up with Your Holiness's pill-refining pace. Now, when refining Ancestral Dragon Pills, the yield per furnace has reached nine pills, which is an excellent situation. If Elder Zhou Yuan replaces me, wouldn't the necessary period of adjustment just waste precious time?" "Currently, friction between the All-Heavens and the Saint Race is increasing, and time is our most valuable asset." Xu Beiyan solemnly said to Yaoyao, "Therefore, I hope Your Holiness can reconsider."

His words were earnest, and his demeanor was excellent, causing many to nod secretly. This top figure in Qiankun Heaven was indeed a favored son of heaven, trained by three Saints. Some glances couldn't help but turn towards Zhou Yuan. Although the latter had revealed his Roaming Spirit stage spiritual realm, this act of immediately trying to push out a predecessor upon arrival was quite displeasing. Of course, they automatically forgot that the idea was initiated by Yaoyao. In their view, Her Holiness’s tireless work in refining Ancestral Dragon Pills for them was simply flawless, and yet this Zhou Yuan arrives and bewitches Her Holiness, leading her to make one blunder after another. He was truly detestable!

Grandmaster Green Willow also said faintly, "Grand Elder Cang Yuan, Xu Beiyan has assisted in pill refining for two years. Even if he hasn't earned merit, he has certainly put in hard work, hasn't he? Isn't it a bit too reckless to just replace him with such a casual excuse?" "If you don't give this old man an explanation regarding this matter, I will inform his other two masters. Although our qualifications and strength are not as great as yours, I believe there will always be someone who listens to us in the God Annihilation Palace."

Cang Yuan frowned slightly, just about to speak, but Yaoyao spoke first: "Xu Beiyan has been assisting in pill refining here, and he has also been compensated with Ancestral Dragon Pills, and the compensation is not low. So, he wasn't helping for free. The entire process of Ancestral Dragon Pill refining is my responsibility, and I can replace anyone I wish." "If you have an issue with that, then the responsibility for refining Ancestral Dragon Pills will be yours from now on, how about that?"

Upon hearing this, Grandmaster Green Willow's old face twitched. Who didn't know that the refining of Ancestral Dragon Pills relied solely on Yaoyao? Even the three Ancient Sovereigns couldn't achieve it, let alone him. "Your Holiness's words..." Grandmaster Green Willow's old face lost some composure, and he said in a deep voice, "But that's a bit unreasonable."

Yaoyao glanced at Grandmaster Green Willow, then withdrew her gaze and said, "I won't repeat myself. I said that with Zhou Yuan's assistance, the refining of Ancestral Dragon Pills will achieve perfect efficiency. If you don't believe it, that's your ignorance. I have no interest in enlightening you." "If you continue to interfere, the refining of Ancestral Dragon Pills will end here." With those words, she immediately strode towards the pill-refining hall.

The surroundings fell silent. Everyone was stunned by Yaoyao's cold and domineering words. Especially the numerous Genesis Infant and Law Domain experts, who exchanged glances, feeling somewhat dismayed. If Ancestral Dragon Pills were no longer produced in All-Heavens City, then the city would lose its purpose. Grandmaster Green Willow also hadn't expected Yaoyao to be so direct and unconventional. He opened his mouth but for a moment dared not speak again.

The other three accompanying Saints glared at Grandmaster Green Willow. "Does this old man really think Yaoyao is an ordinary person? This being, who possesses divinity, is inherently aloof. How dare you provoke and question her? If you truly anger her and she stops, can you bear the responsibility?" Faced with the angry stares of the three, Grandmaster Green Willow was somewhat embarrassed and could only remain silent, disgruntled. It was then that he suddenly realized that all rules in this world were useful for others, even for them as Saints, but they were useless for the Third Sequence God before them.

The other three Saints exchanged glances, then looked at Grand Elder Cang Yuan, subtly gesturing for him to mediate. Seeing this, Grand Elder Cang Yuan shook his head helplessly. He felt a pang of sadness. In the past, his words might have held some sway, but with Yaoyao's divinity awakening, she might no longer listen to him. Thus, he could only look at Zhou Yuan. At this moment, Zhou Yuan was probably the only one whose words would still matter to Yaoyao.

Upon receiving Cang Yuan's signal, Zhou Yuan also sighed inwardly. He knew that while Yaoyao's approach was decisive, it would also attract much discussion. Perhaps Yaoyao herself wouldn't care in the slightest about these discussions, but he didn't want her to be at the center of such controversy. So he quickly stepped forward, and amidst numerous widened eyes, he took Yaoyao's small hand. Then he turned his head and smiled at everyone, "Everyone, the next time Ancestral Dragon Pills are refined, you are welcome to observe. If, at that time, due to my involvement, the success rate and yield are not as good as before, I will step down from this position and yield to a more capable person."

After speaking, he said no more. He led Yaoyao directly into the pill-refining hall. The hall doors rumbled shut, blocking all sight. Outside the hall, everyone exchanged glances, finally forcing a wry smile before dispersing.

Only Xu Beiyan stood before the hall, his handsome face showing unconcealed anger and resentment. The previous sight of Zhou Yuan taking Yaoyao's small hand stung his heart. Grandmaster Green Willow glanced at his proud disciple and said, "There are plenty of fish in the sea. Moreover, while this person is excellent, she might not be suitable for you. In the end, it might only lead to hurt for both of you."

Xu Beiyan stared at the closed hall doors, remaining silent for a long moment before slowly saying, "I won't give up." "I am superior to Zhou Yuan in every aspect. There's no reason I should lose to him. He was just a step ahead..." He then bowed to Grandmaster Green Willow, flicked his sleeve, and turned to leave. He would certainly come and observe on the day the Ancestral Dragon Pills were refined. He wanted to know what qualifications Zhou Yuan, having just entered the Roaming Spirit stage, had to claim he could do better than him.