Chapter 129: Proud Son Building

Holy Relic City, nestled in the heart of the Boundless Continent, stands as one of the largest cities outside the Land of Holy Relics. This city is quite renowned even across the entire Boundless Continent, not only due to its strategic location but also because Holy Relic City itself represents a top-tier power. The power of Holy Relic City is no weaker than that of the great aristocratic families and dynasties across the continent.

Over the years, benefiting from the reputation of the Land of Holy Relics, Holy Relic City has continuously expanded. Today, in terms of sheer city scale, perhaps only a few cities on the entire continent can rival its grandeur. Especially whenever there are signs that the Land of Holy Relics is about to open, this place becomes the focal point of the entire continent.

“What a magnificent city!” Zhou Yuan exclaimed as he and his two companions entered Holy Relic City and observed the cityscape. Their Great Zhou City seemed utterly insignificant in comparison. The wide streets were bustling with people, creating an exceptionally lively atmosphere. Above the city, a colossal Genesis Rune barrier enveloped the entire area, protecting it.

“This city protection barrier would likely require a Divine Dwelling stage expert to break through it,” Zhou Yuan muttered to himself, clicking his tongue as he gazed at the immense Genesis Rune barrier and felt the power it contained. A Genesis Rune barrier of this caliber would probably consume a vast amount of Genesis Crystals just for daily operation. Therefore, under normal circumstances, these barriers would only activate for pre-warnings, revealing their true formidable power only when an invasion occurs. According to Zhou Yuan’s estimation, constructing a Genesis Rune barrier of this level would likely require at least a master proficient in Fifth-grade Genesis Runes, and the cost of hiring such a master would be unimaginable. For Holy Relic City to have stood in the center of this continent for so many years, its foundation is indeed remarkably strong.

“Holy Relic City has a Prodigy Tower, where most of the prodigies arriving here from various regions choose to stay. I suggest we go there as well; we can obtain first-hand information about the Land of Holy Relics there,” Lü Luo said, looking at Zhou Yuan and Yao Yao, seemingly having done some preparation. Zhou Yuan and Yao Yao naturally had no objections upon hearing this.

The three then walked along the street and eventually arrived at the central district of Holy Relic City, where they saw an exceptionally towering pavilion. The pavilion was magnificent and resplendent, adorned with lifelike dragon and phoenix sculptures that exuded an imposing aura. Above the pavilion, a plaque bore golden characters, written with flamboyant strokes: “Prodigy Tower.”

These three simple characters seemed to radiate arrogance. After all, those who could be called “prodigies” were undoubtedly outstanding individuals, and ordinary people naturally wouldn’t be allowed entry into this tower. Outside the pavilion, countless people paused, their gazes filled with yearning as they looked at the Prodigy Tower.

Zhou Yuan and his two companions, however, did not stop. Under the gaze of many onlookers, they walked directly towards the entrance of the Prodigy Tower, where numerous guards stood, appearing to be heavily fortified.

“Halt!” As the three approached, a middle-aged man stepped forward, cupped his hands, and smiled faintly, “I am Xiao Luo, manager of the Prodigy Tower. If the three of you wish to enter, you must state your names and affiliations. This tower is for prodigies only.”

Lü Luo raised an eyebrow, saying, “So many rules.” However, she said nothing more, merely stating calmly, “Lü Luo, Myriad Beasts Dynasty.”

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man named Xiao Luo’s eyes sharpened, and the smile on his face immediately became more enthusiastic. “So it's the little princess of the Myriad Beasts Dynasty! I’ve heard much about you, forgive my earlier disrespect.”

“Can we enter now?” Lü Luo didn’t bother with him and walked directly towards the Prodigy Tower.

Although she entered smoothly, when it was Zhou Yuan and Yao Yao’s turn, guards extended their long spears, blocking the two. “What are you doing?” Lü Luo demanded, her eyes turning cold.

Xiao Luo smiled and cupped his hands, saying, “The little princess is indeed an exceptional talent and naturally qualified to enter the Prodigy Tower. However, these two also need to state their names and affiliations.”

At this moment, many people on the upper floors of the Prodigy Tower cast their gazes downward, their eyes filled with amusement and mockery. These two, one in the Qi Cultivation stage and one without even Genesis Qi, actually want to enter the Prodigy Tower?

Being stared at by so many eyes as if he were a spectacle, Zhou Yuan frowned slightly and stated indifferently, “Zhou Yuan, Great Zhou Dynasty.”

Xiao Luo seemed to chuckle, saying, “It seems I am ill-informed. Our intelligence does not indicate any notable prodigies from that remote Great Zhou Dynasty.” He appeared sincere, but there was clearly a hint of mockery in his words. He then looked at Yao Yao and said, “And this one, please state your name and affiliation as well.”

However, Yao Yao merely gave him a cold glance without speaking. With a grip of her delicate hand, a Genesis Rune scroll appeared. A bright light erupted from her smooth forehead, and her spirit trembled as she prepared to activate the Fourth-grade Genesis Rune scroll. As soon as the Fourth-grade Genesis Rune fluctuations emanated, they immediately caused an uproar. Even the prodigies from various factions who had entered the Prodigy Tower on the upper floors cried out in surprise.

“A Fourth-grade Genesis Rune?!”“A Solid Realm spirit?!”

Xiao Luo’s pupils also sharply contracted, and a hint of dread flashed in his eyes. He clearly hadn't expected this impossibly beautiful individual to possess such a powerful spirit. A Fourth-grade Genesis Rune, capable of rivaling an expert in the Grand Primeval stage, demonstrated a strength that placed her among the top tier of prodigies across the entire Boundless Continent.

“This person is truly extraordinary; I, Xiao Luo, was short-sighted indeed.” Xiao Luo chuckled awkwardly, but then his eyes flickered as he turned to Zhou Yuan, saying sincerely, “My friend, these two may enter the Prodigy Tower. However, in all these years, our Prodigy Tower has never had a precedent of someone in the Qi Cultivation stage entering. So, I must regrettably ask you to take another path.”

Zhou Yuan frowned even deeper, as he vaguely sensed that the person before them seemed to be deliberately targeting them. But they were newcomers; how could the other party know who they were?

Lü Luo’s pretty face turned cold. “You dare to turn away someone I brought?” she demanded.

Xiao Luo smiled, saying, “Please understand, little princess. We are merely acting on orders. I’m sure you are aware of the City Lord’s Mansion’s rules.” In his words, he had already brought out his backing. Clearly, the rules of the Prodigy Tower were set by the Holy Relic City Lord’s Mansion.

Zhou Yuan’s expression remained calm. “What defines a prodigy?” he asked.

Xiao Luo smiled and said, “Among the younger generation, if one cannot even reach the Heavenly Pass stage, they certainly cannot be considered a prodigy.”

Zhou Yuan nodded lightly. “What is your strength?” he inquired.

Xiao Luo smiled faintly. “I am in the mid-Heavenly Pass stage.”

Zhou Yuan smiled, though a chilling glint flickered in his eyes. Dark golden Genesis Qi suddenly erupted from Zhou Yuan’s body, and his figure shot forward at the same instant. In a flash, he appeared directly in front of Xiao Luo. He clenched his five fingers tightly and threw a punch, the force of which caused the air to explode. Furthermore, greenish scales emerged on his fist, shimmering with a faint, eerie light.

“Presumptuous!” Xiao Luo’s expression changed. He roared sternly, and robust Genesis Qi erupted from his body. He, too, unleashed a full-force punch without hesitation, intending to thoroughly teach this arrogant brat a lesson right here.

Under the gaze of numerous onlookers, the two fists fiercely collided. Amidst the rolling waves of air, Xiao Luo’s expression suddenly changed dramatically, and a look of horror appeared in his eyes. He felt an incomparably powerful force surge forth the moment their fists met. The power of that punch was absolutely not something a late-stage Qi Cultivation practitioner should possess!

The air vibrated, and Xiao Luo’s body recoiled violently, sending him stumbling backward. He crashed into a stone pillar, spitting out a mouthful of blood. A hush fell over the Prodigy Tower. Many eyes showed astonishment, as they clearly hadn't expected Xiao Luo, a mid-Heavenly Pass stage expert, to be repelled by a single punch from a mere late-stage Qi Cultivation youngster. The gazes that returned to Zhou Yuan were now different. Indeed, anyone capable of reaching this place was no ordinary individual.

Under the gaze of the crowd, Zhou Yuan slowly retracted his fist. He looked at Xiao Luo with an unwavering gaze and said, “It seems your mid-Heavenly Pass stage isn’t much to boast about.” With that, he no longer paid attention to Xiao Luo and simply strode into the Prodigy Tower. This time, no one dared to stop him.

However, Zhou Yuan’s brow remained slightly furrowed. Who was secretly targeting him?