Chapter 1334: Nine Inches Eight

A deep trench in the seabed.

Zhou Yuan sat quietly cross-legged on a water lotus. No violent Genesis Qi fluctuations emanated from his body; his posture was so serene it seemed as if he were in a deep sleep.

However, nearby Tun Tun could keenly sense the immense changes occurring within Zhou Yuan's body. A Genesis Qi fluctuation, one that made Tun Tun's heart subtly pound, was brewing.

Clearly, refining and absorbing that small drop of Ancestral Dragon Soul Marrow seemed to have brought Zhou Yuan enormous benefits.

Zhou Yuan's refining process only lasted for half a day.

When he opened his eyes, the seawater in the immediate vicinity instantly evaporated, creating a vacuum zone stretching a thousand miles wide. An inexplicable sense of pressure emanated, stirring up tremendous waves across this sea area.

Zhou Yuan's eyes were bright and sharp. His first action was to sense his own body, and then a smile couldn't help but appear at the corner of his lips.

"Genesis Infant, nine point eight inches..."

Refining and absorbing that small drop of Ancestral Dragon Soul Marrow directly caused Zhou Yuan's Genesis Infant, which had shown no change regardless of his previous cultivation efforts, to increase by a full 0.1 inches!

This tiny increase might sound insignificant, but only those who have truly reached this level would understand what kind of rare opportunity is needed to achieve it.

Furthermore, Zhou Yuan's own Genesis Qi foundation surged to the level of five hundred billion within that brief half-day period.

If he were to fight Yuan Quan again now, Zhou Yuan was confident that he could defeat him honorably, even without expending the power of the four Saint Runes, unlike their previous perilous encounter.

However, with his Genesis Infant reaching 9.8 inches, Zhou Yuan also gained a clearer understanding of how difficult it was to reach the Genesis Infant's limit. From 9.8 inches to breaking through the limit, there was still the 9.9-inch stage. Even with Zhou Yuan's resolute nature, he couldn't help but feel a tremor in his heart because he had a premonition that the amount of Ancestral Dragon Soul Marrow required to go from 9.8 to 9.9 inches would far exceed what he had just consumed.

But Ancestral Dragon Soul Marrow was not a common commodity. It was sheer luck that he found even this small drop. Just thinking about acquiring enough to break through the limit made Zhou Yuan's scalp tingle.

Nevertheless, that was a matter for later. Zhou Yuan was quite satisfied with his current improvement. Now, even if he encountered high-ranking third-stage Law Domain experts from the Saint Race, he should possess some self-preservation capabilities, rather than facing overwhelming odds as before.

Tun Tun also flew over at this moment. It eyed Zhou Yuan, its beast eyes showing some surprise, clearly sensing the dangerous fluctuations emanating from him.

"Let's go."

Zhou Yuan smiled contentedly, then without another word, he cut through the water with Tun Tun, quickly heading upwards.

The figures of the man and beast shot up from the sea surface, immediately drawing curious glances from those around them.

"You seem to have gotten stronger again?" Wu Yao asked, her phoenix eyes fixed on Zhou Yuan, a slight change in her delicate expression.

The others also looked at Zhou Yuan in astonishment. Although they couldn't sense the depths of his Genesis Qi, they could vaguely feel the oppressive aura emanating from him had become even heavier. Looking at him was like facing an endless, towering mountain, making it difficult to breathe.

Zhou Yuan smiled and said, "I found something good down in the seabed. My strength has improved after refining it."

He didn't hide much. Everything within the Stone Dragon Secret Domain was being observed by the Sages of All-Heavens, so there was no way he could conceal anything. Therefore, there was no need to hide it.

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes showed envy. However, they were all discerning enough not to ask further questions. After all, they had witnessed Zhou Yuan's immense contributions throughout their journey. Without him, they wouldn't even be occupying the 77th battle zone; they would likely have been shattered by Yuan Quan, perhaps even losing their lives.

"Your Highness, we have collected a total of forty-three fragments of Ancestral Dragon Soul. They are all here," Su Youwei said, handing over a square jade box with runes flowing across its surface.

The others stared at the jade box with fervent, covetous eyes.

"Excellent. If these are refined into Ancestral Dragon Pills, everyone will get a share."

Zhou Yuan smiled. After a moment's thought, he put away the jade box and said, "I'll hold onto these for now. After this Grand Contest concludes, the team will distribute them according to contributions. How does that sound?"

Naturally, no one had any objections, and everyone looked invigorated, clearly very satisfied with their gains from this endeavor.

"Everyone," Zhou Yuan began slowly, his expression solemn after everyone's emotions had settled, "the 77th battle zone has been fully occupied. Next, I suggest we proceed directly and at full speed to the Dragon Head Battle Zone. That is where both sides' forces will ultimately converge. You should all be well aware that the struggle for anchor points is currently a stalemate, and the Dragon Head Battle Zone will be the decisive point."

The excitement on their faces receded, replaced by a mixture of apprehension and hesitation.

The Dragon Head Battle Zone would gather all the forces from both sides, undoubtedly becoming a meat grinder. No one could guarantee their safety there. Conversely, remaining in the outer battle zones would ensure their security, and after all, they had already gained some benefits.

"You should all understand the importance of the Stone Dragon Secret Domain conflict. Friction between the Saint Race and All-Heavens has escalated over the years, and the Saint God of the Saint Race is about to awaken. A second world-destroying war is inevitable. If the Stone Dragon Secret Domain conflict fails, our situation in All-Heavens will worsen. It's not an exaggeration to say that when the war begins, we will personally suffer the bitter consequences of losing the Stone Dragon conflict."

"Therefore, no matter what, we must go to the Dragon Head Battle Zone," Zhou Yuan said, his gaze sweeping around, his voice low and firm.

"However, I will not force anyone. If there are those who truly do not wish to go, you may stay here and await the end of the Grand Contest."

After Zhou Yuan finished speaking, he said nothing more, turning and taking to the air first.

Seeking fortune and avoiding misfortune is human nature. Not everyone possesses the courage to face danger, so Zhou Yuan had no intention of forcing them. The choice was theirs to make.

Zhao Mu Shen watched Zhou Yuan's retreating back and sneered, saying, "This guy is deliberately trying to intimidate us here. Is he trying to hinder my opportunities? Truly laughable."

Then he glanced at some of the other hesitant individuals and added, "I hope that when the world-destroying war begins and the Saint Race invades All-Heavens, you'll still have somewhere to hide."

With that, his figure shot through the air.

However, three graceful figures were already a step ahead of him: Wu Yao, Su Youwei, and Ai Tuanzi.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

The four went ahead. After a moment of hesitation, the other team members eventually gritted their teeth and followed.

Zhou Yuan glanced back, noticing that most of the team had followed him. However, a few figures still stood in the distance, hesitating and holding back.

Zhou Yuan withdrew his gaze, his expression unchanged. Fearful individuals were not uncommon, and it was somewhat unexpected that so many had chosen to follow. He lifted his head, looking into the distance. The world was a hazy grey, and faintly, a murderous aura seemed to rise, as if an unprecedented war was brewing.

This battle would surely shake All-Heavens.