Chapter 135: Initial Encounter with Wuhuang

Within the spacious building, a powerful surge of Origin Qi erupted like a storm from the golden-robed figure. His flesh and bones seemed to vibrate at that moment, faintly emitting a subtle dragon's roar.

An aura of majesty radiated from within him, like that of a king.

The surrounding diners, who were also eating there, were affected, stumbling back awkwardly. Though initially angered, they swallowed their shouts of indignation upon clearly recognizing the figure.

That powerful momentum gathered like an overwhelming tide, finally enveloping the direction where Zhou Yuan stood.

"Hehe, I say, isn't His Highness, the Crown Prince of Great Wu, a bit too overbearing? This isn't your private property, so must we be interrupted while eating?" Zuoqiu Qingyu's peach blossom-like eyes narrowed as she chuckled softly, stepping forward. A formidable surge of Origin Qi also erupted from her body, completely resisting the pressure emanating from Wu Huang.

Yaoyao's expression remained calm, a subtle glow flickering between her smooth brows. She extended her jade-like finger and lightly tapped.

An invisible wave of Spirit energy seemed to shoot forth, and the formidable aura emanating from Wu Huang's body was pierced as if by something sharp. It emitted a faint sound before completely dissipating.

The oppressive feeling throughout the entire pavilion also receded.

"This infuriates me! Do you really think I'm easy to bully?!" Lu Luo's face was grim. Everything was going wrong today; it seemed everyone wanted to pick on her!

She couldn't take it anymore!

On her shoulder, the small ice-blue bird glowed with an icy-blue light. A biting coldness, as if capable of freezing the air, emanated from it, locking onto the golden figure by the window not far away.

As the three women made their move, the atmosphere instantly became tense and volatile.

Zhou Yuan's face was as still as water. He simply stared at the golden-robed figure, his fingers clenched. The Resentful Dragon Poison in his palm roared, threatening to burst forth, but he suppressed it tightly.

His vision blurred slightly, as if long-buried memories from the depths of his mind were being unearthed.

It was on a cold altar.

He was placed in the center, and in front of him, a small male infant also lay. When he looked, the infant seemed to grin at him.

Zhou Yuan closed his eyes briefly, darkness engulfing him, then reopened them as his vision returned to normal.

Throughout the entire floor, everyone watched the standoff, and low murmurs began to spread.

"Is that Wu Huang of Great Wu?"

"He's really strong!"

"Tsk tsk, is that Zuoqiu Qingyu? And the little princess from the Myriad Beasts Dynasty... Those two women are not to be trifled with either!"

"And that impossibly handsome man, I heard his Spirit has already reached the Reality stage."

"No wonder he broke Wu Huang's aura with just one finger earlier."

"But who's that kid in the Qi Cultivation stage?"

"I inquired; it seems he's Zhou Yuan from the Great Zhou Dynasty..."

"So it's him! I remember now, it's rumored that Great Wu betrayed Great Zhou, and back then, the Python Sparrow devoured the Dragon, seizing the Sacred Dragon Qi Luck of that prince from Great Zhou, whose name was Zhou Yuan!"

"I see, these are true old rivals!"

"But the gap between Zhou Yuan and Wu Huang is too vast... Without the people around him, he'd probably be crushed by Wu Huang's palm."

Various whispers arose quietly, with many people observing the scene before them with keen interest.

Just when many thought the two sides would engage in a fight, Wu Huang, who was seated by the window, suddenly reined in his aura and stood up, his expression neither pleased nor displeased.

He said nothing, simply looking straight ahead, and eventually brushed past Zhou Yuan and the others.

Only when he passed Zhou Yuan did his footsteps pause. He still didn't look at Zhou Yuan, merely staring into the empty space before him, saying with a hint of disappointment, "I gave you so much time, and you're still so utterly disappointing."

He shook his head, said nothing more, and directly walked down the stairs.

Zhou Yuan's expression did not fluctuate in the slightest because of Wu Huang's words. He slowly unclasped his hand, finally suppressing the Resentful Dragon Poison in his palm.

"Let's eat," he said calmly.

The group took their seats. Zuoqiu Qingyu's peach blossom-like eyes scanned Zhou Yuan curiously. "You actually have a grudge with that Wu Huang fellow?" she asked.

"Do you want me to mediate for you two?"

Zhou Yuan smiled. "A grudge of life and death can only end with one alive and one dead."

Zuoqiu Qingyu was silent for a moment, then said, "Then you're really unlucky. You're no match for Wu Huang at all."

"There's nothing absolute in this world," Zhou Yuan slowly stated. "A year ago, my eight meridians were inactive, and I couldn't even begin cultivation. Yet here I am now, able to reach this point, aren't I?"

Zuoqiu Qingyu and Lu Luo were both startled. This guy had only started cultivating a year ago?

"Tsk tsk, everyone says you possess Sacred Dragon Qi Luck. Now it seems there might actually be a tiny possibility," Lu Luo said, propping her chin on her hand, a smile playing on her lips.

"But don't worry, with us here, even Wu Huang won't be able to do anything to you!"

Zhou Yuan smiled, handing the menu to Lu Luo. "Thank you then. You can order."

He glanced at it roughly. The menu was full of high-grade ingredients; not just third-grade, but even fourth-grade Origin Beasts were listed. The prices were outrageously high, often tens of thousands of Origin Crystals.

Lu Luo took it, her big eyes darting towards Zuoqiu Qingyu, and giggled, "Since someone's treating, then... let's order everything most expensive!"

"Steamed Thunder Tiger Head!"

"Braised Spirit Ox!"

"Iced Fire Flame Python!"

Zuoqiu Qingyu, hearing Lu Luo's enthusiastic shouts, couldn't help but twitch her lips slightly. This girl really wasn't holding back at all!

Night descended.

In the room, Zhou Yuan sat cross-legged on the bed. He clenched his hand, and the jade bottle containing Spirit Origin appeared in his grip. Simultaneously, with a flick of his sleeve, the Nether Soul Fruit and Vermillion Blood Grass also materialized before him.

He looked at the three items, his eyes flickering slightly. Meeting Wu Huang today, he had to admit, the latter's strength was indeed formidable. However, this did not instill the slightest fear in him.

Instead, it ignited a fierce fighting spirit within Zhou Yuan.

He knew that Wu Huang was a formidable obstacle on his path of cultivation. Only by defeating him could he truly embark on the Sacred Dragon Path.

"Wu Huang, who will ultimately prevail? The Sacred Vestige Land will decide."

"When the time comes, I'll make you realize that my Qi Luck isn't something you can just devour at will. Everything you've imposed upon me, in my view, is merely a trial."

"Only by overcoming you can I become a true Sacred Dragon!"

"So... don't celebrate too soon!"

Zhou Yuan no longer hesitated. A glow appeared between his brows, and the ethereal Spirit projected suction, directly drawing in and swallowing that drop of Spirit Origin.

At the same time, the Nether Soul Fruit and Vermillion Blood Grass in Zhou Yuan's hand shattered into wisps of black and red energy, which gently rose and merged into his brow.