Chapter 1393: Zhou Yuan's Preparation

The collection of the Cangxuan Saint Seal fragments was successfully completed in the end.

This outcome was not particularly surprising, as the four sect masters were well aware that while the Saint Seal fragments were appealing, they had spent countless years studying and deducing them. Even with occasional discoveries, these were insignificant to individuals of their stature. To genuinely believe one could control Cangxuan Heaven merely with these fragments was clearly a pipe dream.

Now, Zhou Yuan was about to battle Saint Yuan in a true life-and-death struggle that would determine the future of all Cangxuan Heaven.

At this critical juncture, providing Zhou Yuan with even a slight increase in his chances of victory meant securing a greater future for Cangxuan Heaven.

Their initial hesitation stemmed more from a temporary reluctance to part with the fragments. However, as the four great Sacred Sects came to their senses, the decision ultimately became easy to make.

As for Palace Master Dan Qingzi's mention of marriage, it was, of course, mostly a jest. The Palace Master likely found Zhou Yuan's aura too intense and simply wanted to tease him, which is why she smilingly ceased after seeing Zhou Yuan's retreat.

“Alliance Leader Zhou Yuan,” Venerable Sky Sword reminded, “although our four great Sacred Sects hold the vast majority of Saint Seal fragments outside of the Sacred Palace, some have fallen into the hands of various other factions. Getting them to hand over theirs will likely require considerable persuasion.”

The other three sect masters nodded silently, acknowledging that not everyone could maintain their calm and rationality when faced with the temptation of the Saint Seal fragments.

Forcibly confiscating them would inevitably cause widespread discontent and provide the Sacred Palace with an opportune moment.

Zhou Yuan naturally understood this. He had, after all, just returned to Cangxuan Heaven and witnessed how City Lord Xiao Tianluo of Saint Remains City had brought about destruction upon himself because of a single fragment, which demonstrated the immense temptation the Saint Seal fragments held for ordinary people.

Therefore, forced requisition was not an option.

Fortunately, Zhou Yuan was prepared for this. With a wave of his sleeve, numerous jade vials appeared on the long table before him. Inside the vials, spiritual pills, each emanating a halo of light, floated, from which an indescribable aura emanated.

The high-ranking members of the four sects in the hall immediately cast their gazes over, and even the four sect masters couldn't help but tremble slightly.

“This… if I’m not mistaken, these should be Ancestral Dragon Pills, right?” Sect Master Qing Yang asked slowly, a hint of fervor in his eyes.

The name of the Ancestral Dragon Pill had become well-known throughout the heavens within just a few short years. Sect Master Qing Yang and the others had indeed obtained one before, but only a single pill, and after that, there had been no way to acquire more, no matter the cost.

Yet, Zhou Yuan had casually produced nearly a hundred of them!

Faced with such a quantity of Ancestral Dragon Pills, even the four sect masters struggled to maintain their composure.

Zhou Yuan smiled faintly and said, “The four sect masters can spread the word: for any faction willing to hand over their fragments, ten fragments can be exchanged for one Ancestral Dragon Pill.”

Thanks to the gains from the Stone Dragon Secret Realm and half a year of refining, a considerable number of Ancestral Dragon Pills had been produced this time. Zhou Yuan had brought many of them back to Cangxuan Heaven, most of which were obtained from Ancient Sovereign Jin Luo, who stated they were for “expenditure.”

The high-ranking members of the four sects in the hall immediately stirred, their eyes blazing with such intensity they seemed capable of melting the jade vials.

Although the Saint Seal fragments were rare, for many, gaining any profound opportunity from them was ultimately a low-probability event. However, the fame of the Ancestral Dragon Pill was already universally known, and this was a truly tangible, heaven-sent opportunity!

If one could absorb and refine them, their own strength would steadily improve—this was the greatest benefit!

Cangxuan Heaven was relatively isolated, ranking among the lowest in the heavens, so Ancestral Dragon Pills flowing in were extremely rare. Only a few Sacred Sect masters had the chance to obtain them; most others had only heard of them. Now, upon suddenly seeing so many, their breathing grew heavy.

Had they not maintained their rationality, some might even have tried to seize them.

“Do the four sect masters believe this method of mine can gather back those fragments?” Zhou Yuan asked with a smile.

The four sect masters exchanged glances and nodded vigorously: “If Ancestral Dragon Pills are the exchange condition, then no one will likely be able to refuse.”

At the same time, they secretly breathed a sigh of relief. They had genuinely worried that Zhou Yuan, being young and hot-blooded, might try to forcibly collect the fragments, an action that would only lead to further chaos in Cangxuan Heaven. Fortunately, Zhou Yuan was clearly well-prepared.

“Ahem…”

Ancient Sovereign Wan Jing suddenly coughed, somewhat awkwardly saying, “Alliance Leader Zhou Yuan, can the fragments we already handed over also be exchanged?”

The other three sect masters remained silent, looking up at the sky and down at the ground, but their peripheral vision was fixed on Zhou Yuan.

Zhou Yuan chuckled inwardly, feigning hesitation for a moment. Finally, under the anxious gazes of the four sect masters, he gave a slight nod.

Throughout the hall, a collective sigh of relief, unable to be suppressed, echoed. The high-ranking members of the four sects were all beaming. Their four sects had many fragments, which should allow them to exchange for a good number of Ancestral Dragon Pills. If even one pill fell into their hands, it could elevate their strength, which had stagnated for years.

“Alliance Leader Zhou Yuan's benevolence towards our Cangxuan Heaven will undoubtedly be remembered by all factions here,” Venerable Sky Sword said slowly, a hint of reverence in his tone.

Zhou Yuan's actions were, in truth, more of a return to Cangxuan Heaven. Otherwise, with Ancestral Dragon Pills being so precious, why would he distribute them so generously?

As for exchanging them for Saint Seal fragments, that was merely a pretext.

The high-ranking members of the other sects also came to their senses, their emotions complex. Their gazes toward Zhou Yuan now held more gratitude and respect.

Zhou Yuan waved his hand, not saying much more. He simply stood up and said, “I will trouble the four sect masters with the establishment of the Cangxuan Alliance and the collection of the fragments. You are more suited for this task than I am.”

“Alliance Leader, rest assured, we will handle it perfectly,” the four sect masters all agreed without hesitation.

Seeing this, Zhou Yuan cupped his hands to the assembly, then left the main hall with an air of ease.

After leaving the main hall, Zhou Yuan pondered for a moment, then turned and headed towards Saint Origin Peak.

Saint Origin Peak was no longer as desolate as it once was. Perhaps due to Zhou Yuan's constantly growing reputation spreading into Cangxuan Heaven over the years, Saint Origin Peak had also become far from unknown throughout Cangxuan Heaven. An increasing number of new disciples entering the Cangxuan Sect now favored this profoundly rich sub-peak.

Zhou Yuan strolled along the mountain path, occasionally seeing numerous young figures. They sat cross-legged amidst the clouds and mist, absorbing the Genesis Qi of heaven and earth; they sparred and competed within the forest; and they darted beneath the waterfall cascading from the peak. It was a scene of vibrant vitality.

People came and went on the mountain path, yet it seemed as if no one could perceive Zhou Yuan's presence.

He walked past, traversing the mountain path, until he arrived before a series of cave dwellings.

Finally, he stopped before a secluded cave dwelling.

The dwelling was neat and tranquil, clearly maintained year-round.

Zhou Yuan stood there in a daze, gazing at the wall in front of the dwelling. There, a line of text was etched.

That year, Zhou Yuan and Zhou Xiaoyao, upon their first arrival at the Cangxuan Sect, resided here.