Chapter 145: Saints Squad

Underneath the mountains lay a vast open area, which was now bustling with activity. Many figures had gathered, and more continued to arrive from all directions in the distance. It had almost become a central gathering point.

When Zhou Yuan arrived, he was surprised by the sheer number of people. It was the first time he had seen so many prodigies gathered in one place since entering the Sacred Vestige Land.

Zhou Yuan quietly blended into the crowd, then began to inquire about the genesis beast that was said to possess a minor Heaven Genesis Art. After about ten minutes, he learned some news: apparently, someone had encountered the beast deep in the mountains. Of a five-person team, only one survived. All five of those individuals were at the Heaven Gate Realm, which meant the genesis beast must have reached the Fourth Grade, comparable to the Prime Beginning Realm. With its cultivated minor Heaven Genesis Art, its combat power was likely even more formidable.

The news quickly attracted many prodigies from the area. By now, everyone understood that the genesis beasts in the Sacred Vestige Land contained extremely pure genesis qi, which was highly beneficial for cultivation. While no one had yet managed to slay a Fourth Grade genesis beast, it was clear that acquiring the pure genesis qi from within one would significantly enhance their strength.

The current challenge, however, was that the Fourth Grade genesis beast, with its minor Heaven Genesis Art, was not easily defeated. Its power rivaled that of the Prime Beginning Realm, and most of those present were only at the Heaven Gate Realm. A single mistake could lead to being instantly killed by the beast. Therefore, despite the large gathering, no one dared to lead the charge.

More importantly, there was only one minor Heaven Genesis Art, and only one core of pure genesis qi within the beast. With so many prodigies gathered, and so few resources to go around, how would they be divided?

As these thoughts flickered in Zhou Yuan's mind, a commotion suddenly arose in the gathering. Many people began to surge towards the west. After a moment's consideration, Zhou Yuan followed the flow of the crowd.

On a high slope to the west, several figures stood tall and proud. Among them, Zhou Yuan was surprised to see two familiar individuals: Xiao Tianxuan, the young lord of Sacred Vestige City, and the woman Gu Ling. Behind them stood several other figures, all with an air of arrogance. The surging genesis qi around them attested to their considerable strength, marking them as elites among the gathered prodigies.

"Everyone," Xiao Tianxuan began, "encountering this Fourth Grade genesis beast that possesses a minor Heaven Genesis Art here is a stroke of fortune for us. Since no one else is stepping forward, our Sacred Vestige Team will join forces to hunt it down." Xiao Tianxuan, elegant and poised, surveyed his surroundings with a slight smile. "If any like-minded friends wish to join our Sacred Vestige Team, you are welcome to. However, there's a restriction: your strength must have reached the late Heaven Gate Realm. Otherwise, you won't be able to withstand a single attack from this Fourth Grade genesis beast."

His words immediately sparked a low murmur of commotion among the crowd. Xiao Tianxuan's meaning was clear: the Sacred Vestige Team was claiming responsibility for hunting the Fourth Grade genesis beast. This implied that if they succeeded, both the minor Heaven Genesis Art and the pure genesis qi would belong exclusively to them. While this move seemed somewhat domineering, no one could truly object. After all, for ordinary individuals, provoking a Fourth Grade genesis beast was effectively seeking death.

"So we won't get anything?" someone muttered from the crowd.

Xiao Tianxuan glanced at Gu Ling, who offered a charming smile and gracefully said, "That Fourth Grade genesis beast commands numerous other beasts. These lesser beasts also possess considerable pure genesis qi. Our Sacred Vestige Team will focus on eliminating the Fourth Grade genesis beast, while the leaderless beasts will be left for all of you to handle. Naturally, whoever claims their genesis qi will keep it. Furthermore, if your strength has reached the late Heaven Gate Realm, you may consider joining our Sacred Vestige Team. This isn't the only genesis beast with a minor Heaven Genesis Art in the Sacred Vestige Land. We plan to continue hunting them down, and those who join us will have the opportunity to acquire a minor Heaven Genesis Art."

Her words immediately swayed some of the stronger prodigies. They now realized that, apart from a handful of top-tier prodigies, no one in the Sacred Vestige Land could single-handedly hunt these genesis beasts that possessed minor Heaven Genesis Arts.

Zhou Yuan observed with a detached gaze. Xiao Tianxuan and Gu Ling certainly possessed sharp minds and cunning. They were already recruiting allies, and if their hunt proved successful, their so-called Sacred Vestige Team would undoubtedly grow rapidly. With the advantage of sheer numbers, they might even gain the right to contend with the top-tier prodigies.

Many of those present were indeed interested in joining the Sacred Vestige Team. After all, by joining, they could leverage the team's collective strength to jointly hunt down genesis beasts with minor Heaven Genesis Arts and claim those techniques. The only drawback was the Sacred Vestige Team's demanding requirement: one had to be at the late Heaven Gate Realm.

Despite the high bar, some individuals still met the criteria. One by one, those with late Heaven Gate Realm strength approached Xiao Tianxuan, Gu Ling, and the others, under the envious gazes of the rest. Seeing this, Xiao Tianxuan and Gu Ling exchanged glances, unable to suppress their smug smiles.

"It seems your idea isn't bad at all," Xiao Tianxuan whispered, chuckling.

Gu Ling smiled faintly. "There are many opportunities in the Sacred Vestige Land, but the truly top-tier ones can probably only be contended for by the strongest prodigies. We're a step behind them, so we need to leverage our collective strength. Once our Sacred Vestige Team grows powerful, even top prodigies like Wu Huang won't be able to stand against us."

Xiao Tianxuan nodded in agreement.

"However, if the Sacred Vestige Team expands, remember what you promised me," Gu Ling said, a flicker of hatred in her narrow eyes.

Xiao Tianxuan smiled. "Don't worry. Once the Sacred Vestige Team grows, my first priority will be to track down Zhou Yuan. If we find him, I'll seize him immediately and hand him over to you. He's just trash at the Qi Nourishing Realm with no significant background. No one will care if he dies."

Hearing this, Gu Ling nodded, satisfied. That man had not only killed her brother but also stolen their Gu family's most precious treasure, which was unforgivable. She was, of course, aware of the Gu family's affairs, but what did that matter? For a mere waste at the Qi Nourishing Realm, she could easily ensure he died without a trace.

Hidden within the crowd, Zhou Yuan's eyes coldly observed the bustling scene. With each new addition of a late Heaven Gate Realm expert, the Sacred Vestige Team's strength indeed began to grow formidable. With such a lineup, they might genuinely succeed in their hunt.

Zhou Yuan's eyes flickered slightly. He glanced at Xiao Tianxuan and Gu Ling, then suddenly smiled. He had grievances with both of them, making them his enemies. Zhou Yuan was not one to idly stand by and watch his adversaries grow stronger.

"Xiao Tianxuan, Gu Ling..."

"At the auction, you swindled me out of over a million source crystals. Don't you think it's time to return them?"