Chapter 1454: Wan Zu Enters Cangxuan

When Grand Elder Wanzu's faint voice echoed deep within the palace, Zhou Qing and Qin Yu's expressions couldn't help but change, and anger welled up in their eyes. Even though they knew the other was a transcendent being, one of the most supreme existences in the world, they couldn't believe he would say, "It should be enough," especially knowing Zhou Yuan's recent experiences. Was he dismissing the pain Zhou Yuan had endured over the past year as nothing more than a childish tantrum?

At that moment, despite knowing they faced a Saint-level being, Zhou Qing, as a parent, took a deep breath and stated gravely, "Isn't this senior going a bit too far?"

Grand Elder Wanzu gave Zhou Qing an indifferent glance and responded, "What? At this very moment, countless lives in our Heavens are being sacrificed to resist the Saint Clan's invasion. Every inch of that space is steeped in the blood of our powerful cultivators. Yet Zhou Yuan, as the Heaven Master of Cangxuan Heaven, has isolated himself for a year for some supposed personal feelings. Is he truly willing to disregard the safety of Cangxuan Heaven's inhabitants?"

"If he is indeed so irresponsible, then I believe he is unfit to be the Heaven Master."

Qin Yu's face flushed crimson, and she retorted angrily, "Senior, you are a transcendent being, but not everyone can be as heartless and devoid of emotion as you! And has Zhou Yuan truly done less than anyone else?!"

Grand Elder Wanzu's eyes chilled slightly. However, before he could speak, a figure behind him scoffed, "Ignorant couple, if not for our relentless efforts to halt the Saint Clan's invasion, would you even be here lamenting your sorrows?"

The speaker was an old man with a hooked nose, clad in green robes. His gaze, sharp and cold, fixed on Zhou Qing and Qin Yu. The sudden surge of chilling intent instantly enveloped the couple, making them feel as if they were in an an ice cellar, their blood seemingly congealing. Yet, despite the fear gripping their hearts, they steadfastly refused to show any weakness. They might not care about their own well-being, but they would not allow themselves to be used to dishonor their son.

The green-robed elder was no stranger; it was indeed Saint Green Willow. He had a long-standing animosity towards Zhou Yuan, so naturally, he showed no courtesy to Zhou Qing and Qin Yu now. Saint Green Willow, seeing the couple biting their lips in extreme fear yet refusing to yield, sneered inwardly. A wisp of Saintly might suddenly erupted, directly engulfing them.

Previously, Zhou Yuan had the backing of Yaoyao. Although Saint Green Willow was enraged by the former's killing of Xu Beiyan, he ultimately dared not act, forced to swallow his resentment. But now, Yaoyao had self-sealed, and upon her awakening, she would emerge as the Third God, likely forgetting even who Zhou Yuan was. Therefore, Saint Green Willow no longer needed to fear Zhou Yuan. Of course, the current Zhou Yuan was no longer the minor Law Domain expert he had once looked down upon. Zhou Yuan had now ascended to the same level as him and held authority over Cangxuan Heaven. If they were to truly fight, Green Willow might not gain a significant advantage, but he was confident it wouldn't be as hopeless as facing the Third God. He didn't genuinely harbor murderous intent towards Zhou Qing and Qin Yu, but a minor chastisement was well within his control.

Green Willow's sudden action took others by surprise. In that instant, Zhou Qing and Qin Yu's faces abruptly paled. For a fleeting moment, they felt as though they were plunged to the deepest reaches of an endless ocean, the immense pressure filling them with profound terror. However, this terrifying pressure lasted only a few breaths. Suddenly, a brilliant glow coalesced before Zhou Qing and Qin Yu, like a drop of water, settling between their brows. A chilling, penetrating sensation washed over them, instantly dispelling all fear and pressure.

And at that very moment, Grand Elder Wanzu and Grand Elder Zixiao's expressions subtly shifted as they looked towards the barrier. The light curtain there rippled faintly, and a figure slowly emerged. The figure was, of course, Zhou Yuan, though he appeared somewhat altered from his previous state. In just over a year, he appeared significantly more weathered, his hair cascaded loosely behind him, and his eyes were deep, like the night sky.

"Zhou Yuan, have you finally emerged?" Grand Elder Wanzu said slowly.

"Yuan'er!" Zhou Qing and Qin Yu were still breathing somewhat rapidly, but upon seeing Zhou Yuan emerge from the barrier, their faces lit up with surprise.

Zhou Yuan stepped forward, appearing instantly beside them. Noticing their slightly pale complexions, he asked, "Father, Mother, are you alright?"

Zhou Qing and Qin Yu shook their heads. The other party hadn't actually harmed them, merely startled them for a moment. Seeing this, Zhou Yuan raised his gaze to the Saints before him. His eyes lingered on Grand Elder Wanzu and Grand Elder Zixiao for a moment before he stated plainly, "It's quite an honor for two Grand Elders to personally come and 'invite' me." Back when he was still in Hunyuan Heaven, these two Grand Elders were influential figures who always remained behind the scenes; he had barely even seen them.

Grand Elder Wanzu's eyes narrowed slightly. Zhou Yuan's words clearly unsettled him. 'Invite'? Grand Elder Wanzu was famed throughout the Heavens; even Cang Yuan, Zhou Yuan's own master, would not dare speak so boldly to him. Especially given that, during his actions against the Tianyuan Region and Cang Yuan in Hunyuan Heaven, Zhou Yuan had been nothing more than an insignificant ant in his eyes. Yet now, this former junior dared to speak to him like this?

Grand Elder Wanzu remained silent, his gaze profound, but Grand Elder Zixiao, standing nearby, offered a faint smile. Her refined and elegant demeanor brought a sense of peace, creating an involuntary desire to heed her words: "Heaven Master Zhou Yuan, there's no need for false modesty. You have now advanced to the Saint stage and wield authority over Cangxuan Heaven. In terms of power, you even hold a seat in the Divine Palace of Gui Xu. For the two of us to come and invite you is only fitting."

Zhou Yuan cast another glance at Grand Elder Zixiao. This was the Grand Elder of the Zixiao Region, where Su Youwei resided. While perhaps not as beautiful as Su Youwei, this Grand Elder possessed a unique intellectual elegance that surpassed her. After all, achieving sainthood itself represented an extreme level of excellence. Furthermore, she was a seasoned Saint of the Twin-Lotus Stage.

Zhou Yuan gave Grand Elder Zixiao a slight nod of acknowledgment, then dismissed Grand Elder Wanzu, whose expression remained impassive, and turned his gaze instead to Green Willow standing behind him. He fixed his gaze on Green Willow, his eyes profound. Then, the words that issued from his mouth caused the other Saints' eyes to narrow slightly.

"Apologize to my parents."