Chapter 154: Zhou Yuan Battles Xiao Tianxuan

Chapter 155: Zhou Yuan vs. Xiao Tianxuan

In the forest, Xiao Tianxuan held a long spear wreathed in molten rock, its tip pointed directly at Zhou Yuan. Source Qi swirled above the spear, forming a fiery red cloud.

Intense and violent fluctuations emanated from it.

Even before Xiao Tianxuan made his move, the oppressive aura he exuded already surpassed that of the bald man from before.

"As expected of the Young City Lord of Saint Remains City." Many figures in the forest whispered amongst themselves. Xiao Tianxuan's strength was undeniable; he was considered a top talent even among numerous prodigies. He had clearly reached the peak of the Late Heavenly Pass Stage, significantly stronger than ordinary Late Heavenly Pass cultivators.

"This time, Zhou Yuan probably won't be able to show off his might."

Indeed, comparing the two, Xiao Tianxuan clearly had the advantage. After all, he was at the peak of the Late Heavenly Pass Stage, wielding a high-grade Profound Source Weapon, and possessed many techniques. By all appearances, Xiao Tianxuan had a much higher chance of winning.

"Hmph, let's see who can save you this time." Gu Ling's eyes were also icy. She had initially thought dealing with Zhou Yuan would be easy, but he had become increasingly troublesome. Now, it had even come to the point where Xiao Tianxuan had to personally intervene.

However, it was time for this to end.

Gu Ling's beautiful eyes swept over the few remaining members of the Saint Remains Team. She said coldly, "Block Zhou Yuan's escape routes. This time, he must not be allowed to get away."

The remaining few at this point had completely pledged their loyalty to Xiao Tianxuan. Hearing Gu Ling's words, they all nodded, then fanned out, subtly blocking all of Zhou Yuan's escape paths.

On the mountaintop, Zhou Yuan watched their actions with a calm expression, showing no concern whatsoever. His gaze remained fixed solely on Xiao Tianxuan.

The strength Xiao Tianxuan displayed indeed far exceeded that of ordinary Late Heavenly Pass cultivators.

A fervent battle intent slowly rose in Zhou Yuan's eyes. Before his breakthrough, facing an opponent of Xiao Tianxuan's caliber, he might not have had much chance of winning. But now... it was different.

"Martial Form."

In Zhou Yuan's hand, the Sky Origin Brush expanded. Its snow-white bristles gathered, forming a tip like a gleaming white spearhead, shimmering with a chilling light.

Dark-golden Source Qi swirled around Zhou Yuan's body like a storm. Crushed stones on the surrounding ground were pulverized by the Source Qi, turning into dust.

Xiao Tianxuan gripped his long spear tightly and said chillingly, "I'll make you realize that your four-hundred-zhang Source Qi is not enough to support such arrogance in front of me!"

The moment his voice fell, Xiao Tianxuan's figure suddenly shot forward. With a few blurs, he appeared in front of Zhou Yuan. The spear's shadow trembled, instantly transforming into countless streaks of crimson light that enveloped Zhou Yuan in an overwhelming attack, targeting his vital points.

Xiao Tianxuan's very first move was fierce and ruthless.

However, facing Xiao Tianxuan's powerful assault, Zhou Yuan let out a long laugh, showing no fear. With a shake of the Sky Origin Brush in his hand, he met the attack head-on. Dark-golden light, like a myriad of stars, wrapped around the brush's tip.

Clang! Clang!

On the mountaintop, spear and brush clashed fiercely, producing sounds of metal striking metal and sending sparks flying. Each collision unleashed ripples of Source Qi that vibrated the air.

In just over ten breaths, the two had exchanged dozens of blows, both acting ruthlessly and showing no quarter.

As spear and brush touched, both combatants were forced back.

Zhou Yuan's arm suddenly twitched, and the tip of the Sky Origin Brush transformed into a white streak that shot out, suddenly aiming for Xiao Tianxuan's throat with an incredibly tricky and lethal angle.

However, just as it was about to strike, a spear shadow thrust forth, directly deflecting the snow-white bristles.

Zhou Yuan's expression turned cold. With a thought, the snow-white bristles suddenly dispersed, transforming into countless white threads. Like sharp blades, they descended in an overwhelming barrage, covering every inch of Xiao Tianxuan's body.

"What a strange Source Weapon!"

Xiao Tianxuan's eyes narrowed slightly. Zhou Yuan's black brush Source Weapon was incredibly peculiar. Its snow-white bristles could change into various forms at any moment, causing him significant trouble.

However, Xiao Tianxuan was no pushover. With a shake of his Fiery Demonic Spear, crimson molten rock surged forth, instantly forming a scorching hot lava shield in front of him.

Clink! Clink!

Countless snow-white bristles struck the molten rock, producing crisp sounds, before all ricocheting back.

Zhou Yuan and Xiao Tianxuan both recoiled simultaneously.

Xiao Tianxuan's face was ashen. His Fiery Demonic Spear dragged a long trail on the ground. Zhou Yuan, meanwhile, drifted back gracefully, his snow-white bristles rapidly retracting and once again forming a sharp brush tip, pointing diagonally towards the ground.

In their previous exchange, both sides had been ruthless, yet their attacks had evidently been completely parried by the other.

All eyes across the mountain, focused on the peak, narrowed slightly at this moment. Clearly, no one had expected that Zhou Yuan would still hold his own even against someone at the peak of the Late Heavenly Pass Stage like Xiao Tianxuan.

"I truly underestimated you. To be able to do this at the Early Heavenly Pass Stage..."

Xiao Tianxuan's eyes drooped slightly, and his tone was indifferent. "If you were given more time, even Wu Huang might not have much of an advantage... Your potential is terrifying."

"Now, I'm starting to believe it."

Zhou Yuan raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, "Believe what?"

Xiao Tianxuan calmly replied, "That you are the so-called Sacred Dragon of the Zhou family. Even Wu Huang only reached his current level by seizing your destiny."

Zhou Yuan smiled noncommittally.

"However..." Xiao Tianxuan paused, his gaze turning extremely dangerous as he looked at Zhou Yuan. "Precisely because of this, I've decided it's best to kill you here."

Zhou Yuan chuckled, "I'm just afraid you don't have the ability."

Xiao Tianxuan said calmly, "I know you obtained that Minor Heavenly Origin Art scroll. However, I also know that you haven't cultivated it successfully yet."

Zhou Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly.

"The cultivation requirements for the Minor Heavenly Origin Art are quite stringent. You've been hiding here all these days to break through to the Heavenly Pass Stage, so naturally, you haven't had the time or conditions to master it. Therefore, it's impossible for you to have cultivated it successfully." Xiao Tianxuan's tone was calm but filled with confidence.

Zhou Yuan slowly said, "You are indeed clever."

Indeed, just as Xiao Tianxuan had guessed, Zhou Yuan knew the cultivation method for the Minor Heavenly Origin Art called "Great Wind Thunder," but he had not yet successfully cultivated it.

Xiao Tianxuan smiled, slowly tightening his grip on the crimson long spear. His gaze, fixed on Zhou Yuan, became somewhat playful.

"It's just a shame you don't have the Minor Heavenly Origin Art... but..."

At this moment, the Source Qi around Xiao Tianxuan suddenly surged violently, like a crimson storm, sweeping around his body. An astonishing fluctuation erupted from within him.

The mountain beneath his feet trembled.

"I do!"

Under the shocked gazes, crimson Source Qi roared above Xiao Tianxuan's head, forming a massive crimson light wheel. As it vibrated, it radiated terrifying power.

Zhou Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly as he gazed at the crimson wheel.