Chapter 214: Small Building

"How is he qualified to be a first-class disciple when he's only at the quasi-Beginning Stage?"

"If even *this person* can become a first-class disciple, then why can't we?"

An overwhelming storm of questions erupted, and nearly everyone present watched the scene with indignation.

Those who had been ranked as second-class disciples felt particularly disgruntled. After all, they hadn't even been rated as first-class, so why could a youngster at the quasi-Beginning Stage?

Third-class disciples were even more envious and jealous, their eyes practically red.

Only the superior first-class disciples watched with detached indifference. However, their gaze towards Zhou Yuan was still far from friendly; it was as if a mangy dog had infiltrated a pack of tigers and leopards.

The white-robed young man named Lu Feng watched the scene with an indifferent expression. He merely glanced at Zhou Yuan before looking away, clearly not paying him much mind.

Meanwhile, on the platform, Zhou Yuan remained calm in the face of the numerous doubts.

Chen Yuan, with a smile on his face, waited until the questions had mostly subsided before raising a hand to quiet the crowd. He then said, "This new disciple's situation is a bit different; a distinguished senior has vouched for him."

At these words, the square first fell silent for a moment, then erupted into an even louder uproar.

"Tch, so he's just someone who used connections for backdoor entry..."

Many of the new disciples secretly shook their heads, disdain evident on their faces. Although deep down they had also hoped for such an opportunity, seeing it bestowed upon someone else, they couldn't help but start ridiculing.

Gu Hongyi, clad in red and possessing a slender, attractive figure, had initially been quite interested, as she too wanted to know why someone at the quasi-Beginning Stage could become a first-class disciple.

But upon hearing Chen Yuan's words, her red lips curled slightly. "What's this? So he's just someone with connections..."

Disappointed, she shook her head, turning her gaze away and no longer looking at Zhou Yuan.

"Alright, you may go down now," Chen Yuan said with a smile, waving a hand at Zhou Yuan from the platform.

Zhou Yuan glanced at him indifferently, knowing full well that Chen Yuan had done this on purpose. However, he said nothing more, as he appeared to be only at the quasi-Beginning Stage, and becoming a first-class disciple at any point would inevitably attract criticism.

The only way to counter such criticism was simply to prove himself, and he would have the opportunity to do so later.

So, he walked back amidst the numerous scrutinizing gazes.

"But this way, you won't gain any benefits. I'm afraid not many disciples will want to associate with you in the future."

Those beside him nodded in agreement. Though secretly envious, they still righteously condemned Zhou Yuan's act of using connections.

Yao Yao's delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed. She tilted her head, revealing her perfect and exquisite profile, her skin seemingly glowing with a jade-like luster.

Luo Song, seeing Yao Yao look at him for the first time, was instantly delighted. Yet, before he could speak, Yao Yao's red lips parted slightly: "Get lost."

Luo Song's expression instantly stiffened, and the corners of his companions' mouths twitched. They clearly hadn't expected such a simple and blunt remark from a girl who appeared as aloof and ethereal as a fairy.

Their faces alternated between pale and ashen, but they ultimately dared not say more, as Yao Yao was a genuine first-class disciple.

Luo Song cast a resentful glance at Zhou Yuan before awkwardly retreating.

On the platform, Chen Yuan, seeing the still clamoring crowd, calmly stated, "There's no need for dissatisfaction. Our Cangxuan Sect's rules are fair and do not favor anyone. If any of you feel unconvinced, you are free to challenge."

"First-class disciples are not set in stone. If one proves incompetent, they will naturally be replaced."

"Therefore, do not assume that becoming a first-class disciple guarantees a relaxed future. Diligent cultivation is the true path."

Chen Yuan's words stirred many disciples to action, and some subtly cast malicious glances in Zhou Yuan's direction.

If one were to ask who among the more than a hundred first-class disciples present would be most easily replaced, the answer was obvious.

Chen Yuan paid no mind to the crowd's reactions and continued, "From now on, you will cultivate here for three months. After three months, there will be the Mountain Selection Ceremony. Only those who pass the ceremony and enter one of the Seven Peaks will be considered true Cangxuan Sect disciples. Those who fail will become outer mountain disciples, only able to enter the Seven Peaks later if they make sufficient contributions."

The hearts of the many new disciples tightened. Those who could enter the Cangxuan Sect were all considered prodigies, naturally proud and arrogant. Thus, failing to enter even one of the Seven Peaks would undoubtedly be a huge blow to them.

"Your living quarters are indicated on your disciple tokens."

"Starting tomorrow, all disciples will begin cultivating at 'Origin Mountain.' This is a uniquely crafted cultivation blessed land of our Cangxuan Sect, so make sure to make good use of it."

Chen Yuan's words caused a buzz of excitement to ripple through the square. Some of the prodigies native to Shengzhou had eyes burning with eagerness, clearly aware of Origin Mountain's significance.

Meanwhile, prodigies from other continents were bewildered and could only humbly seek explanations.

Consequently, some of the Shengzhou native prodigies looked at the others with the gaze one might reserve for country bumpkins, smugly saying, "You don't even know about Origin Mountain?"

"Origin Mountain is a unique cultivation blessed land created by the Cangxuan Sect. It resembles a volcano, and within its depths, Origin Pattern formations are inscribed to absorb the Origin Qi of heaven and earth. These layers of formations then purify the impurities, making the emitted Origin Qi exceptionally pure."

"What's even more remarkable about Origin Mountain is that on each cultivation platform, a 'Heaven Origin Flower' is planted. By feeding Origin Jade to this Heaven Origin Flower, it will draw Origin Qi from within the volcano and then release it."

"The Origin Qi released by the Heaven Origin Flower is not only purer but also imbued with the flower's wondrous properties. Through repeated refinement, it can continuously temper the Origin Qi within one's body, truly making it a cultivation treasure."

The new disciples from outside Shengzhou were completely baffled. While it sounded impressive, what exactly were Origin Jade and Heaven Origin Flowers?

Chen Yuan explained, "Origin Jade is an item refined by our Cangxuan Sect. You can consider it a substitute for Origin Crystals, though it circulates only within our sect. By holding Origin Jade, you can exchange it at the Scripture Pavilion and Treasury Pavilion for various Origin Arts, elixirs, Origin Weapons, and so on..."

He continued, "As new disciples, you will receive thirty pieces of Origin Jade at the beginning of each month. This month's supply has already been placed in your residences."

"As for Origin Mountain, you will naturally learn more about it when you begin cultivating tomorrow."

He waved his hand and said, "Now, go find your respective residences."

With that, he turned and leisurely departed.

The square became a bustle of activity as the many disciples began to disperse, following the instructions on their tokens to find their living quarters.

Zhou Yuan and Yao Yao also followed the instructions, traversing the lush, verdant mountains. They eventually stopped near the rear of the mountain, where exquisite small buildings stood on the mountainside. Faintly, powerful Origin Qi fluctuations rippled around them.

"Brother Yuan, Sister Yao, the treatment for first-class disciples is vastly superior to ours as third-class disciples," Shen Wanjin exclaimed from behind them.

Perhaps to allow new disciples to look out for each other, the Cangxuan Sect had temporarily grouped prodigies from various continents together.

Shen Wanjin, Xiao Tianxuan, and others were located at the foot of the mountain not far from Zhou Yuan's small building. However, their residences were a row of simple, connected huts, appearing quite crude and undoubtedly far inferior to Zhou Yuan and Yao Yao's small buildings.

The others also nodded repeatedly, their eyes filled with envy.

In the past, they had been prodigies accustomed to luxurious living, but now that they were at the Cangxuan Sect, their quality of life had plummeted, making it quite difficult for them to adapt.

Zhou Yuan smiled, offered a few words of comfort, and then proceeded up the mountainside with Yao Yao. Their two small buildings were not far apart.

They each entered their respective small buildings. Zhou Yuan walked around his with interest, feeling quite satisfied. Most importantly, he could sense that an Origin Pattern formation was inscribed within the building, continuously drawing in the Origin Qi of heaven and earth. Residing in such a place for an extended period would provide considerable benefits for cultivation.

On the table inside his small building, he found a cloth bag. He picked it up and shook it, and a crisp jingling sound emanated from within.

He took out an oblong jade stone, the size of a baby's fist. The stone was translucent, and pure Origin Qi emanated from it.

"Is this Origin Jade?" Zhou Yuan muttered curiously to himself.

Everything here felt so new and exciting.

Zhou Yuan went to the second-floor balcony, where warm sunlight shone down, making him feel incredibly comfortable.

Zhou Yuan squinted his eyes, enjoying the warmth for a moment, when he suddenly felt a gaze from afar. He looked over and saw another small building on the mountainside to his right.

On that building, a graceful figure in red stood leaning against the railing, her slender, attractive figure clearly visible.

It was Gu Hongyi.

Noticing Zhou Yuan's gaze, Gu Hongyi's rosy lips curled slightly, and she turned and went inside, clearly having a poor impression of this first-class disciple who had seemingly gained his position through connections.

Seeing this, Zhou Yuan merely smiled and didn't bother to pay it any mind.

*Tap, tap!* A knock sounded from downstairs. With a thought, Zhou Yuan opened the door. Yao Yao, holding Tun Tun, slowly walked in. She looked around, up and down, before finally reaching the sun-drenched balcony and nodding in satisfaction.

"What are you doing?" Zhou Yuan suddenly felt something was amiss upon seeing her.

"My place is too shady. This is nice. From now on, I'll live on the second floor, and you can live on the first." Yao Yao gave Zhou Yuan a slight smile, and without the slightest hint of politeness, she claimed the best spot.

Zhou Yuan looked astonished. "You're living with me?"

"I don't cultivate, so I won't use up your Origin Qi," Yao Yao replied.

Zhou Yuan quickly said, "That's not what I meant, is it?"

Yao Yao's ethereal, clear eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at Zhou Yuan. "You disagree?"

*Grrr!* In Yao Yao's arms, Tun Tun also let out mischievous growls.

Zhou Yuan could only give a dry laugh. "No."

Only then did Yao Yao nod in satisfaction.

Watching her elegant figure, Zhou Yuan couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and helplessness. What was this? Cohabitation?

He shook his head, then suddenly smiled as he looked at the bright, sunny sky. Life in the Cangxuan Sect... it seemed pretty good after all. He was starting to feel a little excited about what the future here held.