Chapter 228: Earning Source Jade

By the creek.

Zhou Yuan still spent most of his time cultivating in seclusion by the creek, automatically blocking out the commotion from the outer mountains. All his focus was on practicing the Void Transformation Art.

It had been five days since he acquired the jade slip.

Though brief, these five days had been incredibly fulfilling for Zhou Yuan. In this short period, he had successfully opened thirty of the Void Transformation Art's one hundred and eight acupoints.

With six more, he would be able to reach the first stage of the Void Transformation Art, at which point its profound mysteries would begin to reveal themselves.

On the bluestone, Zhou Yuan opened his eyes. A misty aura gathered in them, then gradually dissipated, and a satisfied smile appeared on his lips.

He had just cultivated another acupoint, bringing the total to thirty-one.

Thirty-one acupoints in five days—Zhou Yuan would not even dare to dream of such efficiency without the Obstacle-Breaking Sacred Rune.

“But the Cloud Mist Essence is all used up, I need to exchange for more…”

“The jade slip also needs to be returned. It’s a pity, though, that it contains many seniors’ experiences with the Void Transformation Art; I’ll only be able to consult it again when needed.”

Zhou Yuan mused, then his face suddenly showed a hint of bitterness. He realized he had less than ten Genesis Jade left.

He had been diligently cultivating the Void Transformation Art during this period and hadn't visited the Miscellaneous Affairs Pavilion. Without taking on any tasks, he naturally had no Genesis Jade income.

As Zhou Yuan sighed, several figures glided from a distance and landed by the creek.

Zhou Yuan looked up and saw Qiao Xiu, Shen Wanjin, and others.

“Oh, Brother Yuan, you're living a bit too leisurely.” Shen Wanjin’s plump, oily face was full of worry.

“Junior Brother Zhou Yuan, you’ve truly gotten yourself into big trouble this time.” Qiao Xiu gave a bitter smile and said, “How did you manage to offend those lecturers? They are inner mountain disciples after all; we can't possibly contend with them. Besides, we still rely on their guidance for cultivating Genesis Arts.”

News of Zhou Yuan being blacklisted by these lecturers had spread rapidly over the past two days, making Qiao Xiu and Shen Wanjin restless enough to rush over.

Zhou Yuan had vaguely heard about it but hadn't paid much attention, as in his view, he genuinely didn't need guidance from those so-called inner mountain disciples anymore.

“Junior Brother Zhou Yuan, why don't you just humble yourself? I can go back and help you send a gift to Senior Brother Zhu Yue and see if we can resolve this matter.” Qiao Xiu sighed.

He still thought highly of Zhou Yuan and didn't want him to be hindered from cultivating Genesis Arts by Zhu Yue due to a moment of impulsive defiance.

Currently, everyone was desperately trying to improve their strength, and cultivating Genesis Arts was paramount. If Zhou Yuan suffered a setback here, he would undoubtedly fall behind others at the selection ceremony three months later.

Hearing this, Zhou Yuan smiled, his impression of Qiao Xiu improving. After all, not many disciples would dare approach him now, let alone offer help.

He waved his hand and said, “Senior Brother Qiao Xiu, there’s no need to worry. I know what I’m doing.”

Seeing Zhou Yuan's expression, Qiao Xiu could only offer a bitter smile. He knew how stubborn the seemingly gentle young man before him truly was.

“Brother Yuan, I see you’ve been diligently cultivating these past few days and haven't really taken on any tasks. Your Genesis Jade must be running low, right? If you need any, we can lend you some.” Shen Wanjin, being the most shrewd, knew what Zhou Yuan lacked most and immediately offered with a smile.

Zhou Yuan thought for a moment, then shook his head. “Not yet. If it truly comes to that, I’ll ask for your help.”

“Alright, I’m going to the Scripture Pavilion to return the jade slip first.”

Zhou Yuan smiled at them, said no more, and then ascended into the sky on Genesis Qi.

Watching his departing figure, Qiao Xiu and Shen Wanjin exchanged glances and sighed. Unaware of Zhou Yuan’s true situation, they simply assumed he was trying to put on a brave face.

“Oh, what are we going to do… If this continues, by the end of three months, Brother Yuan probably won’t even have mastered a single Genesis Art. What will he use to participate in the selection ceremony then…”

When Zhou Yuan arrived at the Scripture Pavilion again, disciples passing by continuously cast glances at him, their eyes filled with sympathy.

Zhou Yuan remained calm and returned the jade slip at the counter.

“Heh heh, isn’t that Zhou Yuan? What, have you learned the Void Transformation Art?” Just then, a mocking laugh came from the side. Zhou Yuan turned his head to see Zhu Feng with several figures standing behind him, their eyes playfully watching him.

Clearly, Zhu Feng had received news the moment Zhou Yuan arrived, so he brought people to watch.

Zhou Yuan said indifferently, “I haven’t seen your big brother out recently. Has his face injury not healed yet?”

He now knew that Yaoyao had secretly ordered Tun Tun to ambush Zhu Yue. For this, he could only silently give a thumbs-up.

Zhu Feng’s expression stiffened. He glared fiercely at Zhou Yuan, gritting his teeth, and said, “What kind of skill is it to rely on a beast!”

Zhou Yuan smiled faintly and said, “So, are you saying your big brother isn’t even as good as a beast?”

“You!”

Zhu Feng’s eyes turned cold, and a surge of powerful Genesis Qi erupted from within him. He glared fiercely at Zhou Yuan. “Are you looking for death?!”

“This is the Scripture Pavilion; fighting is prohibited. Do you all wish to be punished?” A crisp, delicate voice sounded from the side. Gu Hongyi stood there, frowning slightly as she watched them.

Zhu Feng took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. He glared at Zhou Yuan, then sneered disdainfully, “Keep being arrogant, Zhou Yuan.”

“Now no one will guide you in cultivating Genesis Arts. So, just you wait, your status as a first-rank disciple will probably be gone soon!”

Zhou Yuan smiled and shook his head. “Then you needn’t worry yourself.”

“Let's see how long you can keep up this pretense!”

Zhu Feng snorted coldly, then turned and left with his group.

The surrounding disciples also looked at Zhou Yuan with sympathy, then gradually dispersed.

Zhou Yuan ignored them, simply gave Gu Hongyi a slight nod, and walked down the mountain. He was now pondering how to acquire Genesis Jade next. Would he have to take on tasks too?

Gu Hongyi watched his departing figure, hesitated for a moment, then suddenly caught up and said, “Zhou Yuan, you are too reckless. How will you cultivate Genesis Arts after offending Zhu Yue?”

“If you are a capable person, you should know when to advance and when to retreat. Occasional tolerance will give you a chance to turn things around in the future.”

Zhou Yuan was a little surprised to hear Gu Hongyi's words and asked, “Are you worried about me?”

Gu Hongyi gave him a sidelong glance and said, “I’m merely sympathizing with you. I don’t want to see your talent wasted for no reason. Zhu Yue’s actions are indeed a bit petty.”

Zhou Yuan smiled. He suddenly remembered something, rubbed his chin, and looked at Gu Hongyi in front of him with interest.

Gu Hongyi felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze. Her pretty face immediately hardened, and she said fiercely, “What are you looking at?!”

Zhou Yuan said, “How is your progress learning from Zhu Yue?”

Gu Hongyi’s red lips curled slightly, and she said with a hint of pride, “I’ve already opened the tenth acupoint. I should be able to complete the first stage of the Void Transformation Art within a month.”

“The tenth acupoint?” Zhou Yuan was stunned.

“Now you see the benefits of having someone guide you, right? Did you think paying five Genesis Jade every day was for nothing?” Gu Hongyi looked at Zhou Yuan with pity.

“So Genesis Jade is this easy to earn?” A light shone in Zhou Yuan’s eyes.

Gu Hongyi’s slender eyebrows furrowed. She looked at Zhou Yuan with some displeasure and said disappointedly, “I thought you might come to your senses, but it seems you’re truly hopeless.”

With that, she was about to turn and leave.

Zhou Yuan, however, quickly blocked her path. Seeing Gu Hongyi’s slightly raised eyebrows, he quickly said, “If I have a way for you to master the Void Transformation Art within ten days, and open far more acupoints than you would with Zhu Yue, would you be interested?”

Gu Hongyi froze. “What nonsense are you talking about? Mastering the Void Transformation Art in ten days… I’ve never heard of anyone being able to do that!”

Zhou Yuan smiled. “What if it’s true?”

Gu Hongyi thought for a moment and said, “Then of course I’d be interested. Genesis Jade is secondary; more importantly, it would save me time.”

She was clearly a rich girl who didn't care about Genesis Jade at all.

Her beautiful eyes looked at Zhou Yuan with suspicion. “Could it be that you know someone who has mastered the Void Transformation Art to a higher degree than Zhu Yue?”

Zhou Yuan smiled. “I don’t know if they’re better than Zhu Yue, but their efficiency is definitely something he can’t compare to.”

“Who is it? If they can truly help me achieve minor mastery of the Void Transformation Art within ten days, I can learn from them. Genesis Jade won’t be an issue.” Gu Hongyi’s beautiful eyes stared at Zhou Yuan. Although she was still somewhat disbelieving, she figured Zhou Yuan wouldn’t dare to joke with her.

A look of delight emerged between Zhou Yuan’s eyebrows. He then pointed to himself and smiled, “That person is me, of course… Come on, it’s fifty Genesis Jade in total. You can pay half upfront.”

His voice trailed off as he saw Gu Hongyi’s pretty face suddenly turn icy cold. With a clench of her hand, the crimson long whip at her waist appeared in her grasp.

Gu Hongyi’s beautiful face was filled with menace, and she directly struck out with her whip.

“Zhou Yuan, I think you’re tired of living! You dare to make fun of even your little grandma!”