Chapter 235: Sensation

The incident in the mountain stream quickly spread, causing a sensation and uproar throughout the entire Outer Mountain.

Firstly, everyone was astonished by the power Zhou Yuan had displayed. How formidable must his combat prowess be, to have single-handedly defeated Zhu Feng and other first-rank disciples? It was crucial to remember that Zhou Yuan was still only at the first layer of the Genesis Realm.

Previously, the so-called Top Ten Outer Mountain Disciples had not even considered Zhou Yuan. After all, most people believed that while his decisive victory over Han Shan proved he was qualified to be a first-rank disciple, it didn't elevate him beyond that. However, the Top Ten Outer Mountain Disciples were the elite among all first-rank disciples, and Zhou Yuan was clearly not yet considered worthy of that rank. Yet, no one had anticipated that this supposedly unqualified individual would prove to be so formidable. He single-handedly fought a group that included three first-rank disciples, winning with remarkable ease. This was an feat that few, even among the Top Ten Outer Mountain Disciples, could accomplish. Thus, the strength Zhou Yuan demonstrated once again left all Outer Mountain disciples in awe.

However, this astonishment only lasted for a short while before it was completely overshadowed by another piece of news. This was, without a doubt, the announcement that Zhou Yuan intended to widely recruit disciples and teach them the Genesis Reforming Art. This immediately caused a huge uproar, leaving all the disciples stunned. Such a notion was simply unheard of: by what right could an Outer Mountain disciple presume to teach other Outer Mountain disciples?

"What a joke! He's just an Outer Mountain disciple like us. How dare he claim he can teach the Genesis Reforming Art? That's utterly ridiculous."

"But I heard Zhou Yuan has already cultivated the Genesis Reforming Art to its first level. That's why Zhu Feng and the others couldn't even lay a hand on him before being defeated."

"That's impossible, isn't it? How long has he even been practicing the Genesis Reforming Art? I personally saw him claim the art not long ago."

"Besides, Gu Hongyi is also training with him. I heard she opened more than twenty spirit apertures in just a few years..."

"Could he truly possess such ability?"

"Tsk, Gu Hongyi is naturally gifted, so it's not too surprising for her to achieve such cultivation speed. Zhou Yuan is likely just trying to take credit for it to glorify himself."

"I think we should wait and see. Perhaps Zhou Yuan is intentionally trying to trick people to obtain Origin Jade..."

Similar discussions constantly echoed in every corner of the Outer Mountain, clearly disputing Zhou Yuan's qualifications to teach other disciples the Genesis Reforming Art. Clearly, however, the vast majority were skeptical. After all, they simply couldn't believe that a fellow Outer Mountain disciple could surpass them to such a degree. Such a thought made them feel somewhat inferior.

At the Scripture Pavilion, on the back mountain.

In the lecture hall where Zhu Yue presided, the atmosphere was somewhat subdued. Many disciples were whispering amongst themselves, clearly influenced by the recent news, as Zhou Yuan's pronouncement had been quite shocking. The lecture hall door swung open, and Zhu Yue entered with an indifferent expression, causing the many whispers to instantly cease.

"I know you've heard the news," Zhu Yue stated blandly. "If anyone wishes to go and cultivate there, you are free to leave now."

Seeing his demeanor, none of the disciples present dared to speak. After all, Zhu Yue was an Inner Mountain disciple, not someone to easily offend. Zhu Yue's expression softened slightly as he continued indifferently, "That Zhou Yuan certainly talks a big game, but he's not afraid of choking on his own words. Even if he can cultivate the Genesis Reforming Art in a month, it's impossible for everyone else to achieve the same feat."

"But Junior Sister Hongyi has reportedly opened more than twenty spirit apertures," someone whispered.

Zhu Yue's lips curled into a sneer. "Gu Hongyi is incredibly talented," he said, "and her ancestor is the Peak Master of Hongya Peak, who naturally bestows rare treasures to aid in the cultivation of the Genesis Reforming Art."

"I, for one, believe that Zhou Yuan's rapid mastery of the Genesis Reforming Art might very well be due to Gu Hongyi's influence."

"This individual is exceptionally cunning, currying favor with Gu Hongyi and deeply scheming. However, he is far too arrogant. Now that he has dared to make such a public declaration, I'm eager to see how he will manage to save face."

Zhu Yue's tone became increasingly contemptuous.

Inside the lecture hall, the other disciples secretly nodded in agreement. They found this explanation plausible, as they would much rather believe Zhou Yuan had benefited from Gu Hongyi's aid than accept that he had mastered the first level of the Genesis Reforming Art in such a short time purely through his own abilities. After hearing Zhu Yue's explanation, the expressions of the disciples present eased, and they began to mock Zhou Yuan amongst themselves, chatting and laughing.

Seeing this, Zhu Yue chuckled faintly and reiterated, "This Zhou Yuan is foolish and arrogant. Now that he has made such a declaration, if he can truly deliver on his promise, then so be it. But if he fails, I will have no choice but to report this matter to the Enforcement Hall. At that point, Zhou Yuan will likely be expelled from the Outer Mountain."

Hearing this, everyone's hearts tightened. They secretly sighed for Zhou Yuan, realizing that this time, he had truly dug his own grave. Moreover, judging by Zhu Yue's tone, it was clear he genuinely resented Zhou Yuan and would not let the matter rest.

Back at the mountain stream.

However, the once quiet mountain stream had now become one of the Outer Mountain's most popular spots. Dense crowds stood on both sides, their gazes fixed with keen interest on the creek below. There, Zhou Yuan stood calmly on a bluestone.

"Brother Yuan," Shen Wanjin said, standing beside Zhou Yuan, "the news has spread, but very few people believe it. Especially the native disciples from Shengzhou — they've been particularly cynical."

Zhou Yuan nodded, unsurprised. After all, the native Shengzhou disciples were inherently arrogant and looked down upon those from other continents. Naturally, they were reluctant to believe that a disciple from the Cangxuan Continent could achieve something far beyond their capabilities. Everything is difficult at the start, and Zhou Yuan had long been mentally prepared for this. He glanced up at the crowds on both sides of the mountain stream, realizing they were all there to watch a show, not to learn the Genesis Reforming Art.

"Brother Yuan," Shen Wanjin said with some anxiety, "I heard Zhu Yue announced that if you fail to deliver on your promise, he will report you to the Enforcement Hall and have you punished."

"Let him," Zhou Yuan replied, nodding dismissively.

"Haha, Junior Brother Zhou Yuan, we're here to show our support!" Laughter rang out as Qiao Xiu led a dozen figures to the creek, followed by Xiao Tianxuan and a group of other disciples from the Cangxuan Continent. Clearly, they were aware of Zhou Yuan's potentially awkward start and had come to boost the numbers. However, apart from Qiao Xiu, most of them were clearly somewhat skeptical, though they didn't outwardly show it. Their presence was largely out of deference to Qiao Xiu.

Faint snickers emanated from both sides of the mountain stream, clearly indicating that people found it embarrassing that Zhou Yuan had to round up participants.

"Brother Qiao Xiu, is this really going to work? I feel like we're clowns." Beside Qiao Xiu stood a charming girl named Zhou Yu, dressed in a sky-blue gown. She was also a first-rank disciple, with a slightly proud disposition. Feeling uncomfortable under the playful gazes from around the mountain stream, she immediately complained. It was clear she didn't truly believe Zhou Yuan could guide others in cultivating the Genesis Reforming Art.

Hearing this, Qiao Xiu offered an awkward smile, his own uncertainty evident as he said, "It should be possible, right?"

Zhou Yu rolled her eyes impatiently. "Brother Qiao Xiu," she said, "you're just too kind-hearted."

"Sister Zhou Yu, if Brother Yuan said it, he must have some confidence," a girl named Shui Xi whispered from nearby. She, too, was from the Cangxuan Continent, and naturally spoke up in Zhou Yuan's defense.

"I hope so," Zhou Yu said noncommittally, crossing her arms. "Otherwise, he might not be able to manage the fallout."

As they spoke, Zhou Yuan's gaze drifted towards them. He knew that doubt likely lingered in everyone's minds, but he had no intention of saying more. Everything would have to be proven by facts. With so many eyes on him, it was the perfect opportunity to respond with undeniable proof.

"Let's begin."

When Zhou Yuan's voice rang out, all eyes in the mountain stream converged upon him. However, most of those gazes still contained amusement and skepticism.