Chapter 240: Zong Ming

News that Zhou Yuan and Zhu Yue would compete in a Genesis Arts contest five days later to determine who was qualified to teach the Ethereal Transformation Art quickly spread throughout the Outer Mountain. As soon as the news broke, it naturally caused a huge stir.

It was clear to anyone with a discerning eye that this was Zhu Yue's counterattack. After all, while everyone knew Zhou Yuan possessed exceptional talent in cultivating the Ethereal Transformation Art, he had been practicing it for less than a month. Zhu Yue, on the other hand, had been cultivating for almost two years. In a pure Genesis Arts competition like this, Zhou Yuan seemed to be at a complete disadvantage from every perspective.

"This is too shameless!" people muttered. "Does a higher level in the Ethereal Transformation Art automatically mean someone is a better teacher?"

"Exactly! With Zhou Yuan, you can reach the first level of the Ethereal Transformation Art in just one month. Can Zhu Yue achieve that?"

"Zhu Yue is clearly playing dirty!"

Countless whispers erupted throughout the Outer Mountain. Disciples who had hoped to be taught by Zhou Yuan unanimously spoke up for him, as studying with him was not only more affordable in terms of Origin Jade but also more efficient. If Zhou Yuan were stripped of his teaching qualification, they would have no choice but to return to Zhu Yue. That would undoubtedly cost them more time and Origin Jade.

However, their protests didn't make much of an impact. After all, disciples cultivating the Ethereal Transformation Art were only a small portion of the entire Outer Mountain. Consequently, most other disciples adopted a wait-and-see attitude. Some local Shengzhou disciples, who had recently become annoyed by Zhou Yuan's rapidly growing reputation, were naturally pleased to see Zhu Yue step in to suppress him. Furthermore, since the Outer Mountain Steward, Chen Yuan, had sanctioned the contest, other disciples could not object.

In the mountain gully, news of the Genesis Arts competition between Zhu Yue and Zhou Yuan quickly reached Zhou Yuan's ears.

Zhou Yuan sat cross-legged on a green stone, his expression undisturbed. However, the hundred or so disciples cultivating the Ethereal Transformation Art in front of him were in an uproar.

"This Zhu Yue is truly too overbearing!"

"Does he really have to approve where we cultivate the Ethereal Transformation Art?"

"His classes are expensive and inefficient; who would want to go there?"

Gu Hongyi also frowned slightly. She approached Zhou Yuan and said, "That Zhu Yue is too much of a bully! He didn't even consult you or care about your agreement before setting up this contest!" The news only reached Zhou Yuan after it had already spread, clearly showing that Zhu Yue didn't care about Zhou Yuan's opinion at all.

Zhou Yuan smiled faintly. "Someone has clearly been displeased with me for a while."

For Zhu Yue to arrange such a contest, it was clear he couldn't do it alone as an Inner Mountain disciple. Chen Yuan, the Outer Mountain Steward, had to approve all such matters.

"What do you plan to do?" Gu Hongyi asked, a hint of worry in her bright eyes. Although Zhou Yuan had reached the first level of the Ethereal Transformation Art, Zhu Yue had achieved that level long ago. Furthermore, while this was merely a Genesis Arts contest and not a true battle, it was undeniably unfair to Zhou Yuan.

"Since they've made their move, I naturally have to accept the challenge," Zhou Yuan said with a smile. He had, in fact, long known that Zhu Yue wouldn't give up easily, as he was effectively cutting into Zhu Yue's income. However, Zhou Yuan also understood that if he wanted to continue earning Origin Jade, he would have to resolve the issue with Zhu Yue. Now that his opponent had made a move, it was undoubtedly the perfect opportunity. Since both of them coveted the income from teaching Genesis Arts, one of them would naturally have to be forced out.

It wasn't that Zhou Yuan hadn't considered teaching other Genesis Arts, but doing so would only offend more people. As he was currently just an Outer Mountain disciple, there was no need to be overly ambitious.

Gu Hongyi admired Zhou Yuan's fearless demeanor, but the worry in her eyes did not diminish. After all, she knew that no matter how disappointing Zhu Yue might be, he was still an Inner Mountain disciple.

"I once heard Zhu Yue say he had opened forty-one apertures, but it's possible he was hiding something," Gu Hongyi told Zhou Yuan, sharing what she knew.

Zhou Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly. "This person is quite cunning," he said. "I'm afraid he won't reveal his true strength so easily." Forty-one apertures was likely just a facade. Otherwise, Zhu Yue wouldn't have so carelessly initiated this Genesis Arts contest, especially after knowing that Zhou Yuan had also achieved the first level of the Ethereal Transformation Art. Clearly, he was confident in himself. However, while Zhu Yue might be confident, Zhou Yuan was certainly not to be underestimated.

Zhou Yuan's gaze swept over the murmuring crowd below, and he calmly said, "There's no need to be alarmed. Since Zhu Yue has issued the challenge, I will accept it."

Hearing that Zhou Yuan had accepted the contest, many disciples murmured softly, exchanging worried glances. It was clear they feared that if Zhou Yuan lost, they would have no choice but to return to Zhu Yue for cultivation. But now that the matter was settled, their worries were futile. They could only nervously await the Genesis Arts competition five days later.

After the cultivation session ended for the day, everyone dispersed, but whispers still lingered. It was clear that for the next five days, this Genesis Arts competition would be the talk of the entire Outer Mountain.

Zhou Yuan, however, paid no mind to any of this and went straight back to his small residence. In front of the small building, the gray-robed old man arrived as usual every day. He would then fiercely play a game of Genesis Runes with Yaoyao on a jade board before finally departing with satisfaction.

Zhou Yuan stood behind Yaoyao, watching the jade board. The spiritual energy in his glabella felt increasingly swollen and sore, as if something was brewing. Zhou Yuan knew this was likely a sign that his spirit was about to advance from the Illusory State to the Solid State. Watching the two play Genesis Rune chess these past few days had clearly been very beneficial to him.

As the game neared its end, neither of them had yet managed to secure a victory. The gray-robed old man sighed regretfully, looking at Yaoyao with even greater admiration. "I truly don't know who taught you," he said. "At such a young age, your mastery of Genesis Runes is incredibly profound. If your spiritual energy improves further, your potential in Genesis Runes is truly unimaginable."

Yaoyao's beautiful, flawless face remained unperturbed by his praise. Her fair skin glowed with a hint of languor.

"Senior, you must be one of the two Outer Mountain Elders, right?" Yaoyao suddenly asked.

The gray-robed old man paused, a little surprised. "How do you know?" he asked.

Yaoyao's red lips parted slightly. "There are two Outer Mountain Elders, who are the highest administrators," she explained. "However, they usually don't bother with mundane matters, leaving everything to Chen Yuan. Your Genesis Rune mastery is also extremely profound; even the elders in this Outer Mountain are inferior to you."

The gray-robed old man chuckled. "Little lass, are you trying to praise yourself in a roundabout way?" He then nodded. "This old man is Zong Ming, and indeed, I am an Outer Mountain Elder," he confirmed.

Zhou Yuan looked at him in surprise, clearly not expecting this old man to hold such a high status. An Outer Mountain Elder was essentially the highest position in the Outer Mountain; even Chen Yuan wouldn't dare utter a word in front of him.

Yaoyao propped her chin with her jade hand. "Since you are an Outer Mountain Elder," she said, "then I must ask you, Chen Yuan has repeatedly targeted Zhou Yuan; aren't you going to intervene?"

The gray-robed old man said playfully, "Oh? Are you going to complain?"

"The Genesis Arts competition arranged by Chen Yuan is clearly against the rules," Yaoyao stated calmly.

The gray-robed old man, Zong Ming, chuckled. "Who told this young man to be so greedy?" he said. "He actually wants to take all of Zhu Yue's profits." He smiled at Zhou Yuan. "However, since she has spoken, if you don't wish to proceed, I can cancel this competition for you."

Zhou Yuan smiled at his words, then shook his head. "Cancellation isn't necessary," he said, "but I only hope the Genesis Arts competition will be fair when the time comes." Chen Yuan seemed to dislike him, so he didn't want any tricks to be played during the competition.

A flicker of surprise crossed Zong Ming's eyes; he hadn't expected Zhou Yuan to show no fear at all. He immediately said with interest, "You, young man, actually dare to compete with Zhu Yue in the Ethereal Transformation Art?"

"If it's a true contest of Genesis Qi, perhaps I'm not as good as him right now," Zhou Yuan said calmly. "But if it's just a competition of the Ethereal Transformation Art, it won't be easy for him to suppress me. Teaching Genesis Arts brings considerable profits. I've had a taste, and I'm reluctant to give it up. Zhu Yue wants to kick me out, and likewise, I want to get rid of him and monopolize these profits."

Zong Ming looked at Zhou Yuan and chuckled, "At such a young age, your ambition is quite considerable." He finally nodded. "Although I don't know where you get your confidence," he said, "rest assured, no one will be able to play any tricks in this Genesis Arts competition. I will personally preside over it."

Zong Ming stood up, smiling as he looked at Yaoyao and Zhou Yuan. "I don't know why," he said, "but I have a feeling the Cangxuan Sect will become very lively with you two young ones around..." He waved his hand, then turned and left.

Watching his retreating figure, Yaoyao finally looked up at Zhou Yuan. "Are you confident?" she asked. "Zhu Yue must have made preparations."

Zhou Yuan smiled faintly. "Don't worry," he said. "Originally, I had planned to exchange for the Nine Dragons Scripture these past few days, but now it seems I can only focus entirely on cultivating the Ethereal Transformation Art..." A cold gleam also flickered in his eyes. "When the time comes, let's give Zhu Yue a surprise."