Chapter 267: Chief Competition

In the sky, 9,999 stone platforms formed a pyramid-like structure, suspended high in the air. Sunlight shone upon them, making them dazzle brightly.

Boom! Boom!

At this moment, violent surges of Origin Qi wildly emanated from the platforms. One could see light figures, like swarms of locusts, constantly shooting out, leaping over platform after platform, and continuously climbing upwards.

The Mountain Selection Ceremony had no other rules. At the center of each stone platform was a meditation mat. As long as one could sit there undisturbed for the duration of an incense stick, the platform would close, forbidding outsiders from entering, and the seat would be claimed.

To achieve this, any means could be used. Therefore, on some platforms, if someone displayed formidable strength, it might attract a siege from many, making the scene utterly chaotic.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Zhou Yuan, Song Wanxi, Zhao Kun, and others gathered together. Platform after platform continuously dropped below them as their figures moved without stopping. There were about fifty people in their group, all of them top disciples from the outer sect. Their goal was to secure a spot within the top one hundred of the Mountain Selection Ceremony, so their current location was clearly not their final destination.

To their front and right, another group of people was leaping past platforms. This group was led by Lu Feng, comprising many disciples from Shengzhou itself. The gazes of both sides frequently clashed, and sparks seemed to fly. Although the number of people on both sides was not particularly significant compared to the entire outer sect disciple group, only they had formed factions. Thus, their every move was exceptionally eye-catching. Wherever they passed, other disciples on the platforms yielded, not daring to contend with them.

As time passed, platform after platform was continuously surpassed, and the two groups of disciples gradually approached the upper regions of the pyramid. The platforms here were already considered the top one hundred spots. Disciples confident enough to reach this point already possessed considerable strength, so the battles became increasingly fierce.

At this position, individuals from both groups finally began to choose platforms to land on, no longer advancing. Of course, besides the two groups led by Zhou Yuan and Lu Feng, many other disciples were vying for platforms. These disciples included those from Shengzhou itself, as well as those from other continents. After all, not all excellent disciples had been recruited by Zhou Yuan and Lu Feng; many more remained neutral, not getting involved in the grudges and conflicts between the two sides. However, at this point, the seats were limited, so they no longer cared which faction someone belonged to. If they encountered each other, they would simply attack.

Lu Feng led the way, at the very front of everyone. His sharp gaze occasionally swept over Zhou Yuan, who was not far behind him. According to his original plan, he had intended to gather the elite disciples from Shengzhou itself and forcefully occupy many of the top ten seats. If Zhou Yuan dared to contend, he would simply have others surround and drive him out. At that time, Zhou Yuan probably wouldn't even have the qualifications to fight him. But he never imagined that Zhou Yuan had also gathered some elite disciples. Now, gathered together, they were also a very strong force, which undoubtedly caused his initial plan to fall through.

"Since that's the case, I'll personally crush you!" Lu Feng's eyes were full of mockery. As long as Zhou Xiaoyao didn't interfere, he would make Zhou Yuan understand the gap between them today. He wanted Zhou Yuan to know that a country bumpkin should stay in his mud pit. How could a proud daughter of heaven like Gu Hongyi be sullied by such a bumpkin?

Lu Feng looked up and saw nine silver stone platforms shimmering at the top of the pyramid. Those were the top ten seats. At this point, only a handful of figures followed him. However, these figures all emitted powerful Origin Qi fluctuations from their bodies, clearly indicating they were formidable individuals qualified to contend for the top ten seats. Their gazes also gradually grew fervent, clearly knowing that for them, the real struggle was just beginning.

"Qin Zhen, Lei Hongtao, Gu Meng..."

Lu Feng took a deep breath. The next moment, he roared like thunder, "Attack!"

The instant Lu Feng's shout fell, Qin Zhen and the others' eyes revealed fierce glints. Violent Origin Qi swept out, transforming into streams, directly blasting towards Zhou Yuan and the others, who were not far behind.

Several violent torrents of Origin Qi howled towards them. Zhou Yuan's eyes flickered slightly, but his expression remained completely calm; he had clearly anticipated this. He stretched out his palm and lightly waved. Behind him, Song Wanxi, Zhao Kun, Qiao Xiu, and others also simultaneously made their moves. Torrents of Origin Qi pierced through the sky, directly colliding head-on with the opponents' attacks.

Boom! Boom!

Violent Origin Qi exploded, as if stirring up a storm. The scene was utterly chaotic.

"Zhou Yuan, if you want to pass here, you'll have to ask if we agree!" Qin Zhen and the others shouted harshly.

"Haha, Qin Zhen, you're not worthy of blocking Little Yuan Brother's path! Let me have some fun with you!" No sooner had Qin Zhen's voice fallen than Zhao Kun shot out, a wild laugh resounding.

"Zhao Kun? Just you?" Qin Zhen's face showed mockery.

Zhao Kun did not reply. His figure flickered, appearing in front of Qin Zhen. One could see Origin Qi coiling around his palms, which swelled with terrifying Gang Qi surrounding them.

"Boom!"

Zhao Kun chopped with a palm, and an incomparably sharp wind of Gang Qi fiercely slashed down. The two clashed head-on, and the air itself was torn apart by their palms. Impact waves erupted, and both figures landed on a stone platform, retreating more than ten steps.

However, Qin Zhen's originally mocking expression turned visibly ugly. He said gloomily, "How could your Heavenly Gang Hand also reach the second level?!" One must know that his progress in Heavenly Gang Hand was due to continuous special tutoring from a lecturer invited by Lu Feng over the past month, as well as numerous cultivation resources, only then was he able to reach the second level. Originally, as far as he knew, Zhao Kun's Heavenly Gang Hand was far behind his, and it was impossible for him to catch up. But the power of Zhao Kun's previous palm strike, with its fierce Gang Wind, clearly indicated it had reached the second level of Heavenly Gang Hand.

Zhao Kun licked his lips, his palms clenched tightly as Gang Wind raged wildly around them, bringing astonishing destructive power. He grinned and said, "We really have you to thank. If you weren't trying to deal with Little Yuan Brother, he probably wouldn't have bothered to guide us in Origin Art cultivation."

Qin Zhen's eyes showed a hint of doubt and uncertainty. He had indeed heard that Zhou Yuan seemed to be guiding Zhao Kun and others, but he hadn't paid much attention to it. After all, they simply couldn't believe that Zhou Yuan possessed such ability. But now, Zhao Kun's Heavenly Gang Hand was indeed no weaker than his.

"Hmph, what's there to be proud of? Today, Senior Brother Lu will make Zhou Yuan understand who the chief of the Mountain Selection Ceremony truly is! You bumpkins, wanting to challenge the status of us Shengzhou disciples, it's simply wishful thinking!" Qin Zhen said coldly.

"We'll only know after we fight!"

Zhao Kun sneered. Without further ado, he stomped his foot and shot out like a cannon.

"You're courting death!" Qin Zhen laughed angrily, and the Origin Qi within his body erupted without reservation. He then collided with Zhao Kun, as violent and fierce Gang Qi raged, tearing streaks onto the stone platform.

On another stone platform, Song Wanxi stood in front of Lei Hongtao.

"Junior Sister Song, your Mysterious Yin Scripture is countered by my Crimson Sun Canon. I advise you to leave," Lei Hongtao said, crossing his arms over his chest.

Hearing this, Song Wanxi smiled faintly. She said, "Senior Brother Lei, you are mistaken. What is called a counter is also mutual. As long as my Mysterious Yin Scripture has a deeper foundation than yours, it will be you who is countered instead."

A sneer curled on Lei Hongtao's lips. He said, "For this past month, I've received guidance day and night. My Crimson Sun Canon has achieved minor mastery. In terms of foundation, I'm afraid you're far inferior to me." As he spoke, crimson light rose from Lei Hongtao's body. A terrifying temperature slowly emanated, even scorching the ground black.

However, facing that domineering temperature, Song Wanxi smiled slightly. Origin Qi surged within her body, and suddenly a dreadful coldness emanated, instantly freezing the ground beneath her feet. Cold air rose, directly countering all of Lei Hongtao's crimson light.

"Senior Brother Lei, you are too conceited," she said. "This past month, under the guidance of Junior Brother Zhou Yuan, my Mysterious Yin Scripture has also reached a profound level." She suddenly gave a playful smile and added, "Speaking of which, we should thank you."

Watching Song Wanxi emit astonishingly cold energy from her body, Lei Hongtao's expression turned somewhat grim. He then took a deep breath and said, "That Zhou Yuan does indeed have some skill. However, this time, I'm afraid he won't get his wish. You might be able to stop us, but don't forget, Yang Xiu's strength is probably only slightly weaker than Senior Brother Lu's. And on your side, no one can stop Yang Xiu!"

Song Wanxi's delicate brows slightly furrowed. Among the top ten outer sect disciples, Yang Xiu ranked third. Although he usually kept a low profile, if it came to actual strength, he was definitely the strongest person next to Lu Feng. She looked at a stone platform in the distance. Ever since reaching the top ten platforms, Yao Yao had leisurely occupied one platform by herself and set up several Origin Runes on it. Except for a few disciples who, unaware of the situation, charged towards that platform at the beginning and were instantly annihilated, basically no one dared to approach Yao Yao's side afterwards. Even Lu Feng and his group actively avoided that area. Yao Yao, having occupied that platform, sat upon it, looking as if she were watching a show, clearly not intending to intervene and help Zhou Yuan.

Song Wanxi let out a wry smile. She looked up slightly and saw three figures rising into the air above. Zhou Yuan stood beneath the golden stone platform, closest to it. At this moment, two figures stood suspended in the air before him. They were precisely Lu Feng and Yang Xiu.

Lu Feng mockingly swept his gaze over Zhou Yuan. He said lightly, "It seems the people you gathered are still not enough." His expression was unreadable, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Next, are you planning to fight us both alone?"