Chapter 280: The Mountain Sweeper

Saint Son Peak towered among the clouds, radiating brilliant light and drawing countless disciples' fervent and respectful gazes. They knew that the ten disciples whose names were inscribed on Saint Son Peak must be at the very pinnacle of the current generation of Cangxuan Sect disciples. In essence, they were the kings among Cangxuan Sect's countless disciples, standing at the highest point and looking down upon everyone.

Countless disciples looked on with envy, somewhat anticipating the day when they too might be able to inscribe their names on Saint Son Peak, imagining how glorious that would be. However, they were also keenly aware that to reach that stage would require an immense amount of effort and good fortune.

Currently, apart from the top ten from the grand ceremony, all other disciples were merely ordinary black-belt disciples of the inner mountain. Ahead of them were gold-belt disciples and purple-belt disciples. As for the so-called Ten Saint Sons, only the most outstanding purple-belt disciples were qualified to compete. Purple-belt disciples with slightly weaker strength likely wouldn't even dare to try. This clearly showed the enormous gap between them and the Ten Saint Sons, a difference as vast as heaven and earth. The ten Saint Sons on Saint Son Peak were on an entirely different level; these newly admitted inner mountain disciples likely didn't even have the qualifications to interact with them.

As the disciples marveled, the seven welcoming envoys suddenly made a move, and immediately, the Origin Qi clouds split apart, forming seven distinct sections.

"Next, we will take you to your respective peaks. You may bid your temporary farewells here."

Hearing the words of the seven welcoming envoys, the disciples quickly said their temporary goodbyes to those they knew. For a moment, the air was filled with lively chatter.

Zhou Yuan looked around. Qiao Xiu, Zhao Kun, Song Wanxi, and others who had been by his side were already separated. However, a familiar figure was still following behind him. It was none other than the chubby Shen Wanjin.

Compared to the disciples of the other six peaks, their group entering Saint Genesis Peak was pitifully small, only a few hundred people. This was only because Master Qing Yang considered that Saint Genesis Peak could not be left completely empty and thus forcibly assigned some disciples to it. Otherwise, even fewer disciples would have chosen Saint Genesis Peak.

And Shen Wanjin was one of the disciples forcibly assigned. However, compared to the other disciples with long faces, Shen Wanjin was grinning, showing no sign of disappointment.

"Aren't you sad?" Zhou Yuan couldn't help but ask with a smile.

Shen Wanjin replied with a fawning smile, "I have a premonition that by following you, Brother Yuan, even if this Saint Genesis Peak crumbles, I feel you'll still thrive! So wherever your coattails are, that's where I, Shen Wanjin, will follow!" He then looked at Yaoyao beside him and said, "And besides, isn't there Big Sister Yaoyao?"

Zhou Yuan couldn't help but chuckle. This fellow truly intended to latch onto him to the very end. However, he didn't say much more. He actually found Shen Wanjin's personality quite good. Since he had managed to enter Saint Genesis Peak with them, it would be good to look out for him.

"Oh right, Brother Yuan, Senior Sister Hongyi asked me to deliver a message to you," Shen Wanjin suddenly said, pulling a rolled-up note from his pocket.

Zhou Yuan was startled, took the note, and opened it. Delicate handwriting was on it.

"Be careful of Lu Hong."

"Lu Hong?" Zhou Yuan's brows furrowed slightly. He had inquired over the past three days, and it seemed that one of Saint Genesis Peak's three elders was named Lu Hong. But why would Gu Hongyi tell him to be careful? Zhou Yuan's eyes flickered, and he seemed to recall something.

"Lu... could it be from the Lu family of Lu Feng and Lu Xuanyin?" He had heard Lu Feng mention before that their Lu family had an elder holding a high position on Sword Cometh Peak. But isn't this Saint Genesis Peak?

He raised his head, looking at a section of Origin Qi cloud not far away. In front of it, he saw Gu Hongyi standing gracefully. Noticing his gaze, she also winked at him. Zhou Yuan nodded slightly in thanks.

At this moment, the seven welcoming envoys waved their sleeves, and the Origin Qi clouds immediately began to separate. They then sped off in several directions towards the inner mountains of the Cangxuan Sect.

The welcoming envoy for Saint Genesis Peak landed in front of Zhou Yuan and his group. He appeared to be middle-aged and had a kind demeanor. He said with a smile, "I am Steward Fang Zheng of the Saint Genesis Peak Welcoming Hall. You can simply call me Steward Fang Zheng."

Hearing this, the disciples quickly bowed in greeting.

"Next, I will take you directly to Saint Genesis Peak." Fang Zheng waved his hand, then ascended on a cloud, carrying the disciples and heading into the distance.

The Origin Qi clouds whistled past. Countless ancient palaces appeared faintly among the clouds and mountains. Streaks of light continuously swept across the sky. Most were young figures, each with abundant Origin Qi and black or gold belts around their waists. Compared to the outer mountains, the inner mountains truly began to reveal the Cangxuan Sect's profound heritage.

After about fifteen minutes, Fang Zheng slowed down. At this moment, as Zhou Yuan and the others looked up, they saw continuous mountain ranges ahead, soaring into the sky and disappearing into the clouds. These mountains were covered with majestic and spectacular palaces. Among these mountains, faint, mysterious fluctuations emanated, causing a sense of awe.

"This is where Saint Genesis Peak is located!"

Hearing Fang Zheng's words, the disciples all looked. They saw a faint mist enveloping the mountain ranges, as if a true dragon was hidden among the winds and clouds, making it impossible to get a clear view. Nevertheless, they still felt a mysterious sense of suppression.

"Our Saint Genesis Peak's main peak has been sealed since the fall of Old Ancestor Cangxuan," Fang Zheng said with a smile. "However, according to custom, I will still take you to the foot of the main peak for worship." He then descended his cloud, heading towards the foot of the most majestic, peak-obscured mountain hidden in the mist.

Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, they saw an ancient hall. As Fang Zheng landed there, his expression became much more solemn. Seeing his demeanor, the disciples dared not speak, maintaining a respectful silence.

In front of the ancient hall was a square paved with bluestone. At this moment, the many disciples found the square empty, save for a hunched old man dressed in hemp clothes and holding a broom, slowly sweeping withered leaves. Their gaze swept over him, noticing that the old man, who was trembling slightly even while sweeping, had no Origin Qi fluctuations around him. They then lost interest.

However, when Fang Zheng saw this old man, he solemnly bowed in greeting. But the old man showed no reaction, as if deaf and mute.

Fang Zheng looked at the disciples and whispered, "This elder was the Old Ancestor's personal attendant back then. He could be considered the one who followed the Old Ancestor for the longest time. However, his talent was poor, so his Origin Qi cultivation is only rudimentary. The Old Ancestor valued his loyalty greatly. He collected many precious Origin materials and refined a 'Heavenly Longevity Pill' for him, granting him a long lifespan. In terms of seniority, he is no lower than Peak Master Lei Jun of Thunder Prison Peak. However, he has an eccentric personality and dislikes power. After the Old Ancestor's demise, he has simply remained on Saint Genesis Peak as a mountain sweeper. You must not be disrespectful. You should address him as 'Elder Xuan'," Fang Zheng cautioned.

Hearing this, the disciples dared not be negligent and all quickly bowed to the old man.

Zhou Yuan also looked at the old man with some surprise. Old Ancestor Cangxuan had not told him this information before. He supposed it was because Old Ancestor Cangxuan at that time was merely a manifestation of a lingering obsession.

Then his gaze swept past the foot of the mountain, along the mountain path, towards the main peak of Saint Genesis Peak, obscured by mist.

And it was at the very moment his gaze fell upon it that he suddenly perceived the ancient Saint Rune deep within his pupils subtly fluctuate. Although the fluctuation was subtle, it caused Zhou Yuan's heart to tremble violently, his mind churning. But his expression remained calm, though his hands in his sleeves were tightly clenched with excitement.

This was the first time he had felt such a strong reaction from the "Obstruction-Breaking Saint Rune." It seemed that, just as Old Ancestor Cangxuan had said, the second Saint Rune was indeed on this main peak!

However, with the main peak sealed, how would he be able to enter?