Chapter 282: Selecting Pulse Basics

On a minor peak of Saint Genesis Peak, the bluestone-paved plaza was bustling with activity.

Led by Fang Zheng, Zhou Yuan and many other newly admitted disciples of Saint Genesis Peak had gathered there. At this moment, numerous gazes, filled with curiosity and awe, were directed forward.

On the high platform, three elderly figures sat cross-legged on elevated futons. Around them, a faint but immense surge of Genesis Qi moved, vast and unfathomable like the ocean, exuding an indescribable pressure.

Evidently, these three elders were the three elders of Saint Genesis Peak.

"The one in the middle is Elder Shen Taiyuan, the one on the right is Elder Lu Song, and the one on the far left is Elder Lu Hong," Fang Zheng secretly introduced to the new disciples.

Elder Shen Taiyuan, clad in a black robe, had a stern expression, giving off an extremely strict impression. Elder Lu Song, in contrast, wore a green robe and had a perpetual smiling face, like a laughing Buddha.

Elder Lu Hong, however, had an impassive face, his emotions unreadable. Yet, when his calm eyes swept over someone, a faint, sword-like sharpness would flicker, making people hesitate to meet his gaze, embodying immense authority.

Behind the three elders stood many figures, presumably disciples of Saint Genesis Peak. Black and gold sashes were tied around their waists, indicating their extraordinary bearing.

Although they were all Saint Genesis Peak disciples, Zhou Yuan noticed that the three groups of disciples seemed distinctly separated. The two groups in the middle and on the right were somewhat amicable, but they kept a distance from the group on the far left. When their gazes occasionally met, sparks seemed to fly, and the atmosphere was not particularly friendly.

As for the group on the far left, their aura was sharper, and a hint of arrogance flickered in their eyes. When they looked at the other two groups, disdain occasionally crossed their faces.

Although slightly fewer in number, the disciples on the far left clearly possessed a stronger presence.

At the forefront of each of the three groups were several figures with extraordinary bearing, distinguished by the purple sashes around their waists, signifying their status as the highest-ranked purple-sash disciples.

Among these purple-sash disciples, three individuals were particularly prominent.

Behind Elder Shen stood a tall young man. He had a composed demeanor, and an aura of determination emanated from his brows. Faint Genesis Qi fluctuations shimmered around him, giving him a considerable presence.

This person was Zhou Tai, the head disciple under Shen Taiyuan and one of the most qualified candidates to compete for the position of chief disciple of Saint Genesis Peak.

Behind Elder Lu Song stood a beautiful girl in white. Her complexion was fair as snow, and her oval face was as smooth as jade. Her figure was particularly striking, with a subtle yet impressive curve across her chest that tapered dramatically to a remarkably slender waist.

The gazes of many surrounding disciples subtly drifted towards her.

However, her beautiful face was quite aloof, and combined with the purple sash around her slender waist, it made the other disciples feel somewhat inferior.

Her name was Lu Yan. She was not only Elder Lu Song's disciple but also his biological granddaughter. She was currently the strongest disciple under Elder Lu Song.

The third individual stood behind Elder Lu Hong. He was an expressionless young man with his arms crossed. His fingers seemed slightly withered, and a faint, sword-like sharpness flickered at their tips.

He kept his eyes slightly closed throughout, paying no attention to anyone. However, whenever someone looked his way, their gaze carried a hint of fear.

Even powerful figures like Zhou Tai and Lu Yan regarded him with slight apprehension.

This person was Yuan Hong, the strongest disciple under Elder Lu Hong. It was said that he could rank among the top three even within the talent-rich Sword Origin Peak, possessing formidable strength. He was the most formidable contender for the chief disciple position of Saint Genesis Peak in this generation.

These three were the strongest among all the disciples of Saint Genesis Peak.

"Elders, the new disciples have been brought," Fang Zheng said, stepping forward at this moment and bowing respectfully with clasped hands to the three elders.

Elder Shen, seated in the middle, nodded sternly. His severe gaze swept across the crowd as he declared in a deep voice, "Since you have chosen Saint Genesis Peak, from this day forward, you are all disciples of Saint Genesis Peak. Without further ado, Saint Genesis Peak currently has only three elders who impart skills, and according to the rules, disciples are free to choose."

As soon as Elder Shen finished speaking, the plaza fell silent. Many disciples secretly observed the three elders, their eyes flickering as they evidently pondered their choices.

It was during this silence that a figure suddenly stepped out from behind Elder Lu Hong. It was a gold-sash disciple, with a sharp aura and a somewhat arrogant look in his eyes.

He scanned the assembled disciples and said with a faint smile, "I am Wu Gang. All junior brothers should know that our Master Lu comes from Sword Origin Peak. Our lineage has come to Saint Genesis Peak bearing the important task of retrieving the Peak Master Seal. Saint Genesis Peak has failed to complete this task for many years, so it seems this responsibility must fall upon us. If any junior brothers are willing to share this great responsibility with us, you are welcome to join Master Lu's lineage."

His words spread, immediately causing a stir among the disciples of Elder Shen's and Elder Lu Song's lineages. Many disciples showed anger, as Wu Gang's intention to disparage their two lineages was too obvious.

Elder Shen Taiyuan glanced at Elder Lu Hong and calmly remarked, "Your lineage's disciples are truly like swords in their words, showing no mercy."

Elder Lu Hong, with a clean-shaven face, chuckled and casually replied, "Our Sword Origin Peak naturally cultivates sword qi, so we are straightforward and sharp-edged. I hope Elder Shen doesn't take offense."

Shen Taiyuan secretly snorted, but did not say much more.

After all, the assignment of Lu Hong's lineage to Saint Genesis Peak was a decision made by the Sect Master and several other Peak Masters. He was helpless, as Saint Genesis Peak had failed to complete its mission for many years.

However, if the position of chief disciple of Saint Genesis Peak truly fell to Lu Hong's lineage, and they then retrieved the Peak Master Seal, it would truly be a great loss of face for the other two lineages of Saint Genesis Peak.

Shen Taiyuan looked at Lu Song, who also shook his head helplessly.

Saint Genesis Peak was, after all, not as strong as the other six peaks. For many years, promising disciples had primarily chosen the other six peaks, which naturally led to those peaks growing stronger, while Saint Genesis Peak's disciples fell further behind. Currently, among the Ten Great Saints, Saint Genesis Peak couldn't even claim a single spot.

While they were speaking, Wu Gang's words had already had a significant effect. Most of the new disciples standing there had been forcibly assigned, so seeing Elder Lu Hong's lineage from Sword Origin Peak naturally filled them with joy, especially since Sword Origin Peak was currently very popular within the Cangxuan Sect.

Consequently, after a commotion among the disciples, nearly half of them surged towards Wu Gang's direction.

Upon seeing this, the disciples of Elder Shen's and Elder Lu Song's lineages all looked displeased.

The aloof girl named Lu Yan even gritted her teeth, glaring angrily at those disciples, declaring in annoyance, "What a bunch of sycophants! Good riddance!"

Seeing this, Wu Gang wore a triumphant smile. He then looked at the remaining disciples in the plaza, who were all standing behind Zhou Yuan, seemingly looking to him as their leader.

After all, Zhou Yuan was currently the top ranked individual in the grand selection ceremony, and still held some influence. Seeing that he had not yet made a choice, the other disciples opted to wait and observe.

Wu Gang's gaze swept over Zhou Yuan, a hint of an unfathomable glint in his eyes, then he looked towards Elder Lu Hong.

The latter's eyes also opened slightly, giving Zhou Yuan a brief, casual glance, but he did not speak himself, merely nodding to Wu Gang.

Upon seeing this, Wu Gang smiled and said to Zhou Yuan, "You must be the top-ranked individual from this grand selection ceremony, junior brother? I've long heard of your reputation. Our Master Lu also holds you in high regard. Although you 'luckily' snatched this top spot from Junior Brother Lu Feng, if you join Master Lu's lineage, with Master Lu's broad-mindedness, he will certainly teach you with all his might."

His tone was quite flippant, seemingly not placing much importance on Zhou Yuan's so-called top rank. Instead, he implied that joining Master Lu's lineage would be Zhou Yuan's good fortune.

Wu Gang grinned as he stared at Zhou Yuan and asked, "What do you think of what I've said, junior brother? Are you willing to join Master Lu's lineage?"

At this moment, Elder Shen Taiyuan and Elder Lu Song also looked over.

Behind them, many disciples, including Zhou Tai and the aloof girl named Lu Yan, all cast their gazes towards Zhou Yuan. Evidently, they had long known that the top-ranked individual from this grand selection ceremony had come to Saint Genesis Peak.

This was a rare occurrence.

Facing the numerous gazes, Zhou Yuan also smiled at Wu Gang and said, "Master Lu's lineage is indeed full of prodigies. It would truly be an honor to join them."

Hearing Zhou Yuan's words, Wu Gang immediately chuckled, his lips curling slightly. He seemed to think that the grand selection ceremony's top rank was nothing special. Once Zhou Yuan joined their lineage, if Junior Sister Lu Xuanyin wanted to vent her anger, he could simply toss Zhou Yuan her way.

Seeing this, Zhou Tai and Lu Yan showed a hint of disappointment in their eyes.

Lu Yan even said coldly, "This year's grand selection ceremony's top-ranked disciple is too spineless. Hmph, the previous grand selection ceremony's top-ranked disciple was Senior Brother Chu Qing of the Cangxuan Sect, who is now the head of the Ten Great Saints."

"Compared to him, this Zhou Yuan falls far short."

When speaking of Senior Brother Chu Qing, even she, with her aloof demeanor, had a slight ripple in her eyes, hinting at admiration.

"Not bad, kid, your judgment isn't terrible," Wu Gang said, pointing at Zhou Yuan and nodding with a smile. "In that case, from now on..."

However, just as he was presumptuously laying out his plans, Zhou Yuan's voice spoke up again.

"However, precisely because Master Lu's lineage is already brimming with prodigies, I fear I would only be adding a superfluous touch. Therefore... I believe perhaps the other two lineages might suit me better."

Wu Gang's voice abruptly cut off. His finger was still pointed at Zhou Yuan, and the expression on his face slowly froze.