Chapter 283: Gold-Belt Disciple

Chapter 282

On the bluestone square, Zhou Yuan's voice, speaking up again, instantly froze the atmosphere, and numerous astonished gazes turned towards him.

Evidently, no one had expected Zhou Yuan to choose the other two factions.

After all, among the three factions of Saint Genesis Peak, Elder Lu Hong's faction clearly held the greatest advantage.

However, Zhou Yuan himself was not surprised by this choice, as he had decided from the very beginning not to join Elder Lu Hong's faction.

From Wu Gang's words and the subtle glances Elder Lu Hong had cast his way, Zhou Yuan had keenly sensed a hint of animosity. This hostility was likely due to his conflict with Lu Feng and Lu Xuanyin.

It was clear that Elder Lu Hong was not as broad-minded as Wu Gang had claimed.

Zhou Yuan suspected that if he were to join Elder Lu Hong's faction, he would likely face endless trouble in the future. If Lu Xuanyin and Lu Feng sought revenge, Elder Lu Hong would probably not offer him any support. Instead, he might even casually discard him to appease their anger.

To avoid future complications, Zhou Yuan had to exclude Elder Lu Hong's faction. In his view, as long as he had cultivation resources, it made little difference which faction he joined.

Frankly, with the Genesis Breaking Saint Rune, Zhou Yuan didn't particularly need anyone's guidance in his Genesis Arts cultivation.

Zhou Yuan's refusal also surprised the disciples of Elder Shen Taiyuan's and Elder Lu Song's factions. His choice had clearly exceeded their expectations as well.

"This junior brother is quite interesting," Zhou Tai remarked with a smile, a hint of admiration in his gaze towards Zhou Yuan.

Lu Yan's lips pursed, and after a moment of holding her breath, the cold arrogance on her pretty face largely dissipated. "He certainly has some backbone," she mumbled.

The other disciples from both factions cast friendly and welcoming glances at Zhou Yuan.

However, the disciples of Elder Lu Hong's faction glared at Zhou Yuan with ill intent, their eyes sharp. They clearly felt that Zhou Yuan's refusal had disgraced their faction.

Wu Gang, in particular, had a shifting, uncertain expression. He had previously assumed Zhou Yuan would be sensible enough to join their faction, but to his surprise, the boy's words had suddenly changed course, making his previous statements a laughingstock.

"You!"

Wu Gang's gaze turned cold and sharp. He stared at Zhou Yuan and sneered, "Junior Brother Zhou Yuan certainly has a personality. Do you truly believe that just because you were first in the Selection Ceremony, Elder Lu's faction can't do without you?"

"Do you think every top scorer in the Selection Ceremony turns out like Senior Brother Chu Qing from Cangxuan Peak?" His words were laced with sarcasm.

Cangxuan Sect had seen many first-place finishers in the Selection Ceremony; every generation had them. While some achieved astonishing feats, many others eventually faded into obscurity.

Wu Gang first delivered an overbearing lecture, then softened his tone slightly. "Junior Brother Zhou Yuan, you do have some talent, but don't be too reckless. If you don't seize this opportunity now, it might not be so easy to regret it later."

Hearing this, Zhou Yuan chuckled faintly and said, "Elder Lu's faction isn't quite suitable for me, Senior Brother Wu Gang. There's no need to say more."

Wu Gang's words were always subtly threatening, which displeased Zhou Yuan, so he saw no point in continuing the conversation.

Wu Gang's eyes turned cold, and his expression grew very grim.

He wanted to say more, but then he saw Elder Lu Hong open his eyes and wave a hand dismissively at him. Wu Gang immediately shut his mouth, giving Zhou Yuan a harsh glare.

"If he's unwilling, then so be it. My faction doesn't lack a so-called first-place finisher from the Selection Ceremony," Elder Lu Hong said indifferently.

He didn't spare Zhou Yuan another glance. In his view, Zhou Yuan choosing not to join his faction was undoubtedly self-sabotage, and the young man would naturally realize the foolishness of his decision once he experienced hardship.

Furthermore, being first in the Selection Ceremony only meant being the top outer mountain disciple. Among the inner mountain disciples, who wasn't chosen through rigorous selection? It probably wouldn't be long before Zhou Yuan learned what it meant to fade into obscurity.

He had initially held some interest in Zhou Yuan's achievement as the top scorer in the Selection Ceremony. If he could have taken him in, he might have made him apologize to Lu Xuanyin and Lu Feng, and then perhaps offered some guidance. But now, it seemed this person was too tactless.

Wu Gang understood Elder Lu Hong's temperament, and his words made it clear that Zhou Yuan's actions had offended Elder Lu. Immediately, a gloating smile appeared on Wu Gang's face.

Zhou Yuan, however, paid no mind to any of this. He genuinely disliked Elder Lu Hong, believing that joining his faction would lead to a truly unpleasant future.

Therefore, he turned his gaze directly to Elders Shen Taiyuan and Lu Song, clasped his hands, and stated, "This disciple wishes to join your factions."

Shen Taiyuan and Lu Song exchanged glances, their expressions softening somewhat, as they, too, had not expected Zhou Yuan to refuse Elder Lu Hong's faction.

Shen Taiyuan's stern face relaxed considerably. He was known for being strict and old-fashioned, yet he was extremely diligent in guiding his disciples, making him both respected and feared by many at Saint Genesis Peak.

He looked at Elder Lu Song and asked, "Elder Lu, what do you think?"

Elder Lu Song smiled. "Someone who can achieve first place in the Selection Ceremony is naturally a promising talent. I am indeed tempted, but you know my lazy nature. This young man might be held back if he stays with me."

Elder Lu Song knew that Shen Taiyuan had always resented Elder Lu Hong's interference in Saint Genesis Peak. However, due to previous failures, he had no choice but to accept the arrangements made by the sect master and others.

Although Shen Taiyuan was strict and traditional, he was truly dedicated to his disciples. The only problem was that Saint Genesis Peak rarely found highly talented disciples, so the disciples he nurtured often struggled to compare with those from other peaks.

Now, with a first-place finisher from the Selection Ceremony finally emerging, and one who wasn't going to Elder Lu Hong's faction, Lu Song knew that despite Shen Taiyuan's outwardly calm demeanor, he must be deeply moved.

He knew that Shen Taiyuan would not give up and was determined to compete with Elder Lu Hong.

"Therefore, if this young man were to join Elder Shen's faction, it would be the best choice," Lu Song said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Shen Taiyuan's eyebrows twitched, but his face remained somewhat rigid. He pondered for a moment, then nodded at Lu Song.

"In that case, you may join my faction from now on. I will personally instruct you with diligence," Shen Taiyuan said to Zhou Yuan in a low voice.

Zhou Yuan clasped his hands and bowed to Shen Taiyuan.

Watching Zhou Yuan complete his bow, a smile finally appeared on Shen Taiyuan's solemn face. He waved his palm, and a golden ray of light flew towards Zhou Yuan, transforming into a golden sash.

The golden sash was subtly inscribed with complex patterns, emitting unique fluctuations that could actually draw the surrounding Genesis Qi. It was clearly embedded with a Spirit Gathering Genesis Rune, making it a Genesis Treasure that could aid cultivation.

"As the first-place finisher of the Selection Ceremony, I hereby bestow upon you this golden sash," Shen Taiyuan said, his voice unusually gentle.

"Thank you, Elder Shen."

Zhou Yuan accepted the golden sash amidst envious gazes, knowing that from this moment on, he had officially become a Gold Sash disciple of Cangxuan Sect's inner mountain.

(Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and prosperity in the Year of the Dog.)