Chapter 289: A Contest

Zhou Yuan's words, echoing through the great hall, drew gasps of astonishment. Clearly, no one had expected him to volunteer as one of the three participants for the Cave Trial.

It was widely known that although disciples with purple sashes from both factions were currently unable to compete, the disciples dispatched by both sides were all top-tier gold-sashed disciples. While Zhou Yuan was indeed a gold-sashed disciple, he had only recently joined, and there was still a significant gap between him and these senior disciples.

During the Mountain Selection Ceremony, Zhou Yuan had fiercely battled Lu Feng, but Lu Feng was, after all, only at the peak of the Fourth Layer of the Alpha-Origin Stage, not yet a true Fifth Layer practitioner.

However, most gold-sashed disciples in the inner mountain had already reached the Fifth Layer.

And individuals like Tong Long and Cao Shi were considered formidable even among those at the Fifth Layer.

Therefore, in many people's eyes, Zhou Yuan was simply not qualified to intervene in a conflict of this caliber. It was precisely this sentiment that prompted Cao Shi to mock him when he heard Zhou Yuan's words.

Yet, Zhou Yuan paid no heed to the numerous jeers and skeptical gazes. He simply looked directly at Shen Taiyuan, his expression calm.

Shen Taiyuan also appeared somewhat surprised; Zhou Yuan's action clearly caught him off guard. He then furrowed his brow. His high regard for Zhou Yuan stemmed, ultimately, from the latter's potential.

Currently, Zhou Yuan was still only at the Second Layer of the Alpha-Origin Stage. Although he had defeated Lu Feng, who was at the peak of the Fourth Layer of the Alpha-Origin Stage, during the Mountain Selection Ceremony, even Lu Feng would likely not dare to participate in such a contest.

If an ordinary disciple had spoken this way, Shen Taiyuan would probably have reprimanded them long ago. But Zhou Yuan, being the top performer in the Mountain Selection Ceremony, was certainly somewhat different.

So, instead of scolding him, Shen Taiyuan merely said, "Zhou Yuan, do not be overconfident. You do not need to compete with others at this moment. With your talent, wait another year or two, and you are sure to make your mark."

Although he valued Zhou Yuan, he clearly still believed Zhou Yuan's actions were a moment of impulsiveness.

"Furthermore, this matter concerns the reputation of my lineage; it cannot be treated carelessly."

Upon hearing this, Cao Shi also cast a cold gaze at Zhou Yuan.

Zhou Yuan calmly stated, "Master Shen, as the saying goes, 'no merit, no reward.' If I do nothing, even if that Violet Origin Cave Dwelling is won back, I, as your disciple, would not feel right accepting it."

Cao Shi sneered, "At least you have some self-awareness."

Zhou Yuan gave him a faint glance and continued, "Master Shen, you merely think I might lack the strength. This matter is simple enough: let me spar with one of the chosen participants. If I happen to win, I will take their place. But if I lose, then, of course, this matter need not be brought up again, and I would be too ashamed to lay claim to that Violet Origin Cave Dwelling."

With his words reaching this point, Zhou Yuan finally revealed his true intentions.

How could he not know that, as a new disciple, many senior disciples probably held him in contempt? They also likely felt it was unfair how highly Shen Taiyuan regarded him.

It was just that they lacked Cao Shi's audacity to openly object, but inwardly, they must have disregarded Zhou Yuan nonetheless.

Otherwise, how could Cao Shi have garnered so much support?

Under these circumstances, for him to successfully acquire the Violet Origin Cave Dwelling, he had to win over the other disciples. As a newcomer to the inner mountain with no prior qualifications, trying to persuade other disciples with his top rank in the Mountain Selection Ceremony and his so-called potential was clearly wishful thinking.

Therefore, choosing the most direct and effective method was the way to go.

Any argument was futile against concrete evidence.

And indeed, as expected, when Zhou Yuan's words fell, a clamor erupted throughout the hall, leaving all the disciples wide-eyed in disbelief.

No one had imagined Zhou Yuan's audacity would reach such a level; he actually wanted to challenge one of the three chosen participants!

Had he gone mad?

One must remember that Tong Long, Cao Shi, and the third person were all skilled practitioners even among those at the Fifth Layer of the Alpha-Origin Stage. Their strength far surpassed Lu Feng's. Where did Zhou Yuan get the nerve to challenge them?

Tong Long, Cao Shi, and Pan Song were also stunned for a moment, then exchanged glances, each seeing the amusement in the other's eyes.

They clearly hadn't expected Zhou Yuan to be so arrogant...

Zhou Tai, who ranked below Shen Taiyuan, was also somewhat astonished, then smiled wryly. This junior disciple Zhou Yuan was indeed no easy opponent; he wouldn't let himself be shortchanged in the slightest.

But was this counter-challenge a bit too reckless?

"Heh, this Junior Disciple Zhou Yuan certainly has quite a personality," Zhang Yan said with a mocking smile.

The other purple-sashed disciples also nodded with smiles, seemingly finding Zhou Yuan a bit naive and reckless, like a newborn calf unafraid of a tiger. He had courage, but he lacked a bit of self-awareness.

Shen Taiyuan also stared at Zhou Yuan with a surprised expression. Clearly, this proposal from Zhou Yuan had equally taken him by surprise. So, after a long moment of silence, he finally said, "Your intention is to choose one of the three to spar with, to determine who is the best participant?"

His eyes gleamed as he slowly continued, "Zhou Yuan, are you certain? Once this matter is agreed upon, there will be no room for regret. If you lose, the Violet Origin Cave Dwelling will truly have nothing to do with you."

Zhou Yuan nodded, his face calm.

Shen Taiyuan gave Zhou Yuan a deep look, then finally said, "Since you have made your decision, so be it. Of the three of them, who do you choose as your opponent?"

Amidst the many gazes in the great hall, Zhou Yuan's eyes subtly shifted, eventually, and predictably, settling on Cao Shi.

Since Cao Shi was so critical, he would use him to establish his own reputation on Saint Origin Peak from this day forward.

As for Zhou Yuan's gaze, Cao Shi showed no surprise. Instead, he grinned, shaking his head at Tong Long and the others with an amused expression, saying, "I never thought there'd be a day when I, Cao Shi, would be treated like a pushover."

"Well, as a senior brother, it's only right to teach junior disciples how to be modest. Since that's the case, I accept this challenge."

In his words, there was no pressure at all, but rather a strong sense of mockery.

Around him, many disciples chuckled softly.

Shen Taiyuan slowly stated, "In that case, your contest will be set for five days from now. The victor will then take the other's place as one of the three participants."

Shen Taiyuan's gaze lingered on Zhou Yuan. He had still granted Zhou Yuan a bit more time, hoping that Zhou Yuan could indeed create a miracle. If he did, it would prove that he truly possessed great potential, which would be enough for Shen Taiyuan to override all objections.

However, if Zhou Yuan were to lose this time, Shen Taiyuan would have no choice but to be disappointed, as it would indicate that Zhou Yuan's actions were truly nothing more than recklessness, and such a temperament would be ill-suited for significant responsibilities.

Shen Taiyuan slowly withdrew his gaze, letting out a soft sigh in his heart.

"Zhou Yuan, I hope you won't disappoint me..."