Chapter 300: Baptism Arrives

Several days quickly passed since the competition between Zhou Yuan and Cao Shi, and the aftereffects of that battle were gradually subsiding.

After the initial shock, many disciples began to accept the outcome. After all, the competition was considered an internal affair of the Shen lineage and had little bearing on the other two. Crucially, disciples who had witnessed the match between Zhou Yuan and Cao Shi knew that while Zhou Yuan had won, his victory was quite precarious due to his insufficient Genesis Qi. Strictly speaking, their strengths were still comparable.

Consequently, disciples from Lu Hong's lineage paid little attention to Zhou Yuan replacing Cao Shi as the third participant in the Cave Trial. In their view, whether it was Cao Shi or Zhou Yuan, the final result would be the same. For this Cave Trial, Lu Hong's lineage clearly did not hold Shen's lineage in high regard. Even with Zhou Yuan emerging to replace Cao Shi, in their eyes, it was merely swapping one person for another to be humiliated. Therefore, after a few days, the attention on Zhou Yuan simply dissipated; they no longer bothered with him. They knew that his temporary spotlight would naturally fade once the Cave Trial began.

Another morning class was held at the Hall of Seeking Dao.

Zhou Yuan sat upright on a meditation cushion, eyes slightly closed. Utilizing the Grand Primeval Rock and Ancient Rush Mat, his Spirit entered the Grand Primeval Heaven to transport Grand Primeval Qi. Inside the hall, disciples occasionally glanced his way. However, no one now raised objections to Zhou Yuan having firmly secured the third Golden Belt disciple seat. Even Cao Shi, seated beside him, had been subdued these past few days, no longer daring to provoke him casually. Clearly, Zhou Yuan's battle with Cao Shi had successfully established his authority.

The quiet in the hall lasted for a long time. Only after everyone had finished cultivating did quiet murmurs gradually begin to spread. From the highest platform, Shen Taiyuan's gaze fell upon Cao Long, Pan Song, and Zhou Yuan. He slowly said, "There are still about twenty days until the Cave Trial."

All gazes in the hall immediately converged on the three of them.

"Are you confident about this upcoming Cave Trial?"

Hearing Shen Taiyuan's question, Cao Long and Pan Song looked somewhat hesitant, unsure how to respond. After all, they knew that the three participants from Lu Hong's lineage were formidable, especially Wei Youxuan, who possessed considerable skill. Without having even fought, who could know how confident they could be?

"Master Shen, we will definitely do our best to meet the challenge," Cao Long finally said, though anyone could detect the uncertainty in his words.

Shen Taiyuan frowned, somewhat dissatisfied, but he also understood the pressure Cao Long and Pan Song were under. After all, the disciples of Lu Hong's lineage were inherently of higher caliber than those from his own. More disciples secretly shook their heads and sighed quietly, inwardly not very optimistic about their own side's chances. As for Zhou Yuan, not many paid him much mind. Although he had defeated Cao Shi, Cao Shi's strength was slightly inferior to Cao Long and Pan Song. Since even those two could only speak with such uncertainty, Zhou Yuan would likely be in the same boat. However, no one had any intention of mocking him, as it would be the same even if Cao Shi were participating.

"If any of you three have problems or needs regarding your recent cultivation, you can come directly to me," Shen Taiyuan said. At this point, he could only offer the three of them maximum support, hoping it might help them improve their strength. Cao Long and Pan Song's faces showed slight joy, and they quickly responded respectfully.

Zhou Yuan, upon hearing this, thought for a moment before tentatively speaking: "Master Shen, I've recently wanted to try cultivating the 'Heavenly Sun God Record' bestowed by the Sect Master, but some of the required source materials haven't been acquired yet..." Cultivating the Heavenly Sun God Record required three types of source materials: Nine-Yang Crystal, Heavenly Fire Rock Marrow, and Golden Crow Heart. These were quite rare, and he had searched for a long time in the Linlang Pavilion without success. With Shen Taiyuan offering, he immediately seized the opportunity, becoming unreserved.

As soon as he finished speaking, before Shen Taiyuan could reply, Zhang Yan, who was seated below him, chuckled faintly: "Junior Brother Zhou Yuan might be a little too ambitious. The Heavenly Sun God Record is a low-grade Heavenly Genesis Art. Let alone Golden Belt disciples, even among Purple Belt disciples, few manage to cultivate it successfully. In my opinion, Junior Brother Zhou Yuan would be better off focusing on how to deepen his own Genesis Qi, as the opponents he'll face in the Cave Trial are no simple matter."

"If your opponent manages to withstand your Eight Dragons of the Nine Dragons Scripture, you might have no power left to retaliate."

Other disciples in the hall whispered among themselves, some agreeing with Zhang Yan. After all, they knew how demanding the cultivation of a Heavenly Genesis Art was. At this point, Zhou Yuan's Genesis Qi was already insufficient even for performing the Eight Dragons of the Nine Dragons Scripture. Even if he successfully cultivated the Heavenly Sun God Record, he probably wouldn't be able to use it, would he? This made them slightly suspicious that Zhou Yuan might be trying to take advantage of the situation to gain benefits. Of course, more people felt a pang of jealousy. A Heavenly Genesis Art, even a low-grade one, was something that not even some Purple Belt disciples necessarily possessed.

Zhou Yuan glanced at Zhang Yan but paid him no mind, simply looking at Shen Taiyuan.

"'Heavenly Sun God Record'?" Shen Taiyuan was slightly startled. He had heard of this art and knew the required source materials. He immediately stroked his beard and said, "You certainly know how to seize an opportunity. Even I would find those three source materials troublesome to acquire." He looked at Zhou Yuan and asked, "Are you sure you're confident you can cultivate the 'Heavenly Sun God Record'?"

Zhou Yuan calmly replied, "I will give it my best try."

Zhang Yan heard this, smiled playfully, and was about to speak again. However, Shen Taiyuan waved his hand, gave Zhou Yuan a deep look, and said, "If that's the case, then I will naturally support you fully. I will gather those source materials for you."

Zhang Yan's mouth twitched. He hadn't expected Shen Taiyuan to agree even to such a request from Zhou Yuan. Ordinary disciples, even Purple Belt disciples like themselves, sometimes didn't receive such treatment. Feeling somewhat stifled, Zhang Yan could only give Zhou Yuan a sidelong glance and said with a forced smile, "Junior Brother Zhou Yuan, Master Shen values you so highly, you must not disappoint him. I hope that during the Cave Trial, we'll see you demonstrate the Heavenly Genesis Art you've cultivated, to enlighten all of us. Don't just take the resources and then do nothing."

Some disciples close to Zhang Yan secretly snickered. Zhang Yan was clearly setting Zhou Yuan up. If Zhou Yuan failed to deliver anything during the Cave Trial, it would likely make other disciples believe he was merely trying to take advantage to gain benefits, and such actions would naturally lower his prestige.

"Don't worry, Senior Brother Zhang Yan, I will certainly do my utmost," Zhou Yuan said indifferently.

Seeing Zhou Yuan's unaffected demeanor, Zhang Yan could only secretly snort coldly and say no more.

Shen Taiyuan looked at Zhou Yuan, then suddenly raised a hand. Two more rays of light descended, and Zhou Yuan caught them. They were two tokens, seemingly carved with a coiling dragon, upon whose body were continuous mountains and cave dwellings.

"What are these?" Zhou Yuan asked curiously.

"These are your rewards from the Mountain Selection Ceremony: spots for the Marrow Cleansing Ceremony," Shen Taiyuan explained.

"Oh? The Marrow Cleansing Ceremony has begun?" Zhou Yuan was immediately overjoyed to hear this, as he had been looking forward to it for a long time.

Shen Taiyuan nodded. "It will officially begin tomorrow."

"The second token is for Zhou Xiaoyao; it was bestowed by the White Brow Peak Master. So, if she's interested, she can also go tomorrow."

Speaking of Yaoyao, Shen Taiyuan felt a slight headache. Since coming to Saint Genesis Peak these past few days, Yaoyao hadn't attended a single morning class, so he hadn't even met her once. Zhou Yuan secretly marveled that the White Brow Peak Master truly valued Yaoyao.

"The Marrow Cleansing Ceremony is an event held once every two months, and only Purple Belt disciples from each peak are qualified to participate. It's quite a grand affair. Tomorrow, you can go along with Zhou Tai," Shen Taiyuan instructed.

Zhou Yuan looked at Zhou Tai, who gave him a warm smile, and he nodded in return.

Shen Taiyuan gave a few more instructions, then waved his hand, dismissing the disciples.

Zhou Yuan held the tokens in his hand, his eyes filling with curiosity and anticipation. He had long awaited the Marrow Cleansing Ceremony, and now it was finally here. His previous battle with Cao Shi had made him feel that his Genesis Qi cultivation was somewhat lacking. Therefore, this time, he held great expectations for the Marrow Cleansing Ceremony, which was renowned throughout the Cangxuan Sect.

He put away the two tokens and mumbled to himself.

"I hope this Marrow Cleansing Ceremony won't disappoint me..."