Chapter 343: 轰动

The results of Saint Genesis Peak's Cave Test had spread throughout the entire Cangxuan Sect by the second day.

Normally, a Cave Test of this level would only cause a stir within its own peak, and other peaks wouldn't be particularly interested. After all, who won or lost made no difference to them. What's more, it was a Cave Test between gold-belt disciples from Saint Genesis Peak, the most dilapidated of the seven peaks.

However, this time was clearly different. Elder Miao of Snow Lotus Peak's evaluation of Zhou Yuan had directly sparked dissatisfaction among many fervent supporters of Chu Qing. Consequently, they rushed to the Cave Test on that day, eager to witness Zhou Yuan's true abilities. They had initially come expecting a spectacle, but when they left, they were all slightly shocked. This was because the Cave Test, which they had initially dismissed, had turned out to be remarkably unexpected.

Zhou Yuan, who had only entered the inner mountain a month prior, unexpectedly reversed the situation, using his third-level strength in the Genesis Qi Realm to defeat three opponents from Elder Lu Hong's faction consecutively. Such an achievement was nothing short of illustrious. Even disciples who had come to find fault could not pick out a single flaw in Zhou Yuan's performance during the Cave Test.

Consequently, by the day after the Cave Test, detailed accounts of it were circulating throughout the peaks, causing astonishment and a sensation among many disciples.

"This Zhou Yuan really has some ability," people remarked. "With only third-level strength, he even defeated Wei Youxuan, who is at the sixth-level…"

"This guy's Genesis Qi foundation is remarkably profound—truly extraordinary."

"No wonder Elder Miao gave him such a high evaluation. It seems this guy might actually become the second Senior Brother Chu Qing in the future."

"Hmph, it's just a Cave Test for a gold-belt disciple," some scoffed. "Why the exaggeration? Which of the current Ten Sacred Sons has a simple foundation? In their early days, they were all capable of defeating opponents above their rank. Zhou Yuan's achievement is barely considered standard for them."

"That's right," another agreed. "Senior Brother Chu Qing's opportunities have been incredibly vast over the years. I once heard an elder say that with his talent, he will certainly become an elder of our Cangxuan Sect within ten years."

"Wow, that's an exaggeration, isn't it?" someone gasped. "The primary requirement for an elder of our Cangxuan Sect is to enter the Heavenly Sun Realm…"

"Senior Brother Chu Qing truly lives up to his reputation as the most outstanding disciple of our Cangxuan Sect in the past century," someone concluded. "Compared to him, that Zhou Yuan is still far from ready."

Similar comments constantly echoed throughout the seven peaks. Although most disciples still scoffed at Elder Miao's evaluation of Zhou Yuan, the initial one-sided dismissal had vanished. Clearly, Zhou Yuan's performance in the Cave Test had made some people acknowledge his talent and potential. At the very least, Zhou Yuan was already far ahead of other disciples in his generation.

Regardless, after this Cave Test, all the disciples of the Cangxuan Sect knew the name Zhou Yuan of Saint Genesis Peak. In a way, it had made him famous throughout the sect.

***

**Sword Cometh Peak**

Inside a stone pavilion, two young men sat opposite each other, a chessboard laid out on the stone table. One of the two was Kong Sheng. The young man opposite him was slender, with long, narrow eyes that exuded sharpness. As he extended his hand, his sleeve slid back, revealing arms covered in sword scars that sent shivers down one's spine. This person was Zhao Zhu, Sword Cometh Peak's second Sacred Son and ranked tenth among the Ten Sacred Sons. These two could be considered the foremost disciples of Sword Cometh Peak. Below the stone pavilion, numerous Sword Cometh Peak disciples were cultivating on a vast stone platform. Their gazes, cast towards the two, were filled with reverence.

"I didn't expect that after a period of closed-door cultivation, our Cangxuan Sect would produce some new figures…" Zhao Zhu said with a smile that was sharp like a blade, making others uncomfortable. "Is this Zhou Yuan the third disciple to achieve the Eight-Dragon Baptism in the Genesis Pool?"

Kong Sheng merely stared at the chessboard, his face devoid of emotion at the mention of the name. He simply nodded casually and said, "He has some minor tricks. If he hadn't spoiled my plans, Li Qingchan's Eight-Dragon Baptism would have been mine."

Zhao Zhu chuckled, "He dares to ruin Senior Brother's plans? This kid is far too bold."

"He's just a newborn calf, after all…" Kong Sheng said. "Now he's even being called the second Chu Qing of the future."

Zhao Zhu was slightly startled, then couldn't help but burst into laughter. He shook his head and said, "These new disciples nowadays are truly wilder than the last… The second Chu Qing?"

Kong Sheng chuckled faintly, "He certainly made a big splash in that Cave Test, full of sharpness indeed."

Zhao Zhu pouted, "It's just a Cave Test for a gold-belt disciple. Elder Lu Hong's disciples are becoming more and more useless. They went to a dilapidated place like Saint Genesis Peak and couldn't even thoroughly defeat those two factions. It really tarnishes the reputation of our Sword Cometh Peak."

"But this kid dared to ruin Senior Brother's plans," Zhao Zhu continued. "It seems that if there's a chance in the future, he should be made to suffer a bit…"

Kong Sheng said nonchalantly, "Forget it. He's just a gold-belt disciple, why bother? Troubling him would only elevate him."

"Let other disciples gossip, but do you really take him for the second Chu Qing?" Kong Sheng continued. "Haven't there been plenty of fleetingly amazing disciples in the Cangxuan Sect over the years? But in the end, who are the ones who truly secure a spot among the Ten Sacred Sons?"

Hearing this, Zhao Zhu gave a dismissive smile, then nodded. Indeed, a mere gold-belt disciple wouldn't even register in their eyes. Perhaps, once this period of attention passed, he would naturally fade away.

***

**Snow Lotus Peak**

Li Qingchan sat cross-legged on a mist-shrouded stone platform. Her cyan dress outlined her slender and graceful figure, and her exquisite face was cold and distant, like an ancient iceberg that would never melt. However, at this moment, a hint of surprise appeared on her usually cool and detached face.

"This Zhou Yuan, he truly is surprising…" she murmured to herself, clearly having heard the Cave Test results that had spread from Saint Genesis Peak. Her impression of Zhou Yuan was neutral; she was more interested in Yaoyao, whose relationship with Zhou Yuan seemed unusual.

Li Qingchan was a very proud girl, so her standards were naturally extremely high. Yet, even with her discerning eye, she found Yaoyao mysterious and indifferent. A girl like this would undoubtedly be the center of attention anywhere. Countless exceptionally talented prodigies would find her allure difficult to resist. Therefore, Li Qingchan found the intimate relationship between Zhou Yuan and Yaoyao somewhat incredible, as in her view, they belonged to two different levels. To put it bluntly, Zhou Yuan was not worthy of such closeness to Yaoyao.

Although she had cooperated with Zhou Yuan in the Genesis Pool, the fundamental reason was Yaoyao's presence beside him. Otherwise, given her status as the second of the Ten Sacred Sons, a mere gold-belt disciple would not have qualified for such cooperation. However, Zhou Yuan's performance in this Cave Test did surprise her slightly. It seemed he still had some potential.

"But, the second Chu Qing?"

Li Qingchan fell silent for a moment, her delicate hand gently stirring the mist before her. "Zhou Yuan, I'm afraid you'll have to work harder…" Because only at their level would one truly understand how powerful the person ranked first among the Ten Sacred Sons was. In her view, perhaps the mysterious and unfathomable Yaoyao by Zhou Yuan's side might be able to achieve it. But as for Zhou Yuan... she feared he was still significantly lacking, whether in opportunities, maturity, or other aspects.