Chapter 345: Purple Belt Selection

"Purple Sash Selection?"

Shen Taiyuan was momentarily stunned when he heard Zhou Yuan's request. He then frowned, saying with some hesitation, "The Purple Sash selection is no easy matter. Wouldn't it be a bit rushed to participate now?"

In the Cangxuan Sect, the Purple Sash selection is a significant event. This is because Purple Sash disciples are considered the most elite within the sect, and it's from this rank that the sect's future pillars might emerge.

Each Purple Sash selection is attended not only by the various Peak Masters themselves but also by the Sect Master, highlighting its exceptionally high standards.

Therefore, even elders like Shen Taiyuan do not have the final say in promoting a disciple to Purple Sash. They merely have the authority to recommend candidates for the selection. Only those who pass the Purple Sash selection can truly be elevated to that rank.

The number of spots for each Purple Sash selection is limited, which results in extremely fierce competition. Almost all participating disciples are considered the top Gold Sash disciples from their respective peaks and lineages.

To be frank, even Wei Youxuan, despite being the top Gold Sash disciple in Lu Hong's lineage, might not be considered among the very best when compared to all the lineages across the entire Cangxuan Sect.

Given this, Shen Taiyuan felt that Zhou Yuan's current desire to enter the Purple Sash selection was too hasty. With Zhou Yuan's talent and potential, he believed that if Zhou Yuan were to cultivate diligently for another six months, passing the selection would likely be straightforward.

"'Zhou Yuan, for this Purple Sash selection, there are only ten available spots, yet nearly a hundred disciples from various lineages will be participating. The competition will be exceptionally brutal,' Shen Taiyuan sighed, attempting to dissuade Zhou Yuan from his intention."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan simply smiled and replied, "Master Shen, I'd like to give it a try. After all, there's no harm in losing, is there?"

His face held a smile, yet his words were remarkably firm.

The Cangxuan Sect holds the Purple Sash selection twice a year, and this was the second instance. If he were to miss it, he wouldn't be able to become a Purple Sash disciple this year, which in turn would mean he'd have no place in the year-end competition for the Chief Disciple of Saint Origin Peak.

Even if someone else secured the Chief Disciple position, they might not necessarily be able to break through the main peak's seal and obtain the Peak Master's Seal within. However, Zhou Yuan couldn't afford to take that risk. What if Lu Hong's lineage truly succeeded?

If Lu Hong were to become the Saint Origin Peak Master, it would be significantly detrimental to Zhou Yuan's pursuit of the second Saint Rune.

Thus, he had to seize this second Purple Sash selection of the year.

Witnessing Zhou Yuan's unwavering resolve, Shen Taiyuan chuckled helplessly. "You impudent boy, you truly are impatient…"

Ultimately, however, he could only sigh and nod. "Very well, if you insist, then go and try. Should you lose, consider it preparation for the next time."

"And even if you lose, there's nothing to be ashamed of. After all, many disciples have attempted the Purple Sash selection multiple times without success…"

He looked at Zhou Yuan. "The Purple Sash selection is in two months. You must work extra hard during this time and not neglect your cultivation. I will submit your recommendation for this selection."

"Thank you, Master Shen!"

A look of delight surfaced on Zhou Yuan's face upon hearing this.

Shen Taiyuan shook his head with a helpless smile, yet his eyes held a hint of satisfaction.

Youth is a time for spirited ambition. If one lacks even this much drive, how could they possibly brave the arduous and perilous path of cultivation?

Very well, if he wishes to go, then let him. Besides... this young man always manages to bring about unexpected results. What if... he genuinely succeeds?

If he gains recognition before the Sect Master, it would also bring much-needed honor to his nearly forgotten lineage. Then, when new disciples are brought into the inner mountain next time, the Sect Master might be inclined to assign some talented individuals to Saint Origin Peak.

The Purple Origin Dwelling.

Compared to the previous Gold Origin Dwelling, this new Purple Origin Dwelling was several times larger in area alone. It had practically hollowed out the heart of the mountain, monopolizing all the Genesis Qi within.

Inside the dwelling, a small stream flowed, and sunlight pierced through from the mountaintop, creating countless shimmering dust motes as it illuminated the interior.

From a spring deep within the dwelling, abundant Heaven and Earth Genesis Qi gushed forth, forming a thin mist that enveloped the interior and made the air remarkably fresh.

The Heaven and Earth Genesis Qi here was also noticeably more concentrated than in the former Gold Origin Dwelling.

In one corner of the dwelling, a large medicinal garden thrived, cultivating various exotic flowers. These flowers absorbed and released Heaven and Earth Genesis Qi, filling the dwelling with a unique fragrance. This scent was known to calm the mind and spirit, proving quite beneficial for cultivation.

Since moving into this Purple Origin Dwelling, the person most pleased wasn't Zhou Yuan, but rather Yaoyao.

She held a particular affection for this medicinal garden and had even specifically purchased various seeds from the Linlang Pavilion. She spent her days planting, leading a remarkably leisurely life.

Deep within the dwelling, at the Genesis Qi spring.

Zhou Yuan sat cross-legged on a nearby bluestone, his eyes gently closed. Before him, a crimson crystal floated, its interior shimmering with points of light like a scorching sun, radiating astonishing heat.

This was the Nine-Yang Crystal, essential for cultivating the "Heavenly Sun God Record."

Zhou Yuan held the Nine-Yang Crystal between his palms as if grasping the sun and moon. Wisps of golden Genesis Qi rose from his hands, continuously colliding with the Nine-Yang Crystal, then slowly grinding it down, much like a millstone.

Under this refinement by Genesis Qi, tiny particles of Nine-Yang Crystal powder flaked off, blending with Zhou Yuan's own Genesis Qi. These refined strands then penetrated his palms and settled into his Qi Dwelling.

The cultivation of Heavenly Origin Techniques was remarkably complex. It required continuously fusing several origin materials with one's own Genesis Qi, slowly converging them through repeated attempts to achieve a point of perfect balance. This stabilized the unique strands of Genesis Qi that had absorbed the power of the origin materials.

This single step alone could lead many cultivators of Heavenly Origin Techniques to fail countless times, wasting an immeasurable amount of origin materials, as each failure depleted both the materials and one's own Genesis Qi.

Fortunately, Zhou Yuan possessed the "Barrier-Breaking Saint Rune," which allowed him to clearly discern the precise ratios required for various Genesis Qi fusions. This ability saved him a considerable amount of origin materials…

Still, to truly condense the Origin Technique Imprint and engrave it within his Qi Dwelling, it would still require time and diligent practice to reach a state of flawlessness.

After an indeterminate amount of time, Zhou Yuan's tightly closed eyes finally opened. He slowly exhaled a puff of white mist.

He looked down at his palm and observed that the Nine-Yang Crystal had already shrunk by one-third.

"'At this rate, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I should be able to begin condensing the Origin Technique Imprint in about a month…' Zhou Yuan smiled faintly, quite satisfied with his cultivation progress."

He stretched, his bones crackling, and comfortably inhaled the faint floral fragrance permeating the dwelling.

For the past ten days or so, he had maintained an exceptionally low profile. Under his discreetness, the attention and buzz created by the cave trial had gradually subsided; after all, a Gold Sash disciple's cave trial wasn't truly worth prolonged discussion.

Zhou Yuan also preferred not to be constantly under scrutiny; he liked to quietly strengthen himself…

However, he knew that within the next couple of days, news of Shen Taiyuan recommending him for the Purple Sash selection would likely emerge, and that would undoubtedly cause another stir.

"Hmm?"

As Zhou Yuan stood up, he suddenly sensed movement at the dwelling's entrance. A thought flashed through his mind, and he perceived a figure standing before the cave, held back by the dwelling's barrier.

The plump, round figure was, of course, Shen Wanjin.

Zhou Yuan quickly walked out to the entrance. With a flick of his sleeve, the barrier dispersed.

Seeing Zhou Yuan emerge, Shen Wanjin grinned and approached, then pulled a scroll from his sleeve. "Brother Yuan, what you asked for is complete."

"This contains information on all the disciples participating in the Purple Sash selection."

As he spoke, he clicked his tongue. "But these guys are no pushovers. They're basically the top Gold Sash disciples in every lineage, not inferior to Wei Youxuan at all…"

"'So, Brother Yuan, are you truly certain you want to participate?' He scratched his head, sounding somewhat anxious. 'To my knowledge, our Cangxuan Sect has no precedent of a disciple who has been in the inner mountain for barely over a month daring to enter the Purple Sash selection…'"

Zhou Yuan simply smiled, said nothing further, and slowly unrolled the scroll in his hand.

As he gazed at the names and information displayed on it, his eyes narrowed slightly.

"They're certainly no easy targets."