Chapter 350: Joint Entry into Formation

The next day.

When Zhou Yuan, ready to depart, emerged from the small building within his cave dwelling, he saw Yaoyao standing gracefully in a beam of light nearby. Today, she was dressed in dark robes, her figure slender, and her exquisite, jade-like face seemed to reflect the sunlight, dazzling to the point that one could hardly look away.

Although she always maintained a calm and indifferent demeanor, Zhou Yuan could sense that Yaoyao's gaze was noticeably colder than usual. Clearly, the incident at Spirit Rune Peak had still upset her somewhat.

As Yaoyao saw Zhou Yuan approach, she gently tossed something to him. Zhou Yuan quickly caught it; it was a ring, upon which faint Genesis Runes were discernible.

"That Genesis Rune barrier requires two people to work in perfect synchronization, simultaneously breaking two central points," Yaoyao explained. "So, when this ring heats up, you must destroy your core as quickly as possible, otherwise, I'll be stuck in a stalemate."

Hearing this, Zhou Yuan nodded and slipped the ring onto his finger.

"Let's go." Zhou Yuan grinned, declaring boldly, "With us, the 'Ruthless Duo,' making an appearance, we'll sweep through Spirit Rune Peak today and ensure they never dare to impede you, Sister Yaoyao, again!" Yaoyao's lips curved slightly as she shot him a sidelong glance. That brief, charming look caused even Zhou Yuan, who was accustomed to her stunning beauty, to feel his heart quicken. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly, 'She truly is a femme fatale... No wonder even a prominent figure like Ye Ge from the Cangxuan Sect would cause such a stir for her.'

Tun Tun, who was nearby, also jumped into Yaoyao's arms, baring its fangs and letting out a few low growls. It was clearly aware of who had made Yaoyao unhappy and caused it to be treated coldly yesterday, making it extremely furious. If it hadn't been held back, it would have directly swallowed that scoundrel named Ye Ge whole.

The two individuals and one beast then exited the cave dwelling.

However, just as they stepped out, they saw numerous figures gathered in front of the dwelling. Leading them were Zhou Tai, Shen Wanjin, and many other fellow disciples.

Seeing Zhou Yuan's confused look, Zhou Tai scratched his head and said, "Junior Brother Zhou Yuan, the matter at Spirit Rune Peak has already spread far and wide. Junior Sister Yaoyao is, after all, on our side. Although Spirit Rune Peak is powerful, we can't let them look down on us. So, today, we will also go to Spirit Rune Peak to show our support for you." The other disciples echoed his words, appearing filled with righteous indignation.

Zhou Yuan twitched his lips. These guys hadn't been so loyal when he was in trouble before. But now, upon hearing that Yaoyao was being challenged, they all seemed pumped up, unafraid even of Spirit Rune Peak. He shook his head exasperatedly but said little, simply nodding before activating his Genesis Qi to form a cloud, carrying him and Yaoyao skyward. Behind them, Zhou Tai and the other disciples also shouted and quickly followed.

They sped through the air, and about an incense stick's time later, the majestic Spirit Rune Peak appeared in their sight. Zhou Yuan then saw countless streaks of light and shadow sweeping across the sky, all descending towards Spirit Rune Peak. The bustling scene surprised Zhou Yuan. Clearly, these were not disciples of Spirit Rune Peak, but from other peaks...

"They've really made such a big fuss?" Zhou Yuan exclaimed, astonished. His own cave trial hadn't attracted so many disciples to watch. "Do you think it's about you? Yaoyao's current reputation in the Cangxuan Sect is far beyond what your achievements can compare to." Just as he marveled, a cold voice suddenly reached him, and then a cloud emanating icy Genesis Qi slowly descended. On that cloud, Li Qingchan stood elegantly, dressed in white robes.

The moment she appeared, countless gazes from all around immediately turned towards her.

Yaoyao lifted her eyes, glanced at Li Qingchan, and said indifferently, "Are you here to watch the show too?"

Li Qingchan's bright eyes also met Yaoyao's. "I owe you a favor from before," she said. "If you don't want to challenge that Genesis Rune barrier, I can find a way to destroy it for you." Yaoyao shook her head, her red lips parting slightly. "As long as it's related to Genesis Runes, I have no reason to back down. Since they want to make a fool of themselves, I'll naturally oblige them."

Li Qingchan slowly stated, "That barrier was personally chosen by Peak Master Whitebrow. It was only under his guidance that the Spirit Rune Peak disciples were able to set it up..." She glanced at Zhou Yuan and continued, "And you intend to bring Zhou Yuan to challenge it? I'm afraid he'll be a hindrance."

She was quite direct in her words, not mincing them just because Zhou Yuan was present.

"You should also know Ye Ge's objective," Li Qingchan said. "So, instead of eventually seeking his help, it would be better if I assist you." However, Yaoyao still shook her head, stating, "Zhou Yuan can do it." With that, she said no more to Li Qingchan and led Zhou Yuan in descending towards Spirit Rune Peak.

Li Qingchan watched her figure, her willow-like brows slightly furrowed, and murmured to herself, "What a stubborn person... Although Zhou Yuan has some talent in Genesis Runes, in a barrier of this level, he probably won't be as helpful as you imagine. Therefore, you'll still come to me for help in the end." Her tone conveyed confidence; she clearly believed Zhou Yuan would be useless today.

When Yaoyao and Zhou Yuan arrived in front of the Spirit Rune Hall, it was already packed with people. Countless eyes gazed with admiration at Yaoyao as she ascended the stone steps. As for Zhou Yuan beside her, he was completely ignored.

The two ascended the stone steps and finally stopped in front of the Spirit Rune Hall. Before them stood numerous disciples from Spirit Rune Peak, and at the head of these disciples, with his hands clasped behind his back, was Ye Ge.

Ye Ge looked at Yaoyao, then his gaze swept to Zhou Yuan standing beside her. Their eyes met, and in the silence, an unspoken tension, like dark thunder, seemed to surge between them.

"Junior Sister Yaoyao, are you ready today?" Ye Ge asked with a smile. He bowed slightly, speaking courteously, "If Junior Sister Yaoyao needs my help, just say the word." Ye Ge was naturally handsome and possessed a refined demeanor. His gentle smile caused many female disciples nearby to feel their hearts stir. Compared to Ye Ge, Zhou Yuan, standing beside Yaoyao, seemed rather unremarkable. After all, a mere Gold Belt disciple was indeed a world apart from one of the Ten Great Saint Sons like Ye Ge.

Behind Ye Ge, some Spirit Rune Peak disciples who understood his intentions also chuckled, "Junior Sister Yaoyao, Senior Brother Ye Ge has never treated any other girl like this." The gazes of these disciples subtly swept over Zhou Yuan, a hint of disdain appearing in their eyes. They had heard Zhou Yuan's name and knew he possessed some ability, but here today, Genesis Qi cultivation was of no use. Only mastery of Genesis Runes could break through the formation. Therefore, they didn't believe that Zhou Yuan, a disciple primarily cultivating Genesis Qi, could achieve deep mastery in Genesis Runes. They assumed he was merely dragged along by Yaoyao to make up the numbers. However, Yaoyao might not realize that this barrier, if anyone were to hold back, would become even harder to break. Thus, Zhou Yuan was destined to be of no help to Yaoyao today; he might even hinder her. But that was fine; it would allow Yaoyao to witness Zhou Yuan's incompetence, and then she would naturally perceive Ye Ge's excellence.

However, Yaoyao's exquisite face showed no ripple of emotion in response to their words. Instead, the coldness in her bright eyes seemed to deepen. Ye Ge sensitively detected the chill in Yaoyao's gaze and quickly waved his hand, stopping the others' remarks, as he disdained using such methods to belittle others.

"Can we start now?" Yaoyao asked coldly. Ye Ge smiled, then nodded, and with a wave of his hand, the disciples behind him dispersed, revealing a passage that led directly to the Genesis Rune barrier shrouded in mist behind them. "Junior Sister Yaoyao, please!" Ye Ge said with a smile.

Yaoyao's beautiful eyes fixed on the Genesis Rune barrier. Without hesitation, she moved her delicate feet and stepped forward. Zhou Yuan followed a step behind her.

As they passed Ye Ge, Zhou Yuan slightly turned his head and noticed that Ye Ge was also staring at him. Their eyes met, and they both exchanged faint smiles. "I hope Junior Brother Zhou Yuan can truly be of assistance to Junior Sister Yaoyao," Ye Ge said with a faint smile. "Naturally, no need to worry," Zhou Yuan nodded, stepping forward to walk alongside Yaoyao.

Finally, they arrived before the misty barrier, exchanged a look, and then, under the gaze of countless eyes, stepped forward directly into the Genesis Rune barrier. Their figures vanished amidst the mist.

Throughout the area, many disciples were in an uproar, craning their necks in anticipation. They eagerly wished to know whether Yaoyao and Zhou Yuan would truly be able to break through this Genesis Rune barrier, which had been set up through the combined efforts of numerous Spirit Rune Peak disciples.