Chapter 360: Entering the Hall

Chapter 359

In front of the Spirit Rune Hall, a continuous uproar filled the air, as numerous disciples buzzed with excitement. Zhou Yuan and Yao Yao's figures, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, appeared exceptionally radiant.

Clearly, this final result was beyond everyone's expectations. The barrier, set up by numerous disciples of Spirit Rune Peak with the discreet guidance of Peak Master Baimei, was, in a sense, considered the pinnacle of the Spirit Rune Peak disciples' collective skill. Yet, no one expected that such a masterpiece would ultimately be broken by Zhou Yuan and Yao Yao working together. Didn't this imply that Zhou Yuan and Yao Yao had, in this instance, essentially contended against all the disciples of Spirit Rune Peak and emerged victorious?

What an achievement! The countless gazes directed at the pair held a touch of reverence. Naturally, most of that reverence was for Yao Yao, as everyone knew she was the primary force in breaking the formation, having tied up nearly eighty percent of the barrier's power.

Amidst the crowd's attention, Yao Yao glanced at Ye Ge and asked coolly, "The barrier is broken. Can we enter the Spirit Rune Hall now?"

Sensing the coolness in Yao Yao's tone, Ye Ge offered a wry smile and nodded.

"The two of us broke the formation this time," Yao Yao continued. "Zhou Yuan should also be qualified to enter the Spirit Rune Hall, right?"

Zhou Yuan, standing nearby, felt a slight stir in his heart. The Spirit Rune Hall was the very foundation of Spirit Rune Peak, housing a vast collection of ancient Genesis Runes. If he could enter and study them, it would significantly improve his own Genesis Rune mastery. Having recently broken through to the mid-stage Reality Realm in his Spirit, this was the perfect opportunity for him to study within the Spirit Rune Hall.

Ye Ge was momentarily startled, then smiled freely. "Of course," he said. "From today onwards, Junior Sister Yao Yao and Junior Brother Zhou Yuan may enter the Spirit Rune Hall whenever they wish. You are free to browse all its contents, with the exception of certain restricted areas."

He showed considerable magnanimity, not becoming angry despite losing the competition. His composure earned nods of approval from many disciples, confirming that Ye Ge, as one of the Ten Great Saint Sons, was indeed exceptional. However, Yao Yao remained indifferent to his demeanor, her eyes cool. In her view, had it not been for Ye Ge, there would have been no need for her to act in front of so many people. Preferring quiet, she had no interest in seeking attention, and the multitude of gazes made her uncomfortable.

"Let's go," Yao Yao said to Zhou Yuan, then turned and walked towards the Spirit Rune Hall behind them. Seeing this, Zhou Yuan quickly followed.

In front of the Spirit Rune Hall, Jin Zhang and Xia Yu also watched the two approaching. Jin Zhang clasped his hands towards Yao Yao, a hint of admiration in his expression; it was clear that the struggle within the barrier had made him aware of Yao Yao's capabilities. Meanwhile, Xia Yu shyly hid behind Jin Zhang, her large eyes secretly peeking at Zhou Yuan. Her fair forehead was flushed, evidently from being struck by Zhou Yuan earlier. Without the intensity of Genesis Rune combat, she resembled a soft and delicate young girl.

Seeing this, Zhou Yuan smiled apologetically at Xia Yu. When the young girl met his gaze, her small face flushed with shyness, and a trace of fear from their previous Spirit collision still lingered in her large eyes. She quickly drew back her head like a startled deer.

*Creak*. As Zhou Yuan and Yao Yao approached the Spirit Rune Hall, its tightly shut doors automatically swung open, releasing an ancient aura that carried a sense of profound antiquity.

Yao Yao's steps did not falter; she walked straight in, followed by Zhou Yuan. Gradually, the two disappeared from the sight of countless onlookers.

Gazing at the two figures disappearing into the Spirit Rune Hall, the disciples in front of the hall sighed, their eyes still holding a strong sense of lingering fascination. It was clear, however, that after today, Yao Yao's reputation would ascend to the highest tier among the Cangxuan Sect disciples, easily rivaling that of the Ten Great Saint Sons. For the strength she displayed today clearly indicated that she possessed the qualifications to become one of the Ten Great Saint Sons. This was truly astounding.

Ye Ge remained rooted to the spot, looking toward the Spirit Rune Hall with a somewhat melancholic expression. Li Qingchan approached him, glanced his way, and said, "You should stop having any ideas about her. If you truly provoke her, I fear you won't be able to bear the consequences."

Ye Ge chuckled. "When you meet someone who moves your heart, shouldn't you at least try?" he said. "Although Yao Yao and Zhou Yuan are quite close, it's clear they aren't a couple... so, I don't necessarily think I have no chance."

"As a woman, my intuition tells me that Yao Yao doesn't seem to think much of you," Li Qingchan said faintly.

Ye Ge's brow furrowed slightly. As a Saint Son of the Cangxuan Sect, his talent was undoubtedly exceptional. While he appeared unrestrained on the surface, he was clearly very proud internally, and Li Qingchan's words struck a nerve.

"Don't waste your effort... you should just drop these thoughts," she continued. "Otherwise, be careful not to even ruin any chance of being ordinary friends." Her words were meaningful, directed not only at Ye Ge but also implicitly at Peak Master Baimei behind him. The Peak Master clearly genuinely wanted Yao Yao to remain on Spirit Rune Peak, but his actions this time were somewhat inappropriate. With Yao Yao's intelligence, it wouldn't be difficult for her to guess their intentions. Then, should her temper flare, she might sever all ties with Spirit Rune Peak entirely, leaving Peak Master Baimei in tears of regret over his self-serving schemes.

After Li Qingchan finished speaking, she turned and left directly.

Ye Ge watched her graceful figure, hesitated, and finally let out a sigh. From Yao Yao's cool demeanor towards him, it seemed she truly had no interest in him whatsoever.

In front of the Spirit Rune Hall, the vast crowd of disciples gradually dispersed. However, it was expected that once they took the news back, it would undoubtedly cause a sensation throughout the Cangxuan Sect.

Gu Hongyi stretched, revealing her alluring curves. Contentedly narrowing her eyes, she smilingly asked Su Wan, "Senior Sister Su Wan, what do you think?"

Seeing her proud expression, Su Wan retorted irritably, "What are you so proud of? He has nothing to do with you." She looked Gu Hongyi up and down, then teased, "Though you're not bad-looking, little girl, with that Zhou Xiaoyao around, I'm afraid Zhou Yuan won't be swayed."

Gu Hongyi's pretty face flushed. She glared at Su Wan and said indignantly, "What nonsense are you talking about? Zhou Yuan and I are just friends."

"Really?" Su Wan said with a skeptical expression.

Gu Hongyi bit her lip, ignored Su Wan, and turned to head down Spirit Rune Peak.

"Hehe, is the little girl shy?" Su Wan chuckled, leading a group of female disciples as she playfully chased after Gu Hongyi. Their antics drew the attention of many onlookers.

In another direction from the Spirit Rune Hall, Lu Xuanyin's pretty face was gloomy as she gazed at the hall.

"This Zhou Xiaoyao is truly terrifying," Xu Yan also sighed, his eyes filled with apprehension. He turned to Lu Xuanyin and chuckled, "But don't worry, we don't have many ways to deal with *her*. Our main target is still Zhou Yuan... That kid won't be as difficult to handle. However, judging from the Genesis Rune attainments he displayed this time, we'll have to raise his danger level a bit. I'll make more arrangements later to ensure that during the Purple Sash Selection, Junior Sister Xuanyin, you can thoroughly vent your frustration. Now he's made such a spectacle here, which has led many disciples to raise their expectations of him, even thinking he's qualified to contend for the top spot. In that case, we'll be the first to eliminate him, preventing him from even reaching the top ten. I suppose that should give him a good fall, right? Heh heh, I'd like to see which is harder: Zhou Yuan's head, or the sharp swords of my Sword Cometh Peak?"

Lu Xuanyin nodded lightly, a hint of satisfaction and anticipation in her eyes. She had indeed underestimated Zhou Yuan somewhat, but this time, the ones taking action would be the most elite group of Golden Sash disciples from Sword Cometh Peak.

Lu Xuanyin took a deep breath, cast a cold glance at the Spirit Rune Hall, then turned and left. She refused to believe that Zhou Yuan could still turn the tables against such a formidable lineup!