Chapter 460: One Punch

When Zhou Yuan appeared unharmed before the many onlookers, it unsurprisingly caused a tremendous uproar outside Chief Peak. Countless disciples were stunned, as this outcome clearly defied their expectations.

"How could this be...?" countless people murmured.

After a moment of astonishment, the disciples from Shen Taiyuan’s lineage finally came to their senses. Cheers erupted as numerous gazes fixed on Zhou Yuan in amazement. Just moments before, they had assumed Zhou Yuan would be the first to be eliminated, yet the outcome was completely different.

Shen Taiyuan's tense expression slowly relaxed. As he gazed at Zhou Yuan's motionless figure on the stone platform, a deep sense of relief welled up in his eyes. In stark contrast to the cheers from Shen Taiyuan’s lineage, Lu Hong’s side fell silent. Many disciples exchanged glances, almost unwilling to believe the scene before them. Lu Hong’s stern face grew even grimmer, and a fierce chill intensified in his gaze as he looked at Zhou Yuan’s figure.

High in the sky, Chu Qing also witnessed the scene. He clapped his hands and chuckled, "This Zhou Yuan truly keeps his abilities hidden."

Kong Sheng frowned, remained silent for a moment, then calmly stated, "It's still a bit too early to say that."

Chu Qing smiled faintly, noncommittally.

Even higher above them, on a giant luminous lotus, six figures sat cross-legged, exuding a power that caused even heaven and earth to tremble slightly. Their gazes swept across, taking in various points of engagement, and they likewise observed the situation involving Zhou Yuan.

"Oh?"

The first to speak was Peak Master Gu of Hongya Peak. His body was as sturdy as an iron tower, and his flesh seemed to be in a state of respiration, occasionally swelling. Each swell was accompanied by a low thunderous rumble spreading within his body—a sound that, if not for his deliberate suppression, would have shattered the surrounding space. Such a phenomenon was only triggered when the physical body had been strengthened to an incredibly terrifying degree. Hongya Peak, within the Cangxuan Sect, specialized in external cultivation techniques, and in terms of physical strength, Peak Master Gu was undoubtedly the strongest in the entire sect.

Light circulated in his eyes as he stared at the jade-like radiance flowing over Zhou Yuan’s body. He spoke with some surprise, "This is… Profound Jade Skin?!"

"No… Profound Jade Skin can only be cultivated from the Profound Saint Body."

"But why are there similar fluctuations…?"

Peak Master Gu’s surprised voice reached the ears of the other five individuals. Sect Master Qing Yang and the others also looked on with some surprise. The Profound Saint Body was a unique technique of Hongya Peak, one of the seven ultimate techniques of the Cangxuan Sect. Zhou Yuan, a mere purple-belt disciple from Saint Genesis Peak, clearly couldn't have had access to it.

"Summon him and we'll know," Peak Master Ling Jun of Sword Cometh Peak stated calmly.

Sect Master Qing Yang shook his head and said, "The competition is ongoing, so there's no need to distract him. Although his physical body has cultivated a 'jade skin,' it isn't the true 'Profound Jade Skin.' However, if I'm not mistaken, he must have also cultivated an external cultivation technique, one that originated from the Profound Saint Body."

Peak Master Gu exclaimed in surprise, "An external cultivation technique derived from the Profound Saint Body? This technique doesn't even exist on our Hongya Peak. How could he possibly have it?" To modify a Genesis technique from the Profound Saint Body was clearly not something a disciple could achieve.

Sect Master Qing Yang smiled and said, "Zhou Yuan certainly couldn't do it. In the Cangxuan Sect, the only one capable of accessing the Seven Cangxuan Techniques and making changes to them is likely Elder Xuan, who resides deep within Saint Genesis Peak."

"Elder Xuan…"

Peak Master Gu then realized, understanding that if it was Elder Xuan, then it made perfect sense. On Peak Master Ling Jun's handsome face, a slight frown appeared. He said, "Elder Xuan's actions are a bit out of line."

Peak Master Lian Yi of Snow Lotus Peak sneered, "Are you worried that Zhou Yuan will become an anomaly, thus thwarting your lineage's ambition to gain control of Saint Genesis Peak?"

Peak Master Ling Jun’s expression remained unchanged, long accustomed to Peak Master Lian Yi’s daily provocations. He looked at Peak Master Lei Jun of Thunder Prison Peak and said, "Peak Master Lei Jun is in charge of the sect's disciplinary rules. Do you find Elder Xuan’s actions somewhat inappropriate?"

Peak Master Lei Ting, still in his black robe, maintained a stern, intimidating expression. He calmly stated, "It is indeed a bit out of line with the rules. However, that stubborn old man is as rigid as a rock. If you think it’s inappropriate, then go talk to him. My rules probably won’t have much effect on him."

Upon hearing this, Peak Master Ling Jun could only shake his head helplessly. In the Cangxuan Sect, in terms of seniority, only Elder Xuan and Peak Master Lei Jun ranked highest. If even the latter couldn't do anything about Elder Xuan, then trying to speak with him would likely be met with indifference.

Sect Master Qing Yang smiled and gently said, "If Elder Xuan takes an interest in guiding Zhou Yuan, that's his fortune. There's no need for us to dwell on this point." With his words, the matter was settled, and the other peak masters said no more.

Peak Master Gu, however, gazed at Zhou Yuan on the stone platform with keen interest. He said, "The last time I saw this kid, he shouldn't have cultivated this technique yet. I didn't expect him to be able to cultivate 'Jade Skin' so quickly... It seems his talent in external cultivation is exceptionally high. If he were on our Hongya Peak, I fear in just a few years, he would be another Shang Chunqiu."

Old Man White Brow of Genesis Mark Peak, however, pursed his lips and said, "What's the use of merely being brawny? This kid's Genesis Mark talent is also good. If he were on our Genesis Mark Peak, his future would clearly be even brighter."

"What do you know?!" Peak Master Gu glared, his body swelling, and instantly a startling thunderclap echoed between heaven and earth.

Old Man White Brow’s white eyebrows fluttered as he prepared to retort angrily, but Sect Master Qing Yang sternly rebuked, "Stop this nonsense." The two rivals snorted, then turned their gazes away.

A jagged crack spread from the stone platform, almost splitting it in two. Jade light appeared on Zhou Yuan’s body, making him appear even more handsome. Holding the Heavenly Yuan Brush, he calmly raised his head and looked at Wu Hai, who remained in shock in mid-air. The opponent’s previous attack was indeed formidable, but unfortunately, when Zhou Yuan held the Heavenly Yuan Brush and activated Source Breaking, Wu Hai’s Genesis Qi attack simply couldn't harm him.

"Impossible! How did you do that?!" Wu Hai finally snapped out of his daze, roaring in fury.

However, Zhou Yuan ignored him. He shook his head and said, "It seems you're not planning to step down on your own."

Wu Hai's face darkened, and he sneered, "Zhou Yuan, don't get too smug. Even if your defense is as hard as a turtle shell, I just need to hold you here. Once our people deal with those two, they'll come to support me. Then, I'd like to see if you can still withstand an attack from the five of us?!" Confronted by the harsh reality, he finally had to accept the truth. However, Wu Hai hadn't completely lost his mind; since he couldn't deal with Zhou Yuan now, he would simply stall him. Anyway, they held the absolute advantage in the situation. Zhou Yuan alone couldn't change anything.

Seeing this, Zhou Yuan said no more. His legs slowly spread, and his body leaned forward, poised like a cheetah about to pounce, radiating aggression. Clearly, he was about to make his move.

Upon seeing this, Wu Hai’s eyes immediately narrowed. He gripped his crimson greatsword tightly, Genesis Qi surging around him; he no longer dared to be careless. He no longer intended to defeat Zhou Yuan to erase his humiliation. He just needed to hold Zhou Yuan back, and he would naturally have a chance to deal with him later.

The ground beneath Zhou Yuan’s feet suddenly collapsed. Jade light flickered on his body, and a terrifying power erupted within him, flowing like a torrent through his limbs and bones. Within his body, it seemed a furious dragon roared. In the next instant, abundant Genesis Qi also erupted within him. His body shot out, leaving streaks of afterimages as the ground beneath his feet continuously shattered. His speed was indescribable, like a streak of light flashing across the sky. In a single breath, he appeared within a hundred zhang of Wu Hai.

"Heavenly Sword Wings!"

Wu Hai’s pupils contracted, and Genesis Qi surged within him, forming a pair of giant sword-qi wings behind him. The radiant sword wings spread out like shields, protecting his body. This was the strongest defensive technique he had mastered. Previously, he had been caught off guard by Zhou Yuan, not even having time to use such a technique. But now, prepared, he naturally wouldn't repeat his previous mistake.

"Hmph, I'd like to see if you can still break through my defense!" Wu Hai sneered. This time, he was full of confidence.

Under the gaze of countless eyes, Zhou Yuan’s figure, like lightning, appeared directly in front of the giant radiant sword wings. Then, his five fingers clenched, and he unleashed a punch. Jade light appeared on his fist, making it seem like jade.

"Heaven-Reaching Profound Flood Dragon Qi, Sky Python Scales!"

However, as he unleashed the punch, a low roar resonated in Zhou Yuan’s mind.

A tearing sound!

Scales appeared on his skin, covering his fist. Thus, the power of this punch rapidly increased, reaching an unprecedented level. This was the perfect synergy of the Lesser Profound Saint Body, cultivated by Zhou Yuan, and the Heaven-Reaching Profound Flood Dragon Qi. Zhou Yuan’s expression remained calm, but a sharp glint flickered in his eyes. That punch, imbued with immense power, shattered the void, and finally, under the watchful eyes of thousands, it collided with the sword wings.

The moment of impact, an earth-shattering sound resonated. Storm-like ripples spread out, and the stone platform below finally couldn't withstand the force, completely shattering. However, countless gazes were all focused on the point where the fist and wings collided. Then, everyone’s pupils sharply constricted.

Crack!

Because they saw cracks appearing on the sword wings beneath that fist, spreading at an astonishing speed and instantly covering the entire structure. Behind them, an expression of utter horror appeared on Wu Hai’s face. Violent and unparalleled fist wind raged outwards, and the sword wings finally exploded, turning into countless specks of light. The terrifying fist wind pierced through the void, and a single punch slammed into Wu Hai’s body, still in shock.

A cry of agony resounded. Wu Hai's figure was directly blasted out of Chief Peak by that single punch, crashing into a distant mountain peak where his entire body was embedded within the mountain wall. The rocks on the distant mountain collapsed.

Outside Chief Peak, however, there was complete silence. Countless gazes stared blankly at the scene…

Wu Hai… had been sent flying by another single punch from Zhou Yuan…