Chapter 477

When Zhou Yuan’s clear voice echoed through the world, the profound silence outside Chief Peak was finally shattered. Those almost dazed gazes gradually regained their focus.

Their eyes were fixed on Chief Peak, which was still slowly crumbling. In mid-air, Zhou Yuan stood, his clothes torn and his appearance slightly disheveled. Yet, the subtle power emanating from him caused many disciples to pause.

Only at this moment did they truly realize that Zhou Yuan, whom many had regarded as merely a new disciple, had, in just this short year, grown to such an astonishing degree. Even a seasoned disciple of Yuan Hong’s caliber had been defeated by him!

At this instant, everyone understood that Zhou Yuan could no longer be viewed with their old perceptions. Anyone who still tried to act superior based on seniority in front of him would likely only bring humiliation upon themselves.

Outside Chief Peak, the disciples from the three factions of Saint Genesis Peak also snapped back to reality.

The disciples of Shen Taiyuan’s faction still found the scene before them hard to believe. They exchanged bewildered glances, then hesitantly asked, “Did we... win?” The immense pressure from Lu Hong’s faction had been overwhelming, making this outcome almost too good to be true, even now.

Shen Taiyuan’s aged face, usually stern and unyielding, softened little by little. Unmistakable excitement welled up in his eyes as he nodded heavily, his voice trembling, “Yes, Zhou Yuan won! We won this Chief Disciple competition!”

Faced with such a result, even Shen Taiyuan’s usual composure could not be maintained. Earlier, when Zhou Tai and the other two had failed to ambush Yuan Hong, Shen Taiyuan had already felt a sense of despair because Yuan Hong’s displayed strength was simply too formidable. Although Zhou Yuan had repeatedly surprised everyone, Shen Taiyuan believed that since Zhou Yuan had only recently joined, challenging a veteran disciple like Yuan Hong at this stage would likely not result in a victory. Yet, he never imagined that Zhou Yuan, who was barely favored by anyone, would ultimately achieve this—even turning the tide and utterly defeating Yuan Hong!

Shen Taiyuan looked at the young figure in mid-air, a look of immense satisfaction filling his eyes. He felt incredibly fortunate that he had insisted on taking Zhou Yuan as his disciple and had overcome much opposition to give him extensive support. Now, Zhou Yuan had given him the greatest reward.

As Shen Taiyuan spoke, the nearby disciples finally came to their senses. Zhou Yuan had actually defeated Yuan Hong and claimed the position of Chief Disciple of Saint Genesis Peak! And so, in the next moment, thunderous cheers erupted.

“Brother Yuan is invincible!” a high-pitched, extremely excited yell pierced the air. Everyone startled, then looked to see Shen Wanjin. The chubby little fellow’s round face was flushed, looking as if he were about to faint from excitement. “I-I bet twenty thousand Origin Jade!” Shen Wanjin stammered, trembling with excitement.

At his words, silence fell again, then eyes turned red as people stared intensely at Shen Wanjin, breathing heavily. Only now did they remember that Shen Wanjin had wagered twenty thousand Origin Jade on Zhou Yuan becoming Chief Disciple! What kind of odds were those?! They had previously joked that Shen Wanjin’s twenty thousand Origin Jade had been thrown away, but who could have imagined this outcome? With those odds, how much would Shen Wanjin gain this time? That amount would leave even Purple Sash disciples stunned.

Many disciples looked at the red-faced, excited Shen Wanjin and suddenly felt a pang in their hearts. This little fatty, after a seemingly random gamble, had become one of Cangxuan Sect’s top wealthy individuals? What incredible luck was this!

As these disciples cheered, nearby, Elder Lu Song was the first to gently clap his hands, offering Shen Taiyuan a congratulatory smile. His disciples also snapped out of their daze, and cheers arose from them as well; after all, they undoubtedly favored Zhou Yuan over Yuan Hong for the Chief Disciple position.

The shouts and cheers from both factions merged, thundering like a storm.

Amidst their jubilation, Lu Hong’s faction was enveloped in deathly silence. Many disciples, including Wei Youxuan and others who had previously clashed with Zhou Yuan, watched the scene with pale faces. They had never imagined that Yuan Hong, who was almost invincible in Saint Genesis Peak, would be defeated by Zhou Yuan! This blow to Lu Hong’s faction’s morale was devastating.

In that silence, Lu Hong’s aged face turned ashen, and his body trembled. His knees buckled, and he ultimately slumped onto the seat behind him. “How is this possible...” Lu Hong murmured. “How could he have defeated Yuan Hong?!”

Lu Hong’s withered hand gripped the back of the chair so tightly that the sturdy wood cracked. Clearly, this outcome had far exceeded his expectations. Yuan Hong was his top disciple, nurtured with great effort, and had even received guidance from Peak Master Lingjun. In Saint Genesis Peak, no other disciple should have been able to contend with him. This was the source of Lu Hong’s confidence in claiming the Chief Disciple position for Saint Genesis Peak, but the scene before him shattered all his certainty.

His mind was in chaos because he was well aware of the heavy responsibilities his faction bore in coming to Saint Genesis Peak. It was the result of a power struggle between Peak Master Lingjun and the other peak masters. If they failed here, failing to secure the Chief Disciple position, then Sword Cometh Peak would suffer enormous losses—losses that even an Elder like him could not bear.

He had followed Peak Master Lingjun for many years and knew very well the Peak Master’s obsession: to make Sword Cometh Peak the most powerful peak in Cangxuan Sect. But now, all their elaborate plans had failed here.

Lu Hong didn’t even dare to look up at the sky. He could imagine that Peak Master Lingjun must be absolutely furious at this moment... Lu Hong’s eyes were blank as he stared at the figure in mid-air above the peak. Suddenly, an overwhelming sense of regret surged within him. If he had known this, he should have brought Zhou Yuan into his faction back then.

But at the time, he hadn’t paid much attention to Zhou Yuan, nor did he think this new disciple had anything noteworthy about him. Furthermore, due to Lu Xuanyin, he clearly harbored more ill will towards Zhou Yuan. If he had taken Zhou Yuan as a disciple then, even if he had sidelined him, at least today’s events wouldn’t have happened! But now... recalling those past events, Lu Hong finally understood the meaning of true regret.

“It’s over...” he murmured, feeling a chill throughout his body.