Chapter 481: Xuan Lao Appears

When Elder Xuan appeared on the mountain peak, everyone was surprised. Clearly, they hadn't expected this individual, who usually remained deep within the mountains of Saint Origin Peak, to show up today.

"Haha, Elder Xuan has actually shown his face. This is truly a rare occurrence," Sect Master Qingyang chuckled, being the first to cup his hands in greeting towards Elder Xuan.

Although Elder Xuan was the old servant of Patriarch Cang Xuan, his time spent by the Patriarch's side far surpassed even that of direct disciples like themselves. Therefore, even Sect Master Qingyang treated Elder Xuan with the respect due to an elder.

The other individuals, with the exception of Peak Master Leijun from Thunder Prison Peak, also cupped their hands in salute.

Elder Xuan waved his hand. "Spare me the formalities. As for what you mentioned earlier about allowing the chief disciples of all seven peaks to enter Saint Origin Peak, I will not agree to it."

Sect Master Qingyang smiled helplessly, clearly not surprised by Elder Xuan's opposition. After all, the latter was notoriously stubborn and set in his ways. The rules of Saint Origin Peak were established by Patriarch Cang Xuan back then, and Elder Xuan regarded all of his teacher's rules as divine decrees.

Peak Master Lingjun calmly stated, "Elder Xuan, wouldn't it be better to open the Saint Origin Peak gate sooner? You're well aware of how many times the chief disciples of Saint Origin Peak have failed over the years."

Elder Xuan stamped his bamboo broom on the ground. "All I know is that the rules set by my master cannot be broken."

Sect Master Qingyang sighed. "As disciples, how could we dare to easily violate the rules established by our teacher? However, undercurrents are surging within the Cangxuan Heaven. Although our Cangxuan Sect remains one of the six major colossal sects, the Sacred Palace constantly covets our position. With the covert assistance of the Sacred Race behind them, to prevent the Sacred Race from meddling in the affairs of Cangxuan Heaven, we must gain control of the Cangxuan Saint Seal."

Frost appeared on Peak Master Lianyi's exquisite face. "If the Cangxuan Saint Seal falls into the hands of our Cangxuan Sect again, we can finally settle the score with the Sacred Palace for what they did to our teacher back then!"

"Although it was the Sacred Race who acted, how could they have interfered in Cangxuan Heaven without the assistance of the Sacred Palace, those treacherous dogs and scoundrels!"

The other peak masters also revealed hatred in their eyes.

Elder Xuan also fell silent.

Peak Master Leijun from Thunder Prison Peak said in a low voice, "Old Xuan, if we truly wish to avenge Cang Xuan, we need information regarding the Cangxuan Saint Seal. Otherwise, if it falls into the hands of the Sacred Palace, the Cangxuan Heaven itself might be encroached upon by the Sacred Race."

Within the Cangxuan Sect, only Peak Master Leijun had a seniority comparable to Elder Xuan. One was an old servant of Patriarch Cang Xuan, and the other was an old friend who had known Patriarch Cang Xuan from the very beginning.

Peak Master Lingjun nodded lightly. "Therefore, this time, we hope Elder Xuan can support us."

Elder Xuan, with his aged appearance, fell into silence. After a long moment, he looked up, glanced at Zhou Yuan, who was nearby, and slowly said, "Give the disciples of Saint Origin Peak one more chance. If they still cannot open the mountain gate this year, then next year, the disciples from all seven peaks may attempt it together."

Peak Master Lingjun frowned slightly. "Elder Xuan, why delay for another year?"

He cast a faint glance at Zhou Yuan. "Although Saint Origin Peak has produced a decent chief disciple this year, it won't be easy for him alone to open the mountain gate. After all, Elder Xuan must be well aware of how many have failed in the past."

Elder Xuan's expression remained impassive. "This is my final concession. If you do not agree, I will not permit disciples from other peaks to enter Saint Origin Peak's main peak."

The seal on Saint Origin Peak's main peak was laid by Patriarch Cang Xuan, and Elder Xuan was the only one with any knowledge of it. Otherwise, even Sect Master Qingyang would find it nearly impossible to break the seal, short of directly using brute force to completely destroy Saint Origin Peak.

Sect Master Qingyang pondered for a moment, then finally waved his hand to stop Peak Master Lingjun, who was about to press the matter further. "Since Elder Xuan has put it that way, we naturally won't object."

"This year, we will let the Saint Origin Peak disciples try again. If they still cannot succeed, then next year, the disciples from all seven peaks will enter together and make another attempt."

Hearing this, the other peak masters also nodded. "Agreed."

Seeing this, Peak Master Lingjun could only say no more. His gaze swept indifferently over Zhou Yuan, then he spoke to Elder Xuan, "Elder Xuan, your actions are futile. Cangxuan Peak has fallen too far into decline; it needs to be rebuilt after breaking down."

"The remaining two lineages currently lack the ability, yet they stubbornly hold on, which only wastes opportunities and time. So, you don't always need to worry about their reputation."

Allowing disciples from all seven peaks to enter Saint Origin Peak's main peak would undoubtedly be a public declaration that Saint Origin Peak's disciples are incapable of opening the mountain gate. This would, naturally, cause the two lineages of Saint Origin Peak to lose all face.

Elder Xuan snorted coldly. "It is precisely from these two incapable lineages that a disciple emerged who caused even your Sword Come Peak to suffer defeat."

Peak Master Lingjun frowned.

Sect Master Qingyang waved his hand to stop them. "Since a decision has already been made on this matter, there's no need to say more."

He then looked up, his gaze sweeping over the countless Cangxuan Sect disciples in all directions, and a grand voice echoed through the heavens and earth.

"The Chief Disciple Competition concludes here!"

Countless disciples cheered, their excitement still palpable. This year's Chief Disciple Competition was far more thrilling than anyone had imagined.

Sect Master Qingyang looked at Zhou Yuan. "Since Elder Xuan insists, then in three days, Zhou Yuan, you will represent Saint Origin Peak and make one final attempt to enter the mountain."

"I hope you can unlock the seal, open the mountain gate, and restore our Cangxuan Sect to its full seven-peak status."

Zhou Yuan let out a sigh of relief from deep within, filled with gratitude towards Elder Xuan. If Elder Xuan hadn't intervened today, the six grand masters might very well have decided to let the chief disciples of all seven peaks enter the main peak.

In that scenario, his search for the second Saint Rune would undoubtedly encounter more complications.

This was because he couldn't be sure if any of those chief disciples had ulterior motives.

"Your disciple will do his utmost," Zhou Yuan said, cupping his hands.

Not only for the sake of the second Saint Rune, but also to preserve the prestige of their lineage, he had to give his all. Otherwise, if disciples from other peaks truly had to help open the mountain gate, Saint Origin Peak would truly struggle to hold its head high within the Cangxuan Sect.

Sect Master Qingyang nodded. After conversing with Elder Xuan for a while longer, he transformed into a streak of light and soared into the sky.

The other peak masters also gradually dispersed.

In a short while, the peak became empty.

Under the setting sun, countless streaks of light shot away in all directions; these were the disciples from various peaks departing after witnessing the conclusion of the Chief Disciple Competition.

Although the Chief Disciple Competition had ended, the atmosphere of excitement clearly lingered, making the entire Cangxuan Sect quite lively.

Zhou Yuan exhaled deeply, then looked at Elder Xuan beside him, cupping his hands. "This time, we truly owe it to Elder Xuan for preserving the reputation of our Saint Origin Peak."

Elder Xuan waved his hand. "This old man could only forcefully delay it a little longer. After all, Saint Origin Peak has indeed been sealed for far too long..."

His cloudy eyes fixed on Zhou Yuan as he slowly said, "In three days, whether Saint Origin Peak can open its gates again will depend on you."

"If you fail again, Saint Origin Peak might truly have no choice but to be rebuilt after breaking down, as Lingjun suggested..."