Chapter 482: The Grand Feast

Although the Chief Disciple Competition had ended, its aftermath continued to stir the entire Cangxuan Sect. The most surprising outcome of this competition was undoubtedly the emergence of Zhou Yuan, the super dark horse from Saint Genesis Peak. Before the competition, no one could have imagined that this new disciple, who had only joined the sect a year prior, would achieve such a remarkable and astounding feat with such fierce determination. Becoming a chief disciple from a regular one in just a year undoubtedly broke all previous records in the Cangxuan Sect. After this battle, Zhou Yuan had undoubtedly become a truly prominent figure within the Cangxuan Sect.

With the battle concluded, the disciples of the Shen Taiyuan lineage were in a joyous mood. This Chief Disciple Competition had brought immense prestige to their lineage within the sect, a feeling of widespread admiration that many disciples hadn't experienced in a long time. Consequently, Shen Wanjin, whose wealth had soared after betting twenty thousand Genesis Jade on Zhou Yuan, grandly booked the Fragrant Hundred Tower in the inner mountain to host a banquet for all his fellow disciples, garnering enthusiastic support.

Shen Wanjin also thoughtfully extended an invitation to the disciples of the Lu Song lineage. After all, the two lineages had somewhat cooperated during the Chief Disciple Competition, and although they ultimately fell short, the experience undoubtedly fostered a closer relationship between them. The disciples of the Lu Song lineage were initially hesitant about Shen Wanjin's invitation, but Elder Lu Song eventually gave his approval, and they accepted. Clearly, Elder Lu Song was also attempting to show goodwill towards the increasingly powerful Shen Taiyuan lineage. With the participation of the Lu Song lineage disciples, the banquet's atmosphere became incredibly lively and grand.

At the Fragrant Hundred Tower, the atmosphere was boisterous, with disciples from both lineages gathered and constant chatter filling the air. At the large central table, Zhou Yuan was undoubtedly the center of attention. Beside him, Yaoyao held Tun Tun, who was busily wolfing down all the delicacies on the table, clearing them completely. Most of the disciples were clearly accustomed to Tun Tun's enormous appetite, so they simply drank heartily, not daring to compete for food. Indeed, if anyone reached out, Tun Tun would bare its fangs fiercely, though its miniature size only made its menacing expression all the more adorable. As the guest of honor, Zhou Yuan was naturally the busiest. Understanding the excitement of the disciples from both lineages, he welcomed everyone, further enlivening the atmosphere. Yaoyao, on the other hand, paid no mind to the crowd, leisurely sipping her wine. No one dared to disturb her. After all, everyone on Saint Genesis Peak knew of Yaoyao's unique nature. Though she didn't hold the title of a Saint Child, her strength was in no way inferior to one. Had she participated in the Chief Disciple Competition, the chief disciple position would undoubtedly have been hers.

After several rounds of drinks, Lu Yan suddenly stood up, her pretty face flushed from the alcohol. Her beautiful eyes fixed on Zhou Yuan, she said, slightly tipsy, "Zhou Yuan, I used to find you disagreeable. Now I see it was indeed my lack of judgment. But this time, our Saint Genesis Peak only managed to save face thanks to you. Let this drink be my apology for my past behavior!" As she finished speaking, she drained the large bowl in her hand. Some wine spilled down, dampening her clothes, but she appeared quite dashing, drawing a round of cheers.

Zhou Yuan felt a bit awkward at the sight. With a wry smile, he picked up a bowl of wine beside him and drained it. In the past, Lu Yan had often criticized him, deeming him unqualified, which sometimes annoyed him to the point of keeping his distance. However, overall, there was no significant animosity between them.

"Both our lineages are disciples of Saint Genesis Peak," Zhou Yuan said solemnly, looking at the other disciples. "Though there have been disputes, there is also a degree of unity. I hope that in the future, our Saint Genesis Peak can restore its former glory in the Cangxuan Sect." The disciples from both lineages quieted down, raised their cups, and drank them dry, their gazes towards Zhou Yuan now holding a newfound respect. Zhou Yuan was now the chief disciple of Saint Genesis Peak, a position that would grant him a completely different status and standing than before.

"Heh, quite a boast. Ignorance truly breeds fearlessness," a cold scoff suddenly echoed at that moment.

"Who's there?!" The disciples from both lineages stood up, faces contorted in anger, and shouted. However, what answered them was an immense and unparalleled pressure of Genesis Qi, enveloping them like a vast sea. The disciples from both lineages immediately blanched, their standing forms forcibly pressed back down.

Footsteps sounded on the staircase as a group of people leisurely descended. Leading them was none other than Zhao Zhu, the Saint Child of Sword Cometh Peak, followed by several Sword Cometh Peak disciples, who eyed everyone with ill intent. Upon seeing Zhao Zhu, the disciples from both lineages couldn't help but change their expressions, swallowing back the reprimands they had been about to utter. As one of the Ten Saint Children, Zhao Zhu's status and power within the Cangxuan Sect were clearly far superior to that of ordinary disciples like them.

Zhou Yuan slightly frowned as he looked at Zhao Zhu, who had clearly come to cause trouble. "I recall the Fragrant Hundred Tower was booked by us tonight?" he asked.

Zhao Zhu's lips curled slightly. A Sword Cometh Peak disciple behind him scoffed mockingly, "Chief Disciple Zhou Yuan, surely you know that the top floor of the Fragrant Hundred Tower is exclusively reserved for Saint Children? You might have booked the lower floors, but could you possibly book the top floor too?" Another Sword Cometh Peak disciple chuckled softly, "Saint Genesis Peak hasn't produced a Saint Child for many years, so it's understandable they wouldn't know this." The other Sword Cometh Peak disciples burst into laughter.

The disciples from the two lineages below wore grim expressions but dared not refute Zhao Zhu under his imposing presence. The atmosphere instantly grew cold.

Zhou Yuan's eyelids drooped slightly as he calmly said, "Senior Brother Zhao Zhu, I heard that with Elder Lu Hong's lineage losing the chief disciple position this time, Sword Cometh Peak will also lose a significant amount of cultivation resources?"

Zhao Zhu's expression immediately stiffened, and his gaze turned chilling as he stared at Zhou Yuan. He was, of course, aware of this matter; the entire Sword Cometh Peak now considered it a great humiliation. It was precisely to vent his anger that he had come here.

"Junior Brother Zhou Yuan, your courage is truly extraordinary," Zhao Zhu said icily. "Knowing the circumstances, you still dare to get involved."

Zhou Yuan smiled. "Our lineage also belongs to Saint Genesis Peak. Why can't we get involved? If you have an objection, you are welcome to report it to the Sect Master and try to strip our lineage of its right to participate."

"Sharp-tongued!" Zhao Zhu's eyes turned icy. His gaze swept around, but few disciples dared to meet his eyes. With a flick of his sleeve, he sneered mockingly, "With just you few little kittens and puppies, you dare to boast about restoring Saint Genesis Peak's glory? You're a joke."

"A mere chief disciple, picked up from who knows where, is worth this much celebration? I think Saint Genesis Peak should first consider how to produce a Saint Child. For so many years, Saint Children have practically been non-existent from your peak!"

Hearing his scathing remarks, the disciples from both lineages turned ashen. Lu Yan slapped the table, on the verge of erupting in fury, but was quickly restrained by a disciple beside her. Seeing this, Zhao Zhu offered a sarcastic smile and walked directly out of the Fragrant Hundred Tower. After his little display, he wanted to see if the disciples from these two lineages still had any inclination to celebrate.

Zhou Yuan watched his retreating figure, his eyes slightly narrowed. Just as he was about to speak, a clear, cool, and pleasant voice, like a secluded mountain spring, calmly emanated from beside him.

"Saint Child... is that really so impressive?"

All eyes in the Fragrant Hundred Tower converged. Zhao Zhu's footsteps slowly halted, and he turned his head. All gazes finally settled on the graceful figure beside Zhou Yuan, as striking as a startled swan.