Chapter 510: Reaction

The words Zhou Yuan conveyed to Baili Che quickly spread throughout Sword Cometh Peak. Unsurprisingly, this instantly ignited the indignation of many disciples there. For years, Sword Cometh Peak had been at the peak of its power within the Cangxuan Sect, and the sharp, formidable nature of the Genesis Qi cultivated by its disciples also contributed to their domineering personalities.

Regarding Saint Genesis Peak, Sword Cometh Peak disciples had always adopted a condescending attitude. This wasn't exclusive to them; other peaks also treated Saint Genesis Peak similarly, given its decline and the pitiful state of having only two factions.

Even though Zhou Yuan had achieved impressive feats at Saint Genesis Peak before, most Sword Cometh Peak disciples didn't take him seriously. That changed when Zhou Yuan defeated Yuan Hong in the Chief Disciple competition and claimed the position of Chief Disciple of Saint Genesis Peak.

No one expected this new disciple, who had only joined the sect a year prior, to achieve such a feat. This was undoubtedly unacceptable to the dominant and proud disciples of Sword Cometh Peak. After all, Lu Hong's faction also originated from Sword Cometh Peak.

Furthermore, following this, Peak Master Ling Jun's failed gamble resulted in Sword Cometh Peak losing countless cultivation resources. Naturally, the Sword Cometh Peak disciples dared not blame Peak Master Ling Jun, so their resentment was directed towards Saint Genesis Peak and Zhou Yuan. Many disciples clamored to teach Saint Genesis Peak a lesson during the Genesis Pond Festival to vent their anger.

In their view, it was only natural for Sword Cometh Peak to discipline Saint Genesis Peak. If Saint Genesis Peak were sensible, they would simply endure the beating and let the matter pass. To their surprise, Saint Genesis Peak showed no intention of yielding. Even their Chief Disciple, Baili Che, personally visited but failed to reach an agreement.

This further fueled the dissatisfaction of Sword Cometh Peak disciples. Although Saint Genesis Peak had reopened its gates, its foundation was still extremely shallow. Did they truly intend to challenge Sword Cometh Peak directly, without waiting for another hundred years of accumulation? Consequently, some radical disciples had resolved to make Saint Genesis Peak pay during the Genesis Pond Festival, demonstrating that even after reopening its gates, Saint Genesis Peak was still insignificant before Sword Cometh Peak!

However, even before the Genesis Pond Festival began, Zhou Yuan's defiant words to Baili Che reached them, and so, the entire Sword Cometh Peak erupted. They simply could not believe how Zhou Yuan of Saint Genesis Peak dared to provoke Sword Cometh Peak in such a manner. Did he truly think that defeating Yuan Hong was enough to make him disregard Sword Cometh Peak?

The entire Sword Cometh Peak boiled with outrage; all the disciples voiced their anger, and their gazes toward Saint Genesis Peak were exceptionally sharp. Now, they were determined to thoroughly deal with Saint Genesis Peak at the Genesis Pond Festival. Faced with such escalating fury from Sword Cometh Peak, even Grand Elder Qing Yang could only shake his head helplessly. At this point, it seemed they could only wait for Sword Cometh Peak to unleash its anger during the Genesis Pond Festival. However, this meant trouble for Saint Genesis Peak.

Sword Cometh Peak's anger also spread throughout the entire Cangxuan Sect. Disciples from other peaks were utterly astonished upon hearing the news, equally surprised that Saint Genesis Peak's newly appointed Chief Disciple was so… arrogant.

"This Zhou Yuan… isn't he a bit too arrogant to dare provoke Sword Cometh Peak like that?""Indeed, Sword Cometh Peak's strength is far beyond what Saint Genesis Peak can contend with right now. Such a provocation will only cause Saint Genesis Peak more suffering at the Genesis Pond Festival.""He must have been provoked by Sword Cometh Peak and decided to throw caution to the wind.""On another note, Chief Disciple Zhou Yuan seems quite unlucky. He's barely taken office and already encountered Sword Cometh Peak's wrath… It'd be a miracle if they achieve good results at the Genesis Pond Festival under these circumstances.""It's truly dreadful. I can't imagine how badly Saint Genesis Peak will be dealt with once they enter the Genesis Pond Festival."

Similar remarks circulated among the other peaks, clearly expressing sympathy for Saint Genesis Peak, but also bewilderment at Zhou Yuan's audacious provocation. Such behavior seemed rather irrational. Unable to understand Zhou Yuan's reasoning, they ultimately attributed it to his youthful impetuosity, unable to withstand the overbearing pressure from Sword Cometh Peak.

Li Qingchan also received these rumors and felt somewhat puzzled. From her understanding of Zhou Yuan, he was not the type to be rash or to merely engage in verbal bravado. However, she couldn't comprehend why Zhou Yuan would provoke Sword Cometh Peak in such a way. Could it be that Yaoyao's involvement had simply made him overconfident? But no matter how strong Yaoyao was, what could she possibly do against nearly ten thousand Sword Cometh Peak disciples?

"What on earth is that guy thinking?""By enraging Sword Cometh Peak like this, isn't he afraid of losing all face at the Genesis Pond Festival, being utterly suppressed by them?"

Cangxuan Peak.

"Junior Sister Hongyi, your friend certainly has quite a temper." Within Cangxuan Peak, many disciples already knew that Gu Hongyi and Zhou Yuan were among the same batch of disciples who entered the inner mountains, and that their relationship was good. Therefore, when this news spread, quite a few people came to tease her. After all, Gu Hongyi had a very strong background within the Cangxuan Sect and was beautiful. Although her personality was a bit fiery, it didn't prevent her from becoming a prominent figure in Cangxuan Peak.

In the past, Gu Hongyi always praised Zhou Yuan, which bothered some male disciples at Cangxuan Peak who harbored feelings for her. However, Zhou Yuan's performance throughout his journey made it impossible for them to say anything. So, upon hearing such news now, they couldn't help but use it as a joke, attempting to make Zhou Yuan lose some standing in Gu Hongyi's estimation. Gu Hongyi calmly deflected all these jests, but only when she was alone would she look towards Saint Genesis Peak, a hint of worry in her beautiful eyes. Because she, too, didn't know why Zhou Yuan would anger Sword Cometh Peak. Did he not realize that such actions would lead to an irredeemable situation?

While the disciples of various peaks within the Cangxuan Sect were buzzing about this matter, Zhou Yuan had secluded himself deep within his cave dwelling, beginning his final cultivation session before the Genesis Pond Festival.

Deep within the quiet cave dwelling, Zhou Yuan sat cross-legged on a stone bed. From his glabella, his Spirit slowly ascended, resembling a substantial shadow, sitting cross-legged above his head. A jade bottle swayed gently, releasing golden crystalline dust that glittered brilliantly under the sunlight. Each particle of golden dust descended, landing upon Zhou Yuan's meditating Spirit. And each time a particle of golden dust merged with his Spirit, Zhou Yuan's Spirit would gently ripple, becoming more refined and corporeal.

Within the depths of the cave dwelling, specks of light danced.