Chapter 519: Sword Approaches the Besieged Island

At Saint Genesis Peak Island, countless figures, like a vast, overwhelming tide, appeared from the eastern sky. As far as the eye could see, there were only silhouettes, and the Genesis Qi emanating from their bodies caused the sea below to surge with colossal waves. Nearly ten thousand figures halted a short distance from the island, their numerous sharp gazes piercing towards it, exuding an astonishing pressure.

On the island, the hundreds of Saint Genesis Peak disciples watched the approaching army with extreme tension. The enemy's numerical advantage was overwhelming; they stretched as far as the eye could see. Everyone's palms were clammy with cold sweat. After years of decline, Saint Genesis Peak had never encountered such a formation.

Fortunately, at the forefront, Zhou Yuan stood motionless on a large rock. His calm expression exuded a peculiar strength that gradually quelled the panic among the disciples. Zhou Yuan also lifted his head, narrowing his eyes as he looked at the vast number of Sword Cometh Peak disciples in the distance. He could see more figures even further away, likely disciples from other peaks who had come to observe.

As Zhou Yuan's gaze swept across them, three figures darted out from the myriad of lights in the distant sky, landing at the very front: Kong Sheng, Zhao Zhu, and Baili Che. Kong Sheng's indifferent gaze cast from afar paused briefly on Zhou Yuan before quickly shifting to Yao Yao, who stood slightly behind him. Clearly, in his eyes, Zhou Yuan was not worth his attention. Had it not been for Yao Yao's presence, he likely wouldn't have considered Saint Genesis Peak of any significance.

Kong Sheng glanced at Baili Che, signaling for him to step forward. Zhou Yuan was merely a chief disciple and not yet qualified to speak directly with him.

Understanding the cue, Baili Che slowly stepped forward, his sharp gaze fixed on the vigilant Saint Genesis Peak disciples. His voice, like a clap of thunder, resounded: "One last question: are Saint Genesis Peak disciples intending to declare war on my Sword Cometh Peak?" At that moment, all the Sword Cometh Peak disciples vigorously circulated their Genesis Qi, and countless streams of sharp Genesis Qi instantly surged into the sky, tearing through the clouds. An intense, overwhelming pressure enveloped them, making it difficult for many Saint Genesis Peak disciples to breathe, their expressions growing exceptionally grim. They were now personally experiencing Sword Cometh Peak's might. Consequently, a stifling silence fell over the island.

Baili Che's lips curled into a slight smile as he casually stated, "My Sword Cometh Peak doesn't bully the weak or abuse its power. However, since someone committed a foolish act, a price naturally needs to be paid. And I believe this price should be paid by those who acted on their own initiative, unrelated to the other disciples of Saint Genesis Peak." He smiled faintly and continued, "If you also feel this way, simply take two steps back. My Sword Cometh Peak will not only not trouble you but will also grant you some Genesis Marrow, allowing you to complete this Genesis Pool Ceremony. Of course... for certain culprits, my Sword Cometh Peak will still require them to provide an explanation."

Baili Che's voice reached the ears of the disciples from other peaks, making them grimace. This person's tactics were truly insidious. In this situation, if any Saint Genesis Peak disciples were to succumb to Sword Cometh Peak's pressure and retreat, wouldn't that mean handing over Zhou Yuan, their chief disciple? This would undoubtedly turn Zhou Yuan into a colossal joke. A dignified chief disciple, unable to command respect and instead betrayed by his own subordinates—how utterly pathetic would that be? After that, how could he possibly still hold the position of chief disciple?

Baili Che's voice also reached the ears of the Saint Genesis Peak disciples. They exchanged glances but did not retreat a single step. Zhou Tai, who stood at the front, was the first to scoff, "Baili Che, cut the tricks. However Sword Cometh Peak wants to play, Saint Genesis Peak will meet you head-on!""Exactly!""We're not afraid of you!""At worst, we'll give up this Genesis Pool Ceremony!"Other disciples shouted in agreement. Baili Che's intentions were truly malicious, trying to use such methods to divide Saint Genesis Peak.

Baili Che's eyebrow twitched slightly. He glanced at Zhou Yuan with some surprise, having not expected him to command such prestige within Saint Genesis Peak. "Since you've refused the path offered, Sword Cometh Peak cannot be blamed," he said indifferently, shaking his head. With a wave of his hand, over two thousand disciples immediately spread out in a fan shape, beginning a gradual advance towards Saint Genesis Peak Island. They did not rush forward en masse, evidently wary of Yao Yao. After all, she was skilled in Genesis Runes and could easily set up traps on the island, potentially causing losses for Sword Cometh Peak.

Disciples from other peaks, seeing this, sighed in admiration. This Baili Che was indeed not simple; he showed no sign of impatience. Such a steady advance, given their overwhelming numerical advantage, was enough to render Saint Genesis Peak helpless. As the two thousand Sword Cometh Peak disciples gradually drew closer, the Saint Genesis Peak disciples on the island grew somewhat flustered. All eyes turned to Zhou Yuan. Not only them, but even disciples from other peaks fixed their gazes on Zhou Yuan, eager to see how this new chief disciple of Saint Genesis Peak would confront Sword Cometh Peak's encirclement. Moreover, beyond the Genesis Pool, Patriarch Qing Yang, the five peak masters, and the elders from each peak were all directing their attention to the Genesis Pool, observing the unfolding situation here.

In the eastern sky above the island, the two thousand Sword Cometh Peak disciples, treading on Genesis Qi, drew ever closer. Zhou Yuan watched the scene, taking a deep breath. He looked at the Saint Genesis Peak disciples staring at him and slowly asked, "Do you trust me?" The many disciples exchanged glances, then nodded heavily. "Good."

Zhou Yuan nodded gently and said, "Everyone prepare to retreat from the southwest and leave this place." The disciples, who had been preparing for a desperate struggle, were momentarily stunned upon hearing this. They looked at Zhou Yuan in astonishment. Run again? What was the point of running now? It would only make them a bigger laughingstock to the other peaks.

"Are we still running? We can't escape," Lu Yan said, biting her lip. If not for Zhou Yuan's past achievements, she might even have suspected him of being too timid.

"If you trust me, please listen to me," Zhou Yuan said to them in a low voice. "If the outcome of this Genesis Pool Ceremony is unsatisfactory, I will resign from my position as chief disciple." The many disciples fell silent for a moment, then their figures began to rise. "Yao Yao, lead them from the front. I'll be at the rear," Zhou Yuan said, seeing their movement. Yao Yao nodded slightly, rising into the air with Tun Tun in her arms, and swiftly darted towards the southwest. Zhou Tai, Lu Yan, Zhang Yan, and others immediately followed suit.

The moment their figures moved, countless eyes fell upon them, and a clamor immediately erupted. No one had expected that, even in this situation, Saint Genesis Peak would still try to run. But could such an escape truly succeed? Previously, Sword Cometh Peak might have let them escape because their main focus was on collecting Genesis Marrow. But now, with Sword Cometh Peak returning, they were clearly determined to eliminate Saint Genesis Peak. In these circumstances, escape was futile. Disciples from various peaks silently shook their heads, appearing somewhat disappointed. They had thought Zhou Yuan's earlier defiance meant he had some hidden cards, but when faced with Sword Cometh Peak, he still chose to flee.

Baili Che was momentarily taken aback to see the Saint Genesis Peak disciples abandoning the island and fleeing. He then looked at Kong Sheng, who seemed to let out a slight sigh of relief. "I initially thought they might be holding their ground here, perhaps having set up traps on the island, but it seems I was overly cautious," Kong Sheng said blandly. Although he wasn't particularly afraid even if the opponents had set traps, it would inevitably lead to increased losses. Now that they were abandoning the island and fleeing, it indicated that the island itself posed no significant problems. With that, his last apprehension vanished.

Hearing this, Baili Che grinned, his eyes gleaming with cold malice. He waved his hand, and his command thundered out: "Sword Cometh Peak disciples, heed my command! Pursue them with full force! Eliminate every single Saint Genesis Peak disciple!" Countless Sword Cometh Peak disciples let out long roars, surging forward in a mighty torrent.

On the island, Zhou Yuan watched the Sword Cometh Peak disciples rapidly giving chase, a grim glint in his eyes. Without a word, Genesis Qi surged beneath his feet, transforming him into a streak of light as he swiftly darted away, catching up with the retreating Saint Genesis Peak disciples in the distance."Come on, Sword Cometh Peak...""I hope this grand gift won't disappoint you..."