Chapter 543: Source Marrow Allocation

In the vast expanse where the sea met the sky, countless eyes watched with astonishment the young figure standing on the water. Though slightly disheveled, the energy fluctuations around him clearly indicated he had not suffered any major injuries. This, however, made countless people even more incredulous, as they had just witnessed Zhou Yuan enduring the leviathan's final, desperate attack. While the leviathan was at its last gasp, its attack was still incredibly formidable. Even other Saint Sons, if they had faced it alone, would have needed to exercise extreme caution. Therefore, when Zhou Yuan emerged seemingly unscathed, not only ordinary disciples but even Saint Sons like Li Qingchan, who were high in the air, couldn't help but gape in disbelief.

"How is that possible?!" Zhao Zhu blurted out. It wasn't that he wished to see Zhou Yuan eliminated, as his share of the origin marrow would still be secure even if that happened. Rather, he found it impossible to believe that Zhou Yuan could withstand the leviathan's final blow. Didn't this imply that they had all severely underestimated Zhou Yuan's capabilities?

The other Saint Sons exchanged bewildered glances, none able to offer an explanation.

"It seems Junior Brother Zhou Yuan is truly unfathomable," Chu Qing remarked, quickly recovering from his initial surprise and smiling faintly.

"Thanks to him, the leviathan was finally stopped; otherwise, our efforts today would have been in vain," Li Qingchan added, nodding her head slightly.

Even Kong Sheng and Zhao Zhu, among the other Saint Sons, had to concede that without Zhou Yuan's timely intervention, they would have certainly left empty-handed today. In fact, they all owed him a debt of gratitude.

"There's no need for these idle words," Yaoyao said earnestly. "Zhou Yuan stopping the leviathan is a significant contribution, so I believe he should receive an additional ten percent of the origin marrow." In her view, the initial twenty percent allocated to Zhou Yuan was merely the compensation for breaking through the Dragon Saliva True Water. Now that Zhou Yuan had made a further contribution, he should naturally receive an additional share according to their agreement. To achieve the Nine Dragon Baptism, the more origin marrow from the leviathan, the better. Thus, Yaoyao naturally argued her point with conviction.

The corners of the Saint Sons' mouths twitched almost imperceptibly. They gazed at Yaoyao's jade-like face, so beautiful and utterly flawless. Such a being ought to appear like an ethereal fairy, untouched by worldly concerns, yet now, in her effort to secure an extra ten percent of the origin marrow for Zhou Yuan, she seemed remarkably down-to-earth. Yet, confronted by Yaoyao's serious and exquisitely beautiful face, they found themselves utterly speechless.

"What? Am I incorrect?" Yaoyao asked, her willow-like brows furrowing slightly when they remained silent. She believed her statement was perfectly reasonable; given their prior agreement to distribute based on contribution, Zhou Yuan was now entitled to request an increased share.

"I have no objections," Chu Qing stated, quickly raising his hand as Yaoyao's gaze fell upon him. He was exceptionally pleased with the current outcome; subduing the leviathan had been far easier than he had anticipated, and this ease was clearly attributable to Zhou Yuan. Zhou Yuan had saved him a great deal of trouble. Otherwise, to secure the final outcome today, he might have had to fight with his very life, an outcome Chu Qing was determined to avoid. As for the origin marrow from the leviathan, while it was certainly a significant opportunity, for someone of Chu Qing's background, it would merely be an added bonus, not something that would bring about a qualitative transformation.

"Considering our previous agreement, Zhou Yuan's contribution is worth thirty percent," Li Qingchan stated truthfully after a moment's consideration.

Upon hearing this, the other Saint Sons, with the exception of a slightly disgruntled Kong Sheng and Zhao Zhu, nodded in agreement. Even they had to admit that Zhou Yuan's two interventions had been absolutely crucial. His final act, fighting with his life to prevent the leviathan's escape, was particularly impactful. While they still couldn't fathom how Zhou Yuan had withstood such an attack, it was undeniable that he had taken a significant risk.

On the surface of the sea, Zhou Yuan held the meter-long, gem-like origin marrow in one hand. His other hand, concealed within his sleeve, allowed a dark yellow liquid to drip silently from his fingertips into a jade bottle encased in spirit energy. This was, of course, the Dragon Saliva True Water. Zhou Yuan had been able to withstand the leviathan's final attack precisely by utilizing the Dragon Saliva True Water. The defensive capabilities of the Dragon Saliva True Water greatly astonished Zhou Yuan. The leviathan's dying strike was no less powerful than a full-force attack from a Saint Son, yet even that had been repelled by the Dragon Saliva True Water. With such a rare treasure for defense, even if Zhou Yuan were to engage a Saint Son-level adversary now, he would at least have a chance to escape unharmed. The only drawback, however, was Zhou Yuan's discovery that the Dragon Saliva True Water was a consumable. Once it left the Origin Pond, it would diminish with each use due to the lack of replenishment from the Origin Dragon Qi.

With a silent sigh, Zhou Yuan ascended into the air, joining the other Saint Sons.

"Are you alright?" Li Qingchan asked, her gaze sweeping over Zhou Yuan from head to toe.

Zhou Yuan smiled without elaborating further, tossing the origin marrow to Li Qingchan. "Fortunately, I didn't fail the mission," he said. "This origin marrow finally didn't get away."

The gem-like, lustrous origin marrow immediately captured the attention of the Saint Sons, their eyes gleaming with eagerness. After all, it was their first time witnessing the origin marrow of a leviathan. Li Qingchan gazed at the origin marrow suspended before her, letting out a soft sigh of awe. Immediately, her jade-like finger moved, and a stream of origin qi swept across it like a beam of light.

*Swoosh!*

The meter-long origin marrow was cleanly split in two, the severed surface as smooth as a mirror. The leviathan's origin marrow was incredibly condensed, almost solid, brimming with mysterious fluctuations.

"This is yours," Li Qingchan said, directly tossing the largest portion to Zhou Yuan.

Zhou Yuan quickly caught it. He examined his share, then hesitated. "It seems like a bit much?" he queried.

"Someone just fought for an extra ten percent for you," Li Qingchan remarked, glancing at Yaoyao.

Zhou Yuan looked at Yaoyao, a wave of emotion stirring within him. He knew better than anyone how detached Yaoyao's nature was, and for her to actively speak up and contend on his behalf was truly extraordinary.

Yaoyao accepted her portion of the origin marrow from Li Qingchan. Her share was considerably smaller than Zhou Yuan's, which was normal, as everyone else had received less than him. Another portion of the origin marrow flew towards Tun Tun, who was nearby. It happily wagged its tail, drooling with anticipation, then darted forward, its mouth wide open, ready to swallow it whole.

However, a slender, jade-like hand materialized out of thin air and effortlessly snatched the portion of origin marrow. Tun Tun immediately let out an indignant roar. It turned its head, only to cower instantly upon seeing the owner of the delicate, white hand, letting out a series of pathetic whimpers.

Yaoyao gently stroked its head, a rare and exquisitely beautiful smile gracing her lips. "Let Zhou Yuan use this origin marrow first, alright?" she asked.

Tun Tun shook its head vigorously, like a drum, clearly indicating, *Absolutely not!*

"Hmm?" Yaoyao's smile vanished, and her clear, beautiful eyes fixed on it.

Tun Tun instantly trembled, then whimpered as it trudged to the side, looking utterly dejected. Seeing this, Li Qingchan and the other Saint Sons couldn't help but cast sympathetic glances at Tun Tun. Earlier, when confronting the leviathan, Tun Tun had been on the front lines, taking as many blows as Shang Chunqiu. Yet now, the origin marrow it had finally gotten its paws on had been outright seized!

Chu Qing sighed to Ye Ge, exclaiming indignantly, "Did you see that? This little demoness is utterly ruthless! This creature is both powerful and adorable, yet she treats it this way!" His gaze lingered on Tun Tun, his eyes filled with fervent admiration. "I wonder what kind of origin beast that little thing is," he mused enviously. "Ah, if only it were mine, I could just send it into battle whenever I needed!"

Ye Ge, standing nearby, simply rolled her eyes.

Yaoyao, holding two portions of origin marrow, offered them to Zhou Yuan. Zhou Yuan looked at the crestfallen Tun Tun, feeling a pang of reluctance. "Perhaps we should give it back?" he suggested.

"Nonsense," Yaoyao said calmly. "The Profound Origin Cave Heaven is about to open. With your current strength, if you don't take this opportunity to advance further, how will you possibly contend with the various prodigies there for opportunities? Do you believe the Profound Origin Cave Heaven is merely another minor skirmish within the Cangxuan Sect? Even these Saint Sons face mortal danger upon entering, let alone you. If you feel you've shortchanged Tun Tun, then prioritize your own improvement. The Profound Origin Cave Heaven will undoubtedly hold opportunities far greater than the leviathan's origin marrow. If you encounter such a chance there, seize it for Tun Tun as compensation."

Zhou Yuan offered a wry smile, then, no longer feigning modesty, accepted it. "In the Profound Origin Cave Heaven, I promise I'll find an opportunity for Tun Tun!" he declared earnestly.

Only then did Yaoyao give a slight nod.

As the Saint Sons finished distributing the leviathan's origin marrow, the countless water beasts that had been besieging the island in the rear began to disperse, their retreat coinciding with the demise of the leviathan. Roaring, countless water beasts retreated, ultimately riding the waves as they dispersed in all directions.

On the island, the disciples from the Seven Peaks watched the retreating beast tide and let out a collective sigh of relief. They were nearing their limits, and had the battle continued, it would have been difficult to sustain. As their strained nerves relaxed, countless gazes turned towards the Saint Sons high in the distance. Immediately, a deafening roar of cheers erupted. This once-in-a-century Origin Pond Festival had finally been defended through the combined efforts of their Seven Peaks.

And as the cheers resounded, Grand Elder Qingyang's powerful voice echoed through the heavens and earth at that very moment.

"Congratulations, disciples..."

"You have successfully endured the Origin Pond Festival!"