Chapter 549: Recruiting New Disciples

As Zhou Yuan's voice faded, countless eyes in the square immediately fixed on Baili Che. Under those many gazes, Baili Che's expression became volatile. The anger in his heart made him want to strike, but his rationality told him that confronting Zhou Yuan at this moment was not a wise decision.

Indeed, he had improved over the past two months, but it was clear that the Zhou Yuan standing before him had made even more astonishing progress! Previously, when facing these senior disciples, Zhou Yuan's Genesis Qi reserves were always a weakness. But now, it was different; Zhou Yuan's Genesis Qi foundation had genuinely and thoroughly surpassed his own. Therefore, Zhou Yuan's combat strength would now reach a truly astonishing level.

No matter how unwilling Baili Che was to face reality, he had to admit that the Saint Genesis Peak chief, whom he once considered unexceptional, was now remarkably different. Baili Che's expression flickered. Facing the torrent of Genesis Qi pressure emanating from Zhou Yuan, his lips eventually moved, but no words came out, his face a deep shade of purple.

"Zhou Yuan, don't get ahead of yourself! Once I truly master the 'Demon-Slaying Sword Pill Art,' I will come back and challenge you!" Baili Che finally managed to force these words through gritted teeth. His words made his answer clear. The Sword Cometh Peak chief, who had been so aggressive and arrogant just moments before, had actually chosen to back down!

Countless disciples gasped. As they gazed at the young figure, their hearts swelled with excitement. The Saint Genesis Peak chief had, by mere force of presence, compelled the Sword Cometh Peak chief to retreat, leaving him unable to act so brazenly again. What astonished them most was that Zhou Yuan had only been in the inner sect for a little over a year. In such a short period, he had made numerous advancements. Now, even the chief of Sword Cometh Peak couldn't stand firm against him. What remarkable resolve!

Many new disciples watched the scene with fervent eyes, and Mu Xiaoman's bright eyes shone with inspiration. Such a person was truly a worthy goal for her to strive to surpass.

Zhou Tai and Lü Yan, standing behind Zhou Yuan, felt a surge of excitement. Watching Baili Che, who dared not engage in combat under Zhou Yuan's powerful aura, a sense of pride swelled within them. In the past, their Saint Genesis Peak was likely insignificant in the eyes of Sword Cometh Peak, and Baili Che had certainly never held them in high regard. But from this day forward, that situation would never arise again.

"Everyone, stop!" At that moment, sect deacons arrived, sternly bringing the tense, confrontational atmosphere to a halt.

Seeing this, Zhou Yuan gave Baili Che a fleeting glance before retracting his Genesis Qi. With his recent surge in power, Baili Che clearly posed little threat to him anymore. His gaze shifted back to the many new disciples in the square, and he felt a momentary sense of detachment. Just last year, he had been one of them, hadn't he? Yet, he probably never imagined that a year later, he would become the chief disciple of Saint Genesis Peak, a prominent figure within the Cangxuan Sect.

He smiled wistfully, then composed himself. Addressing the many new disciples with eager eyes, he said in a clear voice, "My Saint Genesis Peak has only recently reopened its gates. While our numbers may not match other peaks, as long as you possess talent and are willing to cultivate diligently, Saint Genesis Peak will provide the appropriate cultivation resources, ensuring no talent goes to waste. Therefore, to all aspiring individuals, Saint Genesis Peak will open its gates wide and welcome you wholeheartedly."

Zhou Yuan understood the crucial importance of new blood to Saint Genesis Peak. Having recently reopened its gates, Saint Genesis Peak now needed these new disciples to gradually grow stronger and reclaim its former glory. As the chief of Saint Genesis Peak, he also had a duty to recruit widely for the peak.

In the square, many new disciples who had passed the Sect Selection Ceremony felt a slight pull. This interest, of course, was primarily sparked by Zhou Yuan's earlier display of intimidating presence that had subdued Baili Che. In their view, Zhou Yuan had only joined Saint Genesis Peak a little over a year ago, and his current achievements, while certainly due to his innate talent, also suggested that as long as one possessed ability, joining Saint Genesis Peak wouldn't dim one's potential. Furthermore, they understood that Saint Genesis Peak was currently undergoing a revival. Disciples of comparable talent might receive more cultivation resources if they joined Saint Genesis Peak than if they joined one of the other six peaks.

The minds of many disciples were working, and while some were tempted, no one immediately committed. After all, this was still speculation, and joining Saint Genesis Peak, compared to the other six peaks, undoubtedly carried some risk. Thus, everyone hesitated. The atmosphere became somewhat stagnant.

Seeing this, Baili Che's displeased expression finally eased a little. He sneered, casting a glance at Zhou Yuan, as if thinking, *Even if you're currently riding high, what does it matter? Changing Saint Genesis Peak's image in the minds of so many disciples is likely not something a single chief disciple like you can easily accomplish.*

Zhou Yuan, too, felt a little awkward. He hadn't expected that even with such a dramatic entrance, and having suppressed Baili Che to establish dominance, he still couldn't command an immediate, widespread response. It seemed Saint Genesis Peak's past reputation was truly dismal.

"Senior Brother Zhou Yuan, if I join Saint Genesis Peak, can I become a chief in just over a year?" A clear voice suddenly cut through the air. Zhou Yuan was momentarily stunned and looked over, seeing a pretty young girl in green standing before him, her large, bright eyes fixed on him.

"Oh, quite ambitious, aren't you?" He chuckled at her words. These new disciples seemed to get bolder every year; when he first passed the Sect Selection Ceremony, he hadn't even dared to dream of becoming a chief in just one year.

Lü Yan approached and whispered a few words in his ear.

"Oh? The top rank in this year's Sect Selection Ceremony?" A hint of surprise crossed Zhou Yuan's face. He then took a serious look at the girl named Mu Xiaoman standing before him. Achieving first place was testament to her talent, so her ambition was no surprise; she clearly had the ability.

"Becoming a chief in just one year might not be so easy," Zhou Yuan said with a smile. He could sense that the chiefs from the other six peaks were mostly focused on the girl in green, clearly interested in her talent. So, he slowly added, his gaze drifting.

"Since Senior Brother Zhou Yuan could do it, why can't I?" Mu Xiaoman asked earnestly, her bright eyes filled with an unyielding determination. Her competitive spirit was stronger than that of any man.

Lü Yan quickly shot Zhou Yuan a knowing look, clearly hoping he would persuade the girl to join Saint Genesis Peak, as Mu Xiaoman was currently a highly sought-after talent by all peaks. Zhou Yuan, however, paid no mind, simply remarking indifferently, "Because once you join Saint Genesis Peak, if you want to claim the chief position in a year, you'll have to take it from me. And I don't believe you'll be able to."

Lü Yan covered her face. *Couldn't he just humor a young girl like her, instead of always speaking such blunt truths?* Hearing this, Mu Xiaoman puffed out her cheeks and glared at Zhou Yuan, but then she smiled sweetly and said, "Senior Brother Zhou Yuan, I know you're trying to provoke me." Tilting her head, her bright eyes fixed intensely on Zhou Yuan, she declared, "But I'll fall for that trick anyway, because if you can do it, I refuse to believe I can't!"

"I'm joining Saint Genesis Peak!" she declared, her voice clear yet resolute.

Zhou Yuan watched her with keen interest. The girl's tenacious refusal to yield was truly impressive. "Then you'll need to work even harder," Zhou Yuan said with a smile. "Perhaps by the time you're ready to challenge me, I'll already be advancing to the rank of Saint Son." He didn't mind if newcomers used him as a goal to pursue and surpass, especially if it motivated them.

Mu Xiaoman made a face. "Chief," she teased, "don't go making empty promises!"

As Mu Xiaoman made her decision, the other new disciples in the square stirred. Immediately after, a large wave of them surged forward, shouting loudly.

"I'm also joining Saint Genesis Peak!"

"I want to follow Senior Sister Xiaoman!"

Zhou Yuan looked at the chaotic scene before him and couldn't help but chuckle softly. Starting with them, Saint Genesis Peak would gradually grow stronger. He greatly anticipated the future of Saint Genesis Peak.