Chapter 570: Strong Presence

A massive chasm cut through the forests, collapsing every hilltop in its path. All eyes across the land stared at the scene, almost in a daze.

Silence permeated the air.

While Ning Mo's earlier defeat, forced to his knees by Zhou Yuan's punch, had been somewhat understandable—people assumed Zhou Yuan was feigning weakness—this current display completely overturned their understanding once again.

Ning Mo's lethal move was almost his strongest attack, launched with all his might. Facing such an assault, even experts of the same level wouldn't dare to meet its force head-on.

Yet, who could have imagined that Zhou Yuan not only didn't retreat, but instead chose the most direct and forceful method, shattering Ning Mo's most powerful technique with an invincible stance?

Their gazes fell upon the last collapsing mountain in the distance, where Ning Mo's figure was buried. Zhou Yuan's previous punch had been powerful enough to kill an early-stage Ninth Heaven Origin Realm expert.

After a long silence, when eyes across the land turned back to Zhou Yuan, they were filled with deep apprehension and fear.

It was only then that they fully understood why Zhou Yuan, despite appearing to only be at the Seventh Heaven Origin Realm, could become a chief disciple of the Cangxuan Sect.

In the valley, Jin Zhang and many other Cangxuan Sect disciples watched the scene in shock. While they knew Zhou Yuan was strong, they never imagined he could so overwhelmingly defeat a chief disciple of the Sacred Palace...

It was important to note that Ning Mo's Genesis Qi cultivation also surpassed ten thousand. Such an accomplishment would rank him among the top within their own Cangxuan Sect's seven chief disciples.

"I never expected his power to reach this level after the Nine Dragon Baptism," Jin Zhang murmured, his eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions. Zhou Yuan was clearly far more powerful now than during the Genesis Pool Festival.

Awe appeared in the eyes of the other disciples.

Meanwhile, the Sacred Palace disciples wore grim expressions. They clearly found it hard to believe that Ning Mo would suffer such a devastating defeat at the hands of this Cangxuan Sect chief.

Especially the chief disciple named Wang Yuan. He stood frozen for a good while before snapping out of his daze. Immediately after, his expression turned extremely grim.

Despite the surrounding gazes, Zhou Yuan calmly looked towards the most distant collapsed mountain. Ning Mo's Genesis Qi fluctuations there were extremely faint, but he seemed to still have a breath left.

So, Zhou Yuan took a step, clearly intending to finish him off while he was down.

However, just as he took that step, a ferocious, piercing sound suddenly ripped through the air. A black light, carrying astonishing Genesis Qi, hurtled down, aiming directly for his head.

Before the black light even landed, the ground beneath his feet began to crack.

Zhou Yuan stopped, his eyes narrowing slightly. He gripped his hand, and the Heavenly Yuan Brush appeared, swinging upwards diagonally.

A metallic clang echoed, and sparks flew.

A violent ripple storm raged outwards, instantly snapping the ancient trees nearby in half.

Zhou Yuan's body trembled, and he looked up. He saw that what had violently collided with his Heavenly Yuan Brush was a black iron rod. Ancient Genesis Runes were inscribed upon it.

And at the other end of the black iron rod was none other than Wang Yuan, the chief disciple of the Sacred Palace.

Their gazes met, both filled with surging killing intent.

"Boy, you have some nerve to strike so viciously!" Wang Yuan growled, his eyes icy.

Zhou Yuan's previous counterattack was too swift, so even Wang Yuan didn't have time to intervene, and Ning Mo was severely wounded by Zhou Yuan.

Zhou Yuan's lips curled into a sneer. "You Sacred Palace dare to kill my Cangxuan Sect disciples, so why should I show mercy to your chief disciples?"

Wang Yuan's tone was grim. "What a boast! Who do you think you are?!"

He gripped the iron rod with both hands, black Genesis Qi flowing over his arms. With a roar, the iron rod crashed down again. The force was so immense that it could shatter even a mountain.

Zhou Yuan, however, was unfazed. The Heavenly Yuan Brush transformed into a black light and met the attack. The black brush and black rod clashed violently for hundreds of rounds within mere seconds.

The surrounding environment was completely torn apart by their clash.

After one final heavy blow, both Zhou Yuan and Wang Yuan were sent flying backward.

The Sacred Palace disciples felt their hearts sink when they saw this. Originally, when they saw Wang Yuan angrily attack, they had hoped he could decisively defeat the Cangxuan Sect chief and regain some face for their Sacred Palace. But to their surprise, even with Wang Yuan's intervention, he didn't seem to gain much of an advantage.

It was worth noting that among the Sacred Palace's ten chief disciples, Wang Yuan ranked fourth. He was stronger than Ning Mo, who was ranked fifth!

Wang Yuan's iron rod struck the ground heavily, carving a deep mark. His gaze was grim as he stared at Zhou Yuan; he had already sensed the latter's strength during their brief clash.

Zhou Yuan's Genesis Qi cultivation was no weaker than his own.

"My Qi Dwelling has condensed twelve thousand Genesis Qi stars. This kid is only at the Seventh Heaven, so why is his foundation so profound?!" Wang Yuan's eyes showed surprise and uncertainty. As far as he knew, even their Sacred Palace's Saint Sons rarely achieved such a deep Genesis Qi foundation at the Seventh Heaven.

As Wang Yuan made his move against Zhou Yuan, Jin Zhang also darted out from the valley, hovering in the air. His Genesis Rune Brush appeared, with numerous Genesis Runes flickering faintly, menacingly locking onto Wang Yuan.

Being targeted by two chief disciples made Wang Yuan frown. This made him realize that the Sacred Palace was now at a disadvantage in today's situation.

So, he decisively waved his hand.

The many Sacred Palace disciples who were surrounding the valley, though somewhat reluctant, ultimately retreated swiftly.

Several disciples descended into the collapsed mountain and dug out Ning Mo. He was already unconscious, covered in blood, with a large section of his chest caved in.

His breathing was extremely faint.

At this rate, it was questionable if he would even survive.

Wang Yuan saw Ning Mo's condition and his face immediately grew even more grim. He stared coldly at Zhou Yuan and slowly said, "Boy, you've caused big trouble."

"Oh, really?" Zhou Yuan replied with a faint smile.

"If Ning Mo dies by your hand, my Sacred Palace will make you pay!" Wang Yuan articulated each word slowly and distinctly.

"By you?" Zhou Yuan raised the Heavenly Yuan Brush in his hand, pointing it at Wang Yuan.

Wang Yuan let out a cold laugh. "You do have some strength, boy. But don't get too smug. This area is the Sacred Palace's territory. I'm afraid to tell you that, besides the two of us, the chief disciple of my Sacred Palace's Blood Saint Hall is also here."

"Blood Saint Hall chief? Fan Yao?"

Hearing that name, Zhou Yuan showed no particular reaction. However, Jin Zhang's expression in mid-air abruptly changed, and he quickly transmitted a message to Zhou Yuan: "That Fan Yao ranks third among the Sacred Palace's ten chief disciples! His strength is far greater than Ning Mo's and Wang Yuan's! He's extremely troublesome!"

Zhou Yuan's eyes flickered, and he frowned slightly. It wasn't because of the so-called Fan Yao, but rather why three chief disciples from the Sacred Palace were gathered in this region.

"Are these guys also here for that Six-Colored Treasure Land?" This thought crossed Zhou Yuan's mind.

Seeing Jin Zhang's changed expression, Wang Yuan then said coldly: "I advise you, if you know what's good for you, to quickly get out of this area. Otherwise, when Fan Yao makes his move, none of you will ever leave."

As his voice fell, he gave Zhou Yuan another cold glance, then waved his hand and retreated swiftly.

"Go!"

"You kid called Zhou Yuan, run away like a stray dog! The next time we meet, I'll make sure you know the consequences of offending my Sacred Palace!"

Amidst the shouts, Wang Yuan quickly retreated with the many Sacred Palace disciples. He was clearly wise enough to know that, given the current situation, they could no longer gain any advantage.

As for their retreat, Zhou Yuan did not take any further action. The Sacred Palace forces were not weak, and a full-scale battle here would undoubtedly cost both sides dearly.

Furthermore, in the distance, other factions were secretly watching. If either side showed signs of weakness, those forces would likely make their move.

Regardless of Wang Yuan's harsh words, it was clear to everyone that their retreat looked rather inglorious.

In the valley, the many Cangxuan Sect disciples cheered loudly.

Further away, forces from various factions clicked their tongues in amazement. The previous situation had put the Cangxuan Sect at a complete disadvantage, yet who could have imagined that the arrival of the Saint Genesis Peak's chief disciple would instantly turn the tide?

Looking at the figure in the distant forest, young yet possessing an imposing aura, the various experts all sighed in admiration.

"To think that the declining Saint Genesis Peak of the Cangxuan Sect could produce such a figure..."