Chapter 614: Guarding the Treasure Land

Inside the room, Zhao Zhu saw Yaoyao raise her hand and Tun Tun lift its paw. He had to forcibly swallow the words he was about to say, his face a mix of green and pale, looking quite unpleasant.

Although Yaoyao and Tun Tun were not strictly considered Holy Sons, even Zhao Zhu dared not voice this, given the immense strength they had demonstrated recently. Their contributions had been crucial in helping the Cangxuan Sect establish its foothold deep within the Grand Mystical Mountain Range.

Despite not being Holy Sons, they commanded influence equivalent to one.

"Since Yaoyao and Tun Tun support him, let Zhou Yuan be this alternate guardian," Li Qingchan interjected, mediating the situation.

Zhao Zhu let out a cold snort. While he didn't explicitly object, his expression clearly conveyed disdain for Zhou Yuan. In his view, Zhou Yuan's desire for a guardian position was simply an attempt to gain contribution points, which were significantly higher than those awarded to other chief disciples. Forcing himself into such a role without the requisite strength was, to Zhao Zhu, rather ungraceful.

The other Holy Sons remained silent, yet their gazes towards Zhou Yuan held a hint of hesitation. While Zhao Zhu's words were harsh, a chief disciple like Zhou Yuan forcibly interjecting into a Holy Son-level dispute did, from a certain perspective, seem like an act of self-humiliation.

Kong Sheng stated flatly, "Since you insist on being an alternate, I hope you will prove useful when the time comes."

Zhou Yuan smiled, offering no lengthy explanation. He simply nodded and said, "Should Holy Son Zhao Zhu make a mistake, I will do my utmost to salvage the situation."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhu scoffed, dismissing it as Zhou Yuan's arrogant boast. After all, even if he were to make a mistake, the repercussions would be far too great for a mere chief disciple like Zhou Yuan to manage.

"Now that our discussion is complete, please take a short rest. We will then proceed directly to the Seven-Colored Treasure Land."

"Once the Seven-Colored Treasure Land appears, it will undoubtedly cause a significant stir. The Sacred Palace will become aware of it and will certainly intervene, attempting to seize it."

"Other sects will also detect its presence. While they may not openly contend for it, they will undoubtedly observe from the shadows. If an opportunity arises, it wouldn't be surprising for them to make a move."

"Therefore, everyone, if we are to defend this Seven-Colored Treasure Land, our Cangxuan Sect must act as one," Li Qingchan stated, her clear eyes sweeping across the group, her face exceptionally serious.

The others all nodded solemnly. This endeavor was not solely due to the Seven-Colored Treasure Land's rarity; it was also crucial for the Cangxuan Sect's reputation. If such a treasure appeared on their territory and they failed to protect it, how would other sects perceive them?

Thus, this time, they were not merely guarding the Seven-Colored Treasure Land, but the very reputation of the Cangxuan Sect.

As the group dispersed, Yaoyao and Zhou Yuan departed together.

"It seems you've grown quite bold now, even inserting yourself into disputes among Holy Sons," Yaoyao remarked, holding Tun Tun. She cast a playful glance at Zhou Yuan, a hint of amusement gracing her lips.

Previously, in conflicts involving Holy Sons, Yaoyao typically engaged while Zhou Yuan would avoid them as much as possible, given his insufficient strength to make an impact at that level.

Zhou Yuan chuckled, "You and Tun Tun have already made quite a name for yourselves. If I were still confined to struggles among chief disciples, it would be truly humiliating."

Of course, his words were said in jest. He wasn't one to boast or force himself to show off. His decision to volunteer, beyond the need for contribution points, stemmed more from his current desire to genuinely engage in combat with Holy Sons.

With his current strength, he no longer believed that the chief disciples of other sects could pose a significant threat.

To further hone his abilities, he required more formidable opponents.

Yaoyao glanced in the direction where the other Holy Sons had dispersed and commented, "It doesn't seem like anyone has high hopes for you."

She could clearly see that the Holy Sons' agreement was largely out of deference to her and Tun Tun, implicitly condoning what appeared to be Zhou Yuan's attempt to gain contribution points.

Zhou Yuan stretched languidly and said with an air of indifference, "If they don't have high hopes, then so be it. Grand words are useless; everything hinges on the final result."

He gazed into the distance, his eyes ablaze with a fervent fighting spirit.

A battle with Holy Sons should prove much more thrilling...

The Cangxuan Sect's forces soon mobilized, launching a full deployment under the leadership of Holy Sons such as Chu Qing and Li Qingchan.

The other disciples were equally excited and thrilled upon learning their destination was a Seven-Colored Treasure Land. For them, such a treasure was almost beyond reach; even a meager share of its benefits would lead to considerable gains.

The group traveled at full speed. After roughly the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Chu Qing, Li Qingchan, and the others leading the way gradually reduced their pace.

Zhou Yuan's gaze also fixed on the front, where a colossal valley appeared. Nestled between several mountains and densely forested, the valley's depths were currently overflowing with vibrant, gushing Heaven and Earth Origin Qi, radiating brilliant hues.

"What incredibly rich Profound Origin Essence," Zhou Yuan murmured, his eyes widening in astonishment. Even before drawing close, he could already sense the profound essence permeating the valley; its purity far exceeded that of the six-colored lake he had previously encountered.

As their large contingent neared the valley, a dozen or so figures swiftly emerged. These were the Cangxuan Sect disciples stationed there, now coming forth to meet them.

"Holy Sons," the escorting disciples reported, "our reconnaissance shows that the Seven-Colored Treasure Land is located underground within the valley. It contains a considerable number of Iron-Armored Lizards, and in its deepest reaches, there's likely a Genesis Beast guarding it, comparable in strength to a Holy Son."

Chu Qing and Li Qingchan were not surprised by this report. Such a treasure land would inevitably be protected by formidable guardian beasts, whose strength would be comparable to that of a Holy Son.

"It seems we'll need to allocate some of our combat strength," Li Qingchan stated, her beautiful face serious. This meant their forces, already tasked with containing the Sacred Palace, would face even greater pressure.

Li Qingchan's gaze turned to Tun Tun, nestled in Yaoyao's arms. "This time," she said, "I'm afraid we'll have to ask Tun Tun to take action again."

Through their interactions over this period, Li Qingchan and the others had discovered that Tun Tun possessed a unique suppressive ability against Genesis Beasts, making it the most suitable choice to deal with the guardian creatures.

Yaoyao nodded slightly, and her delicate hand gently patted Tun Tun, which then floated into the air, its paws treading on Origin Qi.

"Tang Muxin, Su Yao, you six chief disciples are to lead all other disciples and follow Tun Tun into the Seven-Colored Treasure Land," Li Qingchan commanded. "Your mission is to clear out the Iron-Armored Lizards and the final guardian beast, then search for the Divine Foundation Treasures and Mysterious Tablet Tokens within."

Tang Muxin and the others promptly acknowledged the order, then led a large contingent of disciples, like a swarm, descending into the enormous valley.

"The remaining Holy Sons, prepare to establish our defenses," Li Qingchan directed, her beautiful eyes scanning the others.

Chu Qing, Kong Sheng, Shang Chunqiu, and the others all nodded, then swiftly moved to positions on the peaks surrounding the valley, forming a defensive perimeter that enclosed the valley at its heart.

"Zhao Zhu, you will directly guard the valley entrance," Li Qingchan instructed sternly, her gaze fixed on him. "Given the considerable number of Holy Sons from the Sacred Palace, it's inevitable that some with tricky methods might attempt to infiltrate our defenses. You must intercept them and prevent any from breaching the Seven-Colored Treasure Land."

Zhao Zhu nodded heavily in response.

Li Qingchan's gaze finally fell on the seemingly idle Zhou Yuan, and she bit her lower lip slightly. Zhou Yuan's insistence on being an alternate guardian felt rather superfluous to her.

"Zhou Yuan, you are to remain in the shadows. Should any unforeseen developments occur, then seize the opportunity to act."

Zhou Yuan smiled and nodded. He knew Li Qingchan likely found his presence a bit redundant, but he felt no dissatisfaction. After all, if someone truly breached the defenses and Zhao Zhu proved capable of holding them off, it would simply mean everything was under control, which was for the best.

Having given her instructions, Li Qingchan said no more. Her lithe form moved, and she landed atop a verdant peak.

Zhao Zhu turned, casting a derisive glance at Zhou Yuan, and without bothering to speak, landed directly on a large rock at the valley entrance, settling into a cross-legged position.

Zhou Yuan, likewise, paid him no mind. He settled silently in the shadow of a cliff face, sitting cross-legged.

As the defenses were established, the entire area seemed to fall into a profound silence.

However, this silence was short-lived. Zhou Yuan, sensing something, lifted his head and looked towards the west. Streaks of light were tearing through the air, finally materializing in the sky beyond the valley.

"Heh heh, friends from the Cangxuan Sect..."

Leading the numerous luminous figures was Jiang Taishen of the Sacred Palace, whom Zhou Yuan had encountered previously. He gazed at the Cangxuan Sect's Holy Sons with a smile, his voice soft as he stated, "You have crossed the line... This area falls within my Sacred Palace's exploration boundaries. We trust you will abide by the regulations established by our respective sects and withdraw swiftly, returning the treasure land."

His voice was exceptionally amiable, yet as his words settled, the atmosphere in the air slowly grew tense and confrontational.

Zhou Yuan's eyes narrowed as he observed the Sacred Palace's impressive lineup. Then, looking into the distance, he used his Spirit perception to detect that other sects had also quietly arrived, now discreetly observing the confrontation.

Since entering the Grand Mystical Mountain Range, while there had been some minor skirmishes between the Sacred Palace and the Cangxuan Sect, both sides had largely exercised restraint, avoiding large-scale engagements. However, under the irresistible allure of the Seven-Colored Treasure Land, that restraint was clearly on the verge of breaking.

Thus, all sects understood.

This time, it seemed neither the Sacred Palace nor the Cangxuan Sect would be able to hold back...

However, as for which side would gain the upper hand in this initial direct confrontation, the other sects watched with immense curiosity and anticipation.