Chapter 757: Resolving

The chaotic camp fell silent, with only the crackle of the burning bonfire breaking the stillness.

Both the Yi and Qiu family members stared blankly at the distant collapsed mountain. They had witnessed Zhou Yuan directly kick Xu Feng flying.

That was a late-stage Divine Palace practitioner!

Although Xu Feng had only advanced to the late-stage Divine Palace Realm two months prior, his formidable combat power made him a match even for Yi Qiushui, who had opened eight Divine Palaces. Yet, why could Zhou Yuan, who was only in the mid-stage Divine Palace Realm, unleash such terrifying strength?

The expression on Zhao Yue's beautiful, cold face was similarly frozen. After a long moment, she finally swallowed, her fair throat constricting slightly.

"How can this be?" she whispered from her red lips. While she should have been thrilled to see Xu Feng defeated, the sheer impact of the scene was overwhelming.

Zhao Yue had always considered Zhou Yuan a charlatan, and to be frank, had viewed him with a degree of disdain. However, the current spectacle made all her previous suspicions appear utterly ludicrous.

Clearly, it wasn't Zhou Yuan who had been deceitful, but rather her own discernment that was lacking.

The thought brought a wave of shame to the usually aloof Zhao Yue.

In contrast to Zhao Yue's shame, the expressions of Mu Chao and the other young men and women flickered uneasily. If Zhao Yue's sentiment towards Zhou Yuan had primarily been suspicion, then they, on the other hand, had genuinely looked down on this 'bumpkin' from another heaven domain from the very start.

For days, Zhou Yuan had been nothing but a joke in their eyes.

Now, however, it was abundantly clear who the real joke was.

Mu Chao offered a strained, dry laugh, clearly unwilling to show any weakness before Yi Qiushui. "It seems prodigies from other heaven domains aren't entirely unnoteworthy after all..." he commented.

"This Zhou Yuan must be a top-tier young prodigy in his home heaven domain."

"However, while he is indeed quite impressive by our standards, if we consider the entire Hunyuan Heaven—no, let's not even speak of Hunyuan Heaven—even within our Tianyuan Region's Divine Palace Realm, he likely wouldn't rank."

A subtle sense of superiority permeated his words.

Beside him, the young prodigies from various prominent families chimed in, "Our Tianyuan Region has thirty-eight people on the Hunyuan Heaven Divine Palace Ranking. *Those* are the truly brilliant and exceptional talents. If Zhou Yuan were to face any one of them, he would likely be no match."

They spoke over each other, seemingly debating, but in truth, they were downplaying Zhou Yuan's strength to soothe their own discomfort.

A faint smile touched Yi Qiushui's oval face as she softly stated, "You seem to have forgotten that Zhou Yuan is currently only in the mid-stage Divine Palace Realm."

Mu Chao and the others abruptly fell silent, their expressions changing dramatically.

Because almost everyone on the Hunyuan Heaven Divine Palace Ranking was in the late-stage Divine Palace Realm. Zhou Yuan, still in the mid-stage, would likely have slim chances against those on the list right now. But what if he, too, advanced to the late-stage?

Given the astonishing power Zhou Yuan had just displayed, even if Mu Chao and the others were reluctant to admit it, they understood that once he reached the late-stage Divine Palace Realm, his strength would surge dramatically once more.

At that point, it was entirely possible Zhou Yuan could truly earn a place on the Divine Palace Ranking.

Those who managed to climb the Divine Palace Ranking were all unparalleled prodigies. Among the younger generation of their Xiaoxuanzhou, only Yi Qiushui had a real chance; for everyone else, it was nearly impossible.

Thus, Yi Qiushui's simple statement once again forced them to confront the harsh reality.

Observing the group's silence, Yi Qiushui's red lips curved slightly. She knew exactly what was on their minds and felt a touch of disdain. Was it truly so difficult to admit that someone else was stronger?

Even if Zhou Yuan hailed from another heaven domain, did that imply no extraordinary prodigies had ever emerged from those places?

As those on this side slowly regained their composure, the Wind Demon Bandits also stared in shock at the distant collapsed mountain, their gazes then turning to Zhou Yuan, now filled with terror.

"Brothers of the Wind Demon Bandits, don't worry! Although that brat defeated Xu Feng, he must be at his limit!" Qiu Ji exclaimed, a surge of unease rising within him as he noticed their expressions.

However, no sooner had he spoken than the Wind Demon Bandits turned and fled.

They bolted directly towards the collapsed mountain, breaking through the fallen boulders. From within, they seemed to unearth a figure, which they quickly carried away, disappearing into the night.

Their departure was swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

They clearly had no intention of listening to Qiu Ji. As fierce bandits, their perception of danger was far keener than ordinary people, and they knew that if they remained, not a single one of them would escape.

They had no business wading into such treacherous waters.

Qiu Ji watched the scene, his face turning ashen. His Qiu family had secretly supported the Wind Demon Bandits for years, yet now, they were proving utterly useless!

"A bunch of useless trash!" Qiu Ji gnashed his teeth.

He then turned, glaring fixedly at Zhou Yuan. After a moment, he took a deep breath. "My friend, your strength is indeed impressive, and I misjudged you this time," he conceded. "However, you must understand that this level of power is still insignificant to my Qiu family."

"If you leave now, my Qiu family will overlook the death of my young master."

"What's more, if you're willing to capture Yi Qiushui, my Qiu family will pay you double whatever reward she promised!"

"With the support of my Qiu family, you could even swiftly advance to the late-stage Divine Palace Realm, ensuring a limitless future!"

At these words, Zhao Yue's expression instantly changed. Qiu Ji was truly malicious, attempting to win over Zhou Yuan. If Zhou Yuan were to betray them now, it would be a desperate situation.

"Young Miss!" Zhao Yue murmured, looking towards Yi Qiushui.

However, Yi Qiushui simply waved a small hand, her bright eyes calmly fixed on Zhou Yuan, offering no higher reward.

She knew Zhou Yuan was not so foolish.

As expected, Zhou Yuan could not help but chuckle. He shook his head. "It's too late for such an offer," he said. "If I were to go with you to the Qiu family, my end might be even more miserable than Xu Feng's."

Qiu Ji's face twitched, and his eyes grew sinister once more. He scanned the scene, understanding that his mission this time had been an utter failure.

He could not prevent Yi Qiushui from returning to Xuanzhou City.

"Very well, I concede defeat this time. But Zhou Yuan, do not get cocky. You have offended my Qiu family today, and you will regret it!"

"Do you truly believe the Yi family, barely able to protect themselves, can protect *you*?"

"It's laughable!"

"When you eventually fall into my hands, I will make you repay everything you've done today, in full!"

Qiu Ji's tone was venomous. After delivering his final threat, he wasted no more time. With a wave of his hand, he led his forces swiftly back into the darkness, making their escape.

Zhou Yuan watched their retreating figures with an indifferent gaze but made no attempt to pursue. After all, the opposing force was numerous, and reckless pursuit into unknown circumstances would only endanger himself.

The most crucial task for the night was to defuse the Qiu family's encirclement.

With the retreat of both the Wind Demon Bandits and the Qiu family's forces, the mission was now successfully completed.

The Divine Palace halo behind Zhou Yuan gradually faded, and his figure descended. His gaze swept over the still-silent crowd, then settled on Yi Qiushui, who was staring at him with bright, unblinking eyes.

Zhou Yuan grinned at her.

"Miss Yi, you didn't get the short end of the stick in this deal, did you?"

By the dying bonfire, the slender girl stood gracefully, her bright eyes and pearly teeth making her appear exceptionally beautiful. Hearing Zhou Yuan's words, she subtly covered her red lips with a small hand and offered a delicate smile, her charm utterly captivating.

With a slight nod of her head, a soft voice emerged.

"Yes."