Chapter 810: Conflict with Lü Xiao

When Zhou Yuan uttered those last words, even Lu Xiao, with his usual composure, seemed to falter for a moment. He then shook his head with a smile and said, "It appears Vice-Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan has high aspirations and looks down on the position of Fire Pavilion Master."

He clearly didn't take Zhou Yuan's words seriously, but rather considered them an excuse to refuse.

After all, Zhou Yuan had indeed developed the Wind Mother Rune, which proved his proficiency in Origin Runes. However, to think he could compete for the position of Chief Pavilion Master of the Four Pavilions based on that was simply laughable.

Zhou Yuan neither confirmed nor denied, but offered no further explanation.

"Is Vice-Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan truly not considering the Fire Pavilion's goodwill?" Lu Xiao asked with a faint smile, seemingly in jest. "Even if you don't give face to the Fire Pavilion, at least give me some respect?"

Zhou Yuan's expression remained unchanged, but inwardly he felt a bit disgusted. Lu Xiao appeared gentle, but his tone always carried a hint of condescending arrogance. Perhaps with his abilities, he indeed had reason to be proud, but to think he could make Zhou Yuan bow down simply based on that was truly asking too much.

"Pavilion Master Lu Xiao, there's no need to say more. You should know that I was recommended by Lord Xi Jing to become Vice-Pavilion Master of the Wind Pavilion. How could I possibly join the Fire Pavilion?" Zhou Yuan calmly stated.

However, Lu Xiao, hearing this, replied indifferently, "What does that matter? Han Yuan, the current Pavilion Master of the Mountain Pavilion, was once also a member of the Wind Pavilion and highly regarded by Lord Xi Jing. Yet, didn't a good bird choose a tree to roost in? If he had remained in the Wind Pavilion, he likely wouldn't have achieved what he has today."

"Such ungrateful acts hardly seem worth mentioning," Zhou Yuan said flatly.

Lu Xiao let out a slight laugh. "Vice-Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan, those words sound rather naive. It's simply about understanding the times."

He then lowered his eyelids slightly, his tone becoming somewhat cold: "Sometimes, if one takes the wrong path, even the most talented prodigy might fade into obscurity among the masses."

Zhou Yuan seemed oblivious to the warning hidden beneath his words, and simply shook his head, his expression unfazed.

Seeing Zhou Yuan's repeated rejections, the smile on Lu Xiao's handsome face faded. He narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "If Vice-Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan is not interested in my previous suggestion, there's actually another way. I am indeed very interested in the Wind Mother Rune you created. Here's what I propose: I'll give you ten thousand Origin Treasure Coins, and you sell me the crafting method for the Wind Mother Rune. Of course, if you feel you have enough Origin Treasure Coins, I can even procure a Top-Grade Heavenly Origin Weapon for you."

Only then did his true intentions become clearly exposed.

Hearing this, Zhou Yuan sighed and said, "Pavilion Master Lu Xiao, I'm afraid you haven't done your math correctly. Currently, by selling the Wind Mother Rune, I earn hundreds of Origin Treasure Coins daily. At this rate, within a month, I can earn nearly ten thousand Origin Treasure Coins."

As for a Top-Grade Heavenly Origin Pen, while rare, he possessed the Heavenly Origin Pen. He was confident that once it awakened another pattern, it would reach that grade.

Therefore, the terms Lu Xiao offered, though seemingly generous, actually lacked sincerity.

Lu Xiao said indifferently, "Origin Treasure Coins are endless. I believe having enough is sufficient; being too greedy isn't a good thing."

Zhou Yuan shook his head. "It seems we can't reach an agreement. My apologies, I won't see you out."

Lu Xiao's gaze fixed on Zhou Yuan, his eyes seemingly dangerous. However, Zhou Yuan showed no fear, his expression remaining unperturbed.

What a joke. Although Lu Xiao was known as the top Divine Dwelling stage expert among the younger generation in the Tianyuan Region, he was only ranked ninth on the Hunyuan Heaven Divine Dwelling List. He wasn't afraid of Wu Yao, who was ranked higher than him, so how could he possibly fear someone ranked ninth?

After all, he might not be able to defeat him for now, but to say he was afraid was out of the question.

Their gazes met for a moment. Finally, Lu Xiao nodded expressionlessly and said, "It's truly regrettable that we couldn't reach an agreement. However, I still hope you'll think this through rationally..." He extended his hand and patted Zhou Yuan's shoulder. "Young man, don't be too impulsive. If you change your mind, you can always find me at the Fire Pavilion."

As his voice faded, his figure flickered slightly and then vanished into thin air.

Zhou Yuan watched the spot where Lu Xiao had disappeared, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. That movement technique was quite profound. It was indeed true that someone who could rank ninth on the Divine Dwelling List was no ordinary person.

"I wonder how it compares to the Shadow Immortal Art?" Zhou Yuan mused to himself.

The Shadow Immortal Art, of course, was the movement Origin Art from XueLian Peak of the Cangxuan Sect, which Li Qingchan had used to cause him quite a headache in the past.

"However, movement techniques are indeed a current weakness of mine. After the Pavilion Master competition is over, I should practice the Shadow Immortal Art." Zhou Yuan's eyes glinted. Witnessing Lu Xiao's movement Origin Art today had prompted him to seriously consider the Shadow Immortal Art. Otherwise, if he were to fight Lu Xiao in the future, relying solely on his Ethereal Transformation Art might put him at a disadvantage.

He had rejected Lu Xiao this time, and the latter's final words had implied some threats. He expected the other party would not give up easily.

However, for them to expect him to hand over the crafting method for the Wind Mother Rune was simply a pipe dream.

Zhou Yuan scoffed, hoping Lu Xiao would be smart enough. While the Wind Mother Rune had indeed reduced the Fire Pavilion's income, it was merely an annoyance, not a devastating blow. But if they truly pushed him too far and he developed the Fire Mother Rune, Forest Mother Rune, and Mountain Mother Rune, then the Fire Pavilion's entire business would truly collapse.

On the floating stone platform at the Wind Region exit.

Lu Xiao's figure flickered into existence. Chen Beifeng, who had been waiting there, immediately approached him with a respectful expression.

"Pavilion Master, what did Zhou Yuan say?" Chen Beifeng asked, clearly aware of Lu Xiao's purpose in the Wind Region.

Lu Xiao's handsome face was somewhat gloomy at this moment, but he quickly composed himself and said faintly, "He refused."

Chen Beifeng was startled upon hearing this. Gritting his teeth, he said, "That brat, he's got some nerve!"

This guy dared to openly defy Lu Xiao even when he personally appeared; he was utterly arrogant. In all four pavilions, Chen Beifeng had never seen anyone dare to disrespect Lu Xiao.

"People with a bit of ability are always arrogant," Lu Xiao said expressionlessly, though a faint hint of sarcasm involuntarily curved his lips.

The position of Fire Pavilion Master he had initially offered was merely bait. Even if Zhou Yuan had come to the Fire Pavilion, he would at most have been a Vice-Pavilion Master. As for the actual position of Fire Pavilion Master, there was probably no hope.

What surprised him, however, was Zhou Yuan's indifference to the Fire Pavilion Master position.

"What do we do then?" Chen Beifeng asked anxiously. If Zhou Yuan were allowed to control the Wind Mother Rune, it would be a significant blow to Chen Beifeng's prestige in the Wind Pavilion.

A chilling glint flashed in Lu Xiao's eyes. "Since he refuses a toast, then don't blame me."

"Chen Beifeng."

Chen Beifeng immediately responded.

"The Wind Pavilion Master competition is still more than half a month away. This time, you must secure the position of Wind Pavilion Master. Once you're in power, you can, in the name of righteousness, demand Zhou Yuan hand over the crafting method for the Wind Mother Rune. This is, in fact, how it should be. He alone cannot fully enjoy the benefits of such a valuable item. If he monopolizes it, he will certainly attract criticism. After all, just like the Tracing Rune in my Fire Pavilion, it primarily benefits only the Fire Pavilion members. However, once you obtain the Wind Mother Rune crafting method, you can secretly leak it. Additionally, find someone to covertly spread rumors that Zhou Yuan, dissatisfied with handing over the crafting method, deliberately leaked it. This way, he likely won't have a foothold in the Wind Pavilion anymore."

Hearing Lu Xiao's casual words, Chen Beifeng felt a cold sweat break out on his back. This tactic was simply too ruthless; it was practically designed to ruin Zhou Yuan completely.

However, he quickly became excited and nodded without hesitation, saying, "Pavilion Master is brilliant!"

Zhou Yuan offending Lu Xiao was truly the stupidest thing he could have done.

Lu Xiao casually waved his hand. "Since he refuses the courtesy offered, I'll just have to make him completely collapse... I hope that before the Pavilion Master competition, this Vice-Pavilion Master can come to his senses and humble himself. Perhaps then he might still salvage something."

"If he maintains this attitude..."

He shook his head, let out a faint chuckle, and said no more, instead stepping directly out of the Wind Region.

If someone was courting death, Lu Xiao couldn't be blamed for being unforgiving.