Chapter 812: The Struggle for Pavilion Master

When the light of dawn shone upon the land the next day, Wind Island erupted into a buzz of activity.

Today, the Wind Pavilion was the focus of all four pavilions. This wasn't because it was usually particularly prominent, but simply because the Wind Pavilion would be holding its leader selection today, an event considered the grandest in any of the pavilions.

Furthermore, it was rumored that even Lord Xi Jing would personally attend the Wind Pavilion's leader selection, indicating its unusually high significance.

Thus, when the news spread, not only did the other three pavilions gather on Wind Island, but countless people from other floating islands in the Heavenly Abyss Utopia also flocked there. This rare influx made the Wind Pavilion, which usually ranked last among the four, a major point of interest in the Heavenly Abyss Utopia today.

In the northwest of Wind Island, a vast lake lay like a shining mirror on the ground. At its center, a large bluestone plaza floated. Beyond the plaza, countless bare stone pillars, resembling gigantic fingers, jutted out from the water. Now, these pillars were densely covered with throngs of people, their voices creating a tumultuous din.

"The position of Wind Pavilion Master has been vacant for many years; I can't believe the selection is finally starting today...""Sigh, the Wind Pavilion isn't what it used to be. They only have three Vice Pavilion Masters now, while the other three pavilions have no less than five.""Indeed, so this time, the Wind Pavilion Master will likely be chosen from those three Vice Pavilion Masters.""Chen Beifeng will probably win. He's the most senior Vice Pavilion Master in the Wind Pavilion and incredibly strong. Ye Bingling is probably a bit weaker than him.""What about that Zhou Yuan?""Oh, he's just a new Vice Pavilion Master, only at the mid-Divine Palace stage. I heard Lord Xi Jing directly ordered his appointment.""Lord Xi Jing's move is a bit puzzling. Could it be that she's lost hope for the Wind Pavilion?""Rumor has it that Chen Beifeng is from the Heavenly Spirit Sect. If he wins the Pavilion Master position this time, wouldn't Lord Xi Jing lose even the Wind Pavilion?"

Numerous whispers arose in the shadows, as their gazes fell upon the three figures at the forefront of the Wind Pavilion members, their eyes filled with a hint of regret.

At this time, in addition to all the Wind Pavilion members gathered, people from the other three pavilions had also arrived in full force in another direction.

At the Fire Pavilion's location, Lu Xiao stood prominently at the front. With his handsome face, tall and straight physique, and extraordinary aura, he attracted curious glances from many young, beautiful women. His reputation among the younger generation in the Heavenly Abyss Territory was clearly well-known throughout the Heavenly Abyss Utopia.

Lu Xiao, at this moment, gazed distantly at Zhou Yuan at the very front of the Wind Pavilion, his reddish eyes revealing an indifferent expression that made it impossible to discern his inner emotions.

"Is that the Wind Origin Rune that kid created?" A voice suddenly came from beside him. Lu Xiao turned his gaze and saw a man in a dark black robe approach him. The man's features were ordinary, but his face always carried a gentle smile, inviting a sense of closeness.

However, Lu Xiao knew that this was all just an illusion; someone capable of becoming the Mountain Pavilion Master would hardly be easy to deal with.

Indeed, this was Han Yuan, the Mountain Pavilion Master.

Han Yuan had originally been a member of the Wind Pavilion and highly valued by Lord Xi Jing, but he was later recruited by the Profound Crystal Clan to become the Mountain Pavilion Master.

In the current Heavenly Abyss Territory, the Heavenly Spirit Sect, Profound Crystal Clan, and Bai Clan were allies, so Lu Xiao and Han Yuan had some dealings with each other.

Lu Xiao nodded slightly and said calmly, "A very innovative young man. I personally tried to recruit him, but I was unexpectedly rejected."

"He didn't even give you face, Lu Xiao? Is he that arrogant?" Han Yuan chuckled, a hint of surprise in his voice.

"After all, he's someone Lord Xi Jing thinks highly of," Lu Xiao said nonchalantly.

The mention of Xi Jing made Han Yuan's expression slightly unnatural. He then said, "But having too many ideas without the ability to support them isn't necessarily a good thing." He knew Lu Xiao's character all too well; since Zhou Yuan hadn't given him face, Lu Xiao likely wouldn't be polite anymore.

Lu Xiao gave a faint smile and said, "After today, if he looks back, he'll probably regret it. But unfortunately, there's no such thing as a 'regret pill' in this world. One can only say he brought it upon himself."

Hearing this, Han Yuan understood Lu Xiao's intentions. He immediately narrowed his eyes, glanced at the three figures at the forefront of the Wind Pavilion in the distance, focusing particularly on Chen Beifeng, and chuckled, "Are you truly not planning to give Lord Xi Jing any face?" Currently, the Wind Pavilion was still under Xi Jing's control among the four pavilions. However, if Chen Beifeng secured the position of Wind Pavilion Master today, Xi Jing would be left with no pavilions at all. While for beings of her stature, one Wind Pavilion might not represent significant power, it ultimately represented fresh blood for the future. Failing to keep it in hand would inevitably lead to long-term losses.

Lu Xiao calmly replied, "I'm only at the Divine Palace stage; how could I possibly understand the stratagems of those above? I just need to do my part."

Han Yuan shrugged. He, too, was merely a chess piece; he could only act as he was told by those above.

At the Wind Pavilion's designated area, the large crowd was clearly divided into three groups: one supporting Zhou Yuan and Ye Bingling, another supporting Chen Beifeng, and the third, the largest, comprising the neutral faction. Originally, Chen Beifeng's side undoubtedly had more momentum than Zhou Yuan and Ye Bingling's. However, after the incident with the Wind Origin Rune, the momentum shifted dramatically, with Zhou Yuan's side now holding the advantage in terms of visible support.

"Senior Sister Ye, you can do it!" Yi Qiushui clenched her small fists at Ye Bingling. It was clear that a hint of nervousness now colored her gentle, beautiful, oval-shaped face. This was because Yi Qiushui clearly understood the implications of today's Pavilion Master selection. If Chen Beifeng won, all their previous efforts could be rendered futile.

Others also cheered for Ye Bingling. Although Zhou Yuan's influence in the Wind Pavilion was growing, almost everyone, including Yi Qiushui, still placed their hopes of countering Chen Beifeng on Ye Bingling. After all, in their eyes, while Zhou Yuan's progress was rapid, he still lacked some crucial experience compared to Chen Beifeng and Ye Bingling.

Ye Bingling, clad in a white training uniform today, which accentuated her slender waist and long legs, looked agile and captivating. She nodded lightly, then turned her beautiful eyes to Zhou Yuan beside her and solemnly said, "I'll go fight him first. If I'm not his match, I'll try my best to exchange injuries to create better conditions for you."

Hearing this, Zhou Yuan quickly said, "Just do your best, no need to be so brutal."

Ye Bingling gave him a sidelong glance and said, "I'm just saying 'in case.' Over the past month, with the help of your Wind Origin Rune, my strength has improved significantly. It's not certain that I can't handle him."

"However, if I win, the Wind Pavilion Master position will be mine, so don't get jealous. Of course, if you're truly unwilling to accept it, I can hand the position over to you once you can defeat me." She spoke casually, yet her eyes darted towards Zhou Yuan.

Zhou Yuan's mouth twitched slightly, then he couldn't help but smile. He could sense the underlying comfort in Ye Bingling's words, as if she was worried he might take it poorly if she claimed the Wind Pavilion Master position, potentially souring their relationship.

"Alright, alright, Senior Sister Ye, go with confidence," Zhou Yuan nodded. He then glanced at Chen Beifeng, who was not far away, and his eyes narrowed slightly in thought. "But you need to be careful. Chen Beifeng has probably made significant progress recently as well."

If Chen Beifeng truly intended to settle things today, he would undoubtedly be prepared. Moreover... Zhou Yuan's gaze drifted towards Lu Xiao's figure in the direction of the Fire Pavilion. The latter hadn't made any moves since their last encounter, but Zhou Yuan didn't believe he had simply given up. Undoubtedly, today's Pavilion Master selection was also an excellent opportunity for Lu Xiao.

As they spoke, the Origin Qi in the heavens and earth suddenly surged. Then, countless people saw two streaks of light descend from the sky onto the two tallest stone pillars in the lake, revealing two figures.

When the two figures appeared, countless people throughout the entire area gasped in astonishment.

They realized that, in addition to Lord Xi Jing, the other figure, exuding immense majesty, was none other than Xuan Kun, the Sect Master of the Heavenly Spirit Sect!

This Wind Pavilion Master selection had actually attracted the presence of two of the Heavenly Abyss Territory's most influential figures!

Countless people showed expressions of reverence, and sounds of welcome resounded throughout the heavens and earth. "Greetings, Lord Xi Jing!" "Greetings, Sect Master Xuan Kun!"