Chapter 830: A Crushing Defeat

Chapter 826: Utter Defeat

In the recruitment area, a fervent energy erupted as a massive crowd swarmed towards the stone platform where the Wind Pavilion was located.

Meanwhile, the members of the other three pavilions nearby stared at the scene in utter disbelief. They found it hard to imagine that the Wind Pavilion, usually considered a "newcomer's graveyard," was now the most sought-after destination, with people practically fighting to get in.

Previously, this kind of enthusiasm was exclusively enjoyed by the Fire Pavilion.

However, when they recalled the benefits Zhou Yuan had just announced, even they felt a stir of desire deep down.

The appeal was simply too great!

Not only were there seventy Genesis Essence Coins, but high-ranking positions in the Wind Pavilion, such as Deputy Commanders, Commanders, and Deputy Pavilion Masters, would also receive a ten percent share of the total sales of the Four-Mother Rune! That was no small sum.

With such a multitude of temptations, how could the members of the other three pavilions not be secretly moved?

Zhou Yuan watched the surging crowds with a bright smile on his lips, stepping back as Yi Qiushui and Ye Bingling immediately directed people to welcome them and begin the screening process.

Not far away, Lü Xiao and Han Yuan's expressions were exceptionally grim. Lü Xiao, in particular, whose handsome face was usually composed, now showed a subtle contortion.

In truth, even after Zhou Yuan defeated Chen Beifeng a few days prior, Lü Xiao still didn't truly view him as a threat.

When interacting with Zhou Yuan, Lü Xiao always wore a smile, but it masked a subtle, almost imperceptible air of nonchalance and disdain.

It was precisely this mindset that allowed Lü Xiao to employ various tactics without restraint, unafraid of genuinely angering Zhou Yuan.

He ranked ninth on the Hunyuan Heaven Divine Dwellings List, making him not only the top young Divine Dwelling expert in the Tianyuan Region but also renowned throughout all of Hunyuan Heaven. What could Zhou Yuan, a newly appointed Wind Pavilion Master, do to him, even if he caught on to his schemes? What *could* he do?

Yet, he never expected the counterattack from the person he disdained to be so ruthless.

The moment the Four-Mother Rune was revealed, it practically pushed their Fire Pavilion into a desperate corner!

Lü Xiao took a deep breath, suppressing the fury boiling within him. He watched the continuous stream of newcomers flocking towards the Wind Pavilion and knew he couldn't let the situation continue. Otherwise, their Fire Pavilion would become a laughingstock, and he, Lü Xiao, would undoubtedly face reprimand from the Heaven Spirit Sect.

He was well aware of how much the Heaven Spirit Sect valued the Four Pavilions. Although they comprised only Divine Dwelling realm prodigies, they represented the future lifeblood of the Tianyuan Region. If even a few elders emerged from their ranks in the future, such an investment would be considered a tremendous success.

"Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan truly has impressive methods. I never expected you to keep the Four-Mother Rune hidden until now," Lü Xiao's voice, laced with coldness, rang out amidst the bustling crowd.

Many of the newcomers, hearing Lü Xiao's voice, sobered slightly, their gazes flickering. They knew that among the Four Pavilions, the Fire Pavilion and Lü Xiao were currently the strongest.

Zhou Yuan's expression remained calm as he replied, "Actually, I hadn't intended to reveal it. But Pavilion Master Lü Xiao's actions are always so aggressive, so you can hardly blame me."

According to his initial plan, if Lü Xiao hadn't been overly aggressive, he wouldn't have wanted to completely sever ties. He would have, at most, revealed only the Wind Mother Rune and the Forest Mother Rune, leaving at least half of the market share for Lü Xiao.

Unfortunately, Lü Xiao seemed to have never taken him seriously. One petty tactic followed another, and he even resorted to vile methods like secretly spreading rumors.

Since his opponent held nothing back, Zhou Yuan naturally saw no reason to be overly kind. He wouldn't stand by and let himself be walked all over. After all, his temper wasn't *that* good.

Lü Xiao let out a hollow laugh. "This time, I indeed made a mistake."

"However, I hope Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan will continue to produce such surprising tactics in the Grand Pavilion Master competition four months from now. Otherwise..."

Hearing these words, many newcomers in the crowd instantly felt a chill, grasping the deeper meaning behind Lü Xiao's threat.

If Lü Xiao secured the position of Grand Pavilion Master in four months, he would gain control over all Four Pavilions. Even Zhou Yuan, as the Wind Pavilion Master, would be subservient to him.

At that time, if Lü Xiao decided to take action, Zhou Yuan and the Wind Pavilion would likely be in an extremely passive position.

This was because the Grand Pavilion Master held decisive authority within the Four Pavilions.

Lü Xiao was threatening Zhou Yuan, and at the same time, warning the newcomers to be cautious with their choices.

Consequently, the fervent energy that had just surged through the area was largely dampened by Lü Xiao's words.

Hesitation flickered in the eyes of many.

Even Ling Feng, Feng Si, and Yuan Tiegang's gazes shifted.

Feng Si said softly, "Both of you, Shang Xiaoling's choice seems a bit rash. We shouldn't act on impulse; we need to consider the future."

Ling Feng glanced at him. "Is it because the Fire Pavilion approached you earlier?"

Feng Si gave a helpless smile. "But can you deny that Pavilion Master Lü Xiao is the strongest candidate for Grand Pavilion Master?"

Ling Feng and Yuan Tiegang fell silent. They had no significant background and had struggled immensely to gain the opportunity to join the Four Pavilions. If Lü Xiao truly became the Grand Pavilion Master in the future, and they had offended him here, wouldn't that be unwise?

Although the benefits offered by the Wind Pavilion were truly tempting... incredibly tempting!

Zhou Yuan calmly observed the somewhat dampened fervor in the area and said plainly, "Pavilion Master Lü Xiao, nothing is absolute. Chen Beifeng was 100% certain he would be the Wind Pavilion Master too, remember?"

Lü Xiao shook his head, sighing, "If you compare me to Chen Beifeng, you'll be gravely mistaken."

Zhou Yuan felt a surge of annoyance but couldn't be bothered to waste more words on him. He simply turned his gaze to the many newcomers and said, "Oh, there was something I forgot to mention earlier. Thanks to Pavilion Master Lü Xiao's reminder, I just recalled it."

"Actually, the four-tenths effect of the Four-Mother Rune is just the standard version. I can also refine a high-grade version here, which offers an additional one-tenth improvement in effect. Heh, but because the quantity is too small, it won't be available for public sale for now. It will only be given as a special benefit to exceptional members and high-ranking officials of the Wind Pavilion."

"Yes, that's about it..."

He finished speaking casually and then sat down on a nearby chair, where a nimble Wind Pavilion member immediately served him a cup of hot tea.

The field once again fell silent.

Then, everyone watched as more than twenty of the thirty-plus new powerful experts from the Divine Dwellings List simultaneously stepped forward, walking with slow yet determined strides directly towards the Wind Pavilion.

Other newcomers also gathered around. Although the initial frenzy had subsided, it was clear to everyone that their resolve was now even stronger.

Ling Feng and Yuan Tiegang observed the scene, taking a deep breath, then said to Feng Si, "Sorry, but this temptation is irresistible."

With that, both of them sharply turned and walked towards the Wind Pavilion.

Feng Si watched their retreating figures, his expression fluctuating. That temptation was indeed difficult for him to resist, but in the end, he slumped in defeat. He had already promised Lü Xiao he would join the Fire Pavilion, and if he reneged now, Lü Xiao would undoubtedly be furious—and he couldn't afford to offend him.

Yet, even so, the regret in his heart was beyond words.

After all, even if Lü Xiao truly became the Grand Pavilion Master in the future, he couldn't possibly clear out *all* of these newcomers, could he?

Within the area, more and more newcomers gathered towards the Wind Pavilion.

Lü Xiao's fingers clenched tightly, his body trembling slightly. The emotions within him were almost enough to make him explode. At that moment, he wished he could directly strike Zhou Yuan down on the spot.

But in the end, he forcibly restrained himself.

He cast a deep gaze at Zhou Yuan, the chill in his eyes almost freezing one's blood.

Lü Xiao knew that in this confrontation, he had lost utterly.

"But it doesn't matter. This is only the beginning... Zhou Yuan, in four months, you will understand how foolish your actions were. At that time, you will regret offending me."

"Absolutely!"