Chapter 831: Second Origin Pattern

The results of the New Disciples Ceremony quickly reached the four great pavilions, and as expected, this brought an eerie silence to all of them.

Even the members of the Wind Pavilion were too shocked by the news to fully recover.

No one had expected that the Wind Pavilion, which had been called a "newcomer's wasteland" for years, would become the biggest winner of this New Disciples Ceremony. Its brilliance even overshadowed the Fire Pavilion.

Of course, what was even more shocking was the Wind Pavilion's new benefits and the emergence of the Four Mother Runes.

The monthly allowance of seventy Source Treasure Coins was the highest ever since the establishment of the Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain Pavilions!

The Wind Pavilion members cheered wildly for this. Among the other three pavilions, the Forest Pavilion members were filled with envy, while the Fire and Mountain Pavilion members spewed sour remarks, constantly complaining that Wind Pavilion members didn't deserve such benefits and that it was a waste of resources.

But these sour grapes were pointless, because they all knew that the emergence of the Four Mother Runes gave the Wind Pavilion ample justification. Moreover, these resources were not bestowed by higher authorities but earned by the Wind Pavilion itself, or rather, by Zhou Yuan.

As for the effect of the Four Mother Runes, although many were skeptical at first, all doubts completely vanished as the Wind Pavilion began official sales in the following days and more and more people tried them personally.

Consequently, the Four Mother Runes became incredibly popular.

Wind Island, atop the Pavilion Lord's tower.

Zhou Yuan gazed at the training grounds surrounding Mirror Lake. Usually at this time, while there were people cultivating on the training grounds, their numbers were quite few. However, over the past few days, the training grounds had been bustling with crowds, an absolute hive of activity.

"Ever since your assessment system was implemented, everyone in the Wind Pavilion has gone crazy, training desperately every day," Yi Qiushui said with a light chuckle, covering her mouth as she watched the scene beside Zhou Yuan.

"Are there still any objections?" Zhou Yuan asked.

The assessment system was extremely strict. Failing it meant facing the risk of being expelled from the Wind Pavilion. Thus, in the first day or two, some members had come to the Pavilion Lord to protest.

Yi Qiushui replied, "Of course there are some, but their objections are futile."

Indeed, they were ineffective, because alongside the strict assessment system came the enviable benefits. No one was willing to give up the monthly allowance of seventy Source Treasure Coins, even if it meant extremely arduous training.

Most of those who objected were loafers. Without Zhou Yuan even needing to intervene, they were already rebuked by many other Wind Pavilion members.

Zhou Yuan nodded gently, turned around, and looked at the many figures behind him. Xiao Hong, Lu Mingyue, and other commanders were all present. Besides them, there were three unfamiliar faces: new members who had just joined the Wind Pavilion a few days ago.

Shang Xiaoling, Ling Feng, and Yuan Tiegang.

Their strength was considerable, so after they joined the Wind Pavilion, Zhou Yuan first assigned them the positions of deputy commanders. Later, once things stabilized, he would consider promoting them further as appropriate.

"From now on, regarding the assessments for Wind Pavilion members," Zhou Yuan stated, "if the number of failures in your respective departments exceeds the limit, it will also affect the performance reviews of you commanders and deputy commanders. So don't get distracted; keep a close eye on things."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Hong and the others respectfully assented. Ever since they learned that they, as high-ranking officials, would receive a 10% share of the Four Mother Runes' income, they had been incredibly motivated these past few days.

After giving his instructions, Zhou Yuan waved his hand, signaling them to disperse. However, the group shuffled around for a long time without leaving, merely staring at him expectantly.

"You scoundrels," Zhou Yuan immediately chuckled, cursing playfully. He knew exactly what they were thinking. With a flick of his finger, dozens of jade slips shot towards them.

Xiao Hong and the others scrambled to catch them, their faces beaming with delight, because these were high-quality Wind Mother Runes, 10% more effective than the standard version, and unavailable for purchase elsewhere.

"Thank you, Pavilion Lord!" With the high-quality Wind Mother Runes in hand, the group dispersed, expressing profuse gratitude.

Once everyone had dispersed, Ye Bingling, who was beside him, said softly, "Reportedly, both the Fire and Mountain Pavilions have explicitly forbidden the purchase of Four Mother Runes. Now, the sales of the Four Mother Runes are only overwhelming in our Wind Pavilion and the Forest Pavilion."

Zhou Yuan was not surprised by this. After all, it was impossible for Lu Xiao to simply watch as the Capture Rune was utterly defeated by the Four Mother Runes.

"They can't stop it."

Zhou Yuan shook his head and said, "Although some in the Fire Pavilion are chosen talents from the Heavenly Spirit Sect, most are not. Lu Xiao's forceful suppression might work for a while, but not for long. If it persists, it will only breed resentment among the lower-ranking members. Once their grievances run too deep, he won't be able to suppress them."

"Who made the Wind Mother Rune twice as effective as the Capture Rune?"

"Lu Xiao forbidding them from using the Wind Mother Rune is simply wasting their cultivation time. For those of us in the four pavilions, time is the most precious commodity. Hindering someone's cultivation path is akin to killing their parents."

Yi Qiushui also nodded gently, saying, "You're right, Lu Xiao can't stop it. If he's smart enough, he'll soon turn a blind eye, or... drastically reduce the price of the Capture Rune."

"But even so, it won't shake the Wind Mother Rune's position."

"If anyone is to blame, it's Zhou Yuan for creating a Wind Mother Rune that is far superior to their Capture Rune."

Yi Qiushui pursed her lips and chuckled lightly, her bright eyes looking at Zhou Yuan with a hint of admiration.

Even though Lu Xiao's reputation and strength far surpassed Zhou Yuan's, he was unexpectedly suppressed by Zhou Yuan in this recent conflict. He must be feeling utterly aggrieved and helpless right now.

Ye Bingling also nodded slightly, but then immediately expressed some worry, saying, "Currently, we have the upper hand, but I'm concerned about the competition for the Chief Pavilion Lord position four months from now..."

Yi Qiushui's pretty face beside them also grew slightly solemn. This was indeed a significant problem. If Lu Xiao became the Chief Pavilion Lord, it would cause them immense trouble, and he could even directly interfere with the Wind Pavilion's affairs.

For instance, he could meddle with the assessment system and benefits set by Zhou Yuan, enough to disgust people and undermine Zhou Yuan's prestige in the Wind Pavilion.

Zhou Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly, and he calmly said, "Then we can only try our best to prevent him from getting what he wants."

Ye Bingling gave a wry smile. "It's not that easy. Lu Xiao isn't Chen Beifeng. He's a powerful expert ranked ninth on the Hunyuan Heaven's Divine Palace list. Our Wind Pavilion's competition with him, if it weren't for the fact that we both belong to the Tianyuan Region, Lu Xiao would probably just use force to destroy the Wind Pavilion."

However, she also knew that no matter what, they couldn't possibly give up.

"Now that the situation has stabilized, I need to focus on cultivating with all my might." Zhou Yuan smiled. He had been busy refining the Four Mother Runes during this period, significantly reducing his cultivation time. If he didn't work hard immediately, it would be impossible for him to stop Lu Xiao in four months.

Yi Qiushui said, "Yes, cultivation is still the most important. If you can reach the late Divine Palace stage, you might not fear Lu Xiao."

Ye Bingling looked over with her beautiful eyes and suddenly asked, "Now that you've condensed a complete Wind Spirit Rune, it's time for you to choose your second Genesis Rune to condense. Which one do you plan to choose?"

Among the four ancient Genesis Runes, only after completely condensing one could one freely enter and exit the other three regions.

Zhou Yuan pondered slightly upon hearing this.

Among the remaining three ancient Genesis Runes, the Wood Spirit Rune could accelerate physical recovery. However, since Zhou Yuan already possessed the Grand Yi Azure Wood Mark, this would merely be icing on the cake. The Mountain Spirit Rune could grant formidable physical defense, but he had the Profound Sacred Body and Azure Dragon form, so he didn't particularly need that either for now.

Thus, after careful consideration, only the Fire Spirit Rune remained.

The Fire Spirit Rune could imbue one's Genesis Qi with hidden explosive power, enhancing destructive force. This was quite suitable for Zhou Yuan.

Of course, to condense the Fire Spirit Rune, one would have to enter the Fire Domain of the Fire Pavilion. But Zhou Yuan had nothing to worry about. This was the Tianyuan Cave Dwelling, so even if Lu Xiao truly hated him to the bone, he wouldn't dare do anything to him in the Fire Domain. Otherwise, his position as Fire Pavilion Lord would be effectively over.

After all, did they really think Zhou Yuan had no backing in the Tianyuan Region?

Of course, it was always wise to maintain a degree of caution.

With his thoughts turning, Zhou Yuan had made his decision. He then smiled at the two women.

"For my second ancient Genesis Rune, I'll choose... the Fire Spirit Rune."