Chapter 854: All Set

Boom! Boom!

On the training ground surrounding Wind Island's Mirror Lake, all members of the Wind Pavilion had gathered, their vast numbers occupying the entire immense training area. At this moment, every single one of them gazed with fervent eyes at a figure on the high platform in front. It was Zhou Yuan, who had finally appeared after several days in secluded cultivation.

“Everyone,” Zhou Yuan’s voice boomed like thunder as he scanned his surroundings, “today is the Grand Flame Ritual. We’ve trained diligently for over a month, and it’s time to test the fruits of our labor.”

“In the past, people called our Wind Pavilion the lowest of the Four Pavilions, even the garbage dump of the Four Pavilions. But I don't see it that way. I’ve witnessed your hard training these past weeks. Our Wind Pavilion is not as bad as others claim; it’s just that in the past, we were limited by our circumstances! I believe that if our Wind Pavilion had conditions comparable to the Fire Pavilion, we would never be inferior to any of them!”

Upon hearing Zhou Yuan’s powerful words, countless Wind Pavilion members had reddened eyes and fervent expressions. They came from various parts of the Heavenly Abyss Region and were once considered prodigies. However, over the years, the decline of the Wind Pavilion had subjected them to much humiliation. Yet, in recent months, since Zhou Yuan assumed the position of Pavilion Master, the Wind Pavilion had undergone earth-shattering changes. Their current treatment was the best among the Four Pavilions, and they understood that all of this was due to Zhou Yuan! Therefore, almost everyone in the Wind Pavilion now harbored deep gratitude and admiration for Zhou Yuan.

“I’ve elevated the Wind Pavilion’s treatment to the highest among the Four Pavilions,” Zhou Yuan roared, “and though these benefits were earned by our own efforts, there are still those who say that Wind Pavilion members don’t deserve such treatment! Today, at this Grand Flame Ritual, I want you to show them with your actions: are you worthy or not?!”

“Worthy!”

The next instant, a deafening roar, like clashing thunder, resounded, causing ripples to spread across Mirror Lake itself. All the Wind Pavilion members were beside themselves with emotion, their eyes burning red with battle intent.

They knew that the Wind Pavilion’s foundation had been weak for years, and it would be incredibly difficult to surpass the Fire Pavilion in a short time. However, they had not given up. They dared to say that the intensity of their spiritual training during this period was absolutely the highest among the Four Pavilions! This was because they also wanted to prove to Zhou Yuan that the superior treatment he had granted them was not being wasted on a group of useless individuals!

Beholding their soaring morale, Zhou Yuan nodded with satisfaction. Their hearts were ready; every Wind Pavilion member held a breath of determination, which would boost their fighting will. Thus, Zhou Yuan felt an added measure of confidence regarding this Grand Flame Ritual.

“I know you all have trained hard for today’s battle,” he continued, “and it’s true that our Wind Pavilion’s foundation is a bit weaker; there’s no shame in admitting that. For today’s battle, just give it your absolute best. Furthermore, for today’s battle, I have prepared something for all of you.”

Zhou Yuan smiled, and with a wave of his sleeve, countless jade slips flew out from his Cosmos Bag. There were roughly several thousand of them. Under Zhou Yuan’s control, these jade slips accurately descended to each Wind Pavilion member present. The crowd accepted them with curiosity, observing that the jade slips seemed to bear mysterious patterns, but their purpose remained unknown.

This was the result of Zhou Yuan’s days in secluded cultivation. He had sealed the hairs of the Heavenly Yuan Brush deep within the jade slips. This would prevent others from prying, and when it was time to use them, crushing the slip would activate the Soul Devouring Origin Mark on the hair. Once the Origin Mark was depleted, both the jade slip and the hair would vanish into nothingness, ensuring a clean and untraceable effect.

Zhou Yuan did not explain in detail, simply stating: “During the Grand Flame Ritual, you will follow my command at all times. When I tell you to take out the jade slips, crush them immediately. They will serve a great purpose.” Zhou Yuan's prestige in the Wind Pavilion was immense; even the most unruly individuals were convinced. So, despite his vague instructions, everyone respectfully nodded in agreement.

After arranging everything, Zhou Yuan took a deep breath, his eyes gradually growing fiery. He turned to Ye Bingling and Yi Qiushui, saying, “Let’s move!” As his voice faded, his figure was the first to shoot into the sky.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Following him, Ye Bingling, Yi Qiushui, and others also activated their Genesis Qi, surging upwards. Thousands of figures converged, moving like a mighty cloud, a truly magnificent sight.

Mount Grand Flame was located in the northeastern corner of the Heavenly Abyss Dwelling. The colossal, crimson mountain stood majestically on the land, with lava surging like torrents down its slopes. The entire area was permeated with intense heat.

Ordinarily, Mount Grand Flame saw little human presence, save for those cultivating fire-attribute Genesis Qi. However, each year, when the time for the Grand Flame Ritual arrived, this place would transform into a bustling hub within the Heavenly Abyss Dwelling. Everyone knew that the Heavenly Abyss Region had two major attractions for prodigies from all corners: first, the Four Spirits Origin Convergence Tower, and second, the Grand Flame Ritual.

The Grand Flame Ritual required ninety-nine Heavenly Sun Stage experts to offer their Heavenly Sun Flames with all their might. While this condition was not easily met, it was not difficult for some of the top forces in Hunyuan Heaven. The primary reason the Grand Flame Ritual was unique to the Heavenly Abyss Region was the crystal-glazed cauldron on Mount Grand Flame, known as the Heavenly Flame Cauldron. This Heavenly Flame Cauldron was personally refined by Grand Exalted Cang Yuan himself, who ventured deep into the earth’s core to extract hundreds of thousands of years of flame marrow, along with numerous rare materials and treasures. It possessed the mysterious ability to amplify and purify Heavenly Sun Flames.

This purification ability was particularly crucial. After all, the Heavenly Sun Flames provided by these Heavenly Sun Stage experts originated from their own cultivation and inevitably contained traces of their personal will. If young Divine Dwelling Stage prodigies were to absorb these directly, it would be harmful rather than beneficial, and could even injure them. Therefore, they had to be purified before they could be refined and absorbed by others. And this was precisely why the Grand Flame Ritual had become one of the two trump cards the Heavenly Abyss Region used to attract young prodigies from various factions.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Around Mount Grand Flame, streaks of light continually pierced through the air, landing in all directions. Among them, the most eye-catching were three massive contingents: the Fire Pavilion, the Mountain Pavilion, and the Forest Pavilion...

Of the three, the Fire Pavilion’s contingent was the most imposing, numbering at least ten thousand. Lu Xiao stood at the very front, his expression indifferent, yet exuding an astonishing aura that prompted silent admiration from onlookers. “The Fire Pavilion truly lives up to its reputation as the leader of the Four Pavilions,” someone whispered. “With such an aura, they’ll probably be the most outstanding again this year.”

“I heard this year’s Grand Flame Ritual will be a free-for-all.”

“A while ago, Prefect Xi Guang of the Sky Spirit Sect attacked Zhou Yuan, the Wind Pavilion Master, in the street. Elder Xi Jing seized the opportunity, forcing Sect Master Xuan Kun to concede and change this year’s Grand Flame Ritual to a free competition.”

“Elder Xi Jing’s intentions are good, but perhaps she’s a bit too optimistic. This kind of free-for-all might not necessarily benefit the Wind Pavilion.”

“Exactly. In the past, with fixed quotas, the Fire Pavilion got forty percent, but the Wind Pavilion would at least secure a basic share. Now, with a free-for-all, the Fire Pavilion is also angry. They might not hold back and directly force the Wind Pavilion to get nothing, making them a complete joke today.”

“Though the Wind Pavilion shows signs of rising, its foundation is simply too weak in the end…”

Numerous whispers arose, but none seemed to believe that this free competition would bring any benefit to the Wind Pavilion. It seemed Elder Xi Jing’s good intentions might be for naught.

Just as these numerous voices sounded, a sudden whooshing noise echoed from afar. Then, countless people saw thousands of figures hurtle into view, landing where the members of the Four Pavilions had gathered. The Wind Pavilion had arrived.

Lu Xiao, whose eyes had been slightly closed, slowly opened them, glancing indifferently at the Wind Pavilion’s position nearby. Then, his gaze swept over Zhou Yuan at the very front, his eyes as cold and sharp as knife blades. Zhou Yuan sensed his gaze and turned his head. Their eyes met, and Zhou Yuan returned a faint smile.

“Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan, is the Wind Pavilion ready?” Lu Xiao said blandly.

Zhou Yuan smiled, “You’ll find out when Pavilion Master Lu Xiao tests us later.”

Lu Xiao did not waste further words with Zhou Yuan. “More talk is useless,” he stated. “I just hope Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan doesn’t lose too miserably then. That would truly betray Elder Xi Jing’s painstaking efforts.”

Zhou Yuan shook his head. “Rather, Pavilion Master Lu Xiao should consider how you’ll explain it to Sect Master Xuan Kun if the Fire Pavilion loses again this time.”

“Boastful words,” Lu Xiao said expressionlessly.

“Then let’s wait and see,” Zhou Yuan smiled.

Their gazes locked, both flashing with cold light.

It was at this moment that Genesis Qi rippled through the heavens and earth. Two streaks of light descended from the sky, landing directly atop Mount Grand Flame. There, flowing lava formed two lotus-shaped seats, and as the streaks of light settled, they transformed into two figures. They were none other than Elders Xi Jing and Xuan Kun.

Elder Xi Jing, with her bright eyes, surveyed the surroundings. Her hair gently swayed, giving her an indescribably heroic and valiant appearance. Her clear voice then resounded:

“Since everyone has arrived, let the Cauldron be opened!”