Chapter 865: Impact

The outcome of the Heavenly Flame Ritual, as expected, sparked much discussion within the Heavenly Abyss Region. After all, this result was too unexpected; no one had anticipated that Fire Pavilion, holding a decisive advantage, would ultimately lose to Wind Pavilion.

Zhou Yuan's reputation soared once more.

Everyone who witnessed the Heavenly Flame Ritual knew that Wind Pavilion was able to turn the tide and defeat Fire Pavilion, despite being the weaker side, primarily because of Zhou Yuan's presence.

This drew the attention of many, even some high-ranking officials within the Heavenly Abyss Region, who truly began to focus on this rising star who had emerged within the region in just a few months.

Previously, while Zhou Yuan's achievements were commendable, many high-ranking officials didn't truly pay him much heed. This was because merely being the Pavilion Master of Wind Pavilion was clearly not enough; only the Chief Pavilion Master of the Four Pavilions held sufficient status.

In the eyes of many high-ranking officials, Lu Xiao of Fire Pavilion was considered the most likely candidate for the Chief Pavilion Master position.

Zhou Yuan, although a dark horse, initially did not possess the qualifications to contend for the Chief Pavilion Master position—this was the common understanding. But who could have imagined that, as time passed, Zhou Yuan would advance step by step, and Wind Pavilion, under his leadership, would gradually show signs of rejuvenation.

After his victory at the Heavenly Flame Ritual, many began to take this new Pavilion Master of Wind Pavilion seriously. They had to admit that this dark horse Pavilion Master now truly seemed to possess the qualifications to compete with the three established Pavilion Masters—Lu Xiao, Han Yuan, and Mu Liu—for the Chief Pavilion Master position.

This progress was quite astonishing.

Therefore, many also had to consider what if Zhou Yuan truly created another miracle in the Chief Pavilion Master competition and secured the position.

The position of Wind Pavilion Master was not considered high-ranking within the Heavenly Abyss Region. However, the Chief Pavilion Master was comparable to an Elder of the Elder Council; holding that position undoubtedly symbolized joining the ranks of the Heavenly Abyss Territory's high-level officials. Such a voice could not be ignored.

Of course, more people merely entertained this thought briefly, because they were well aware that while Zhou Yuan certainly had the qualifications to compete with Lu Xiao, it was *only* a qualification. Ever since Zhou Yuan joined Wind Pavilion, although he had repeatedly triumphed in his struggles with Fire Pavilion, all these victories rested on one premise: Lu Xiao had not personally intervened.

Whether it was the struggle over capture marks, the Four Mother Runes, or the competition at the Heavenly Flame Ritual, strictly speaking, none of it directly involved Lu Xiao.

Perhaps it was precisely for this reason that Zhou Yuan was able to win repeatedly. However, the upcoming Chief Pavilion Master competition would be different. This time, Lu Xiao would personally enter the fray, and this most outstanding prodigy of the Heavenly Abyss Territory's young Divine Dwelling generation would finally reveal his formidable fangs.

No one dared to be certain whether Zhou Yuan could still create miracles when facing such a formidable opponent as Lu Xiao.

Furthermore, while Zhou Yuan's reputation had soared recently, making him a truly astonishing dark horse, he had also completely offended Lu Xiao. If, in the upcoming Chief Pavilion Master competition, Lu Xiao thoroughly crushed him, then this dark horse would have its back broken, and all his previous victories and achievements would become mere stepping stones for Lu Xiao, adding another brilliant feat to his already illustrious reputation.

Therefore, whether Zhou Yuan would truly rise and become the most dazzling new star among the Heavenly Abyss Territory's young Divine Dwelling generation, or be cut short directly in his rising trajectory, would depend on the outcome of next month's Chief Pavilion Master competition, which the entire Heavenly Abyss Territory would be watching.

On a high platform shrouded in mist.

Sect Master Xuan Kun stood with his hands behind his back. His aged face was expressionless, and his eyes were as unfathomable as an abyss. No Genesis Qi fluctuations emanated from his body, yet merely by standing there, a terrifying, subtle aura of power permeated the air.

Under that oppressive aura, even the surrounding space appeared slightly distorted.

At that moment, behind Sect Master Xuan Kun, a figure knelt on one knee: it was Lu Xiao.

He hung his head, cold sweat beading on his forehead, his face slightly pale. Although Sect Master Xuan Kun showed no sign of anger, Lu Xiao felt a sense of dread. The seemingly frail old man before him was one of the Heavenly Abyss Territory's most formidable existences, possessing the right and power to control his life.

"Lu Xiao, your performance over these past few months has been somewhat disappointing to me," Sect Master Xuan Kun's calm voice finally broke the silence.

Lu Xiao dared not utter a single word of rebuttal, lowering his head even further.

Sect Master Xuan Kun turned around, his abyss-like eyes fixed on Lu Xiao, and said, "Fortunately, these setbacks over the past few months will not lead to overly severe consequences. However, you must understand how crucial the upcoming Chief Pavilion Master competition is."

"Our Heavenly Spirit Sect has planned for this for many years, dedicating all our efforts to cultivating you and making you the foremost talent among the young Divine Dwelling experts in the Heavenly Abyss Territory. All for the position of Chief Pavilion Master of the Four Pavilions."

"If you fail in the Chief Pavilion Master competition, you should know the consequences."

Hearing Sect Master Xuan Kun's indifferent voice, Lu Xiao's body trembled slightly. He murmured, "Sect Master, please rest assured. I could not personally intervene in those previous setbacks, which is why Zhou Yuan managed to win. But this time, I will personally reclaim everything."

Sect Master Xuan Kun nodded and said, "Confidence is good."

"However, this Zhou Yuan's origins are unknown, and he is indeed somewhat unusual. Despite being only at the mid-stage Divine Dwelling realm, his Genesis Qi foundation is astonishingly profound. If I'm not mistaken, he possesses a mutated Upper Nine Dwellings."

Lu Xiao's eyes narrowed, a flicker of envy passing through them. "A mutated Upper Nine Dwellings, truly!"

He had previously speculated that Zhou Yuan might possess a mutated Nine Divine Dwellings, but at most, he thought it might be a mutated Lower Nine Dwellings. Yet, hearing Sect Master Xuan Kun, it was actually an Upper Nine Dwellings?!

Though it was only a single word difference, the gap between them was immense.

Lu Xiao himself also possessed an Upper Nine Dwellings, but he understood that a mutated Upper Nine Dwellings was far more formidable than an ordinary one. No wonder Zhou Yuan's Genesis Qi foundation was so strong.

However, even if Zhou Yuan possessed a mutated Upper Nine Dwellings, Lu Xiao felt no apprehension. After all, his current strength far surpassed Zhou Yuan's; his nine Divine Dwellings had long since been fully refined and integrated, while Zhou Yuan would still need a considerable amount of time to reach that stage.

"That youngster acquired a large amount of Heavenly Sun Flame at the Heavenly Flame Ritual this time. I believe that by the time the Chief Pavilion Master competition arrives, his strength will have advanced further. He might even have connected all seven Divine Dwellings and entered the late-stage Divine Dwelling realm."

Lu Xiao's eyes narrowed slightly. "Even if he breaks through to the late-stage Divine Dwelling realm, it won't bridge the gap between us."

Sect Master Xuan Kun nodded slightly. Normally, Zhou Yuan would indeed be no match for Lu Xiao. After all, while Zhou Yuan possessed a mutated Upper Nine Dwellings, Lu Xiao was no ordinary talent; he also possessed an Upper Nine Dwellings and exceptional innate talent, otherwise, he wouldn't have become the foremost figure among the younger generation in the Heavenly Abyss Territory.

"If nothing unexpected happens, he is indeed no match for you. But this youngster is too unusual; I don't want to see another unforeseen event occur."

Sect Master Xuan Kun waved his hand, stopping Lu Xiao, who was about to speak further. His eyes were deep and sharp. "You cannot afford the consequences."

Lu Xiao hesitated, then asked, "Then, Sect Master, do you mean...?"

Sect Master Xuan Kun waved his sleeve, and a black crystal ball appeared before him. Inside the crystal ball, there seemed to be a viscous, chilling black liquid.

As the black liquid churned, a vertical pupil emerged, cold and malevolent.

"This is the bloodline of the Abyssal Nine-Headed Python. Integrate it into your body during this period; it will serve as an additional trump card."

Lu Xiao's heart jolted. The Abyssal Nine-Headed Python was a Rank 7 Genesis Beast, comparable to a Nascent Source realm expert. Its bloodline was naturally incredibly domineering; if he, currently at the Divine Dwelling realm, were to refine it, it could even potentially affect his sanity.

However, Lu Xiao was not foolish enough to refuse. He stared at the black crystal ball, a look of determination flashing in his eyes. Refining the Abyssal Nine-Headed Python would indeed be dangerous, but if successful, it would also be a tremendous opportunity for him.

Although he believed he could defeat Zhou Yuan, as Sect Master Xuan Kun said, it was always wise to be more prepared. He could make excuses for previous setbacks, but this time, he absolutely could not fail.

Lu Xiao gritted his teeth, extended both hands, and respectfully took the black crystal ball. As he gazed at the faintly discernible, cold and malevolent vertical pupil within, a ruthless glint also flickered deep in his own eyes.

Zhou Yuan, this time, I will crush you beneath my heel and ensure you can never rise again!

I will make you realize how ridiculous your previous victories were. To replace my position in the Heavenly Abyss Territory, you are far from qualified!