Chapter 872: Five Great Elders

“Grand Elders, welcome!”

When the five figures appeared on the meditation cushions in the void, countless people across the land bowed respectfully, their voices filled with deep reverence.

When Grand Lord Cang Yuan was not present, these five individuals were the supreme rulers of Tianyuan Region. Beyond their esteemed status, they were also powerful experts in the Law Domain stage, capable of dominating any area.

Moreover, it was rare to see all five Grand Elders appear simultaneously, so for many, today was truly an eye-opening experience.

Zhou Yuan also bowed, then looked up at the five majestic figures, who faintly exuded an aura that seemed to suppress the heavens and earth. Any one of them was likely no weaker than the Sect Master Qing Yang of the Cangxuan Sect.

Apart from Chi Jing and Sect Master Xuankun, whom he had already met, the first person he saw was a beautiful woman in a green dress. Her face was lovely, her skin like white jade, and her eyes were as calm as water. She exuded a refreshing aura, like an ancient forest nurturing life.

Zhou Yuan felt an indescribable vitality emanating from her. As she sat there quietly, it seemed that green plants continuously grew out of thin air in the surrounding space, transforming into faint green light dots.

“That’s the clan leader of the Wood Clan, Clan Leader Mu Ni,” Yi Qiushui whispered beside Zhou Yuan.

“What immense life force,” Zhou Yuan murmured, somewhat awestruck.

Having cultivated the Taiyi Green Wood Mark, he was quite sensitive to life force. Upon seeing Clan Leader Mu Ni, he could distinctly feel the Taiyi Green Wood Mark within him cheering and yearning, as if a mere trace would allow it to advance significantly.

Ye Bingling said, “Of course. Clan Leader Mu Ni is very famous throughout Hunyuan Heaven, known as the ‘Sacred Jade Hand.’ She can effortlessly heal any injury, which is why even Law Domain experts of the same level are quite polite to her. After all, who doesn’t get injured sometimes?”

“However, Clan Leader Mu Ni has always been low-key, rarely appearing even in Tianyuan Cave. If it weren’t for the Chief Pavilion Master competition this time, I doubt she would have shown up.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan’s heart stirred. Could Clan Leader Mu Ni perhaps help heal Yaoyao’s injuries?

However, he immediately shook his head to himself. Yaoyao’s identity was profoundly mysterious and likely extraordinary. Otherwise, restoring her wouldn’t necessitate legendary items like the Ancestral Dragon Lamp and Ancestral Dragon Flesh. Furthermore, since Master Cang Yuan hadn’t mentioned it, it probably wouldn’t be very effective; why else would it be so much trouble?

Ye Bingling, standing nearby, whispered again, “And I’ve heard that Clan Leader Mu Ni harbors a certain affection for our Grand Lord Cang Yuan…”

Hearing such gossip, even Zhou Yuan looked surprised, his gaze peculiar. But on second thought, it wasn’t surprising. Master Cang Yuan was a singularly brilliant individual, capable of establishing the Tianyuan Region. His talent, disposition, and wisdom were rarely matched, so it was only natural for him to possess the charm to attract someone of Clan Leader Mu Ni’s stature.

However, he didn’t know if this was merely unrequited love from Clan Leader Mu Ni, as he had never heard Master Cang Yuan mention having a Mistress.

Zhou Yuan sighed inwardly, then shifted his gaze to the meditation cushion beside Clan Leader Mu Ni. There sat a slightly burly middle-aged man with an impassive face. His eyes were not natural, but rather a pair of crystals.

Faint, unusual light emanated from his crystalline eyes, as if capable of piercing through the Nine Nether and surveying the world.

“That’s the clan leader of the Profound Crystal Clan, Bian Chang.”

“People of the Profound Crystal Clan are born with Profound Crystal Eyes. When origin energy gathers, their eyes unleash Profound Crystal Heavenly Light. If struck, one’s body will turn into a profound stone, an exceptionally formidable ability,” Ye Bingling’s voice entered Zhou Yuan’s ears.

“And with Clan Leader Bian Chang’s power, it’s likely he only needs to cast a glance, and even a Heavenly Sun stage expert will instantly turn into a profound stone.”

Zhou Yuan secretly clicked his tongue in amazement. This was the advantage of bloodline; the Profound Crystal Clan was indeed uniquely blessed.

His gaze then fell upon the last individual, a white-haired young man. The youth had a handsome face and appeared to be of similar age to them, yet Zhou Yuan could sense an ancient aura emanating from him, clearly indicating he was also an old monster.

“This must be the clan leader of the Bai Clan, right?” Zhou Yuan asked.

“Yes, Clan Leader Bai Ye of the Bai Clan.”

“The Bai Clan bloodline possesses an ability called ‘White Corrosion.’ If it invades a body, even the origin energy will be tainted with white poison. Once the white poison completely contaminates the origin energy, the individual directly perishes. It’s an extremely vicious and potent ability.”

“Furthermore, it’s rumored that Clan Leader Bai Ye’s Law Domain is called the ‘White Domain.’ Once activated, anyone enveloped by it and below the Heavenly Sun stage will instantly turn into white mist. Even Nascent Origin stage experts wouldn’t last long.”

Zhou Yuan’s eyes showed wariness. Senior Sister Chi Jing had mentioned earlier that in the current Tianyuan Region, the Tianling Sect, Bai Clan, and Profound Crystal Clan had formed an alliance, making them the strongest three. Fortunately, the Wood Clan was close to Chi Jing, barely able to contend with the alliance, but without any significant advantage.

And judging from the earlier gossip, Clan Leader Mu Ni’s closeness to Chi Jing might indeed be attributed to Master Cang Yuan.

The situation in Tianyuan Region was quite complex. He wondered how long his Senior Brother would remain in seclusion. Otherwise, the Tianling Sect and their allies would ultimately hold more sway in Tianyuan Region.

As his thoughts churned, the five Grand Elders in the void exchanged glances. Eventually, they let Chi Jing speak. She didn’t decline, and as her clear gaze swept out, silence fell upon the heavens and earth.

“Today marks the competition for the Chief Pavilion Master of the Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain Pavilions. I presume the rules are already known to all.”

Her gaze fell upon Lu Xiao, Zhou Yuan, Han Yuan, and Mu Liu. Then, she pointed her finger towards the massive mountain. On the mountain, the clouds gradually receded, revealing four long stone staircases extending upwards from its four sides, seemingly reaching directly into the sky.

She looked at Sect Master Xuankun, who, with a flick of his sleeve, produced a token.

Inscribed on the token were the words “Four Spirits Reversion Pagoda,” and above them, an ancient character meaning “Chief.” She flicked her finger, the token hummed loudly, transforming into a streak of light that shot towards the summit of the colossal mountain.

At that moment, everyone felt an immense pressure cascading down from the mountain peak like mercury, enveloping the entire colossal mountain.

The many experts in the Divine Dwelling stage looked fearful. Under that pressure, even the origin energy within their bodies seemed to show signs of stagnation.

“To ascend to the summit and contend for the Chief Pavilion Master’s token, you must first traverse the Cloud Ascending Staircase. Only those who pass the staircase will be qualified to compete.”

After she finished speaking, Chi Jing raised her jade hand, and an ancient bell chime resonated throughout the heavens and earth.

Beneath the sound of the bell, her calm voice also rang out, subsequently igniting a tremendous surge of excitement and fervor.

“The rules are set, four Pavilion Masters…”

“Ascend the stairs!”

The competition for the Chief Pavilion Master had finally arrived!