Chapter 876: Second Round

Outside the mountain, countless exclamations continued.

The previous scene of Zhou Yuan and Lu Xiao reaching the summit simultaneously was clearly a rare sight, and most of the countless exclamations at that moment were directed at Zhou Yuan. After all, Zhou Yuan's fierce momentum during his pursuit had been clearly visible to countless observers.

Even some Heavenly Sun Stage and Nascent Source Stage experts watching the competition were impressed by Zhou Yuan's performance on the Cloud Ladder, especially since his opponent was the long-renowned Lu Xiao. Although Zhou Yuan had led the Wind Pavilion to some prominence in the past, in terms of fame and strength, he was still widely considered inferior to Lu Xiao. Therefore, almost everyone believed that the Wind Pavilion Lord would likely fail in this competition for the Grand Pavilion Master title. However, no one expected this dark horse to be so formidable, refusing to yield even when facing Lu Xiao.

As a result, countless people significantly increased their regard for Zhou Yuan. Based on his performance on the Cloud Ladder, it seemed the Wind Pavilion Lord truly possessed the ability to contend with Lu Xiao for the position of Grand Pavilion Master.

On the Wind Pavilion's side, everyone was cheering excitedly. Even Yi Qiushui and Ye Bingling showed expressions of pleasant surprise; Zhou Yuan catching up to Lu Xiao and reaching the summit simultaneously had clearly invigorated them. The previously subdued atmosphere of the Wind Pavilion immediately became fervent.

In contrast, on the Fire Pavilion's side, many people exchanged glances, and a temporary silence fell. Zhu Lian and Zuo Ya also looked displeased. After a long moment, Zuo Ya finally managed to force out a grim-faced remark: "This is just the beginning. When Zhou Yuan truly meets Senior Brother Lu Xiao, he'll learn what it means to be someone you don't mess with!"

Zhou Yuan stood on the mist-shrouded mountaintop and exhaled deeply. The vast Genesis Qi within him gradually calmed; he too had pushed his Genesis Qi to its absolute limit during the earlier burst of speed. In the end, he did not surpass Lu Xiao, but reached the summit at the same time. Zhou Yuan felt a slight regret about the outcome but was not disappointed, as he had managed to gauge Lu Xiao's true strength. If his estimation was correct, Lu Xiao's Genesis Qi reserves, without relying on any external aids, should be around 23 million.

This was about two million more than Zhou Yuan's current reserves, but fortunately, Zhou Yuan's World Suppressing Heavenly Serpent Qi proved formidable, just barely allowing him to save face in their competition, which led to their simultaneous arrival at the summit. Therefore, without using any external means, both sides could be considered evenly matched. Of course, such a comparison is ultimately unrealistic. When the difference in their foundations isn't significant, actual combat still depends on their respective techniques. But at the very least, Zhou Yuan no longer felt the same apprehension facing Lu Xiao as he had when they first met months ago. This was his progress. Moreover, anyone who opposed him would likely be startled by the speed of his improvement.

As Zhou Yuan's thoughts drifted, a little more time passed. Suddenly, the Genesis Qi between heaven and earth began to ripple, and the Grand Pavilion Master token on the mountaintop vibrated, emitting a low hum. The clouds and mist on the mountaintop started to thicken considerably. Seeing this change, Zhou Yuan knew that Mu Liu and Han Yuan must have also reached the summit. At this point, the first round of the Grand Pavilion Master competition had likely concluded.

The mist before him grew thicker and thicker, eventually surging forward and engulfing Zhou Yuan's figure. However, Zhou Yuan did not panic; he could sense slight spatial fluctuations around him, so he did not move aimlessly. After waiting quietly for a moment, he felt the surrounding mist begin to recede. His gaze swept around, revealing that he was now standing on a vast white jade plaza, the jade beneath his feet glistening.

"So, the battle arena..." Zhou Yuan's eyes flickered. The setting had changed to this place, clearly indicating that the main event of the Grand Pavilion Master competition was about to begin.

At that moment, Xi Jing's clear voice echoed from the void above. "The second round of the Grand Pavilion Master competition: The Four Pavilions' Battle!"

"As Fire Pavilion Master Lu Xiao and Wind Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan reached the summit simultaneously, they will be separated in the first round and assigned opponents randomly."

At the Fire Pavilion, Zuo Ya curled her lip slightly upon hearing this and said, "That kid really got lucky. Otherwise, if he met Senior Brother Lu Xiao in the first round, he'd be eliminated immediately. Let's see what the Wind Pavilion people have to be arrogant about then!"

On the white jade plaza, Zhou Yuan's eyes flickered upon hearing this. So, he would directly avoid Lu Xiao in the first round... If it was a random assignment, it would be either Mu Liu or Han Yuan, right? He hoped it wasn't Mu Liu, as they were somewhat acquainted. Han Yuan would be ideal. That guy had always followed Lu Xiao, causing endless trouble for the Wind Pavilion, like a venomous snake hidden in the shadows, constantly creating obstructions. Furthermore, Han Yuan had betrayed Senior Sister Xi Jing's trust back then. While it might not be considered a full betrayal, as a mere Divine Dwelling Stage cultivator, he probably wasn't significant enough to genuinely earn Senior Sister Xi Jing's high regard. Even Xi Jing hadn't spoken much about the matter, evidently not truly valuing Han Yuan. However, while Xi Jing might not care, if Zhou Yuan encountered him, he would have to help his Senior Sister settle this grievance.

As Zhou Yuan was pondering these thoughts, mist intensely churned at the other end of the plaza. Faint footsteps could be heard, and a figure slowly emerged. The person was clad in black robes, with dark Genesis Qi swirling around them, exuding a biting chill. Who else could it be but Han Yuan?

Han Yuan stepped out of the mist and saw Zhou Yuan opposite him, his mouth twitching slightly. Meanwhile, a brilliant smile appeared on Zhou Yuan's face. He subtly glanced at the void above, noting that Han Yuan had indeed been matched with him. He wondered if this arrangement was truly random or if his Senior Sister had somehow manipulated it. However, there was no point in dwelling on it. Since he had encountered Han Yuan, he could now fight with a clear conscience. And presumably, Mu Liu had been matched with Lu Xiao? He hoped Mu Liu could hold out for a while. Although he knew Mu Liu was quite capable, he also understood that Mu Liu would likely still be no match for Lu Xiao.

Suddenly, the resonant sound of a bell echoed between heaven and earth. Immediately after, Xi Jing's voice rang out again: "The second round of the Grand Pavilion Master competition."

"Wind Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan versus Mountain Pavilion Master Han Yuan!"

"Fire Pavilion Master Lu Xiao versus Forest Pavilion Master Mu Liu!"

The atmosphere outside surged with excitement once more. Countless gazes intently watched the two plazas that had appeared atop the majestic mountain. Everyone understood that only the two individuals who emerged from this round would qualify to contend for the Grand Pavilion Master token! The Grand Pavilion Master competition was finally reaching its climax.