Inside and outside the training grounds, it was a sensation!
A genius with Dual Qi Pillars, in a place as populous as Carefree Main City, was a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence!
The Great Zhou Elder gazed intently at the strange stone statue of the woman, unable to calm his emotions for a long time.
This time, the family selection produced two! And one of them possessed comprehension that is also rare to find even once in ten millennia!
This would definitely be the Zhou Family's first "True Spirit Level" genius!
But if he were to bring him back, what about Zhou Yuntian, the genius Zhou Family has spent all resources cultivating?
While he was pondering this, below the training grounds, some people couldn't help but applaud again.
This time, Zhou Yan's silent and unobtrusive outburst showed them the rise and slapping back of someone unappreciated!
In large families, even among elders and some genius figures, there's often a feeling of being neglected, of not being valued by the family. So seeing Zhou Yan's rise brought a satisfying sense of "venting."
Thus, some frustrated geniuses and third generation disciples, led by Gu Yan and others, ignited the atmosphere inside and outside the training grounds.
Zhou Wangchen, although defeated by Zhou Yuntian with broken legs and kneeled, still possessed undeniable talent!
And now, Zhou Yan's talent shocked everyone present, thus their encouragement and praise was simply an expression of emotion, a force that couldn't be stopped!
Once again, thunderous applause continued endlessly.
Some even shouted, "Zhou Yan," "Zhou Yan," expressing a kind of... feverish worship!
...
Amidst the gathering crowd and intertwining shouts, Zhou Yan felt incredibly detached yet calm, as if he suddenly saw through many things. An intangible sense of aged sophistication surrounded him, making him even more charming!
He looked at the crowd around the training grounds and bowed deeply, without speaking, but his action was more effective than any words.
This action won over almost everyone present.
"Zhou Yan, Dual Qi Pillars, and Dual Qi Jie. The quality of his Qi Pillars could rival that of the Ancient Great Power, Absolute Grade!"
The white-haired old man could not help but tremble as he spoke.
Beside him, the young couple looked at Zhou Yan again, their eyes now filled with a mix of fear and complexity.
"This test was excellent. With such talent in the Zhou Family, the slots for rewards will be increased by four, to be distributed by Zhou Yan.
Zhou Yan's Qi Pillars are of absolute grade, so he will not participate in the training ground's combat competition. Thus, he's exempt from this round of the Zhou Family's Life and Death combat.
The selected for this round are Zhou Yan, Zhou Xian, Zhou Lingyi, and Zhou Lingyao.
The additional four slots will be chosen by Zhou Yan from the Zhou Family. Non-Zhou family bloodlines are not eligible."
This selection thus concluded. Should there be grievances, settle them privately. Once heading to the Great Zhou Family, private enmity is prohibited. No matter who it is, offenders found will be killed without mercy! However, open conflict can be settled within the Life and Death Sword Formation!
"You have half a day! After half a day, gather at the Flying Boat. I will traverse the Void with a top-grade Spirit Sword directly back to the Great Zhou Family!"
"This time, apart from Zhou Yan, there's also Zhou Ying from Wanhua City, who is also Dual Qi Pillars. The first step for you two to the family is to undergo transformation and evolution in the Sword Origin Pool, unlock further potential, and enter the Sword Intent Realm!"
"Finally, a warning to everyone present and those investigating in secret: The Zhou Family's Dual Qi Pillar geniuses are the Zhou Family's exclusivity. Anyone harboring ill intentions or murderous thoughts, the Zhou Family will utilize the Holy Sword Spirit and massacre the city! The majesty and bottom line of the Zhou Family cannot be challenged! Do remember!"
"All right, that's enough said. Everyone can disperse!"
The elder spoke, waved a hand, and the Void trembled as an unseen Sword Array was suddenly withdrawn from the entire training ground!
It seemed as though an endless terrifying energy suddenly dissipated and the shadow of countless Sword Tombs around the training grounds also vanished!
It was at this moment, whether it was Ancestor Lin, City Lord Qian Jue, or those third-generation geniuses from the Huang and Zhu Families, even Zhou Wuzhen and others were utterly shocked.
Without anyone noticing, this powerful veteran used an fearsome Sword Array without anyone being aware!
This was a frightening and unimaginable, heaven-defying means!
...
"Elder Xing, how do we explain this to the Young Master this time?"
Within the Flying Boat, Zhou Yuan's expression looked somewhat grim and he sighed.
Zhou Ting's face was also uncertain, eventually carrying a sigh with a trace of admiration, "Who would have thought he had such talent, exceeding our expectations. Yet, his father has already..."
"This matter, I will return and discuss with the Family Head. Dual Qi Pillars... it's the first time the Zhou Family has seen a Dual Qi Pillar genius. Though Zhou Ying is remarkable, she ultimately lacks a few yin weaknesses in the Sword Dao's foundation.
This boy, Zhou Yan, is indeed extraordinary. Having been put in difficult situations twice, knowing we didn't want him to enter the Zhou Family, he still used his undeniable talent, forcing me to relent and even attempt recruitment...
Fine, the family's prosperity is most important, let him compete with the Young Master. The Young Master's arrogance has been growing; having someone to provoke him might not be a bad thing."
The elder lamented.
"It can't be helped, for Zhou Yan is indeed formidable, possessing Dual Qi Pillars. Even for someone as disagreeable as him, it's hard not to admire a Dual Qi Pillar genius. But since we've offended him, I won't shy away from him.
At worst, we'll not provoke him further."
The young woman Zhou Ting sighed.
The young man Zhou Yuan, his face darkened, spoke in a low tone, "Fear it's the mind of a wolf. Back then, Zhou Wangchen, was it not because he didn't comply with family arrangements? He got tangled with a mysterious courtesan and abandoned the Young Master's sister! This Zhou Yan is likely another obstinate, flamboyant, arrogant individual with limited insight, and reckless. Someone like that, knowing his talent is invincible, God knows how arrogant he will become. I truly can't swallow this indignation!
But that's not the main issue. If he causes too much trouble and learns about his father, I fear it will be challenging to handle. So, I think it's best to nip it in the bud by eliminating him!"
Zhou Yuan's eyes were chilling, and his face was cold.
"There's still room to remedy Zhou Wangchen's situation. Even if there's no room, his current situation isn't particularly detrimental to the Great Zhou Family.
Zhou Yan is different; he is the future hope of the Great Zhou Family! Moreover, given his comprehension, he's also likely to reach 'that realm' and open that door."
The elder, regarded as "Elder Xing" by Zhou Yuan, spoke at length.
Yet it was only that last sentence that caused Zhou Yuan and Zhou Ting's expressions to change drastically, remaining unsettled for a long time.
"That… that door… how is this possible!"
Zhou Yuan couldn't help but exclaim, unable to believe this outcome.
"Do you think, apart from such Qi Pillars and comprehension, there could be anyone else comparable? You think a single main city can compete with a mansion above the domain? Even in a place like Cangyan Mansion above the Water Domain, one would struggle to find such a talented individual!
In all major mansions, only Wangchuan Mansion ranks first! Wangchuan Mansion's Young Master, Ji Tai Xu, initially opened that door as well, being Dual Qi Pillars.
Therefore, do you understand my decisions?
Broaden your perspective and keep an open mind!
When an individual's value reaches a certain level, many rules can be broken. What Zhou Yan previously said was true."
"This is merely a dispute between Zhou Yuntian and his father. We favored Zhou Wangchen, treated him well, and Zhou Yan will surely feel indebted.
Knowing how he's gathered someone like Gu Yan, you can see he's a man of deep emotions and principles.
This matter is decided. You should not target him anymore."
"Yes, Elder Xing."
Zhou Ting immediately nodded, while Zhou Yuan sighed helplessly. Though his eyes remained unwilling, he knew Zhou Yan had manifested an unimaginable value, rendering him helpless to do anything further.
He sighed and said, "Just worried that this one... won't easily forgive us."
"Then work on mending relationships or demonstrate your sincerity! The Zhou Family's tolerance for genius disregarding family rules is precisely to pave the way for geniuses.
In the past, Zhou Yuntian could trample upon Zhou Wangchen because Zhou Yuntian had that talent. The family values geniuses but hopes that by showing 'importance' to individual top-tier geniuses, more geniuses will work hard to become more outstanding!"
Elder Xing mused.
"Yes, these disciples understand, but after all, I have my dignity. I've been by the Young Master's side for so long. I can't bring myself to placate someone as arrogant as Zhou Yan.
At worst, we won't provoke him further!"
Zhou Yuan hesitated for a long time; he couldn't bring himself to apologize.
Conversely, Zhou Ting's eyes flickered with uncertainty, seeming to ponder something, possibly preparing to make an important decision.
...
The Zhou Family.
Zhou Yan walked around here with Gu Yan.
He returned to his small courtyard once again, but unsurprisingly, it was already occupied by Zhou Shuangshuang and Zhou Cheng.
These loathsome individuals, Zhou Yan couldn't even be bothered to look at.
But now, as he approached, these two came over with eager faces, a bit awkward.
Behind them was the Zhou Family's Second Elder, Zhou Wuhen.
"Zhou Yan, one must broaden their vision. As you head to the Great Zhou Family, the talents of the Zhou Family members like Shuangshuang, Zhou Cheng, and Zhou Shan are the best. Do not act recklessly out of emotion."
The Second Elder, still parading his authority, presumed to lecture him as an elder.
Zhou Yan stared coldly at this person, his eyes filled with a chilling intent to kill.
"Zhou Yan, do you mean to kill me? Even if I treated you poorly, I am still your elder! In terms of generation, I am your grandfather, your father's cousin! After all, there is a bloodline inheritance, and you want to kill me?!"
For some reason, sensing Zhou Yan's dreadful gaze, Zhou Wuhen was somewhat afraid, yet suddenly very angry!
Because when Zhou Yan was younger, he didn't treat him badly! Although it was because Zhou Wangchen was greatly capable then! Thinking of this made him feel he wasn't at fault with Zhou Yan, but instead Zhou Yan was being disloyal and disobedient, even insubordinate!