Chapter 361 - 344: Renowned in Phoenix Creek, Virtue and Talent Combined (Two in One)_3

This... this... this...

"Foolish disciple, awaken at once."

Elder Dan was also shocked by Hong Yuan’s actions, but he was a Saint, after all, with vast experience and a firm mind.

Seeing Lin Bu Jing still confused, he immediately revealed a long-hidden, earth-shattering secret:

"In ancient times, the Demon Clan had two supreme contenders. One was the Heavenly Horned Ant, the other, the True Dragon of Great Moon."

"The Heavenly Horned Ant gained an early lead, far outpacing the True Dragon of Great Moon and constantly suppressing the latter. Yet in the end, it was the True Dragon of Great Moon who had the last laugh!"

"Momentary leads mean nothing; do not be discouraged. Now is the perfect time to subdue the Cold Flame Crocodile. Go."

Under Elder Dan’s persuasion, Lin Bu Jing gradually regained his spirits, the divine light of the flames in his eyes growing even more dazzling.

Indeed, a temporary lead means nothing. He who laughs last is the real man!

"Divine Power—Flame Splitting Tidal Ruler!"

Lin Bu Jing launched another attack on the Cold Flame Crocodile, this time accompanied by a verbal offensive.

But in a corner unseen by Lin Bu Jing, Elder Dan looked sadly at Hong Yuan, who was continuously breaking through barriers, and thought to himself:

"Here is another extraordinary Heavenly Talent who can lead the tide of the era. It seems the great era is truly about to begin."

"Once Bu Jing subdues the Cold Flame Crocodile, I’ll persuade him to choose another path. This Hong Yuan is not someone the current Bu Jing can contend with."

BOOM!

RUMBLE!

RUMBLE RUMBLE!

Three sounds of formations breaking echoed one after another.

With the support of countless Bee Beast Worms, Hong Yuan charged towards the Sky-reaching White Pillar at full speed.

His "I alone am supreme" aura was too astonishing, and his rate of progress was the fastest among all True Disciples participating in the Phoenix Creek Battlefield!

「Above the sky of Phoenix Creek Sect.」

The display of Hong Yuan’s advancement instantly attracted most people’s attention.

"Yay, Little Uncle is in first place, heehee..."

Atop Rainbow Fire Peak, Yue’er sat on the broad back of Fire Feather, cheerfully watching Hong Yuan’s image.

The others were also very excited; even Old Master Lin Daoyan ate two more bowls of rice.

"Impressive, truly impressive. I never imagined that these Insects gathered together could wield such power!"

In the Spirit Beast Hall, several disciples’ eyes glittered as they prepared to imitate Hong Yuan’s manipulation of Worms.

"Granny Hua, do not fret. Hong Yuan indeed has some skills, but there’s still the Snowfall Formation at the end, and it’s not that simple. If he wants to challenge me, he still has a long way to go."

Atop Eagle Immortal Blessed Land, Liu Mantang, dressed in a peach-colored robe, smiled carelessly. He calmly flicked open his Black White Paper Fan and waved it gently.

"’Indeed extraordinary, but sadly, he has chosen the wrong path. Even the Martial Saints of the Southern Border only view Worms as a supplementary method,’ Qinghuo Martial Saint remarked from high in the Green Heaven, a note of ’regret’ in his voice."

「Five days later.」

The "Snowfall Formation," which caused many True Disciples to fear and grow pale at its mere mention, thus collapsed violently before Hong Yuan.

Behind him lay a Blood River, and many Ferocious Beasts lay on the ground, defeated and silenced.

If not for wanting to avoid appearing too shockingly unconventional, Hong Yuan could have overrun this formation four days earlier.

He chose to play it safe, adjusting his displayed talent to what would be considered the second tier in the history of the Phoenix Creek Sect.

Neither too prominent nor too far behind.

Yet, to outsiders, this still seemed incredibly shocking.

When Hong Yuan arrived at the Sky-reaching White Pillar and obtained the qualification to challenge the nine Phoenix Creek Tutelages, the Phoenix Creek Sect erupted with excitement.

And when he issued his challenge to the Sect against Liu Mantang, the atmosphere instantly reached a boiling point!

"I never thought I would live to see the day Eagle Immortal Blessed Land returns to the Refining Equipment Hall..."

In the Peak Master Great Hall of Rainbow Fire Peak, Lin Daoyan sat in his wheelchair, tears streaming down his face.

Regardless of whether Hong Yuan succeeded or failed, he, Lin Daoyan, could now depart in peace.

"How dare Hong Yuan? How could he be so bold? Has practicing martial arts addled his brain?"

"Liu Mantang is among the top-ranked of the nine Phoenix Creek Tutelages. He should have challenged Lei Hong or the others; that would have been a sure bet."

The disciples of the Spirit Beast Hall sighed endlessly. Thanks to the performance of the Bee Beast Worms, they had unconsciously come to regard Hong Yuan as one of their own.

"’Good, good, good! You shun the open road to the Blissful Pure Land, yet insist on forcing your way into the gateless Reverse River! Granny Hua, gather intelligence on Hong Yuan for me. I want him utterly discredited within seven days!’"

Within Eagle Immortal Blessed Land, Liu Mantang’s face twisted viciously, veins bulging on his large hands. The Black White Paper Fan in his grasp snapped with a BANG!

"Hmph!"

High in the Green Heaven, Qinghuo Martial Saint’s face darkened, and he snorted softly.

Especially the mocking gazes from the Martial Saints of the Phoenix Creek Sect’s various halls and palaces made his face burn, as if he had been slapped hard.

This was because Baixiang Xuanjiang of the Refining Equipment Hall had just sternly warned him to be mindful of his status.

"’Heh, ridiculous. Surely you don’t really think Hong Yuan can defeat Mantang?’ Qinghuo Martial Saint scoffed disdainfully."

「Rainbow Fire Peak.」

「Peak Master Great Hall.」

Lin Daoyan, Zhu Wushang, Lin Yiru, Mo Yue’er, and others were all present, gazing up at the sky as they awaited Hong Yuan’s return.

BUZZ, BUZZ...

BUZZ, BUZZ, BUZZ...

Accompanied by a peculiar buzzing of wings, joyful expressions appeared on everyone’s faces.

A mass of dark mist materialized out of thin air. Then, countless Bee Beast Worms scattered, transforming into a black rain of light.

A figure gradually emerged within the black rain of light.

Clad in a dark robe, accompanied by Worms, a warm smile on his face.

The one who had arrived was indeed Hong Yuan!

"’Master, I have returned,’ Hong Yuan said warmly."

"’Good, good. It’s good that you’re back...’"

Lin Daoyan nodded repeatedly, his eyes sparkling with tears. For this disciple, Hong Yuan, he felt immense gratification.

The Righteous Path’s selections usually categorize talent into four grades.

First is talent with virtue. Those possessing both talent and moral integrity are considered top-tier; such individuals can stand on their own.

Second is virtue without talent. Though lacking talent, they possess moral integrity. Filial individuals listen to their parents. Loyal individuals obey their leaders. Those with integrity honor their commitments. Employing such people brings peace of mind, as they are unlikely to make major mistakes.

Third is talent without virtue. Though possessing talent, they lack moral integrity. They may have the skills for a position, but superiors feel uneasy employing them, constantly fearing betrayal.

Fourth is a lack of both talent and virtue. Lacking both, they offer no value and employing them provides no reassurance.

The way of the Demon Tao, however, is quite different—

"Yuan possesses both talent and virtue, a top-grade talent indeed. I was not mistaken about him!"

Lin Daoyan thought with satisfaction.

He extended both hands and tightly grasped Hong Yuan’s right hand.