The outcome of the newcomers ceremony swiftly spread to the four pavilions and unsurprisingly caused everyone to fall deathly silent.

Even the members of the Wind Pavilion were so utterly shocked by the news that they were unable to return to their senses for a time.

No one could have predicted that the Wind Pavilion, which had always been called the ‘dumping grounds’ of the newcomer ceremony, would become the biggest winner this time. Their results were so brilliant that even the Fire Pavilion dimmed in comparison...

Of course, even more shocking was the Wind Pavilion’s new benefits and the appearance of the four Mother Runes.

The monthly salary of 70 origin coins was the highest ever since the establishment of the four pavilions!

The Wind Pavilion members were crazily overjoyed. As for the other three pavilions, the Forest Pavilion members were filled with envy, while the Fire Pavilion and Mountain Pavilion members were super jealous. Many bitterly complained and questioned what right the Wind Pavilion members had to enjoy such benefits, feeling it was basically a waste of resources.

However, their jealousy was useless because all of them understood that the appearance of the four Mother Runes gave the Wind Pavilion the confidence to give out such benefits. Moreover, these resources were not bestowed from the higher- ups but earned by the Wind Pavilion itself.

Although many were still quite skeptical about the effectiveness of the four Mother Runes, their suspicions completely dissipated as more and more people personally tasted their sweetness after the Wind Pavilion began to officially sell them a few days later.

Hence, the four Mother Runes quickly became explosively popular.

...

Wind Island. On the top floor of the pavilion master lodgings.

Zhou Yuan gazed at the cultivation arenas around the lake as clear as a mirror. Although members had come here to train in the past, it was nothing compared to this moment: a sea of people currently occupied the place, making it appear extremely popular.

“The Wind Pavilion members have gone crazy ever since you introduced that assessment system of yours, and they have been training like mad every day.” Beside Zhou Yuan, Yi Qiushui was also observing the scene before her as her hand covered the faint smile on her face.

“Did anyone raise any objections?” asked Zhou Yuan.

The evaluation was extremely strict, and anyone who did not make the mark would face the risk of being kicked out of the Wind Pavilion. As such, a few members had come to the pavilion master lodgings to complain two days ago.

Yi Qiushui answered, “Definitely, but their objections were useless.”

Any objections would indeed be useless because the strict evaluation was accompanied by envious benefits. No one would willingly part with a monthly salary of 70 origin coins, even if they had to pay for it by training very hard.

Those who objected were mostly freeloaders anyways, and even without Zhou Yuan’s interference, their objections would soon be shot down by even more Wind Pavilion members.

Zhou Yuan gave a small nod of approval before he turned around to look at the group of figures behind him. Besides Xiao Hong, Lu Mingyue and the other commanders, there were three unfamiliar faces present. They were the new members that had joined the Wind Pavilion a few days ago.

Sheng Xiaoling, Ling Feng and Yuan Tiegang.

Due to their strength, Zhou Yuan gave them deputy commander positions after they joined the Wind Pavilion. Once they properly established themselves in the Wind Pavilion, he would promote them accordingly.

“With regards to the evaluations, if the number of members found lacking in your sections surpass a certain threshold, it will affect your performance evaluations as commanders and deputy commanders. Hence, don’t be distracted, and make sure to keep a sharp eye on your teams,” said Zhou Yuan.

Xiao Hong and the others respectfully acknowledged his command. They had shown great enthusiasm ever since learning about the 10% share they would get from the sales of the four Mother Runes.

After saying his piece, Zhou Yuan waved his hand for them to leave. However, the group refused to budge as they anxiously looked towards him.

“You cheeky scoundrels,” cursed Zhou Yuan in a good-natured manner. How could he not know what was on their minds? With a flick, a dozen jade pieces shot out.

Xiao Hong and the others hurriedly grabbed the jade pieces as smiles blossomed from on their faces. These were the high-grade Wind Mother Runes that were 10% more effective than the ordinary stock and could not be purchased.

“Thank you, pavilion master!” Upon receiving the high-grade Wind Mother Runes, the group immediately scattered after showing their gratitude.

After they left, Ye Bingling softly said, “I’ve heard that the Fire Pavilion and Mountain Pavilion have banned all purchases of the four Mother Runes. The sales of the four Mother Runes are only dominating in the Wind Pavilion and Forest Pavilion.”

Zhou Yuan was not surprised. After all, Lu Xiao would not idly watch the four Mother Runes crash the Mark Capturing Rune’s market.

“They can’t stop it.”

Zhou Yuan shook his head. “Though several members of the Fire Pavilion are from the Heavenly Spirit Sect, the majority is not. Lu Xiao’s forceful methods will only work temporarily, and if this continues, the majority will only begin to resent him more and more. Once the resentment reaches a certain point, he will no longer be able to suppress them.

“What can he do when the Mother Runes are twice as effective as the Mark Capturing Rune?

“Forbidding one from using the Mother Runes is akin to wasting one’s cultivation time. For members of the four pavilions like us, time is the most precious resource, and standing in the way of our cultivation is akin to killing our parents.”

Yi Qiushui nodded in agreement. “That’s right. Lu Xiao cannot stop it. If he still has some sense in him, he will close one eye on this matter or…lower the price of the Mark Capturing Rune.

“But even if he does that, he would not be able to shake the Mother Runes’ place.

“If he wants to blame someone, he can only blame Zhou Yuan for creating the Mother Runes, which are far more effective than their Mark Capturing Rune.”

Yi Qiushui pursed her lips into a smile as she looked at Zhou Yuan in admiration.

Lu Xiao should have far outclassed Zhou Yuan in both strength and reputation, but the latter had somehow suppressed the former in this most recent power struggle. Lu Xiao was likely feeling extremely sullen, but there was honestly nothing he could do.

Ye Bingling also nodded. However, she soon began to worry. “We have the advantage for now, but I’m still worried about the chief pavilion master battle in four months…”

Yi Qiushui’s expression turned graver. This was indeed an important issue. If Lu Xiao became the chief pavilion master, it would be a huge problem for them, as he would even have the right to interfere in their Wind Pavilion affairs.

For example, Lu Xiao could criticize the assessment and benefits Zhou Yuan had established to chip away at his influence.

Zhou Yuan’s eyes narrowed as he calmly said, “We can only do our best to deny him.”

Ye Bingling released a bitter laugh. How could it be so easy? Lu Xiao was not the likes of Chen Beifeng, and was ranked nine on Hunyuan Heaven’s Divine Dwelling List. If they were not fellow members of the Tianyuan Region, he could have easily crushed the Wind Pavilion through force.

However, she also understood that they could not give up no matter what.

“Since the current situation has stabilized, I need to start focusing all of my energy into my training.” Zhou Yuan chuckled. He had been busy manufacturing the four Mother Runes and had not had much time to train. If he did not begin now, it would be impossible for him to stop Lu Xiao in four months.

Yi Qiushui said, “Agreed, training is most important now. If you managed to reach the advanced Divine Dwelling stage, you may not need to fear Lu Xiao.”

Ye Bingling also looked over and suddenly asked, “Since you’ve completed the wind spirit rune, you should choose a second Genesis Rune to work on. Which one do you have in mind?”

Only after completing one of the four ancient Genesis Runes would a pavilion member be allowed into the other three districts.

Zhou Yuan fell into thought.

The wood spirit rune could increase one’s recovery, but it was not very useful for Zhou Yuan since he had the Taiyi Green Wood Mark. The mountain spirit rune could greatly amplify his defensive capabilities, but it was definitely not a priority since he had the Mythic Saint Body and the Azure Serpent Form.

Hence, only the fire spirit rune remained.

The fire spirit rune would bestow a hidden explosive force to one’s Genesis Qi and amplify its destructive capabilities. This was extremely suitable for Zhou Yuan.

Of course, he would have to enter the Fire Pavilion’s Fire District in order to begin cultivating the fire spirit rune. But Zhou Yuan was not worried. This was Tianyuan Utopia after all, and Lu Xiao would not dare to do anything no matter how deeply he loathed Zhou Yuan. Otherwise, he might not be able to keep his position as the fire pavilion master.

Did he really believe that Zhou Yuan had no backer in the Tianyuan Region?

Of course, Zhou Yuan knew that he should still be careful.

As various thoughts swirled in his head, Zhou Yuan came to a decision and smiled at the two girls.

“My second ancient Genesis Rune shall be the fire spirit rune.”