Ever since the prince had joined them, Elder Lo had been pleasantly surprised far too many times.

The truth was that Elder Lo himself had been initially somewhat doubtful of Ezra living up to the high hopes that had been placed in him. It was because Elder Lo likewise understood all too clearly that not every champion of the peak selection ceremony would turn out a genius. The sect was on the path of destruction, all geniuses would choose a growing sect instead of a dying one.

However, Elder Lo did not have many other options. The other 6 peaks of the Spirit Devouring Mountain were just too powerful, and could directly take away all of the remaining talented disciples. Alchemic Rune Peak could only fall further and further into decline, with no signs of things taking a turn for the better.

Now, even Blood Slaughterer had been sent their disciples to Alchemic Rune Peak. If Elder Song's group was allowed to take the seat of chief disciple, Elder Lo would feel utterly ashamed, and would likely never be able to raise his head ever again in the sect.

As such, Ezra's arrival was viewed by Elder Lo as the final hope he could grasp onto.

However, Elder Lo ended up being pleasantly surprised. The prince had surpassed Elder Lo's expectations time and time again, causing him to grow more and more confident in Ezra Zephyr.

Perhaps, the missing peak master, Jason Felleter has blessed them, allowing them to finally welcome a prodigious disciple before they truly hit the bottom.

***

"I've heard that the werewolf boy achieved the 8 paths of ablution during the Divine Spirit Ablution ceremony?"

All the imprint faction disciples were present at Imprint Seeker Hall today. Elder Song's gaze nonchalantly swept downwards from the highest spot, clearly having also heard that news that had already spread throughout Alchemic Rune Peak.

Below Elder Song, at the head of the numerous disciples was an expressionless Lopap and beside him sat Aily. He nodded and answered in a calm voice, "It was indeed the 8th path. I personally witnessed it that day."

The other disciples in the hall broke out into whispers, their eyes filled with envy.

"So he does have tremendous luck and ability." Elder Song snorted, an icy look flashing across his aged face. He had personally opened his mouth to recruit Ezra Zephyr back then, but ended up being rejected by the latter. Hence, Elder Lo naturally did not want to see things go well for Ezra. He even didn't know that Ezra defeated 10th ranked Govrin in nothing but imprint battle.

Lopap slowly said, "However, a senior brother from Blood Slaughterer Peak secretly informed me that Ezra's 8 paths of ablution are likely the work of senior sister Ella Abella because he had helped senior sister Ella to deal with senior brother Wilson Sallow."

"He helped the 4th ranker to defeat the 3rd ranker of outer mountains!" Elder Song went into deep ponder.

These words were akin to thunder, causing an explosion of noise in the hall.

"Senior sister Ella helped Ezra obtain the 8th path?!" Disbelief was revealed in the eyes of numerous male disciples. There was no one who did not know that senior sister Ella Abella was akin to a cold goddess of an ice mountain, and always made sure to keep her distance with the opposite sex. Many outstanding disciples admired her but did not dare to confess.

Hence, when they heard that Ezra's 8 paths were due to senior sister Ella's aid, they found it very difficult to swallow. What was so good about him that he could enjoy the favour of senior sister Ella?

Lopap's expression turned slightly grave as he looked towards Elder Song. "There's something strange about Ezra, something fearful…"

If the prince truly had the qualifications to interfere in the battle between Wilson Sallow and Ella Abella, it would mean that his strength was extremely terrifying. If he participated in Alchemic Rune Peak's competition for the chief disciple, he had a tremendous chance of victory.

Elder Song's eyes narrowed slightly. "Ezra is indeed no ordinary individual… but there's no need to be overly worried. Strictly speaking, he is still a greenhorn even if he is talented he lacks experience which you guys have."

Lopap gave a faint nod when he heard this, his expression returning to its usual calmness.

Elder Song said, "There's only a few days till the quarter match…"

His gaze swept across the hall, ultimately stopping on the three golden mats at the very front, or to be more precise, the first seat, Kimba.

The latter's slender body was currently dressed entirely in black, a certain faint sternness visible between his brows.

Upon sensing Elder Song's gaze, Kimba smiled slightly, a sliver of pride visible on his face as he softly said, "Relax Elder Lo, it's just an ablution. Although the 8 paths of ablution are very effective, they can't turn a sheep into a wolf.

Whoever dares to reach for the diamond quarter will have his hand chopped off by me."

Though he seemed to downplay his words, there was a certain seriousness within them, a sign of the absolute confidence he had in himself.

"Hehe, senior brother Kimba should try to leave some face for them and not win too easily. After all, we disciples of the same peak will occasionally meet each other." Flattered a disciple by the side with a smile. His words were similarly filled with confidence towards Kimba.

The other disciples roared with laughter. None of them was the least bit worried about the upcoming quarter-match, appearing as if victory was already in their grasp.

Lu Hong nodded, his cold face relaxing a little as he sneered in his heart. "Elder Lo was truly short-sighted to be so happy for the past two days. It was just a new disciple obtaining the 8 paths of ablution by some fluke, did he really believe that it would change anything?

Fine, I'll let you be happy for now. When the quarter match arrives, you will naturally understand how repulsive your disciples are compared to my talented disciples. You should have obediently pulled back to the sidelines instead of obstructing my way."

However, amongst these ignorants, Lopap wore a grave face. "These witless bastards are underestimating him, that guy didn't come here to fool around… he has big goals, I can feel it." At that time he started to cook something in his mind.

***

While the entire Alchemic Rune Peak was abuzz due to Ezra Zephyr's 8 paths of ablution, the main actor was not wasting away his time going around bragging to everyone. Instead, he cooped himself up in his quarter and prowess in peace, digesting the benefits of the 8 paths of ablution.

He knew that 8 paths of ablution did not mean anything significant, and it had been his good luck to obtain one. If not for Sköll and Hati, he would not have reached the 8th path.

Even so, he would never undervalue himself either, because borrowing the power of others would at times also be a type of strength.

Abandoning one's advantages and insisting on bashing one's head against a brick wall was nothing but foolishness.

Hence, the prince concentrated on digesting the gains from the Divine Spirit Ablution. What he needed to do next was to deal with the upcoming quarter-match.

This was going to be his first real battle after coming to Alchemic Rune Peak. To obtain that diamond quarter and become a diamond belt disciple as quickly as possible to gain the qualifications to participate in the chief disciple selection at the year's end, he needed to perform during the cave match.

In the depths of the gold quarter, the werewolf prince opened his eyes, the light within them gradually withdrawing as the black and red lightning dancing around his body retreated back to his core.

After several days of prowess, Ezra had finally gained full control over his increased spiritual energy. He lowered his head and slowly clenched his fist as he released a soft laugh.

There was finally going to be a battle. The prince hoped that the disciples under Elder Lo would not disappoint.

***

The buzz brought about by news of Ezra's 8 paths of ablution only lasted for a few days, before gradually fading away. What took its place was the hype for the upcoming quarter match between Imprint and Alchemy factions.

The majority of Alchemic Rune Peak's resources being given away to other capable peaks had led to the lack of martial prowess resources such as quarters. As such, every quarter ended up being fiercely contested by numerous disciples.

The quarter match this time would decide which faction the diamond quarter would ultimately go to.

It was an event that undoubtedly drew everyone's attention. After all, a quarter of such quality was considered a high-class cultivation resource even in the entire outer mountains of the sect, and ordinary disciples would only dream of owning one.

In addition, many disciples understood that though the match seemed to be for the diamond quarter on the surface, it was also part of the power struggle in Alchemic Rune Peak.

Elder Song's faction had practically dropped from the sky into Alchemic Ru e Peak and began snatching away numerous martial resources from Elder Lo's faction in an overbearing manner. The former intended to be the dominant faction.

In response, the old-fashioned Elder Lo opted to face them head-on, clearly unwilling to let the outsiders take away their power and influence.

Alchemic Rune Peak was already at a low point. If they were to let Elder Song lord over them too, everyone would surely forget that they even existed, making it even more difficult for them to obtain resources for their disciples in the future.

Such an outcome would undoubtedly lead to him losing all their disciples, forcing the elder into retirement, and becoming elder without any authority in the sect.