Daqin Zhentiansi

The bone spear, wrapped in the Heaven-Burning Divine Fire and Blood Soul Tribulation Lightning, pierced through the incredibly tough dark blue scales and penetrated deep into the neck bone of the Nether Serpent, thanks to Zhang Yuan's unparalleled strength and the support of his Chaotic God-Demon Body!

The violent sword intent of annihilation, the divine fire of burning the heavens, and the power of blood soul tribulation lightning erupted inside the snake's head!

"His-!!!"

The nine-headed serpent let out an unprecedentedly shrill and miserable howl!
The pierced head thrashed wildly, and dark green snake blood gushed out like a waterfall!
The remaining eight snake heads also hissed violently from the intense pain, and their attacks became chaotic for a moment.

Zhang Yuan's eyes were as cold as ice, unwavering!

With his left hand forming a claw, he secretly channeled the "Return of All Qi to the Source" divine power, unleashing a terrifying devouring force from his palm, and fiercely clawed at the wound along the pierced bone spear!
"Bloodline origin, come!"

A pure, ancient, and unimaginably powerful nine-headed serpent bloodline essence, which also contained extreme cold and ferocity, was forcibly extracted from the wound!
This power, like viscous black jade nectar, gathered in Zhang Yuan's palm, radiating a heart-palpitating pressure!

The excruciating pain and the fear of having their essence stolen instantly overwhelmed the beast's savagery!
For the first time, a look of horror appeared in the eighteen vertical pupils of the Nine-Headed Serpent!
It violently swung its damaged head, the force of which sent Zhang Yuan and his spear flying.

Immediately afterwards, the nine-headed serpent let out a hiss filled with resentment and unwillingness, and its enormous body twisted violently!
“Rumble——!!!”

Its massive tail, as large as a mountain range, slammed into the mountain peaks at the edge of the canyon!

This is not an attack, but rather the earth's veins being shaken by the power of a venerable being!
In an instant, the earth shook!

Centered on Black Wind Gorge, the land within a radius of hundreds of miles undulated violently like waves!

Countless bottomless, enormous cracks spread across the ground, causing mountains to collapse and rivers to change course! The terrifying power of the earth's veins was forcibly activated, distorted, and erupted!
A raging torrent of earth and rocks and chaotic ley line energy swept across the area in an instant, forming a devastating wasteland that not only forced Zhang Yuan and his companions back but also threw the entire battlefield into chaos!
This destructive shock, originating from the Venerable One's great power, was like a boulder thrown into a lake, its ripples spreading outwards at an astonishing speed.

In an instant, the main battlefield, far downstream of the Chensha River, seemed to have its last powder keg ignited!
In the direction of the Sunken Sand River, the sky, which was already boiling over due to the deadly battle between the two powerful races, the Crimson Scale Python and the Black Armored Crocodile, was suddenly torn apart by countless blinding beams of light!

Each of those beams of light represents the fall of at least a Saint Realm expert!

Its light, sometimes as blazing as the sun, sometimes as dark as an abyss, soared into the sky with a roar of resentment and a shriek of collapsing laws, dyeing the thick dark clouds into a tragic and chaotic spectrum of death.

The deafening sounds of battle were no longer a blurry background, but transformed into a tangible, soul-tearing frenzy.

Interspersed among them were the dying cries of giant beasts, the clanging of divine weapons shattering, and the terrifying roar caused by the clash of supernatural powers across a wide area, which distorted and collapsed the space itself!
The earth was trembling violently, even more so than in Blackwind Gorge!

The shockwaves, visible to the naked eye, even distorted the distant horizon, and the turbid waves of the Chensha River were swept up into the sky, forming a muddy waterspout that connected heaven and earth.

Clearly, this epic bloodbath, which swept through dozens of guardian temples and involved two powerful primordial races, finally spiraled out of control and entered its most tragic and intense final stage due to the chain reaction triggered by the earth-shaking strike of the Nine-Headed Nether Serpent!

Both sides have revealed all their trump cards, and even Venerable-level beings are likely engaged in a bloody battle, with casualties so heavy that it has reached a point where heaven and earth grieve!

The dramatic changes in the earth's veins so close at hand, the terrifying scene of the distant Sunken Sand River that resembled the end of the world, the countless pillars of light symbolizing the fall of powerful figures piercing the sky, and the deafening sounds of battle that shook the universe all indicated that this was the ultimate battlefield where even Venerables could perish at any moment.

For the first time, a trace of instinctive fear and weighing of the nine heads of the originally ferocious nine-headed serpent clearly flashed in the vertical pupils of its nine heads!
Continuing to fight this unpredictable and resourceful young human would come at a terrible cost, even if they won.

At this moment, the destructive energy erupting from the ultimate battlefield of Chensha River, which resembled a meat grinder, and the terrifying killing intent hidden within it—enough to threaten beings at its level—completely extinguished its will to fight to the death.

Its massive body rapidly blurred amidst the chaotic earth vein energy and billowing dust. Its nine serpent heads glared venomously at Zhang Yuan, letting out a piercing howl filled with deep-seated hatred:

"You human brat! This enmity is irreconcilable! Once I recover, I will wipe you and the Xuanyu Temple from the primordial world!"

Before the words were even finished, its figure had already merged into the shattered spatial rift, disappearing without a trace along with the sky-covering poisonous clouds, leaving behind only the devastated Black Wind Canyon, ravaged by rampant energy, and the terrified crowd.

The devastating light and sound waves of the distant Sunken Sand River also slowly dissipated after the Nine-Headed Nether Serpent left.

It didn't dissipate; rather, the power of heaven and earth once again covered the tragic battlefield.

High above the sky, the leader of the celestial beings had a livid face, and his fists were clenched so tightly they cracked.

He watched helplessly as the Nine-Headed Nether Serpent fled, severely wounded, while Zhang Yuan below, though forced back, still possessed a powerful aura.

Although Tie Tang, Yan Feng, and the others were in a sorry state, their strength had greatly increased due to the breakthrough achieved by the pills, and countless eyes were watching the sky warily.

Making a move at this moment would not only be unlikely to succeed, but could also expose one's true nature and make one a target of public criticism.

"Hmph! Useless!" The Celestial Leader cursed under his breath, seemingly unsure whether he was cursing the Nether Serpent or himself for missing a golden opportunity.

He glanced deeply at Zhang Yuan, who stood proudly atop the ruins, holding a bone spear. His fear deepened, and he could only grit his teeth and order, "Go!"

Several streaks of white light flashed, and the Celestial Race figures disappeared silently behind the clouds.

As the dust settled, the canyon was left in a state of chaos.

Zhang Yuan looked in the direction where the Nine-Headed Nether Serpent disappeared, then gazed at the distant, murderous expanse of the Sunken Sand River, his brows furrowing slightly.

He put away the bone spear and turned to look at Tie Tang and Yan Feng, whose auras were surging but who were quite exhausted: "The matter here is settled. The Nine-Headed Nether Serpent has been injured and fled. It should not dare to come back in the short term."

"The Celestial Race is eyeing us covetously. You must quickly stabilize your cultivation levels, regroup your strength, and protect your clan's territory. This place is not safe to linger."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the direction of the Chensha River: "The Chensha River has undergone a dramatic change, a great battle has begun, and its impact is likely to be widespread. Xuanyu Temple is also caught in the whirlpool, and the abbot has not yet returned. I must rush back to the temple immediately."

Knowing the urgency of the situation, Tie Tang and Yan Feng suppressed their excitement at breaking through and their exhaustion after the battle, bowed and said in unison, "We will obey the orders of our Master and Daoist! We will certainly not fail in our mission!"

Zhang Yuan said no more, and looked deeply at the soaring killing light and the falling pillar of light in the direction of Chensha River, a trace of solemnity flashing in his eyes.

Immediately, he took a step forward, his body surging with chaotic energy, and his figure transformed into a streak of light that tore through the sky, rushing towards the Xuan Yu Temple!

With the Xuan Yu Temple gate in sight, Zhang Yuan descended from the sky, the fishy wind of the Chen Sha River and the bloodthirsty aura of the Black Wind Gorge still clinging to his body.

His steps were steady, his eyes were deep, and the restrained pressure of his chaotic god-demon body made the gatekeeper disciples subconsciously hold their breath and lower their heads, their eyes filled with awe and fanaticism.

However, this somber atmosphere upon their return was instantly torn apart by the grief and panic that permeated the temple.

"Senior Brother Zhang! Master Zhang! You...you're finally back!" A disciple staggered in, his face ashen, his voice trembling with sobs, "The Abbot...the Abbot...he's fallen!"

Zhang Yuan paused slightly in his steps.

The abbot, Xuan Chengzi, actually perished in that earth-shattering battle at the Shensha River.

The temple was in complete chaos.

Before the mourning hall was even set up, the sounds of weeping, anxious discussions, and helpless cries mingled together, filling every hall and every corridor.

The once tranquil place of meditation is now filled with unease, like a dilapidated bird's nest swept away by a hurricane.

The disciples were completely disoriented, the elders were ashen-faced, and a fierce argument was coming from the direction of the council hall. The air was filled with a great panic of losing their leader.

Just as the chaos reached its peak, a figure, surrounded by several trusted elders, strode confidently up the main stone steps of the council hall. It was none other than Acting Abbot Zhao Kun!
His face was etched with sorrow, but deep in his eyes gleamed an undisguised fierceness and a hint of... triumphant pleasure.

"Silence!" Zhao Kun's voice, infused with true energy, rolled across the entire Xuanyu Temple like muffled thunder, instantly silencing all the noise.

He surveyed the panicked crowd below and said with deep sorrow, "The tragic news from Shensha River has arrived. Our abbot... fought bravely against the demon lords to protect our human territory and died a heroic death! This is an unprecedented tragedy since the founding of Xuanyu Temple!"

Upon hearing this, cries of sorrow arose both inside and outside the hall.

Zhao Kun took a deep breath, his voice suddenly turning stern, carrying an unquestionable authority: "However, with a formidable enemy at hand, grief is of no use! Now that the abbot has passed away, I, as the acting abbot, must accept the mission in this time of crisis, temporarily assume the abbot's duties, and lead the entire temple to reassure the people and defend against foreign aggression!"

He didn't give anyone a chance to question or nominate him, and directly announced that he would take over the power as the "acting abbot".

Several elders who were originally qualified to compete hesitated to speak.

With the silent support of Zhao Kun and several powerful elders around him, they ultimately dared not utter a word.

Zhao Kun's gaze swept across the crowd and precisely locked onto Zhang Yuan, who had just entered the main hall.

A barely perceptible glint of cold calculation flashed in his eyes, but he managed to force a look of "respect" onto his face.

“Junior Brother Zhang Yuan!” Zhao Kun’s voice was loud and clear, carrying a heavy weight of responsibility. “Your cultivation is profound, you are both wise and brave, and you have made many outstanding contributions. You are the pillar of our Xuanyu Temple!”

"The battle at Chensha River has not yet ended. Elder Qingxuanzi and dozens of our elite garrison commanders, along with several friendly forces, are currently besieged by the demon army in the perilous 'Blood Maple Ridge' and are in imminent danger!"

His tone suddenly rose, filled with grief and indignation, and command: "As the acting abbot, I order you! Go to Blood Maple Ridge immediately, at all costs, to rescue Elder Qing Xuanzi and his trapped fellow disciples! You must bring them back, or..."

"Let us go to the Yellow Springs together, to uphold the name of the loyal and valiant of Xuanyu Temple!"

The order was given, and the hall fell into an instant of deathly silence!
Blood Maple Ridge!

That was one of the most brutal meat grinders in the lower reaches of the Chensha River!

It is said that several other powerful figures at the level of abbots who guard the temple have already perished here!
The demon race there is incredibly powerful, with more than one Venerable-level demon in charge!

Should Zhang Yuan be sent to the rescue alone?

How is this any different from sending him to his death?

"Abbot! You mustn't!" An elderly garrison commander with white hair and beard stepped forward tremblingly. "Blood Maple Ridge is already a death trap! Although Master Zhang is strong, going there alone is like a lamb entering a tiger's den!"

"We should plan carefully, contact our allies, and gather our strength..."

"Shut up!" Zhao Kun interrupted sharply, his face ashen.

The oppressive force of the third level of the Holy Realm, the Time Level, suddenly erupted, causing the old garrison commander to stagger backward, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

"Elder Li! Are you questioning my decision, or are you simply afraid of death?! Our Master's body is barely cold, and our fellow disciples are in dire straits. How can you be allowed to undermine morale here!"

"My mind is made up. Zhang Yuan must depart immediately! Anyone who disobeys will be punished as a traitor!"

A chilling killing intent permeated the air, silencing the pleaders who looked at Zhang Yuan with eyes full of reluctance, anger, and despair.

Zhang Yuan preached at Xuanyu Cliff, and many people were enlightened and inspired by him.

But at this moment, no one dared to speak up for Zhang Yuan.

The main hall was filled with a depressing, deathly silence.

Zhang Yuan slowly raised his head, his gaze calm and unwavering.

His gaze swept over the faces filled with grief, worry, and despair, finally settling on the distant Chensha River.

There were no angry questions, no generous vows.

He simply spoke indifferently towards the entrance of the main hall, his voice not loud, yet clearly carrying to every corner:
"Zhang Yuan, I accept the order."

Before the words were finished, a green shadow flashed, and the person, like a startled swan, darted out of the main hall and disappeared outside the gate of Xuanyu Temple, leaving behind only an even more deathly silence of shock and silent lament.

As Zhao Kun looked in the direction Zhang Yuan had left, the sorrow on his face vanished, leaving only a cold, sinister look and a hint of triumphant pleasure.

A moment later, in a secluded side hall within the temple.

The space rippled slightly, and a figure clad in light gold armor and with pure white wings on its back quietly appeared.

It was the leader of the Celestials who had fought Zhang Yuan at the Shensha River.

"Hmph, that's quite decisive." The Celestial Leader's tone was icy, tinged with disdain. "Going to Blood Maple Ridge is a certain death for all."

"The demon army is no benevolent force either. Even with extraordinary abilities, they will find it difficult to escape this calamity."

Zhao Kun immediately put on an extremely obsequious expression and bowed deeply: "Thank you for your kindness, sir! Without your guidance, it would have been no easy task to eliminate this fiend with the help of the demon race."

"Once he dies, everyone in Xuanyu Temple will follow your lead! And the position of abbot..."

"Rest assured." The Celestial Leader's lips curled into a cold smile. "What I promised you, I will fulfill. It's just the position of Abbot of Xuanyu Temple. You just need to do what you're supposed to do and not disappoint me."

His figure gradually faded, as if merging into the void.

"Remember, what happened today is known only to Heaven and Earth."

"Yes! Yes! Your subordinate understands! Respectfully seeing you off, sir!" Zhao Kun's voice trembled with excitement as he repeatedly bowed to the empty space.

At the window of the quiet room at the highest point of the Sutra Repository, Dr. Zhou Xian, who was lecturing on the sutras, stood by the railing, gazing in the direction Zhang Yuan had left. He then glanced at the side hall where Zhao Kun was, his eyes filled with complex emotions: anger, worry, and a hint of determination.

He quickly took out a jade slip, used his finger as a pen, and infused it with his divine sense to leave a brief message. Then he summoned a trusted disciple and solemnly instructed him: "Go quickly! Deliver this letter to Elder Yuheng of the Hundred Views Guardian Alliance as soon as possible!"

"Remember, deliver it at all costs!"

The disciple accepted the order and disappeared from the temple like the wind.

Zhou Xian gazed at the gloomy sky outside the window, muttering to himself. Though his voice was soft, it carried an undeniable air of authority and defiance: "The matter of Xuanyu Temple is ultimately a matter for our human race, a matter for our Xuanyu Temple..."

"It's not up to those high and mighty celestial beings to interfere and decide life and death!" (End of Chapter)