Daqin Zhentiansi

Venerable Panshi and the others frowned slightly, clearly having heard about this matter.

However, since it involved the change of the leader of the temple and was Zhang Yuan's birthplace, they could not express their opinions directly, and their eyes were all on Zhang Yuan.

They knew that Zhang Yuan and Qing Xuanzi were not dead, and they also knew the despicable things behind Zhao Kun's actions.

Zhang Yuan reached out, but his fingertips did not touch the jade slip. Instead, a wisp of crimson light from the Burning Heaven Token swept lightly over the document.

He instantly perceived the contents of the document with his divine sense; the eagerness between the lines and the certainty of Zhang Yuan and the others' "death" were crystal clear.

The icy smile on his lips deepened, but his eyes remained eerily calm, as if he were looking at a trivial matter.

"The acting abbot?"

Zhang Yuan's voice wasn't loud, but it echoed clearly in the hall, carrying a hint of mockery.

"The martyrdom of Abbot Xuanchengzi is indeed a tragedy of the Sunken Sand River. However, Elder Qingxuanzi, and... myself," he paused, the red light of the Burning Heaven Decree illuminating his deep eyes, "are all safe and sound, and are currently busy pacifying the demonic forces and training the army."

He ignored Zhao Kun's name on the document, his tone resolute and unwavering: "Xuanyu Temple is an important fortress for our human race to resist the demon race. The position of the abbot is related to the fortune of the temple and the stability of the front line."

"Zhao Kun is unworthy of his position and incompetent. I believe the position of Abbot should belong to Qing Xuanzi!"

"Elder Qingxuanzi is highly skilled and virtuous. He has always been at the forefront of battles in Blood Maple Ridge and Lava City, and has made outstanding contributions. He is deeply respected by the disciples of the temple."

"Only with him in charge of Xuanyu Temple can we unite the people, stabilize the rear, and provide a solid support for us to fight demons on the front lines!"

Zhang Yuan's words were like golden rules, resounding with authority.

He did not elevate himself, but directly vindicated Qing Xuanzi with irrefutable facts and powerful authority, denying Zhao Kun's wishful thinking.

Upon hearing this, the last trace of doubt on the face of Venerable Rock vanished, and he clapped his hands, saying, "Excellent! Commander Zhang is absolutely right!"

"Fellow Daoist Qingxuanzi is mature and prudent, with outstanding military achievements. He is indeed the only suitable candidate for the position of Master of Xuanyu Temple! Zhao Kun... Hmph!"

He snorted coldly, clearly disgusted by Zhao Kun's petty tricks.

Of course, it was actually Zhang Yuan who demonstrated absolute strength and suppressed Zhao Kun.

The choice between Zhao Kun and Zhang Yuan is obvious.

The other venerable ones also nodded in agreement.

Zhang Yuan's prestige and judgment were the highest endorsement at this moment.

Venerable Pan Shi looked at Zhang Yuan with trust and a hint of entrustment in his eyes: "In that case, this matter will also be handled by Commander Zhang."

“Your status is equivalent to that of the deputy abbot of the Hundred Temples, which is already above that of the guardians of the Ten Temples. It is perfectly legitimate for you to handle this matter.”

"Take my warrant to the 'Ten Garrison Command' to obtain the official appointment document. Then..."

Venerable Panshi's gaze was far-reaching, as if piercing through space and seeing the mountain gate of Xuanyu Temple: "I will personally escort Fellow Daoist Qingxuanzi back to Xuanyu Temple to take up his post!"

"Such an important matter requires someone of sufficient weight to oversee it in order to deter the petty villains and stabilize the situation. Commander Zhang, the 'Fire General,' is the best candidate to be here in person."

He specifically emphasized the words "Fire General," the meaning of which is self-evident.

We must use Zhang Yuan's current immense prestige and the power of the Burning Heaven Order to clear all obstacles for Qing Xuanzi's return!
Zhang Yuan stood up and nodded slightly to Venerable Pan Shi and the other Venerables: "Zhang Yuan obeys the order."

He reached out and the jade document representing Zhao Kun's ambition fell into his hands.

Without even looking, a wisp of dark purple Heaven-Burning Divine Fire suddenly rose from his fingertip!
"laugh--"

The jade scroll, along with the divine imprint of Zhao Kun contained within it, vanished without a trace of smoke in the overwhelming divine fire, as if it had never existed.

Zhang Yuan used the most direct and domineering method, the Heavenly Fire, to burn Zhao Kun's delusional writings to ashes, demonstrating his absolute power and will.

Any conspiracy or trickery is reduced to dust before such power!
After doing all this, Zhang Yuan put away the Heaven-Burning Order.

The black ink Taoist robe fluttered without wind, and an invisible pressure and killing aura were faintly revealed.

That was the residual power of the lava canyon burning away all the demons.

"The hunt in the Ancient Forest of Ten Thousand Miasmas is imminent, and Xuan Yu Temple also needs to stabilize its rear. I, Zhang, will now go to the Ten Temples Garrison to retrieve the documents, and then... escort Senior Brother Qing Xuan back to the mountain."

Zhang Yuan's voice was calm, yet it contained the force of a thunderbolt.

He turned around, his steps steady, and walked out of the hall.

The figure appeared even taller and more majestic amidst the starlight and the interplay of light and shadow from the bronze cauldron.

The palace doors slowly closed behind him, leaving the five venerable ones looking at each other.

The Venerable Rock stroked his beard and murmured, "Zhao Kun... ha, good luck to you. With the Fire General back at the mountain, how can a rat be allowed to occupy such a high position?"

The others chuckled and disappeared from the spot.

……

Qing Xuanzi sat cross-legged in the tent, his Xuan Yu True Essence flowing around him as he repaired the residual injuries and depletion from the battle in the Lava Canyon.

Outside the tent, there was the solemn atmosphere of the Allied Forces training, and a large crimson banner with a dark gold "fire" character branded on it, fluttering in the wind.

The curtain was silently lifted, and Zhang Yuan's figure appeared in the doorway.

He didn't deliberately conceal his aura, but the immense pressure he possessed, having undergone the baptism of the Heavenly Purgatory and possessing the body of a chaotic god and demon, even when restrained, instantly awakened Qing Xuanzi from his meditation.

"Junior brother!" Qing Xuanzi quickly stood up, his face filled with joy and respect.

The Zhang Yuan before them was no longer the Taoist master preaching on Xuanyu Cliff, but the "Fire General" who controlled all the temples and whose power shook Chensha.

Zhang Yuan nodded slightly, walked to the main seat in the tent and sat down. His movements were natural, exuding an unquestionable air of authority.

His gaze fell on Qing Xuanzi, and he spoke directly, his voice calm yet carrying the power to stabilize the world:
“Senior brother, Venerable Panshi and the other venerables of the Garrison have decided that you will succeed as the abbot of Xuanyu Temple.”

"Wh-what?!" Qing Xuanzi was struck dumb, and looked up abruptly, his face filled with disbelief and shock, followed by intense fear.

"This, this is unacceptable! Junior brother, you... your strength is extraordinary, your achievements are unparalleled, the position of abbot should rightfully belong to you..."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Yuan gently shook his head, his deep gaze falling on Qing Xuanzi's face, a faint smile playing on his lips, carrying a hint of all-knowing insight. Qing Xuanzi paused, speechless.

Looking into Zhang Yuan's calm, unwavering eyes, which seemed to contain an endless sea of ​​stars, and sensing the profound aura emanating from him that rivaled or even surpassed that of a Venerable, as well as the crimson "Burning Heaven Decree" hovering beside him, symbolizing the authority of the Commander of the Hundred Observations... he instantly understood.

A mix of immense bitterness and relief welled up inside me.

He gave a bitter laugh, his voice tinged with self-mockery and understanding: "Yes... it was Senior Brother who was confused. Junior Brother is now the Commander of a Hundred Temples, and the name 'Fire General' is renowned throughout the primordial world. The position of a mere Temple Master is nothing more than a shackle that binds your hands and feet."

"You... have long since soared above the heavens, overlooking this River of Sinking Sand."

After the bitterness comes a heavy sense of responsibility.

Qing Xuanzi took a deep breath, straightened his spine, and his eyes became extremely solemn and firm. He bowed deeply to Zhang Yuan: "Since Junior Brother has no interest in this position, Xuanyu Temple cannot be without a leader. I, Qing Xuanzi... will accept this position of Temple Master! I will certainly live up to the trust placed in me by Junior Brother and all the Venerable Ones, stabilize the rear, and do my part in the fight against demons on the front lines!"

“Good.” Zhang Yuan was not surprised by this answer. He stood up and said, “In that case, come with me to the Ten Garrisons’ Office to retrieve the appointment decree.”

"Yes!" Qing Xuanzi solemnly replied.

Without another word, Zhang Yuan stepped out of the tent, followed closely by Qing Xuanzi.

A surge of chaotic energy flowed around Zhang Yuan, causing ripples in the space. In an instant, the two figures rose from the ground, transforming into two streaks of light that tore through the sky and sped toward Dingyue Peak, where the Ten Temples Garrison was located.

Dingyue Peak, the garrison headquarters of the Ten Temples.

Although not as grand as the Hundred Views Garrison, it was equally imposing, with palaces built against the mountain and shrouded in a powerful protective array, exuding an aura of dominating the region.

When Zhang Yuan's dark figure, carrying the lingering power of the Burning Heaven Purgatory and the domineering aura unique to the Burning Heaven Token, appeared in front of the mountain gate, the entire Ten Temples Garrison was instantly alarmed.

"The Heaven-Burning Decree! It's the Fire Commander himself!"

"Quickly! Inform the Lord of the Manor immediately!"

When the guards saw the blood-red token in Zhang Yuan's hand and felt the terrifying pressure emanating from it, their expressions changed drastically. They hurriedly bowed and simultaneously sent word to the mansion as quickly as possible.

Moments later, the main gate of the garrison headquarters burst open.

Yue Zhenshan, the prefect of the Ten Views Garrison, a Saint Realm peak expert with a square face and a deep, mountain-like aura, strode out to greet them along with several deputy prefects and chief elders.

Their faces showed undisguised excitement and awe.

"I am deeply sorry for not being able to greet you properly, General Shiranui!" Yue Zhenshan clasped his hands in a salute from a distance, his posture extremely humble.

The deputy prefect and others behind him bowed and said in unison, "Welcome, Marshal Huo!"

Zhang Yuan led Qing Xuanzi into the main hall. Yue Zhenshan and the others quickly invited him to the head seat, which Zhang Yuan accepted without hesitation. Qing Xuanzi stood beside him.

"The presence of the Fire General is truly an honor for our Ten Garrisons!" Yue Zhenshan exclaimed with deep emotion and heartfelt admiration. "In the battle of the Lava Canyon, the heavens were scorched and the seas boiled, annihilating the three races of demons!"

"The Fire General's divine might is truly an unprecedented victory for our human race since we began guarding the prehistoric world! Upon hearing this, all of us officials are filled with fervor and excitement, unable to sleep! The achievements of this battle are worthy of being recorded in history!"

The other lords and elders echoed this sentiment, their words filled with awe and admiration for Zhang Yuan's achievements.

Zhang Yuan remained calm, merely nodding slightly at the compliments from the crowd, and went straight to the point: "Master Yue, I have come here to discuss the matter of the change of abbot of Xuanyu Temple."

He gestured towards Qing Xuanzi with his gaze.

"After deliberation by Venerable Panshi and the Venerables of the Hundred Views Garrison, Qingxuanzi will serve as the new Abbot of Xuanyu Temple. Please issue the official appointment decree, Lord of the Garrison."

"Fellow Daoist Qingxuanzi is taking over as abbot?" Yue Zhenshan was slightly taken aback, then looked at Qingxuanzi, who stood beside Zhang Yuan with a solemn expression, and a look of understanding flashed in his eyes.

He immediately nodded: "Since it is the will of Venerable Rock and Fire General, and there is also a person of virtue and talent like Fellow Daoist Qingxuanzi, we should naturally comply!"

He immediately instructed the chief elder: "Quickly fetch the seals of the Ten Garrison Commands and the blank imperial edict jade tablets!"

However, at that moment, a deputy prefectural lord in charge of paperwork hesitated and looked troubled, then said tentatively, "Prefectural Lord, Commander Huo... regarding the matter of the abbot of Xuanyu Temple, there are still several related documents in the treasury that have not yet been processed..."

"Oh? Bring it here." Yue Zhenshan frowned slightly.

The deputy prefect quickly brought out three jade slips of different materials and colors and respectfully placed them on the table between Yue Zhenshan and Zhang Yuan.

Yue Zhenshan swept his divine sense across the area, and his expression immediately turned somewhat ugly.

He picked up one of the jade slips, which shone with a faint luster of jade but contained a hint of flattery, and said in a deep voice: "This is presented by Zhao Kun, the acting abbot of Xuanyu Temple. He said that the abbot Xuan Chengzi had died for his cause, and that Elder Qing Xuanzi, Zhang... and you, Huo Shuai... had all perished in the Lava Canyon. He earnestly requested that you be formally appointed as the abbot."

When he said that Zhang Yuan "died in the lava canyon," his voice paused noticeably, carrying a hint of absurdity.

He picked up the second jade slip, which exuded a righteous aura and carried a hint of anxiety: "This is a secret message sent by Zhou Xian, a lecturer at Xuanyu Temple, to Elder Yuheng of the Hundred Temples Guardian Alliance, which was later transferred to my residence."

"It states that Zhao Kun colluded with the Celestial Race to plot for the position of Abbot, and framed Elder Qingxuanzi and Fire Marshal. It earnestly requests the Alliance to uphold justice and stop Zhao Kun's conspiracy."

Finally, Yue Zhenshan picked up the third jade slip.

This jade slip is entirely silver-white, made of neither gold nor jade. Its surface is covered with a cold starlight, radiating an aura of superiority and disregard for the mortal world. It is a unique standard document of the Celestial Guard!
Yue Zhenshan's face darkened completely, his voice heavy with a hint of anger: "This is... a 'notification' document from the Celestial Guard!"

"The Xuanyu Temple is an important foundation of our human race, and the position of abbot cannot be lightly granted. The mention that Zhao Kun is 'familiar with temple affairs' implies that it is more 'in line with the expectations of the Heavenly Palace' for him to take over... I wonder what benefits Zhao Kun has offered that actually managed to persuade the Patrol Division to intervene!"

He slammed the three jade slips down on the table and looked at Zhang Yuan: "Commander Huo, the Celestial Patrol Division has overstepped its bounds! When has the Heavenly Palace ever interfered with the change of leaders within our human race? They have no right to interfere! But..."

He paused slightly, revealing a hint of hesitation.

"After all, it involves the Heavenly Palace. If they exert pressure forcibly, it may cause trouble."

Zhang Yuan's gaze swept over the three jade slips, lingering for a moment on the third silver-white jade slip.

He extended his finger, and a wisp of dark purple Heaven-Burning Divine Fire silently ignited at the tip, gently touching the silver-white document of the Celestial Guard.

"laugh--!"

Without any violent burning sound, the jade slip, made of extraordinary material and imposing with the aura of a celestial being, along with the divine imprint contained within it, vanished instantly before the domineering and unparalleled Heaven-Burning Divine Fire, like thin snow meeting the scorching sun, leaving not even a wisp of smoke behind, as if it had never existed.

Zhang Yuan's voice was calm and undisturbed, yet it carried a resolute air of dominance: "Burn it."

Yue Zhenshan and the others' pupils shrank as they stared at the silver jade slip that had vanished in an instant, their hearts filled with a tremendous surge of emotion!
To burn the documents of the Celestial Guard so decisively and cleanly—what courage and confidence that must have been!
This is not just a display of strength, but a blatant disregard and challenge to the authority of Heaven and Man!
But only the "Fire General" before us, who has incinerated all demons and commands the battle formations of a hundred realms, would dare to do this, and only he could do this! (End of Chapter)