Daqin Zhentiansi

A young eagle demon named Lingyu was once too cowardly to swoop down too low.

At this moment, she followed closely on the flank of the formation, overcame her fear, and completed a beautiful low-altitude swoop. The released feathers accurately hit the target, and under the cover of her companions' electric net, she safely pulled up and excitedly let out a clear and long cry.

This growth is visible to the naked eye.

The human race's battle formation, the "Chaotic Rock Formation," has reached its pinnacle.

The formation shifted like flowing clouds and running water, and the auras of hundreds of cultivators blended seamlessly into one.

That shield, swirling with chaotic energy, can not only withstand the simulated demonic power impact, but also absorb the impact by instantly "denting" in a localized area, and then suddenly "rebound" to form a counterattack arrow!
A young human cultivator named Sun Xiaohai had previously been a burden due to his low cultivation level.

At this moment, he was at an auxiliary node on the edge of the formation, intently controlling a small formation flag.

Following the "Guiding Qi to Profound Realm" method taught by Zhang Yuan, he tried his best to sense the spiritual energy pulse of the great formation.

When the senior brother in charge of the main defense became unsteady on his feet after withstanding a powerful impact, Sun Xiaohai had a sudden inspiration and suddenly injected his own weak true essence into the array flag. At the critical moment, he guided a stream of chaotic air from the side to fill the tiny gap!
Although it was only for a moment, it ensured that the entire formation's defenses did not falter.

The elder in charge of the formation gave him an approving look. Sun Xiaohai was so excited that his face turned red. For the first time, he truly felt that he was also an indispensable part of this powerful battle formation.

Zhang Yuan remained standing on the high platform, but his guidance was now even more meticulous.

He no longer relies solely on divine will; he occasionally takes matters into his own hands.

He instantly appeared beside a group of human cultivators, his fingers moving like butterflies flitting among flowers, pointing out several streams of chaotic energy in mid-air to straighten their disordered spiritual power, and whispering a few pointers on how to exert force.

"boom--"

The team members were enlightened, and their formation immediately became smooth and efficient, increasing their attack power by 30%!
The faint shadow of the war beast coalesced into a form!
Zhao Kun and Ling Hao stood at the edge of the training ground, looking at the mind-blowing three-race coordinated battle formation and feeling the overwhelming, tangible aura of iron-blooded slaughter. Their expressions turned extremely ugly.

Zhao Kun, in particular, clearly remembered how passively the cultivators of Xuanyu Temple were defending against the demon race a few months ago, and how the giant apes were attacking recklessly based on instinct.

Now, all of this has been completely changed because of that calm figure on the high platform!
The power displayed by this "military guard" filled him with deep fear and resentment.

"Hmph, it's all just for show! Arming the demon race and training them in battle formations is such a grand spectacle, wasting resources and causing hardship for the people! It'll only backfire sooner or later!" Zhao Kun suppressed the turmoil in his heart and said to Ling Hao in a low voice, trying to save face.

Ling Hao did not respond, but his gaze became even more profound. The recording jade slip in his hand continued to operate, clearly recording the runes on the joints of the giant ape armor, the poisoning process of the eagle demon feather arrows, the core array patterns of the human race's array flags, and the key nodes of the three races' battle formation coordination.

Zhao Kun and Ling Hao grew increasingly alarmed as they looked. Zhao Kun's eyes reddened with jealousy, and he suppressed his unease, whispering, "Inspector Ling, this scale of armed alien race training and battle drills is clearly..."

Ling Hao's gaze was deep, and he continued working on the image-recording jade slip in his hand without stopping. He said coldly, "As long as the evidence is conclusive, now is the time to do what you mentioned about 'stealing'."

Zhao Kun understood, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes.

Just then, Zhang Yuan's voice, as cold as ice, rang out clearly: "Senior Brother Zhao seems to be taking special 'care' of my camp? Could it be that Xuan Yu Temple has no more important matters to attend to, allowing you, the 'Acting Abbot,' to linger here?"

These words were full of hostility!
All eyes instantly focused on Zhao Kun, filled with disdain and anger.

The abbot on behalf of the temple?
Zhao Kun did indeed serve as the acting abbot of Xuanyu Temple, but now, the abbot of Xuanyu Temple is Qing Xuanzi!

Zhang Yuan deliberately brought up the identity of the acting abbot, completely rubbing salt into Zhao Kun's wounds.

Zhao Kun was exposed in public, his face flushed red with embarrassment and anger, but he was speechless for a moment.

Standing beside him, Ling Hao, the commander of the Celestial Guards, narrowed his eyes and suddenly pointed at the fully armed giant ape and eagle demon below. His voice rose, filled with a scathing, incitement:

"Zhang Yuan! Don't try to change the subject! Look at what you've done! Arming the demon race! Mass-producing forbidden weapons! Training battle formations capable of overturning an entire region! What are you trying to do?"

"Do you want to incite a war between humans and demons, turn the Chensha River into a river of blood, and make Xuanyu Temple, the Ten Temples, and the Hundred Temples perish for you?! You are cutting yourself off from the Heavenly Palace and the order of the primordial world!"

His accusations were vicious and loud, an attempt to crush Zhang Yuan with a heavy accusation.

The whole place fell silent for a moment.

Many of the town guards, who were already worried about infighting among the Celestial Race, were even more uneasy.

The rules established by the celestial beings have been in effect in this primordial world for far too long.

Over time, all people and all living beings unconsciously came to follow this rule for survival.

Zhang Yuan stood on the high platform, his black Taoist robe motionless in the wind.

He slowly turned his head, his gaze like two cold, sharp swords, first sweeping over Zhao Kun. The indifference and disdain in his eyes made Zhao Kun feel as if he had been choked, and the curses he was about to unleash were forced back down his throat.

Zhang Yuan's gaze finally locked onto Ling Hao. His voice wasn't loud, but it contained an undeniable power, clearly reaching every corner:
"Ling Hao".

He addressed him by his first name without any respect!

Celestial beings are always high above others, and to call them by their names is an insult!

"boom--"

In an instant, Ling Hao and the celestial beings behind him all experienced a surge of blood and a rise of true essence, resembling a galaxy.

The bloodline power of the Celestial Race is no less than that of ordinary divine beasts.

At this moment, the aura of several Saint Realm Celestials surged, and all the garrison commanders, giant apes, and demon eagles on the entire training ground trembled.

The fear of the celestial beings that the Heavenly Palace suppressed in the primordial world seemed to be awakened at this moment.

Zhang Yuan remained expressionless and took a step forward.

An invisible aura suddenly surged, like a majestic divine mountain rising from the ground, subtly rivaling Ling Hao's celestial pressure!

"The formation of the Martial Guard, the hunting of the ancient forest, and the training of troops to exterminate demons were all authorized by the joint decree of Venerable Pan Shi and the Hundred Observations, and did not exceed the scope of the Heavenly Palace's 'extermination of demons.' This is necessary for the human race to survive and protect itself, and to cleanse the demonic atmosphere! What is there to be taboo about?"

Zhang Yuan snorted coldly, his voice like the clang of metal on metal.

"As for arming allies to jointly defend against the enemy? Hmph!"

"The Giant Ape Clan helped me mine the mountains, and the Eagle Clan assisted with defense, reconnaissance, and transportation—all for the sake of the hunt and to reduce casualties among our human cultivators! This is the bond of fighting side by side!"

"In your mouth, it's become 'subverting order'? Inspector Ling, you've easily pinned this label on me, but I wonder if you're representing the Patrol Division or yourself in obstructing our human race's great cause of exterminating demons?!"

"If the Heavenly Palace truly wishes to maintain order, it should help me sweep away the demonic influence! Instead, it should stand here and point fingers at those who are fighting a bloody battle!"

The last sentence, each word resounding like a thunderclap, is filled with a strong questioning and disdain for interference by the heavens and man!

"Roar--!"

"Wow—!"

"Fight! Fight! Fight!"

Below, Yan Feng suddenly pounded his chest and roared, his dark golden hair bristling!
The Ironfeathered Eagle Clan warriors roared in unison!

The human cultivators were even more excited, and their weapons slammed into the ground, producing a deafening roar!

"We swear to follow Marshal Fire to the death!"

"To exterminate demons and protect our clan! What crime have we committed!"

The roar, like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing, converged into an indomitable torrent of iron and blood!

The soaring battle intent solidified into a tangible form, forcefully shattering the celestial pressure brought by Ling Hao!

The entire camp seemed to transform into a primordial beast, its fangs bared at the sky in utter fury!
This is the fighting spirit of all living beings in the primordial world.

Ling Hao's expression finally changed! He hadn't expected Zhang Yuan to be so assertive, directly criticizing him!
Even more unexpectedly, the morale and fighting spirit of these "Martial Guards" were so terrifying that even his celestial aura could not suppress them!
Zhang Yuan's question, "Do you represent the Patrol Division or yourself?" was particularly scathing!

He stared intently at Zhang Yuan, his eyes flashing with a cold light, but he was speechless for a moment.

Forced attack?

Feeling the terrifying power of the battle formation below that could erupt at any moment, he was not confident of victory and was even more afraid of a complete breakdown in relations.

If this situation were to spiral out of control, it would be a matter of life and death.

Ling Hao sensed the mockery in Zhang Yuan's gaze and glanced at the countless pairs of eyes below burning with the flames of war. He knew that he would have no chance of gaining an advantage today.

He forcefully suppressed his anger, his voice sounding as if squeezed out from between his teeth:
"Good! What a fine 'demon-slaying undertaking'! Zhang Yuan, I have taken note of your words today! The Governor of Jade City and the Patrol Division will investigate thoroughly!"

He suddenly waved his hand: "Let's go!"

The silver light, carrying the celestial guards, instantly soared into the sky.

Zhao Kun turned back in the silver light, his venomous gaze fixed on Zhang Yuan, letting out a frenzied shriek that echoed throughout the camp:
"Zhang Yuan! You wait! You colluded with the demon race, privately forged powerful weapons, and violated the rules of heaven! The patrol army will be here soon!"

"Let's see how long you, 'Fire General,' can be so arrogant! I'll make sure you... die without a burial place!"

The venomous curses quickly faded and dissipated with the silver light.

The camp did not immediately cheer.

After a brief silence, suppressed anger burned within the stillness.

The human cultivator clenched his fist silently.

The giant ape warrior was breathing heavily through its nostrils.

The eagle demon's sharp claws dug deeply into the rocks of the ground.

The abruptly interrupted drill, Zhao Kun's slander and curses, were like poisonous thorns piercing everyone's hearts.

Zhang Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the horizon where Zhao Kun had disappeared, his eyes as deep and unfathomable as a cold pool.

"The clown."

He uttered four words casually, yet they inexplicably eased everyone's tense nerves.

Fire General is not afraid of these celestial beings at all!
at this time--

Between heaven and earth, an indescribable, vast, heavy, and destructive yet rebirth-inspiring thunderous pressure, like an ancient god awakening from slumber, suddenly and heavily enveloped the entire camp!
"Boom..."

It wasn't a loud noise, but a deep resonance originating from the depths of the earth, as if ancient war drums were beating in the veins!

All sound in the camp completely disappeared!
Whether it was heavy breathing, suppressed growls, or the soft rustling of armor rubbing together... everything instantly fell into dead silence.

Time seemed to freeze.

All living beings, regardless of race, felt a tremor and awe originating from the source of their bloodline. They involuntarily stopped all their movements and, with surprise, shock, and a hint of inexplicable expectation, all looked toward the eastern horizon from which the oppressive aura emanated.

The void rippled violently, like the surface of a lake tossed with a pebble.

A massive, suffocating silhouette slowly comes into focus in the distorted light.

Sculpted, with no horns on its head, only one foot piercing through the void!
Azure-blue lightning snakes roamed and exploded wildly around it, making soft "crackling" sounds.

With each long breath, the power of wind and thunder in the entire world pulsed in response.

When its enormous single eye slowly opened, it was as if two miniature worlds, filled with endless thunder and storms, appeared before everyone's eyes, ancient, majestic, and containing immeasurable wisdom.

It was the primordial beast Kui Niu, which Zhang Yuan had once saved in the lower reaches of the Chensha River!

"Boom!"

Its single, towering foot, like a pillar of heaven, gently stomped in the void.

A deep, resounding boom, like the beating of an ancient war drum, seemed to strike the heart of every living being, instantly replacing the slightly oppressive atmosphere caused by the celestial beings' exploration with a more magnificent and primal shock.

Kui Niu's gaze, like tangible thunder, slowly swept over the combined camp below, which appeared incredibly small and trembling with fear because of its presence.

The giant apes instinctively lowered their heads slightly, feeling their very souls tremble.

This is suppression stemming from bloodline.

Unlike celestial beings, this is the power of the Great Dao inherited within the bloodline of primordial divine beasts.

Finally, that gaze, imbued with the vicissitudes of time and the vast divine power, pierced through space and landed steadily and with unparalleled precision on the high platform of the martial arts arena.

Kui Niu's gaze was fixed on Xuan Mo's figure, who still stood with his hands behind his back, his face as calm as an abyss.

Zhang Yuan.

"you……"

The roar of the Kui Niu was like thunder.

"My father wants to see you."

----------------

Zhang Yuan followed the Kui Niu, which had transformed into a handsome young man, as they sped along, the surrounding scenery turning into fleeting shadows as they flew at high speed.

Finally, they arrived at a deep valley shrouded in perpetual thunderstorms—the Thunderfall Abyss.

As soon as he stepped into the valley, Zhang Yuan felt the hairs on his body stand on end.

The power of thunder here is no longer an ordinary celestial phenomenon, but rather solidified into a tangible substance!

Above, leaden-gray thunderclouds rolled and roared, with billions of bolts of lightning—blue, purple, and even carrying a chaotic aura—traversing and exploding through the clouds like raging dragons, never ceasing.

Blinding flashes of lightning illuminated the valley, their light flickering, while deafening thunder was the only symphony in this world.

The valley floor is not soil, but flows with viscous liquid lightning paste that flashes with dangerous electric arcs. Occasionally, huge lightning-struck rocks can be seen standing in it, their surfaces covered with mysterious natural lightning patterns, exuding an aura of heat and destruction.

The air was filled with the strong smell of ozone and a pure, violent yet vibrant Daoist energy of thunder, each breath seemingly exhaling the power of destruction and rebirth.

This place can be considered the embodiment of the Great Dao of Thunder in the human world. Its profound and pure nature makes Zhang Yuan's Thunder Dao technique, "Heavenly Punishment Thunder Prison Body," which he has cultivated to the thirteenth level, pale in comparison, like a stream compared to a vast ocean.

At the deepest part of the valley, on a platform naturally protected by a giant lightning crystal, Zhang Yuan saw his target.

That was a colossal, mountain-like primordial beast, the Kui Niu!
It is shaped like a blue-green divine bull, its body covered with ancient and hard scales, each scale flowing with fine lightning.

The most striking feature is its single, enormous eye on its forehead, which, when it opens and closes, seems to contain the vicissitudes of time and the birth and death of the universe, so profound that it is awe-inspiring.

The overwhelming pressure of the third stage of the Venerable Realm spread out as if it were a tangible force, resonating with the thunderous power of the entire Thunderfall Abyss, causing the space to tremble slightly.

"Zhang Yuan, a human?"

The Kui Niu's voice, like a thousand thunderclaps, resounded directly in Zhang Yuan's mind, carrying a power that pierced his soul.

"My name is Lei Yu." (End of Chapter)