Daqin Zhentiansi

Chapter 1026 These two gifts are priceless!

Deep in the primordial wilderness.

A solitary peak pierces through the surging sea of ​​clouds, proudly suspended in the heavens.

The biting wind, like an ancient, cold blade, could cut through gold and jade, yet it could not even stir a single strand of snow-white hair on the white-robed old man atop the peak.

He was dressed in the simplest white linen robe and stood barefoot on the rugged rocks that resembled a dragon's spine.

Its form seems to breathe and pulse with the ancient and immortal mountains beneath its feet, yet it also seems to exist independently of the long river of time and space, ethereal and unpredictable.

Before the old man stood a colossal tree, its age immeasurable, rooted atop a solitary peak. Its imposing presence and canopy, like clouds, covered half the mountain.

On the gnarled tree trunk, which resembles a coiled dragon, are naturally engraved mysterious Dao patterns, shimmering with a faint spiritual light that seems to originate from the beginning of chaos.

Amidst the lush foliage, a rich life force and ancient wisdom flowed, almost tangible, heavily enveloping this desolate place.

The old man's gaze was as deep as an abyss, piercing through the ever-flowing, unpredictable sea of ​​clouds beneath his feet.

Its gaze seemed to ignore the obstruction of endless star fields, clearly reflecting the blood and flames of war at Chentieling.

They caught sight of two wisps of Xingyue Daoist aura beside the green-canopied oxcart, which were deliberately concealed yet still extraordinary.

He even discerned the sinister starlight that Ling Xuzi cast into the depths of the Demon Realm.

“Old friend,” the old man spoke, his voice calm and soothing, like a mountain stream flowing over an ancient rock, yet containing a profound understanding of the vicissitudes of time, “This game of chess has been in the works for too long. The pieces are beginning to show their sharpness, but they have also attracted more onlookers and… variables that will disrupt fate.”

As he spoke, the silent, towering ancient tree moved without wind, its thousands of branches and leaves rustling softly, like the sighs and responses of ancient creatures.

On the gnarled tree trunk, some of the mysterious Dao patterns suddenly lit up with a faint light. As the light and shadow shifted, a blurry yet unsettling scene appeared.

The shattered continents floated and sank in chaos, ominous crimson surged in the twisted depths of the demon realm, the golden light of the beacon towers of Chentie Ridge flickered stubbornly, and a blurry figure fought and surged in the chaotic currents...

The old man nodded slightly, his gaze falling on the phantoms of those shattered continents: "You've seen it too. This child is indeed an anomaly."

"The Chaos Furnace forges all paths, the Heavenly Dao of the Two Realms intertwines and balances, and the Armor of Myriad Beasts gathers the primordial fortune..."

"Its path is domineering and dangerous at every turn, yet even in the ashes of destruction, a glimmer of light shines through... a light of rebirth after destruction."

"What we see in the stars and clouds is not a delusion."

The branches and leaves of the ancient tree swayed even more rapidly.

Several green leaves, whose veins contained the trajectory of stars, withered and turned yellow inexplicably and quickly, eventually turning into specks of dust and drifting away, as if burned by an invisible calamity.

"Crisis?" The old man raised his hand, and a withered leaf bearing scorch marks drifted down into his palm.

He gently traced the veins of the leaf with his fingertips, and deep within the scorch marks, a hideous and twisted demon head mark was faintly visible amidst the flowing Dao patterns.

"Yes, the calamity has arrived. Lingxu, that child... ultimately failed to maintain his pure Dao heart. Power, status, and fear of unknown variables, like dust, have obscured the bright eyes that once reflected the stars."

The old man's voice carried a hint of regret.

"He thought he was manipulating the threads of fate, but little did he know that the sinister blade he wielded was perhaps aimed at the last remaining glimmer of hope for the future of the primordial world."

"It could also... be the fuel that accelerates the ignition of the great calamity that will eventually burn down all the heavens and myriad worlds!"

His gaze was directed into the deeper, more mysterious distance, as if piercing through the mists of time to see terrifying fragments that made the world pale in comparison.

Stars fell like rain, and the earth sank into despair.

Countless beings powerful enough to shake the universe struggled and wailed in the all-encompassing chaotic storm, ultimately succumbing to eternal annihilation.

Even his own ethereal figure became blurred in this apocalyptic scene, as if he might be swept away by the torrent of destruction at any moment.

"The turmoil deep within the Abyss is far more intense than in previous eras."

"Those beings beyond the Rift Abyss are likely already itching to act, unable to suppress their hunger for devouring. And those lost three thousand six hundred ruins of the Sky-Patrolling Continent..."

The old man's gaze swept over the phantoms of those shattered continents.

"It could be the last safe haven, or it could... become the fuse that ignites a new battlefield."

"Lingxu's actions are tantamount to throwing firewood into a boiling cauldron."

A long sigh escaped from the old man's mouth. This sigh seemed to contain the rhythm of the Great Dao, causing the surrounding violent winds to pause and subside in an instant.

He gently crushed the withered leaves in his palm, the fragments transforming into tiny yet dazzling starlight that silently merged into the ancient rocks beneath his feet.

“My old friend, I have deduced the past and laid out a far-reaching plan, exhausting all my efforts, yet I cannot calculate all the possibilities in this chaotic world. This calamity… is unavoidable.”

His tone was as calm as a still pool, yet it conveyed a martyr's resolute determination and desolation.

"Perhaps... one day, I too will turn into stardust and be thrown into this final chaotic furnace, just to... fight for that faint sliver of 'future'."

His gaze fell again, as if piercing through the clouds, locking onto the blurry figure fighting in the chaos.

“Zhang Yuan… I hope that your ‘Bladder of Chaos,’ which has appeared out of nowhere, can truly cut through this ancient illusion, rather than being completely swallowed up by the boundless chaos.”

"The stars and clouds are my eyes and hands. Let's see if they can make a move for me and for all living beings in this primordial chess game of blood and fire and unpredictable changes... a way out."

The giant tree fell into a long silence, all its branches and leaves stopped swaying, as if in silent mourning, or as if gathering its last strength to resist the calamity.

On the gnarled tree trunk, beside the fighting figure representing Zhang Yuan, two barely perceptible yet incredibly resilient points of spiritual light quietly lit up.

One point is as dazzling and flowing as a star, and the other is as heavy and solid as a rock. These are the Daoist imprints of Xingheng and Yunji.

The solitary peak returned to deathly silence, with only the white-robed old man standing alone above the surging sea of ​​clouds, his robes fluttering in the eternal gale.

Against the backdrop of the vast and boundless sky, his silhouette appeared both aloof and imposing, yet also carried an indescribable weight.

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

Chen Tieling Main Fortress.

The newly built "Sharpening Peak Hall" reception room is rugged and grand in style, decorated with the bones of ancient behemoths and minerals. The Bone-Eating Demon Lord fell, the Abyss Projection shattered, and the Demon Tide collapsed after losing its leader. It was chased for thousands of miles by the allied forces of the human race and the remnants, whose morale was soaring, and the corpses covered the wasteland.

Although Bloodmill had experienced a major battle, thanks to its efficient defense system and the concerted efforts of all races, the core area suffered limited damage and is currently undergoing a vigorous cleanup and reconstruction.

Inside the Lifeng Hall, the chilling atmosphere following the great battle had not yet completely dissipated.

Zhang Yuan sat in the main seat, having changed out of his tattered battle armor and into a dark black casual dress, his aura restrained.

The chaotic starlight that occasionally flickered in his left eye and the primordial divine fire that danced in his right eye, along with the heavy aura emanating from him, forged in blood and fire and ruling over a million miles of territory, made him impossible to ignore.

At this moment, although Zhang Yuan was only at the first level of the Venerable Realm, his demeanor was in no way inferior to any veteran powerhouse.

Ying Wuji, Lei Zhen, Wang Meng, and others sat upright on both sides.

Ying Wuji had not removed his black armor, and although the killing aura of platinum around him had subsided, the "Great Sage" pressure that surpassed the Saint Realm and approached the Venerable Realm was still overwhelming, and his eyes were as sharp as knives.

Lei Zhen's aura became more stable and profound, faintly connected to the earth's veins. The Qilin's earth and fire essence deepened his understanding of the way of weapon crafting.

Wang Meng, on the other hand, was like a sharp blade drawn from its sheath, his body imbued with the sharpness of a golden-winged roc, his speed and aura drawing attention.

Below the hall, Xingheng and Yunji had already returned to their original appearances and no longer concealed their true selves.

Xing Heng was dressed in a star-patterned Taoist robe, his face was calm, his eyes were deep as if they contained an endless galaxy, and his body naturally exuded a vast aura that could draw upon the stars in the heavens.

Yunji, dressed in an elegant mountain-patterned robe, exuded a refined and lofty aura. He stood with his hands behind his back, resembling an ancient divine mountain, imposing and boundless, suppressing all directions.

The two possessed a profound and unfathomable aura, far surpassing that of ordinary Venerables, truly displaying the unparalleled demeanor of disciples personally taught by the Heavenly Venerable.

“Venerable Xingheng, Venerable Yunji,” Zhang Yuan spoke first, his voice steady and powerful, carrying just the right amount of respect, but without the slightest hint of humility, “The flames of war at Chentieling have temporarily subsided, and it is truly an honor for my Blood Millstone to have the presence of the two Venerables.”

"During the market earlier, you two went on an incognito visit to understand the situation and instructed my craftsmen in the supreme secret techniques of 'Thousand Waves' and 'Microscopic Carving,' which helped to strengthen the foundation of my defenses. On behalf of the 300,000 soldiers and civilians, I, Zhang, thank you two for your generous gifts!"

He bowed respectfully, exposing the other party's previous pretense and clarifying the meaning of their "guidance," expressing his gratitude while also demonstrating his absolute control over the territory.

Zhang Yuan had already known their whereabouts.

Xingheng's eyes flickered slightly, then turned into a gentle smile: "General Zhang, you flatter me. The name 'Fire General' is renowned throughout the borderlands. He defeated the Bone-Eating Demon Lord at the initial stage of the Venerable Realm, and further established the 'Blood Millstone' foundation, gathering the remnants of all races, promoting all industries, and establishing order. He is truly a rare hero in the prehistoric world."

"We were ordered by our master to patrol the primordial wilderness. When we saw this scene, we were curious, so we went into the market in our mortal form. What we saw and heard was breathtaking. It is also fate that our small skills in forging and runes could catch the eye of Commander Zhang and be of some help to him."

He adopted a humble stance, pointing out that he was "inspecting on orders from his master" to make his position clear.

At the same time, referring to the secret technique as a "minor skill" makes it seem nonchalant and even more unfathomable.

Yunji nodded slightly, his voice clear and melodious like a mountain spring: "Indeed. Commander Zhang uses war to sustain war, gathers people with benefits, and builds this 'iron wall' foundation with absolute strength and a just order, making it difficult for the Demon Realm to invade."

"Such governance is even more impressive than breaking through enemy lines and killing enemies. The orderly circulation of those 'battle merit vouchers' and the steadfastness of their credit have already demonstrated the demeanor of a powerful local leader. I observe that the ley lines of Shentieling have not only survived this battle, but have also gained even more vitality due to the nourishment of the chaotic source energy. Commander Zhang's methods are truly admirable."

He directly pointed out the "battle merit vouchers" and the changes in the earth's veins, demonstrating his keen insight into the earth's vital energy and the flow of matter as the master of Zhenyue Palace, which was also a display of his profound knowledge.

Both sides spoke politely and complimented each other, but every word contained hidden barbs, as they were testing each other's secrets and intentions.

Zhang Yuan exposed the other party's identity and actions, demonstrating his control.

Xingheng Yunji points out Zhang Yuan's governance methods and changes in the foundation, demonstrating his insight, while also bringing the "following the master's orders" to the forefront.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuan laughed loudly, his laughter carrying a resounding clang like the clash of metal: "You two are too kind. Chentieling is merely trying to survive in dire straits, relying on the bravery of our soldiers and the unity of all races to have even a small piece of land to stand on."

"These are just minor tricks, merely a matter of being forced by circumstances and adapting to local conditions. They cannot compare to the Heavenly Palace's rule over all realms, with its strict laws and magnificent atmosphere."

While he was being modest, he also implicitly pointed out the potential "bloated" problem of the Heavenly Palace system, which contrasted with the "efficiency" of the Blood Mill.

"I wonder if, besides this inspection, you two Venerable Ones have come here with any decree from the Heavenly Venerable? Or perhaps to offer some guidance?"

"The Blood Millstone is newly built, and everything needs to be rebuilt. It is surrounded by powerful enemies and needs to listen to the true words of the upper realm."

He abruptly changed the subject, getting straight to the point and asking about the other party's true intentions.

Does it represent the Heavenly Venerable?

Or is there another purpose?

Xingheng and Yunji exchanged a glance. Xingheng smiled and spoke, a glint of starlight appearing at his fingertip, transforming into an ancient jade slip: "I dare not accept the decree. My master is transcendent and insightful, and has his own judgment on Zhang Shuai's actions."

"We have come here for two reasons: first, to witness firsthand the grandeur of Shentieling and report back to our master; and second, to be moved by the indomitable spirit of the soldiers and civilians under Commander Zhang and the unwavering loyalty of all ethnic groups."

"This jade slip contains my insights and annotations on the 'Thousand Waves' power control method, which are more detailed than those taught in the market. It may help Zhang Shuai's weapon forging workshop reach new heights and forge more powerful defensive weapons. Consider it a small 'gift' from the two of us to celebrate Zhang Shuai's great victory over the Bone-Eroding Technique."

Yunji also raised his hand, and a thick yellow light condensed, transforming into a palm-sized brown stone piece covered with mysterious natural patterns: "This is a fragment of the 'Breath Soil Core'."

"Containing a trace of the earth's original vitality and stable Daoist charm, placing it at the core leyline node of Chen Tieling can help stabilize the foundation of the beacon tower and accelerate the recovery of the leyline's vital energy. It can also be considered a congratulatory gift."

These two gifts are priceless!

The annotation of "Thousand Waves" points directly to the core of forging, while the "Breath Soil Core" is an even more precious treasure of the earth's veins!

This is both a gesture of goodwill and an attempt to further test and invest in Zhang Yuan's value.

Zhang Yuan's gaze swept over the jade slip and stone tablet, and a thousand thoughts raced through his mind in an instant.

The other party did not mention the Celestial Venerable's specific attitude, but only presented a generous gift in his personal capacity, which was a very subtle gesture.

His smile remained unchanged as he solemnly accepted the gifts: "I am deeply grateful for the generous gifts from the two venerable ones! These two items are like timely help to my Blood Millstone, and I will certainly live up to your expectations by using them to secure my territory and protect my people!"

He put away the gift, but his tone suddenly became sharp as he looked directly at Xing Hengyunji: "However, although the Bone-Eating Destroyer is gone, the Bounty on the Rift Abyss remains."

"The Demon Realm's desire to destroy us remains undiminished, and there are undercurrents brewing beneath the surface, plotting to use others to do their dirty work. I wonder if the two Venerable Ones, during your inspection of the Primordial World, have noticed any of these treacherous schemes of demons and monsters?"

"How will the Heavenly Palace deal with the increasingly rampant demonic forces?"

He directly pointed out the "undercurrents" and "using someone else to do the dirty work," both to test the Heavenly Palace's attitude towards internal strife and to seek some kind of potential promise or support.

Inside the Sharpening Edge Hall, the atmosphere instantly became somewhat tense. (End of Chapter)