Daqin Zhentiansi

"The Hundred Slashes Sect, also located in the Thousand Blade Mountains, follows a path of fierce and domineering swordsmanship, relying on brute force to overcome all techniques. The sect leader, Yuan Lieshan, known as the 'Mountain-Splitting Axe,' is also a semi-saint. He wields the 'Mountain-Splitting Giant Sword,' which has a wide and powerful sword style, capable of splitting mountains and shattering peaks."

"Elder Yue Zhen is also a sword master in the field of condensation. He once cut a river in half with a single sword and killed three demon kings of the same level."

"On the Frosty Ice Plains, the Xuanbing Sword Pavilion stands out from the crowd. Its sword cultivators possess an icy, cold light that freezes life."

"The Pavilion Master, 'Ice Soul' Ling Qingjue, is a Sword Saint. He wields the Pavilion's divine weapon, the 'Frosty Dragon Sword,' which can freeze a hundred miles with a single strike. He is one of the few remaining Sword Saints in Zhao Zhou and has been stationed in the core forbidden area, the 'Ten Thousand Year Profound Ice Cave,' for many years."

"Its chief disciple, Ye Ningshuang, is at the half-saint realm. Her 'Seven Absolute Swords of Profound Ice' is chillingly cold and once instantly froze 30,000 demon soldiers."

"The Frostwolf tribe, a powerful clan of half-demons, still dwells on the icy plains. They combine the power of ancient totems with their sharp swordsmanship, making them incredibly strong. The High Priest 'Cangya' has reached the peak of the half-saint realm. He possesses the ancient Frostwolf totem and can enhance his sword with the totem's secret power. When his sword flashes, it is like a wolf's shadow devouring the moon, fierce and incomparable."

"White Claw, the daughter of the Wolf Lord, is also a half-saint. Her movements are as unpredictable as a wolf's, and her twin swords can tear through the wind and snow. She is the strongest among the younger generation of the tribe."

Wu Daoling spoke solemnly and in a deep voice.

On the shores of Falling Star Sea, cultivators of the Starfall Sword Sect drew upon the power of the stars, their swordplay vast and powerful. The Supreme Elder, Star Orbit Elder, a Sword Saint, had observed the celestial phenomena for over 30,000 years, creating a fragment of the Zhou Tian Star Dou Sword Formation. He used the power of the stars to fight his enemies, its power unfathomable. He spent many years at Falling Star Cliff comprehending the celestial sphere.

Its Star Patrol Envoy, Chen Hui, is a Grandmaster of the Free and Unfettered Realm. He can draw upon faint star power to temper swords, and the sword light is like a meteor falling to the ground, unstoppable.

The adjacent Haiyuan Sword Mansion inherits the Water Element Sword Intent, with its sword momentum continuous and unbroken, concealing the power of raging waves.

The Lord of the Palace, Yuan Tinghai, is a half-saint. His sword intent is as profound as a deep-sea whirlpool, containing immense power within its dense structure. His nine-layered sword vortex can obliterate all things.

His junior brother, Han Cang, was also a half-saint, but his sword aura was like a raging wave crashing against the shore, violent and fierce.

Lan Tao, the senior brother in charge of swordsmanship in the manor, is also a grandmaster of the Free and Unfettered Realm. He has deeply mastered the essence of the Water Element Sword Intent, and his sword momentum is continuous like the surging tide.

Each school has its own unique sword techniques and secret methods, including many ancient fragments. Their places of inheritance, such as sword tombs and sword-washing pools, also have their own mysteries.

For example, the sword-nurturing pool in Cangfeng Valley can nurture the spiritual essence of the sword embryo, while the Starfall Sword Sect's Star-Guiding Platform can communicate with stellar power to temper the sword.

The Frosty Ice Plains' Mysterious Ice Sword Tomb contains the lifelong sword intent of successive pavilion masters.

Wu Daoling abruptly changed the subject, his voice filled with anguish: "Indeed! Although the cultivators of Zhao Zhou possess pure sword hearts, they are trapped by the weakness of the continent's origin and the suppression of the Heavenly Dao!"

"The contrast is obvious since the arrival of the strong reinforcements from Yongtianzhou!"

Cultivators from Yongtian Continent who leave Yongtian and travel to other continents receive the blessing and protection of the Great Qin Dynasty's fortune and the Heavenly Dao of Yongtian, causing their strength to increase nearly tenfold.

The ordinary Xuanjia elite soldiers of the Great Qin Dynasty, when they leave Yongtian to fight in other continents, also have their strength increased several times over!
“On the other hand, the native cultivators of Zhao Zhou…” Wu Daoling pointed to a few faint spiritual lights on the map, his voice low: “Even the strongest, such as Elder Cheng and Sect Master Ling, who exerted all their strength and had the advantages of terrain and popular support, could only barely touch the threshold of half-saint in the face of the demonic calamity.”

"Now, after a series of bloody battles, our origins have been damaged. Moreover, the Heavenly Dao of Zhao Zhou is on the verge of collapse, which further suppresses the local cultivators, while its restraint on the extraterrestrial demons is almost non-existent!"

"Without Yong Tian's strong support and the Marquis's presence, Tianjian Gorge would have been reduced to dust long ago!"

As Wu Daoling said, no matter how exquisite the sword techniques are, they are no match for absolute power and the erosion of demonic energy.

This stark contrast reveals Zhao Zhou's desperate situation.

The rich heritage of swordsmanship, like exquisite porcelain, appears fragile and vulnerable under the massive hammer of the overwhelming demonic tide.

The "doubled growth rate upon leaving the continent" characteristic of cultivators from Yongtian Continent became Zhao Continent's last lifeline at this moment.

A cold glint flashed in Zhang Yuan's eyes, and he was fully aware of Zhao Zhou's predicament.

He looked at Chen Wu, who was wearing black armor, beside him.

"Chen Wu."

"The humble position is here!"

Chen Wu is now not only one of the commanders of Zhang Yuan's personal guard battalion, but also holds a position in the Shadow Division of the Zhen Tian Division, specializing in intelligence, surveillance, and secret formations.

"Use the 'Sky Observation Mirror,' the 'Earth Listening Mother-Child Disc,' secret communication methods, and even communicate with the remaining spiritual energy of the earth veins!"

"Within three days, I need detailed intelligence on all existing resistance forces, resource points, spiritual veins, mineral deposits, herb valleys, remaining ancient restrictions or relic nodes, the main force movements of the Bone-Eating Demon Lord, and the stability of the Demon Realm passage!"

"Every detail, big or small, has been compiled into a book!"

Zhang Yuan's voice was extremely calm.

"Your humble servant obeys! I will certainly not fail in your trust, Lord Marquis!" Chen Wu solemnly agreed and immediately turned around.

Several streaks of light flew out from his sleeves.

The Zhen Tian Division's sophisticated intelligence machine began operating at high speed.

Zhang Yuan then walked towards a giant array plate that was still relatively intact and covered with reinforcing runes.

It was the intercontinental communication node that previously connected the Imperial Observatory of Yongtian City.

He placed his hands on the core of the array plate, and his boundless divine sense and the true meaning of the Dragon Elephant Suppressing Prison surged into it.

"Om-!"

The array plate burst forth with dazzling golden light, and a solid pillar of light shot into the sky, piercing through the not-yet-completely-healed void of demonic energy in the heavens, as if building a bridge across the endless void.

Within the beam of light, the scene gradually became clear.

In the Grand Council of the Yongtian Imperial City, in front of a huge sand table with light and shadow, Emperor Yuankang sat on the dragon throne, with Minister of War Zhou Chang, Director of the Imperial Observatory, and several other high-ranking officials with profound presence standing solemnly.

"Minister Zhang!" Emperor Yuankang's voice came through the magic array, carrying imperial majesty and concern, and even more so, a heavy trust and entrustment. "I am aware of the situation at Tianjian Gorge. You have turned the tide, thwarted the demons' advance, and brought glory to our Great Qin! You have done a great job!"

As the emperor of the Great Qin, Emperor Yuankang knew the importance of stabilizing the morale of the army and rewarding meritorious officials at this moment.

Zhang Yuan proved himself to be a pillar of the nation in the series of fierce battles against Xu Zhou and Zhao Zhou. This statement is not only an acknowledgment, but also a prelude to entrusting him with an even heavier responsibility.

"It is my duty." Zhang Yuan clasped his hands in a fist salute, his movements as steady as a mountain.

Zhang Yuan has always been pragmatic and never boasted about his achievements.

He knew that the retreat of the Bone-Eating Demon Lord was only a temporary measure, and that the real cataclysm had just begun. He had to immediately set about building a solid defense and seek critical intelligence support from the central government.

"Your Majesty, the Bone-Eating Demon Lord has temporarily retreated, but his power has not diminished, and the threat from the Ruins Demon Realm is growing daily. I wish to control the remaining forces of Zhao Continent and build a lasting defense line, and I need the court to clearly explain the true nature of the Heavenly Demons."

The Imperial Observatory Director, Daoist Yunmiao, stepped forward. His hair and beard were all white, and his eyes seemed to hold the birth and death of stars, carrying a solemnity that revealed his understanding of the workings of the Heavenly Dao.

"Lord Qingyang, please report." "Based on the observation of stars and the study of ancient texts by the Imperial Observatory, and combined with information from before and after the fall of Qizhou, it is deduced that this extraterrestrial demon is no ordinary demon. Its origin can be traced back to the 'Netherworld Demon Kingdom' beyond the Thirty-Six Continents, which was annihilated in the depths of the Ruins of Return!"

Minister of War Zhou Chang said, "Indeed! Scouts at the front report that these demons are devouring the flesh and blood of living beings and polluting the earth's spiritual energy at a rate far exceeding any previous evil spirits!"

"The mountains and rivers of Qizhou changed color, and the spiritual veins dried up. It was 'devoured' by this Heavenly Demonic Source in a very short time!"

"Their military might is far beyond that of ordinary demonic riots!"

As the Minister of War, Zhou Chang had access to a great deal of information.

At this moment, from a military and intelligence perspective, he used the tragic state of Qizhou to corroborate the Imperial Observatory's deduction that the Heavenly Demon's destructive efficiency and strategic threat far exceeded previous understanding.

Wang Anzhi, the Minister of Rites, stroked his beard and sighed deeply, his worries profound: "The Ministry of Rites' records also contain scattered accounts of the ancient 'Celestial Calamity,' which is said to have been transformed from the 'Disordered Realm,' and wherever it passed, the Heavenly Way collapsed and civilization was annihilated."

"If what the supervisor says is true, this is... a catastrophe that could destroy the world!"

His words made the expressions of the others around him turn serious.

The Qin Dynasty faced both immortals and demons head-on, and was invincible in battle.

But as an official of the Great Qin, he knew all too well the ferocity of the evil forces, and that every inch of the land was stained with the blood of the Great Qin soldiers.

Zhang Hengqu coughed lightly and said in a deep voice, "What Supervisor Yun said about 'devouring spirits and transforming into gods' matches the description in a tattered copy of 'Records of Strange Tales from the Ruins of Return' in the Academy's forbidden treasury."

"The record mentions that the Netherworld Demon Kingdom was formed from the distorted remnants of the world, and its 'Demon Kingdom Will' possesses a terrifying power of assimilation and erosion, capable of distorting the Heavenly Dao Laws of a continent and dragging it into the Abyss of Ruins!"

As the information gathered from everyone, Zhang Yuan gradually pieced together the power structure of the Heavenly Demon.

This demon kingdom was formed after the collapse of a complete Great Thousand World, and its Heavenly Dao origin was completely polluted and distorted by the Ruins!
Its characteristic is to devour spirits and transform them into gods, feeding on the flesh, blood, and souls of all living beings, and nesting in the origin of continents and landmasses!
The Bone-Eating Demon Lord is the vanguard commander of the Demon Kingdom's expedition. His Void Ember Demon Flame can erode the laws of space.

Its seat, the Star-Eating Demon Eye, is the projection of the Demon Kingdom's will, possessing the power to distort the Heavenly Dao of the continent and accelerate assimilation!
The Myriad Souls Bone Ship, the Three-Eyed Blue-Eyed Demon, and the Three-Headed Nether Wolf were all war weapons he forged from the bones and vengeful spirits of countless worlds and cast with the laws of the Demon Kingdom!

Its power far surpasses that of ordinary demons!
Zhao Zhou, and even the Nine Provinces, are all within its devouring sequence!
Combined with corroborating evidence from several key officials, the terrifying background, operational mechanisms, and destructive nature of the Heavenly Demon are clearly revealed.

Inside the Military Affairs Office, the atmosphere was as heavy as iron.

Emperor Yuankang's gaze was sharp as a sword, piercing through the light barrier of the magic array and locking onto Zhang Yuan's figure.

"Zhang Yuan, listen to my decree! I hereby order you to take full control of the war situation in Zhao Zhou and to control all military and political affairs in Zhao Zhou. All those who resist the Heavenly Demon, whether from sects, remnants of the fallen, or rogue cultivators, shall be under your command!"

"With Tianjian Gorge as the core, we will build a frontline barrier for our Great Qin to resist the extraterrestrial demons!"

"The necessary troops, supplies, formation masters, and talisman masters will be mobilized from the continents of Yongtian, Yangtian, and Qingtian, and will be supplied with priority by the 'Tian Shu Transfer Array'!"

At this moment, Zhao Zhou is the last dam before the breach, and the frontline commander must be given absolute authority and maximum resource support.

This unreserved appointment reflects the utmost trust in Zhang Yuan's abilities and demonstrates the Qin Empire's determination to fight a desperate battle.

"Furthermore, the Ministry of Revenue is hereby appointed to oversee all logistical transportation, resource allocation, wounded personnel treatment, and fortification construction in the Zhaozhou war zone! He is to be demoted to a lower rank!"

Within the light and shadow of the magic array, the figure of Zuo Qian, the Minister of Revenue, appeared to the side and behind Emperor Yuankang.

His expression was solemn as he bowed and accepted the order: "Your subject is here!"

"I order your Ministry of Revenue to spare no expense, coordinate with all ministries and local authorities, and utilize all warehousing, transportation, and private trade channels to ensure a secure supply of materials to the front lines in Zhao Zhou! The needs of the front lines are the needs of the court!" Emperor Yuankang's decree was as firm as a mountain, leaving no room for doubt.

Zuo Qian's expression turned solemn, and he immediately cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have ordered Yu Yuan Trading Company to take charge of this matter, and Princess Yu Ruo is currently overseeing the coordination at the Transport Department! The entire Ministry of Revenue will ensure that the blood supply to the front lines remains unimpeded!"

Zhao Yu is Zhang Yuan's fiancée and his strongest business partner. She will mobilize all resources and overcome all difficulties to ensure this lifeline, not only for the country but also to protect the front line where Zhang Yuan is located.

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Before the array of lights, Zhang Yuan solemnly responded, his voice steady and powerful, the responsibility on his shoulders heavier than a mountain.

The light array slowly dissipated.

Zhang Yuan's voice rang out.

"Send the order!"

"Defend Tianjian Gorge to the death! Build a Great Wall with our blood!"

A roar like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami echoed through the ravaged canyon, reigniting the indomitable fighting spirit in the eyes of the weary soldiers.

Above Tianjian Gorge, the shattered starry sky sword curtain seemed to sense this immense will, and the remaining destructive sword intent emitted a low hum.

Together with the massive military formation rapidly taking shape below, they form a blood-stained but unyielding three-dimensional defensive line against the tide of demonic forces from the Void!

Zhang Yuan stood at the highest point of the broken pass of Tianjian Gorge, the shattered starry sky casting dappled light and shadows above his head, reflecting his cold and iron-like profile.

Before him stood his core generals and lords, standing solemnly in formation.

Commander Yuchi Changshan of the Zhenyue Army was as tall as a mountain, his armor stained with undried blood and frost, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.

The commander of the Shattered Star Guard had the power of stars flowing around him, and his face was calm but carried a chilling killing intent.

Jin Yuelin and Tuoba Han, two fierce generals who emerged from the bloody battle of Xuzhou, still exuded a murderous aura, their eyes burning with the flames of revenge and indomitable spirit.

Cheng Yue's face was pale, and his brows held the sorrow of the seven saints of Liuyun Sword Pavilion who had died for their cause, but his back was straight, and his sword intent was condensed and did not dissipate.

As the representative of sword cultivators in Yongtian Continent, Wu Daoling exuded a soaring sword intent.

Further away, officers of all ranks from the Rock Camp, Crimson Scale Cavalry, and Frost Dragon Vulture Cavalry, as well as the leaders of the remaining sword sects of Zhao Zhou, were all wounded and covered in blood, yet not one of them retreated.

The entire pass was filled with an almost solidified, chilling atmosphere of iron and blood, with only the howling of the cold wind sweeping through the broken walls and the suppressed groans of the wounded.

Zhang Yuan's gaze swept across the battlefield with an almost tangible intensity, his voice suddenly rising in pitch, like a thunderclap echoing across the solemn battlefield:
“Send an order——!”

In an instant, all the generals and lords, along with the soldiers lined up behind them, straightened their backs, their eyes burning as they focused on that one and only figure. The air seemed to ignite, and a solemn atmosphere was filled with the power to explode.

"Construct the 'Iron Wall of the Sky' defense line!" Zhang Yuan's voice was resolute, each word like a heavy hammer striking an anvil, powerful and resounding. "I, the Marquis, will oversee this! Yuchi Changshan and the Shattered Star Guard will lead and manage this matter!"

Yuchi Changshan, whose name was called, took a step forward abruptly. His burly body slammed into the ground like a giant hammer, sending shards of stone flying. He slammed his right fist heavily on his left breastplate, producing a dull metallic clang: "Your subordinate obeys! The Zhenyue Army swears to fight to the death and never retreat a single step!"

The commander of the Shattered Star Guard had a deep, unwavering gaze. He silently clasped his hands in a salute, and the starlight around him suddenly receded, radiating an aura of unwavering resolve like a rock. (End of Chapter)