Chapter 1315: Strengthening

The hall was filled with a constant clamor, as gazes filled with doubt and surprise were cast upon Zhou Yuan. It was clear that Ancient Venerable Jinluo's arrangement had stirred up considerable controversy.

Indeed, in terms of fame, Zhou Yuan was now certainly no less renowned than the top figures in the third layer of the Law Domain. However, everyone knew that the main source of his fame stemmed from his ability to assist in refining Ancestral Dragon Pills. In this regard, no one could question Zhou Yuan's skill and contribution.

But the problem was, the situation they were about to face wasn't about refining Ancestral Dragon Pills; it was a real, no-holds-barred fight against the Saint Race!

In everyone's eyes, Zhou Yuan's only notable aspect was his Spirit in the Roaming God stage. While a Roaming God stage Spirit was powerful and profound, when it came to direct confrontation, Law Domain Origin Qi would undoubtedly have the advantage. Therefore, while Zhou Yuan's Roaming God stage might ensure he wasn't completely defeated or killed when facing a Saint Race Law Domain expert, it was equally unlikely he would achieve any outstanding results.

If Ancient Venerable Jinluo had merely assigned him as an ordinary participant, it likely wouldn't have drawn much opposition or doubt. But to make him the commander of a war zone—that was likely far too much of a stretch.

After all, looking at the other war zone commanders, almost all of them were top-tier experts in the third layer of the Law Domain. How could Zhou Yuan, who was only in the early stage of the Roaming God, compare to them?

Under the numerous gazes, Zhou Yuan himself was somewhat taken aback. This appointment clearly came as a surprise to him too, because on the surface, he truly seemed unqualified for such a role.

Xu Beiyan, holding his dark jade flute, his eyes subtly glinting, then nodded almost imperceptibly towards a certain spot. Receiving his signal, someone immediately spoke up: "Ancient Venerable, isn't this appointment a bit too hasty? Every war zone is crucial. It's possible that a slight difference in the Ancestral Soul anchors could lead to the collapse of the entire situation."

"Ancient Venerable, please reconsider the appointment!"

A chorus of voices suddenly arose.

Most people did not voice their opinions, but it was evident that they didn't entirely agree either. After all, every single area in this struggle was extremely important, and they didn't want Zhou Yuan's presence to cause them to fail completely.

Hearing the noisy voices, Xu Beiyan's expression remained impassive, but a flicker of satisfaction passed through the depths of his eyes. He was clearly pleased to see Zhou Yuan in such an awkward predicament.

He lightly tapped the dark jade flute against his palm, then looked at Ancient Venerable Jinluo, cupping his hands in a salute: "Ancient Venerable, Elder Zhou Yuan's alchemy skills are not weak. If he were to be lost on the battlefield, that would truly be a loss for all-heavens. So, perhaps these fighting matters should be left to us? Elder Zhou Yuan only needs to wait here for us to bring back the Ancestral Dragon remnant souls."

His words were sincere, as if he were truly concerned about Zhou Yuan's demise in the secret realm.

"Are you trying to say that Zhou Yuan isn't qualified to go to the secret realm and can only refine pills in All-Heavens City?" Chi Jing sneered, her eyes flashing with displeasure.

Others might have been fooled by Xu Beiyan's hypocrisy, but Chi Jing perceived the malice hidden deep within his words.

Xu Beiyan shook his head, feigning innocence, and said: "Elder Chi Jing, please don't wrongly accuse me."

Chi Jing was about to retort angrily, but Zhou Yuan, who was beside her, stopped her. He glanced at the gently smiling Xu Beiyan and said: "You're not afraid that if I go, I'll steal your thunder, are you?"

Xu Beiyan paused, then chuckled softly, saying: "Elder Zhou Yuan certainly has a way with words... In the secret realm, it's a true test of one's own abilities; no one will be looking out for you there."

His implication was that Zhou Yuan had only managed to take his place in assisting with alchemy because of Yaoyao's patronage, not due to genuine skill.

"If being stubborn with words counts as skill," Zhou Yuan said with a smile, "then perhaps with just your mouth, you could directly move the Stone Dragon. Why would there be a need for all this trouble?"

This remark was amusing, causing many to stifle a laugh, only to quickly compose themselves upon seeing Xu Beiyan's slightly darkened expression.

Xu Beiyan's eyes narrowed, just about to retort, when he saw Ancient Venerable Jinluo wave a hand, silencing all voices.

Drawing all eyes back, Ancient Venerable Jinluo smiled faintly and said: "I have my reasons for appointing Zhou Yuan as a war zone commander. Although he appears to be only in the Divine Dwelling stage, one cannot judge everything by what is seen on the surface. Furthermore, Zhou Yuan is a lucky general. Wherever he is present, when our All-Heavens clash with the Saint Race, we have never been at a disadvantage. Therefore, I believe he might bring about a miracle."

"Zhou Yuan, what do you think? Can you handle this position?" He looked at Zhou Yuan and asked with a smile.

Facing Ancient Venerable Jinluo's profound and wise gaze, Zhou Yuan's expression also became serious, and he said: "Resisting the Saint Race is the duty of every member of All-Heavens. As long as Ancient Venerable believes I can, I will naturally do my utmost."

Since Ancient Venerable Jinluo showed such confidence in him, he naturally wouldn't object. Furthermore, with the Ancient Venerable's abilities, he must have already noticed that Zhou Yuan's Divine Dwelling was extraordinary, knowing that he wasn't truly unqualified as others might think.

Ancient Venerable Jinluo nodded with a look of gratification.

Seeing that Ancient Venerable Jinluo had made his decision, the crowd naturally had no choice but to withdraw their doubts. However, the gazes directed at Zhou Yuan hadn't changed much.

Only after the crowd had calmed down did Ancient Venerable Jinluo continue to announce the other war zone commanders. After about half an incense stick's time, all the war zone commanders were freshly appointed. Everyone looked around and found that the lowest cultivation level among them was the second layer of the Law Domain. In comparison, Zhou Yuan's Divine Dwelling stage strength truly stood out.

Seeing this, Zhou Yuan breathed a sigh of relief. Not all war zone commanders were in the third layer of the Law Domain, after all. This meant his pressure wasn't as great.

At his current level, the outcome against a third-layer Law Domain expert at full strength was uncertain. However, he would have no reservations whatsoever facing a second-layer Law Domain expert.

"The commanders for each war zone have been decided. For the next three days, you can each recruit your own teams."

"Oh, and here's a piece of intelligence from the Saint Race side. It records powerful individuals in both the Saint Race's Divine Dwelling and Law Domain stages. You must remember to analyze it thoroughly!" As Ancient Venerable Jinluo raised his hand, numerous jade slips flew out, landing directly in front of each person.

Everyone quickly accepted them. After all, those who could gather here were not inexperienced youths; they possessed rich combat experience and thus clearly understood the value of this intelligence.

After receiving the jade slips, the place quickly became a bustling scene of activity. Many experts flocked towards the war zone commanders they had previously identified, eager to join their teams. After all, in this situation, following a powerful war zone commander would provide a certain degree of assurance for both their lives and their benefits.

Amidst this commotion, Xu Beiyan's area was undoubtedly the most bustling...

Chi Jing was also highly sought after. Watching the vast crowd surging towards her, she could only helplessly call out to Zhou Yuan before being engulfed by the throng.

In contrast to the fervent activity around the other war zone commanders, Zhou Yuan's area was undeniably awkward. It was quiet and deserted, with no one approaching him.

Zhou Yuan felt a bit helpless. These people were too short-sighted. While he wouldn't claim to outshine all the other war zone commanders, he certainly shouldn't be at the very bottom, should he?!

But such choices were inherently free. If people didn't come, he couldn't force them in.

Fortunately, this awkwardness didn't last long. Two graceful figures darted through the crowd and approached him.

"Your Highness, let us join you!" Su Youwei smiled sweetly, her delicate features captivating.

Wu Yao, standing beside them, crossed her arms. She seemed quite amused by Zhou Yuan's current predicament, a playful curve on her red lips.

Zhou Yuan breathed a sigh of relief and said: "You two truly have discerning eyes. Those other mundane people simply can't appreciate my inner beauty."

"Where's that guy, Zhao Mushen?" he suddenly asked.

Wu Yao replied, "He went to Zhao Xiansun's side."

Zhou Yuan nodded, not thinking much of it. After all, Zhao Mushen was also from the Myriad Ancestors Territory, and with Zhao Xiansun leading, he naturally had to follow.

However, not long after thinking this, he saw Zhao Mushen walking over with a somewhat unpleasant expression. Then, expressionless, he said: "I'll join."

Zhou Yuan looked at him, somewhat understanding, and said: "Zhao Xiansun didn't want you?"

Zhao Mushen's expression worsened, and he said: "He said he didn't want anyone in the Divine Dwelling stage."

Zhou Yuan couldn't help but glance at him with a hint of sympathy, then thoughtfully said: "Is it because you've been getting close to us recently?"

Zhao Mushen ignored him, merely frowning as he said: "You only have this many people here? What good can a few of us do? Is there even one Law Domain expert?"

Seeing that this guy was actually a bit disdainful, Zhou Yuan pursed his lips, just about to speak, when a voice suddenly came from behind him: "Law Domain? Count me in."

Zhou Yuan and Zhao Mushen, somewhat startled, turned around. They saw a pretty woman standing gracefully. She held a small cloth bag in one hand, continuously pulling out dried meat from it. With her white teeth crunching away, she quickly devoured it.

"Ai Tuanzi?" Zhou Yuan exclaimed in surprise upon seeing her familiar face.

The woman before them was none other than Ai Tuanzi, whom he had met once in the Myriad Beasts Heaven. He hadn't expected that after two years, she would have also broken through and entered the Law Domain stage.

"Am I welcome?" Ai Tuanzi asked with a grin.

"Of course." Zhou Yuan quickly nodded.

With the addition of the first Law Domain expert, this drew some attention. For a moment, people began to gather around, though they still seemed a bit hesitant.

Seeing this, Zhou Yuan's eyes flickered. He thought for a moment, then snapped his fingers.

As the snap echoed, a low growl resounded from outside the hall. The next moment, a streak of light burst through the crowd and landed on Zhou Yuan's head.

It was Tuntun.

At this moment, it was continuously letting out low growls. A formidable pressure permeated the air, instantly quieting the surrounding commotion. Surprised gazes were directed its way, and even some second-layer Law Domain experts looked at Tuntun with grave expressions, clearly sensing the dangerous aura it emitted.

Zhou Yuan patted Tuntun on his head and smiled, saying: "Our team just got stronger."

Tuntun's appearance undoubtedly brought a much greater draw than Ai Tuanzi's. After all, its imposing aura could even rival that of a second-layer Law Domain expert. From this perspective, Zhou Yuan's side was beginning to take shape.

And so, in the next moment, Zhou Yuan's area finally started to become lively.