Chapter 1336: Defense Line

Su Youwei’s clear and pleasant voice echoed before the cliff face, causing the clamor among the battle zone masters to abruptly quiet down. Numerous gazes, filled with surprise and doubt, turned towards her.

“Golden Armored Yuan Quan?!”

After a good while, someone finally came to their senses and couldn't help but ask, “Are you referring to the Golden Armored Yuan Quan, a third-stage Dharma Domain expert from the Saint Race?”

Su Youwei nodded calmly.

The many battle zone masters were immediately moved. After all, the Golden Armored Yuan Quan was no unknown figure. He was a genuine third-stage Dharma Domain expert and was definitely considered a formidable master even among those at that level. According to the intelligence provided by Ancient Venerable Jinluo, Yuan Quan was ranked among the top ten!

Facing such a powerful enemy, among the battle zone masters present, perhaps no more than five could face him without fear.

Yet now, Su Youwei was claiming that this top-tier Saint Race Dharma Domain expert, ranked among the top ten, had been slain by Zhou Yuan?!

Even Xi Jing looked at Zhou Yuan with some surprise. Although she had never underestimated her junior brother, she had not expected him to be capable of slaying such a high-caliber enemy.

Xu Beiyan’s expression also changed slightly. He narrowed his eyes, staring at Zhou Yuan, his gaze full of scrutiny. Could this person really achieve such a feat?

"Little girl, you shouldn’t speak carelessly," the battle zone master who had previously instigated trouble for Xu Beiyan said with an uncertain expression. "The Golden Armored Yuan Quan is a third-stage Dharma Domain expert. How could the team he led possibly lose to your broken… team?"

However, his words drew scornful glances from some of the surrounding battle zone masters.

“Zhao Jia, the Saints are constantly monitoring the Stone Dragon Secret Realm. Everything that happens here is undoubtedly within their sight, so no one would be foolish enough to tell such a lie, right?” a battle zone master said disapprovingly.

Zhao Jia’s expression turned awkward. His gaze flickered, and then he sullenly retreated.

The gazes of the many battle zone masters turned towards Zhou Yuan once more, becoming much more serious. If they had previously been somewhat dismissive of Zhou Yuan’s status as a battle zone master, then his current achievement had completely won them over.

Zhou Yuan had shown them through facts that he was qualified to be a battle zone master.

Although they didn't know how Zhou Yuan had defeated Yuan Quan, the process was actually not important. Yuan Quan’s demise was good news for them; at the very least, it would reduce some of the pressure for the upcoming struggle for the Dragon Head Battle Zone.

Xu Beiyan cleared his throat and said with a smile, “Elder Zhou Yuan has certainly given us quite a surprise. It seems that with the guidance of the Divine Maiden, many troubles can indeed be avoided.”

Some battle zone masters’ eyes subtly flickered upon hearing this. Although Xu Beiyan’s words were veiled, he was implying that Zhou Yuan’s ability to slay Yuan Quan was due to the Divine Maiden providing him with some trump cards, rather than his own capabilities. This wasn't impossible; after all, the Divine Maiden was unfathomable, and given her relationship with Zhou Yuan, it was plausible for her to give him some life-saving measures.

After saying this, Xu Beiyan stopped speaking and smiled, “Most of the people have arrived now, so it’s time we discuss the main agenda.”

The atmosphere in the area quieted, and many gazes became solemn, turning towards Xu Beiyan.

"According to the previous instructions from the Saints, the struggle for the Dragon Head Battle Zone is extremely important; it could even determine the outcome of the conflict between the two sides. To stabilize the front line, we must construct a barrier defense at the forefront. This will serve as a protective shield, providing us with a buffer and time to prepare if the war situation changes.”

Xu Beiyan said calmly, “You can find information about this defensive barrier in the jade slips you hold. Starting tomorrow, we will begin its deployment, extending three thousand miles forward from this location. Once the defensive line is complete, we will then advance deep into the Dragon Head Battle Zone, and that’s when we will truly clash with the Saint Race.”

All the battle zone masters nodded, their expressions solemn, for they well understood the brutal nature of the upcoming war. In such a battlefield, even they faced the constant risk of falling.

Xu Beiyan raised his gaze and said, “There’s one more matter. The barrier needs someone to control and manage it. For this authority, I’ll take the initiative to recommend myself...”

“I recommend that Elder Xi Jing take charge of the barrier’s authority.” However, before he finished speaking, a voice abruptly interrupted him.

Xu Beiyan narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at Zhou Yuan, who had spoken. The latter met his gaze with a faint smile.

Xu Beiyan smiled, seemingly a little helpless, “Elder Zhou Yuan, although there’s a slight disagreement between us, what we are discussing now concerns all the heavens. Please don’t cause trouble here, alright?”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan frowned slightly and said, “I heard that this authority wasn’t directly assigned to you, was it? If that’s the case, then others can certainly recommend someone they deem suitable. I just think Senior Sister Xi Jing would be a bit more suitable than you.”

Xu Beiyan said coolly, “How is she more suitable than me?”

Zhou Yuan smiled, “At the very least, Senior Sister Xi Jing won’t harbor any petty intentions. She will uphold fairness. If the defensive line’s authority is given to her, I believe I won’t be the only one who feels more secure.”

Xu Beiyan’s eye twitched slightly, and anger welled up within him. However, he forcibly suppressed it and calmly said, "Since there’s a dispute, everyone, I’ll leave the choice to you."

“If you believe Elder Xi Jing is suitable, please stand on her side.”

As his voice fell, whispers arose among the many battle zone masters. They looked thoughtful, and a moment later, some stepped forward to Xi Jing’s side.

However, relatively speaking, clearly more people remained in place, supporting Xu Beiyan.

Zhou Yuan was not surprised by this outcome. Although Xu Beiyan was somewhat hypocritical, his strength was undeniable. Coupled with his previous achievement of securing three battle zones, many people would naturally choose him.

Xu Beiyan watched this scene expressionlessly. Although more people had chosen him, he was not pleased; instead, he felt more annoyance.

This was because it showed that not everyone genuinely believed in him.

For Xu Beiyan, who had always considered himself perfect, this was somewhat frustrating.

Xu Beiyan took a deep breath, looked at Zhou Yuan, and said indifferently, “Do you have any other opinions?”

Zhou Yuan smiled and waved his hand.

Xu Beiyan said calmly, “Since the choice has been made, everyone, please go and prepare. We will begin deploying the defensive line tomorrow.”

Upon hearing this, the battle zone masters from various sides gradually dispersed.

Xu Beiyan remained standing there. He glanced at Zhou Yuan, who was not far away, then slowly approached him, saying softly, “Elder Zhou Yuan, the Dragon Head Battle Zone is fraught with danger. Here, not even the Divine Maiden can protect you. You should pay more attention to your safety.”

Zhou Yuan glanced at him and said, “The attack on Su Youwei earlier, that was your doing, wasn’t it?”

Xu Beiyan appeared somewhat surprised and shook his head, “I really don’t know what you’re talking about.”

However, his eyes, with a hint of cold amusement, were fixed on Zhou Yuan, without any attempt to conceal it.

Zhou Yuan nodded and said, “Then you should be careful too. Many people will die in the Dragon Head Battle Zone. Even if there’s an additional third-stage Dharma Domain expert, they can probably be buried here.”

With that, he stopped wasting words and walked away directly.

Xu Beiyan watched his receding figure, a smile playing on his lips, though his eyes were utterly cold. He murmured to himself.

“Is this the threat of a weakling? Truly laughable.”