"Elder Peng, I can swear by the Heavenly Dao that the Great Zhou has nothing to do with this!" The Zhou Emperor hurried to explain. He thought to himself: Although we claim the Buddhist expert is our National Protector, we haven't officially conferred the title. Surely this Buddhist powerhouse who slew Feng Yifei can't be considered a Great Zhou subject?
"All these incidents occurred within the Great Zhou. Do you think I'll believe they have nothing to do with your dynasty? Hand over the culprit within seven days or reveal their name. Otherwise, this capital might as well cease to exist." Peng Wudi ignored the emperor's辩解, convinced the Great Zhou was implicated in Feng Yifei's death.
Peng Wudi smiled at the kneeling imperial guards, who now realized they had offended the wrong person and struggled toward the city gate. "You disrespected an Immortal Gate cultivator. I deafened you as punishment. Next time, no matter who it is, death is the only penalty." For him, destroying their ears was merely a light punishment—he even thought himself merciful, as other peers would have killed them.
Just then, the central gate of the Zhou imperial palace opened, and the emperor led his ministers out in a hurry to greet Peng Wudi. "Elder Peng, your arrival was sudden. Forgive us for not preparing a grand welcome." The emperor showed Peng Wudi full respect.
"No need for formalities. I'm here to ask: does the Great Zhou intend to wage war with the Immortal Gate?" Peng Wudi's cold eyes and sneer dropped a bombshell.
Sweat beaded on the emperor's forehead. "Why would you say that, Elder Peng?"
"First, Zhang Ling and Jiang Xuan died mysteriously during your trial assembly. Then Elder Feng came to investigate and was killed. If not the Great Zhou, who else could be responsible?" Peng Wudi's gaze turned fierce, his overwhelming aura like a sword at the necks of Zhou's officials, ready to strike.
"What? Elder Feng is also dead?" The emperor exclaimed, feigning shock.
"His soul lamp has extinguished. The Grand Elder was enraged and planned to raze the Great Zhou. I persuaded him that if you hand over the culprit, we can let bygones be bygones." Peng Wudi stared coldly, ready to attack.
"Elder Peng, I swear by the Heavenly Dao—" the emperor repeated.
"All these events happened in Zhou. Do you think I'll believe your claims? Seven days. Deliver the culprit or their name, or this capital will perish." Peng Wudi remained unmoved.
"After seven days, if I don't see the culprit, heh—face the consequences." With a sneer, Peng Wudi turned and left, leaving the officials with his arrogant back.
"Your Majesty, what shall we do? This man's cultivation is unfathomable. If we can't deliver the culprit, the entire capital could be destroyed!"
"Order General Su to recall the elite armored cavalry from the border to fight him!"
"The Profound Heaven Gate has countless experts. Even if we kill this one, they'll send more. Don't forget—they have Void Formation cultivators!"
Courtiers panicked, debating loudly behind the emperor and chief minister. The emperor waved them off, keeping only the chief minister to discuss.
"Your Majesty, we may have to reveal the National Protector to the Immortal Gate," the chief minister sighed helplessly.
"No! We must not betray the National Protector," the emperor refused. "Besides, even if we do, the gate will think we masterminded this. Remember: I proclaimed the Buddhist elder as our protector."
"Your Majesty, hiding the truth will invite the gate's wrath." The chief minister shook his head. For years, hidden sects had oppressed dynasties, and none had dared oppose them—until now.
The emperor's expression hardened. "Order General Su to hold the border and not depart, lest the Han Dynasty takes advantage."
"Your Majesty, won't you recall the armored cavalry?" The chief minister was astonished. How could they face a Myriad Manifestations expert without thousands of cavalry?
"When the Great Zhou was founded, we had Myriad Manifestations and even Void Formation protectors. I have means to deal with Myriad Manifestations cultivators—no need for border cavalry." The emperor spoke with confidence. Though their anti-Myriad Manifestations treasures were finite, he would no longer tolerate the gate's bullying. It was time they learned the Great Zhou had the heritage to stand against them.
"Since Your Majesty has decided, I'll gamble with you," the chief minister resolved. The two shared a knowing smile.
...
"Have you heard? The emperor plans to fight a hidden sect expert. Will it affect us?"
"He's a Myriad Manifestations Grade Seven—powerful enough to raze the capital. But we're on the outskirts, so we should be safe."
"The hidden sects are too oppressive! Their people died mysteriously, and instead of finding the killer, they force Zhou to hand someone over. Disgraceful!"
In the hostage manor outside the capital, Lin Yu overheard the rumors. He hadn't expected the Profound Heaven Gate's envoy to be so unreasonable—unable to find him, they targeted the Great Zhou. Ironically, the Zhou had declared him their National Protector, so they now faced the consequences of that claim. As the saying goes, every gain has its price.
"Kid, another Myriad Manifestations Grade Seven from the Profound Heaven Gate! If you kill him, I can devour him to help you break through to Grade Eight. Such a strong cultivator—we'd rarely find one unless we attack their gate. Don't miss this chance!" The Cauldron Lord's voice sounded in Lin Yu's mind.
"Myriad Manifestations Grade Seven? Good. I'll meet him," Lin Yu smiled. "After all, I am their 'National Protector.'"
Just then, his brows furrowed. "Another group comes to die..." Shaking his head, he rose and went outside.