Chapter 964: Soft Target

When Zhao Mushen's Genesis Qi pressure spread through the starry sky, countless gazes turned towards him with trepidation. After all, Zhao Mushen's prestige among the younger generation of the Hunyuan Heaven's Shenfu was immense, and any move he made would inevitably have a significant impact on the current situation.

However, to the secret relief of many, Zhao Mushen's pressure was directed towards Zhou Yuan of the Tianyuan Region.

This surprised many, as there had been no rumors of animosity between Zhou Yuan and Zhao Mushen.

Still, some thought gleefully that it didn't matter. With the Nine Regions Grand Meeting's main event about to begin, if Zhou Yuan were eliminated here, he would surely feel immense frustration.

Xu Ming watched the scene, a sneer playing on his lips. He shook his head, thinking it seemed he wouldn't be the one to deal with Zhou Yuan after all.

Yuan Kun of the Beast-Controlling Region stroked his plump, pale face and couldn't help but sigh. Facing a formidable figure like Zhao Mushen, even he felt extreme apprehension. If Zhao Mushen were to target Zhou Yuan here, he would be powerless to help. After all, he still had a responsibility to the Beast-Controlling Region, and offending Zhao Mushen and the Myriad Ancestors Region would be highly unwise.

Jiu Gong's expression showed a hint of regret. From their previous interactions, she could sense Zhou Yuan's potential. If he managed to open his ninth Divine Dwelling, his combat strength would likely rank among the top four. At that point, even Zhao Mushen would have to exert considerable effort to deal with him. Unfortunately, it seemed Zhao Mushen had no intention of giving him further opportunities to grow. Still, being defeated by Zhao Mushen was no disgrace. Even someone as proud as she held a deep admiration for Zhao Mushen's combat prowess.

While Zhou Yuan might qualify to contend with Zhao Mushen in the future, that time was not now. By the time Zhou Yuan made further progress, Zhao Mushen might have already broken through to the Heavenly Sun Stage, making the gap even wider. The path of cultivation inherently meant that one slow step could lead to many more, making it difficult to catch up.

In the Martial God Region, Wu Yao, clad in a vibrant red dress, exuded a sharp authority. With her arms crossed, her phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, her gaze flickered, lost in thought. Behind her, Lan Ting stood alongside Zhao Yunxiao, whose face was pale. He glared fiercely at Zhou Yuan, having been nearly killed by him in the small spatial zone earlier. However, a hint of fear still lingered deep in his eyes; Zhou Yuan's strength had made him realize that they were no longer on the same level. The young man he had once disregarded in the Great Wu Imperial City had now left him far behind. Though unwilling, Zhao Yunxiao had to acknowledge this cruel reality.

Lan Ting, standing nearby, remained silent. He also knew of Zhao Yunxiao's predicament; his own strength was comparable to Zhao Yunxiao's, so if Zhou Yuan could nearly kill the latter with one punch, he would likely face the same outcome. Both men, who had been full of confidence before the meeting, now lacked their former arrogance.

Wu Yao's gaze subtly swept over the two. She secretly shook her head; such a minor setback had completely extinguished their fighting spirit. Given their resilience, they had once looked down on Zhou Yuan, but in this regard, the gap between them and Zhou Yuan was immeasurable. If they had endured the same setbacks as Zhou Yuan, neither of them would have been able to withstand it, let alone rise from the ashes.

However, if Zhao Mushen were to target Zhou Yuan now, it would indeed be a huge problem for the latter. Wu Yao's slender, jade-like fingers tapped lightly as her eyes flickered. She did not wish to see Zhou Yuan eliminated by Zhao Mushen here, as the Nine Regions Grand Meeting was also her best chance to reclaim the Saint Dragon Qi within Zhou Yuan. Zhao Mushen was truly one to spoil things. Should she intervene?

In the starry expanse, numerous gazes converged, eagerly awaiting a good show.

Amidst the gloating gazes, Zhou Yuan's expression remained unfazed. Deep in his eyes, a glint of ruthlessness flashed. His face was impassive, and silver liquid began to emerge from the palm of his hand within his sleeve, gradually covering his arm.

However, just as his Genesis Qi surged within him, an incredibly powerful Genesis Qi pressure suddenly and slowly emerged in the starry space.

Countless eyes turned in surprise and suspicion. Then they saw Su Youwei of the Zixiao Region step forward. The space around her vibrated slightly, and her pressure was in no way inferior to Zhao Mushen's. Furthermore, her aura locked onto Zhao Mushen. Without a word, her Genesis Qi surged, restrained yet ready to be unleashed. This was a warning. It warned Zhao Mushen that if he were to make a move here, she would intervene.

A ripple of commotion began softly, then spread like a tide. Experts from all sides watched in shock. None of them had expected Su Youwei to step forward at this moment, directly confronting Zhao Mushen for Zhou Yuan! What was the relationship between these two? Although they had seen Su Youwei repel Xu Ming for Zhou Yuan in the Fallen City, how could Xu Ming compare to Zhao Mushen?

Behind Su Youwei, Xue Jingtao's expression also changed. He had previously exaggerated Zhou Yuan's actions to Su Youwei, but he hadn't expected her to still make a stand now, and against Zhao Mushen, no less!

"Junior Sister Youwei! What are you doing? Why are you offending Zhao Mushen for some Zhou Yuan?" Xue Jingtao sharply demanded. "Don't forget your status!"

Su Youwei glanced at him indifferently. "That's because your vision is too narrow. Zhao Mushen is our great enemy, and if Zhou Yuan remains, he will pose a significant threat to him."

Xue Jingtao laughed in furious disbelief. "What kind of joke is this? Zhou Yuan, a threat to Zhao Mushen? What is he even?!"

"I am the captain of the Zixiao Region. If you disobey orders, you will immediately withdraw from the Nine Regions Grand Meeting," Su Youwei stated coldly, her voice sharper than ever.

Xue Jingtao clenched his fists, his face somewhat contorted. Finally, he retreated resentfully. "Fine, do as you please. Let's see how you explain this when you return!"

Amidst the widespread commotion, Zhao Mushen's gaze slightly narrowed. He turned his head towards Su Youwei's direction and slowly said, "Su Youwei, are you declaring war on me?"

Su Youwei replied, "If you think so, then so be it."

Zhao Mushen fell silent for a moment. "Do you know that this is neither the best place nor the best time for us to fight?"

Su Youwei calmly said, "So I hope you'll be a little more rational."

Zhao Mushen was speechless, then let out a light chuckle. He raised his hand, and the Genesis Qi pressure emanating from him gradually dissipated. "Alright, as you wish. But Su Youwei, you won't be able to protect him forever."

Su Youwei was indeed a person he needed to be wary of. Moreover, besides Su Youwei, he vaguely sensed a subtle aura locking onto him. Faced with this situation, even Zhao Mushen could only choose to yield a step.

Su Youwei shook her head. "When he opens his ninth Divine Dwelling, perhaps you should start thinking about whether you can protect yourself."

Zhao Mushen chuckled. "You think so highly of him? Then I shall wait and see." He didn't underestimate Zhou Yuan, nor did he dismiss his potential after opening all nine Divine Dwellings; he simply had absolute confidence in himself.

As the Genesis Qi pressures of both individuals receded, the tense atmosphere in the starry sky immediately dissipated. Many onlookers shook their heads regretfully, disappointed that a fight hadn't broken out.

Xu Ming smiled, yet not quite, and said, "Chief Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan certainly has good fortune." His words carried both sarcasm and mockery. Some gazes directed at Zhou Yuan also held a touch of playful mockery, but deep within that mockery, envy and longing were concealed. After all, to have Su Youwei protect him with such intensity was simply unacceptable to them!

The silver liquid on Zhou Yuan's arm beneath his sleeve gradually receded. He looked up at Xu Ming in the distance and declared, "Of the nine statues, no matter which one you've set your eyes on, I'm taking it." While Zhao Mushen would have to be dealt with later, Xu Ming could be used as a soft target to vent some frustration first. The lion can wait; the jackal will be dealt with now!

Upon hearing this, Xu Ming's eyes instantly turned cold and sharp. And the crowd, which had just quieted down, erupted in an uproar once more. Zhou Yuan's words were, without a doubt, a direct declaration of war against Xu Ming.