Chapter 2631: Shadow Pavilion Emerges

Loud gasps of surprise erupted across the battlefield, as everyone was clearly stunned by the sudden turn of events. While ordinary soldiers didn't understand the vast difference in cultivation levels between the two sides, they had clearly felt the immense pressure exerted by the Eight Dukes just moments ago.

Even the army's strongest experts would likely be instantly killed by such power. Such formidable individuals could only be confronted by elite armies in formation on open plains.

Yet, the Regent had instantly defeated all four of them in a single exchange?

Many in the Imperial Army had witnessed Zu An's prowess in the capital before, so they weren't particularly surprised and cheered enthusiastically. However, a large portion of the rebel forces consisted of troops from local vassal kings. While they had heard rumors before, and the vassal kings had always guided public opinion to make them think the rumors were exaggerated, seeing this scene now, the army's morale instantly collapsed.

If their opponent was so overwhelmingly powerful, what was the point of fighting?

It wasn't just the ordinary soldiers; even Bi Linglong, who knew Zu An best, was dumbfounded at this moment. Originally, seeing the Four Dukes even more imposing than Zhao Hao had been back then, a faint worry had crept into her heart. Although she knew her lover was powerful, after several years apart, he seemed even more formidable than before.

But Yu Rui was from the Yu family; would this make things difficult for Madam Yu...?

The King of Yan was even more bewildered. He had initially felt a mix of jealousy and relief upon seeing the Four Dukes' immense power, thinking that with the four of them working together, they might actually be able to suppress this scourge, Zu An. Who could have known it would turn out like this...

In that instant, he doubted his decades of cultivation. Was there any meaning to it at all?

Recalling his usual unchallenged dominance in his fiefdom, he quickly realized, "It's not that I'm incompetent; it's that this Zu fellow isn't even human!"

Zhao Hao once stood alone, dominating the world, but now this opponent was immeasurably more powerful than Zhao Hao.

"A misunderstanding, Regent, this is all a misunderstanding." The King of Yan, having held high office for a long time, usually maintained an impassive expression, accustomed to others fawning over him with smiles. He never imagined he would have a day where he had to flatter and force a smile, let alone that it would come so naturally.

"A misunderstanding? You incited a rebellion, causing countless soldiers and civilians to die. Is that also a misunderstanding?" Without even raising a hand, Zu An seized the King of Yan from among his numerous guards. The King of Yan's legs thrashed wildly, and his hands clawed at his neck, as if an invisible pair of hands were strangling him.

He finally experienced firsthand the fear the Four Dukes had just faced. The opponent's boundless pressure felt like an inherent bloodline suppression; his cultivation, of which he was usually so proud, was reduced to that of an infant.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, he felt a warm sensation in his crotch, accompanied by a foul stench. Yet, at that moment, he felt no shame, only extreme terror.

"It was Zhao Yuan who incited me to rebel!" He frantically searched for an excuse to save himself. On the brink of death, his mind seemed far sharper than usual, and he finally managed to drag someone down with him.

"Oh?" Zu An's heart stirred at the name. He slightly loosened his grip. "Where is he?"

The King of Yan gasped for air, as if a drowning man had just been pulled ashore. "He's outside the city. He said he'd be there to support me from afar and wanted me to make an appearance in the Guanzhong battle to establish my prestige." As he spoke, he cursed Zhao Yuan's ancestors eighteen generations back in his mind. He had always thought the boy was cunning, but now, looking back, it was clear Zhao Yuan had dug a pit for him to fall into.

Worried that this wouldn't save his life, he hastily added, "Oh, and earlier, I thought the Regent had met with... misfortune in the other world, and I acted rebelliously in a moment of madness. I was actually always worried... no, I always believed that the Regent, being a man blessed by the heavens, would surely return safely. But then that Zhao Yuan said that even if you were truly still alive, he had a way to deal with you."

The more the King of Yan spoke, the angrier he became. That guy said he had a way to deal with Zu An, yet now there was no sign of it. How could he have been so foolish as to believe him back then?

At this moment, a long sigh echoed: "King of Yan, your behavior truly undermines a king's dignity."

A figure slowly walked over from a distance, none other than Zhao Yuan, the King of Guangling.

The King of Yan couldn't help but curse, "It's easy for you to talk when you're not in my shoes! If you're so capable, why don't you try it yourself!"

He had just witnessed the powerful Four Dukes being annihilated, and then he himself was picked up like a small chicken. No one could truly understand that feeling of despair without experiencing it firsthand.

Zhao Yuan looked at Zu An, his expression quite complex. "Several years unseen, Regent, your bearing is even more magnificent than before."

Seeing his calm demeanor, Zu An was somewhat surprised. "You don't seem flustered at all?"

"Why would the Regent think I should be flustered?" Zhao Yuan smiled, his expression perfectly calm.

"I've always been curious as to why the cultivation of the Eight Dukes increased so rapidly just now. I presume that's your doing?" Zu An had been harboring this doubt, and upon seeing the composed Zhao Yuan, he immediately understood.

"The Regent truly has sharp insight." Zhao Yuan smiled slightly, causing the King of Yan to be both shocked and furious.

This guy could actually raise the Eight Dukes' power to such a terrifying level? So why didn't he help me cultivate?

Wait, if he could make others' power increase so quickly, his own power must be even more terrifying.

Recalling how he had been acting like a superior, pontificating to Zhao Yuan all this time, with Zhao Yuan humbly playing along, he felt utterly humiliated.

That bastard, he treated me like a clown!

Just then, a sudden change occurred in the field. A shadow in a nearby corner seemed to come alive, abruptly lunging at Zhao Yuan. The sword in its hand was even coated in black, showing no reflection at all.

Many people cried out at this sight. Zhao Yuan was alone, without any military escort. This assassin, lurking here, had truly found an excellent opportunity. No one knew why he was so certain Zhao Yuan would appear here. Could this assassin have been arranged by the Regent? But with the Regent's power, why would he resort to such methods?

As everyone speculated, a muffled groan was heard, and the assassin was sent flying even faster, spitting out a mouthful of blood. His body was like a broken sandbag.

Many experts in the field rubbed their eyes; they hadn't even seen how Zhao Yuan had struck.

However, they immediately became more concerned about the assassin's identity. Who would attempt to assassinate Zhao Yuan in such a situation? Upon closer inspection, the black cloth covering the assailant's face had been knocked off, revealing a pale, gloomy face filled with unwillingness and regret. It was a young man no one recognized, but his demeanor strongly resembled that of a top assassin.

Zu An, however, had recognized him long ago: Jing Li, the surviving young sect master of the Splitting Heaven Sect, whom he had released back in Chou Pond during the Demonic Sect's internal strife. How could he be here? Could it be...

"Seeking death!" A hint of anger appeared on Zhao Yuan's face, and he swung a palm directly at the assailant.

Seemingly knowing he couldn't escape, the young man quickly shouted to Zu An: "Zhao Yuan is the leader of the Ghost Shadow Tower!"