Shen Zhao was exceptionally busy. Since arriving in the Central Region, he felt as though he had been caught in an invisible net, and he couldn't escape until he tore it apart.
With the Nine Netherworlds now making their move, Shen Zhao was forced to confront the conspiracy unfolding around the Dragon Han Heavenly Dynasty.
Regardless of how many lifetimes he had been reborn, Shen Zhao's stance toward the Nine Netherworlds had always been crystal clear:
*Absolute annihilation!*
*No compromise was possible.*
What surprised him, however, was how quickly the Nine Netherworlds had managed to infiltrate the Central Region in this lifetime. In his previous lives, they had never truly established a foothold in the other eight realms of the Immortal Martial Continent.
The nine realms of the Immortal Martial Continent were the Eastern Region, Southern Region, Northern Region, Western Region, Central Region, Great Wilderness, Demon Realm, Monster Realm, and the Nine Netherworlds.
Beyond these, five independent powers existed outside the nine realms: the Sea Region, Spirit Region, Dao Region, Buddhist Region, and Sage Region.
Among these realms, the Nine Netherworlds had the harshest environment. Yet precisely because of this, their hidden strength rivaled that of all the other realms combined.
If not for the Will of Heaven imposing a barrier that restricted their free movement between realms, the Immortal Martial Continent would likely have long since fallen under the dominion of the Nine Netherworlds and their underworld.
Because Shen Zhao understood the cruelty of the Nine Netherworlds, he had spared no effort in eradicating it in every past life. Yet each time, Yu Xiyan's intervention prevented him from fully succeeding.
If not for the System's restrictions, Shen Zhao would have long ago revolted against Yu Xiyan's attitude.
Sometimes, it seemed absurd. His own System was constantly prioritizing another woman's interests.
*If you care so much about her, why not bind her as the host? Why must you keep shearing me like a sheep?*
*Ah, because Yu Xiyan doesn't meet the binding conditions, and only by binding me can you gain more benefits, right?*
In this life, however, Shen Zhao swore to finally eradicate the Nine Netherworlds—this malignant tumor. Even if the System's father himself intervened, it wouldn't stop him.
After finalizing the plan with Song Yu, Shen Zhao began preparing for the next steps.
He needed to locate the Bright Moon Elder and the hideouts of the other Nine Netherworlds forces within Yanhuang City.
Furthermore, he must also leverage the Wind and Rain Pavilion.
With so much to do, Shen Zhao decided to start with the Wind and Rain Pavilion. After leaving Prince Rui's Manor, he headed toward Heaven on Earth.
Heaven on Earth remained a vibrant spectacle of life and splendor, its patrons still reveling in wild celebration, utterly oblivious to the impending storm.
With no time for these insects, Shen Zhao approached a maid. "Summon Manager Hu."
"Our Manager Hu isn't here..." the maid replied hastily.
"Not here?" Shen Zhao scoffed, then shoved the maid aside and strode toward the back courtyard.
"Sir, you can't go in! Manager Hu really isn't here..."
The maid tried to block him, but Shen Zhao moved too quickly. Her efforts were futile as he barged into the courtyard.
"Who dares trespass in Heaven on Earth?" A furious roar accompanied the whistling of an arrow.
A azure-blue arrow hurtled toward Shen Zhao's face.
*Crack.*
Shen Zhao spun his folding fan, snapping the arrow in two.
At the same time, Hu Ying's familiar face materialized before his eyes.
"Long time no see."
"It's you..."
Seeing that her opponent was the "Chu Liuxiang" who had knocked her out earlier that day, Hu Ying immediately drew another spirit arrow from her back and nocked it onto her bowstring, ready to fire.
Knowing Shen Zhao's exceptional agility, Hu Ying deliberately retreated two steps, creating a distance of about thirty paces between them. At this range, her bow and arrows held a distinct advantage.
But...
Shen Zhao tapped his folding fan rhythmically, smiling. "Seeing you here confirms my suspicions. Heaven on Earth is the true headquarters of the Wind and Rain Pavilion."
The maid beside him instinctively gripped the soft whip at her waist, ready to subdue Shen Zhao at a moment's notice.
Hu Ying retorted sharply, "I never thought you'd dare walk right into a trap."
"Take me to your Pavilion Master."
Hu Ying frowned. "What? Do you want to seek revenge against our Pavilion Master?"
Shen Zhao shook his head. "My time is limited, and I have no desire to waste it on you. Take me to your Pavilion Master immediately, or I'll be forced to resort to... special measures."
"That depends on whether you can pull it off."
"Heh."
Shen Zhao chuckled at her words, then moved with sudden speed. Before the maid beside him could even react, she was already subdued.
"What are you doing?" Hu Ying exclaimed in alarm.
"Let her go immediately!"
"I'll go see your Pavilion Master. Otherwise, I don't know how much longer I can be patient with you."
"You..." Hu Ying was momentarily flustered. Gritting her teeth, she raised her bow and took aim at Shen Zhao.
But Shen Zhao instinctively shielded himself with the hostage, sidestepping to avoid any fatal shots, leaving Hu Ying with no opening.
"Stop!"
Just as the two were locked in a tense standoff, Hu Yushu's sharp voice shattered the oppressive atmosphere.
"Xiao Ying, put down the bow."
Reluctantly, Hu Ying lowered her bow.
Shen Zhao pushed the hostage aside and said to Hu Yushu, "Manager Hu, your Wind and Rain Pavilion truly knows how to treat guests. Just two days ago we were sharing drinks and pleasantries, and now you've turned hostile. Do you really intend to kill me?"
Hu Yushu's expression remained calm. "Young Master Chu, this is all a misunderstanding. I'm sure I can explain."
"No need. Take me to see your Pavilion Master."
"This... the Pavilion Master might not be available to see you at the moment."
"Inconvenient?"
Shen Zhao glanced at the sky, which was still not completely dark, and chuckled. "Don't tell me your Pavilion Master is already in bed at this hour."
Hu Yushu replied, "Our Pavilion Master is indeed unavailable to see guests at this time. Young Master Chu, please come to our usual meeting place tomorrow. I will arrange for the Pavilion Master to meet with you."
"No need. If the Pavilion Master is unavailable, I won't force the matter. I'll wait here for her."
"Here? Young Master Chu, what do you mean by that?"
"Are you still trying to hide the truth from me? Heaven on Earth is the true headquarters of the Wind and Rain Pavilion in Yanhuang City. You've been playing a trick on me all along, don't you think I see through it?"
Hu Yushu frowned.
"Surprised? The first time I met your Pavilion Master, I noticed that the houses on East Street were connected to Heaven on Earth.
The reason? The air inside carries a faint scent of perfumed garments and rouge—a scent only the women of Heaven on Earth wear."
Hu Yushu: "You're concluding this is the Wind and Rain Pavilion's headquarters based on a faint scent of rouge?"
"The guest is being a bit too hasty. While it's true that Heaven on Earth's rouge is made with a unique formula, many people use it."
Hearing this, Shen Zhao gently tapped his foot on the bluestone slab beneath him.
The slab immediately emitted a clear, resonant echo.
"This is Hezhou's specialty Koi Stone Slab. It produces a crisp, melodious echo with every footstep.
I heard you when you brought me to meet the Pavilion Master. Coincidentally, I came to Heaven on Earth on my first day and had visited the back courtyard for some trivial matters.
That's why I noticed this sound from the very beginning. Now that you've all gathered at the Wind and Rain Pavilion, it only strengthens my conviction that this is the place I've been searching for."
Hu Yushu clapped her hands. "Young Master Chu, you're truly clever. As expected, nothing escapes your notice. Our Pavilion Master invites you. Follow me."
"My apologies for the intrusion."
Shen Zhao smiled faintly and followed Hu Yushu forward.
As they passed by Hu Ying, he deliberately paused and said, "Hey, your archery is terrible. Stop showing off in the future."
"You..."
Hu Ying's face turned crimson with anger. She was about to retort when she realized Shen Zhao had already walked far ahead. She could only stomp her foot in frustration.
-----------------------
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