Hong Jiuchen’s Martial Mystic Immortal Palace was not situated within the Cloud Realm, but rather carved out of a separate space within the void. Naturally, it could not rival the Ethereal Firmament of the Cloud Realm, yet it possessed its own profound wonders.

It took Zong Shou a mere three hours to stand before this Immortal Palace. Glancing around, he noted the area was guarded by formidable restrictions.

Zong Shou did not attempt to force his way in, instead halting just outside the main gate. “So that’s how it is.

A spatial artifact. No wonder it can cleave open the void, resembling a minor world.

This Hong Jiuchen truly has a remarkable destiny to acquire such an exotic treasure.” Even he felt a pang of envy. This artifact was not only equivalent to a colossal Qiankun Pouch but could also instantaneously manifest a sealed void anywhere, anytime.

If its formation and prohibitions were slightly stricter, even Saints would struggle to perceive the reality within. Deeper inside the palace, several spiritual senses probed outwards.

They showed no surprise at Zong Shou’s arrival. After only a brief moment, a cohort of immortal attendants and maids emerged to welcome Zong Shou inside.

In mere moments, he was escorted into a vast and magnificent hall, its jade terraces and elegant pavilions truly breathtaking. Yet, within this hall spanning a hundred zhang, besides the few attending boys and girls pouring wine, there were only sparsely seated figures.

Hong Jiuchen and Tan Jing were unmistakably present, along with others such as Mu Fang and the loose cultivator Fu Yue. They were the same individuals Zong Shou had encountered when he first arrived at the Yuan Lian Realm.

Upon seeing Zong Shou enter, the expressions of Mu Fang and Tan Jing shifted subtly. Hong Jiuchen let out a light chuckle, “Our esteemed Sovereign of the Dao State is likely preparing for departure from the Yuan Lian World, having no leisure time to visit.

I truly did not expect the Sovereign to bestow such honor; this is indeed a delightful surprise. Please, be seated—” By now, seats had been allocated for everyone in the hall.

It seemed they had genuinely not anticipated Zong Shou’s visit. Only the final jade table at the far end of the hall remained unoccupied.

Zong Shou paid it no heed, instead turning his gaze with keen interest toward the person seated beside Hong Jiuchen. It was a middle-aged man in his forties.

His face was gaunt and withered, resembling a skeleton. It was unclear what race he belonged to; he was slightly shorter than an average person.

He sat there arrogantly, not even rising to offer a greeting when Zong Shou entered. He merely cast a cursory glance in Zong Shou’s direction before dismissing him, his demeanor overtly disdainful.

Zong Shou chuckled inwardly, reflecting that this man was indeed an eccentric. To wield the 'Poison'—a low-tier Principle—to such an extreme degree, achieving the peak of the Immortal Realm.

He must have employed some secret art to reach this level of cultivation. The cost was clearly immense; the man’s entire body seemed akin to a toxic entity, incapable of touching anything else.

Moreover, two of his five senses—sight and taste—had already vanished. Shaking his head internally, Zong Shou felt a heightened wariness towards this individual, yet his interest waned.

The caution stemmed from the man’s mastery over toxins, reaching a pinnacle where one could be subtly ensnared without realization. The loss of interest was because anyone who relied on such secret arts to reach this elevation would be no match for him if he were careful.

To imagine this person could restrain him was, quite frankly, laughable. “Since all of you have gathered here, are you intending to discuss the Dao, or are you awaiting the outcome of today’s battle?” After asking, Zong Shou turned back and smiled toward Mu Fang, “I trust Brother Mu will not forget our prior agreement!” Mu Fang’s complexion flickered, and he glared sharply.

Hong Jiuchen, seated above, let out a cold snort, “Brother Mu has already relayed everything you two said that day. If you intend to sow discord, you’ve calculated poorly!” “Is that so?” Zong Shou smiled wryly and then looked toward Tan Jing.

Tan Jing, looking rather embarrassed, turned his head away. “Brother Hong’s victory is assured.

Why must the Sovereign bother with such fruitless efforts? Though we had an agreement back then, given the current situation, I fear the Sovereign may lack the strength to fulfill it.” Zong Shou nodded slightly, understanding dawning.

His impression of the Tian Fang Assembly plummeted to rock bottom, completely removing them from any consideration of cooperation. They were indecisive, lacking any conviction or unwavering bottom line, and astonishingly lacking perception.

Should he mobilize forces from the Cloud Realm to conquer the various realms in the future, the Tian Fang Cult must be the first power eradicated. Leaving such a force behind would be like carrying a thorn in his side, ready to betray him at any moment.

But it didn't matter; his words that day were merely a test. His reaction was unsurprising.

As Tan Jing finished speaking, another voice nearby burst into a cackling laugh. “In my thousand years, this is the first time I’ve seen someone so obtuse.

This Steward Tan, despite being opponents with that rogue Hong Jiuchen several times these past few years, has secretly been in cahoots with him, wishing they could share the same trousers. If the Jiu Du Immortal Court seizes the Yuan Lian World, the Tian Fang Assembly would monopolize seventy percent of this realm’s trade rights.

Only you would be foolish enough to trust him?” The speaker continued, shaking his head. “You are a direct disciple of a Supreme Being; a transgression or two shouldn't matter.

What consequence is there if you kill these two? Does the Tian Fang Assembly dare utter a sound?

Even the Jiu Du Immortal Court would need to endure it for now. You killed the Hermit Jiu Jing—did the Seven Saints Alliance make a move?

Not now, laughable, laughable—” Hong Jiuchen merely held his jade cup, chuckling silently. Tan Jing sneered, refusing to engage.

Since the matter was settled, they cared little what these others said. Zong Shou listened, unable to help but nod slightly.

When he made that promise that day, he had investigated. Tan Jing held significant sway in the Yuan Lian Realm, maintaining good relations with various factions.

It was precisely due to his balancing act that the powers within the Yuan Lian Realm maintained equilibrium. He had even covertly sent troops several times to assist Jiu Jing.

Now, it seemed all those actions were merely leverage for bargaining. With Zong Shou’s arrival, the balance in the Yuan Lian Realm was broken, and naturally, these two converged.

At that time, he had certainly not considered that Tan Jing and Hong Jiuchen were already allied. If he had truly disregarded all consequences, everyone present here a month ago could have been slain with a single sword stroke.

However, his agreement back then was for an entirely different reason. Besides, what benefit would such an action bring to Zong Shou?

Making enemies on all sides? The Seven Saints Alliance might fear the Dragon Shadow alone, but if several major powers united, they might not be so apprehensive.

If he acted rashly, he would find it impossible to move freely in the Outer Domain later. To conquer the Yuan Lian Realm, he should eliminate all future threats and secure genuine compliance.

Recognizing the speaker as Fu Yue, Zong Shou smiled and walked directly toward the final unoccupied table. As he settled down, the sound of ethereal music immediately filled the hall once more.

Dozens of women with graceful figures began a light song and dance below the stage. They had clearly cultivated arts of seduction, and their visages were not unattractive, making for a pleasing spectacle.

However, not a single person in the hall paid any mind to the singing and dancing. They drank in silence, their expressions varied.

(To be continued) RQ