On the bumpy road leading to Orange Prefecture City, Yin Jiao'e, Su Xuejiao, Su Jinyi, and Su Jinyun sat huddled in the jolting carriage, looking utterly disheveled.
The three Su siblings were in a sorry state. Su Jinyi bore visible bruises and footprints on his face and hands.
Su Jinyun's crotch was stained with dried blood, and he sat strangely, with one hip askew, as if afraid to settle down properly.
Su Xuejiao was a mess, her hair matted, her clothes torn to shreds, and her face and body covered in bruises from the frenzied female cultivators.
As for Yin Jiao'e, she stared blankly out the window, her eyes vacant.
The four had set out from home full of confidence, but who could have predicted that their trip to Great Liang City would end in such a sorry state?
"Whoa!"
The coachman suddenly shouted, and the carriage lurched to a halt by the roadside.
"Why have we stopped?" Yin Jiao'e lifted the curtain and peered out.
The next moment, she froze.
The coachman hurried toward a figure standing with their back to him, bowing deeply. "Sir, I've brought the person as you instructed. You promised to give me..."
Before he could finish, a pouch full of spirit crystals was tossed into his hand.
A cold voice echoed in his ear: "Quit being a coachman. Buy some land and live out your days in peace."
"Yes, yes, I'm leaving now! I've never seen you before, and I don't know anything."
With the money secured, the coachman gleefully abandoned Yin Jiao'e and her group, scrambling away like a frightened mouse.
Then, the figure slowly turned.
Shen Zhao's icy, menacing eyes met Yin Jiao'e's confused gaze.
Yin Jiao'e felt a jolt of fear, her body trembling involuntarily.
She had never seen such a terrifying look—
The suppressed rage in his eyes seemed desperate for an outlet.
"So it's you!"
Seeing Shen Zhao, Su Jinyun's face contorted with fury. He recklessly leaped from the carriage and stumbled toward him.
"You're that dead girl's lover, aren't you? You ruined my life! You'll pay with your life! Die! You and that dead girl will both die!"
Yin Jiao'e's pupils contracted, and she quickly shouted, "Jin Yun, come back!"
But Su Jinyun, blinded by rage, could hear nothing. He wanted nothing more than to tear Shen Zhao limb from limb.
Yet the moment he closed in on Shen Zhao...
Shen Zhao simply pressed a hand to his shoulder, and then...
"Ah~~ My arm~~"
A bloodcurdling scream echoed through the air.
With a brutal, tearing motion, Shen Zhao ripped Su Jinyun's entire arm from his body.
"You wanted to see my methods? Now you have!"
Shen Zhao tossed aside the twitching severed limb, seized Su Jinyun by the jaw, and applied slight pressure with his fingers.
Su Jinyun's teeth shattered completely, and his tongue was reduced to fibers by the impact.
Kicking the now unconscious Su Jinyun aside, Shen Zhao slowly approached the carriage.
Yin Jiao'e watched her son's gruesome fate unfold, yet felt no urge to resist. Her heart was completely consumed by overwhelming terror.
"Third Brother, how dare you lay a hand on my third brother! I'll fight you to the death!"
Su Jinyi leaped from the carriage and charged toward Shen Zhao.
A cold glint flashed in Shen Zhao's eyes. Just as Su Jinyi closed in, he slowly raised a finger.
"Ah, my eyes! My eyes!"
Without hesitation, Shen Zhao plunged his fingers into Su Jinyi's eyes, not even glancing at him, his gaze fixed entirely on Yin Jiao'e.
He even expressionlessly stirred his fingers in the sockets, eliciting agonizing screams from Su Jinyi.
"Weren't you just screaming so fiercely? Weren't you just threatening to kill Yun Ying to avenge your precious little sister? Come on, scream again for me."
At this moment, Shen Zhao was a completely different person from the one who had appeared at the Southern Domain Grand Tournament. The murderous aura radiating from him was fully unleashed, distorting the surrounding air.
In the next instant, as Su Jinyi regretted ever being born, Shen Zhao crippled his limbs and ears, then violently peeled the skin from his face, leaving him a grotesque, demonic figure.
Inside the carriage, Su Xuejiao immediately wet herself.
Yin Jiao'e trembled violently.
To both women, Shen Zhao appeared like a demon unleashed from its cage, utterly unrestrained.
His gaze and methods sent shivers of terror deep into their souls.
Shen Zhao stopped before the carriage, letting out a soft snort. His face remained impassive.
"What... what do you want... to do?" Yin Jiao'e stammered, her voice trembling.
"Tell me, who is Su Yunying's birth mother?" Shen Zhao's voice was icy, devoid of warmth.
"She... she is..."
"The truth."
Yin Jiao'e's body shuddered, and she wet herself again. The carriage filled with a pungent, foul odor.
"She... she is my sister's daughter."
"Where is she?"
"I truly don't know. That night, she entrusted Yun Ying to me, begging me to raise her. Then she left, and I've never seen her again."
"Her name."
"Yin... Yin Chaomu..."
With the information about Su Yunying's mother obtained, Shen Zhao closed his eyes and pondered for a moment.
"Why entrust Yun Ying to you?"
"Because my sister refused the marriage arranged for her by the Great Clan Leader. She insisted on eloping with a martial artist from the jianghu, and for that, she was disowned by the Fire Phoenix Clan."
"Who is her father? Where is he now?"
"My father's surname was also Su. His name was Su Luo. Before Yun Ying was born, he was... killed by an evil cultivator while saving a group of villagers..."
Shen Zhao took a deep breath and opened his eyes to look at Yin Jiao'e.
"Yin Jiao'e, since your sister entrusted her daughter to you, why did you abandon her? I want the truth."
"I didn't want to... The Great Clan Leader believed my sister had disgraced the clan's reputation and that Su Yunying wasn't worthy of being included in the Fire Phoenix Clan's ancestral records. He forced me to do it."
"The truth!"
"I'm not lying... Oh, right... I overheard once that the Great Clan Leader had the Profound Mechanism Pavilion calculate Yunying's fate. They said her destiny would clash with Phoenix Perching Mountain. If she ever returned, she would usurp the Great Clan Leader's position as the new ruler of the Fire Phoenix Clan. So, I think that was part of the reason too... I swear, I'm not lying. That's all I know. Can you... let me go now...?"
At that moment, Yin Jiao'e finally understood the aura radiating from Shen Zhao. It was as if he had waded through mountains of corpses and seas of blood, his hands stained with the blood of countless lives. Just standing near him filled the air with a suffocatingly violent aura.
Compared to this, Liang Hao's aura was like a gentle breeze and fine rain.
Yet why did such a terrifying presence emanate from so young a man?
"Heh..."
Shen Zhao let out a cold laugh, his heroic face remaining utterly impassive.
"Yin Jiao'e, I recall you saying you wanted to see Su Yunying reduced to selling herself just to survive, didn't you?"
Yin Jiao'e was shocked. "I... I was just speaking casually. I never truly meant it."
"Yun Ying is so kind-hearted, she'd never harm anyone. Yet you've repeatedly tried to kill her and even sought to drain her bloodline to pave the way for your adopted daughter.
I wanted to strike you down back in Orange Prefecture City. But I couldn't be certain you were Yun Ying's biological mother, and I didn't want Yun Ying to witness my cruelty. So I forced myself to hold back.
Still, I remember everything you've done to Yun Ying. You wanted to see her fall into disgrace, didn't you? You wanted her to be forever scorned and unable to hold her head high, right?
Too bad you won't live to see it. But you can join your daughter in experiencing what it's like for jade arms to be embraced by thousands and crimson lips to be tasted by countless men."
"What's going on?"
As the words left her lips, a whirlwind of dust and sand erupted on the road, accompanied by the approaching thunder of hooves.
When Yin Jiao'e finally recognized the newcomers, her face turned deathly pale.
Niu Duren and his men, numbering over a hundred, had completely surrounded her carriage.
"Master Shen! We owe you this! Without you, those few would have escaped!"
Niu Duren leaped from his horse and rushed to Shen Zhao, bowing and scraping like a fawning dog.
Shen Zhao didn't even glance at him. Instead, he pointed to the carriage behind him and said, "The two women inside are yours to deal with. But I have one condition: I want them to become whores, the kind that anyone can take, and never be able to live a respectable life again."
Niu Duren thumped his chest. "Rest assured, Master Shen! It's as good as done! I've already sent word to the Su Family in Orange Prefecture City to summon Su Lingzhang.
We'll defile his wife and daughter right in front of him! Hahaha! The thought alone makes me excited..."
Yin Jiao'e and Su Jinjiao were so terrified they nearly lost their souls.
"No, Shen Zhao, you can't do this to me! I'm Yun Ying's aunt, after all! Aren't you afraid of what she'll think of you when she finds out?"
"No, I don't want this! Mother, I don't want to be like this! I want to go home!"
Shen Zhao glanced indifferently at the mother and daughter, then snorted coldly. "It's only because you're Yun Ying's aunt that I've spared your life, allowing you to atone for your crimes."
"No, just kill me instead! I'd rather die than suffer this torment and atone for Yun Ying... Shen Zhao, kill me, I beg you..."
Shen Zhao's eyes turned icy, and with a single palm strike, he shattered Yin Jiao'e's Qi Sea.
"I almost forgot you still had cultivation. How could I possibly let you escape this hell? Let you and your daughter wallow in your misery."
With that, he turned and left without a backward glance, ignoring the mother and daughter's desperate pleas.
In his previous nine lives as the God of War, Shen Zhao had employed methods a hundred times more cruel and vicious than this.
For a ruler and a military commander, the greatest taboo was softness of heart.
To his loved ones, he could be a saint.
But to his enemies, he would torment them from every angle, mentally and physically, leaving them with no room for complaint.
As soon as Shen Zhao had walked away, Niu Duren immediately approached Yin Jiao'e and her daughter with a grin. "Madam, I've been itching to get my hands on you since I first saw you that day. I'm not much of a man of refined tastes, but I do have a weakness for mature beauties like you. I can't hold back any longer... hehehe..."
"Get away from me, you stinking pig! Don't come near me!"
"Hehehe, come here, you!"
"Help! Someone save me!"
"Stop screaming, hahaha~ What fortune has this Niu Duren to be able to spend a night with a beauty like you~ I'm coming in now!"
"No! Let go of me, you beast! My daughter is right here!"
Desperate cries echoed from the narrow path as mother and daughter were dragged into the darkness.
But this was merely the beginning of their descent into hell.
***
Immediately after the Southern Domain Grand Tournament concluded, Kong Lian was seized by the Confucian Sage Sect. Stripped of all his positions and his cultivation base shattered, he was imprisoned in the dungeons for life.
"Shen Zhao, you lied to me! You broke your promise! I already agreed to help you track Yin Jiao'e and the others, so why didn't you keep your word? Why?!"
Realizing his life was ruined and there was no hope of redemption, Kong Lian finally understood that Shen Zhao had never intended to spare him. He ranted and cursed endlessly in the dungeon.
But no one cared about his words anymore.
Before parting ways, Kong Bai looked at Su Yunying, his eyes filled with regret.
After a long pause, he asked, "Are you truly unwilling to join the Confucian Sage Sect? With your talent, Miss Su, your future is limitless."
Su Yunying's performance had been truly dazzling, making it understandable why Kong Bai wanted to recruit her as a core disciple for cultivation.
With Su Yunying's strength and talent, given time, she could undoubtedly lead the Confucian Sage Sect to rise beyond the Southern Domain and claim a prominent place on the Immortal Martial Continent.
"Alright, old man," Shen Zhao said, "stop scheming. With the Confucian Sage Sect being so poor that you can't even scrape together ten thousand Top-Grade Spirit Stones, how could you possibly accommodate a great Buddha like her?"
Shen Zhao's words struck a nerve, leaving the Confucian Sage Sect disciples present with faces flushed crimson.
"Ahem..." Kong Bai cleared his throat, attempting to ease the awkward atmosphere. "Very well. Since Miss Su is unwilling, we won't press the matter. However, the gates of the Confucian Sage Sect remain open to you all. You are always welcome to visit."
With that, he bowed to Shen Zhao and the others and led the sect members in an orderly departure from the imperial palace.
Once they had left, Shen Zhao turned to Su Yunying. "Little girl, you're quite the celebrity now. What are your plans?"
Su Yunying smiled faintly. "I'll do whatever the boss says."
"Then you should return to the Fire Phoenix Clan to investigate," Shen Zhao advised. "The clues to your mother's past are likely hidden there."
Su Yunying frowned slightly. "Big Brother, are you leaving again?"
"Just a small matter. I'll be back to meet you soon. Don't worry, I'll help you find your mother. I'm sure she's still alive."
Su Yunying shook her head. "After what happened with the Su Family, I've given up all hope for family ties. Even if we find her, she might turn out to be another Yin Jiao'e. As long as you're by my side, I'm content. Just promise you'll come back for me."
"Don't worry. I made a promise to your grandmother. I'll see you take your place as the young master."
With that, he waved in the distance.
In the next moment, Linghu Ming materialized before the group.
"Everyone, this is Linghu Ming, my close friend. While I'm away, he and Liang Hao will accompany you back to the Fire Phoenix Clan. I trust they'll keep you safe."
Liang Hao immediately protested. "Big Brother, you're underestimating me! I alone can protect Little Sister."
Shen Zhao rolled his eyes. "You know nothing. You're only at the Nirvana Realm and you're acting so confident. Have you even seen Young Master Linghu's cultivation?"
Liang Hao was startled. He looked closely and gasped. "You... you're Wuwo..."
"Keep it low-key," Linghu Ming said with a smile, interrupting Liang Hao. He then bowed to Su Yunying. "Miss Su, my apologies for the offense I caused on the arena. I hope you can forgive me."
Su Yunying snapped back to attention and returned the bow. "Fellow Daoist Linghu, thank you for showing mercy."
"Hahaha!" Linghu Ming laughed heartily, then looked Su Yunying up and down. "Miss Su, you and my brother are truly well-matched. Standing together, you're a perfect pair, a match made in heaven."
Su Yunying's cheeks flushed crimson at his words.
Shen Zhao slapped Linghu Ming on the head. "No one will think you're mute if you just keep your mouth shut."
He then turned to Su Yunying. "Little girl, when you return to your clan, don't forget one thing."
"What is it?" Su Yunying asked.
"Within your Fire Phoenix Clan lies an ancient ruin called the Divine Phoenix Ancient Site. It holds a tremendous fortune. I've asked Fellow Daoist Linghu and Liang Hao to accompany you to increase your chances of obtaining it. You must seize this opportunity."
"Aren't you coming with me?" Su Yunying asked, reluctant to be separated from Shen Zhao.
"I promised Fellow Daoist Linghu I'd help him with something. But don't worry, I'll hurry back as soon as possible and try to meet you at the Divine Phoenix Ancient Site when it opens."
*I should grab the Heavenly Flame Profound Stone while I'm at it,* he thought. *It'll be useful when Yun Ying obtains the Divine Phoenix Legacy.*
Linghu Ming said, "Brother, go without worry. I'll take good care of Miss Su."
Su Yunying said, "Big Brother, you must come to Phoenix Perching Mountain to find me. Don't make me worry like last time."
"Don't worry," he replied.
Seeing the anxiety in Su Yunying's eyes, Shen Zhao sighed silently.
As he spoke, he unfurled his hand, and a folding fan materialized in his palm.
In the next instant, a streak of light flashed, and the atmosphere shifted dramatically.
A handsome man appeared, wearing a pale blue scholar's cap and a white robe.
"You..."
The three were struck speechless by Shen Zhao's disguise and transformation.
Liang Hao asked, "Big Brother, is this your Zhou Gongjin with a feather fan and turban, or your Zhuge Liang the brilliant strategist?"
"Neither."
"Then who?"
Shen Zhao gently fanned himself, his back to the three.
"Chu Liuxiang, the man who never kills."
With a faint smile, Shen Zhao left the stunned group and leaped into the air.
The Kunpeng soared, and Shen Zhao landed steadily on its back, departing with effortless grace.
Watching Shen Zhao's retreating figure, Su Yunying pressed her hands to her chest.
"Brother Shen, I know you're doing this for me, to stand up for me. I don't blame you, really. You don't have to hide from me like this."
***
Upon entering the Central Continent, Shen Zhao immediately stored away his Kunpeng and rented a carriage, hurrying towards Yanhuang City.
This was the territory of the Dragon Han Celestial Dynasty. Relying on his memories from a previous life, Shen Zhao decided to first seek out the largest intelligence agency in the Central Continent—the Wind and Rain Pavilion—to gather information about Di Feijing, the imposter using his alias, and the Heaven-Burning Divine Stone.
He had no confidence in storming the imperial palace and facing Song Yanran, an Empress even more formidable than Mu Qiuyue, and escaping unscathed.
Though he had never met Song Yanran in any of his past lives, legends about her permeated every corner of the Central Continent and the broader Central Region.
Song Yanran had seized the throne through treachery, murdering her father and brother to secure the imperial seat.
For the 2,700 years of her reign, she had ruled with ruthless efficiency, crushing any opposition with brutal methods.
Through her iron-fisted rule, she had transformed the Dragon Han Celestial Dynasty into the undisputed superpower of the Central Region.
Yet recently, she seemed to have changed—
She had become significantly less sharp.
Against such an extraordinary Empress, Shen Zhao knew he could not hope to win easily.
Besides, how many had tried to kill her over the centuries? And how many had ended up as collateral damage in the Emperor's "Nine Generations Elimination" policy?
Shen Zhao had no desire to make an enemy of her. All he wanted was to find evidence of Di Feijing's collusion with the Xiongnu Empire, obtain the Heaven-Burning Divine Stone, and leave immediately. That would be enough to satisfy Linghu Ming.
The carriage traveled smoothly and arrived at Yanhuang City, the capital of the Dragon Han Celestial Dynasty.
As the most powerful nation on the Central Continent, the capital was naturally bustling with activity. Endless streams of people flowed through the streets, and merchants hawked their wares.
Song Yanran's tyranny was directed only at those who opposed her. The upper echelons of power longed to dethrone her, but the common people remained deeply grateful to her.
This stark polarization didn't surprise Shen Zhao.
After all, when one class benefited, another was bound to suffer. Such inequalities persisted even in civilized eras, for limited resources could never be truly distributed equitably.
Weaving through the bustling crowds, Shen Zhao headed straight to the largest pleasure house in the western part of the city—Heaven on Earth.
As soon as he entered the main hall, a well-dressed attendant approached and bowed slightly. "You seem to be a newcomer, sir. Please come in. Heaven on Earth will provide you with the ultimate pleasure."
Shen Zhao touched his nose and smiled slightly. "Then I'll trouble you to find me a suitable seat, miss."
"Right this way, sir."
The maid led Shen Zhao to a jade table at the side of the hall.
"Sir, you've arrived at the perfect time. We've recently welcomed a group of dancers from the Xiongnu Empire, who will surely delight your eyes and immerse you in exotic charm."
"That sounds wonderful. Thank you for the recommendation. Please bring me a pot of Spirit Wine and a few small dishes."
As he spoke, Shen Zhao handed two low-grade spirit stones to the maid.
Since he was using the Great Liang Imperial Family's money, he felt no qualms about spending.
"Thank you, sir. Please wait here while I arrange everything."
The maid accepted the stones without any sign of surprise, simply taking them and turning to prepare the order.
"As expected of Heaven on Earth," Shen Zhao mused, unfolding his fan and looking around with interest. "Even the maids are so composed. How intriguing."
The hall was packed with patrons, filled with the sounds of singing, dancing, and hushed conversations.
At that moment, Shen Zhao's attention was drawn to a young noble seated at the head table.
"Prince Rui—Song Yanran's younger brother, Song Yu?"
-----------------------
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