A series of loud exclamations erupted on the battlefield, clearly bewildered by this dramatic turn of events. Although the ordinary soldiers did not understand the difference in cultivation levels between the two sides, they had clearly felt the oppressive aura that Hachiko had displayed just moments before.

Even the strongest warriors in the army would probably be instantly killed by him. Such a person can only be dealt with by elite troops in formation on open plains.

As a result, the four of them were instantly defeated by the Regent in a single encounter?

Many of the imperial army had seen Zu'an make a move in the capital before, so they weren't too surprised and cheered. However, many of the rebels were troops from local princes. Although they had heard some rumors before, and with the princes' usual guidance of public opinion, they felt that the rumors were exaggerated.

Seeing this scene, the army's morale almost collapsed instantly.

If the opponent is this strong, what's the point of fighting?

Not to mention these ordinary soldiers, even Bi Linglong, who knew Zaun best, was dumbfounded.

She was initially worried when she saw that the fourth prince was even more imposing than Zhao Hao was back then.

Although I knew my lover was formidable, he seemed even more powerful than before after we'd been apart for several years.

However, since Yu Rui belongs to the Yu family, wouldn't this put Madam Yu in a difficult position...?

The Prince of Yan was dumbfounded. He had been jealous of the four dukes' strength, but also felt a little fortunate, thinking that if the four of them joined forces, they might be able to suppress Zu'an, this evil star.

Who would have thought it would end like this...

In that instant, he began to doubt his decades of cultivation: was there any point in cultivation anymore?

Thinking of his usual domineering attitude in his fiefdom, he quickly realized that it wasn't that he was incompetent, but that this Zu was not human at all.

Back then, Zhao Hao single-handedly dominated the world, but his opponent is now far more powerful than Zhao Hao.

"It's a misunderstanding, Your Majesty, it's all a misunderstanding." Having held a high position for so long, the Prince of Yan was always careful not to show his emotions, and others always gave him fawning smiles. He never imagined that he would have a day when he would be the one to fawn and smile, and that he could smile so naturally.

"Misunderstanding! You started a rebellion, and countless soldiers and civilians died. Is this a misunderstanding?" Zu An didn't even raise his hand before the Prince of Yan was captured from his heavy guards.

He kicked his legs wildly and scratched his neck incessantly, as if an invisible hand was choking him.

He finally experienced firsthand the same fear that the other four had faced. The opponent's boundless pressure, as if it were an innate bloodline suppression, made his usually proud cultivation level seem like that of an infant.

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

"It was Zhao Yuan who instigated me to start a rebellion."

He desperately searched for a reason to save his life. In that life-or-death moment, his mind seemed much sharper than usual, and he finally managed to drag someone down with him.

"Oh?" Zuan's heart skipped a beat upon hearing the name, and he slightly loosened the restriction. "Where is he?"

The Prince of Yan exhaled deeply, as if he had just been rescued from drowning: "He stayed outside the city, saying he was there to provide support and to let me make an appearance in the Battle of Guanzhong to establish my prestige."

As he spoke, he cursed Zhao Yuan's ancestors for eighteen generations in his heart. He had always thought that this kid was treacherous, but now, looking back, he was the one who dug a pit for me to fall into.

Fearing this wouldn't save his life, he hurriedly added, "By the way, I thought the Regent had encountered some misfortune in another world, and that's why he lost his mind and rebelled. I was actually worried... no, I always thought the Regent was lucky and would definitely return safely, but Zhao Yuan said that even if you are still alive, he has a way to deal with you."

The Prince of Yan grew angrier as he spoke. That guy claimed to have a way to deal with it, but now he hasn't seen a single hair of it. How could he have been so foolish as to believe him?

At this moment, a long sigh rang out: "Prince Yan, your actions are truly detrimental to the dignity of a king."

A figure slowly walked over from a distance; it was none other than Zhao Yuan, the Prince of Guangling.

The King of Yan couldn't help but yell, "It's easy for you to talk when you're not the one suffering! If you're so capable, then come and try!"

Having just witnessed the powerful Four Dukes being wiped out, and then being lifted up like a chicken, the sense of despair was something no one could understand unless they experienced it firsthand.

Zhao Yuan looked at Zu An with a rather complicated expression: "It's been a few years since I last saw you, and the Regent's demeanor is even more impressive than before."

Seeing his calm demeanor, Zuan was somewhat surprised: "You don't seem flustered at all?"

"Why does the Regent think I'm about to panic?" Zhao Yuan smiled, his expression perfectly calm.

"I've always been curious about why the cultivation levels of those Eight Immortals improved so quickly just now. I suppose that must be thanks to you." Zu An had this question in his mind, but after seeing the calm Zhao Yuan, he immediately realized it.

"The Regent is indeed insightful." Zhao Yuan smiled slightly, which made the Prince of Yan both surprised and angry.

This guy actually managed to raise Hachiko's strength to such a terrifying level?

Then why didn't it help me improve?

Wait a minute, if he can make others improve their strength so quickly, his own strength must be even more terrifying.

Thinking about how he had acted like a big shot in front of him and how the other party had flattered him, he felt a sense of dread.

This bastard, he's treating me like a clown!

Just then, a sudden change occurred in the scene. Suddenly, a shadowy figure in the corner seemed to come alive and attacked Zhao Yuan. The sword in its hand was even painted black, so that no reflection could be seen.

Many people exclaimed upon seeing this scene. Zhao Yuan was all alone, without any military guards by his side. This assassin had truly found an excellent opportunity to lurk here. No one knew why he was so certain that Zhao Yuan would appear here.

Could this assassin have been sent by the Regent?

However, given the Regent's abilities, why would he resort to such methods?

As everyone was speculating, a muffled groan was heard, and the assassin was sent flying even faster, spitting out a mouthful of blood, his whole body resembling a broken sandbag.

Many experts in the arena rubbed their eyes, as they hadn't even seen how Zhao Yuan made his move.

However, he was immediately more concerned about the identity of the assassin. Who would assassinate Zhao Yuan in this situation?

Upon closer inspection, the black cloth covering the other person's face had been knocked off, revealing a pale and gloomy face filled with resentment and regret.

A boy whom no one knew, but the aura he exuded resembled that of a top assassin.

Zuan recognized him long ago; he was Jing Li, the young sect leader of the Rift Heaven Sect who had been spared by Zuan when he went to Qiuchi during the internal strife of the Demonic Sect.

How could he be here? Could it be...?

"You're asking for death!" A hint of anger appeared on Zhao Yuan's face, and he directly swung a palm at the other party.

Seemingly knowing that he was doomed, the young man quickly said to Zu An, "Zhao Yuan is the Master of Youying Tower!"

——

I recommend Liu Dao Chenlun's new book, "Ten Thousand Swords Paying Homage to the Sect." The title alone sounds very powerful. If you're looking for something to read, you should check it out.