When Shen Zhao appeared before Pang Hu carrying a massive, dead-dog-like figure, followed by a large group of "divine sons," Pang Hu was completely stunned.
"What's going on?"
Before Pang Hu could even ask the question, Shen Zhao threw Pang Da in front of him and said, "So you're Pang Hu, the head of the Pang family in Jinling?"
Pang Hu replied, "Indeed, may I ask who you are..."
"We are members of the Court of Justice, and I am the Enforcement Elder of the Court of Justice, specifically responsible for maintaining order throughout the Immortal Martial Continent, striving to create a fair and harmonious world."
"But today, your Pang family dares to openly oppose my judicial council, clearly showing you don't take us seriously."
Pang Hu was greatly surprised and hurriedly kowtowed, saying, "I did not know that the immortal had graced my humble abode with his presence. Please forgive my failure to greet you properly."
Pang Hu didn't know what kind of powerful sect the Public Trial Association was, but he knew that as a member of the dynasty's aristocratic families, his family absolutely could not afford to offend any sect's power.
Although the Pang family was powerful, in the eyes of these martial arts sects, they could be easily destroyed.
Therefore, he was extremely humble and dared not act presumptuously in the slightest.
Shen Zhao: "Hmph, Patriarch Pang, it seems that my Public Tribunal has only been in seclusion for a short thousand years, and even a small family dares to act arrogantly. If I don't get a satisfactory explanation for this matter today, I'm afraid it won't end well."
Pang Hu hurriedly said, "Immortal Master, please forgive us. We were unaware of your arrival, and with the Old Madam's birthday approaching, everyone in the household was extremely busy. Therefore, we have neglected you, Immortal Master."
"Please, Immortal Master, consider this our first offense and grant the Pang family a chance to atone."
Shen Zhao said calmly, "Considering this is your first offense and it was for your family's birthday banquet, I, as an elder, can let this matter go. However, while you may be spared the death penalty, you cannot escape punishment. How do you plan to clean up this mess?"
Upon hearing this, Pang Hu felt a sense of relief.
I'm afraid you won't make any demands. But if you do, then everything is negotiable.
After all, having the opportunity to win over a member of a powerful sect who can easily take on hundreds of people single-handedly could provide an extra layer of protection for the Pang family's reckless behavior.
However, Pang Hu could not possibly bribe the immortal in public. After all, he was unsure of the temperament of the immortals, and if he angered one of them, he would regret it.
So he asked tentatively in a low voice, "May I ask if you, Immortal Master, are you knowledgeable in the art of chess?"
Shen Zhao smiled slightly, then said in a serious tone, "You want to play chess with this elder?"
"It would be an honor for me to play chess with the immortal master."
"Alright, find a quiet place. This elder doesn't want to be disturbed."
"Please, Immortal Master, move your carriage here."
Shen Zhao turned to Ding Bu'er and Su Yunying and said, "You two can wander around here as you like. I'll be right back."
As he spoke, he followed Pang Hu into the inner courtyard.
In a room filled with dazzling array of items and brimming with spiritual energy, Pang Hu, with a fawning smile, pointed to a chessboard not far away and said, "Immortal Master, please."
"No problem!"
Shen Zhao took a seat leisurely, and the two then set up a chessboard.
Having spent nine generations in the imperial court, Shen Zhao was well aware of Pang Hu's schemes.
To put it nicely, it's just a form of "refined bribery."
So-called elegant bribery refers to the act of giving money to the recipient in a refined manner without leaving any evidence.
For example, playing chess right now.
Pang Hu tentatively asked, "Immortal Master, just playing chess like this might not be very interesting. How about we make a bet?"
Shen Zhao nodded, glanced around, and then gestured with his chin, saying, "That magnificent landscape painting is quite nice. How about we use it as the prize?"
Pang Hu glanced back. The magnificent landscape painting was an artwork that he had bought for a huge sum of money after helping his clansmen become officials. Because the painting contained a trace of spiritual energy, it was worth about 20,000 spirit stones.
In other words, I need to give this immortal 20,000 spirit stones?
This price is not expensive at all; he plans to add another 30,000 spirit stones to the original price.
So he nodded and said, "Immortal, you have a good eye. Very well, let's use this painting as the prize."
The game began, and after only a short while, Pang Hu deliberately lost, muttering to himself, "Immortal Master's chess skills are astonishing; I humbly admit defeat."
Shen Zhao smiled and said, "Patriarch Pang, you're too kind. It was just a fluke. This elder hasn't played chess in a long time. I was still enjoying myself. How about another game?"
Pang Hu's lips twitched slightly, then he nodded: "Alright, if the immortal master likes it, then I'll accompany him even at the cost of my life!"
Shen Zhao glanced at a lamp that burned continuously not far away: "Then let's use that as the prize."
Upon hearing this, Pang Hu inwardly groaned.
This ever-burning lamp is a masterpiece of Hongru Academy, worth 100,000 spirit stones.
However, in order not to offend this immortal, he calmly said, "Alright, everything will be as you wish, immortal."
After a short while, Pang Hu was defeated again, and looked at Shen Zhao with a self-deprecating smile: "I am ashamed to say that I have witnessed the chess skills of an immortal today. They are indeed extraordinary."
"Hey, Patriarch Pang, don't be modest. Play another game with me, and this time we'll use the Five-Colored Qilin Stone as the prize."
"...Uh...okay..."
And so, Shen Zhao and Pang Hu played game after game, practically plundering all the valuable items in his treasure trove.
Gradually, Pang Hu's face turned a liverish color, and he stopped holding back when playing chess, starting to take it seriously.
However, how could Shen Zhao, who possessed god-like chess skills, possibly be compared to Pang Hu? Even if he didn't hold back, he still wouldn't be a match for him.
As dusk fell, seeing Pang Hu's pale face, Shen Zhao smiled and stood up: "Patriarch Pang, that's all for today. I've kept all the prizes you brought here in my heart. I'll come back to collect them after your matriarch's birthday."
"Please rest assured, Immortal Master, I will never break my promise..."
"Yes, very good."
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