Shen Ni descended into the hall, standing with hands behind his back.
His blood-gold eyes swept over Zhen Yuanzi, then over Nether River.
Within that gaze were scrutiny, disdain, and a trace of battle intent he could not suppress.
"So, you are the ones who wish to encircle and kill Laozi?"
Zhen Yuanzi's entire body trembled, while Nether River's face turned deathly pale.
Shen Ni?
The Emperor of Fierce Beasts?
Nine Heavens Peak?
Why was he here?
"Shen Ni..."
Zhen Yuanzi spoke, his voice hoarse.
Shen Ni raised a hand, cutting him off.
"No need for formalities."
"I have come under Master's orders to go with you."
"Laozi is at the Seventh Heaven; I am at the Ninth Heaven."
"Even with the Heavenly Dao's blessing, his combat power is only at the Eighth Heaven."
"I alone am enough to suppress him."
"Not to mention that the two of you will be assisting from the side."
"Encircling and killing Laozi—secured."
His words fell like clanging metal and stone.
Zhen Yuanzi froze. Nether River froze as well.
Then, both their facial expressions changed drastically.
It was not fear.
It was wild joy.
It was excitement.
It was shock beyond belief.
Shen Ni?
Nine Heavens Peak?
Going with them?
To encircle and kill Laozi?
Zhen Yuanzi dropped to his knees and kowtowed heavily.
"Vice Sect Master is wise!"
"With Senior Shen Ni here, Laozi will surely die!"
"The Human Sect will never again have a day to turn things around!"
Nether River followed immediately, kneeling on the ground.
"Vice Sect Master is wise!"
"This disciple will certainly give his full power and cooperate with Senior Shen Ni."
"To encircle and kill Laozi—never die, never cease!"
Their voices shook the palace hall, and the Nether Lamp flickered uncertainly.
Xuandu looked at the two kneeling