Shi Hao strolled through the Imperial Capital, listening to news of the Nine Gods.
The Nine Gods had not gone on a killing spree. Their target was clear: they were heading straight for the Stone Kingdom Imperial Capital.
When the Cult Masters of Immortal Hall sent them down, they had given them specific instructions.
The boy who possessed the Ten Fiend Treasure Technique mattered most. Nothing else did.
They must not waste time on the Lower Realm's other treasures.
The Cult Masters of Immortal Hall feared Willow God and the others might suddenly return.
They were not sure whether Willow God and the others could return to the Lower Realm after leaving it, given their cultivation.
By rights, they could not, but the Cult Masters could not be certain.
If they suddenly came back, all their calculations would come to nothing.
So they had ordered the Nine Gods to strike directly at Shi Hao.
Along the way, the Nine Gods made no attempt to hide their movements. They advanced openly, announcing their presence to the world.
Shi Hao had kept track of the Immortal Hall Nine Gods' progress all along.
"Uncle Gourd can fight that True God. Uncle Fire can tie down two Divine Flame Realm cultivators at most..."
Shi Hao considered the situation. "If the Venerables of the Stone and Fire Kingdoms join forces and use the Imperial Capital Formation, they might be able to hold off one more Divine Flame Cultivator."
"Who else is there...?"
Shi Hao thought for a moment, then sighed softly.
He could think of no one else who could step forward to help.
Even so, that accounted for only four of the Nine Gods. Five remained.
To the Desolate Domain, five Deities from the Upper Realm were a force that could not be resisted.