Heavenly Dao Engine
Chapter 1169 - 1169 680 Main Force Makes a Move_1

Chapter 1169: Chapter 680: Main Force Makes a Move_1 Chapter 1169: Chapter 680: Main Force Makes a Move_1 Chapter 0680 Main Forces Deployed

A few days earlier, Emperor Jianwu had threatened Shen Ziyu with similar words, instilling a considerable trepidation in him. Now, Emperor Jianwu deliberately resorted to the same tactic, hoping to intimidate Pan into retreat with his words, just as he had with Shen.

However, Emperor Jianwu had underestimated Pan. With a cold smile, Pan said, “Lord Jianwu, spare yourself the effort. Trying to drive a wedge between us and Manager Chen with such petty schemes is futile. My demand for all of you to withdraw from the Saint’s Tomb and to hand over the murderer of Shen Ziyu is essentially the same punishment. Do not attempt to separate one option as if it would make any difference. I demand once again that you immediately vacate the Saint’s Tomb and leave its handling to us. By doing so, we may still impose a lighter punishment for your harboring of the murderer. However, if you persist in your obstinacy, do not blame me for my lack of courtesy.”

Realizing that Pan was impervious to persuasion, Emperor Jianwu knew that trouble loomed. Complying with Pan’s demands was out of the question, whether it was surrendering Shen’s murderer or withdrawing from the Saint’s Tomb; neither was acceptable. Pan made demands without guarantees. If they actually complied, there was no telling whether Pan might impose even more excessive demands on top of those already made. Emperor Jianwu dared not take such risks, especially since Pan’s demands also involved Qi Tian; Emperor Jianwu was even less inclined to accede to Pan’s unreasonable requests.

With a stiff upper lip, Emperor Jianwu said, “Sir, I must reiterate to you once more that Shen Ziyu was not killed by us. To repeatedly and forcefully pin the blame on us is something we cannot accept.”

Pan’s expression soured. Manager Chen had sent the three of them to deal with Emperor Jianwu, and Pan was determined to fulfill the task immaculately to earn Manager Chen’s praise.

He had thought that by demonstrating the destructive power they could unleash together, he would be able to make Emperor Jianwu submit and force their withdrawal from the Saint’s Tomb. In doing so, they could secure the murderer and effortlessly gain control of the tomb. Although Manager Chen had not explicitly instructed him to seize control, Pan was confident that such an action would only bring commendation from Manager Chen, perhaps even elevating his esteem in Manager Chen’s eyes. As for Emperor Jianwu’s insinuation that he intended to hoard the Saint’s Tomb for himself, though the thought had crossed his mind, Pan was lucid enough to acknowledge that he had no capacity to conceal such an act from Manager Chen. Besides, he wasn’t alone on this mission – Zhou Ping and Ma Deru were with him, and he had no power to coax them into complicity.

Having lost all patience, Pan’s demeanor turned grim, his tone grew hostile. Hovering on his flying sword, he looked down at Emperor Jianwu and said coldly, “Jianwu, it seems I have given you too much face, and you have mistaken my formality for genuine respect. Let me make it clear, including you, all the retired emperors of the Zhao family are worth less than chickens. It would be trivial for me to crush you. I had intended to leave you some dignity, but to my surprise, you persist in your delusion. You take my kindness for granted, treating it with contempt. If that’s the case, then don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

Emperor Jianwu braced himself and quickly relayed a message to Emperor Wenzhi and Emperor Yonghe, “Both of you hurry to find Master Qi and report the situation here. It seems these three lackeys of Manager Chen are about to turn hostile. Ask Master Qi what we should do.”

Both Emperor Wenzhi and Emperor Yonghe realized the gravity of the situation. They were tempted to follow Emperor Jianwu’s suggestion and seek out Qi Tian; after all, doing so would be safer than standing guard here. But, they didn’t lose their composure or rush for immediate safety. They also understood that if they couldn’t hold the tomb entrance, seeking refuge with Qi Tian might not bring a favorable outcome.

Emperor Yonghe was the first to speak, “Emperor Wenzhi, I won’t go. Better for you to report to Master Qi alone and ask for clear instructions. If possible, it would be best if Master Qi could come here. Only then can we avert this perilous situation.”

Without arguing with Emperor Yonghe over who should stay behind, Emperor Wenzhi left without delay, racing towards Qi Tian’s location with the greatest speed he could muster at that moment.

The very instant Emperor Wenzhi turned away, Zhou Ping and Ma Deru, both Gold Core Realm experts, began their Flying Swords and launched a devastating assault on the Defensive Array in front of the tomb entrance.