Chapter 59: Because I Fear Not, Therefore I Avoid Not
“Reporting to Lord!”
“Reporting to Guest Senior Lord…”
Zhou Tong walked through the morning streets of the Imperial Capital. The people on the roadside, upon seeing him, all bowed in respect, their eyes filled with awe.
Perhaps they didn’t recognize Zhou Tong, but they surely recognized the guard unit trailing behind him.
It was evident that the guards were like peacocks displaying their plumage, proudly announcing his identity everywhere they went.
In less than half an hour, his title as the Empress’s Guest Senior spread across half the city.
“You must have a side business!”
Zhou Tong stopped in his tracks, looking at them with an air of exasperation. These people were as loud as trumpets, and walking with them, Zhou Tong felt as if he was a monkey in a circus.
He understood the Empress’s intentions – to solidify the relationship between them and bind Zhou Tong to her chariot.
Even if one day Zhou Tong decided to sever their alliance and attack her, this connection would make him hesitate.
“Senior Guest, to be honest, protecting you is actually our side business!”
The Guard Leader grinned and declared, “Our main job is publicity!”
“Fine, fine… no more acting, then?”
Zhou Tong glanced at them and said, “Since the goal has been accomplished, get out of my sight. You are not allowed to come out unless I summon you!”
“Understood!”
The Guard Leader didn’t hesitate, signaling to his team to leave.
“Boss, is this really okay? The Empress ordered us to always protect you…”
“The Empress also said everything must follow the Senior Guest’s wishes. Stop yapping, let’s go enjoy ourselves!”
Upon hearing this, the remaining seven members howled like wolves and hurriedly scattered in strange shapes.
But Zhou Tong knew that these people hadn’t gone far; they were monitoring him from various positions.
“Never mind, as long as they don’t bother me.”
He mumbled to himself, approached a roadside tea stall, and ordered a fine pot of tea, preparing to indulge in this fleeting moment of leisure.
Muran Ya and her group had completely disappeared, exploring the Imperial Capital to find the whereabouts of the Senior Apprentice Sister.
They would instantly send a sound transmission should there be any leads; given their strength, there was no need to worry about them encountering mishaps.
At this moment, he seemed to turn into a painting. In it, he gazed at the scenery while others in the scenery looked back at him.
“Is that the Guest Senior? So young? He’s indeed a man of great talent!”
“How enviable, to be chosen by the Empress as a guest. He’s blessed in this life.”
“Hmph… do we even know the reason?”
“It’s pretty obvious – the Empress must be attracted by his appearance, probably planning to toy with him for a few days; she’ll surely get bored soon enough!”
“Those words hold weight. Just look at his smug face and it makes me angry; I believe that day will come quickly.”
The discordant voices were especially jarring, but Zhou Tong remained unperturbed.
Unbeknownst to the crowd, his Spiritual Power had already spread out, locking onto a few suspicious targets.
From them, he detected Zhao Wutian’s presence.
“Still too inexperienced compared to my past life.”
In his heart, Zhou Tong made the evaluation. He knew that based on Zhao Wutian’s nature, he wouldn’t feel secure until he thoroughly understood Zhou Tong’s capabilities.
At this stage, the instigator has already laid the groundwork to provoke dissatisfaction among the common people towards Zhou Tong.
The next move would be the true testers entering the scene.
“Every step calculated, progressing in an orderly manner – I look forward to an even more spectacular performance.”
A smile crept onto Zhou Tong’s lips. Just as he finished his tea, a black figure suddenly appeared, wielding a long spear aimed straight for his throat.
“!”
The teacup was pierced through cleanly, the spear tip stopping half an inch away from Zhou Tong’s throat!
“Ah-a-a…”
A shrill scream erupted from the crowd. Most of them were ordinary citizens, how often did they witness such a scene?
“Guest Senior under attack! Lock down the area!”
The guards observing secretly were shocked but kept in their positions by their leader.
“Just watch carefully. The Senior Guest has already ordered that we shouldn’t interfere unless commanded.”
“But…”
“But, what? Does the Senior Guest, a naturally born Supreme Venerated One, need your protection?”
With a snap, the teacup turned to powder, the tea inside evaporated instantly without a single drop spilling onto Zhou Tong.
This sight caused Mo Ya’s pupils to contract as he watched the action unfold.
“Why won’t you dodge?”
“Because I fear not and therefore avoid not.”
“Why aren’t you afraid?”
“Would you react to an ant’s attempt at testing?”
Zhou Tong replied with disdain, seemingly forgetting that the spear tip was still pressed against his throat.
“Ho ho… such audacity. I can’t stand your arrogant attitude after rising to power. Will you dare accept my challenge?”
As soon as these words were spoken, most of the crowd thought Mo Ya was insane. How could the guest senior be on the same level as this upstart? What gave him the audacity to challenge here?
However, some were cheering for Mo Ya against the odds, supporting him verbally.
“Good job! These guys who gain positions through connections should know that without strength, no matter how rapidly they rise, they are nothing but trash!”
“Owner, I’ll settle the bill!”
Ignoring the noise, Zhou Tong slapped a Spiritual Stone onto the table.
“Good tea, I’ll come back next time.”
Then, with a casual flick of his hand, he deflected the spear tip and said to Mo Ya, “Let’s find a more open place.”
“Perfect, let’s go outside the Imperial Capital!”
Mo Ya grinned with delight. He not only intended to assassinate Zhou Tong on the street but also to openly kill him in the most respectable manner possible. This would slap the Empress even harder and perfectly accomplish his master’s mission.
News of the confrontation spread like wildfire, drawing countless onlookers to the scene, following them beyond the city.
These people included commoners, strong warriors, and spies for various factions. All were eager to witness what skills the first Guest Senior of the Soaring Empire possessed.
“Reveal your cultivation.”
Zhou Tong did not refuse, openly releasing his aura with no inhibition.
“Heart Unification Realm Level One! To achieve such cultivation at such a young age, it seems he’s no ordinary individual.”
Many strong warriors were shocked by Zhou Tong’s talent, recognizing him as an exceptional individual.
“Hahaha…is that all you’ve got? Don’t pee your pants later!”
Mo Ya laughed loudly, intending to humiliate Zhou Tong to the extreme.
When he unleashed his presence, everyone showed pity for Zhou Tong.
It was Heaven Severing Realm Level One! Mo Ya had crossed the Transcendent Divide. The capabilities of the two were far from comparable.
Yet, against such an overwhelming gap, Zhou Tong’s face showed no trace of fear, but rather a hint of disappointment.
It seemed as if he was reproaching the other for being too weak.
Just a Heart Unification Realm – and how did he muster such confidence?
“Let’s see how long you can keep up your act. In one move, I’ll force you to your knees.”
Mo Ya’s brow slightly arched as he ascended to the air and shot a spear downwards at Zhou Tong.
This strike used seven-tenths of his power, enough to instantly kill even a peak Heart Unification Realm warrior.
Zhou Tong moved unhurriedly. He slowly raised his left hand, and from his palm erupted a flame, which soon spread into an inferno.
He unleashed the Six Combinations Annihilation Sword.
This sword was associated with the south and was primarily defensive, named “Charred Flame万象 (Ten Thousand Phenomena).
