Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting with brother's wife and young sister Chapter 1048 - 525: Zhou’s Schemes (Part 4)

"Hmm!"

Shadow offered a nod, yet his countenance took on a complex hue in that instant.

He was eager to fulfill the task entrusted to him by Zhou with haste. However, once this mission was accomplished, the Three Races would break free from the Blood Cry Realm, unleashing an unknown number of casualties upon the world.

His concern lay not with the individuals defending Great Yu, but rather with the countless ordinary civilians residing beyond its borders.

"Why would the master orchestrate this?"

His heart was a tempest of conflict, utterly unable to comprehend the situation.

Despite the animosity between Hidden Kill and Great Yu, it was, at its core, an internal strife within the Human Race. Now, his master sided with the alien races, a move that, while advantageous to Hidden Kill, spelled disaster for the entirety of humanity.

Elder Ji, perceiving Shadow’s turmoil with a glance, calmly uttered, "Simply trust the master."

He had been a follower of Zhou for a considerable duration, surpassing Shadow in loyalty.

Indeed, he had even lent his expertise to refine Zhou’s understanding of Arrays.

He held a firm conviction that Zhou possessed his own profound justifications for these actions.

"Then I shall trouble Elder Ji."

With that, he departed from the scene.

"Alas!"

Elder Ji let out a sigh. Despite his words of reassurance, truth be told, he too found Zhou’s motives perplexing.

....

The days turned into weeks.

Duke Yuan, having successfully purged the remnants of the two races from the Three Mansions, finally made his return to the Imperial City.

Within the hallowed grounds of the Imperial Palace.

Duke Yuan provided a comprehensive account of the conditions within the Three Mansions.

"You have labored arduously."

Emperor Yu, whose presence had been long absent, offered a faint smile. The reclamation of the Three Mansions had indeed restored a measure of honor to Great Yu.

Naturally, joy filled his heart.

"This humble minister has stationed numerous experts within the Three Mansions, ensuring any developments are instantly relayed to the Imperial City."

"Hmm!"

Emperor Yu acknowledged with a nod, having delegated extensive authority to them over the years, granting them the autonomy to manage affairs independently.

"However, the whereabouts of the remaining individuals from the two races remain unknown, as if they evaporated into thin air."

A cloud of concern settled upon Duke Yuan’s features.

For him, the recovery of the Three Mansions was a secondary concern; the mysterious disappearance of so many from the two rival races presented the more pressing enigma.

"Do you possess any intelligence on their movements?"

Emperor Yu directed his gaze towards Zhan Tian and Duke Qin, assembled within the Qixuan Hall.

"None!"

Both men responded with a shake of their heads.

"This old minister dispatched directives to the Hundred Mansions and the Three Judicial Departments, yet no trace of the two races was uncovered."

"Could they have retreated to the Stone Race’s domain or the Hidden Forest Abyss?"

Duke Qin voiced a possibility.

"It is difficult to ascertain."

"Should we dispatch an expedition to investigate?"

"Hmm!"

Emperor Yu assented, stating, "Proceed with Zhan Tian’s suggestion and dispatch individuals to conduct a thorough search!"

"You shall determine who undertakes this perilous assignment."

"You have all exerted yourselves greatly during this period; I too feel the fatigue. You are dismissed!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The three officials rose, offered a respectful bow, and departed from the Qixuan Hall in succession.

Outside the hall!

The trio strolled together.

"Congratulations on your recent Realm Breakthrough!"

Duke Qin addressed Zhan Tian with a smile, extending his felicitations.

This was their first encounter since his return to the Imperial City, and thus, the congratulations had been delayed for many days.

"It was merely adequate; nothing extraordinary."

Zhan Tian replied with practiced nonchalance.

Though he projected an air of indifference, his eyes held a glint of suppressed pride. He understood Duke Qin’s perceptive nature, unable to hide anything from him.

The Duke was also well aware of Zhan Tian’s inherent disposition.

"Speaking of which, who should be assigned to investigate these two locations?"

"Within the territories formerly occupied by the two races, our Human Race would face increasing suppression the longer they remained, making it an increasingly uncomfortable ordeal!"

"Furthermore, it is certain that formidable experts reside within those domains!"

Duke Qin elaborated, his words measured. After all, these were their primary strongholds; it was improbable that they would leave them entirely undefended.

Reflecting on past dynasties and the numerous years Great Yu had endured, the inability to eradicate these dangerous enclaves stemmed from their inherent reluctance to emerge and Great Yu’s apprehension to launch an offensive.

The reason was that within the Ten Great Dangerous Lands, the Human Race endured significant suppression, a force that intensified with the number of individuals venturing within.