As one of the four leading Martial Emperors in the Federation, he appeared right in front of everyone the moment Wang Zhan began to lose control, signs of something unusual happening with his mental energy. He did not think it was a disgrace to his dignity as a Martial Emperor to personally act as a bodyguard for Wang Zhan.

If anyone else were treated by a Martial Emperor in such a way, Ku Zhu would have suspected Wang Zhan's identity, just like Boss Chen. Are they really all born of the Federation, or was only one of them truly Federation-born, and the others merely freebies tossed in during the counterattack against the beast invasion?

However, despite these thoughts, Ku Zhu, who had understood Wang Zhan's intention in an instant, immediately nodded and said, "Yes! I will follow your command closely!"

Of course, even though Ku Zhu was once again so respectful to Wang Zhan, Boss Chen, having weathered numerous shocking revelations akin to an information explosion, was already unfazed. This was just like what was often mentioned in those second-rate novels on the market—the 'Alright, I lay my cards down, I'm done acting' scene. Isn't it just that?

No one knew the silent complaints raging in Boss Chen's heart!

But Wang Zhan, after Ku Zhu left, suddenly turned back to look at him, saying warmly, his gaze deep, "Brother Chen, you didn't see or hear anything just now, did you?"

Boss Chen shivered in fright and hurriedly shook his head. "AH! AH! Young brother, what are you asking me? I'm a bit hard of hearing; could you perhaps say that again?"

Wang Zhan chuckled. "Hard of hearing, is it? But you still have a pair of eyes, don't you..."

Who would have known? These two, whom Snakehead had momentarily dismissed as secondary concerns, even after learning of Snakehead's strength, weren't thinking about escaping at all. Instead, they were preparing to extort something from him.

Only those who have experienced it would know; when it comes to being black-hearted... TSK TSK TSK, there's always someone more ruthless.

As for the spectators hiding nearby, whether out of curiosity or other reasons... well, who would care?

While Snakehead and Tian Qi continued their relentless battle, Ku Zhu, whom Wang Zhan had temporarily entrusted with an important task, finally made his grand entrance after much anticipation, his demeanor somewhat reserved, reminiscent of a bashful musician.

Immediately, it was Snakehead, a man far more frenzied than anyone else present, who first noticed the hidden expert's arrival and immediately heightened his vigilance. He sneered and temporarily gave up on finishing Tian Qi off. "What, can't beat me alone, so now you're thinking of ganging up on me, two against one? KEKEKE, then I suppose I'll have to see what you're capable of!"

Though he said this, Snakehead's gaze suddenly sharpened as he discreetly scanned his surroundings. Only those most familiar with his fighting habits would know: Snakehead was looking for a strategic withdrawal—oh, wait, his mind was simpler than that; he was looking for an escape route.

Although Ku Zhu didn't look particularly impressive, merely possessing a strong presence, Snakehead still instinctively felt a sense of unease. It was the kind of apprehension one feels when facing prey vastly larger than oneself.

Tian Qi knew Snakehead best. He wanted to subtly mock Snakehead for his cowardice but feared Ku Zhu was only there to observe and had no intention of intervening. If so, Tian Qi would be the one looking foolish in the end. So, as the words reached his lips, he changed his tune and said gravely, "You're only able to suppress me because you're taking advantage of your higher realm. Do you really think you're invincible?"

Snakehead retorted sarcastically, "KEKEKE, that's so naïve it's ignorant. Believe it or not, even if we were in the same realm, I could still crush you. Is it my fault my realm is higher than yours? Isn't that a testament to my ability?"

Ku Zhu smiled slightly, remarking casually, "Indeed. In terms of martial arts application, you, Snakehead, are quite capable. Even if Brother Tian Qi trained hard for several more years, as long as he can't break through your three-layered defense martial arts, he's destined to be no match for you."

Tian Qi's heart lurched. What? Three-layered defense martial arts?

Tian Qi had originally thought Snakehead only possessed two layers of defensive martial arts: recoil and vital energy. But he never expected that Ku Zhu, this incredibly mysterious person with an inscrutable background, would immediately expose Snakehead's deepest secret upon his arrival.

This prompted Tian Qi to ponder many things. Who is this guy? What kind of power does he possess? And who is Wang Zhan? Why would such an expert, seemingly an uncle but in reality a Dao Protector, be at his beck and call?

The more he thought, the more Tian Qi realized how extraordinary Wang Zhan was. When this young man first arrived in the Underground City, he was nothing more than a common street loafer. Aside from his audacious fearlessness, there was nothing remarkable about him. But as people began to peel back his layers, as if unwrapping an onion, they would immediately discover... This wasn't an onion; it was clearly a mille-feuille pastry rolled into a ball!

Snakehead's expression also changed. This old fellow can actually see through me? What is his realm?

One should know, apart from those above him, Snakehead's triple defense martial arts was his most guarded secret. Not a single person knew, not even his most loyal subordinates. But today, in front of this pale-faced, unremarkable middle-aged man, he felt like a courtesan at the edge of a brothel, her enchanting beauty carelessly laid bare for all to see.

So, he couldn't help but retort mockingly, "Just some nobody from who-knows-where, daring to spout nonsense here! Tian Qi, you surely don't believe this old codger's words, do you? If I had triple defense martial arts, I would have beaten you into a pile of dog shit by now."

A corner of Tian Qi's mouth twitched. Damn you, didn't you just beat me—a prominent regional boss—into an immobile pile of dog shit?

As for Snakehead's extremely crude bluff, neither Tian Qi nor even a five or six-year-old child would have believed it.

However, even though Snakehead mocked him, Ku Zhu didn't care in the slightest. He just smiled indifferently. "Whether you admit it or not, it doesn't matter to me. But if you intend to leave today, I happen to be interested in something you possess. Care to make an exchange?"

Snakehead's face darkened. "You really think highly of yourself! If you have the guts, take it from me. If you don't, KEKEKE, do you think this is a nursery where the weak get to negotiate?"

Ku Zhu chuckled. "That's fine too."

Try politeness first, then force, he thought. He had tried to reason with Snakehead, but Snakehead refused to listen, insisting instead on a fistfight. This way, if Snakehead's skills proved inferior and he lost to Ku Zhu, no one could blame them.

Although Ku Zhu didn't know as much of the inside story as Wang Zhan, he could still deduce a lot from Snakehead's martial arts. These were not techniques an ordinary martial artist could possess, yet Wang Zhan, a young man whom even a Martial Emperor would regard highly, was very interested in them. This suggested Wang Zhan might know the truth. At the very least, he, as a subordinate, could provide his master with a good excuse. After all, so many people are watching; he made the first move...

The moment Ku Zhu entered the arena, the few martial artists hidden in the surroundings began to grow excited.

"He's here!"

"He's here!"

"The Grandmaster is about to make his move!..."

"Snakehead is about to be suppressed..."

They watched the changes in the arena intently, eagerly anticipating the impending clash—a collision of titans.

While the Grandmaster realm might not represent a complete metamorphosis, it was still a lofty, almost unattainable existence for most people in the Federation. Therefore, the chance to witness a Grandmaster in action was incredibly thrilling and tempting.

And so, in the next moment, Tian Qi was about to step forward to assist Ku Zhu. However, he hadn't expected Ku Zhu to make his move so effortlessly right after speaking. Snakehead, not to be outdone, decided to test Ku Zhu's depths; if he couldn't match him, he would immediately flee.

But what no one anticipated was that the instant Ku Zhu made his seemingly light move, an afterimage shot from his original position. It moved with extreme slowness at first, then with extreme speed. This sudden transition plunged Snakehead into an inexplicable panic, his eyes bulging in disbelief.

Impossible! This is... a Martial King expert?

Isn't this the Quan State Underground City, just a small, remote city? Why would such a monster, a veritable giant no matter where it appeared, show up here?

Before he could finish the thought, his body instinctively urged him to flee rapidly. From this day forward, he vowed he would never dare step foot in this area again, his face a mask of panic.

However, when facing a Martial King, even as a Grandmaster, he was still far too lacking.

Therefore, Ku Zhu smiled faintly, his leisurely laughter echoing in Snakehead's ears, "I said earlier, hand over the item I'm interested in, and I'll let you leave. Now, would you like to reconsider?"

However, despite Ku Zhu's seemingly carefree tone, there wasn't the slightest pause in his actions. His hands, agile as eagle talons, shot forward. Despite Snakehead's frantic retreat and Ku Zhu's own unhurried pursuit, they advanced relentlessly, ferocious and aggressive. This left Snakehead with no illusions; he had no doubt what awaited him if he fell into Ku Zhu's grasp.

But he still tried to persuade Ku Zhu verbally, even as he continued his rapid retreat, shouting, "I agree! How about you let me go first? Once I leave this area, I'll give you the item right away! You should know my identity; in this region, my word is bond. I absolutely will not go back on my word!"

In fact, Snakehead had truly made up his mind. As long as this Martial King, who had mysteriously appeared in this area, didn't want his life, he was prepared to temporarily hand over what was asked.

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