Chen Chang'an took a deep breath. If the Nine Nether Emperor's beloved wife had truly done something that forced the Nine Nether Emperor to personally execute her, the likelihood of the pearl being buried with her would be extremely low.
The most terrifying possibility was that the Nine Nether Emperor's wife had not valued the pearl at all, which could lead to its loss once again.
No matter what, Chen Chang'an had to hurry to the Nine Nether Hall. However... the Nine Nether Emperor was in seclusion, which posed a problem.
"You two, return to the Luo Shen Palace first. I'll handle matters in the Nine Nether Ravine alone."
Chen Chang'an glanced at the two women. Though their cultivation had reached the Supreme Realm, it still wasn't enough for what lay ahead.
This was a high-stakes game—one they couldn't participate in.
"Yes, Palace Master."
The disciples of the Luo Shen Palace didn't argue and immediately obeyed Chen Chang'an's orders. Before leaving, they informed him of the Nine Nether Hall's location.
Chen Chang'an exchanged a look with Da Huang and headed straight for the Nine Nether Hall.
"Halt!"
"The Nine Nether Hall does not receive guests. Turn back."
As soon as Chen Chang'an arrived at the gates of the Nine Nether Hall, he was stopped by its disciples.
"Has the Nine Nether Emperor emerged from seclusion?" Chen Chang'an asked.
"Whether he has or hasn't is none of your concern."
"If you value your life, get lost," the disciple coldly replied.
"Death?"
"I wouldn't mind it, but you'd need the ability to deliver it first," Chen Chang'an said with a faint smile.
"Arrogant!"
The disciple's expression darkened, and he immediately attacked—only to freeze in place under Chen Chang'an's gaze.
"You... just who are you?"
A single glance had such power. The disciple was horrified—this man's strength was far beyond what it seemed.
"Nine Nether Emperor!"
"Chen Chang'an, disciple of Mu Yunyao, requests an audience!"
Chen Chang'an's voice was soft, yet it pierced straight into the soul. Every person in the Nine Nether Hall heard him clearly.
"Audacious!"
"Who dares disturb the Hall Master's seclusion?"
"What nerve! Who is Mu Yunyao? Never heard of her. A mere disciple dares to make a scene at the Nine Nether Hall?"
The Nine Nether Hall had existed for far too long—it could be called the oldest power in the Tai Xuan Realm.
Thus, the hall was filled with experts, all genuine Great Emperors who had ascended through their own strength—unlike the inferior Dragon Emperor Palace.
In the blink of an eye, dozens of Great Emperors appeared before Chen Chang'an, glaring at him with fury.
"Truly worthy of being the oldest power in the Tai Xuan Realm. I didn’t expect so many Great Emperors."
"Still, I have no interest in fighting you. You're no match for me."
"Stay put. I believe your Hall Master will appear soon."
Chen Chang'an wasn't confident in himself—but in the name "Mu Yunyao." Others might not understand its weight, but the Nine Nether Emperor surely would.
"Hahaha!"
"What an arrogant brat."
"With just the first level of the Supreme Realm, you dare act so boldly?"
"What gives you the right?"
Just as the Nine Nether Hall's experts prepared to strike, the Nine Nether Emperor's voice suddenly rang out.
"Let him in."
Huh?
The Hall Master's voice?
He actually emerged from seclusion?
And wants to see this arrogant kid?
The Nine Nether Hall's members were stunned. None had expected this kid's words to carry such weight.
Mu Yunyao?
Was it because of Mu Yunyao?
Just who was Mu Yunyao, to make the Hall Master take her so seriously?
"I told you he'd appear."
Chen Chang'an smirked at the crowd, then walked into the Nine Nether Hall with Da Huang.
The Nine Nether Emperor had already emerged from seclusion but hadn't gone to the main hall. Instead, he waited in his private courtyard for Chen Chang'an's arrival.
When Chen Chang'an appeared, the Nine Nether Emperor scrutinized him carefully.
"Your master is Mu Yunyao?"
"A genius like her hasn't ascended to the higher realm yet?"
After a moment of observation, the Nine Nether Emperor asked curiously. He had no real interest in Chen Chang'an—in fact, he barely acknowledged him.
If not for the mention of Mu Yunyao, the Nine Nether Emperor would never have emerged to meet him.
"My master has her reasons for not ascending."
"Senior Nine Nether Emperor, aren't you also the oldest powerhouse in the Tai Xuan Realm?"
"You haven't ascended either," Chen Chang'an replied with a smile.
"What a sharp-tongued brat."
"Do you really think having Mu Yunyao as your master gives you the right to disrespect me?"
The Nine Nether Emperor's expression darkened, and an overwhelming aura erupted from his body.
In an instant, the pressure engulfed the entire Nine Nether Ravine. Everyone trembled in fear, and many dropped to their knees.
"What... what's happening? The Nine Nether Emperor emerged?"
"Why such terrifying pressure all of a sudden? Did someone provoke him?"
"Damn it, who’s the fool that dared to offend the Nine Nether Emperor?"
Fear and anger spread among the crowd—they were suffering for no reason. Those with weaker cultivation couldn't withstand the Nine Nether Emperor's might.
Some fainted, while others suffered minor injuries. The worst off were the Nine Nether Hall's members, who stood closest to the source of the pressure.
"Enough. This trick might work on others."
"But not on me."
Facing the Nine Nether Emperor's crushing aura, Chen Chang'an remained unfazed. He casually took a seat on a nearby chair.
This reaction stunned the Nine Nether Emperor.
As expected of someone Mu Yunyao—that monster—would willingly take as a disciple. This kid was anything but ordinary.
At just the first level of the Supreme Realm, he could ignore his pressure?
Had Mu Yunyao trained him specifically for this?
Hmm?
That dog!
When the Nine Nether Emperor noticed Da Huang, his eyes widened in shock—one he couldn't hide.
Chen Chang'an being unaffected was one thing... but even this dog moved freely?
The Nine Nether Emperor had lived for countless years and thought he'd seen it all.
But today?
This was truly an eye-opener.
Retracting his pressure, the Nine Nether Emperor regarded Chen Chang'an with newfound seriousness.
"Did your master send you to find me? What does she want?" he asked, frowning.
"My master didn't send me. I came on my own business."
"I heard that when you married, you gifted your beloved wife a pearl."
"Where is that pearl now?" Chen Chang'an asked.
At the mention of his wife, the Nine Nether Emperor's expression shifted.
"You're also here for the pearl?"
Huh?
What did he mean, "also"?
Did that imply...
"Was your beloved wife after the pearl as well?"