Emperor Chu knew from the start that the Eight Desolations were not to be trifled with.
While the leaders of Qian Desolation seemed busy assessing the situation, Emperor Chu felt that wasn't the case.
He deliberately oppressed the Qian Desolation leader to see how the Eight Desolations would react.
Just as he anticipated, the others swiftly drew their weapons, as if they had been prepared all along.
Emperor Chu speculated that the Eight Desolations were deliberately colliding with the Jiuzhou, but he didn't directly confront them.
If they were oblivious of his strength and unintentionally offended him, he would not hold them accountable.
But if they remained deceptive even in the face of his divine might, they are simply too ungrateful.
Hence, Emperor Chu gave the Eight Desolations an opportunity to admit their mistakes and submit to him.
But the Eight Desolations not only didn't confess, they even faked submission while concealing murderous intent.