Shen Zhiqin's smile faded as he looked solemnly at Jiang Bei. "This old man came to persuade you. After Li Xiuyong returned to the alliance, he truthfully reported yesterday's dispute. Do not overthink it—the order to withdraw the troops was indeed personally issued by the Alliance Leader. This old man's avatar came today under the Alliance Leader's orders as well, specifically to explain things clearly to you."
He paused, then continued, "It is true that battles are pressing everywhere across the Holy Dynasty and manpower is scarce. But more importantly, the waters of the Demon Realm run unfathomably deep! You have never truly fought that Abyss Devil Master, so you do not know how heaven-toppling his ferocity is! Though he has yet to recover his full strength, with your current cultivation, you are still no match for him. You have slain several of his demonic generals, and though the situation appears to have eased somewhat, that Devil Master is one to repay every grievance with a vengeance, his methods ruthless and vicious. This old man fears that he may suddenly strike you with thunderous force! Should anything happen to you, it would be an immense loss to our Tianyao Alliance!"
After hearing this, a sharp glint flashed through Jiang Bei's eyes, and he slowly shook his head. "I am grateful for the Vice Alliance Leader's concern. But if I withdraw now, who will protect the safety of Dongyao City's millions of living souls? Naturally, I know the Devil Master's might. But if I harbored fear in my heart, I would never have set foot in the Demon Realm in the first place! If he wishes to unleash thunderous retaliation, that is precisely what I wish to see. I only fear he will not use every method at his disposal. Only