At this moment, Bai Ze stood straight as a pine, his white robes fluttering in the wind, like an immortal descending into the mortal world.
He paused briefly, then clasped his hands and bowed deeply to An Yunliu and the others before him. In a ringing voice, he said, "I am deeply indebted to you, fellow Daoists, for lending me your aid. Without your assistance from the sidelines, I could never have achieved a breakthrough so swiftly."
"Bai will remember this kindness in his heart. Should you ever have need of Bai, simply speak the word."
Upon hearing this, An Yunliu and the others burst into laughter. One of them said boldly, "Hahaha! Brother Bai, you flatter us too much. To help Brother Bai attain the Great Dao is an honor we share as well!"
Another chimed in, "Indeed, indeed. Helping you was, in truth, helping ourselves. Now that Brother Bai has succeeded, have you broken free of the Sword Realm's suppression? Can you leave at any time?"
Everyone's gazes converged on Bai Ze, their eyes brimming with expectation as they eagerly awaited his answer.
Bai Ze calmly met their stares without the slightest hesitation or evasion. His tranquil face gave a slight nod, silently confirming it.
After receiving Bai Ze's definite answer, An Yunliu and the others felt their hearts surge. The tension born of anticipation was instantly ignited, blazing ever more fiercely like a burning flame.
Uncontainable excitement glittered in their eyes, as if they could see a gate to an entirely new world slowly opening before them.
At that moment, Bai Ze withdrew his gaze from the distance and turned it upon the people before him.
His voice was low yet forceful, ringing by their ears like a great bell: "In one month at most, I will