The elder shuddered all over. He opened his mouth, but not a single word came out.
Out of the corner of his eye, he could see his realm lord's gaze, blazing with fury.
He knew very well what awaited anyone who betrayed the realm lord and the Divine Luo Domain.
But...
If the realm lord died, the Divine Luo Domain would find out. It would be furious and send someone to investigate.
But if elders like them died, that would be the end of it.
In the eyes of the lofty figures of the Divine Luo Domain, how were "ants" like them, who had not even reached Hunyuan Infinite, any different from a speck of dust in the Chaos Void?
Who would go to such lengths over the disappearance of a few specks of dust?
"Fellow Daoist Heavenwater, I admire your loyalty."
Gan Tian slowly paced over to the elders.
"But using other people's lives to prove your own loyalty..."
"Isn't that a little too selfish?"
He stopped, his gaze settling on the elders once more as his voice drifted through the hall.
"Speak, and live."
"Stay silent, and die."
Those few calmly spoken words held an irresistible power.
At that moment, the elder's mental defenses collapsed completely.
He did not want to die.
He had cultivated for countless eons to attain his current strength. He did not want to die here in this cold hall, without a sound or anyone knowing.
As for the realm lord's threats? As for the Divine Luo Domain holding him accountable?
Those were matters for later.
Once he died, he would have nothing left.
"I'll talk! I'll talk!"
The elder cried out, almost screaming, as though clutching at his last lifeline.
With a thud, he dropped to his knees and kowtowed frantically to Gan