Meanwhile, in a mountain hollow on the northern side of Kunlun.
"Why are you pulling me back? Why aren't we going up there to help?"
Hinako Akuta, whose shoulder was being held down, looked at Samael beside her and frowned unhappily.
"Help?"
The ancient serpent leaned against a lush, gnarled old tree. After glancing at the man and god locked in battle overhead, he turned to Hinako Akuta and asked teasingly.
"Who do you intend to help? The First Emperor of Qin, who broke into the mountain with you, or Lord Lu Wu, the guardian deity watching over Kunlun?"
Hinako Akuta froze slightly at those words, then looked utterly lost.
This choice seemed rather difficult.
Standing with the First Emperor meant becoming an accomplice.
Standing with Lord Lu Wu would not only make her seem like a traitor, but the other side might not even appreciate it.
Although they had come seeking answers and had no intention of becoming enemies with Kunlun, reopening the Heavenly Passage and trespassing into Kunlun were crimes they could never evade.
That tiger-headed fellow was famed for being stern and impartial, recognizing neither kin nor friend.
"Rather than worrying about them, why not sit down and enjoy the show? Once they're tired of fighting, they'll naturally stop."
Samael stretched lazily and sat beneath the tree, speaking leisurely.
Hinako Akuta snapped out of her daze and instinctively asked.
"And then?"
"Stand with whoever wins."
"..."
The unexpected answer made the Heavenly Maiden's cheek twitch. She gave the grinning Vile Serpent a dark look.
But soon enough, despite her outward disdain, Hinako Akuta's body was far more honest. She obediently returned beneath the gnarled old tree, sat beside Samael, and dutifully became part of the audience.
"Want one?"
A low whisper sounded by her ear, and a