"Fellow Daoist, you are mistaken!"
East Prince's tone abruptly turned icy, carrying an invisible pressure.
"The Dao Ancestor personally appointed you Head of Female Immortals. This is the Heavenly Mandate—how can you refuse it?
"Having accepted the title yet failing to establish heart and virtue for the Primordial Wilderness, are you not afraid that the Heavenly Dao will grow wrathful and the Dao Ancestor will punish you if this continues?"
Every word from East Prince was like a blade, striking directly at Queen Mother of the West's weakness. He even suspended the invisible blades of the Heavenly Dao and Hongjun above her—only thus could he force her to yield.
The Heavenly Dao... the Dao Ancestor... Queen Mother of the West's mind shook violently.
Though East Prince's words were aggressive, they were not entirely without reason.
So long as she bore this title, she could not escape this fated responsibility.
A fierce struggle surged within her, and a trace of hesitation inevitably appeared on her face.
Catching that flicker of hesitation in Queen Mother of the West's eyes, East Prince's gaze flashed with barely perceptible satisfaction. External pressure was ultimately inferior to self-reflection.
He swiftly softened his tone and offered the "step" he had long prepared:
"How could I not understand Fellow Daoist's concerns?
"How about this:
"You need only hold the nominal position of Immortal Empress of the Immortal Court. Matters concerning the female immortals will remain under your control in West Kunlun. I will absolutely not demand that you leave your Cave Mansion and toil about. This is the only solution that satisfies both sides."
Her final line of defense collapsed amid her deliberation.
Queen Mother of the West closed her eyes for a moment before finally nodding slowly.
"...Very well." But let me make this clear first:
"Joining