We fled westward all the way, yet there were still quite a few Proving-the-Dao auras ahead. Taking a detour now and then was practically the norm. So although Li Poxiao, Shandao, and I had not taken many unnecessary turns, Lord Hua caught up with us soon enough. Of course, I had no intention of joining up with him while bringing Shandao along. Seeing him deliberately draw near, I had to veer aside again.
"Heh heh, Yitian. We're on such familiar terms—why be so distant? The enemies are all behind us now, and you and I are both formation masters of the Ninth Heaven. Wouldn't it be wiser to travel together and deal with the schemes of my master and senior brother?" Lord Hua said with a beaming smile.
"True enough. How about you return my Primal Chaos Seed and Formless Realm first? Forget traveling together—we could even walk shoulder to shoulder then." I chuckled. I knew perfectly well that was impossible, but I still had to taunt him a little.
Li Poxiao gave a cold snort from the side. "Those who walk different paths cannot make common cause. Fellow Daoist Hua, please keep your distance. Even if we're all traveling along the same road, we're ultimately enemies, not friends."
Lord Hua threw his head back and laughed. "There are no eternal friends, only permanent interests. At least our interests are aligned right now, aren't they? Besides, you two should know that, like young friend Xia Ruize, I also have a Dao Tribulation clearing the way. Cooperating with me should obviously be the best choice, shouldn't it?"
Li Poxiao did not bother replying.
I knew perfectly well this fellow would not take a detour, so I smiled and said, "We'll just follow behind you. There's no need to rush."
Meanwhile, Xia