No matter what Xu Chuo's true purpose was, an open scheme was still an open scheme. If I refused to take this Luotian Rank strike, it would indeed be difficult to earn the trust of the races present.
Convincing one side came at a price. How could I not understand that?
Just as everyone waited for the Earth Clan to step in and smooth things over, I spoke up instead. "The border war is still in full swing. Even if I stood aside and did nothing, there would be nothing you could do to me. Yet I chose to involve myself in this thankless, exhausting affair. You suspect my intentions—never mind that I brought this suffering upon myself, but aren't you cutting off your own retreat as well? Of course, a Luotian Rank strike is not something I cannot withstand. But after taking this strike, how am I to know whether another Xu Chuo Emperor Sovereign will jump out and demand that I prove something else?"
After hearing this, countless members of the major races were naturally ashamed. Even Xu Chuo found herself under the scrutiny of many suspicious gazes.
With those eyes pricking her back like thorns, Xu Chuo could only steel herself and say, "I did not mean to make things difficult for you. But if we are to cease the war, we will inevitably have to pay an enormous price. After all, the Heaven Clan will absolutely not reason with us. If Hall Master Xia Ye cannot demonstrate sufficient strength to mediate, it will be a disaster for our confidence! Therefore, we still need Hall Master Xia Ye to prove his strength!"
I gave a cold laugh. "I can take this strike. But since you were the one who raised this unnecessary demand, you must likewise give