Fang Chen did not attack at once. Holding Little Crane, he advanced step by step, his gaze sweeping over the crowd's varied expressions. It lingered on the envoys from the God Race and Blood Race before settling on Yun Hao. "Immortal Emperor Yun Hao? You've done well for yourself these past thirty thousand years. Not only has your cultivation advanced, you've even taken it upon yourself to 'look after' my Dao companion. How kind of you."
His last few words were bitterly cold.
Yun Hao's heart tightened, but delight quickly spread across his face. "Daoist Friend Fang Chen, your safe return is wonderful news. You ventured deep into the Deadly Expanse and vanished without a word. We were all worried about you. Now that you've returned, the Heaven-Defying Alliance has gained another powerful ally."
"Worried?"
A mocking smile tugged at Fang Chen's lips. "Worried I'd died in the Heavenly Ruins, so you could be rid of an eyesore? So you could draw allies to your side, cast old comrades aside, and even force my Dao companion to marry you? Those envoys from the God Race and Blood Race showed no concern when they said I might as well be dead."
The envoys he had singled out looked grim, but for the moment, none could find a reply.
"Fang Chen."
Yun Hao's face darkened. "We must put the greater good first. The Heavenly Dao is about to awaken, and we need to unite every force we can. Everything I've done has been for our struggle against the heavens. I invited Fairy Qingci because I value her strength and that of the Human Race. I sought an alliance between powers. How is that coercion? Don't let a personal grievance blind you to the greater good or twist my intentions."
"What a fine