Fang Chen opened his eyes. His gaze fell first on Ye Qingci, not far away.
Their eyes met. No words were needed. Thirty thousand years of waiting, the anguish of moments ago, and the pride and relief of this moment all passed between them in a glance.
Tears still glistened in Ye Qingci's eyes, but she smiled like snow and ice beginning to thaw and gave him a firm nod.
Fang Chen answered with a gentle smile, then turned his gaze toward the Human Race and Demon Race camps.
"Senior Yun Yi, Senior Golden Roc."
He spoke without raising his voice, yet every Human Race and Demon Race Cultivator heard him clearly. His words carried a force that brooked no argument.
"This matter is over for now. These four will remain imprisoned here. The Human Race and Demon Race will decide their fate together later. If their races want them back, they'll need to show sufficient sincerity and pay a sufficient price."
Immortal Emperor Yun Yi drew a deep breath, suppressed the surge of emotion in his heart, and clasped his fists solemnly. "Daoist Friend Fang Chen, what you accomplished today displayed not only your own might, but the unyielding will the Human Race and Demon Race have held for countless ages! The decision is yours. The Five Elements Sect and every branch of the Human Race will stand behind you!"
The Golden Roc Immortal Emperor burst into laughter that shook the heavens. "Wonderful! Truly wonderful! Daoist Friend Fang Chen, from this day on, you are the Demon Race's most honored ally! These mangy birdmen..."
As he spoke, the Golden Roc Immortal Emperor glanced at the four emperors on the pillar. "If these birdmen or their brats dare bare their teeth, the Demon Race will be the first to object.