Stop's reply, accompanied by that wild laughter, came off as utterly overbearing.
Even Elder Tree, who prided himself on his composure, could not suppress the nameless fire rising within him as he watched Stop's crazed appearance.
"Why did you do this?" Elder Tree restrained his anger and stared straight at Stop.
Stop licked the corner of his lips and narrowed his eyes. "Why don't you take a guess?"
Elder Tree knew Stop's question was deliberate, yet he did not lose his composure. Instead, he followed Stop's lead. "You bear a grudge against the Bilos Family."
Elder Tree said it with absolute certainty. Yet after hearing it, a deep disappointment flashed through Stop's eyes.
"As expected, everyone in the Bilos Family is a vulgar mortal."
Elder Tree frowned. "Are you trying to argue your way out of punishment?"
Stop looked at Elder Tree as though he found him amusing. "Argue? You have already decided that I must have a grudge against the Bilos Family. If I refuse to admit it, that means I'm arguing? Don't you find that ridiculous? Why should I argue? And why should I seek to escape punishment? Is the Bilos Family the law, or do you think you hold the standard for assigning blame?"
Stop raised his brows. "Have you stayed in the Bilen Tree Court for so long that you can no longer see how vast the world beyond the tree court is? I advise you to open your eyes and look at The Real World. Know your place. Don't think you're still the lofty Grand Elder."
"Perhaps in the past, you could dominate the Bilen Tree Court alone. But after today, are you sure you can still stand above everyone else?"
Stop did not offer any explanation for himself, but his words continuously provoked Elder