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Cao Xing replied bluntly, "No."
Hearing his answer, the being in the sky seemed to freeze for a moment.
The Holy Light rippled faintly, like water wrinkled by the wind.
"My lord, I come on behalf of the Church and mean no harm."
"If you are willing to discuss this in detail, perhaps we can forge a worthwhile partnership."
That weathered, steady voice came from overhead once more.
Cao Xing refused again. "No need. I have no interest in cooperating with you."
The Grand Oracle Sage in the sky fell silent for a moment, then sighed helplessly.
"Since that is the case, I will not force the matter."
"However, before that, please return the Church's Holy Light Sage to us."
"Now that... the Church has reemerged, all priests and sages scattered throughout the world should return to the embrace of the Holy See."
Beside him, Isabelle tightened her grip on her staff, her expression turning solemn.
Although she had foreseen this moment long ago, she still felt nervous and uneasy when it truly arrived.
Her amber-like eyes involuntarily turned toward the man beside her—her lord.
However, Cao Xing merely sneered and said disdainfully, "What do you mean, your Church's Holy Light Sage?"
"I revived Isabelle from the summoning space and helped her improve step by step until she broke through to the Legendary Tier."
"I poured vast resources into her, and we have forged deep bonds. She is a part of my territory."
At this point, his voice lowered. "Or are you saying that your Church wants to do nothing, reap the rewards, and take my person away?"
There was already a trace of hostility in his tone.
He mobilized the frigid air across dozens of kilometers, using it to contend with the Holy Light in the sky.