Laozi sighed inwardly. In the end, this ordeal cannot be avoided.
Sect Master Tongtian, too, heard the edge in those words. Anger surged within him, and he immediately raised his voice. "Good! Then let me show you the Great Dao of Pangu inherited by us Three Pure Ones!"
Before the words fell, a sharp glint flashed through the Pride Devil Lord's eyes. He had been worrying over a lack of pretext to tear off all civility, yet the other side had handed him the knife hilt themselves. Truly, just as sleepiness struck, someone delivered a pillow.
Yet before delight could rise to his brows, he suddenly saw Grand Pure Heavenly Lord of Virtue Laozi lightly raise his sleeve and firmly stop Sect Master Tongtian. Laozi's eyes were clear as an ancient pool, without a ripple. He merely said lightly to the Pride Devil Lord, "The Three Pure Ones are Grand Purity, Jade Purity, and Upper Purity."
The Saints were briefly stunned, unable to understand why Laozi had suddenly announced their names.
The next instant, Laozi stroked his beard and took a step forward, his voice like a cool breeze brushing across a cold pool. "This humble daoist occupies the place of Grand Purity, first among the Three Pure Ones. I shall take this battle of the Dao."
At these words, the entire place fell silent. The Saints' ears were keen; how could they fail to hear the deep meaning within? He was shielding his younger brother from calamity, using himself as a shield.
"Eldest Senior Brother..." Sect Master Tongtian's throat moved, his gaze burning as he looked at Laozi. In those eyes that had witnessed endless slaughter and cut through countless tribulations, tides beyond words churned—shock, guilt, burning warmth—until all of it sank into a gentle, glistening sheen.
Laozi glanced