Zhou Ming smashed a fist into the fire-element expert's chest, sending him flying backward.
"Fellow Daoist Cang Xuan, I understand your difficulties," Zhou Ming transmitted, his voice steady.
"I'm already very grateful that everyone from the Eternal Dao Realm came to help."
"You all have your own path in seeking the Dao. I won't demand that you risk your lives for the Ninth Chaos."
Cang Xuan controlled the wooden man to block Blood Butcher and transmitted back.
"It's best that you understand."
"But." Zhou Ming raised his head, his gaze turning toward the distant fetal membrane of the Ninth Chaos.
"Dijiang is my brother. I can't just watch him die at the hands of those systems."
"You all have your considerations, and I have my bottom line."
Cang Xuan's movements paused, and Blood Butcher's saber light almost swept into him. He steadied himself.
"What are you planning to do?"
Zhou Ming glanced at the distant Houtu. Houtu was still being tightly entangled by the experts of the Abyssal Sea Divine Hub.
"Houtu and I have to go save him."
"That's too dangerous," Cang Xuan transmitted in warning.
"If you force your way through their formation, they'll stop you with everything they have."
"You and Houtu may very well have your origins scattered, or even fall in realm."
"If I fall in realm, at worst I'll cultivate again."
"If my origin is injured, at worst I'll go into seclusion." Zhou Ming's tone was resolute.
"Fellow Daoist Cang Xuan, I'm not asking you all to self-detonate your laws. I only ask one thing."
Cang Xuan swung his vines. "Say it."
Though Zhou Ming's tone was tactful, his attitude was extremely clear.
"If it reaches a critical juncture later, Houtu and I will act regardless of the cost."
"Even if we have to