Hong Zhou rambled on.
Like an old man who had gone a long time without a visit from the younger generation, there was a sense that the moment someone came along, he had to pour out everything on his mind.
But clearly.
He was neither an ordinary old man nor someone who could possibly feel the urge to unburden himself.
For him to say so much.
There had to be another reason.
The woman said expressionlessly, "So? What does that have to do with me? If you want to deal with the lunatic in the Divine Temple, go right ahead. I won't stop you."
"A fair point."
Hong Zhou nodded.
"However..."
"Though I don't know how Your Excellency managed to regain consciousness while in that region in the Depths of the Nether Sea."
"I imagine it has something to do with this young friend."
He spoke with a smile.
"Unless something unexpected happens, Your Excellency probably cannot maintain your current state for very long. You will still have to return to the Nether Sea in the end. And the next time you emerge, you may need this young friend's help again."
"This young friend is powerful."
"His identity is extraordinary."
"Quite astonishing."
He looked at Jiang Qiao, his voice filled with admiration.
"What are you trying to say?"
The woman remained indifferent.
"You have alerted the one inside the Divine Temple. Once you return, you won't be able to protect this young friend."
"The Longevity God Church is an evil cult."
"I imagine they won't look kindly on this young friend, either."
"Besides..."
"You subdued the prisoner."
"Of course."
"He may well have deserved it, and you were right to teach him a lesson."
"But you intend to take him away."
"As far as the Celestial Association is concerned—or rather,