That sounded terrifying enough. Was he joking? The Sacred Realm had named him specifically—would Purple Gold Cave dare refuse to send him? If they angered the Sacred Realm, then when the time came, it would not be Niu Youdao alone who suffered. Quite possibly, no one present would escape.
Besides, was that any way to speak to one's elders? He was being far too presumptuous!
Chun Xinliang's face darkened. He looked again at Zhong Guzi for a reaction, yet still saw none. The man sat there like a corpse.
Tu Kuai frowned as well, showing some displeasure.
Zhong Guzi's attitude was somewhat infuriating, yet there was nothing to be done. Sometimes, certain circumstances forced people to endure. Seniority was seniority, after all—not to mention that he was a man who had devoted his entire life to the sect and was nearing death. No one was in a position to say much.
Ju An, who had been standing guard at the door without moving, could not help glancing inside upon hearing this. He found that this bargain-bin Martial Uncle of his was truly willful beyond measure. He even dared say such things—he was simply recklessly bold!
Gong Lince, who had largely remained silent, finally spoke. In a deep voice, he said, "Junior Brother Niu, are you joking?"
Niu Youdao wore an utterly matter-of-fact expression. "I'm not joking. At worst, I'll beat myself into serious injury, make it so I truly can't go, and turn it into a replacement. That would be convenient for you people—whoever wants to go can go. In any case, even if you beat me to death, I'm not going!"
Had an ordinary sect disciple dared say such things on the spot, those present would have long since ordered him seized and punished. But Niu Youdao was no