Indeed, it was precisely because the Hell Path Master had taken an interest in Meng Zhao that everyone had silently reached a consensus: it would be best to facilitate peace talks. Otherwise, whatever the Sect Master wished to do in the future, they would not be able to stop him.
However, the Hell Path Master had already seen through their thoughts. Hidden behind the curtain of white bone beads, he gave a cold snort.
"In terms of martial arts, Meng Zhao and I are the only evenly matched opponents. You people may be skilled at playing with power and scheming, but when it comes to martial arts, you'd best keep your opinions to yourselves."
As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Hua Zizai and said,
"Hua Zizai, you have followed me for several years now. You know my temperament well.
You are a clever man yourself, with no lack of insight. You have guarded Lingwu City for so many years and rendered considerable merit.
In your view, between myself and that Lord of the Northern Meng Dragon King, who stands higher and who lower?"
At this, Hua Zizai felt as though a dog had barked in his heart. To say Meng Zhao was inferior to the Hell Path Master would clearly go against his conscience, but to say the Hell Path Master was inferior to Meng Zhao seemed no different from courting death.
With no other choice, he could only compromise and choose an answer that would be difficult to pick apart.
"This... this subordinate has only attained Innate Martial Dao. How could I possibly discern the extent of your martial cultivation and Meng Zhao's?
"However, if we speak only of impressions, Sect Master, you are imposing and tyrannical, your aura grim and awe-inspiring, while Meng Zhao is like