The martial artists preparing to step forward all froze, instinctively stopping in their tracks.
Xuanqingzi held the glowing talisman aloft, channeling the qi within his body into it, ready to activate its power at any moment.
His words halted everyone's movements, and Xuanqingzi let out a slight sigh of relief inwardly.
"Green Cloud Daoist Temple's top disciple status still carries weight. This time, I've secured safety amid danger."
With that thought, Xuanqingzi's gaze fell upon Shen Bai, his eyes revealing a few traces of vindictive satisfaction.
"Shen Bai, I'll be taking this item. You wouldn't have gotten your hands on it anyway. Look at how you chased me down before—why aren't you making a move now?"
In full view of the crowd, he had calculated that Shen Bai would not dare act. At this moment, Xuanqingzi was not merely smug; his tone also carried a hint of mockery.
Qin Shuang instinctively turned to look at Shen Bai, opening her mouth as though she wanted to say something.
But in the end, she said nothing.
The situation was crystal clear. Xuanqingzi was relying on his Green Cloud Daoist Temple status to keep everyone still, and Shen Bai was also in no position to make a move.
She felt that Shen Bai might have to swallow a silent loss this time.
Zhou Qing stood nearby, gripping the hilt of his longsword tightly.
If Shen Bai acted, Zhou Qing would certainly join him. Even though Zhou Qing was only in the Daoist Canon Realm, he did not fear in the slightest.
He was Shen Bai's good brother and understood Shen Bai's character well. Shen Bai would never accept a loss at a time like this.
The only question was when he would strike.
Chief Constable Zheng frowned, deeply dissatisfied with Xuanqingzi's actions.
They