The Primordial Ancient Dragon and the Black Jade Qilin exchanged another glance.
Within that glance lay gravity and wariness, but more than anything, resolve.
After a brief silence, the Primordial Ancient Dragon suddenly took a step forward.
His stride was steady and powerful. Though his back bore immense pressure, it remained ramrod straight, like an ancient mountain that would never crumble.
He stared directly at the lofty Grandma Blood River, his voice low and resolute as he said, "No matter where you come from, what your origins are, or what status you possess, this is not a place where you can run wild."
He paused slightly, then continued, "I ask that you withdraw at once."
"Otherwise, we can only fight to the death."
As the words "fight to the death" left his mouth, the Dark Blood Jiaolong clansmen behind him, though still gripped by fear, could not help clenching their fists.
The Black Jade Qilin said nothing. He merely stood silently at the Primordial Ancient Dragon's side, half a step behind him. Dim light flowed around his body as he prepared to strike at any moment.
Grandma Blood River listened quietly to his words, then suddenly smiled.
That smile was truly breathtaking in all its splendor.
It was as though life had suddenly been poured into her pallid face. Her crimson lips blazed like fire, and ripples of light flowed within her eyes. They held both the arrogance of one who looked down upon all living beings and an indescribable, unfathomable meaning.
There was neither anger nor mockery in her smile. Instead, it carried a lofty appreciation, as though she were watching a rabbit daring to bare its teeth at a tiger—and found it immensely amusing.
"Looks like you truly aren't afraid of death."
Her voice softened considerably, even carrying