Rizhao frowned, unease and suspicion churning within him as he fixed his gaze on Shen Gongbao and thought:
Yuanshi's disciple? Why would someone from the Chan Sect suddenly appear in the Mortal Realm and block my path?
Wen Zhong's eyes flickered as well, a trace of surprise passing through his vertical pupil.
Though he knew that the Chan Sect and the Jie Sect had always been at odds, Yuanshi's disciple had suddenly appeared to mediate at this moment. What was his intent? Even Wen Zhong found it difficult to discern for the time being.
The atmosphere in the field congealed. Rizhao stared fixedly at Shen Gongbao, uncertainty flashing in his eyes. Within the killing intent frozen by the Zen Staff was now mixed a measure of vigilance toward the Chan Sect's sudden intervention.
Stormy waves surged in Wen Zhong's heart. Even his Golden Immortal Dao Heart trembled slightly, yet he did not dare reveal the slightest hint of it on his face, maintaining only a solemn and guarded expression.
In that instant, an almost imperceptible voice transmission slipped past Rizhao's senses and quietly entered Wen Zhong's sea of consciousness.
It was hoarse and low, carrying Yunxiao's uniquely gentle yet resolute Dao Rhyme, though it had been disguised as Shen Gongbao's voice:
"Little friend Wen Zhong, I was sent by Niang Niang Yunxiao to lend you a hand. You need not worry."
The voice transmission exploded in Wen Zhong's mind like thunder, jolting his spirit so fiercely that he nearly lost control of the Mysterious Yellow Gang Qi around him.
He gripped the dim short sword in his hand tightly, his brows drawn together as confusion and incomprehension filled his heart:
Shen Gongbao? A Chan Sect disciple under Yuanshi? How could he have been sent by martial uncle Yunxiao?
*The Chan