The Art of the Oriole Waiting Behind
"That estimate makes a lot of sense."
Sha Ming had naturally been speaking to Fu Qian. His unabashed remark had successfully stirred fear in the others, making them turn to look as well.
Fu Qian's assessment hadn't been baseless, either. At the same time, Pachi had finished answering the question and no longer seemed interested in talking. She turned back into that indistinct human shape.
Fu Qian didn't press her. He immediately brought their technical exchange to a close and smoothly shifted to discussing things with Sha Ming.
"But you still aren't planning to do anything?"
Unfortunately, Sha Ming still seemed dissatisfied with his response.
Even though his means of escape had been exposed, he still acted as if he couldn't care less.
Considering his earlier behavior, it could easily be dismissed as a bluff, but the impression he gave was distinctly unpleasant.
"It hasn't been lifted yet... How is that possible?"
Fortunately, not everyone was so calm. Old Master Huang Leji's gritted voice made Sha Ming seem a little less alone.
"So, Mr. Sha, you know how to lift it?"
Old Master Huang was clearly good at getting to the point. Still disbelieving, he turned to stare at Sha Ming as the radiance of Human Emperor Qi instantly surrounded his entire body.
"Then you'd better hurry, or else—"
"Or else what? You're planning to kill yourself and take me with you?"
Sha Ming cut him off, sneering repeatedly.
"It's not me... I know you have a way to stop the effect, but what if we all do it together?"
Unfortunately, even overwhelming pressure from a vast difference in rank couldn't entirely suppress the instinct to survive.
"Hurry up. This is our only chance!"
With those final words, Old Master Huang's voice suddenly