"So it is or it isn't. What do you mean, 'more or less'?" A woman with phoenix eyes beside the burly middle-aged man said in displeasure.
"Di Kun was my spirit beast. I didn't willingly send him to the Giant Stone Clan, and I lost my spirit beast forever." Lu Xiaotian's expression darkened.
"I've already told you who I am. Are you Giant Stone Clan going to fight or not? Give me a straight answer."
"I am Tuo Gu Lei. Fellow Daoist Lu is an honored guest of the Giant Stone Clan; naturally, we would never cross swords with you. But the person behind you has no ties to our clan, and that is another matter." Tuo Gu Lei cupped his hands toward Lu Xiaotian. "In ordinary times, even if he were your friend, our clan would treat him with due courtesy. But these are extraordinary times. All the major races are moving into the Spirit Ruins Secret Realm, and our clan must prepare for the worst. This friend of yours should go back where he came from."
"Neither of us even knows how we came here, let alone how to go back. If you don't welcome us, then my friend and I will stay here and won't trouble you any further." Lu Xiaotian frowned. "We've had dealings with your clan. Surely you won't deny us even a place to stand?"
"In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. No one is exempt. Fellow Daoist Lu is an honored guest of our clan, so you may stay. But your friend is not a friend of our clan. If you insist on keeping him here, he must withstand our arrow formation!" The burly middle-aged man, Tuo Gu Lei, cupped his fists and spoke with a hint of apology.
"Then I'll take