"Farewell!"
Lu Jun let out a sigh, bid farewell to Lü Yue and Yao Bin, and returned to the Demon Realm with Nail Head Seven Arrows Book obtained from Pan Wang.
But after returning to the Demon Realm, his Dao Heart could not calm down for a long time!
And all of this is because of the previous conversation between Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate and him, and what he is about to do to offend the saint's reverse scale.
Shen Nong returned, and Pan Wang was executed. In the previous battle, his brothers, as well as Chi You, also severely damaged Exposition Sect's face. However, the crisis faced by Xihe has not improved at all!
Even Bai Ze, who is known as the brain trust of the Demon Clan, has no choice but to sit back and watch Chi Jingzi steal Xihe's authority bit by bit.
Xihe's current cultivation base is unable to make any progress and it is difficult to make breakthroughs. However, with the support of Red Emperor Dao Fruit, Primordial Yang, Exposition Sect Fortune-Tide Dao and other conditions, Chi Jingzi's cultivation base is constantly growing.
Under the circumstances of this ebb and flow, Xihe's authority will be completely occupied by Chi Jingzi sooner or later.
If Solar Authority falls into the hands of Chi Jingzi, Primordial Heavenly Venerate will definitely use it as a mediator to influence Eastern Emperor Taiyi who incarnates Divine Path Origin.
Lu Jun has been looking for a way to break the situation, but this is a conspiracy, and Chi Jingzi has been staying under the nose of Primordial Heavenly Venerate. He wanted to attack Chi Jingzi, but he couldn't find a chance to do so.
Until not long ago, Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate invited him to set up a trap against Pan Wang!
And the reason why Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate was able to convince him was because Nail Head Seven Arrows Book gave him a way to break the situation.
"If you can get Nail Head Seven Arrows Book, you may be able to curse Chi Jingzi through the air, but you can't fundamentally solve the crisis of Xihe!"
"Even if Chi Jingzi falls in your hands, Primordial Heavenly Venerate can still support a new Daluo, let him inherit Red Emperor Dao Fruit of Chi Jingzi, and then use Red Emperor Dao Fruit to continue to erode the authority of Xihe!
"But----"
"If you can become the new Red Emperor when you kill Chi Jingzi, and prevent Primordial Heavenly Venerate from having the chance to kill you directly, you may be able to fundamentally ruin Primordial Heavenly Venerate's plan!"
In Lu Jun's mind, Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate's words kept ringing, and Nail Head Seven Arrows Book's Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure was quickly refined by him.
"Cut!"
As the evil thoughts continued to surge in his heart, the spiritual light in Auspicious Cloud above Lu Jun was like blazing, but he directly used Nail Head Seven Arrows Book to kill Evil Corpse.
"Since Red Emperor can be Yuanfeng, Chi Xiao Nu, Shen Nong, or Chi Jingzi, why can't it be you Essence of Separation Fire?"
Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate's words made Lu Jun suddenly realize that among the Primordial True Realm, the one least likely to harm Xihe is his son---- As long as he can become the new Red Emperor and protect himself, Primordial Heavenly Venerate will naturally not be able to use Red Emperor Dao Fruit to erode Xihe's authority!
He is Golden Crow Prince, the holy one in the fire, and he is Essence of Separation Fire. In terms of heels, he is more likely to win the favor of Red Emperor Dao Fruit than Chi Jingzi.
As for Shen Ni Curse contained in Red Emperor Dao Fruit, it is not a problem for him. Unlike Shen Nong, he has given birth to a blood heir, so naturally he does not have to worry about the impact of the curse!
As for how to protect himself, Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate also showed him a clear path!
"West!"
He is the son of Xihe, and he is Essence of Separation Fire. He is naturally suitable for Great Sun Rulai's fruition position, and Two Sages of the West has always liked destiny. As long as he joins the West, Two Sages of the West will naturally protect him.
However, in this way, he is no longer suitable to control Demon Clan in the Demon Realm!
"Being emperor is not my intention, I only want to save my mother from danger!"
Lu Jun shook his head, as if he had made up his mind, he immediately came up with two thoughts and called the demon phase Bai Ze and Demon Saint Yeming to him.
"You two, I have found a way to break the situation, but after doing this, I am afraid I will no longer be able to call myself the new owner of the Demon Clan!"
He sighed softly, then took out something, looked at Bai Ze and said, "Please Prime Minister, take Taiyi Emperor Robe to Northern Netherland to seek refuge with Demon Master!"
"Your Highness!"
Bai Ze was shocked, and then looked at the Taiyi Emperor Robe in Lu Jun's hand. "This is the Taiyi treasure you use to establish the Demon God road!"
The most suitable person to establish the Demon God avenue is Demon Emperor Jun, but he was not suitable to show up, so he gave this opportunity to Yao Race Crown Prince Lu Jun.
And Lu Jun, after obtaining Taiyi Emperor Robe, obtained the support of Nuwa, and then took advantage of Nuwa and Taishang Laojun to compete for the core authority of Humanity Dao, and directly decided on the road of Demon God!
Taking advantage of this opportunity, he also killed Good Corpse and became a Quasi-Saint Great Powers!
Listening to Bai Ze's words, Lu Jun immediately sighed, shook his head and said, "This Taiyi treasure is buried in my hands! If it were in With Demon Master in hand, he may be able to unite Immortals and Gods into one, turning the avenues of Great Dao of Demon Immortals and Demon God into a boost to reach Hunyuan Grand Luo Realm!"
With that said, he explained the idea that Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate gave him.
Then, he looked at Yeming and said, "Under normal circumstances, it takes a lot of time for Nail Head Seven Arrows Book to curse a Quasi-Saint level monk. It is very likely that he will be killed by Primordial Heavenly Venerate noticed! Therefore, I need Yeming Demon Saint to compress the time to kill Chi Jingzi into a moment for me!"
Yeming returned to the Demon Clan after Fu Xi disbanded Human Dao Divine Dynasty.
As for Yeming, Twelve Princesses, who can be regarded as the orphan by Demon Emperor Jun and asked to take care of the Demon Clan, undoubtedly has the trust of Lu Jun.
"Yes!"
Yeming nodded immediately.
He is one of the few Time Great Dao practitioners among the Primordial True Realm, and among the Demon Clan, only he can compress the time for the curse to take effect.
Although Bai Ze wanted to dissuade him, but seeing the determination in Lu Jun's eyes, he chose to remain silent and just put Taiyi Emperor Robe away silently.
Emotionally, he prefers Lu Jun to become the new owner of the Demon Clan, but for the entire Demon Clan, Kun Peng is more able to stabilize Demon Clan's Fortune-Tide Dao.
After convincing Bai Ze and Yeming, Lu Jun did not hesitate at all and directly used Nail Head Seven Arrows Book to arrange the altar to curse Chi Jingzi!
At the same time, Shen Nong, who successfully resolved the catastrophe of Human Race, has advanced further in cultivation and has completely mastered the power of Earth Count Dao Fruit.
In addition, Earth Sovereign Dao Fruit left behind by the Yuejian Clan also resonated with him.
The epidemic is gone, Plague Demon has fallen, Human Race is up and down, there is also joy!
Looking at Grand Master Xuandu who came to give gifts, Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate couldn't help but smile and said, "Shouyang Mountain really knows how to find every opportunity. When Exposition Sect's plan failed, he started to make righteous cuts!"
However, Taishang Laojun's Pill Refining experience was indeed of great help to Human Race. Shen Nong still came forward to express his gratitude to Xuandu and Human Sect.
And Shakya, with the Buddhist Sect's great magical power, wields Eight Treasures Merit Water, which also gives Human Race's territory a new look after being baptized by various plagues.
It can be regarded as a good relationship!
Jiang Kui and Yao Ji, who were sent to Golden Ao Island, also returned with Di Nü Sang, and Shen Nong also had a rare smile on his face.
However, after scanning Shen Nong, Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate sighed in his heart, "Shen Nong's eldest daughter is probably going to be a widow!"
He is Manifestation Body of Xuan Yin, so he naturally inherited the character of Xuan Yin. Primordial Heavenly Venerate has made repeated calculations, so it is naturally impossible for him not to make some counterattacks.
In fact, when he decided to design Pan Wang, he thought of a way to save Xihe Solar Authority through Nail Head Seven Arrows Book.
He originally wanted to take Nail Head Seven Arrows Book into his pocket, but if he took action, Jieyin might start a war with Chan and Jie Sects.
And leaving Shen Nong's eldest daughter widowed, he was also worried that it would cause some dissatisfaction.
But when Lu Jun takes action, there is no such concern. The son is targeting Chi Jingzi for his mother. Even Shen Nong cannot blame him!
After all----
Filial piety comes first!
However, looking at the smile on Shen Nong's face, he still couldn't bear it, and thought to himself, "In the worst case, I'll introduce a better one to Fu Guang in the future!"
"Nail-Head Seven Arrows, a curse that destroys souls!"
Among the Demon Realm, Lu Jun felt cruel, and Nail Head Seven Arrows Book, who had accumulated the power of the curse for several days, instantly attacked the straw man with the name Chi Jingzi written on it.
Above the straw man, a red qi machine hovers, which belongs to the cause and effect of Chi Jingzi.
When Shen Nong's daughter got married, Kong Xuan single-handedly fought against the Twelve Golden Immortals of Chan Sect, and Xuan Yin secretly collected Twelve Golden Immortals's energy.
No way!
Who told him to use Fierce Fiend Exotic Treasure Six Souls Banner to kill half of the Twelve Golden Immortals of Chan Sect at the time of Investiture of the Gods tribulation?
The most important thing in performing a curse is to know the true name of the avenue. However, if there is a causal medium that contains the opponent's Qi, then cursing will be more effective with half the effort and effortless.
Among the several incarnations of Xuan Yin, Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate Merit and Destiny is the most prosperous, and these qi machines have always been kept by Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate.
After convincing Lu Jun, Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate handed Chi Jingzi's Qi machine to the other party.
At this moment, the ritual instrument of Nail Head Seven Arrows Book and the Instantaneous Formation arranged by Yeming suddenly merged with the energy of Chi Jingzi and turned into the ultimate murderous intention.
"Not good!"
Chi Jingzi, who was cultivating in Cave Abode, suddenly felt a sudden surge of dead souls. He could only feel the Death Star shining brightly. He was about to leave and seek Primordial Heavenly Venerate's blessing when he saw seven dark curse arrows coming across the sky.
The seven arrows were fired in unison, like Seven Stars Formation in a row, without giving Chi Jingzi any chance to react.
Boom!
The ultimate murderous intention emerged, the clouds of calamity surged into the sky, and the power of the curse was like a world-destroying sword, instantly killing Chi Jingzi's Three Souls and Seven Spirits and his soul.
Chi Jingzi felt that his soul was dim, and then he lost consciousness. A terrifying force seemed to erase all his marks.
Not only Primordial True Realm, before he became Da Luo, the imprints, incarnations, and projections left by All Heavens and Myriad Realms and the endless time and space in the past, present, and future all turned into bubbles in an instant, and then exploded with a bang.
Under the curse of Nail Head Seven Arrows Book, Chi Jingzi directly transformed into a Innate Red Pine, but it lost the agility of its former self as Daluo Golden Immortal.
Calamity of Self-Loss!
The power of the curse directly Chi Jingzi True Spirit Extermination Dao. Although it cannot erase his Daluo characteristics, it can make him fall directly into Calamity of Self-Loss.
In addition, Fortune-Tide Dao of the Exposition Sect was also affected. In the Jade Void Palace, one of the twelve pillars symbolizing Exposition Sect Fortune-Tide Dao collapsed directly.
"Who is it?"
Primordial Heavenly Venerate opened his eyes suddenly, furious, but following the unknown cause and effect, he only saw the scene of Chi Jingzi transforming into Innate Red Pine.
As soon as he was about to use Cause of All Fruits, he saw that above Nine Heavens, the great sun Zhuzhao would last forever, and the authority of Red Emperor Dao Fruit was also integrated into that great sun.
Red Emperor, Fire Virtue and Dan Ling Zhen from the south, have the ability to control Primordial World all fires.
The great sun is the fire in the sky, which warms the mountains and rivers and illuminates the universe. Although it is the source of Primordial World the Sun, it also contains the Great Dao of Fire true meaning.
Since Chi Jingzi can use Red Emperor Dao Fruit to connect with the sky and get involved in Solar Authority, then Lu Jun can naturally obtain the authority belonging to Red Emperor through his own identity as Essence of Separation Fire and Divine Being of the Sun.
Daoran!
It is you who eroded my avenue, and I eroded your avenue. If it were before, Lu Jun would naturally not be able to gain Red Emperor Dao Fruit's favor easily.
But now, Chi Jingzi has fallen, and he is the most suitable candidate to become Red Emperor.
Among the Primordial True Realm, it is not that there are no beings with higher cultivation than Fire Dao, but Yuanfeng, Shen Nong, and Chi Piaonu have all given up on Red Emperor Dao Fruit, so naturally they will not compete with him for Red Emperor Dao Fruit at this time.
Boom!
With the addition of Red Emperor Dao Fruit, Lu Jun's cultivation level increased instantly. Although it was not possible to directly kill the three corpses, it also made him make great progress.
"Shuzi!"
"How dare you curse me Chan Sect Disciples?"
This scene fell into the eyes of Primordial Heavenly Venerate, which was undoubtedly a provocation to the Exposition Sect. As Lu Jun became Primordial True Realm's new southern Red Emperor, the cause and effect of his curse to kill Chi Jingzi was immediately revealed.
Three Treasures Jade Ruyi Scepter flew out directly, revealing the nine-color Immortal Light, pointing directly at Lu Jun himself. The saint's anger made the entire Primordial World tremble.
The three treasures of heaven, Sun, Moon, and Stars, the three treasures of earth, water, fire and wind, the three treasures of man, spirit, energy and spirit, Three Treasures Jade Ruyi Scepter of Primordial Heavenly Venerate coincide with the Three Powers of heaven and earth, instantly evolving the ultimate murderous intention.
But Lu Jun didn't panic at all!
I saw that he activated a relic, and the cause and effect that originally locked him disappeared, and he himself was teleported to Mount Sumeru by the relic.
"Demon Clan Lu Jun, I am willing to convert to the West and serve the Buddha with my body. Please also take Saint Zhunti under my wing!"
That relic was given to him by Daoist Zhunti when he visited the West last time, saying it could save his life at a critical moment.
But at this moment, listening to Lu Jun's words, Daoist Zhunti's face didn't look happy at all.
He wants to bring Lu Jun into the West, but he doesn't want to, because one Lu Jun will offend Primordial Heavenly Venerate, this Heavenly Dao Sages!
Among the Primordial True Realm, who doesn't know that Primordial Heavenly Venerate is the most defensive? How dare you use Nail Head Seven Arrows Book to directly curse his Direct Disciple?
And, it was successful?
Among the Twelve Golden Immortals of Chan Sect, apart from Guang Chengzi, the one that Primordial Heavenly Venerate values and loves the most is undoubtedly the second-ranked Chi Jingzi!
Yin-Yang Mirror, Water-Fire Blade, Eight Trigrams Purple Ribbon Immortal Robe, three pieces of Innate Spiritual Treasure, just give them as they say, doesn't it mean that you love Primordial Heavenly Venerate?
At this moment, Daoist Zhunti is very entangled. He naturally wants to accept Lu Jun, but Primordial Heavenly Venerate's anger makes him feel troubled!
At this moment, Lu Jun spoke again, "Lu Jun is willing to offer Demon Clan Treasury, including many spiritual roots and spiritual treasures collected by the Demon Clan!"
No one helped me achieve my goals, I raised my money to reach the top of the mountain. With Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate's guidance, Lu Jun naturally knew how to impress Daoist Zhunti!
Not enough fate?
Just add money!
Boom!
When Daoist Zhunti heard this, he immediately used the power of a saint to move Lu Jun to his side. "My little friend is really destined to be with me, Buddhist Sect!"
However, he had no time to talk to Lu Jun. Instead, he used Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree and swiped it towards the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi Scepter that came across the sky.
In an instant, the seven-color smoke appeared and died, as if thousands of causes and effects were intertwined, directly colliding with the nine-color Huaguang that contains endless power of development.
When Daoist Jieyin saw this, he appeared decisively and looked at Primordial Heavenly Venerate who suddenly appeared.
Daoist Zhunti even showed a smile, "Fellow Daoist Yuanshi, as a saint, it would be disrespectful to be a saint to attack a junior!"
Primordial Heavenly Venerate didn't care so much, Pangu Banner waved, endless Chaos was full of energy, and directly hit Lu Jun on Mount Sumeru with a shocking blow!
"What face?"
He looked at Daoist Zhunti in front of him and sneered, "He used evil spells to kill my disciples. Did he take the poor Daoist's face into consideration?"
"If I don't make him pay the price, Primordial World sentient beings will think that I, Exposition Sect, am weak and can be bullied!"
In this era, before this, no saint has personally died. The death of Chi Jingzi undoubtedly rubbed his face on the ground.
Daoist Zhunti smiled and said, "The younger generation is struggling and their skills are inferior to others, so what's the point of complaining?"
"Sea of Suffering is boundless, but turning back is the end. Fellow Daoist Yuanshi It's better to let go of this cause and effect! Lu Jun I don't know Fellow Daoist Yuanshi's majesty, so this poor monk will help him, and he will definitely be compassionate in the future!"
And Daoist Jieyin sacrificed Jieyin's Treasure Banner, endless Buddha Light opened the Nine Heavens barrier, and resolved Primordial Heavenly Venerate's hateful blow for Lu Jun!
"Amitabha!"
After neutralizing Primordial Heavenly Venerate's magical power, Daoist Jieyin immediately echoed, "Fellow Daoist Yuanshi, Lu Jun is also for his mother, If fellow Daoist Chi Jingzi hadn't used Chi Jingzi to plot Xihe first, how could he, a Two-Corpse Quasi-Saint, dare to offend Fellow Daoist Yuanshi's majesty?"
"It's just a Heavenly Dao cycle, karma, and a child's filial piety!"
"Please also ask Fellow Daoist Yuanshi to give me two thin noodles and spare his life. I will definitely let him chant sutras for the fallen friend Chi Jingzi!"
Daoist Zhunti even had a lotus tongue, which directly inspired Buddhist Sect's great debating skills. "Chi Jingzi, little friend has already proved Grand Unity Dao Fruit. Now that he is dead, it is just a catastrophe!" If you keep thinking about it, there will be a response. The poor monk and senior brother are willing to personally pray for him. After a thousand Yu Yuan moments, he will naturally come back from Calamity of Self-Loss! Fellow Daoist Yuanshi Don't embarrass a junior!"
"Qian Yu Yuan will?"
Primordial Heavenly Venerate was furious. "This is me Exposition Sect Direct Disciple. After a few hundred Epochs, even if I come back, I'm afraid I will be completely lost to everyone!"
From the time Dijun flipped the table on the Purple Clouds Palace to now, there have been only a hundred Yu Yuan meetings ---- a thousand Yu Yuan meetings, Buddha-Demon Great Tribulation I am afraid they have all ended long ago!
At that time, even if Chi Jingzi returns, he will probably be left far behind by his peers. How can he support the reputation of the Exposition Sect?
This is why Primordial Heavenly Venerate is angry!
In the original Great Trend of the Heavenly Dao, San Xiao reduced Twelve Golden Immortals's cultivation, which made him furious, let alone died directly in response to the disaster?
You know, he and Great Dao Struggle of Sect Master Tongtian have not officially started yet!
Moreover, Chi Jingzi is one of the twelve pillars of the Exposition Sect Fortune-Tide Dao. His fall has directly affected Primordial Heavenly Venerate's plan for Divine Path Origin, and affected Exposition Sect's weight in Great Trend of the Heavenly Dao!
How could he not be angry?
But he only has one person, and it is not an easy task to kill Lu Jun with the support of Daoist Jieyin and Daoist Zhunti.
If you hate Jieyin and Zhunti and let them turn to the Interception Sect and Sect Master Tongtian in Investiture of the Gods tribulation, then it will be even worse than the gain!
Miscalculated!
If he had known this, he would hand over Myriad Heavens Auspicious Clouds to Chi Jingzi. How could Nail Head Seven Arrows Book break through Myriad Heavens Auspicious Clouds's defense?
But unfortunately, there is no if.
As Heavenly Dao Sages, although he has the ability to overthrow everything and start over, this is only possible if other saints do not object.
Otherwise, Sect Master Tongtian only needs to rebuild Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind, and then forcibly trace River of Time and Space, and Interception Sect's fate of defeat can be changed!
For the first time, Primordial Heavenly Venerate experienced the feelings of Sect Master Tongtian. He wanted to change his life but was unable to do so. It seemed that there were two big hands secretly manipulating everything.
But at this moment, facing Western Sages's words, he could only temporarily choose to compromise.
But----
He still made a request!
"It's fine to let Lu Jun go this time, but before Investiture of the Gods tribulation, Bodhisattva King Xuan Zang is not allowed to leave Underworld again. King of Worlds Buddha is not allowed to leave Garden of Solitude even half a step, and Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate must also be confined to Mount Sumeru by the two fellow Daoists!"
Primordial Heavenly Venerate as Cause of All Fruits, at the moment Chi Jingzi fell, all the causes and effects behind the fall of Chi Jingzi were deduced.
It's true that Lu Jun was the one who directly took action, but how did Nail Head Seven Arrows Book get it from Lu Jun? Who and how did Chi Jingzi's qi machine get handed over to Lu Jun?
And----
Who planned this crazy idea for Lu Jun?
All clues, under Cause of All Fruits's deduction, point to Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate!
Primordial Heavenly Venerate also didn't expect that he had exiled Xuan Yin to the Demon Realm, and Manifestation Body could actually have an impact on his plan!
"Fellow Daoist, you are joking!"
Daoist Jieyin immediately laughed and said, "How can a poor Daoist control those three people?"
"King of Worlds Buddha, in Garden of Solitude, will never leave. As for Bodhisattva King Xuan Zang, although he is banned by my Buddhist Sect Bodhisattva, the one who can really restrain him should be Fellow Daoist Houtu!"
"As for Dora the Dream-Fulfilling Heavenly Venerate, although he is the Manifestation Body killed by friend Xuan Yin, there is no trace of cause and effect in my Buddhist Sect!"
"Friend Daoist, why not go find Daoist Friend Tongtian!"
He actually understands Primordial Heavenly Venerate's mood very well. If his plan is ruined, he might be even more angry than Primordial Heavenly Venerate!
But he didn't want to get involved in Chan and Jie Sects's struggle now.
Therefore, he only agreed to one-third of Primordial Heavenly Venerate's request, which was to advise King of Worlds Buddha not to interfere in Chan and Jie Sects's affairs!
For the remaining two, it's not that he is powerless, but he doesn't want to offend Xuan Yin!
After all----
He also hopes that Xuan Yin, when he rules Demonic Buddha Lineage in the future, will help Buddhist Sect scrape his bones and cure the poison, and eliminate some of the bad apples for the Buddhist Sect!
Listening to Daoist Jieyin's words, Primordial Heavenly Venerate was furious, but there was nothing he could do. He couldn't force the two of them to the Interception Sect camp, right?
Therefore, he could only walk away. "Those two fellow Daoists, please restrain your disciples and don't let them get involved in Human Emperor Contest!"
"It's natural!"
Daoist Jieyin nodded immediately.
He and Daoist Zhunti had no intention of continuing to interfere with Human Emperor Contest. This time, letting Daoist Yaoshi interfere with Earth Sovereign's cause and effect has violated Primordial Heavenly Venerate's taboo. It's time to stop as soon as it's good!
After watching Primordial Heavenly Venerate leave, Daoist Zhunti immediately met with Lu Jun and obtained a lot of Demon Clan Treasury's collection from him.
It's too much to say too much, but it's too little to say that there are only six pieces of Innate Spiritual Treasure and three strains of Innate Spiritual Root. Most of the collection of the Demon Clan has been consumed!
But Daoist Zhunti is still very happy.
As for Daoist Jieyin, he approached King of Worlds Buddha: "Xuan Yin, little friend, should I give this poor monk an explanation for what happened this time?"