"Just stay quiet. That would be helping."
Tongtian, having been rebuked by Yuanshi, puffed out his cheeks like buns, inwardly accusing his Second Brother of failing to appreciate a Good Person's intentions.
After a while, Yuanshi withdrew his hand.
The Spiritual Qi within the cave abode gradually returned to stability.
Only the Pangu Banner continued to turn slowly.
Su Miao asked cautiously.
"Second Master, have you removed them all?"
"The obvious Chess Pieces have been cleared, but the hidden stakes are difficult to remove.
Since he dared set up this scheme, he must have contingencies."
Yuanshi had already done all he could, but Hongjun's contingencies came one after another, like nested dolls—open one, and another waited inside.
It seemed Hongjun was truly bored out of his mind at the Purple Sky Palace.
"So the next Tribulation is the real show?"
Su Miao's voice tightened slightly.
Everything before had merely been an appetizer.
What Hongjun truly intended to serve was the Investiture Tribulation.
Yuanshi glanced at her, and his gaze gave Su Miao the answer.
"Master, why did Hongjun plant all these Chess Pieces?"
Yuanshi tucked the Pangu Banner back into his sleeve, his tone low and slow.
"To disrupt the foundations of the Prehistoric World and drain our energies.
This is a tactic to wear down the enemy."
It was not that he wanted these Chess Pieces to accomplish anything. He wanted Yuanshi, the Three Pure Ones, and all the great experts of the Prehistoric World to run themselves ragged and exhaust their minds.
Once everyone had been dragged down, he would make his move.
Su Miao's fingers dug into her palm.
It hurt, but it kept her clear-headed.
"What do we do now?"
"Build our reserves and reinforce our foundations.
He has contingencies. So do we."
Hongjun was laying