Seeing that Dao Lord Taichu had no intention of wasting words with him and was forming seals with his hands again, clearly prepared for battle, Bage stopped lingering and hurriedly assumed a fighting stance as well.
The snakefolk behind Bage had originally seen Dao Lord Taichu prepare for battle, followed by their leader Bage doing the same. Thus, they immediately entered a combat state alongside Bage.
However, when an invisible wave emanating from Dao Lord Taichu touched their bodies, their minds trembled. For some unknown reason, they all stopped what they were doing.
Then, every one of them turned their gaze toward Dao Lord Taichu, who stood opposite Bage. Their eyes revealed extreme loyalty toward Dao Lord Taichu.
"Let us duel. That way, we won't be violating the rules of the Yao Realm, and we can settle this with strength."
Because Bage was wary of Dao Lord Taichu's identity as the heir to the Yao Realm's administrator, he spoke bluntly to him.
"You knew long ago that I was weaker than you. You only proposed this because of my status as the heir to the Yao Realm's administrator, didn't you? Do you think I'll do as you wish? Besides, I have so many people here. Why would I fight you one-on-one?"
After hearing Bage's words, Dao Lord Taichu wore a mocking expression again. He pointed behind Bage as he spoke.
Only then did Bage react and notice that something was wrong behind him. He quickly turned around to look.
When he saw the state of the snakefolk who had followed him into battle for many years, shock filled Bage's eyes.
"Take him down. Everything he did before was meant to drive you into a dead end. If you truly did as he said, not only would your current predicament remain