The Man in Black nodded slightly, then turned his gaze toward Flying Fish Old Ancestor and the Wolf Race Old Ancestor, who had remained where they stood. He spoke slowly. "Flying Fish, Wolf Race, in a moment, you will do this... understood?"
At first, Flying Fish Old Ancestor and the Wolf Race Old Ancestor listened attentively, nodding repeatedly. But as they listened, their expressions gradually grew complicated. They exchanged a glance, and Flying Fish Old Ancestor said hesitantly, "My lord... this... we're brothers who have faced life and death together. To do this..."
The Man in Black said nothing. He merely gave them a quiet look.
That single look stopped the rest of Flying Fish Old Ancestor's words in his throat.
The Wolf Race Old Ancestor gritted his teeth and lowered his head. "My lord, could we... choose other Eighth Realm cultivators instead?"
The Man in Black still said nothing. Those eyes hidden in the darkness merely watched the Wolf Race Old Ancestor in silence. His gaze was as calm as still water, yet it made the Wolf Race Old Ancestor feel as though a venomous snake had fixed its eyes on him, sending a chill down his spine.
He lowered his head, his voice strained. "...Understood, my lord."
Before long, footsteps sounded outside the hall. Lion Old Ancestor and Bull Demon Old Ancestor returned side by side. Seeing Flying Fish Old Ancestor and the Wolf Race Old Ancestor still standing there, they paused in surprise, then sighed.
Lion Old Ancestor stepped forward and cupped his hands. "My lord, we sent word to the Human Race as you instructed. But they have yet to reply..."
After hearing Lion Old Ancestor's report, the Man in Black snorted coldly. "Useless. Do they not dare reply, or do they not dare come? Never