Mount Sumeru: Worries of the Western Two Sages; the Green Lotus Treasure Color Banner in Hand

Mount Sumeru.

Beside the Eight Treasures Merit Pool, lotuses bloomed amid a golden haze.

The pool was so clear that its depths were visible. It reflected the sun, moon, and stars above the Sky Dome, as well as the two restless figures beside it.

Jieyin sat cross-legged, golden light flickering around him. His face, which had worn a look of compassion for countless eons, was now solemn.

He gazed down at his reflection in the pool, at the gently rippling water. The prayer beads in his hand moved slowly, but he could not calm his mind.

Zhunti stood beside him, pacing back and forth.

His footsteps were light, but beside the quiet Eight Treasures Merit Pool, they sounded especially clear.

One step.

Two steps.

Three steps.

Jieyin finally spoke:

"Junior Brother, sit down."

Zhunti stopped.

He turned to Jieyin, his gaunt face full of agitation.

"Senior Brother, how can you expect me to sit still?"

"Xuandu went to Kunlun Mountain."

"Yuanshi is likely to suffer a heavy loss."

Jieyin fell silent.

He knew, of course.

The moment Xuandu stepped onto Kunlun Mountain, he had sensed it.

The aura was restrained, but it could not escape the notice of fellow Sages.

Now Xuandu had left Kunlun Mountain.

His next stop would be Mount Sumeru.

It would be them.

Zhunti took a deep breath, suppressing the agitation roiling in his heart, then said gravely:

"Senior Brother, what do you think Xuandu will demand?"

Jieyin raised his eyes to look at him.

Deep in his compassionate gaze, a tangle of emotions stirred.

"Whatever he demands, we have to give it to him."

Zhunti's expression changed.

He stared at Jieyin, at his calm face tinged with helplessness, and a nameless sorrow welled up inside him.

They had to give it to him.

That was