"You overestimate me, Dao Brother."
Xuanming Half-Venerable shook his head with a light laugh, then revealed a perfectly measured trace of "concern."
"Though I have never met this Mystic Ice Fellow Daoist, nor had any dealings with him, no matter what... he is still a veteran powerhouse who made his name long ago and has stood in the Half-Venerable Realm for many years.
His ice-element divine abilities in particular have long reached the pinnacle of perfection.
Within this icy wilderness, a world aligned with his Great Dao, he is like a tiger with wings, capable of unleashing one hundred and twenty percent of his strength."
He looked toward the Great Array below, shimmering with five-colored radiance, and the silent yet perilous palace complex beyond it.
"If things go poorly, we may have arrived in such force only to return empty-handed.
That would truly make us a laughingstock and damage the Association's prestige."
"Fellow Daoist, your words are reasonable."
Fu Wanjun Half-Venerable nodded in agreement, though there was not much concern in his eyes.
"This geographical advantage is indeed Mystic Ice Fellow Daoist's greatest reliance, and the source of his confidence in acting so 'uncompromisingly.'
He must presently believe that, bolstered by this vast ice field, he has some capital to contend with us."
Then his tone shifted, carrying a faint note of mockery.
"But if... the Association President were to arrive in person!
What kind of attitude do you think Mystic Ice would have then?"
He did not spell it out, but the implication was obvious.
Before absolute strength and authority, so-called geographical advantage was sometimes no more than a fragile barrier.
Xuanming Half-Venerable naturally understood. Shaking his head with a smile, he seemed to find discussion of the Association President's personal arrival somewhat far-fetched.
"Forget it, Dao Brother Fu.