The same five words.
The same tone.
The tall, gaunt elder's expression changed.
He had cultivated for more than three thousand years and witnessed countless life-and-death struggles. He knew all too well what true killing intent was, and what it meant to put on a fierce front while quaking inside.
The young man before him was genuinely asking.
It was neither a threat nor intimidation. He was earnestly confirming: did you want to fight him to the death?
The tall, gaunt elder did not retreat, but neither did he answer.
Silence fell over the Square again.
This silence was different from before.
Before, it had been a haughty, cold reception. Now, it was the awkwardness of not knowing how to respond.
Zhou Xuan waited a few breaths. When no one spoke, he withdrew his gaze and swept his eyes over everyone present.
He spoke, his voice quiet, but every word hammered against their hearts.
"I came here to do business."
"To work with you."
"Cooperate. Understand?"
He extended a finger and traced a circle in the air, encompassing everyone present.
"If you think you were born a head above me, prove it with your lives."
At last, Zhou Xuan's smile disappeared.
There was no anger on his face, no disdain, only a calm that made them profoundly uncomfortable.
"Whoever survives can naturally plant a foot on the dead man's head."
"And whoever dies has no right to talk about rank or worth."
"It's that simple."
His words fell.
The entire Square went so quiet that not even a crow or sparrow could be heard.
Not one of the twenty-odd Spirit Transformation Cultivators answered.
The middle-aged man in Purple Gold brocade turned green, then pale. His lips moved several times, but ultimately, he said nothing.
The tall, gaunt elder's hands tightened