Everyone nodded. That possibility did indeed exist.
"However, we cannot let our guard down. This black mist is a cunning fellow who puts profit above all else. Though he currently seems inclined to cooperate with us, we must remain wary of him, because he may very well defect to Uchiha Shin's side."
Patriarch Hongjun spoke again.
"As for the person behind Uchiha Shin, we have yet to uncover any results from our investigation. We must pick up the pace."
"Master, who exactly is the person behind Uchiha Shin? Why does he possess such immense power? We have roamed the Three Realms for so many years, especially you, Master—you existed before heaven and earth even came into being, and you represent the Deva Path. Who could possess such great power without your knowledge?" Taishang Laojun asked curiously.
Tathagata Buddha and the others were equally curious.
"You want to find out, and so do I. Yet I do not know either. That alone shows how powerful this person must be. However, I now have some clues. I believe there is a mysterious force within Uchiha Shin's body, and it may be connected to the person behind him. When I have the chance, I will ask him about it," Patriarch Hongjun said.
Everyone nodded.
Patriarch Hongjun said to them, "Accept this punishment with peace of mind. Although our fortune has suffered a severe reduction this time, as long as you can still control the Buddhist Sect and the Daoist Sect, and as long as you remain alive, there will be a chance to turn things around.
"Remember my words: keep a low profile, build up your strength, observe the situation in the Three Realms, and identify Uchiha Shin and his allies' strengths and weaknesses. Only by knowing ourselves and our enemies can we