Demon Venerable Lie Feng gripped the dark red communication Jade Talisman, his palm slick with sweat.
The flame patterns on its surface flickered, as though urging him to speak.
He gritted his teeth and relayed the Golden Qilin Holy Court's intentions in full.
"Second Ancestor, the Golden Qilin Holy Court has reached a decision."
"They intend to offer courtesy before resorting to force."
"They'll send two Profound Immortal ancestors to the Purple Cloud Domain to speak with that Qingwu Heavenly Lord."
"If he agrees to remove the Soul Imprint and return the Qilin..."
"The Golden Qilin Holy Court won't send troops. And... they won't allow our Blazing Lion Holy Court to send troops either."
"If he refuses, they'll march on the Purple Cloud Domain."
"They'll use the lives of an entire domain's humans to force that Qingwu Heavenly Lord to release him..."
Not a sound came from the other end of the Jade Talisman.
It was so quiet that Demon Venerable Lie Feng thought the connection had been severed.
He held his breath, hearing even his own heartbeat with perfect clarity.
A long while passed.
Only then did the Red Abyss Demon Lord's voice emerge again.
It was low and heavy, like the subterranean rumbling before a volcanic eruption.
"You... say that again."
A chill ran down the back of Demon Venerable Lie Feng's neck.
"Second Ancestor..."
"I told you to say it again!"
The Red Abyss Demon Lord suddenly raised his voice, making even the Jade Talisman grow faintly hot from the vibration.
Demon Venerable Lie Feng swallowed.
Not daring to disobey, he steeled himself and repeated everything he had just said.
This time, he spoke more slowly.
Every word seemed to be squeezed out through his teeth.
Once he finished, he braced himself for the wrath to come.