"Senior Brother Ming Guang, don't worry."
Xi Ping'an raised a cup of wine. "I follow the divine path of incense offerings. My father left me more than enough heavenly treasures. I have no shortage of them, and more would do me no good."
"The only thing I lack is millions upon millions of living beings."
He sighed.
A god sustained by incense offerings needed to shepherd millions upon millions of living beings. Humans, the Demon Race, sea folk—any intelligent beings would do. Their offerings would sustain him and help him advance to higher realms.
That was the foundation of his path, and why he had always sought a powerful patron.
The best patron would naturally have been the Great Sun Sword Heir, but the Sword Heir did not like Xi Ping'an. Even if he did, and they became friends, the Eastern Extreme Demon Sect's customs would never allow Xi Ping'an to shepherd living beings for their offerings. That option was closed to him.
Ming Guangzi was, after all, the former Great Sun Sword Heir. His talent needed no explanation. Given the right wind and clouds, he might yet transform into a dragon and soar above the nine heavens.
"Senior Brother Ming Guangzi, would you like to kill this native? I guarantee none of them will escape."
Xi Ping'an looked toward Celestial Lord Shuo Yang as he asked.
Sword cultivators could use powerful opponents as whetstones to sharpen their strength.
Celestial Lord Shuo Yang's expression changed drastically.
"No need."
Ming Guangzi showed little interest. "I lost to someone stronger, and now I'm supposed to turn my sword on someone weaker? That is not the sword path. I would be ashamed."
"I do have a sword technique I derived from an immortal art. It should carry quasi-Void Refining power, but it would