Taiwei Daoist did not grow angry at this. He merely smiled.
"Fellow Daoist Houtu, all who come are guests. Besides, you and I serve in the same court and share some measure of friendship. To shut this poor Daoist outside your gates outright—is that not a breach of courtesy?"
Before the palace steps, Houtu Earth Sovereign Goddess quietly appeared. Looking down from above, her gaze rested on the purple-robed Daoist below.
Earth Sovereign Palace and Purple Tenuity Dao Palace had indeed shared some ties tens of thousands of years ago, but after the Jiuli Tribe's defeat, even that slender thread of friendship had long since vanished.
As for both being among the Four Imperials, that was merely a relationship on the surface.
Deep within her heart, Houtu Earth Sovereign Goddess felt greater wariness.
After all, she had joined forces with Torch Dragon not long ago.
What worried her more was that this unwelcome guest had come without invitation today, likely with his sights set on her Earth Sovereign Palace.
Yet with the Netherworld Underworld now entirely under her control, she was not overly concerned.
Should anything happen to the Netherworld Underworld, both sides would be left smashed to pieces like jade and stone.
Houtu Earth Sovereign Goddess's phoenix eyes rested on Taiwei Daoist. After a moment, she said, "Fellow Daoist Taiwei, speak your piece. There is no possibility of cooperation between us. Once you have finished, please leave on your own!"
"This palace has not acted in a long while, nor driven away unwelcome guests!"
Taiwei Daoist let out a soft sigh at the sight.
This Empress had rendered great merit to heaven and earth. If there were any other way, he truly did not wish to come to blows with her.
But Houtu Earth Sovereign Goddess's attitude was exceedingly