Everyone in the hall fell into thought after hearing Zhang Yu's words.
Daoist Wang asked at this point, "But Mr. Tao, I have a question. If, as you say, devouring them can double one's strength, why not attack us first? After all, this array was set up for us. If he attacked us first, refined us to increase his power, then turned back to deal with King Xi, would that not be easier?"
Zhang Yu said, "If he truly could do that, then he indeed would not need to make such a roundabout move. As you all saw, his earlier attack on us through the array was merely a test before the real assault. But having tested us, he found he had no confidence in breaking my array, so he decided to attack from within first. Fearing that I would interfere with his plans, he came to communicate with us, intending to attack us after refining King Xi's forces."
Everyone came to a sudden realization. Considering what had happened before, this explanation was highly convincing. Daoist Wang thought for a moment, then raised his hand in salute and earnestly asked, "Then, Mr. Tao, how should we respond?"
Zhang Yu said, "We need only wait for the right moment to act. This man and I are not allies; we remain enemies. If his actions go poorly at the outset, I need not hesitate to lend him a hand. But if all goes smoothly for him, I can ruin this arrangement before he succeeds in refining the Origin. If Protector Zhu finds this feasible, I can send him word now."
Zhu Zonghu pondered deeply for a moment, then solemnly said, "Then I will have to trouble Mr. Tao."
With a flick of Zhang Yu's finger, a stream of spiritual light followed the