Inside that Origin Xia shuttle, Daoist Zhi stood in the middle section, speaking with a Daoist figure within the light. The latter said, "True Cultivator Zhi, Origin Upper Hall has specially permitted you to atone for your crimes through merit this time. You must seize this opportunity."
At this point, the Daoist figure's tone grew heavier. "You should know that Lower Hall and Upper Hall secured this through certain compromises, so no one will help you this time. If Whisker Slave seizes this realm, satisfies its appetite, and successfully returns, then you may live. If this fails, it will devour your essence and turn it into its nourishment."
Daoist Zhi fell silent for a while. Back then, Sheng Zheng had told him that only by signing a legal covenant with Lower Hall could he possibly escape punishment. In truth, he had already guessed at that time that Origin Upper Hall would never be so magnanimous as to let him pass through this so easily.
This outcome both alarmed him and made him breathe easier. This was a surprise attack; Celestial Xia had no way of noticing beforehand. So long as they accomplished their goal, they could retreat at once. The chances of success were still extremely high.
He said, "Since Zhi has come this far, it is to redeem his crimes through merit. Councilor Si may rest assured. Zhi knows that Lower Hall has done much to help him escape blame. If he returns without merit again this time, then he is naturally willing to accept punishment."
The Daoist figure's tone softened somewhat. "It is good that you understand. Though we have sent you here, we will not have you fight alone. Celestial Xia will also launch a feigned attack, so for a short time, you need not worry about