Daoist Xi came first to Han Zhou Way. He had arrived openly in his true person, displaying his sincerity. Moreover, he believed that Celestial Xia could protect him.
Even if they did not, it would not matter much. Perhaps the Upper Layer of Origin Xia would set a trap against him, but the sect chiefs of the Myriad Ways all knew of his ties to a certain great power. No one would willingly risk offending such a great power to deal with him.
Upon reaching the formation outside Han Zhou Way, he performed a salute and said, "Xi Zhe has come to visit. I ask Sect Chief Liang to come out and meet me."
After a short while, the clouds and mist within the formation parted, and a cultivator emerged. "Sect Chief Xi, the sect chief has said that none of the Myriad Ways of Origin Xia may collude with those of Celestial Xia. Sect Chief Xi, please return."
Daoist Xi shook his head. "That is mistaken. Please inform Sect Chief Liang that Xi is not yet a person of Celestial Xia. In Origin Xia's eyes, at most I am a criminal who has betrayed them. Surely those above have not decreed that the Myriad Ways may not speak to criminals?"
He smiled. "Oh, and if Sect Chief Liang does not agree with Xi's nonsense, he may come out and curse Xi personally. Xi will receive it here."
The cultivator sighed but said nothing, turning straight back inside.
Daoist Xi did not leave. As if certain the other side would respond, he simply waited there.
After a while, an elderly cultivator with a stern, wooden face emerged from the formation and said expressionlessly, "I am Sect Chief Liang's disciple. If you have anything to say, you may say it to