The Humble Door Opens at Last (7)

Another Evergreen Valley disciple was still somewhat puzzled and asked in a low voice, "But... Senior Sister Zhou, they are guests who have come from afar. Aren't you afraid that being so forceful will damage the goodwill between us?"

As soon as the disciple finished speaking, the air around them seemed to grow several degrees quieter. The smile on Zhou Wan's face faded slightly, like a bright moon veiled by a thin mist. Its clear radiance remained, yet it carried a touch more solemnity.

"On the contrary. In an occasion like this, when faced with unprovoked provocation, failing to be forceful is what would truly damage the goodwill and tarnish the sect's reputation."

Her gaze swept across the crowd as she continued to dissect the stakes involved. "Today, guests from all Nine Domains have gathered here, and countless eyes are watching. Azure Sea Dynasty's actions just now have already placed both sides over the flames. Whoever loses ground will become a laughingstock on everyone's lips in the days to come."

"They will be, and so will our Profound Heaven Sect."

"If disciples of the Profound Heaven Sect are publicly humiliated on our own grounds yet can only swallow their anger and seek compromise at every turn, where will our sect's prestige be? Where will our dignity be? How will we stand in the Nine Domains in the future?"

"Since reason is on our side and the fault lies with them, what is wrong with us being a little more forceful and arguing our case?"

A sharp glint flashed through Zhou Wan's eyes, like a sword edge drawn from its sheath. Though it lasted only an instant, it was enough to chill one's heart.

"When dealing with people who think so highly of themselves, sometimes you must first give them a