Venerable Luoji, Venerable Qiyan, and the others were somewhat disappointed, but they were not surprised. Qin Hao had only just become a Nine-Tribulations Sovereign and needed time to consolidate his cultivation.
Besides, as Qin Hao had said, the Treasure Sword had yet to be completed. Even with his formidable strength, he could not bring out its full power.
That would undoubtedly put him at a severe disadvantage when exploring the Ancient Fiendish Grounds.
Rather than rush in, it was better to make every possible preparation. The Ancient Fiendish Grounds were perilous enough that even the Star Sea's strongest, such as the Azure Flame Profound Venerable and Ancestor Yanyu, could not guarantee they would emerge unscathed.
"There's one more thing."
Venerable Luoji gave a low snort and lowered his voice. "Qin Hao, do you remember the wager between Ancestor Yanyu and the Nether-Shadow Soul Venerable?"
Qin Hao's heart stirred. "The stake was a Half-Step Divine Artifact Warblade?"
"That's right." Venerable Luoji nodded. "When you fought the Void Overlord, Ancestor Yanyu and the Nether-Shadow Soul Venerable swore a Heavenly Dao Oath on the spot, each staking something precious. After you Slaying the Void Overlord, the Nether-Shadow Soul Venerable lost."
Venerable Luoji's expression darkened as he went on. "By their agreement, the Nether-Shadow Soul Venerable was supposed to hand the Half-Step Divine Artifact Warblade over to Ancestor Yanyu within one Epoch. But an Epoch has passed, and he still hasn't paid up."
Qin Hao frowned.
The Nether-Shadow Soul Venerable plainly could not accept losing.
And he was one of the Star Sea's strongest, no less!
What was more...
Qin Hao was involved in this matter to some extent. By acting this way, the Nether-Shadow Soul Venerable was showing that he held Qin Hao in no regard either.
"One of the Soul Race's strongest,