Autumn Reverie Palace.
Jiang Mangqing sat quietly. After a long while, he lifted the cold remnants of tea on the table and drained them.
Before long, he heard movement behind him and asked softly:
"Has our guest been seen out?"
"Reporting to you, Ancestor, he has left."
Jiang Li stood respectfully beside him and nodded lightly, then asked:
"Ancestor, did he agree?"
"No."
Jiang Mangqing shook his head almost imperceptibly. Hearing this, Jiang Li sighed:
"We tried both the soft hand and the hard, yet no matter how we battered him, he would not buckle. Such is the backbone of a Sword Immortal—throughout the ages, there have been no exceptions."
"Without that, he could never have forged his sword intent."
Though Yi Yuanguang's refusal defied reason, it had not defied his expectations. Jiang Mangqing stroked his beard and sneered:
"Let him strut for a while. Once he has run into walls everywhere and learned how difficult things are, the day will come when he seeks our help."
"But he is about to cultivate that divine power..."
Jiang Li hesitated.
"Then let him. A sturdy trunk bears no weak branches. This final divine power will not be so easily perfected, and it will serve to delay him a while."
Jiang Mangqing seemed unconcerned. The Dao Lineage's schemes did not hinge on momentary gains or losses. So long as their goal could be achieved, even an enemy could be won over in the very next breath.
"Hmm..."
Jiang Li suddenly recalled the attitude of the White Emperor's branch. Leaning closer, Jiang Li made a chopping gesture with one hand:
"According to their wishes, if matters cannot be turned around... could we also..."
With that, Jiang Li lightly swept the hand downward.
"Nonsense!"
Jiang Mangqing's expression abruptly darkened as he rebuked:
"Utter absurdity.