The Flaming-Mane Emperor Venerable shuddered violently and stood rooted to the spot like a statue.
Only after a long while did he burst into laughter. "Good, good! You truly live up to your name, Master Han. I concede. I truly concede!"
Master Han remained seated on the ox, his frame frail, like an old farmer shivering in a bitter wind.
At some point, a ray of dawn had spilled down from the mountains behind him. Brilliant golden light, carrying a hint of warmth, illuminated the vault of the sky over the Sacred Capital.
Day had broken.
"Let us go!" The Flaming-Mane Emperor Venerable turned to leave, but threw out one last remark. "But I will not let this rest!"
"Nor will we!" Yang Wuji looked at Master Han, his solemn expression filled with unshakable resolve. "We will keep fighting for everything that rightfully belongs to us. Even if your powers reach the heavens, you cannot stop this surging tide."
Master Han seemed to have fallen asleep on the ox's back and made no reply. Only after the Flaming-Mane Emperor Venerable and Yang Wuji disappeared in succession beyond the outskirts did he raise his head and silently gaze in the direction they had gone.
"They were right. Three feet of ice do not form in a single day's cold. Before the tide of events, even a Primordial Spirit Great Power is helpless!"
"Unless Master Han can live for thousands upon thousands of years, or even remain immortal like the Great Powers of High Antiquity, he cannot keep imposing his will forever..."
"Or he would need the strength to sweep all beneath heaven, wipe out every contemporary of his rank, and ensure that countless generations followed his path."
Watching this scene, Li Chen seemed to gain considerable insight.
After a night of