"Fellow Daoist Li, there is no room for idle talk here. Everyone from the merchant guilds is listening."
Shi Jizi's expression grew slightly grave when he heard Li Ling's words.
"Fellow Daoist Li, are you certain you truly want to do this?"
Kuang Li frowned, looking somewhat doubtful and startled.
The others also wore a variety of expressions.
What exactly was he trying to do?
Little did they know that Li Ling was not trying to do anything at all.
They had simply pressed him step by step until he had nowhere left to retreat, and he no longer wanted to talk.
He might as well give them what they wanted and fight!
Without a fight, this dispute would never be settled.
"Of course I'm certain. The question is, does Master Shi dare to face me?" Li Ling looked at Shi Jizi.
Shi Jizi frowned, then suddenly burst into laughter and waved his hand. "These old bones of mine could hardly stand a bout with a young man! Besides, I have no talent for divine abilities meant for warfare and slaughter. If I entered the fray, defeat would be certain."
Then he changed tack. "However, many friends have shown me great kindness, and quite a few are willing to join my sect as attendants. Finding a few people out in the wilds willing to fight in my stead is still within my means.
"As I said earlier, anyone within or outside the sect may participate, provided they are willing to register as a member. You could also find someone to fight for you, Fellow Daoist Li."
Everyone nodded inwardly at that.
It was understandable that a cultivator accustomed to peaceful living would decline to enter the fray himself.
"No need," Li Ling said. "Unlike you, Master Shi, I'm young. Young