Seeing this turn of events, the other sects wore expressions of barely concealed glee. For no other reason than that it felt good.
Earlier, Zuo Zisheng had leaned on his status as a member of the Heavenforging Sect and treated every other sect as beneath his notice. Whether they belonged to a large sect or a small one, none of them had enjoyed being looked down on.
None had expected his retribution to come so quickly, either.
Of course, they did not know whether this Li Hongjiu fellow was truly made of stern stuff.
Whether he had the ability or not, at least he had slapped Zuo Zisheng in the face in public, while none of them had dared utter a word earlier.
With someone jabbing right under his nose, Zuo Zisheng's expression darkened. He wanted to ask Li Hongjiu, Have we not made it obvious enough, or are you blind? Can't you see we're allied with Summer Path Mountain?
But he held himself back from lashing out. However powerful someone's backing was, temperaments still differed from person to person.
Keeping his face taut, he formally reminded him, "Mr. Li, we've allied with Summer Path Mountain. Gu Liani and I are on the same side."
Had he picked the wrong target? Li Hongjiu paused briefly, then looked at Gu Liani inquiringly. "Is what he said true?"
Gu Liani blinked. She also wanted to know where Li Hongjiu's immense confidence came from, so she was eager to see which had the stronger arm: the Heavenforging Sect or the Treasure-Evolving Sect. Never mind women admiring strength-in a situation like this, was there anything wrong with cooperating with whoever was stronger to protect herself?
She did not believe this bunch, who had threatened and coerced her into submission, deserved any loyalty from her.