Above Red Cloud Commandery, in the Great Void.
Dongfang Guanji wore a cold expression. Behind him followed a tall, burly man carrying a yellow-skinned gourd-the very man who had been trapped in the ice.
The white-robed youth held a crimson chain that stretched for several miles into the deepest reaches of the Great Void, seemingly dragging something heavy. The chain strained taut, scattering sparks and stirring the void into ceaseless tremors.
"Pidan, just look at you. What possessed you to provoke that white snake? If you delay our business, even I won't be able to protect you."
Pidan had rugged features and a long beard. The divine radiance of his dark-blue treasure armor had dimmed, and he looked thoroughly dispirited. Clearly, Bai Xuan had put the fear of her into him. He merely said:
"How was I supposed to know? My spiritual awareness was muddled, and I ended up in Jade Flow. A few snakes offended me, so I struck out. I don't know whether it was that white snake's divine ability or fate playing tricks."
Crimson light condensed around Dongfang Guanji like a celestial bridge spanning the sky. A trace of helplessness actually appeared on his face as he looked at Pidan.
"You cultivate ultimate fire, so abilities and workings of fate like these are naturally hard for you to discern. Just travel through the Great Void with me. Don't wander off on your own."
Pidan only sighed. Remembering the white snake's methods still sent a chill through his heart, and he cursed under his breath:
"That Bai Xuan really is formidable. She sealed all my divine abilities and froze every strand of my spiritual fire. They couldn't muster the slightest power."
Dongfang Guanji showed little anger. His expression remained calm as he looked through the Great Void toward