Houtu's domineering arrival instantly heightened an atmosphere that had already been stretched to its breaking point.
Hongjun's icy gaze fell on Houtu. He had never expected her to step forward so suddenly.
The Dao Resonance Divine Patterns around him swirled even more fiercely, with faint flashes of lightning flickering within them.
"Houtu, do you intend to wade into these muddy waters as well?"
Hongjun's voice was deep and imposing, as though it contained boundless oppressive force.
Yet only Hongjun knew that his words carried far more profound exasperation and helplessness than anything else.
What the hell...
This is utterly ridiculous!
Gu Changqing, that Drunkard, never acts by the rules and behaves like a lunatic. Fine, so be it.
But... what does any of this have to do with you, Houtu?!
Hongjun was absolutely certain that Houtu-or rather, the entire Witch Clan-had no connection whatsoever to Luohu.
Naturally, he could not comprehend what she was thinking.
Across from him, Houtu sneered. The mighty power of the Earth Dao formed rings of earthen-yellow light around her.
She met Hongjun's gaze without the slightest fear.
"Hongjun, I care nothing for anything else."
"Today, since Fellow Daoist Changqing wishes to protect Luohu, I swear to stand with him, whether we advance or retreat."
Utterly forceful!
Absolutely resolute!
Her declaration left all living beings flushed with fervor and excitement.
If cultivators like them could, just once in their entire lives, have an Earth Dao Sage spare no cost for their sake, they could die without a single regret.
Clearly, however, Houtu's actions also brought an immense wave of pressure and intimidation upon Hongjun.
High above the heavens, Hongjun still stood with that same proud bearing.
But for a long while...
Hongjun did not speak.
Nor did he continue manifesting any Divine Arts or assume a