Though none of them had spoken.
The air between them was already thick with drawn swords and leveled blades.
Hongjun, the Four Saints, and the others stared at Tongtian and Gu Changqing, cold glints flickering in their eyes.
The latter two remained composed and unperturbed.
Gu Changqing in particular continued leisurely swigging his fine wine, utterly unconcerned despite the circumstances.
He looked so carefree that one might have thought he had come to attend a banquet.
After a long while, Hongjun finally spoke.
"Today, we Sages of Heaven and Earth have gathered here to sign the Investiture of the Gods List."
He paused, then turned directly to Tongtian without any attempt to conceal his intentions.
"The Human, Chan, and Western teachings have all signed."
"Tongtian, spare us any further words. Hurry and sign the names of your Jie Sect Disciples."
"As for whether those on the list live or die, strength alone will decide."
Clearly.
Hongjun also knew that the Profound Gate and the Interception Sect had long since become irreconcilable enemies, locked in a struggle that would end only in death.
Further words would accomplish nothing.
Thus, the moment he spoke, his tone was lofty and commanding.
His mention of the three Dao lineages-the Human, Chan, and Western teachings-was clearly intended to intimidate the Interception Sect and leave Tongtian no room to refuse.
At these words, Tongtian's expression darkened. His gaze grew heavy, and he said nothing.
He had anticipated that Hongjun would not give him time to react.
Even so, he had not expected Hongjun to be so impatient.
Moreover, although Hongjun and the others had not stated it outright.
With his discernment and divine sense, Tongtian had immediately detected the sinister nature of the Investiture of the Gods List.
It could not accommodate physical bodies. Only true