When he discovered that Taiching Daoist in the stone chamber was actually only an avatar, Gu Chenfeng could not help being startled.
Then he seemed to anticipate something.
His figure flashed to the edge of the barrier, and he blasted a fist aura imbued with terrifying power toward the Star Chart.
"Boom...!"
Amid the deafening crash, the Star Chart shook, sending out ripples.
The force of Gu Chenfeng's strike was swiftly swallowed like a stone sinking into the sea.
"Fellow Daoist Gu, I'm sorry!"
At that moment, Taiching Daoist raised his eyes from the center of the Star Chart. The alluring look in his gaze faded, and shame appeared on his face.
"Your divine sense is powerful, and your spiritual perception is keen. To lay down this barrier without your noticing, I could only resort to this poor stratagem.
"Please forgive my many offenses and discourtesies."
Hearing this, Gu Chenfeng's expression slowly grew calm again.
"Why did you do this?"
He did not look at Taiching Daoist inside the barrier, but toward the doorway of the stone chamber.
"Rumble...!"
The stone gate opened again.
Four figures stood outside.
They were Taiching Daoist, the Dragon Emperor, the Barbarian God, and the Heavenly Demoness, all wearing somewhat complicated expressions.
The Barbarian God spoke first. "Worthy Brother, what we originally agreed upon was to act tonight and fight the Four Saints in a decisive battle."
"So you never intended to let me join the battle from the start," Gu Chenfeng continued to question them.
Guilt appeared in all four pairs of eyes.
Taiching Daoist sighed. "Fellow Daoist Gu, this battle is far too dangerous. We have no certainty that we can seal that mysterious expert.
"Even if we ultimately succeed and fight our way into the Eternal Heaven Realm, our chances of survival