Bao Wen returned to the Wind-Chasing Pirates Group without a word. He had to admit that the Sword Cultivator had played this hand beautifully. It was not merely his skill that had been defeated, but his heart as well; more importantly, it had cast a shadow over the battles to come.
"It was my fault. Without the Aspect Birds, I didn't even have the courage to fight to the death..." Guo Yanzhi, usually so fiercely independent and sharp-tongued, uncharacteristically patted him on the shoulder.
"Junior Brother, releasing Little Rooster already proved your resolve. Your opponent was simply too strong. He may be a Sword Cultivator, but his repertoire is remarkably broad. I would have ended up just like you. Junior Brother, by retreating, you saved more than yourself!"
That was the plain truth. Had he died in this battle, the rest of them would have had no retreat either. It would have become a struggle to the death. With their sects' dignity at stake, they would have had to win or die.
But with Bao Wen's return, the Sword Cultivator's extraordinary art of attacking the heart had instantly broken their alliance of attack and defense. This was an open stratagem: even knowing what it was, they had no choice but to accept it, and even feel grateful.
Gao Tianqi wanted to say something more, but seeing Guo Yanzhi's and Shi Guangzu's attitudes, he knew his words would be wasted. He simply kept his mouth shut. In any case, they would all be losing face together.
Everyone yearned to live. Through all the hardships of the ages, death alone was hardest to face. How many throughout history had ever truly seen beyond it?
Guo Yanzhi spoke very seriously. "Senior Brothers, since things have come to this, let me say a little