Trenched, targeted?
Even though Han Xuanji was usually a good-tempered person, he was somewhat annoyed at this moment.
This move undoubtedly put him and Li Fu in the spotlight.
Don't be fooled by how amicable everyone seemed when we were discussing the alliance.
But human nature is never able to withstand the test; after just a few words, a low commotion arose in the crowd.
In the group of over a hundred people, the original atmosphere of unity and hatred seemed to be torn open by these words, and whispers spread like flies among the crowd.
Many people's eyes drifted to Han Xuanji and Li Fu, their gazes filled with scrutiny, weighing the pros and cons, and also with undisguised relief.
I'm glad I wasn't the one called out to stay behind.
Human nature is like this: sometimes when you see someone else being called out, you subconsciously think, "Thank goodness it wasn't me."
"If only those two stay at the Ten Thousand Immortals Association, everyone else can get in... This seems like a good deal."
Someone in the crowd muttered something under their breath; the voice wasn't loud, but it sounded particularly jarring in the brief silence.
"Yes, isn't the purpose of gathering so many people to enter the Immortal Palace? Why should we fight to the death with the Ten Thousand Immortals Association for just two people?"
"Besides, Li Fu already Ten Thousand Immortals Association, and Han Xuanji also killed Wang Qing. It's perfectly reasonable for them to specifically demand that they stay. Why should we stick our necks out for them?"
The person who said this was the leader of a small group. Halfway through his sentence, he winked at his companions, trying to get their agreement.
It would be best to enter the Immortal Palace without fighting, since casualties are inevitable if a real battle breaks out.
Nobody wants to be among those injured or killed.
It can be said that Liu Wanxu's move struck at the very heart of this weak alliance.
As these words continued, some cultivators subconsciously took a half-inch step back, quietly increasing the distance between themselves and Han Xuanji and Li Fu.
This small movement was inconspicuous in the dense crowd, but it was like a signal, making more people hesitate. Unconsciously, apart from a few people around them, Han Xuanji and Li Fu seemed to be somewhat isolated.
Some of those who retreated kept their heads down and remained silent, clearly calculating the pros and cons in their minds.
Others simply adopted a neutral stance, refusing to take sides and not wanting to offend anyone.
Even a few of Jiang Hanzhou's trusted cultivators hesitated. They were all smart people; anyone could do the math.
If we were to launch a full-scale attack, not only would we lose manpower, but if I were to become the unlucky one sent out of the Sacred Domain, I would lose everything.
However, if only Li Fu and Han Xuanji are left behind, the others can enter the Immortal Palace safely, which does seem to be a more worthwhile option.
As for "alliances" and "standing together through thick and thin," when it comes to personal interests, those are just nice words.
Zhou Yuan, Lan Miao, and the Chen brothers standing beside Han Xuanji were also somewhat nervous.
"Damn it, they're after Brother Han."
Zhou Yuan sensed something was wrong, but he couldn't seem to come up with a good solution.
"The five of us, along with Li Fu, might not be without a chance."
Chen Luo didn't think the situation was too bad.
If he really wanted to keep Han Xuanji, then he would have no choice but to fight these people from the Ten Thousand Immortals Association to the death and send Han Xuanji inside.
"Damn it, Brother Han, let's fight them to the death!"
Chen Fei's face hardened; he was ready to fight at any moment.
"Don't rush."
Han Xuanji responded calmly, seemingly unperturbed.
"Um?"
Lan Miao's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that Junior Brother Han had another plan?
The situation was unfavorable for them at this moment. Even though their average strength far exceeded that of these Ten Thousand Immortals Association cultivators, they still outnumbered them and were protected by restrictions.
However, since Han Xuanji had spoken, he must have had his reasons, so he didn't say much more and instead looked coldly at the Ten Thousand Immortals Association cultivators in front of him.
"No."
Jiang Hanzhou's brows furrowed for a moment, then relaxed just as quickly.
He admitted that for a fleeting moment, a brief wavering crossed his mind when the black-robed monk spoke.
But he was the one who initiated the alliance, and he knew better than anyone else present how ruthless Liu Wanxu's move was. In front of everyone, he was putting the alliance he had just built up on the fire.
If he really goes along with the flow and abandons Li Fu and Han Xuanji, then who will be the next one to be abandoned?
From that moment on, the alliance would fall apart, everyone would be insecure, and everyone would be afraid of being the next pawn to be discarded.
The Ten Thousand Immortals Association doesn't even need to lift a finger; they'll naturally descend into chaos on their own.
"That Liu Wanxu is something else! We absolutely cannot let him succeed, or things will become even more difficult later."
Jiang Hanzhou's expression remained unchanged, but several thoughts had already raced through his mind. He then said loudly:
"I will not abandon my allies; I urge the fellow Daoists of the Ten Thousand Immortals Association to make concessions."
"This..."
The black-robed cultivator's expression changed slightly, and he slowly said:
"Sect Leader Jiang, this is an order from the Sect Leader. It's not difficult for you to get through, but not just anyone can go. If we don't keep these two, the Sect Leader will blame us, and we'll be in trouble!"
These words made everyone feel even more strongly that there was no need to fight against the Ten Thousand Immortals Association.
Jiang Hanzhou frowned, about to speak to stabilize the situation, but someone was faster than him.
Li Fu's temper flared up.
He was already a burly man, and at this moment he suddenly took a step forward, drawing a jet-black heavy sword from who-knows-when, dragging it violently across the ground, leaving a blinding trail of sparks.
The aura of Dao Principle of Destruction from his body surged forth as if it were tangible. He didn't make a move, but simply raised his other finger and pointed it at the black-robed cultivator. His voice was like thunder, making everyone's eardrums buzz.
"Who do you think you are? Difficult to handle? Then don't do it!"
After the roar, Li Fu turned his head, his eyes burning with rage sweeping over the dark mass of people behind him.
Nine out of ten people who make eye contact with him instinctively look away.
The thought that giving up on them wouldn't be so bad suddenly became something they were too embarrassed to say when Li Fu's eyes were fixed on them.
"They all want me to stay?"
Li Fu sneered, "Fine. Let's see if you can keep them here."
He may look like a brute, but he's not stupid.
He knew better than anyone that showing weakness in this situation was tantamount to suicide.
Rather than letting these people slowly scheme against you, it's better to throw their minds into chaos first.
Han Xuanji observed coldly, already seeing through the other party's scheme perfectly.
Liu Wanxu's strategy of sowing discord was indeed brilliant, but he overlooked one thing: the people he left here were not strong enough.
Han Xuanji also stepped out from behind Li Fu. Although she didn't speak, her attitude was clear.
"Kill them, and the problem will be solved."
Han Xuanji spoke, her voice not loud, but it instantly silenced the surrounding noise for a moment.
The black-robed cultivator's expression changed drastically. He subconsciously took half a step back and said urgently:
"If you really think it won't work, you can..."
He didn't finish his sentence.
"Shut up!"