Bai Yuqiong hesitated a moment, then produced a jade pendant and a perfumed handkerchief, saying, "Zixi is formidable. If you cannot best him, bring out these two things. " Her face reddened slightly, and she seemed a little bashful. "The jade pendant is one he gave me; the handkerchief I embroidered myself, and I have always meant to give it to him. .

. Show him these two things, and he will most likely let you go! Go on, go! " Daoist Baiyu and Monk Lingyue, rarely having seen this daughterly side of the Heavenly Master, exchanged looks. Bai Yuqiong drove the two of them off and hurried into the spirit-energy transfer bridge, bound for the Yunluo Heavenly Palace.

Daoist Baiyu and Monk Lingyue led the great army of the Westfall Sect out of the Heavenly Court.

The Westfall Sect had no tower-ships or great warships; instead they rode in war chariots, one after another, which were a little faster than tower-ships—but because they had to escort the West Emperor's divine artifact, their speed was slowed. "Heavenly Master Bai seems rather fond of Heavenly Master Zixi," Monk Lingyue said in a low voice.

"Could it be that she has never realized that Heavenly Master Zixi is a woman? " Daoist Baiyu said, "It seems she has not. On the contrary, her feelings run deep.

Then again, neither has the Martial Arts Heavenly Master, Zhuocha.

" Monk Lingyue laughed.

"The Martial Arts Heavenly Master is not even as sharp as Niu Sanduo; if he could see it, that would be a ghost. But Bai Yuqiong is a shrewd one—how is it that she too has fallen for Heavenly Master Zixi? These two women.

.

" Daoist Baiyu shot him a glance, coughed, and said, "Your Majesty, you are a monk now—mind your image. " Monk Lingyue hastily composed himself, assuming a solemn and dignified look, as though he were an eminent monk who had attained the Way, and said, "Baigui, what are your plans for this journey of ours?

Are we truly to escort the divine artifact, the West Emperor, into Taixu? " Daoist Baiyu smiled faintly. "The White Tiger commands soldiers and concerns himself with slaughter; he is an ancient god of the Way of Slaughter.

The Ten Venerables have their divine artifact, the Ruler of Venerables; we hold in our hands the divine artifact of the Four Sovereigns.

Perhaps we may take measure of just how strong the warriors of the Heavenly Court are. " His gaze was deep, and he said softly, "Taixu is destined to run with rivers of blood. "