It would, of course, be best if they just fought for the title. After comprehending all those sutras in the Buddhist Domain, Gu Li believed that Ye Zichen was absolutely not his opponent.

For a moment he seemed almost eager, but then he heard Gu Zichen say, of course not.

Gu Li arched his brows, but in truth, he wasnt at all surprised. The way he saw it, Gu Zichen must have refused to let them fight in order to protect Ye Zichen from unexpected harm.

It seemed that in Gu Zichens heart, he knew Ye ZIchen was no match for him.

As he thought this, Gu Li smirked, then looked at Gu Zichen. Then how should we resolve this? Youre the one who suggested a vote, so I thought you were in charge of all this. Now youre telling us you dont have the authority? Could it be that you have some scruples? Dont worry about it! If you want to give the spot to Ye Zichen, just do it. I wont mind.

You can give the seat to Brother Ye, said one of the major powers.

The others nodded in agreement. Even the ordinary immortals below the platform followed suit. Although Ye Zichen worked for the Immortal Region, the immortals of the Underworld and Heavenly Court knew him through the Red Packet Server. Their relationship with him was extremely close.

In the end, the next Master of the Three Realms wouldnt be their boss, but Ye Zichen was a pretty good choice too.

Enough. As the immortals noisily expressed their approval, Gu Zichen reached out to silence them. It seems I have no choice but to repeat myself: in truth, Im not the one who decided to choose via election. Rather, this is the Will of the Heavens. I, too, am surprised by the tied vote, but. Are you sure its really a tie?

The immortals were stunned.

The vote counts were clearly displayed. Ye Zichen and Gu Li were tied, so why would Gu Zichen say.

Senior, what do you mean? the Flame Emperor couldnt help but ask.

Everyone, please be patient. This still isnt the final result, said Gu Zichen.

Hah, thats interesting, said Gu Li, smiling playfully despite himself.

He looked over the crowd and the displayed votes and said, could you be planning to make those who abstained vote again?

Of course not. They choose to abstain, so they no longer have the chance to vote.

Then you.

There are still some people who havent voted, right?

In response, some of the immortals looked over at Great Sacred Emperor Equaling Heavens and Yang Jians seats. They were the only ones who werent present.

Yang Jian ascended to godhood and could no longer return here. Could it be that Great Sacred Emperor Equaling Heavens was on his way?

Isnt the Emperor in seclusion, preparing to break through and ascend?

Just as the immortals started spiritedly discussing the matter amongst themselves, Ye Zichen broke his silence. Can I withdraw?

His tone was indescribably flat with no ripples of emotion whatsoever, yet this sentence sent waves of commotion through the crowd.

Withdraw!

To think Ye Zichen would choose to withdraw!

Emperor Ye, were all on your side here, said the Flame Emperor comfortingly. Youre sure to win the position.

Say it isnt so! If Emperor Ye withdraws, doesnt that mean that Chiyou will be the next Lord of the Three Realms?

Brother Ye..

Brother Ye

The major powers all tried to persuade him, but none of them noticed that Ye Zichens eyes were bloodshot until he raised his head. Everyone, I appreciate your good intentions, but right now, all I want is for this to end so I can leave.. His tone was still flat, but you could see hints of emotion reflected in his eyes.

If you give the seal to Gu Li, wont this Struggle finally end? Then I can leave. Lets just do it like that, then.

Starting about an hour ago, or you could say, starting from the time Gu Li showed up, Ye Zichens heart was in turmoil.

All he could think about was the situation outside, especially the people closest to him.

Nothing was scarier than the unknown.

Ye Zichen didnt think hed be all that useful on the battlefield, but at least hed be able to see it all for himself.

But now all he could do was sit here and vie for the seat of Master of the Three Realms.

He didnt want to waste time here, not even a second.

No.

Despite everything Ye Zichen said, Gu Zichen rejected him without leaving any room for discussion.

No? Ye Zichens tone shifted for the first time as his red eyes fixed themselves onto Gu Zichen. If you hadnt forcefully teleported me here, I would be standing before the gates of Maple City right now, facing the demons alongside them.

Back when theyd just started voting, Ye ZIchen had pulled out his cell phone. Thats when he saw the page saying hed been involuntarily teleported.

Someone had forcefully turned his phone back on, then sent him here.

Only Gu Zichen could manage something like that.

Right now, I shouldnt be sitting here discussing some Master of the Three Realms. I need to go take care of my loved ones. I have no time to waste with you, so please let me go.

No. Gu Zichen rejected him without explanation. Until the competition ends, you must remain here.

But I said Id withdraw.

You dont have the right to withdraw!

Clench.

Ye Zichen clenched his fists. His frustration and anxiety finally boiled over, leaving him unable to suppress his emotions any longer.

Eyes bloodshot, he stared directly at Gu Zichen and roared, if anything happens to them, itll be your fault!

Them!

Ye Zichen trusted that Gu ZIchen knew who they were.

You cant leave. Gu Zichens reply remained unchanged.

Just then, Gu Li jeered, Hah, if Emperor Ye wants to leave, just let him. If you force him to stay behind, hell hate you death. Emperor Ye has the peoples best interests in mind and is worried about the outside situation, so youd best hurry up and let him go! Let him witness their tragic fate for himself!

Everyone could tell that Gu Li was being deliberately provocative. When Ye Zichen heard this, it was as if hed been set on fire; everything hed been suppressing exploded outward.

Rumble.

Instantly, countless fierce winds sprung up around him.

Ill say it one last time. Let me go!

Everyone present could sense Ye Zichens fury as he glowered intently at Gu Zichen.

But what he got in response was still.

No!