After all, having cultivated for many years, Ning Fan noticed the abnormality of Xi Zihua in an instant, realizing it was entirely caused by himself, and couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. He apologized to Xi Zihua,
"I apologize, senior. I have just acquired the Power of Slaughter and Punishment and have yet to master it fully. It startled you..." His tone was neither servile nor overbearing, yet somewhat courteous.
Now that both were deities of the Barbarian Clan, even if there had been some misunderstandings before, Ning Fan did not wish to humiliate this woman in this time and place.
Moreover, Xi Zihua's integrity for choosing death over kneeling to the Taicang Calamity Spirit also earned Ning Fan some admiration, so he respectfully addressed Xi Zihua as senior.
